Waiting for Macedonia by Ilka Thiessen Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Waiting for Macedonia by Ilka Thiessen - Essay Example The author largely presents a positive side of women in Mercedonia, as compared to the view of women in Bosnia, who are presented as peasantry and solely being in the context of marriage (Thiessen, 16). Thiessen tries to challenge the scholars and academicians who have carried out substantial research, yet have ignored the role of women as leaders in bringing about the required change in Macedonia. On the other hand, the film â€Å"Bosnia: we are all neighbors† is the manifestation of the breakdown of the neighborly relationships that existed in Bosnia between the Muslim majority and the Catholics, mostly the Croats. The film, therefore, addresses the mistrust and betrayal developing on religious grounds during the war in Bosnia, leading neighbors to rise against each other with the minority Bosnian Muslims being evicted by the Christians in this specific village. ( Bringa, 1995). The ethnically mixed village in central Bosnia was torn away by war in 1993, and the Muslims’ houses are portrayed to be desolate as a handful of the Muslims return after the effects of the war have subsided. Eventually, the film emerged from a critical research, where Bringa conducted 15 months of field research in the region in 1980s (Bringa, 1995). One aspect evident after the war period is the complete change of lives of the entire Bosnian population. A previously coexisting community of mixed cultures was torn in the middle by the war, where friends became enemies; the war divided even families (Bringa, 1995). It was difficult to go to work, and schools remained closed with children being sent away from homes to areas where parents felt they could be much safer than at home. The film presents total family breakups, as the reality of the war dawns on Bosnian people; the quiet village now has occasional bursts of bombs and gunshots. Men spend most of their time chopping wood, while many women are scared and just wait helplessly to the unfolding dramas. Surprisingly, the people in this region are eager and uncertain of the peace plans; they watch news eagerly and earnestly with growing hope of peace plans (Bringa, 1995). This means people are yearning for their once quiet life. Men cannot gather more than three at any public pl ace; the former members of the Yugoslavian reserves have guns. The previously united and integrated Bosnia is now torn apart, and life is uncertain for as the reality of the war sinks deep. One aspect that contributes to formation of a unified Bosnian state made of different religious practices is the ideology of ‘brotherhood and unity’ and the ‘economic democracy myth’ (Admason and Jovic, 298). The intervention of the United Nations in managing the translation period in the Yugoslav states ensured majority inhabitants and authorities did not victimize the minorities, with all displaced persons being encouraged to return to their previous homes. Bringa (1995) illustrates the returning of the displaced people to be amidst heavy tensions where people were desperately trying to hold on the possibility of coexisting together despite the disturbing tensions and hatred that brewed during the war (Bringa, 1995).

Logistics Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Logistics - Term Paper Example To a business, quality control helps in meeting the criteria and targets of the output. Other importance of quality control will include: customer satisfaction, enhanced product quality, effective teamwork, increased revenue, and reduced amount of waste. Quality management, as a principle, ensures that the business’ products and services are of quality to the expected standards. Several quality programs can be used in ensuring effective quality control such as: Total Quality Management, the Six Sigma, and Theory of Constraints. Hence, the goal of quality control is to create high performing service and products, of high quality, that meets and surpasses the expectations of the customers. In addition, quality control is important to the business in that it: help training results or trainees reduce the probability of fault and reach a distinct level; ensure the businesses obtain good image and attain high level of performance; ensures continual development and establishment of q uality products and services; enhance the system of work and continually improve the output of training, and ensure continual training evaluation so as to develop work system (John, 2009). Logistics is a planning network of an enterprise that is used for the reasons of material management, information, and capital flows. Effective management control program in the logistics organization helps the business in making the right deliveries at the right place for the right price in the right condition. This process includes importance of communication and control systems as well as complex information of the organization. Effective management control program in the logistics organization plays a vital and pivotal role in the accomplishment of the objectives and goals of the business. This is because logistics management helps in planning, controlling, and

LEGO Case Study of Innovation

LEGO Case Study of Innovation Technology Management (Case Study) Contents Case Study 1: Q.1: How do you think the changes that LEGO made will reshape the firm for the long term? Q.2: What suggestions would you have for LEGO’s competitors in the declining toy industry? What should they be watching for? Case Study 3: Q.1: How did Corning address the issues presented in this chapter? Q.2: What advice would you give to Corning about planning for innovation? Q.3: If you were a Corning competitor, what would worry you most? How would you compete with them? Case Study 6: Q.1: Do you think United Technologies was wise to focus only on subcontractors in India and the United States? Q.2: The Otis unit of United Technologies illustrates differences that occur in a worldwide firm as it manages alliances. What are some of the other differences illustrated? What other issues should be considered? Case Study 7: Q.1: What do you see as the primary integration issues facing the new acquired units? How did IBM address the issues? What should they do next? Q.2: This Global Systems unit is the largest in the company. How does the expectation for the unit affect the management of the unit? What possible problems emerge because of the expectations? What possible advantages? Case Study 1: Q.1: How do you think the changes that LEGO made will reshape the firm for the long term? Answer: After LEGO met with failure in its innovative toys and diversification into other areas like theme parks, action figures like ‘Galidor’ and craft sets known as ‘Clikits’, it had to come up with an innovative strategy that will help the company to rise from the abyss. The company developed a new creative structure for its operations. A cross-functional team was being engaged in order to bring control and coordination in the innovative activities. The team divided the innovation processes into eight categories as follows: Core Processes- they consist of the operations, financial planning and the sales and marketing. Offerings- they consist of the presentation of the product and the packaging. Messaging- These processes include the developing of the website and the advertising. Enabling Methods- These consist of the market forecasting and planning. Interaction with customers- services to customers, linkages with customers. Platforms- here the design and the usage of the building blocks have been modified. Model of Business- it deals with the pricing and the revenues. Channel of distribution- it consists of the several distributing channels like the direct marketers, retailers and others. LEGO innovation is a new line of product known as the ‘LEGO Board Games’ by implementing the new framework of innovation. This game enables the players to build new structures each time they play the game. It was launched in 2009 in the UK and Germany and in 2010 it was launched all across the world. It is expected that the new innovation strategy implemented by the company and with the manufacturing of new product lines like the board game, LEGO will be successful to regain its dominant position in the toy market and will be able to grow and attain sustainability in the global toy industry. Q.2: What suggestions would you have for LEGO’s competitors in the declining toy industry? What should they be watching for? Answer: The suggestions to the competitors of LEGO in the declining toy industry can be enumerated as follows: In this extremely competitive toy industry in the world, there is need for constant innovation to compete with each other. LEGO is the leading toy brand and the rivals need to bring in innovative strategies to bring change in the toy market. The other step which the rivals should take is to bring in diversification in the toy products to suit the different age groups of the children. Keeping the prices competitive is another major step which the rivals should take to compete with LEGO. If the prices are too high then the competitors will face even more difficulty to fight with LEGO. The competitors should take a cue from the innovative Change Management Strategies that LEGO has undertaken to rise to the top once again, after it met with a huge failure in the toy market. They should emulate the several steps which the company has successfully taken with the help of a very efficient management at the helm of the organization. Case Study 3: Q.1: How did Corning address the issues presented in this chapter? Answer: Corning has implemented an innovative strategy to bring in diversification in the product lines apart from manufacturing glass. The company has an extremely competent RD Department who are engaged in extensive research work on how to bring in innovation and diversification to sustain and grow in the industry. The company holds offsite meetings with the top level and the technical managers regularly at intervals of four to six weeks. It also believes in taking customer feedbacks and suggestions regularly in order to design products and services as per their tastes and preferences. Corning has also a cross-functional team which has members from different departments like operations, engineers, sales and marketing specialists and scientists who work together in designing the innovative strategies for the company. This is the process by which the company handles the several issues related to innovation in services. Q.2: What advice would you give to Corning about planning for innovation? Answer: Corning has a very effective cross-functional team which takes care of the innovation strategies by working in coordination with each other. This is the reason why the company has been successfully running for more than 150 years. But, it is often seen that the company sometimes plan too many innovative things which might not be suitable for the organization at the current moment. This involves some outflow of funds also, as extensive research work comes at a significant cost. This is the area which I would suggest the company to take care of, not to overdo the innovative research. It should be done at some intervals and after watching the customer responses to a newly launched product. But, it cannot be denied that the company has earned more than 50% of its revenues during the last 10 years from selling products which are not even 5 years old. Q.3: If you were a Corning competitor, what would worry you most? How would you compete with them? Answer: If I was a competitor of Corning, I would be extremely worried about the fast changes in product lines that the company is making which is making it difficult for the competitors to sustain in the industry. As a rival company the main effort will be into developing a sound and efficient system of RD which will enable the company to foresee a lot of events relating to the industry. An extensive research will ensure that the company has understood the tastes, preferences and the demands of the customers. The most emphasis will go into the product diversification which will enable the company to capture the changing demands of the customers and also to increase the diversity of products and services. Case Study 6: Q.1: Do you think United Technologies was wise to focus only on subcontractors in India and the United States? Answer: It can be said that the decision taken by United Technologies to subcontract the Information Systems process to India and US was the right one. This is because in both the countries there is cheap availability of subcontractors who are already established and there is plenty of support system available, which has helped the company to achieve reduced costs of transaction. Also, the company had made annual savings of $50 million by subcontracting the processes to India and US. Q.2: The Otis unit of United Technologies illustrates differences that occur in a worldwide firm as it manages alliances. What are some of the other differences illustrated? What other issues should be considered? Answer: In case of OTIS, one of the subsidiaries of United Technologies, it was observed that the move by United Technologies to subcontract the process to India had some initial difficulties although the project was successful. The subcontract brought thirty applications to India. OTIS saved around $5, 00,000. But the company was facing trouble in coordinating the different projects in different locations. Hence, OTIS opened a dedicated center which was run by Wipro in Bangalore. This helped the company to bring back consistency of services and coordination in the different OTIS projects which were then under once center. It has been seen that there are certain inherent disadvantages which a company faces when it subcontracts its process to a different country. The major problem arises when the company is into multiple projects. This creates a lack of coordination and control in the foreign country, It is better in such cases for the company to hand over the services to a single organization who will be running all the projects on behalf of the company. These issues are to be considered by any company who is trying to subcontract to some other country. Case Study 7: Q.1: What do you see as the primary integration issues facing the new acquired units? How did IBM address the issues? What should they do next? Answer: In 2002 IBM took over PwC as a merger.IBM is a technological firm whereas PwC is a consulting firm. Hence, the merger created some initial troubles for the employees of both the organizations. IBM was looking to adopt the consulting services of PwC on how to implement different technologies like ERP, CRM and SCM services. The merger combined 30,000 employees from consulting unit of PwC with 50,000 employees from the IBM consulting unit. IBM was operating as a specific corporation whereas PwC is a partnership firm. Hence, it was an area of concern. IBM was dealing with the issues related to infrastructure and PwC dealt with providing consulting services and solutions to the clients. The cultures were also different. It happened that the clients of PwC were beginning to feel concerned that they might be forced to purchase the IBM products as the result of the merger. These were the major issues. IBM developed a three stage process to deal with the issues. Firstly, it cancelled the deal, and gave back the initial operating model to the unit. It declared the President for the unit. IBM offered lucrative incentive packages to retain the employees. In the second stage, a new operating model was created to incorporate several main factors of the business. These happened in 2002. The last phase happened in 2003. In this stage the IT processes and systems of both the companies were incorporated and the true integration of the companies took place. IBM also laid-off 5,000 of its employees in order to make way for PwC employees. In the end, the IBM Global Systems unit was formed and the company should take care of the values of the employees from both the companies and to take care of their interests and recognize the difference in cultures and provide time to them to mix with each other and adopt the IBM culture. Q.2: This Global Systems unit is the largest in the company. How does the expectation for the unit affect the management of the unit? What possible problems emerge because of the expectations? What possible advantages? Answer: The IBM Global Systems is the largest IT services provider in the world. There is huge expectation of the customers on the merger of the two global giants. The management of the unit has to take care of their responsibilities so that they can live up to the expectations of the clients. The objective should be to provide the highest quality of IT and consulting services to the customers all across the globe. There could be few problems which might emerge because of the high expectations. This can be in the form that the clients all across the globe can think of or expect of services which can sometimes be illogical or unprofitable for the organization. They will think that the company will be providing the products and services of the highest quality but with the minimum price. This is not possible as the company has to undergo huge investments at every stage in order to keep alive its brand image and the quality of services. The advantages can be many. The clients will trust quality of products and services because of the big brand name. This will help the company to automatically retain the goodwill formed out of the two of the most renowned brands of the world. The company will not find it difficult to promote the products and services in order to gain competitive advantage, as the clients are already aware of the products and services of both the companies which are integrated into one. This is a huge advantage for the company as it has already been provided with a pool of happy and loyal customers. 1

Product Study - Quorn Vegetarian Foods Essay -- Business Analysis, Veg

Analysis of the Situation There are currently 4 million vegetarians in the UK, and this figure is increasing at a rate of 5,000 each week. The fact that the number of vegetarians in the UK has doubled in the past ten years, proves vegetarianism to be constantly gaining popularity. The UK retail market for vegetarian foods is increasing by eight per cent per year, reflecting the constant demands for meat alternatives. Quorn products are amongst the most popular vegetarian foods in the UK, which is indicated through the vast amount of people choosing Quorn products as regular mealtime alternatives to meat based meals. I have chosen Quorn chicken style nuggets as my product study, as it is a well-established meat alternative, and one of Qourn's best selling products. Quorn as a company cater for many different needs of customers from social groups including religion and faith, culture, low fat diets, and of course, vegetarians themselves. History of Micoprotein and Quorn Products In the 1960's nutritionists and health experts were concerned that the predicted growth in population would mean that by the 1980's there would be a global protein shortage. Nutritionists and food scientists started a search to find new foods, which would help to meet the predicted increase in demand. The discovery of an organism occurring naturally in the soil ultimately gave Marlow Foods the opportunity to develop such a new food; mycoprotein. Research and product development work progressed. It wasn't until the early 1980's that mycoprotein could be grown on a com... ...gether to produce the batter for the nuggets. The flour and starch are mixed together along with water, and the salt is then added for flavouring. The batter is then set allowing he breadcrumbs to stick to it Wheat flour, wheat germ, yeast, salt Ââ€" are all used to make the breadcrumbs for the nuggets. The yeast allows the crumbs to grow and mixes with the ingredients, where as the wheat starch and flour are the main ingredients forming the crumbs. The salt is again used for extra flavouring. Sunflower oil Ââ€" replaces the fat in the mixture, making it a healthier option. It allows the nuggets to be fried a lot more easily, due to its high smoke point. Packaging. www.understandingfoodadditives.org Functions of ingrediants Compare chicken with quorn nuggets Packaging Price http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/awareness_campaigns/may_vegetarian.shtml

A Comparison between Two Pre-Twentieth Century Stories Essay

I am comparing two short and gothic stories written by the same author called Edgar Allen Poe. This author writes many stories that are based on a gothic theme, he writes stories that are both short and long. The two that I am comparing are two of his short gothic stories, they are called ‘The Tell Tale Heart’, which I will refer to as ‘Tell Tale’ and ‘The Black Cat’. I found both of these short stories on the rather graphic note, and they could be made very scary if a few more things were added. They both had the gothic feel; I had also experienced this in other short stories called ‘Napoleon and the Spectre’ and ‘The Signalman’. They both had an eerie feel about them, but they used a ghost like character to predict things that are to happen in the future. That idea is not present in the ‘Tell Tale’, but it is in ‘The Black Cat’. This is because the second black cat has the white mark on its stomach in the shape of gallows, so it is in a way predicting the protagonist’s death. The beginning of both stories (‘Tell Tale’ and ‘The Black Cat’) I thought were similar because the protagonist starts by reflecting on the events that he is about to tell you about. Also the rest of both stories are written in first person. There is no evidence of the ‘Tell Tale’ being written in a certain place, but ‘The Black Cat’ was written in jail, before the man’s death. So it is like he is confessing to you about the deeds he had committed. Poe somehow makes it as thought the protagonist in both ‘The Black Cat’ and ‘Tell Tale’ is actually talking to you while you are reading the story. I think that is an extremely good way to keep people into the stories and on the edge of their seats. This is because you feel like you a really there in the same room as the killer. The protagonist starts off to seem as though he is a sane man in ‘The Black Cat’ but as you read on you begin to think that he has lost his sanity and is now a little mentally disturbed. Why the protagonist in ‘The Black Cat’ kills the cat is not known, but there is the evidence to show that he kills the cat and harms it because it loved him. This also something featured in ‘The Imp of the Perverse’. The impression of things happening due to the fact that if it is wrong to do something, you do it to get a â€Å"buzz†. There is a mischievous feel to that idea, and you could say that we have all done a bad thing just because it was bad to do it. There is the feeling that the protagonist is trying to make out to the reader that he is sane and in the ‘Tell Tale’ he actually thinks to himself that he superior to average human being. He has this impression that he has a disease that has opened his senses instead of destroying them, they gave him acute hearing and thought. The protagonist then tells you about the strong relationship that he has between his victim, whether it was a cat, a wife or an old man. Somehow he loses this love and ends up killing his companion. There is a conclusion to the killings though, you could say he killed them because they loved him and cared for him, back to ‘The Imp of the Preverse’. There was comfort and love and for this reason he just killed them. Both of the murders were carried out in a brutal way due to the fact that they were killed in a horrible way and the bodies were hidden in and under parts of a house. The body in the ‘Tell Tale’ was cut up and kept in the house like a treasure, but the body in ‘The Black Cat’ was not mutilated anymore and was not regarded as a treasure. Poe uses dashes in-between certain words, I think he has done this to try and give the impression that the protagonist is having a conversation with the reader and that he is spilling his thoughts to you. In the ‘Tell Tale’ the guilt of the murder drives the protagonist to reveal the bodies. He feels that he has done something extremely bad and in the end he is driven mad by the guilt and is eventually found out by the police while they are on a visit to the house. In ‘The Black Cat’ he was found out by his excitement of being caught, he tapped on the walls in the cellar commenting on how well the walls were built. This then had him found out by the police and he was taken to jail. However there are differences, in the ‘Tell Tale’ the murder is not spontaneous, rather it is carefully planned by the killer. Whereas in ‘The Black Cat’ the murder was not planned at all, it happen at the spur of the moment without much thought at all. Also in the ‘Tell Tale’ you automatically have evidence of there being a murder right at the start, so the tension is built up in different ways. In ‘The Black Cat’ you have no evidence at all in the beginning that there will be a murder somewhere in the story. In this story there is a point where it all starts to change, the cat has had its eyes gouged out and you start to learn that the protagonist has a slight insane way about him. Another particularly noticeable difference in the build up of tension in the ‘Tell Tale’ which is different to ‘The Black Cat’ is that Poe uses repetition throughout the story of the planning of the murder. In ‘The Black Cat’ the protagonist tells you more about his past and what is in his mind; he has a more morel voice. He also uses a more sophisticated language, which gives the impression that he is a more educated man. Overall I think that Edgar Allen Poe is a talented author due to his ability to keep the reader interested and he can write such short stories, but they can get you thinking about them for a long time.

The individual, social, economic, legal or political factors

The war in Bosnia and the mines planted in some parts of Bosnia might also have impact on Ado current circumstances. In Bosnia during the war some mines were planted by people when they were running away from the war. This makes people to go only in areas where the mines have been cleared and to keep away from area the areas where the mines are still planted. (wikitravel 2008) This factor might be influencing Ado to move because of the danger associated with The landmines planted in some parts and the war in Bosnia.†¢ The wages given to Ado might also hinder his current circumstances. The wages might be too small to sustain his needs and the needs of his family, so by moving to Brisbane hotel in Australia he might get a better pay than what he is getting now. †¢ Ado might be interested in fulfilling his dream of working for the Brisbane Hotels given that they are one of the biggest five star hotels in the world, so that dream might be a driving force for him to move to Bris bane hotels.†¢ The â€Å"political temperature† in Australia (where Brisbane hotel are located) might be conducive compared to the one of Bosnia, this might also drive Ado to move away from Bosnia, because where the â€Å"political temperature† is cool business do thrive, hence the income of Ado is likely to increase because Brisbane hotel is located where the â€Å"political temperature† is cool, there is that strong belief that they are paying well compared to where Ado was previously working at in Bosnia.†¢ With war come insecurity, Ado might also be affected by the insecurity situation in Bosnia; this might make him to want to move away from Bosnia so that he can go to Brisbane hotels in Australia where the security is serene. †¢ Religion may also be a factor given that in Bosnia population Orthodox are 31%, Roman Catholic 15%, Protestant 4%, Muslim 44% while others are 6%, while in Australia over 70% are Christians, maybe Ado is a Christian a nd he doesn’t enjoying putting up in an area dominated by Muslims. 2.Strategies to use to help save Ado †¢ Ado will be helped in shipping his goods and other household items from Bosnia to Australia. †¢ I will enroll Ado for a cultural orientation program; this will benefit him because it will help him to make adjustment to the Australian culture. This will include habits of eating, eating joint, food eaten, understanding the local currency, his interaction with the other employees, among others. This will make Ado to familiarize himself with the culture and custom for the success of the Brisbane hotel.(Jossy. 1998) †¢ I will help him get a good school for his children. †¢ Ado, his family and his entire house hold will be insured just like other employees of Brisbane hotel, labor laws for foreigners working in Australia will have to be adhered with. †¢ Ado together with his family will be entitled to a return ticket to Bosnia once every year. †¢ I will take him through an orientation within the Brisbane hotel until he is familiar with the hotel operations †¢ I will show Ado some joints where Bosnians do meet.This will make him to be meeting his fellow Bosnians so as to make him not to fill home sick. †¢ I will take Ado for further induction training in management of hotels in Australia given that the way hotels in Bosnia operate might be slightly different from the way they operate Brisbane hotel in Australia. †¢ I will take Ado around the area so that he gets familiarizes him with the places around the hotel, this will make him not to get lost and probably he will fill at home while working for Brisbane hotel in Australia, which is far away from home.†¢ Ado will be entitled to a one month paid leave. †¢ I will also encourage him to enroll in English language classes so that he can know how to speak in English. 3. Productivity will be increased in the following ways: †¢ Given that Ado now knows English he will be communicating efficiently with the other staff, because he will be able to lead his junior efficiently. †¢ Productivity will also be increased because Ado will come with some new idea from restaurants in Bosnia which might not be in Brisbane in Australia.†¢ Productivity will be enhanced because the entire staff will be effective because of lack of communication barrier or cultural ignorance between Ado and the other people working for Brisbane Hotel. †¢ Productivity will also increase because Ado would have known Brisbane hotels environment well so he wont waste time looking up for places. †¢ Productivity will also increase because Ado will not be Home sick as such, because he will be meeting his fellow Bosnians in those places where I would have shown him. Lack of home sickness will make him concentrate fully at work.This will increase his productivity at Brisbane hotel. †¢ Ado will have familiarized himself with the culture and customs of the communities in which the hotel is situated this will make him fill part and parcel of the community, hence psychologically he will have settled. This will make him work efficiently hence increasing the production. †¢ Given that Ado will be given a month paid leave, it will give him the morale to work efficiently this will result in increase in productivity of Braisen Hotel in Australia.†¢ Given that Ado his insured he will have courage to work in odd places in order to keep the production going on efficiently. Reference Balderngen, l. (2002) new complete Executive manners. Gianneto, D. (2002) The Performance grid, Netscape press Himmelweit, S, . Simonetti, R. Trigg, A. , Microeconomics (2001) Cengage learning EMEA Window. C, employee in a new working environment, the journal of philosophy of Employees volume 12 page 21

Organizational Quality Improvement Plan

Organizational Quality Improvement Plan Free Online Research Papers Executive Summary Health care is an imperative service that touches the lives of millions of Americans on a daily basis at considerable and susceptible times from birth to death. In recent decades, knowledge and skills, pharmaceuticals, and proficiency have significantly enhanced how care is delivered and the projection for recovery. American markets for innovation in pharmaceuticals and medical devices are the best in the world. The miracles of recent medicine have become more or less routine. The healthcare that is provided within the United States is the best in the world. Despite these amazing achievements, the cost, quality, and convenience of American health care have become major governmental and procedure issues. Health care quality varies extensively, even after calculating for cost, source of payment, and patient preferences. A lot of Americans find themselves without health insurance coverage at some point during any given year. The expenses of providing uncompensated care are a large burden for many health care providers, other Americans, and tax payers. Hospitals across the Country are always searching for ways to improve their quality of care and promote effective quality improvement strategies. The findings of this quality improvement plan will offer guidance and steps for Memorial Healthcare System move in the right direction. To promote greater use of practices and policies that enhance quality in their facilities, this plan identifies and describes the key ingredients to the success of their organization. This plan examines the issues that are made with dispensing medication to patients. Imperfections in the health care system have impeded the competition from reaching its full potential. This plan will discuss the current procedures that are in place for dispensing medication to the patients, what can be done to improve this issue and how it can increase the patients care and satisfaction. Introduction/Purpose Memorial Healthcare System has been servicing the South Florida residents for the past 55 years. It is the fifth-largest public healthcare system in the nation and is highly regarded for its exceptional patient and family centered care (mhs.net). Their organization has been recognized as a national leader in quality care. They have several facilities located in Broward County that offers extensive and diverse services that include Memorial Cardiac and Vascular Institute, Memorial Cancer Institute and Memorial Neuroscience Center (mhs.net). The organization also provides a comprehensive array of pediatric services and is the leading children’s hospital (Joe DiMaggio Childrens Hospital) in Broward and Palm Beach Counties (mhs.net). Their mission statement provides safe, quality, cost-effective, patient and family centered care, regardless of one’s ability to pay, with the goal of improving the health of the community it serves (mhs.net). The organization’s vision is to improve the health of the community by becoming a world-class model of safety, quality, serve and efficiency (mhs.net). Goals/Objectives Memorial Healthcare System is dedicated to surpassing customer expectations by applying a Patient First philosophy to all aspects of its operations. Every decision is based on the best interest of patients and their families. Through excellence in safety, quality and service, they strive to ensure that their patients and families receive the care, information, access, collaboration and support they need (mhs.net). They are committed to treating their patients and families with compassion, dignity and respect. With this commitment they are dedicated to improving the health, well-being and, most of all, quality of life to all of their patients. The organizations values are focused on improving their patients care one step at a time and by providing extraordinary patient care. All employees who work with Memorial Healthcare System is responsible for helping provide superior patient care. They have set high standards and consistently challenge them to provide the highest levels of safety, quality and service at all times (mhs.net). Scope/Description/QI Activities To continue achieving the goal of providing high quality of care to all patients, Memorial Healthcare Systems believes that all of their employees need to be part of the quality improvement plan to reduce/eliminate the errors currently being found when dispensing medication to their patients. All of their employees will be given a Quality Improvement Program that will describe their responsibilities. The Quality Improvement Program will include a number of activities which include: Seminars on all patient services that affect patient health and safety Medication therapy and medication error prevention Patient, staff and physician surveys National Patient Safety Goals Medical Record Reviews The organization will have a Quality Improvement Committee that will oversee the implementation of this quality improvement plan. The committee will consist of the CEO, the Chief of Staff, the Director of Nursing, the QI Manager, the head Pharmacist from each facility, Infection Control nurse, Utilization Manager, a representative from the organization’s Board of Directors, one physician and one nurse from each of the following departments: Bariatric/Weight-Loss Surgery Behavioral Health Center Cancer Institute Cardiac Vascular Institute Diabetes Centers Family Birthplace Fitness Rehabilitation Centers Geriatric Care Program Home Health Services Lymphedema Program Neuroscience Center Outpatient Services Pediatrics Pediatric Cancer Pediatric Cardiac Center Pediatric Cleft Craniofacial Center Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis and Pulmonary Center Pediatric Endocrinology Pediatric Neonatal ICU Pediatric Neuroscience Pediatric Nephrology and Hypertension Pediatric Orthopedics Robotic Institute Sickle Cell Sleep Study Program Spine Center Womens Services (mhs.net). The members of this Quality Improvement Committee will have many responsibilities which will consist of: Assuring that the functions of this plan are completed Prioritizing issues referred to them for review Ensuring that the data that they receive are analyzed, recommendations made, and follow up is completed Incorporating internal and external sources of benchmarking data utilizing (COMS) Clinical Outcome Measurement System, and JACHO’s National Patient Safety Goals. Identifying any other resources they see fit for the incorporation into the organizations overall quality improvement efforts. Reporting on findings, studies, recommendations, and trends to the Governing Board quarterly and annually; reporting to the QI Committee and Medical Staff monthly; and reporting all of the employees when appropriate. Identifying any educational needs and assuring that staff education for quality takes place. Appointing sub committees or teams to work on specific issues as necessary Coordinating activities for all of the employees within the Memorial Healthcare System (nhanet.org). Data Collection Tools The ability to develop, test, and implement changes is essential for any individual, group, or organization that wants to continuously improve (IHI.org). Memorial Healthcare System will use flowcharts to draw a picture of the processes they currently have for their medication dispensing and for their patient medical documentation. By using a detailed flowchart it will allow the organization to identify rework loops and complexity in a process. Using a flowchart will help them to identify and clarify any complex processes they might have, identify steps that do not add value to the internal or external customer, including: delays; needless storage and transportation; unnecessary work, duplication, and added expense; breakdowns in communication (IHI.org). It will also provide team members a shared understanding of the process and use this knowledge to collect data, identify problems, focus discussions and identify resources (IHI.org). Using the flowchart will also provide the basics needed to creating their new processes that need to be put in place. The organization will also use the cause and effect diagram to help them with displaying the possible causes as to why their current system isnt working. It will show possible problems within each step of their current process. By using this tool, Memorial Healthcare System will be able to graphically display the relationship between the causes to the effect and to each other. They will be able to see how each problem is linked to each other and identify areas that need to be improved. Another tool that will be used is the Pareto Diagram. This diagram is a type of bar chart in which the various factors that contribute to an overall effect are arranged in order according to the magnitude of their effect (IHI.org). By using this tool Memorial Healthcare System can visualize the different areas within each of their QI initiatives that will have the greatest impact on their success. It will allow the organization to focus on the different parts of each initiative that needs the most attention and the rationale for focusing on these areas. QI Processes and Methodology Customer-Inspired Quality (CIQ) is the methodology that will be used to focus on this organizations performance improvement area. It is best suited for success in the healthcare industry because it defines all patient care and administrative processes and it is hospital/service organization friendly and understandable by all stakeholders which encourages a broad cross section of staff input and involvement. Its administrative and quality measures are implemented to monitor work process changes, and, takes quality methods used in manufacturing and adapts them into the healthcare industry that can provide successful short and long-term improvements in quality, safety, and customer satisfaction (Moyer, H., New, W., Shaw, J.G., 2004). Memorial Healthcare Systems will use Electronic health records known as EHR which can reduce several types of errors, including those related to prescription drugs, to preventive care, and to tests and procedures (Carter, J.H., 2004). This software can provide automatic drug-drug/drug-food interaction checks and allergy checks, standard drug dosages and patient education information. Alerts can remind clinicians of intervals for preventive care and track referrals and test results. This software has demonstrated benefits during the process of treating patients. The staff will electronically document the medications being given to the patients by using the Barcode Technology, (mhs.net). Before delivering each medication, the medication’s bar code and patient’s identification bracelet are both scanned. Computerizing this process alerts healthcare providers to possible drug allergies and potential risks, and helps to ensure what is known in the healthcare industry as â€Å"The Five Rights of Medication Administration (mhs.net). These rights include the right patient, right drug, right dose, right route of administration and right frequency (mhs.net). The organization will also use Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE). This can reduce total medication error rates by 80% and adverse errors by 55% (Bates, D.W. MD, et al. 1998). Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) allows physicians to enter orders for treatment, tests and consultations directly into computer software that captures and transmits the information. This helps prevent medical errors that occur from verbal or handwritten orders that are inaccurate or hard to read. Successful use of CPOE leads to safer, more efficient, higher-quality care. Comparative Databases, Benchmarks, and Professional Practice Standards Memorial Healthcare will use comparative databases to integrate a process for constant evaluation with similar organizations, values and best practices. Constantly implementing leading-edge initiatives will assist the organization with providing the best care to their patients. It is extremely important that the organization continues to benchmark local hospitals and facilities within the Broward and Palm Beach Counties of Florida so that they will be able to continue being one of the nation’s best medical facilities. Authority/Structure/Organization The Governing Board of Memorial Healthcare System maintains ultimate authority and responsibility for the quality of care received by their patients and will oversee the development and implementation of this QI plan. The CEO is employed directly under the Governing Board and will be in charge of ensuring that the QI plan maintains a meaningful and effective quality improvement program. The Medical Director in conjunction with the Quality Improvement Committee will be responsible for the direction and management of all the QI activities. The Medical Director will report directly to the Governing Board on any medical issues and to the CEO for any administrative issues. The Quality Improvement Committee’s main function will be to oversee the medical and operational systems as they affect the patients and the employees. Every department within the Memorial Healthcare System will be responsible for ensuring that all quality improvement activities are taken place with every employee. All of the quality improvement initiatives must be conducted as a part of the organizations Quality Improvement Committee activities (nhanet.org). Every manager within each department will be responsible for identifying quality indicators, collecting and analyzing data, developing and implementing the changes to improve the care that is being provided to the patients when medication is dispensed. This will also include monitoring their employees to ensure that improvement is made and sustained. Communication The Quality Improvement Committee provides oversight and functions as the central clearing house for the quality data and information collected throughout the Memorial Healthcare System. This committee will track, trend, and aggregate the data received, create reports and communicate the findings to the Governing Board. The Governing Board will then communicate the findings to all of the appropriate staff members. Education The entire staff population within the Memorial Healthcare System will be responsible for attending all activities implemented for the quality improvement plan. Each employee will receive education regarding this plan during an initial orientation and on an annually basis thereafter. Any new developments or changes that might arise, each employee will receive updated documents for educational purposes. The material received will include a description of the QI plan and how their ownership fits into the plan depending on their job responsibilities. Annual Evaluation This Quality Improvement Plan will be evaluated on an annual basis for effectiveness in achieving the organizations goal of assuring that the best quality of care is being provided to all of their patients. A summary of all activities taken place, improvements that are made, the modification of care delivered, projects that are in process, and any change recommendations for this QI plan will be compiled and forwarded to the board for action to be taken. References: Bates, D.W. MD, et al. (1998). Effect of Computerized Physician Order Entry and a Team Intervention on Prevention of Serious Medication Errors. JAMA 280: 1311-1316. doi:10.001/jama.280.15.1311. Retrieved on December 20, 2009 from http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/280/15/1311 Memorial Healthcare System Services (2009). About Us. Retrieved online on December 20, 2009 from http://mhs.net/aboutus/aboutus.aspx Memorial Healthcare System Services (2009). Commitment to Patients First. Retrieved online on December 20, 2009 from mhs.net/aboutus/patientfirst.aspx Memorial Healthcare System Services (2009). Our Mission, Our Vision. Retrieved online on December 20, 2009 from mhs.net/aboutus/MissionandVision.aspx Model Quality Improvement Plan (2009). Retrieved online on December 20, 2009 from nhanet.org/pdf/quality/model.qi.pdf Moyers, H., New,W., Shaw, J.G (2004). Choosing a Quality/Performance Improvement Methodology. Shaw Resources. Retrieved on December 7, 2009 from https://www.shawresources.com The Institute for Healthcare Improvement. (2009). Tools. Retrieved online on December 20, 2009 from ihi.org/IHI/Topics/Improvement/ImprovementMethods/Tools Strategic Technologies Inc. (2004). Improvement Approaches Comparison Table. Retrieved on December 20, 2009 from https://www.strategictechnologiesinc.com Research Papers on Organizational Quality Improvement PlanArguments for Physician-Assisted Suicide (PAS)Marketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever ProductThe Effects of Illegal ImmigrationInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married MalesTwilight of the UAWThe Fifth HorsemanThe Project Managment Office SystemAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaRiordan Manufacturing Production PlanOpen Architechture a white paper

2013 Hurricane Names

2013 Hurricane Names 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 Below you will find the listing of hurricane names for the Atlantic Ocean for the year 2013. For every year, there is a pre-approved list of tropical storm and hurricane names. These lists have been generated by the National Hurricane Center since 1953. At first, the lists consisted of only female names; however, since 1979, the lists alternate between male and female. Hurricanes are named alphabetically from the list in chronological order. Thus the first tropical storm or hurricane of the year has a name that begins with A and the second is given the name that begins with B. The lists contain hurricane names that begin from A to W, but exclude names that begin with a Q or U. There are six lists that continue to rotate. The lists only change when there is a hurricane that is so devastating, the name is retired and another hurricane name replaces it. The 2013 hurricane name list is the same as the 2007 hurricane name list with the exception of three names that were devastating hurricanes in 2007 and thus retired. Dean was replaced by Dorian, Felix was replaced by Fernand, and Noel was replaced by Nestor. 2013 Hurricane Names AndreaBarryChantalDorianErinFernandGabrielleHumbertoIngridJerryKarenLorenzoMelissaNestorOlgaPabloRebekahSebastienTanyaVanWendy

5 Types of Phrasal Adjectives That Require Hyphens

5 Types of Phrasal Adjectives That Require Hyphens 5 Types of Phrasal Adjectives That Require Hyphens 5 Types of Phrasal Adjectives That Require Hyphens By Mark Nichol Hyphens, for the most part, have been relieved of their duty to connect prefixes to root words (though many people persist in unnecessarily hyphenating such terms as nonprofit). The primary function of the hyphen now is to indicate the interdependence of words that modify a noun, and many writers remain confused about or ignorant of their application in phrasal adjectives. The following sentences illustrate the types of errors that often occur. 1. That’s a totally played out joke we’ve seen a million times before. Unless two or more words that modify a noun constitute a standing phrase (such as â€Å"real estate† in â€Å"My sister is a real estate agent†), those words should be linked with one or more hyphens: â€Å"That’s a totally played-out joke we’ve seen a million times before.† (This strategy eliminates the possibility that readers will be confused about the meaning of the sentence, asking themselves, â€Å"How is an out joke played?†) 2. Police are seeking stun-gun wielding bandits who robbed beer from a convenience store. When one of the elements of a phrasal adjective itself is an open compound, as in â€Å"stun gun† here, writers sometimes correctly link the words in that compound but neglect to include one between that noun turned adjective and the adjective itself, an omission rectified here: â€Å"Police are seeking stun-gun-wielding bandits who robbed beer from a convenience store.† (Again, this form clarifies that the last two words in the phrase â€Å"stun-gun-wielding bandits† do not constitute a noun phrase; the sentence is not about the stun-gun subtype of a criminal called a wielding bandit.) 3. During this time, he started developing his man of action persona. Phrasal adjectives of the noun-preposition-noun form follow the same rule: â€Å"During this time, he started developing his man-of-action persona.† (This style compartmentalizes â€Å"man of action† into a single idea to aid in quick comprehension.) 4. He was signed to a $10 million a year contract. When a reference to a large amount of money modifies a noun, the number and the order of magnitude are not hyphenated (â€Å"$10 million contract†). However, the value â€Å"$10 million† is part of a phrasal adjective here, so it and the other two elements (a and year) must be linked: â€Å"He was signed to a $10 million-a-year contract.† 5. His resurrection came with unintended consequences, as is always the case in this sort of it’s not nice to fool Mother Nature morality tale. When an extended phrasal adjective that consists of a stock statement, as above, is not formatted as a modifying phrase, it cannot easily be identified as such until the reader reaches the end of the sentence, creating a significant obstacle to narrative flow. So that the sentence need not be reread for comprehension, unify the entire phrase: â€Å"His resurrection came with unintended consequences, as is always the case in this sort of it’s-not-nice-to-fool-Mother-Nature morality tale.† In this case, however, because the phrasal adjective consists of a quoted saying, it is easier on the eye to simply frame the statement in quotation marks: â€Å"His resurrection came with unintended consequences, as is always the case in this sort of ‘It’s not nice to fool Mother Nature’ morality tale. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Punctuation category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:The Meaning of "To a T"Peace of Mind and A Piece of One's MindQuiet or Quite?

Information Technology (IT) in Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Information Technology (IT) in Marketing - Essay Example Technology plays an important role in the business environment because it accelerates the pace of communication, transportation, and manufacturing and also assists in formulating major marketing strategies. IT and communication has been identified as the macro factors in the new business trends. The way computers receive and store data is a matter of astonishment in the field of communication. Path breaking applications brought in by companies such as BlackBerry, Apple, etc is taking international marketing to a new level (University of Leicester, 2010, p. 64-65). This study aims at evaluating the affect of technological advancement in the international marketing. The intention is also to discuss the effect of information technology (IT) on creating business opportunities globally and maintaining healthy relationship with the customers around the world. Keeping in mind the aim of the study, the investigation would initiate with an overview on the significance of IT in marketing, whic h would further discuss the aspects of IT advancement and its effect on global business environment. ... 398). Advancement in technology has provided the companies with the capability to collect enormous quantity of information related to the recent and potential market. In order to recognize the marketplace and respond accordingly to the demands, companies nowadays acquire technological linkages which will internally link the operations of the company. A study done in the year 1995 by Ernst & Young revealed that about the 327 firms that were surveyed, about 72 percent of them were already using IT based framework to manage their finance department, 64 percent to manage logistics department, and 49 percent for marketing segment. These companies only expected that the projected usage of IT in the finance department would increase to 81 percent, logistics to 79 percent and marketing to 78 percent in a span of five years. Similar trend were also seen within the business environment of UK (Wierenga, and Bruggen, 2000, p. 5-7). Nowadays IT links the marketing and functional equivalents, so a s to offer accessibility to market information. By streamlining the suppliers, customers, and functional department through a single IT network, huge benefits can be derived. This would have been quite complex if IT framework did not existed. The major factor in the shifting marketing background is the emergence of IT based communication network. With the advancement of IT, the demands of the customer are also increasing because they are already receiving augmented products. The emergence of internet and diverse assortment of online tools are accessible by the organization to reach out to the target audiences (Lamb, Hair, Jr., and McDaniel, 2007, p. 19-20). A major

A Speech on Bullying in Schools Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

A Speech on Bullying in Schools - Assignment Example According to the research findings, it can, therefore, be said that bullying among students takes various forms, such as physical, emotional, verbal or cyber harassment. This implies that the victims may experience harassment in any form that is prevalent in their schools. The researcher would like to tell that the physical and verbal forms are common with the boys while girls normally use the emotional and verbal tendencies. The cyberbullying aspect is also on the rise because of the advent of the social media networks where students interact with their peers and strangers. Similarly, both girls and boys can still apply the other forms of bullying that they like and depend on environmental and background factors. The researcher states that bullies are always known individuals, especially the popular students. They take advantage of their popularity and seniority within the school to harass others for their own personal interests. This also takes place in the presence of other studen ts who might influence the action to proceed or be prevalent in their school. The parents should try to mold their children to embrace good manners and know how to relate to others. It is also appropriate for the teachers to encourage the students to speak out whenever something like bullying happens. Bullying poses negative consequences in schools and affects the bullies and the victims in similar measures. For instance, bullying can derail a student’s academic performance due to the psychological effects and physical injuries. The mental well being of a student is vital for academics and socialization since he or she feels comfortable learning in that environment. The other undesirable consequence of bullying is that it can make a student skip classes for fear of victimization. This happens if the administration does not control the bullying activities and the students feel the school is not the right place. They end up missing classes, which drops their academic performanc e.

Barfing as Identity Development and Expression in Myles Everyday Barf Essay

Barfing as Identity Development and Expression in Myles Everyday Barf - Essay Example These reasons seem to be mundane, but in reality, they say something about the real feelings and ideas of those who barf, who will be called barfers in this essay. Nothing is random in Myles’ prose poem because events, actions, and characters are all interconnected. Myles provides different events and conditions that make her and other people barf, thereby showing that barfing is both an individual and collective process. Myles argues that to puke is a metaphor of developing and expressing one’s true identity because it is a process of spilling what is inside, so that the barfers can understand who they are and for others to recognize and to accept their identities too. Myles’ troubled relationship with her mother is the center of her barfing because as her mother, she affects her fundamental process of becoming. Myles admits the complex relationship she has with the woman who gave birth to her. On the one hand, she wants to be near her mother again, as she tries to convince her to â€Å"come back† and live with her at â€Å"P-town† (Myles 75). This paper believes that she might be craving for comfort from the original woman of her life because of her failed relationships in the past. On the other hand, Myles show hesitation. She thinks that â€Å"maybe [she] didn’t really want that† (Myles 75) and her mother may not have wanted it either. Still, the feeling that she â€Å"failed† affects her (Myles 75). ... No place† (Myles 75). Myles wants her mother to come along, but she realizes that it might not be good. It might not be good for her to be close to her real identity- a woman and a lesbian. She might be disgusted and that the revelation will harm their relationship further. She is conscious, nonetheless, that her identity cannot be suppressed. Identity smells like puke. If people do not want to see it, they can smell it. They â€Å"could smell the stuff,† the real stuff inside others (Myles 76). Despite the restless emotions, Myles understands that her mother has not completely destroyed her, although the latter continues to affect how she sees herself as a person. Living with her mother has turned her into a puke hater: â€Å"[she hates] puking† (Myles 75). She must have wanted to puke because she has a hard time being who she is with her mother. Myles cannot directly express her identity to her mother, so puking is her release. It is her way of expressing her â €Å"being.† But she cannot puke with her mother around. She cannot â€Å"become† without feeling the judgment of others. Her mother does not fully accept her lesbian identity yet. The â€Å"tipping† of the boat relates to the tip of the iceberg. The iceberg is an individual’s entire identity, where the submerged part is the subconscious. It is also often what is hidden from others. Myles has a hard time being herself because she thinks of what her mother will think about her. But she wants to tip it, to rock the boat and barf. Tipping is the word she likes for it represents a catalyst for revelations, the un-hiding of the hidden self. Myles knows that her mother cannot accept a boat of puking adults, or adults who are openly gay or bisexual. Her mother will leave- as she had

Theories of knowledge and different purposes of the curriculum Essay

Theories of knowledge and different purposes of the curriculum - Essay Example Epistemology, the theory of knowledge, has traditionally competed for the primary role in philosophical inquiry. Sometimes epistemology has won, and sometimes metapysics, depending on the methodological and substantiative presuppositions of the philosopher. The epistemologist asks what we know. Some philosophers have begun with an account of the nature of reality and then appended a theory of knowledge to account for how we know that reality. Plato, for example, reached the metaphysical conclusion that abstract entities, or forms, such as triangularity or justice, are real and all else is mere appearance. He also held that the, real is knowable, and he inquired into how we might know this reality. Aristotle, on the contrary, held that individual substances, such as individual statues or animals, are real, and inquired as to how we might have knowledge, especially general knowledge, concerning these substances. It is hardly surprising that Plato and Aristotle produced vastly different theories of knowledge when they conceived of the objects of knowledge in such different ways. Their common approach, starting with metaphysics, we might refer to as metaphysical epistemology. Other philosophers, most notably Ren Descartes, turned tables on the metaphysical approach by insisting that we must first decide what we can know about what is real and must remain skeptical about what is real until we have discovered what we can know. It is refer as skeptical epistemology. However, there is also a problem with this approach. When one once enters the den of skepticism, an exit may be difficult to find. Seeking to discover what he knew by following the method of doubting all that he could, Descartes imagined a powerful demon bent on deceiving us and thus found demonic doubt. It remains controversial whether such doubt admits of relief by reason. It seems natural to begin with skepticism with the hope of discovering what we know and what we do not, but if we first pretend to total ignorance, we shall find no way to remove it. Moreover, we shall lack even the meager compensation of knowing that we ere ignorant, for that too is knowledge. To indicate the information sense of the word 'know' as being the one in question is quite different from analyzing the kind of knowledge we have picked out. What is an analysis of knowledge An analysis is always relative to some objective. It does not make any sense simply to demand the analysis of goodness, knowledge, beauty, or truth, without some indication of what purpose such an analysis is supposed to achieve. To demand the analysis of knowledge without specifying further what you hope to accomplish with it is like demanding blueprints without saying what you hope to build. Many philosophers have been interested in the task of analyzing the meaning of the word 'know' (A. J. Ayer 1955, 76). Indeed, many would argue that there is no need for philosophical analysis once we have a satisfactory analysis of the meaning of the term 'know'. This restrictive conception of philosophical analysis is sustained by a dilemma: either a theory of knowledge is a theory about the meaning of the word 'know' and semantically related epistemic terms, or it is a theory about how people come to know what they do. The latter is not part of philosophy

Where do we draw the line between Business Intelligence and Industrial Research Paper

Where do we draw the line between Business Intelligence and Industrial Espionage - Research Paper Example organized by an enterprise to collect, store, access and analyze information about the market and competitors so that better business decisions are made possible (Biere, 2003; Scheps, 2008). These corporate databases (Loshin, 2003, p. 1) of information have turned raw data into valuable business information asset that has enabled the enterprise users to look at and manipulate information in a different way leading to fruitful business decisions that are in corporate benefit. Moss and Atre (2003, p. 4) have listed activities which are assisted by BI decision-support programs. These include Online Analytical Processing (OLAP), data mining, forecasting, business analysis, analytic analysis, knowledge management and so on; and, BI decision support databases include data mining databases, operational data stores, operational marts, web warehouses, and etcetera. To monitor BI activities and databases and companies organize BI groups within the organization and also hire professionals from outside who analyze the company’s performance, strengths and weaknesses, and compares the gathered information to predict where the company stands in the market. This helps increase profitability, reduce costs, improve customer relationship management, and decrease business risks (Loshin, 2003, p. 2). Research by Subramanian and IsHak (1998) also found that US companies who used advanced BI systems for competitor analysis enjoyed greater profitability than the companies which did not. Guttman (1995, p. 26) has defined Industrial Espionage (IE) as an â€Å"act of gathering proprietary data from private companies or the government for the purpose of aiding other company(ies)†. Companies may get involved in IE for their competitive advantage and governments may use IE to support other companies. Whatever, the case, the information has to be processed through computers and thus it becomes liable to threats regarding information security. The biggest threat employee sabotage, that is, the

Native People of North America Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Native People of North America - Assignment Example This are spirits being used in the western religious practices and pueblo cosmology. There are personification spirits of things existing in the real world. It can represent anything in the natural world from location, concept, and revered ancestor to an element or a quality. There are more than 300 kachinas in pueblo culture. Real Hopi katsinas/kachinas have changed to suit the contemporary world. Today, curving have been termed Hopi katsinas/kachinas for business purposes changing the meaning and originality of the culture of the Hopi people. Natchez are Native American people who are believed to have a Mississippi origin. They have unique language that has isolated them from their close relatives. They have a distant resemblance to the Muskogean languages. Thus, their unique language is a facet towards maintaining their originality. The other unique characteristic of the Natchez is the unusual social system. The system is composed of exogamous marriage and nobility classes. The Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin was given the rights to the nation by the government’s legal process known as the Indian Treaties. These treaties were granted by the house of congress. Congress vested its powers to overthrow all the historical Indian treaty legislation. This took place when they refused to agree to its promise of granting the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin treaty rights to own their lands in 1830. The congress legislation to eliminate the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin overrode all Indian Treaties. This is an example of plenary authority. Their accomplishments are preserving their native culture and language, improving their educational opportunities and protecting their environment. 3. Reservation gaming helps nationwide collection of revenues from fee charged from gaming projects. This revenue is used to build schools and colleges as we as investing in drug and alcohol treatment programs. 2. Despite that

Where do we draw the line between Business Intelligence and Industrial Research Paper

Where do we draw the line between Business Intelligence and Industrial Espionage - Research Paper Example organized by an enterprise to collect, store, access and analyze information about the market and competitors so that better business decisions are made possible (Biere, 2003; Scheps, 2008). These corporate databases (Loshin, 2003, p. 1) of information have turned raw data into valuable business information asset that has enabled the enterprise users to look at and manipulate information in a different way leading to fruitful business decisions that are in corporate benefit. Moss and Atre (2003, p. 4) have listed activities which are assisted by BI decision-support programs. These include Online Analytical Processing (OLAP), data mining, forecasting, business analysis, analytic analysis, knowledge management and so on; and, BI decision support databases include data mining databases, operational data stores, operational marts, web warehouses, and etcetera. To monitor BI activities and databases and companies organize BI groups within the organization and also hire professionals from outside who analyze the company’s performance, strengths and weaknesses, and compares the gathered information to predict where the company stands in the market. This helps increase profitability, reduce costs, improve customer relationship management, and decrease business risks (Loshin, 2003, p. 2). Research by Subramanian and IsHak (1998) also found that US companies who used advanced BI systems for competitor analysis enjoyed greater profitability than the companies which did not. Guttman (1995, p. 26) has defined Industrial Espionage (IE) as an â€Å"act of gathering proprietary data from private companies or the government for the purpose of aiding other company(ies)†. Companies may get involved in IE for their competitive advantage and governments may use IE to support other companies. Whatever, the case, the information has to be processed through computers and thus it becomes liable to threats regarding information security. The biggest threat employee sabotage, that is, the

Outline How Material Things Essay Example for Free

Outline How Material Things Essay City Road is a big road filled with lots of different cultures, gender, class, age and history. When walking down the road it can be seen that the belonging and not belonging in the society. It opens your eyes as to what exactly goes on in different societies and City Road is a big street with a lot of demands and structures in it. Over the years society changed and so did the street. It goes by what is in demand, how society changes and by the vast majority of different cultures coming into the area. You see a lot of people trying to conform to the society and many trying to hold onto their own identities. First of all I’m going to talk about the Ethnicity on the street. We are going to the Xquisite Africa shop. Janet, the lady that owns the shop originates from Africa and moved to the UK over ten years ago. When she came to the UK she thought that she had to change her identity and conform to the society. She sells a lot of things from Africa and by doing this she gets to hold onto her identity of the African culture and also appeals to customers from the same ethnic background. She felt after being in the UK for ten years that she had lost her identity and so she decided to take a trip back home to Africa to re-charge her batteries as she puts it. She wanted to re-gain her culture that she so desperately lost. This aspect could help her re-gain her culture and identity and allows her to share this with the right clientele from a multi-racial background. She can share a state of belonging to a social group that has in common a national or cultural background, whilst negotiating with people on the complex of different identities. She contributes to the African social life and society as well as on City Road. Therefore promoting her African background and understanding there is no need to conform to the society and changing her identity. We then move onto class in the Municipal Club. A social stratum, whose members share a certain economic, social or cultural characteristics. For this instance the working class. It is aimed at the local residents and has over 100 years of history. A group containing members regarded as having certain attributes of traits in common has slowly disappeared and they long for the society to change back to what they believed it was. Whilst in the (DVD, Making social lives on City Road, 2009, scene 5) Lloyd Robson talks to couple of residents in the club and gets their insight of what is going on. He asked them if they thought the club had a future. They said no. no-one wants to know it anymore and even the members have started to lose interest. But because the society has changed it meant that they described city road as being dangerous and rough. They long for the past. They want it to go back to what they say it used to be or imagined it. The inequalities and differences that has changed and also the traditions has been lost. They lack the sense of belonging they used to have when City Road used to be theirs. Then we come across the Sanna Silk shop. This is where the female is favoured over the male. It’s a family business orientated around females as they sell and make dresses of different materials. They get to choose their type of material and their patterns. It is mainly focused at Asian women. In the (DVD, Making social lives on City Road, 2009, scene 6 by Raghuran) she says â€Å"it is a very different way of portraying Asian women than I often seen in the media. † They also have a section for jewellery. Most of their jewellery is 22 carat gold and is mainly aimed at the women. They also have a selection for their wedding day. So it has an Asian culture that is even though yes men go in to buy but is very female orientated. Conclusion Therefore in City Road, my examples favour female gender activities over male, is a very multi-racial area and favours specific class over others. Therefore explaining that society changes all of the time and conforms to whatever is more in demand in that specific time of era.

Essay On Parliamentary Sovereignty

Essay On Parliamentary Sovereignty Tesco was founded in 1924 by John Edward Cohen in the East End of London. The name Tesco, was first used on tea, and was derived from the initials of Cohens tea supplier, T E Stockwell, combined with the first two letters of Cohen. Tesco Stores Limited was incorporated in 1932. In 1935, Jack Cohen visited the U S A and was impressed by the supermarkets self-service system which enabled more people to be served faster, with lower labour costs. In 1947, the Tesco branch in St Albans, a small shop by 21st century standards (200 square metres) was the first Tesco to be converted to self service, although it didnt immediately catch the publics imagination. See appendix 1 for details. Tescos Mission Statement Tescos mission statement is to Retain Loyal People. To make sure Tesco achieve their mission statement, they need to know who their loyal customers are. That is why Tesco has got a club card service, through which they can award people by giving them special vouchers and extra points. Vision A business aim is an organisations long-term goal. In 2005, the two core values of Tesco are: No-one tries harder for customers and Treat people as we like to be treated. In 2006, Tescos mission and vision shows that this company is really for quality service and values their customers:  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Be the leader in Quality Service provided to everyone in the retailing industry  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Understand the needs of their client and respond with urgency.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Meet customers demands and exceeds their expectations  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Maintain highly trained and motivated employees.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Continuously improve their skills, service and achieve excellence in all of the companys endeavours. Objective Objectives are goals that a firm sets itself for the next three or five years. They have a timescale, they must be measurable and they must contribute to the business achieving its aims. The core objective of Tesco is to establish value for customers in order to gain their lifetime loyalty.  Tescos success depends on their valued customers. These customers shop and work with the company. Tescos principle is, if the customer likes what they offer, surely these people will come back and purchase again. Industry Stage Life Cycle The stage life cycle of the retail industry is no doubt to be mature  because of the profits they are gaining every year. The retail industrys profit is increasing and profiting from their cash cows. Tesco is the largest UK retailer and the 3rd largest global retailer. Tesco controlled 30.8% of the UK grocery market as of May 2009 and ~9% of the UK non-food retail market. The majority of its sales and profits are generated in its 2,282 UK stores, which are segmented into the following formats: Tesco Express neighbourhood convenience store that focuses on fresh products, 961 stores Tesco Metro city centre convenience store,174 stores Tesco Superstore conventional supermarket, 448 stores Tesco Extra hypermarket that serves an entire community, 177 stores Tesco Homeplus and One-Stop account for its remaining stores The company also sells general merchandise through Tesco Direct, its online and catalogue businesses. Tescos management focuses on customer satisfaction by giving customers more choices where to shop and by offering them attractive prices on its products. In the fourth quarter of 2008, Tesco began selling new discount range of products to compete more aggressively on price against discounters. Its prices are generally perceived to be at a small premium to Asda and a small discount to Sainsbury and Morrison. Tescos primary supermarket competitors in the UK include Asda (17.3% share of UK grocery market), Sainsbury (16.3% share), WM Morrison Supermarkets (11.2% share), Waitrose (3.7% share), Aldi (2.9% share) and Lidl (2.3% share). In recent years, some of its major competitors have turned around their struggling stores, which will make it more challenging for Tesco to gain significant share in the UK market going forward. Tesco uses its customer information to target and segment communications to the millions of its loyalty program members by almost infinite demographic, purchase, and lifestyle profiles. Several hundred million in-store purchases per day are being tracked by the loyalty-card program. The company developed 5,000 customer needs segments, with each segment receiving personalized coupons. Source: www.tesco.com Income Statement Summary Sources: Companies, www.DeutscheBank.com Tescos UK sales grew 4.3% last year (3% ex gasoline) and its net new stores contributed 2.7% to growth. Its UK sales also benefited from a 53rd week that represented 2.1% of sales and the first time contribution from the consolidation of Tesco Personal Finance. International sales grew 30.6% (including FX benefits) and 13.6% at constant exchange rates benefiting from square footage growth and strong sales growth in Asia. The companys operating margin was flat at 5.9% in fiscal 2009 as unfavourable sales mix was offset by increased productivity and good expense control. Its EPS growth was only 2.6% last year, hurt by 26.7% tax rate vs. 24% in fiscal 2008 when it benefited from tax reimbursement and lower UK corporate tax rate. Introduction: The organisations of choice are within the Retails sector TESCO and ASDA as the elective firm both are UK based companies. 1.1 Tesco objectives blend in with each other All of Tescos objectives blend in with each other. None of the objectives will work without each other. For example; the business will not have any customers if the business is not operating well. Share holders will not invest money in the business, if the business hasnt got any customers. The company will not be able to afford to have any employees working for them if they havent got money being invested in the business. 1.2. Stakeholders Tesco Stakeholders are a certain group of people that have an interest in Tesco group businesses. Each group have their own interests in the business. The service-profit chain attempts to show the interrelationship of a companys internal and external communities, stakeholders and highlights how customer loyalty that translates into revenue growth and profits might be achieved; developed by Heskett et al. (1994). It does this by establishing relationships between profitability, customer loyalty, stakeholders and employees satisfaction. Tesco has many stakeholders. They are as follows: * Shareholders * Customers * Employees * Government and Non-Governmental * Local Community * Suppliers * Financials * Pressure Groups Customers: Generally a customer wants quality goods at a low cost. They would also want a variety of products to choose from. All customers want these things and by Tesco providing them Tesco will attract more customers because of people talking about it (Word-of-Mouth). Tesco like most business need their customers because they are the business income as the customers are the people who buy Tescos products. Tesco staffs hear customers views on everything from how we are serving them in our stores to our role in the community. The customers are a bit like a pressure group because they apply pressure to Tesco to meet their needs. Meeting the customers needs can be things such as expanding their stores. Staff Tesco employees give management their feedback through the Viewpoint staff survey, Staff Question Time sessions and Tesco Staff Forum process. Suppliers Tesco group core value is treat people how we like to be treated, and its something Tesco organisation applied firmly to enhance their suppliers relationships. Investors Capital Investor Relations team regularly meet analysts from the financial institutions which invest in Tesco group or represent their shareholders. All the above defined stakeholders are Tesco group influencers. They affect the outcome of the decision making process through their influence on others. Influence could stem formally from expertise, such as the advice of an accountant on return on investment. 2. Nature of the Retail (Tesco) Marketing Environment The definition that the module assignment work with is that Tesco organisations marketing environment is made up of those forces that lie outside the Tesco group organisation and that exert some degree of influence upon the ways in which marketing management develops relationship with the firms target markets. Two distinct components within Tesco environment are: Micro-environment and the macro-environment. See figure 1 below. Social and cultural factors Legislation Economic Factor Political Issues Technological changes Supply chain Customers Competitors Suppliers Distributors The Tesco Organisation Figure 1. The Tesco Organisations marketing environment It is recognised that regardless of which approach Tesco group adopts; the environment is a significant determinant both of strategy and organisational performance. Baker (1985, pg. 85) described it as the ultimate constraint upon the firms strategy; Drucker (1969), referred to the environment of the 1960 and 1970s as age of discontinuity; and Toffler (1970, pg. 28), who look ahead, referred to it as a time of future shock. 2.1. MARKETING AUDIT The marketing audit is really the launching pad for the Tesco marking plan, because it encourages Tesco management to reflect systematically on the environment and the organisations ability to respond, given its actual and planned capabilities. Similar to financial audit, marketing audit is first and critical about developing a shared, agreed and objective understanding of Tesco organisation. The audit is has suggested by McDonald (1995, p.28): The means by which a company can identify its own strengths and weakness as they relate to external opportunities and threats; It is thus a way of helping management to select a position in that environment based on known factors. Three major elements and potential benefits of the marketing audit can be seen to be: The detailed analysis of the external environment and internal situation The objective evaluation of past performance and present activities. The clearer identification of future opportunities and threats. These three above factors can be viewed against the background of comments made by Ansoff (1968 1984), who has suggested that irrespective of the size of the organisation, corporate decisions have to be made within the constraint of a limited total resource. Marketing audit have a place the overall management audit that incorporate financial audit together with audits of other functional areas as illustrated in figure 2 below. Marketing audit in terms of structure consists of three major and detailed diagnostic steps. That involved a review of: Tesco organisations environment (opportunities and threats) designed to establish the various dimensions of the marketing environment, change and probable impact of these change upon the organisation; its marketing systems (strengths and weakness) an assessment of the extent to which Tescos marketing systems are capable of dealing with the demands of the environment and its marketing activities review of the individual components of the marketing mix. There are the environmental variables and operational variables with distinction in terms of the macro-environmental forces (political / legal, economic / demographic, social / cultural, and technological) that affect the business. Micro-environmental actors (customers, competitors, distributors and suppliers) who subsequently influence Tesco organisations ability to operate profitably in the market-place Macro environment is the most general external audit of the environment, that consist of broad environmental factors, aimed at identifying key variable that offer actionable responses that would benefit Tesco and threats that must be avoided. These key external forces can be divided into five broad categories. Economic forces Social, Cultural, Demographic and Environmental forces Political, Governmental and Legal forces Technological forces Competitive Force Financial audit Personnel audit Production audit The Management audit Marketing audit EXTERNAL (Opportunities and threats) Macro The business and economic environments (political, economic, social/cultural, technological, legal and environmental factors PESTLE) Market Competition INTERNAL (Strengths and weaknesses) Micro Organisational performance and structure Operations and resources Marketing objectives Marketing strategy Information systems Planning systems Control systems Functional efficiency Inter-functional efficiency Profitability analysis Cost-effective analysis Figure 2. The place of the marketing audit in the overall management audit 2.2. SWOT Analysis The strengths and weaknesses of a SWOT analysis focus on the current market position of Tesco in retails business in relation to its: Customers is the business meeting the needs of its target markets Competitors- is the business offering a better way of meeting customer needs compared with its competitors Internal resources- is the business making effective use of its internal resources to meet customer needs and deal with competition The opportunities and threats of a SWOT analysis focus on the future market position of Tesco in retails business. Tesco organisation used their strengths and limits the weaknesses to plan for future development, marketing strategies and activities. Tescos opportunities and threats grew out of objectives, consideration of the real strengths and weaknesses of their business. Specific information were collated (such as data captured and analysed from CRM programs) before the process begins and personnel working to a joint solutions, adopted a truly objective positioning for the processes to be successful and worthwhile. 2.2.1. The main purpose of a SWOT analysis: Identify market opportunities To avoid complacency about market position a self evaluating organization As a safety check before embarking on major new project As a response to change change of director might initiate a SWOT analysis to gauge the strength of the team. There is no set procedure for carrying out a SWOT analysis but care must be taken to identify weaknesses if the process is to serve its purpose. A weakness may purely be lack of information, or lack of suitably qualified staff. SWOT analysis of TESCO Strengths Weaknesses To provide high level customer service Presence in multiple retail markets For Tesco to create unique products Increasing market share Wide knowledge of retail industry Competent top management and rank file for operation and maintenance Existing customer base Financial investment backing. Strong IT returns through internet shopping Good advertising Used iconic models to attract core target group. Tesco Online Brand value Insurance Secured commercial standing within the global market place winning Retailer of the Year 2008 at the World Retail Awards. This can be used for marketing campaigns to drive advantage towards the demographic base for future growth and sustainability Product diversification home and furniture Turnaround in sales and growth As a business looking for continued expansion TESCO have reserve funds of credit coupled with income derived from property portfolio development funds. In an environment where global retail sales are showing decline or level performance on a like for like basis TESCO Group have published sales gain of 13% for UK markets and 26% growth in international markets. As a business looking for continued expansion TESCO have reserve funds of credit coupled with income derived from property portfolio development funds. Tescos position as a price leader in UK markets can lead to reduced profit margins in order to retain the key price points on must have commercial items. Grocer outlets are not set up to operate as specialist retailers in specific areas of product which can be capitalised on by other smaller bespoke retailers. Low supervision on international market Considerably late exploitation of the Internet. Whilst current economic conditions suggest Tescos key value message will succeed there is a weakness in non-essential, mid to high ticket price items which will suffer from the rising cost of living and lower disposable incomes. Reliance upon the UK market Comparing Tesco with British Airways might get you thinking about how dependent Tesco is on the UK market (73.8% of 2003 revenues.) Comparing Tesco with Amazon might reveal flaws in its attempts to move into new markets. TESCO Finance profit levels were impacted through bad debt, credit card arrears and household insurance claims. Grocer outlets are not set up to operate as specialist retailers in specific areas of product which can be capitalised on by other smaller bespoke retailers Opportunities Threats Statistics suggest TESCO is the third largest global grocer which indicates a level of buying power to ensure mainstream economies of scale. Further international growth Expansion of target market Healthy market environment Increasing detraction of small retail businesses in UK Use younger more contemporary models to attract younger generation. The acquisition of Homever provides the opportunity to develop the brand through Asia, specifically South Korea and further grow International markets for the group. The development of Tesco Direct through online and catalogue shopping will grow the use of technology, providing the launch pad for larger non food based products with moderate to high margin returns and less focus on sales and margin per foot return to space. TESCO mobile have grown  ¼ million customers in 2008 and moved into profitable status suggesting further growth and development within this technological area can be developed. Tesco Homeplus stores offer all of Tescos ranges except food in warehouse-style units in retail parks. Introducing wider ranges such as Tesco (Value, Brand, Finest, Wholefoods, Bakery Kids), Healthy Living, Organic, Best Of British, World Foods, Cherokee, Free From, Tesco Christmas, Tescos own clothing label F+F to mention few Other services e.g. banking, insurance, savings to mention few. UK structural change could spark a price war Rising raw material costs from both food and non food will impact profit margins overall International expansion Economic restructuring Intensified competition Government regulation UK and American markets have been affected by economic concerns through the credit crunch. Lower available income will impact and strategic focus may need to change to lower priced basic products with less focus on higher priced brands suggesting a switch in price architecture. Sourcing changes to Far East locations with regards exporting restrictions on some non food product areas will reduce margin rates on products with already low margins. Changes to consumer buying behaviours require further analysis as technology develops consumer buying patterns change which will result in product areas requiring evaluation. For TESCO there is a persistent threat of takeover from the market leader Wal-Mart who has both means and motive to pursue such action. Lower available income will impact and strategic focus may need to change to lower priced basic products with less focus on higher priced brands suggesting a switch in price architecture. Overconfident of Tesco management Figure. 3. Tesco Micro and Macro-Environmental SWOT analysis 3. Tescos Strategic Options 3.1. Generic Strategies Generic Strategies are characterised by an individual retailers response to the industry structure. For a giant retailer, such as Tesco, to obtain a sustainable competitive advantage they may have followed either one of three generic strategies, developed by Porter (1985). The first strategy of cost leadership is one in which Tesco can strive to have the lowest costs in the industry and offer its products and services to a broad market at the lowest prices. This strategy will be based on the Tescos ability to control their operating costs so well that they are able to price their products competitively and be able to generate high profit margins, thus having a significant competitive advantage. Tesco used another strategy of differentiation that it has to try to offer services and products with unique features that customers value; Tesco was able to create brand loyalty for their offerings, and thus, price inelasticity on the part of buyers. Tescos breadths of product offerings, technology, special features, or customer service are popular approaches to differentiation The last strategy of focus can be either a cost leadership or differentiation strategy aimed toward a narrow, focused market. In pursuing a cost leadership strategy Tesco focuses on the creation of internal efficiencies that will help them withstand external pressures. Therefore, it appears reasonable to think that Tesco will have frequent interactions with the governmental/regulatory and supplier sectors of the environment. In accordance to this framework, while both overall cost leadership and differentiation strategies are aimed at the broad market, Tesco may also choose to confine their product to specific market areas or may choose to offer a smaller line of products to the broad market, thus pursuing a strategy of focus or niche (Porter, 1980). In other words, Tesco pursues a strategy of cost leadership or differentiation either in a specific market or with specific products. 3.2. Core Competence and Corporate strategy Superior performance, according to Johnson and Scholes (2003), has to be determined by the way in which companys resources are deployed to create competence in the organisational activities. Core competencies are activities or processes that critically underpin the companys competitive advantage. Core competences may be embedded deep in Tesco at an operational level in the work routines. The framework developed by Prahalad and Hamel in the 1990s suggests that over time companies may develop key areas of expertise which are distinctive to that company and critical to the companys long term growth (Drejer, 2000; De Toni, and Tonchia, 2003). In the case of Tesco the areas of expertise are most likely to develop in the critical, central areas of the organisation where the most value is added to its service and its delivery The phrase used by Tesco to describe its aspiration to appeal to upper, medium and low income customers is inclusive offer in the same stores. Tesco pulled off an idea that other retailers were not aware. That appealed to all segments of the market. One plank of this inclusively has been Tescos use of its own-brand products, including the upmarket Finest and low-price Value. Tesco implemented CRM programme launched the Clubcard rewards program to gather necessary customer information, which it then used to cater to specific customer needs and potential wants. When shoppers signed up for the card, they automatically submitted their age, gender, and income. Tesco was able to segment their shoppers based on these factors. As soon as the shopper used the card when shopping online or in-store, purchased product information was automatically uploaded into Tesco database. Product information was used to cross-sell additional products and services such as grocery delivery services. Beginning in 1997 when Terry Leahy took over as CEO, Tesco began marketing itself using the phrase The Tesco Way to describe the companys core purposes, values, principles, and goals This phrase became the standard marketing speak for Tesco as it expanded domestically and internationally under Leahys leadership, implying a shift by the company to focus on people, both customers and employees. 3.3. Partnership with Tesco Tesco respond to changes in marketing by partnering with other businesses; Tesco then added a travel service through a partnership with Lunn Poly, giving discounts off high-street prices. It also combined its card with Visa through the Royal Bank of Scotland, and offered discounts on DIY goods through well-known home improvement chain BQ. In 1997 it added a full range of financial services, and the Tesco Direct service. Adding value was mandatory to these functional items so, for example, expectant mothers were given priority parking outside the store, changing facilities, and personal shopping assistants to help them. In 1998, after the U.K.s deregulation of utilities, Tesco began to offer electricity and telecommunications products and services. Also in that year, clothing was added to the range through Next. By this time, Tesco had identified 108 customer market segments. This year, 2000, a joint undertaking with General Motors allows customers to buy cars from Tesco. 3.4. Enhancing Quality Everyday, top managers of Tesco stores gather for an hour-and-a-half customer advocacy meeting to pore over that weeks performance statistics. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦a strategy which is concerned with changing the fundamental beliefs, values and culture of an organisation, harnessing the enthusiasm and participation of everyoneà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.towards an overall idea of right first time by Atkinson and Naden (1989, pg 6). What makes this unusual is that every performance measure under scrutiny relates to customer satisfaction, and this meeting is the most important one on the corporate schedule. See Appendix 2 for On-Time-Delivery Tesco competitive strategy. 4. Industry Attractiveness   Inherent within the notion of strategy is the issue of competitiveness, analyzing industry attractiveness, and Porters (1979) five forces model is used. The attractiveness of the retail industry depends on the situation of competition. The competition in the retail industry is based on its economic structure Porters Five Forces Model implies that business are being influenced by five forces namely supplier power, threat of substitutes, buyer power, barriers to entry and rivalry. This model also implies that business must be able to understand the industry context in which they operate. 4.1. Porter five forces analysis: A Porters five forces analysis can complement other techniques, like a SWOT analysis. A SWOT analysis focuses on the company, while a Porters five forces analysis looks at the external factors impacting on a company Porters five forces framework as shown in figure 4, helps identify the sources of competition in the retail sector, and as a way of assessing the attractiveness that profit Tescos retails market. The underlying force in the macro-environment driven competitive forces are:- The bargaining power of supplier The bargaining power of buyers The threat of potential new entrants The threat of substitutes The extent of competitive rivalry The above five forces are not independent of each other, connection between competitive forces and the key driver in macro-environment is essential. Pressures from one direction can trigger off changes in another in a dynamic process of shifting sources of competition. Industry Competitors Rivalry among Existing firms Potential Entrants Buyers Suppliers Substitutes Bargaining power of suppliers Bargaining power of buyers Threat of substitude products or services Threat of new entrants Figure 4, Porters Five Forces Model The objectives of such an analysis investigated how Tesco organisation formed its strategy in other to develop opportunities and protect itself against competition and other threats. This must be done in order to better design the strategy that the business will use to be able to compete with rivals within the same industry. It is important for businesses to determine the level of competition present within the industry. This will allow them to address potential risks before they even strike. 4.2. Cost advantage and differentiation According to Baker (1985), a business positions itself based on its strengths and strength are categorized into two cost advantage and differentiation. Furthermore, when these strengths are applied in either a narrow or a broad sense, it will result to three generic strategies focus, differentiation and cost leadership strategy. Cost leadership strategy means that the company is the low cost producer or provider of a certain quality item in a given industry. This kind of strategy is being implemented for two reasons and achieved through two ways. The first method and reason is to sale items at average industry price so that the company will be able to be more profitable compared to rivals. The second method and reason is to sale the products at below average industry price in order to gain market share. According to Baker (1985), a company that has the ability to produce or offer less costly products will be able to remain profitable for a longer period. It is important to note that this strategy targets a broad market. 4.3. BCG Matrix Tesco can be considered as a cash cow because it distributes quality and extra services to its consumers and equipped with new innovative products and services in United Kingdom. At the same time the company can also be considered as Stars because they put a lot of efforts to increase the awareness of their consumers to the benefits of e-commerce and retailing 5. Market Objectives and Strategies Implementation Strategy frameworks and structuring tools are keys to assessing the business situation. Risk and value trade-offs are made explicit, leading to concrete proposals to add value and reduce risk. Explicit plans for action, including effective planning need to be developed by Tesco as the strategic alternative. Piercy and Morgan (1990, pg. 2) state: In short, the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦..reality the marketing executive faces is that implementing plans and strategies successfully is often d