Marketing Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 3

Marketing Plan - Essay Example General Motors (GM) is a USA based organization that started its business 100 years back in 1908. It is 18th largest business corporate entity in the world having assembly plants in more than 30 countries across the globe. It has sales network of cars and trucks in around 140 countries. It provides direct employment to over 200,000 personnel. Whereas, a majority of people are indirectly associated with its dealers and GMAC, which provides insurance and financial services to the suppliers, distributors, private and commercial customers of General Motors. It is operational in North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, Africa and Middle East. The major European countries where General Motors has strong sales network are Britain, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Turkey, France, Spain and Ukraine. Chevrolet, Cadillac, GM Daewoo, Buick, â€Å"Opel, Vauxhall and Saab (Europe), Saturn, Hummer, Pontiac, Wuling and Holden are among the major brands th at Company is offering to its clients. In Europe, GM has been offering Saab in Sweden, whereas it offers Opel and Vauxhall brands in France, Germany, Italy, Great Britain and others. As far as GM’s strategic situation is concerned, it must be highlighted that GM previously planned to sell its European Operations in 2009 after huge losses it incurred due to uncertain business conditions but then rejected the offers of some buyers or corporations such as ‘Magna’ that were interested in purchasing General Motors majority stake. Since then the company has performed relatively better (Company’s report, 2009) As revealed by the managers at General Motors, the automobile manufacturer has a vision to produce top quality premium products for its different market segments all across the world. The company has a mission to sustain its market share by constant innovation and development and to get the most out of available business opportunities in home

Deafness and Fury Essay Example for Free

Deafness and Fury Essay If I were in their position I wouldnt know what to do, I think I would take into consideration all benefits and dangers of getting the implant before making a decision. Before I took this ASL class I didnt know anything about deaf culture. When you explained the difference between Deaf and deaf I realized that not every deaf person are alike. For instance, Heathers parents were both Deaf and they were very proud of who they were. They were both actively involved with their Deaf friends and family, and they felt most comfortable being around their â€Å"own kind†. Although Peter was very comfortable in his own skin, I felt like he was very close minded when it came to talking about the possibilities of Heather getting and implant. Even when they visited the family with the young girl that had the implant, he was very closed to the idea that one day her daughter could have the opportunity to be able to hear what goes around in the world. Peter and Nita were very surprised and somewhat disappointed when Heather told them she wanted to get the Cochlear implant because she really wanted to hear. Peter rejected the idea but I feel Mariche 2 that Nita was a little more open to it because she secretly wanted to somewhat be part of the hearing world. She also stated that she was open to the idea of the implant because she didnt want her daughter to go through all the tribulations that she went through when she was young. It also seemed that both Nita and Peter were rejecting the Cochlear, because they were afraid Heather would become too involved in the hearing world, that she would forget all about the deaf culture. There was a particular scene where Nita asks Heather if she still wanted the implant, and Heather ends up telling her that she didnt want the implant because her parents said she couldnt have one. I feel like it was wrong that the parents didnt let their daughter get the implant without really giving it thought,but they are proud of who they are so in the end it didnt matter. My opinion is that is was wrong of them to reject the Cochlear without letting the little girl make the decision for herself. Even though Heather was a little girl, it seemed to me that she really wanted to hear and the implant could of offer her many great opportunities. The movie also showed me that there are many things that separate the deaf world from the hearing world. One of the things that struck me the most is that in reality, many hearing individuals tend to feel â€Å"sorry† for deaf individuals, because they see deafness as a disability. For example, the couple with the twins expressed that they were devastated when they were informed that one of their twins was deaf. Even though deafness ran in their family they were still heartbroken because they saw the baby as disabled. Although I felt disappointed that they took their child’s deafness as a bad thing, they did point out some very interesting and somewhat truthful things. For example, being deaf in the hearing world can shut many doors for these individuals. Deaf people are often discriminated, misunderstood, and shut out of the hearing world. Although it is true that deaf individuals face many obstacles in their lives, Peter (and many others) showed us that a deaf person can be just as successful and any hearing person. When I was a waitress at a very popular restaurant, I remember that one of my regular clients Mariche 3 was a deaf man. He was very friendly and although I had a very hard time communicating with him, he was always patient and willing to try his best to communicate with me. When people saw that he was deaf and that his speech was very limited, many laughed and made really stupid and ignorant comments. To our surprise it turned out that he was a very successful businessman, so in reality he was definitely not a â€Å"handicap†. I definitely understand why the couple in the movie considered getting the Cochlear Implant for their child. I also have a 5 year old niece who is deaf, and although we have a really hard time communicating with her it seems to me that she actually likes the way she is. I think at her young age she embraces her deafness. Everyone is different and like in this movie everyone has to do what is best for THEIR family and what they felt most comfortable with. In conclusion, the movie gave us different perspectives of both the hearing world and deaf culture. One family showed us how proud they were of being deaf, and they refused to let their child get a hearing implant because they thought she would loose touch with deaf culture. The other family showed us that they saw deafness as a disability. They decided to let their child get the implant because they felt it was the best thing to do for him and his future. Although being deaf can bring many obstacles, families ultimately have to decide what ever is best for their lives.

Will Our State Fish Survive? :: essays research papers fc

Will Our State Fish Survive? The Rio Grande cutthroat trout, the state fish of New Mexico, is a threatened species that needs more attention from the citizens and politicians of New Mexico if we want to see it survive and flourish in its natural environment. The Rio Grande cutthroat was placed on the U.S. Government Federal list of threatened species in 1973, but was never listed on the endangered species list (American Fisheries Society 1988). Maybe it should be placed on the Federal Endangered Species list, since it only inhabits less than ten percent of its native range and can only survive well in headwater streams that do not contain any other fish species (Neary 1999). Environmental groups are filing lawsuits against the federal and state government to get the cutthroat on the Federal Endangered Species List. The state government refuses to put it on because they feel that the problems with population, hybridization, and diminishing habitat can be solved without putting it on the endangered species list. I f the government decided to put the cutthroat on the endangered species list, they would be forced to create a recovery plan and designate a â€Å"critical habitat† (Neary 1999). The government is reluctant since it will cost them a huge amount of money, time, and labor. The government claims they have been taking steps to preserve the â€Å"threatened† cutthroat, which is indeed true. Yet, the results are not outstanding. If their methods were working, the cutthroat would have been taken off the threatened list years ago. Why is it so important to protect this fish? As native New Mexicans, we need to take interest in our state fish and help protect it. If this species were to become extinct it would be a tragic loss. Our state fish is in danger of vanishing from the world forever. Doesn’t that say something about the way we have treated our resources? The Department of Game and Fish doesn’t seem to think so. The extinction of the cutthroat would disrupt the ecosystem because they would no longer feed on the native plants, flies, and worms. Anytime an animal is taken away from an ecosystem it has effects on the surrounding area and the creatures that live within it. For example, if you kill every coyote in the state of New Mexico the population of jackrabbits would climb to a record high because they have no predators.

Sop Cassava Processing

|Document ID: |Standard Operating Procedures’ Title: |Print Date: | |ORIGIN-CA2 |CASSAVA PROCESSING |08/07/2012 | |Revision: |Written By: |Date Prepared: | |01 |Ayodele E. J.AJAYI, General Manager Operations |08/07/2012 | |Effective Date: |Reviewed By: |Date Reviewed: | |mm/dd/yyyy | |mm/dd/yyyy | | |Approved By: |Date Approved: | | | |mm/dd/yyyy | |Applicable Standard: None | |Company: ORIGIN Group of Companies Limited Vegefresh Foods Limited, Nigeria. | |In Africa, cassava is mostly used for human consumption in various forms ranging from boiling the fresh tuber to processing it into cassava flour. |[pic] Cassava starch in the making: freshly harvested roots roll | |along a conveyor belt at a processing plant in Brazil | | | |[pic] | | | | | | | | | |Cassava Starch. | | | | |Policy: It is a policy of this Company to provide Standard Operating Procedure documents that contain instructions on how to perform assigned tasks. Purpose: The purpose of this document is to ensure that routine tasks on the farm are performed safely, qualitatively and in compliance with applicable regulations. Below are some of the ways, this Standard Operating Procedure could have direct or indirect positive impact on ORIGIN Group’s Agric business performance: a) People need consistency to achieve top performance. This SOP will reduce system variation, which is the enemy of production efficiency and quality control. b) This SOP will facilitate training.Having complete step-by-step instructions helps trainers ensure that nothing is missed and provides a reference resource for trainees. c) This SOP can be an excellent reference document on how a task is done and what are the expectations from employees filling in on the jobs they do not perform on a regular basis. d) This SOP can help in conducting performance evaluations. They provide a common understanding for what needs to be done and shared expectations for how tasks are completed. e) Employees can coach and support each other if there is documentation available on exactly how various tasks must be done and everyone knows what their co-workers are supposed to be doing.This can also help generate a more cooperative team approach to getting all the daily tasks done correctly, everyday. f) This SOP encourages regular evaluation of work activity and continuous improvement in how things are done. Scope: This SOP is written for Production Managers, Lab Technician, Factory workers and Sales Distributors. The specific tasks within â€Å"Cassava Processing† are covered. This SOP does not cover the Cassava Production, Harvesting and Marketing. Responsibilities: The Production Managers, Lab Technician, Factory workers and Sales Distributors should be responsible for coordinating and implementing the Cassava Processing Factory and product sales tasks.The Production Manager is responsible for training and managing the Factory Workers, Supervisors, Lab Techs etc; Production Manager should supp ort the objectives policies of the Company and provide input to further development of SOPs. He/she would be responsible for planning, organizing, supervising and managing the activities of the entire factory and the routine maintenance of all factory equipment. Factory Workers are expected to discharge their duties efficiently and in compliance with the Standard Operating Procedures, work manual and equipment manual provided. The Standard Operating Procedures 1. 0 Cassava processing Cassava processing aims at increasing the quality and storability of cassava tubers.This enhances the ability of the farmers to develop additional products, such as baking products out of cassava flour. It further ensures reduction or total elimination of undesirable toxic constituents in cassava so that it is suitable for human consumption. A. Producing Cassava Flour and Chips: I. Using low-cyanide varieties – Freshly harvested cassava is peeled using a knife. The peeled cassava is then washed a nd sliced into smaller pieces (chips). These are then dried on a raised platform under direct sun for about 2 days or specially-made driers, until moisture content of about 8 to 10 % is reached. Properly dried chips become tough to break, but crumble into flour when hit with a hard item like a hammer.The drying process should be done continuously and the drying chips should not be exposed again to water to avoid molding. The chips may then be ground or milled into flour; dried chips store better than flour. II. Using high-cyanide varieties – Freshly uprooted cassava are peeled and sliced into smaller pieces (chips). The sliced chips are then dried in the sun for about 3 days to about 14 % moisture content. The chips are then soaked in water for 8 hours, and dried again to a moisture content of about 8 %. B. Producing Gari – Fermented cassava dough: Gari is a creamy-white or yellow dried cassava product, common in West Africa. It is prepared by peeling the outside of th e tuber skin and washed. The washed tubers are then grated using a grater.It is then packed in bags with holes to drain off the liquid and left to ferment for 1 to 5 days, depending on the preferred flavour. The fermented material is then pressed to let out the extra water leaving a cassava cake. The remaining cake is broken loose and spread on frying metal trays above a fire. The particles are fried until crisp and dry, about 10 % moisture content. The gari is then cooled, sieved and packed for sale or storage. C. Cassava Starch extraction After washing and peeling, roots are grated to release starch granules. The â€Å"starch milk† – water containing suspended granules then, separated from the pulp, after which the granules are separated from the water by sedimentation or in a centrifuge.At that point, the starch requires solar or artificial drying to remove moisture before being milled, sieved and packed. In artisanal production systems, daily starch output ranges f rom 50 to 60 kg of starch per worker, while semi-mechanized processing can yield up to 10 tonnes a day. In modern, fully mechanized starch extraction plants, daily output is as high as 150 tonnes. Cassava Processing Equipment I. Traditional cassava processing does not require sophisticated equipment. Processing cassava into gari requires equipment such as grater, presser and fryer. The traditional cassava grater is made of flattened kerosene tin or iron sheet perforated with nails and fastened onto a wooden board with handles.Grating is done by rubbing the peeled roots against the rough perforated surface of the iron sheet which tears off the peeled cassava root flesh into mash. In recent years, various attempts have been made to improve graters. Graters which are belt-driven from a static 5 HP Lister type engine have been developed and are being extensively used in Nigeria. Its capacity to grate cassava is about one ton of fresh peeled roots per hour. II. For draining excess liquid from the grated pulp the sacks containing the grated pulpy mass are slowly pressed down using a 30-ton hydraulic jack press with wooden platforms, before sieving and roasting into gari. Stones are used in traditional processing to press out the excess moisture from the grated pulp.Tied wooden frames are used for this purpose in places where stones are not available. Pans made from iron or earthen pots are used for roasting the fermented pulp. Fuel wood is the mad or source of energy for boiling, roasting, steaming and frying. Fuel wood may not be easily and cheaply obtained in the future because of rapid deforestation. III. Slight changes in the equipment used in processing can help to save fuel and lessen the discomfort, health hazard, and drudgery for the operating women. The economic success of any future commercial development of cassava processing would depend upon the adaptability of each processing stage to mechanization.However, the first step to take for improvement of cas sava technologies should be to improve or modify the simple processing equipment or systems presently used, rather than to change entirely to new, sophisticated, and expensive equipment. Storage of cassava processed products Processing, particularly drying and roasting, increases shelf life of cassava products. Good storage depends on the moisture content of the products and temperature and relative humidity of the storage environment. The moisture content of gari for safe storage is belong 12. 7%. When temperature and relative humidity are above 27 °C and 70% respectively, gari goes bad (Igbeka 1987). The type of bag used for packing also affects shelf life depending on the ability of the material to maintain safe product moisture levels.Jute and hessian bags are recommended in dry cool environments because they allow good ventilation (Igbeka 1987). When gari, dried pulp and flour are well dried and properly packed, they can be stored without loss of quality for over one year. Dr ied cassava balls (â€Å"kumkum†) can be stored for up to 2 years (Numfor end Ay 1987). â€Å"Chickwangue†, â€Å"Myondo† and â€Å"Bobolo† can be preserved for up to 1 week but they can be kept for several more days when recooked. Cassava leaves as vegetable I. Cassava shoots of 30 cm length (measured from the apex) are harvested from the plants. The hard petioles are removed and the blades and young petioles are pounded with a pestle in a mortar.A variation of this process involves blanching the leaves before pounding. The resulting pulp is then boded for about 30-60 minutes. In some countries, the first boiled water is decanted and replaced. Pepper, palm-oil and other aromatic ingredients are added. The mixture is then boiled for 30 minutes (Numfor and Ay 1987). Unlike the roots that are essentially carbohydrate, cassava leaves are a good source of protein and vitamins which can provide a valuable supplement to predominantly starchy diets. Cassava leav es are rich in protein, calcium, iron and vitamins, comparing favorably with other green vegetables generally regarded as good protein sources.The amino acid composition of cassava leaves shows that, except for methionine, the essential amino acid values in cassava exceed those of the FAO reference protein (Lancaster and Brooks 1983). II. The total essential amino acid content for cassava leaf protein is similar to that found in hen's egg and is greater than that in oat and rice grain, soybean seed, and spinach leaf (Yeoh and Chew 1976). While the vitamin content of the leaves is high, the processing techniques for preparing the leaves for consumption can lead to huge losses. For example, the prolonged boiling involved in making African soups or stews, results in considerable loss of vitamin C. III. Cassava leaves form a significant part of the diets in many countries in Africa.They are used as one of the preferred vegetables in most cassava growing countries, particularly in Zaire, Congo, Gabon, Central African Republic, Angola, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. The cassava leaves prepared as vegetable are called â€Å"sakasaka† or â€Å"pondu† in Zaire, Congo, Central African Republic and Sudan, â€Å"Kizaka† in Angola, â€Å"Mathapa† in Mozambique, â€Å"Chigwada† in Malawi, â€Å"Chombo† or â€Å"Ngwada† in Zambia, â€Å"Gweri† in Cameroon, â€Å"Kisanby† in Tanzania, â€Å"Cassada leaves† in Sierra Leone, â€Å"Banankou boulou nan† in Mali, â€Å"Mafe haako bantare† in Guinea, and â€Å"Isombe† in Rwanda. They are mostly served as a sauce which is eaten with chickwangue, fufu, and boiled cassava. Revision History: Revision |Date |Description of changes |Requested By | |01 |08/07/2012 |Initial Release | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | References: http://www. fao. org/index_en. htm http://www. fao. org/ag/agp/agpc/gcds/ [pic]The Global Cas sava Partnership, a consortium formed – under the auspices of the FAO-facilitated Global Cassava Development Strategy – by international organizations, including FAO, CIAT, IFAD and IITA, national research institutions, NGOs and private partners. International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). Starting a Cassava Farm – IPM Field Guide for Extensions Agents. 2008; International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). Disease Control in Cassava Farms. IPM Field Guide for Extension Agents; International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). Weed Control in Cassava Farms. 2000. IPM Field Guide for Extension Agents; In-Service Training Trust (ISTT). Cassava Production Field Guide. 2008. NRDC Campus, Lusaka, Zambia. ———————– ORIGIN Group’s SOP: Confidential and Proprietary Page 6

Dissecting Transference and Countertransference Essay

Transference and countertransference are feelings towards an individual which are brought about by past experiences and relationships.   These feelings occur unconsciously and can be positive or negative in nature. Transference is often carried by the patient into the clinician-patient relationship as brought about by their history with past figures of authority in their lives. (Pearson, 2001) For example, a patient may perceive the clinician to be similar to his or her mother and as such views them as a nurturing figure whom he or she then strives hard to please. Countertransference, in the medical setting, is brought by the clinician and is usually seen in his or her negative feelings towards the patient again as a result of previous experiences he or she had early on in life. (Pearson, 2001) The effects of those previous experiences are triggered by the clincian’s encounter with the patient. For example, a clinician might be more caring and compassionate towards a patient that reminds him or her of his or her grandparents thus invoking similar filial emotions for the patient. The concepts of transference and countertransference were first described by Sigmund Freud as emotions patients and doctors projected on each other, which had come from past experiences.   The two terms are used frequently in psychoanalytical literature and occur in many instances of psychoanalytic treatment. The role projection plays on both transference and countertransference was emphasized not only by Freud but also by many other members of the medical community. Projection takes place more often in clinician-patient relationships than in other settings. The definition of projection as a means of adaptation and communication, a form of defense mechanism by the individual, provides insight to its frequency in medical settings. (Waska, 1999) The patient faced with his or her illness and the clinician faced with the task of aiding the patient may revert to projection in order to cope with their different tasks. Therefore, transference and countertransference occur as an aftermath of the dynamics of the said projection as well as of the initial relationship between the patient and the clinician. (Waska, 1999) In physical therapy, patient therapist relationships are important factors in the rehabilitation process.   Therapists need to be effective communicators and develop rapports with patients that facilitate trust, compliance, and comfort.   A patient who projects unconsciously past experiences into their new and present reality can create a barrier in the relationship and hinder their progress. Transference and countertransference brought about by these projections are the most direct causes for the communication barriers – barriers that can lead to detrimental and even fatal results in the patient’s treatment. These work through mechanisms produced through positive feelings, such as a patient who sees the therapist as a nurturer figure and tries to please the therapist and therefore does not disclose functional deficits, which are not improving, and report only positive.   Negative feelings can also create a barrier in that the patient becomes hostile or resistive toward the therapist’s suggestions and plans. (Pearson, 2001) The maladaptive effects of transference and countertransference may be lessened by a conscious effort on the part of the clinician as well as of the patient. Both must strive to understand the dynamics of their relationship. The clinician must be able to provide insights into his or her true character and thus help the patient resolve distortions brought about by transference. The clinician must also actively acknowledge the underlying needs posed by the patient’s transference as well as actively respond to his or her own projection and countertransference. (Pearson, 2001; Waska, 1999) Studies continue to explore the possibilities of using the mechanisms of transference and countertransference to make medical relationships more effective in aiding treatment. References Pearson, L. (2001). The clinician-patient experience: understanding transference and countertransference. Nurse Practitioner, Retrieved 06 February 2008 from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3958/is_200106/ai_n8996743 Waska, R. T. (1999). Projective identification, countertransference, and the struggle for understanding over acting out. Journal of Psychotherapy Practice and Research, 8, 155-161

Ten Commandments essays

Ten Commandments essays Judge Roy Moores Ten Commandments Case Judge Roy Moore has been trying his luck for quite some time trying to keep his Ten Commandments monument in the judicial building in Montgomery. Many people disagree with him trying to have the monument there, as well as the people who agree with Moore. In the article Ten Commandments Case Puts Evangelicals on Opposite Sides, from the Baptist Press, written by Michael Foust, three evangelical leaders take different sides on the case. As for the article, Roy Moore: A monumental Plot for Power?, from Newsweek, co-written by Eleanor Clift and Frederick Burger, gives stances from leaders from different backgrounds to support their claim. The case has been going on for some time, and as of recently, it was taken out of the judicial building and put into storage awaiting an decision by the U.S. Supreme court. The monument is a symbol of the Christian belief system and is argued to be a major violation of the peoples rights in this country. It all started in Moores courtroom in Gadsen, Alabama. Eleven years ago, Moore hand carved a wooden tablet of the Ten Commandments which he hung in his courtroom. Being a small town judge, it really didnt bring much attention to the subject. It wasnt till later when he decided to run for the chief justice position for which it became a big ordeal. He soon became known as the Ten Commandments judge. In the year 2000, Moore won the election for the position and quickly became the object of many eyes all across the country. There are plenty of people that are disagreeing with what he is trying to do, but a recent poll says that 77% of Alabamians support Moores position that the displaying of the commandments is constitutional. Naturally, this stirs Moores ambition. A Senate Republican said, He is clearly doing this for his own political aggrandizement.(Clift, Burger 1) ...

Who Are Ghostwriters for Hire and Why Do You Need to Know That

Who Are Ghostwriters for Hire and Why Do You Need to Know That Who Are Ghostwriters for Hire and Why Do You Need to Know That? Ghostwriters for hire are professional writers who are there to help customers write something on their behalf. The way ghostwriting works is that the writer who is hired mirrors or mimics the writing style or voice of the client. This is usually done when a client sends over recordings of themselves speaking, interviews they gave, or papers they have published. Then the ghostwriter reviews all of that and produces a new report, essay, book, or any other form of writing as though they were the client. They write the content from the perspective of the client, in the voice of the client, and then the client publishes it as though they wrote it. The ghostwriters do not get any credit for the work they do. This type of service can be used by people who are pressed for time, unable or unwilling to write something themselves, or who lack the confidence to really write from the heart. That being said, ghostwriters can be hired by college students too for many tasks. They can: Work as Essay Writers too In fact, many writers have the flexibility and professionalism to help you write a great essay in your voice, because of the fact that ghostwriting uses the same skills. Write the Text for Your Future/Current Website When you start a website, whether for school or work purposes, you can turn to a ghostwriter to create all of the content you want to publish on the site and then you can credit it to yourself. Create White Papers for Your Future Company If you plan to start a company right out of school you can turn to a ghostwriter to craft a white paper for your future company, a business plan, or a marketing plan. Write an eBook for You on Any Topic You Want Ghostwriters can write an ebook on any topic students want, which means you can ask for a ghostwriter to give you an ebook covering creative writing, different citation methods, or research skills and then turn to that guide in the future. If there is something in your class with which you struggle, having a ghostwriter produce a short ebook on the subject will give you the background information you need. You might even be able to get a ghostwriter to produce an ebook on a topic you are going to write about for an upcoming essay, and then use the sources included in that ebook as a part of your research. Overall, ghostwriters are a great resource because of their natural ability to assume the voice and tone of someone else. They can do all of the research necessary to become familiar with someone’s way of speaking, their sentence structure, and how they often present ideas so that the finished product sounds just like something the client wrote. This is, again, perfect for students to keep as a resource both in school and beyond graduation.

Learn Chemistry - A Guide to Basic Concepts

Learn Chemistry - A Guide to Basic Concepts Chemistry is a logical science. You can master the essential concepts yourself. You can study these concepts in any order, but its probably best to start from the top and work your way down  since many concepts build on understanding units, conversion, and how atoms and molecules interact. Key Takeaways: How to Learn Chemistry Its possible to learn the basic concepts of chemistry online.Chemistry concepts should be studied in a logical order because concepts build upon each other. Jumping into the middle of the science can lead to confusion.While its fine to learn chemistry principles online, be aware that the lab component is an important part of the science. Its a good idea to supplement textbook learning with experiments using a chemistry kit. Introduction to Chemistry: Learn about what chemistry is, what chemists do, and why you would want to study this science.Units Measurements: Get a handle on the metric system and the common units used in chemistry.The Scientific Method: Scientists, including chemists, are systematic about the way they study the world. Find out how to use the scientific method to collect data and design experiments.The Elements: Elements are basic building blocks of matter. Learn what an element is and get facts for them.The Periodic Table: The periodic table is a way elements can be organized, based on their similar properties. Find out what that table is, how it was designed, and how you can use it to make your study of chemistry much easier.Atoms and Ions: Atoms are single units of an element. Ions can be made up of one or more types of elements and carry an electrical charge. Learn about the parts of an atom and how to identify the different types of ions.Molecules, Compounds, Moles: Atoms can b e joined together to make molecules and compounds. A mole is a useful way of measuring an amount of atoms or larger components of matter. Define these terms and learn how to perform calculations to express quantities. Chemical Formulas: Atoms and ions dont bond together randomly. Find out how to predict how many of one type of atom or ion will combine with others. Learn to name compounds.Chemical Reactions Equations: Just as atoms and ions combine in very specific ways, molecules and compounds react with each other in definite quantities. Learn how to tell whether or not a reaction can occur and what the products of a reaction will be. Write balanced chemical equations to describe reactions.Thermochemistry: Chemistry is the study of both matter and energy. Once you learn to balance the atoms and charge in a chemical reaction, you can examine the energy of the reaction as well.Electronic Structure: Electrons are found in regions around the nucleus of an atom. Learning about the structure of the electron shell or electron cloud is important for understanding how atoms and ions will form bonds.Chemical Bonds: The atoms in a molecule or compound are attracted and repelled with respect to each other i n ways that determine the types of bonds they can form. Molecular Structure: Once you understand the types of bonds that can be formed between components in a substance, you can begin to predict and understand how molecules are formed and the shapes they take. Valence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) theory helps chemists understand molecular structure.Liquids Gases: Liquids and gases are phases of matter with properties distinctly different from the solid form. Collectively, liquids and gases are termed fluids. The study of fluids and how they interact is important for understanding the properties of matter and predicting the ways in which that matter can react.Rates of Reaction: Several factors affect how quickly and completely a reaction proceeds. Learn about these factors and how to calculate the speed at which a reaction can occur.Acids Bases: There are several ways to define acids and bases. One way is to look at hydrogen ion concentration. No matter which method you choose, these categories of chemicals participate in some v ery important reactions. Learn about acids, bases, and pH. Oxidation Reduction: Oxidation and reduction reactions go hand in hand, which is why they are also called redox reactions. Acids and bases may be thought of as reactions involving hydrogen or protons, while redox reactions tend to be concerned with electron gain and loss.Nuclear Reactions: Most chemical reactions involve exchanges of electrons or atoms. Nuclear reactions are concerned with what happens inside the nucleus of an atom. This includes radioactive decay, fission, and fusion.

Theory X Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Theory X - Essay Example One of the best views of these is that provided by Bobic and Davis. The authors have brought out excellent views on how the Theory X and Theory Y operate within companies. As explained by Bobic and Davis, â€Å"We conclude with a comment on what all this might mean for the future of management. If people are different (some adaptive and others innovative) and personality is relatively invariant, then the management task becomes increasingly complex† (Bobic & Davis, 2003). I completely agree with their views and believe that in the current times, the main reason that might cause a management for fail is due to the use of a single approach of management. It is essential to note, with the changing times and with the high levels of competition that is currently prevalent in the markets, it is now a necessity for the managers to not only focus on one method of management. The needs and working styles of employees are very different and a single office can have a wide range of characters including those who are very adaptive to those who are very innovative. Hence it is the duty of the managers to use this as a chance of training themselves to meet the varying needs and not to stick to a single theory. An excellent example of this is the case of my previous job. I worked there part time, and my manager (knowingly or unknowingly) followed to the point, the theory X. There was always an environment of discomfort in the environment and despite having some of the best in his team; the manager was unable to run the team effectively. The employees in his team included people with great insights, interest in their jobs and a strong level of dedication. However due to the behavior of the manager, a number of people started to quit their jobs only to get better jobs in better companies. Considering the impact that Bobic and Davis have had on Theory X and Y, it is essential to note that in the current times, leaders cannot be one who

Marketing communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Marketing communication - Essay Example their feedback for the services and extent of their satisfaction etc, being collected from various reliable sources so that communication channels and methods can be planned effectively. Defining target audience includes knowing the behavior, attitude and individual tastes of each customer or various sub groups in the target groups in order to facilitate playful environment and joyful natural sceneries. Defining the target market also includes giving the prospective customers a compelling as well as logical reason to go out of competitors’ way and to spend their money for your goods or services (Harper, 2003, p. 75). Viejas Outlet Centre considers this as virtual point that can pave a way to marketing success for the next one year. Money spenders and Childs will be communicated regarding what makes Viejas different from other outlet centers and thus to attract them to the joyful environment provided by Viejas. Sales promotion will be a key ingredient in the marketing and communication campaign of Viejas. According to Martin (2008), sales promotion is a marketing process that provides extra value to the sales force, distributors and final consumers in order to stimulate immediate sale (p. 124). Viejas basically consider this material fact that customers must be provided extra value through various methods of promotion. In order to do so, Viejas proposes both loyalty or store card facility and golf carts services and therefore sales and total revenue can be stimulated. Both loyalty cards and golf carts will definitely promote the sales from the targeted audience. Linked with store card system, Viejas plans to provide offers and lucky draw program in order to attract more children apart from free parking. Children will be highly motivated towards offers and lucky draw to get rewards and appreciation and thus they may find more times to spend in the Outlet

In all seriousness, what do you think is going to happen with regard Essay

In all seriousness, what do you think is going to happen with regard to global warming and climate change Are we going to make it if so or not, why - Essay Example Global warming/climate change is a human caused problem and the solution also will be provided by humans themselves. We as humans are causing changes to the Earth’s ecosystem and getting affected in return. Therefore, in order to make it through, in order to survive, we should agree to this effort for the conservation of life on Earth. Because if we’re not going to do to anything to prevent global warming/climate change, the countries will become hotter, sea level will rise, there will be an increase in rains and storms and the weather will go to its extreme. We can help reduce the global warming by using the energy sensibly. As everyone knows Global warming is a serious issue and everybody should come together to fight against global warming. These weather extremes affect those the most who are poor, old, very young or sick as they don’t have the capability to deal with the climate changes. But in a broader aspect the climate change/global warming is affecting humans. If we can cause a problem, we can surely solve the problem too. Climate change is a global issue. Dealing with it is a collective responsibility. Yet it is obvious that the world’s poorest countries will be the most affected by it. And failure to reduce global warming will cause a dangerous environment for millions of people. As many poor people already live in a deprived environment where food, clean water and shelter are inadequate– climate change will worsen their condition. As it is obvious that extreme weathers are the impact of global Warming, it will lead us to a state where hot days will become hotter, the rainfalls will become heavier, the flooding will become more frequent, the hurricanes more brutal, the draughts more acute. So as to get through this, all the awareness campaigns and efforts by environmental conservation organizations will not go in vein. They are playing their part and we should play ours by cooperating

Prayer in Islam Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Prayer in Islam - Research Paper Example Prayer is that spiritual communication to God or an object that is being worshiped, it is making a petition to God, an object of worship or a god. Prayer has different meanings and practices around the world where there is the use of postures like kneeling, walking and bowing the head which is seen as a way of showing devotion. In some places prayer involves asking for forgiveness, praise and worship and thanks giving. Some religions have a certain or standard way of praying, for example, the Lord’s Prayer which is often said by a group of worshipers. Islam is based on the five pillars which are the foundation of the Islamic life. The first pillar is the I-man or faith where Muslims believe in the oneness of Allah and that Muhammad is his messenger. This declaration or Shahada is the believe that serving and obeying Allah is the only purpose one has in their life and this is normally achieved through the teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad. Prayer is the second pillar which involves declaring a testimony of faith. Prayer in Muslim is seen to be important since it is a way of worshiping and establishing a close relationship with Allah who is the creator. It is seen as way of acknowledgement ones weakness and need to ask for Devine grace, forgiveness, mercy and abundance which is believed to be of interest to every Muslim. Prayer in Islam is referred to as Salat and is believed to have been made a mandatory obligation by Allah for every Muslim to follow it as per the Hadith where Prophet Muhammad was asked, â€Å"which of the actions is best?† ... ayer is also believed to be able to prevent one from all immoral or sinful deeds and strengthens the relationship and bond between Muslims, that bond of unity and love. Prayer breaks all differences that exist among Muslims because every individual prays at the same time, facing the same direction and this can also be seen when all Muslims gather together in Mosques to pray and listen to sermons. Prayer involves certain body movement while reciting passages of the Quran and consists of defined movements and recitations of passages of the Quran. For the Muslim community prayers can be done in any place that is considered to be clean; however, it is believed that prayers done from a mosque will bring 27 times more blessings. Muslims believe that when one begins a prayer session, they should not stop until they are through but there is an exception, for example, in a situation where a woman sees her child in danger, she can save her child while reciting the prayer as per the teachings o f the Quran [2:239] "Under unusual circumstances, one may pray while walking or even riding. Once one is safe, one shall commemorate God as He taught them what they never knew."    There are several pre-requisites to make a prayer valid which include; the prayer time where prayers have to be during the specific times of the day. Mosques normally help the congregation note the prayer time through the Adan or call to prayer which translates to; God is the greatest (x 3) I confirm that there is no one worthy of worship except God (x2) I testify that Prophet Muhammad is the messenger of God (x2) Come for prayer (x2) Come for success (x2) God is the greatest (x2) there is no one worthy of worship except God. Pre-requisites in making a prayer valid also include the purification rituals or Taharah

Stats28 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Stats28 - Essay Example The correlation between amount of TV with violent content and amount of violent behavior is an example of ____. 2. For each of the following, determine whether the sample provides enough evidence to conclude that there is a significant, nonzero correlation in the population.   In each case, use a two-tailed test with ÃŽ ± = .05. For a two-tailed test with ÃŽ ± = .05, critical value of r with df = 16 is  ±0.468. r = -0.50 is less than -0.468. Thus, the sample provides enough evidence to conclude that there is a significant, nonzero correlation in the population.   For a two-tailed test with ÃŽ ± = .05, critical value of r with df = 13 is  ±0.514. r = -0.50 is greater than -0.514. Thus, the sample does not provide enough evidence to conclude that there is a significant, nonzero correlation in the population.   For a two-tailed test with ÃŽ ± = .05, critical value of r with df = 28 is  ±0.361. r = -0.375 is less than -0.361. Thus, the sample provides enough evidence to conclude that there is a significant, nonzero correlation in the population.   For a two-tailed test with ÃŽ ± = .05, critical value of r with df = 23 is  ±0.396. r = -0.50 is less than -0.396. Thus, the sample provides enough evidence to conclude that there is a significant, nonzero correlation in the population.   4. A professor obtains SAT scores and freshman grade point averages (GPAs) for a group of n = 15 college students.   The SAT scores have a mean of M = 580 with SS = 22,400, and the GPAs have a mean of 3.10 with SS = 1.26, and SP = 84. a.   A geneticist might wonder if there is a tendency for tall fathers to have tall sons and short fathers to have short sons.   Answer this question by computing the appropriate statistic and testing it for statistical significance.   (Hint:   The statistic will be much easier to compute if you subtract 40 from each of the scores.   Doing so will not affect the value of the

Prayer in Islam Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Prayer in Islam - Research Paper Example Prayer is that spiritual communication to God or an object that is being worshiped, it is making a petition to God, an object of worship or a god. Prayer has different meanings and practices around the world where there is the use of postures like kneeling, walking and bowing the head which is seen as a way of showing devotion. In some places prayer involves asking for forgiveness, praise and worship and thanks giving. Some religions have a certain or standard way of praying, for example, the Lord’s Prayer which is often said by a group of worshipers. Islam is based on the five pillars which are the foundation of the Islamic life. The first pillar is the I-man or faith where Muslims believe in the oneness of Allah and that Muhammad is his messenger. This declaration or Shahada is the believe that serving and obeying Allah is the only purpose one has in their life and this is normally achieved through the teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad. Prayer is the second pillar which involves declaring a testimony of faith. Prayer in Muslim is seen to be important since it is a way of worshiping and establishing a close relationship with Allah who is the creator. It is seen as way of acknowledgement ones weakness and need to ask for Devine grace, forgiveness, mercy and abundance which is believed to be of interest to every Muslim. Prayer in Islam is referred to as Salat and is believed to have been made a mandatory obligation by Allah for every Muslim to follow it as per the Hadith where Prophet Muhammad was asked, â€Å"which of the actions is best?† ... ayer is also believed to be able to prevent one from all immoral or sinful deeds and strengthens the relationship and bond between Muslims, that bond of unity and love. Prayer breaks all differences that exist among Muslims because every individual prays at the same time, facing the same direction and this can also be seen when all Muslims gather together in Mosques to pray and listen to sermons. Prayer involves certain body movement while reciting passages of the Quran and consists of defined movements and recitations of passages of the Quran. For the Muslim community prayers can be done in any place that is considered to be clean; however, it is believed that prayers done from a mosque will bring 27 times more blessings. Muslims believe that when one begins a prayer session, they should not stop until they are through but there is an exception, for example, in a situation where a woman sees her child in danger, she can save her child while reciting the prayer as per the teachings o f the Quran [2:239] "Under unusual circumstances, one may pray while walking or even riding. Once one is safe, one shall commemorate God as He taught them what they never knew."    There are several pre-requisites to make a prayer valid which include; the prayer time where prayers have to be during the specific times of the day. Mosques normally help the congregation note the prayer time through the Adan or call to prayer which translates to; God is the greatest (x 3) I confirm that there is no one worthy of worship except God (x2) I testify that Prophet Muhammad is the messenger of God (x2) Come for prayer (x2) Come for success (x2) God is the greatest (x2) there is no one worthy of worship except God. Pre-requisites in making a prayer valid also include the purification rituals or Taharah

PAYMENT AND TRADE FINANCE - A Case Study- corporate finance involving Essay

PAYMENT AND TRADE FINANCE - A Case Study- corporate finance involving law - Essay Example Saida tenders to Big Bank plc a pre-printed â€Å"shipped on-board† bill of lading with an issuance date of 31 March. There is also a notation referring to â€Å"10,002 tonnes Class A cement fully loaded on 1 April with 5% on deck†. Saida has also tendered a word-processed cover note referring to 10,000 tonnes Grade A cement marked â€Å"as original† but not signed, and an invoice for â€Å"approximately 10,000 tonnes high grade cement†. It is generally known in the industry that Class A means cement with a purity percentage of at least 98%†. A surveyor’s certificate is also tendered which states that the cement is slightly discoloured. Big Bank has reservations about the documents and pays Saida â€Å"under reserve† and â€Å"without prejudice†. Armita, Small Bank’s manager, refuses to reimburse Big Bank on the basis of non-compliance. She also suspects that the date entered by the shipmaster on the bill of lading is fals e. Armita also demands to see a certificate of origin because it is her bank’s policy not to deal with goods emanating from certain countries. Saida has also contracted to sell a consignment of sulphur to Turhan. The contract requires Saida to secure for Turhan’s benefit, a performance guarantee to the amount of ?30,000 issued by Nidhi Bank, a bank in London, England, guaranteeing Saida’s performance. That guarantee is expressed in the following terms: â€Å"We undertake to pay you on your assertion of Saida’s default or breach of Contract No 34/06 in writing being received at this office and bearing our reference Guarantee No 666/05A ... † Saida refuses to ship when she discovers Turhan has failed to open a letter of credit in her favour. Turhan’s bank has declined to issue the letter of credit because of liquidity problems. Turhan makes a demand under the guarantee on Nidhi Bank by making a statement asserting Saida’s failure to shi p but the demand refers to "Guarantee No 666/05". Discuss the rights and liabilities of the parties under English law. Ans# Trade credit is often used as a method of payment for both the domestic as well as the international trade business. However, it is mostly used in international trade considering the overall risks involved in the international trade transactions as well as the role of banks in facilitating the payments between the parties. As such the credit used for the purchase and financing of the inventories and current assets is called short term credit whereas the credit used for the financing of the capital expenditure is considered as the long term finance and both types of finances can be availed through international trade transactions.1 It is important to understand however, that the payments in the international trade finance are often governed through different laws. Most importantly laws and regulations set by the International Chamber of Commerce or ICC are consi dered as binding on the parties involved in the international trade transactions. The major set of rules governing the international trade transactions include UCP 600 which actually provide a detailed overview of the rights and obligations of each party to the transaction in the international trade besides governing the swift completion of such transactions. 2 Under UCP 600, not only the rights and obligations of the parties are outlined but the overall role and responsibilities of the banks and

History of Database Technology and Data Models Essay Example for Free

History of Database Technology and Data Models Essay Imagine that you own bank and along with that, you own your bank’s credibility to your 100,000 clients. Just writing down each client’s information in a piece of paper would not be very secure and practical nowadays. That’s how an electronic database system comes in the picture. In this fast growing world, a technology like a database system is very necessary for establishments that hold a huge amount of data. However, the development of the current database technology and database models underwent an intricate process before it comes to a full bloom. In 1964, the word â€Å"database† technically denoted collections of data shared by end-users of time sharing computer systems and was coined by workers in a military information system. In addition, around 1960s, private companies started to own computers because of their increasing storage capabilities. Two data models were introduced: network (CODASYL) and hierarchical (IMS) model. During that time, database management systems were unsystematic. There no actual theoretical model about data organization. There was more emphasis on the processing of the records rather than the overall structure of the database system. During the 1970s, many astonishing breakthroughs on databases were witnessed. It was about the 1970 that E. F. Codd proposed a relational model for databases. The presented a system that separates the logical organization (schema) of a database from the physical storages and since that, it has been a standard in the field of computing. The term Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) was coined during this period. Theories about databases had finally made its way to the mainstream research projects. Two main prototypes for RDBMS were created: Ingres that was developed at UCB and this system used QUEL as query language and System R that was developed at IBM San Jose and this system used SEQUEL as query language. Meanwhile, in 1976, P. Chen suggested the Entity-Relationship (ER) model for database design which was proved to be vital in conceptual data models. This proposal enabled the designers to focus more on the data usage rather than its logical table structure. Commercialization of database systems for businesses began during the 1980s as demands for computers boomed. In addition, Structured Query Language (SQL) became a standard for database systems during these periods. DB2 became IBM’s flagship and development of IBM PC paved the way for more database companies and products like Dbase III and IV, Database Manager, OS/2 and Watcom SQL. The network and hierarchical models for database also started to disappear in the background. When the 1990s came, only a few surviving companies began to offer complex products at higher prices. Developments on database systems were more focused on client tool applications such as PowerBuilder (Sybase), Oracle Developer and VB (Microsoft). Some personal productivity tools related to database management were also created such as Microsoft Access and Excel. Some prototypes of Object Database Management System (ODBMS) also arose in the 1990s. It was also during the 1990s that the World Wide Web appeared. Large investments were made by Internet-related companies on Web and database connectors. Examples of these connectors are Active Server Pages (ASP), Java Servlets, JDBC, ColdFusion, Dream Weaver and Oracle Developer 2000. A solid growth of database applications was still observed in the early 21st century. Three companies continually dominate the database market: Oracle, IBM and Microsoft. In the near future, it is generally seen that databases management will be more sophisticated since huge systems (systems with storage measured in terabytes) are currently existing today. Most of these systems are used by most projects with science databases (genome projects, space exploration data). However, the â€Å"next great thing† on is the usage of XML with Java and other emerging technologies as a way to store data.

Intrinsic And Extrinsic Compensation Instruments Commerce Essay

Intrinsic And Extrinsic Compensation Instruments Commerce Essay Compensation is the remuneration received by an employee in return for his/her contribution to the organization. It is an organized practice that involves balancing the work-employee relation by providing monetary and non-monetary benefits to employees. Compensation is an integral part of human resource management which helps in motivating the employees and improving organizational effectiveness. Components of Compensation System Compensation systems are designed keeping in minds the strategic goals and business objectives. Compensation system is designed on the basis of certain factors after analyzing the job work and responsibilities. Components of a compensation system are as follows: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Job analysis à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Salary structures à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Pay structure Need of Compensation Management A good compensation package is important to motivate the employees to increase the organizational productivity. Unless compensation is provided no one will come and work for the organization. Thus, compensation helps in running an organization effectively and accomplishing its goals. Salary is just a part of the compensation system, the employees have other psychological and self-actualization needs to fulfill. Thus, compensation serves the purpose. The most competitive compensation will help the organization to attract and sustain the best talent. The compensation package should be as per industry standards. The financial assets of a company have always occupied central importance whenever it has come to management decisions. However worlds recent plunge into financial crisis has raised this importance to critical level. This has particularly put direct effect upon financial sector such as banks. The fact that organizations cannot control their external environment in current period of recession has put direct emphasis. Compensation management deals with the ability to effectively compensate the employees to work and create a competitive advantage through highly motivated human resources (HR). Compensation is the cornerstone of an effective talent management strategy. The ability to enable consistent, reliable and standardized compensation processes that are linked to performance drivers of individual and organizational strategies can affect many facets of the business. Some of these facets include: (1) Improved employee morale and retention, (2) Increased employee engagement and productivity, (3) Strengthened governance and compliance with company and regulatory issues. Motivation is the set of reasons that determines one to engage in a particular behavior, having phenomenological and physiological dimensions. The term is generally used for human motivation but, theoretically, it can be used to describe the causes for animal behavior as well. This article refers to human motivation. According to various theories, motivation may be rooted in the basic need to minimize physical pain and maximize pleasure, or it may include specific needs such as eating and resting, or a desired object, hobby, goal, state of being ideal. Employee satisfaction helps the company to maintain a standard increase productivity by motivating the employees. As human resource is the most important resource for any organization, so to study on employee satisfaction helps to know the working conditions what are the things that affect them to work properly or otherwise. These factors become really crucial when we talk about financial institutions that have nothing more than services and that also of financial basis to attract their customers. In this condition it becomes really important for them to deal in an effective and committed way to their customers. Because they have no real brand names to back them up, and also customers feel very protective while dealing with financial products, services or institutions. The strength of any financial service provider lies in it human resources. It is logical that if you have a strength that can be your competitive advantage and is directly related towards your operations it will help in evading your threats in external environment. A satisfied and motivated workforce will have convincing influence upon customers and can attract them even in most gruesome conditions as we can find nowadays. 2. OVERVIEW OF THE BANKING SECTOR IN PAKISTAN Pakistan is a developing country, and being a developing country the recent financial crunch has the worst impact over it. Where developed countries like America and that of European Union managed to sustain their financial institutions through the strength of their governments. But it is evident that countries like Pakistan lack such government strength. So businesses and especially financial institutions in a country like Pakistan has no hope to control the effect of any such calamities through bailing out by factors like government from their external environment. So then what they must do? It is the question that has to arise. We have already discussed the problem of financial institutions for lacking any strong brand and having sensitive customers. In this scenario financial institutions may only count on the strength of their internal environment. Observing financial sector of Pakistan, it becomes clear that banking sector dominates it. Banking sector for Pakistan has been somewhat static and slow moving for decades, until government let go of all banks except National Bank of Pakistan in private hands. This started a new revolution in banking sector, with changes erupting in almost every aspect of private banks. This brought about a serious competitive environment in the banking sector. But with all the positive impacts it also brought some big question marks and doubts. Doubts regarding employees and customer satisfaction. Question marks about who is the best. But with financial crunch these doubts have changed to which bank can survive, and who can still have trust of its customers. In banking sector if one name cant be ignored then it is National Bank of Pakistan, The bank that has not only the largest branch network nationwide but also in foreign country, largest reserves, highest authority and strong corporate brand posi tion with government backing. National Bank of Pakistan National Bank of Pakistan was established under the NPB ordinance in 1949 and was 100% govt.-owned. NBP acted as an agent of the Central Bank wherever the State Bank did not have its own Branch. It also undertook Government Treasury operations. Its first branches were in jute growing areas in East Pakistan. Offices in Karachi and Lahore followed. In1950 NBP established a branch in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. By this time NBP had branches in London and Calcutta, in 1955. In1957 NBP established a branch in Baghdad, Iraq. In 1962 NBP established a branch in Dar-as-Salaam, Tanganyika. In 1964 The Iraqi government nationalized NBPs Baghdad branch. In 1965 the Indian government seized the Calcutta branch on the outbreak of hostilities between India and Pakistan. In 1967 The Tanzanian government nationalized the Dar-Es-Salaam branch. In 1971 NBP acquired Bank of Chinas two branches, one in Karachi and one at Chittagong. At separation of East Pakistan NBP lost its branches there. NBP merged with E astern Mercantile Bank and with Eastern Bank Corporation. In 1974 the government of Pakistan nationalized NBP. As part of the concomitant consolidation of the banking sector, NBP acquired Bank of Bahawalpur (est. 1947). In 1977 NBP opened an offshore brain Cairo. In 1994 NBP amalgamated Tehran Bank (EST. 1991). In 1997 NBPs branch in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan commenced operations. In 2000 NBP opened a representative office in Almay, Kazakhstan. In 2001 State Bank of Pakistan and Bank of England agree to allow only 2 Pakistani banks to operate in the UK. NBP and United Bank agreed to merge their operations to form Pakistan International Bank, of which NBP would own 45% and United Bank 55%. Also that year, NBP closed its branch in New York. In 2002 Pakistan International Bank renamed itself United National Bank Limited (Ileana Gumby, 2009). The ownership structure of the UNB remained as before. The only change to the shareholding structure is that UBL had recently been privatized in Pakistan and was now owned 49% by the Government of Pakistan and 51% by a joint foreign consortium of Abu Dhabi. In 2003 NBP received permission to open a branch in Afghanistan. Today NBP has 1450 domestic branches nationwide spread over 23 regional segmentation. It has assets up to 350 billion rupees (NBP, 2011). 3. PROBLEM STATEMENT This paper will look in to the perspective of compensation management system in banking sector by knowing about what motivates employees in baking sector. Nowadays banks have become extremely decentralized in nature and due to privatization of banks the level of competition has entered in a new dynamic phase, which directly has its effects over employees of banks. Continuous increasing market demands have literally over loaded employees of banking sector and stretched their working hours in an absurd way. All of this has resulted in employee complaints about work pressure, stress, strain, lack of fulfilling family expectations etc which really have a bad impact over employee motivation of banking sector and ultimately their performance. To handle this situation banks are using different compensation (both intrinsic extrinsic) and reward policies for motivating their employees. The question is whether banks are applying the appropriate compensation strategies with respect to their em ployees? Are these strategies achieving the desired results? Which type of compensation has more motivational effects? These issues if remained unaddressed then can lead to problems like de-motivation, dissatisfaction of employees and customer, high turnover etc and therefore needs to be studied with care. 4. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES The paper will find out different aspects of a compensation system having motivational effects by finding what employees perceive to be the most motivating factor in their compensation system by the assessment of instruments used for extrinsic as well as extrinsic compensation through checking the effectiveness of different intrinsic instruments regarding job satisfaction and motivation to work among the employees of National Bank of Pakistan, Attack city. 5. LITERATURE REVIEW Swinton (2006) described a relationship between Maslows hierarchies of needs with Herzberg theory. Maslows theory state a persons needs hierarchy with basic needs at base followed by security needs, social needs, esteem needs and self actualization needs. She is of the opinion that up to esteem needs level employee motivation or satisfaction can be maintained by factors which Herzberg called hygiene factors. This includes salary, benefits, job security, company policy etc while to deal with people at self actualization level factors known as motivators would be needed. This includes employee achievement, employee recognition, and employee growth. By keeping in mind this relationship among two basic theories of management organization may find it easy to manage their HR and other operations. Kidman and Golding (2006) are of the view that knowledge management system could play an integral part in increasing any organizations performance and can help it to compete in such highly competi tive environment as todays. They say that knowledge management system if applied can bring improvements in decision making, increase in customer value, improving relationships with consumers and bringing new value in to sight by including the concept of innovation. Sureshchandar et al (2002) in their research studied banking sector of India and analyzed how different banks apply concept of total quality service in their functions. They found that these applications are inconsistent and incongruent with in all banks. Which makes it highly sophisticated sector. According to them banks of India can be divided into three groups based upon their perception about total quality services in operations. Barney and Wright (1997) describe that although human resources are accepted to be organizations most important assets yet organizations decision often depicts contradiction with this belief. They further say that HR should not be neglected because they can bring competitive advantage to orga nization. Therefore they should be managed with equal importance with other functions of the business. Hustled (1995) has emphasized on the fact that usage of high performance work practices i.e. comprehensive employee recruitment, Incentive compensation and performance management, extensive employee training and involvement programs surely increase competence of employees, it increase their motivation and reduce turnover. This results in retention of quality employees and also is a useful way to eradicate poor performers from the organization. Nowadays organizations have been persuaded by competitive environment to apply a progressive HR strategy. As stated with the relevance of Pfeiffer (1996) the past decade has presented with many testimonials to the value of progressive HRM practices and system of such practices. In particular, employee participation, empowerment and job redesign, extensive employee training and performance contingent incentive compensation, are widely believed to improve the performance of organizations (John T Delaney and Mark A Hustled, 1996, Mark A Hustled, 1995). Human Resource management and productivity of organization has a direct relationship with each other. If employees are managed appropriately i.e. job analysis, recruitment, training, motivational tools like compensation etc they are destined to give high performance in their operations so will improve the overall productivity of the organization (Casey Ichniowski et al., 1997). While Catanzaro (2001) described the effects of compensation over employee motivation, he stated that compensation has a profound effect over employee motivation. He also discussed several factors of compensation which include both intrinsic and extrinsic factors and their possible effects over motivation in detail. He also emphasized that monetary values are not the only motivators but non monetary factors have more importance towards motivating employees. In Hong Kong, base salary, merit pay, year-end bonus, annual leave, mortgage loan, and profit sharing were the most important factors to retain and motivate employees. In China, base salary, merit pay, year-end bonus, housing provision, cash allowance, over time allowance, and individual bonus were the most important factors to retain and motivate employees (Randy K Chiu et al., 2002). Reward and recognition programs can positively affect motivation, performance and interest within an organization. While a little more problematic, team-based incentives, if designed appropriately, can also encourage and support a range of positive outcomes (Patricia Milne, 2007). Promotion and wages positively influence employees work motivation. A comparison of the relative strengths of the effects reveals that fair promotion was a more powerful motivator than wage level and wage increase. The reason why fairness in promotion was more effective than wage to motivate employees was discussed in light of the unique career system existing in Japanese companies and the agency problems between companies and their supervisors. Takahashi (2006) explores past and present attitudes of employees concerning work-related motivational factors. Understanding the factors that employees consider motivating lends insight to the rewards to which they more positively respond. It compares the results of four motivation surveys conducted in 1946, 1980, 1986 and 1992. The comparisons revealed that employees motivational preferences vary over time. In addition, the results of the 1992 survey indicate that the factors that motivate todays workers are more extrinsic than they used to be. Although employees differ on how they rank these factors, they overwhelmingly selected good wages as the top motivator. A good wage is an extrinsic reward with intrinsic potency. On the surface good wages seem to be purely extrinsic. Yet, at a deeper level, monetary rewards communicate what the company values and affect employees emotional and familial wellbeing (Carolyn Wiley, 1997). 6. HYPOTHESIS After conducting literature review the following hypotheses have to be tested. H1: Compensation plans are significantly associated with extrinsic and intrinsic factors of motivation. H2: Extrinsic factors are significantly contributing to the overall compensation plan. H3: Intrinsic factors are significantly contributing to the overall compensation plan. 7. METHODOLOGY AND RESEARCH DESIGN A case study research design was adopted by taking National Bank of Pakistan as special case. In fact case study is research, which is an intensive analysis of an individual unit (e.g., a person, group, or event) stressing developmental factors in relation to context. Total 50 bank employees were interviewed, including officer cadre employees like branch managers and operation managers and non officers cadre employees like cashiers, tellers and dispatchers of the branches located in Attack city, Karma, Makah and Ghorghushti of the district Attock. Structured Interview technique was adopted as primary data collection tool. Five sub variables were developed for extrinsic compensation variable and four sub variables were developed for intrinsic compensation variable. Total 30 statements were asked from the respondents regarding both intrinsic as well as extrinsic compensation factors, which can motivate them, in such way that 17 statements were about intrinsic compensation and 13 statements were about extrinsic compensation. The statements were firstly scaled according to the Likert Scaling technique by assigning weights to it on poly-cot scale from 1 strongly dis-agrees to 5 strongly agree. The weights of each statement were added in such way that they were multiplied with total statements, that is, (30X5=150) to get total score of 150. Then low, medium and high categories were made. The score of (30-to 60) was considered as low score. The score of (70 to 100) was considered as medium score and the score of (110 to 140) was considered as high score. The framework of the study consists of two main variables for the total compensation system, i.e. Intrinsic and extrinsic. The intrinsic variable has been further divided in to five sub variables, i.e. salary, benefits, short term incentives, long term incentives and perquisite. On the other side, the extrinsic variable has been divided into four sub variables, i.e. job itself, career development, autonomy and delegation. These factors are the motivational elements for the employees. 8. PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS The data has presented in shape of tables, in such way that the table, 1 is about the Demographic Characteristics of the respondents Scores of the Respondents, and the table 2 is correlation Analysis for knowing the relationship between the intrinsic and extrinsic variables. The above table shows the demographic characteristics of respondents as well as the scores achieved in each variable. The data shows that gender wise, there are more males employees in the National Bank of Pakistan, Attock Branch. On other side age wise there are more employees in 20-25 years age as compared to other age groups. Marital statuses wide there are more married as compared to single employees. The scores of the employees shows that gender wise females were more motivated both about intrinsic as well extrinsic compensation factors by having 137 out of 150 score as compared to counterpart males, who have got 119/150 score. Age wise the young employees in age category of 20-25 years had got more score i.e. 138/150, which mean that this age category was more motivated as compared to other age categories. Marital status wise, the single employees had more score 131/150 as compared to married one. The correlation analysis shows that there has been strong positive relationship between the both types compensation factors used by the National Bank of Pakistan, Attock branches. The 1st sub variable, salary is highly positively correlated with job (r: 0.78), career development (r: 0.69), autonomy (r: 0.73) and delegation (r: 0.64). In same way Benefits is also highly positively correlated with job (r: 0.81) and career development (r: 0.71), but moderately positively correlated with autonomy (r: 0.68) and delegation (r: 0.58). In same way short term incentives is also is highly positively correlated with job (r: 0.82) and career development (r: 0.78), but moderately positively correlated with autonomy (r: 0.73) and delegation (r: 0.67). So far as the long term incentives is concerned. It is strongly positively correlated with Job (r: 0.76) but moderately positively correlated with career development (r: 0.67), autonomy (r: 0.64) and delegation (r: 0.59). In the last there is perquisite which is strongly correlated with job (r: 0.80), but moderately correlated with career development (r: 0.68), autonomy (r: 0.59) and Delegation (r: 0.62). This moderate, and high correlation between the compensation variables show that in one or other way all of the compensation variables have impact on each other and they motivate the employees at the National Bank of Pakistan, Attack branch. 9. DISCUSSION The Findings of this study shows that nine compensation factors have been used in the overall compensation strategy by National Bank of Pakistan and these factors have positive relationship with each other in such way that all of them are contributing positively towards development of motivation among the employees of bank. The scores of the employees shows that female employees were more motivated by these motivating factors of compensation as compared to male employees, this could be because the female employees are more contended with their jobs and family lives and have less responsibility. On other side the young employees regardless of gender, in the age category of (20-30) were more motivated by these compensation factors as compared to other age groups. This is probably because the young employees are more energetic and have more involvement towards job as compared to old employees, who get fed up from job. Furthermore the young employees have less home as well as job related responsibilities as compared to old people who have tension of both family as well as job. Marital status wise, the single employees were more motivated with the compensation factors, most probably because the single employees have less familial responsibilities and less expenses as compared to married one, who have more familial responsibilities and expenses, and thus they remain under tight budget and their motivation level is less. It was found that employees had general acceptance that their salary and benefits package are better. And a high level of satisfaction was felt and observed in employees regarding their extrinsic factors. However intrinsic factors of compensation were more important, like the permanent nature of the job. So employees can deliver their best with a sense of satisfaction. Employees who were interviewed strongly advocated that no other bank in Pakistan except National Bank of Pakistan keeps its employees this much close. Nor do they really do much for employee loyalty, and development. For instance regular promotions of employees cannot be observed in other banks like Habit Bank as quoted by several employees. Also creation and observation of this sense of belongingness to a prestigious organization to and by Employees of NBP cannot be seen else here. Reason for this claim was related mostly towards privatization of other banks. From interviews it became a reality that National Banks employees are one of the most loyal Human Resources an organization may find regardless of the fact that they have to work more hours and hectically than other banks. There were complaints about low staff distribution in many branches of small cities and long working hours disturbing employees social life but even these overcame by the positive effects created by National Banks compensation strategy upon its employees over the years. 10. CONCLUSION The paper had concluded that Compensation management has a direct relationship with employee motivation and performance. Extrinsic benefit plans plays a delight role in perception of an employee towards its organization and its work. And these factors play the role of satisfiers. Instruments of intrinsic factors have a profound impact upon an employees loyalty and an organizations turn over. Intrinsic factors play the role of motivators for the employees and associate them with their job and organization. They feel important and consider their performance as organization performance and image of organization as their own image. It is recommended that banking sector must focus a lot upon the well being of its Human Resources by properly designing their compensation system. So that banks can achieve a competitive advantage through their employees and stand apart as well stand strong in such hard times as in current global financial crisis when financial sector is experiencing a tight squeeze in external environment. Intrinsic Instruments are strongly advised to be more aligned for the entire banking sector. The paper recommends extrinsic factors as the basis but intrinsic as the beauty as only the inner satisfaction can produce optimum quality. For the future research, studies which can find out the relationship of other factors of compensation, especially the subjective one, with motivation would be of great value. 11. THEORY AND PRACTICE The final findings were compared with the Best Practices Compensation policies. This led to the following observations. 1. The bank offers very few pay incentives. Best Practices recommend little emphasis on pay and therefore the banks policy is in line with Best Practices recommendations. Most employees however demand higher pay incentives. 2. The bank does not have any policy for rewarding individual level job performance. This is contrary to Best Practices Compensation recommendations 3. The Bank does not have any policy for rewarding team or group performance. This is in accordance with the Best Practices recommendations. 4. Most employees suggest that the bank should pay certain rewards on the basis of individual level job performance as does Best Practice theory. 5. Bank policy indicates an increased emphasis on seniority when it comes to pay decisions. This is contrary to Best Practices recommendations. Most employees also suggest that seniority should remain an important factor when it comes to pay decisions. Although the Bank has based its policies on long-term goals but it appears that it is unable to implement this. It seems that short-term goals have been given priority in practice. The Bank offers excellent benefits package in accordance with the Best Practices Compensation policies. However most employees want more benefits. 12. RECOMMENDATIONS The following recommendations have been suggested in accordance with the Best Practices Compensation policies:- 1. The bank must device policies to reward individuals for the individual level performances. This could be in the form of performance bonuses, rewards or profit sharing. 2. The Bank must consider reducing the emphasis on seniority. Although it is not a matter of concern for most of the employees, but in the long run, this may adversely affect the performance of the Bank. 3. The Bank must continue with it exists benefit package in accordance with best practices. 4. The Bank must communicate the importance of its excellent benefit package to the employees of the Bank. This may help to increase the motivation level of the employees. 5. The bank must continue its policy for not awarding any incentive for group performance. 6. The bank must refocus its attention on long-term goals.

Cultural Values and Personal Ethics Paper -- Morals Ethics Decision ma

Cultural Values and Personal Ethics Paper Personal, organizational, and cultural values are the basis of an individual's personal and professional decision-making style. These values are the key ingredients that make up our core beliefs. Values are ideas that are actions which could be right or wrong, good or bad that are the basis of human action (Tosi 2000). Personal values might also be called morality, since they reflect general expectations of any person in any society, acting in any capacity. These are the principles we try to instill in our children, and expect of one another without needing to articulate the expectation or formalize the process in any way. Family is the first school for a child where the seeds of cultural values are sown (Jain para 6). Cultural values are the beliefs of a human group that one can identify. Cultural value is the newest terminology which is used in literature on international relationships and economics. Individuals acting in an organization take on an additional burden of ethical res ponsibility. For example, organizations have codes of ethics that prescribe required behavior within the context of a professional practice such as medicine, law, accounting, or engineering. These written codes provide rules of conduct and standards of behavior based on the principles of Professional Ethics (Colero para15). Personal Values My personal values include hard work, honesty, achieving success in life, being flexible and helping others. My values evolve around leading a fulfilling lifestyle that allows me to be a supportive, loving and contributing member of my family and community. A clear picture of our personal values allows us to rank the tasks on our "to do" lists according to how closely... ...dividual Employees in Organizations-An Integration Framework. Journal of American Academy of Business, Cambridge (8) 2, 105-112. Retrieved March 30, 2006 from EBSCOhost Database. Payne, Neil. (Feb 2006)International affairs: in today's global market, knowing how to conduct cross-cultural meetings is essential.(Motivation). In Kitchen & Bath Business, 53, p30(1). Retrieved April 03, 2006, from InfoTrac OneFile Siva, Manu. Difference in Cultural Values. India Today (20) 3. 45-48 Retrieved April 03, 2006 from http://www.indiatoday.com. Soin, Raj. Clarifying and Applying Personal Values: Priorities and Integrity Retrieved. April 1, 2006 from http://www.wright.edu/~scott.williams/skills/values.htm Tosi, Henry L (2000). Cultures: National and Organizational. Managing Organizational Behavior, 4th Edition, 341-383. New York: Blackwell Publishers

Ruse’s Argument

The primary argument of Michael Ruse regarding genetic engineering is that it is very possible to proceed with the scientific method of biological entity without harming the spiritual aspect of what most religions, specifically with Christianity teach about the natural tendency of existence. His main argument is that it is possible to reconcile religion with Evolutionary Theory (Wikipedia, 2007). The stigma of creating a world of regret and blasphemy is no longer a valid reason why biological nature should be abandoned whereas it cold significantly harnessed to lead to the development of the human population. This caused some high criticisms over ethics and religious groups who were able to consider the argument of Ruse to be a serious matter. In comparison with Glover and the CRG’s view, the main aspect that differentiate them from Michael Ruse’s argument is the fact that genetic engineering should only be used restrictively if it is to be used for genetic therapy which they think as morally right whereas it would be morally wrong if the process is to select only the trait to be modified without the consideration for the greater net welfare of the organism (Umass, 2005). This is the same principle that makes the stand of the Council for Responsible Genetics. They insist that there should be an agreement on the proper code of responsibility when dealing with the manipulation of the genes of any organisms. Such act will definitely minimize the possible drawbacks of taking the power to change nature. This will ensure that the primary goal of genetic manipulation is to address the need to make it beneficial for the betterment of mankind. References: Wikipedia. 2007. Michael Ruse. Wikepedia-The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved May 9, 2007 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Ruse. Umass. 2005. Glover: Objection on Genetic Engineering. Umass Office of Information technologies. Retrieved May 9, 2007. Peter Singer-Bernard Rollin There is a good comparison between Peter Singer’s approach to the ethical values for animals and Bernard Rollin’s perception on how to take care of the human’s appeal to animals. On the part of peter singer, he intends to provide a clear view of treating animals as somewhat equal to the dignity of the humans. He lobbied for the special treatment on other organisms to be treated also as humans who have rights and privileges of living a peaceful and safe life. He has started the animal liberation movement which dramatically intends to free the animals from the intention of humans to use them for their commodities. On the other hand, Bernard Rollin plays an important role in signifying that science is never actually separated form ethics. In fact, science is full of ethical values. When it comes to animal sciences and suffering, he notes, there is an implied value-based ethical decision made whenever an animal's suffering or welfare is considered subservient to science or industry (The Pew, 2004). Emotivism is used in the argument of Singer while Rollin’s is implying Cultural Relativism. In searching for the better argument, the ethics provide by the Peter Singer is much more adhered to the true notion of ethics. His intention to set free the animals from human commercial use though genetics is directly capturing the essence of letting them live how nature intended them to survive. On the part of Rollin’s arguments, it can’t be denied that he also has a good approach in setting a standard notion about ethics and science. However, he missed the general point of protecting the animals but rather concentrates on the general perspective of influencing the people to lay down the fundamentals of ethical values. References: The Pew. 2004. Bernard Rollin: Of Animal Science and Ethics. The Pew Initiative on Food and Biotechnology. Retrieved May 9, 2007. O’Rourke, Kevin. 1986. Various Ethical Systems. Retrieved May 9, 2007 from . ; ;

Ba Main Transformation Process

Executive Summary The purpose of this report is to discuss the main theories, models, frameworks and issues in the area of operations management, using British Airways as a working model, throughout the report. It was prepares for a coursework assignment as part of a Operations Management Module Academic journals and books from the area of operations management were used to illustrate the main points in the report to give evidence and back up the information provided. Key findings of this report show how quality impacts on the development of the operations strategy in British Airways and how the key elements of design contribute hugely in operations. The importance and role of supply chain was discussed and three quality control methods; Quality Sampling, Total Quality Management and ISO 9000 were evaluated to how they could improve the performance of British Airways. Conclusions were drawn and it was found that operations management, based on the points discussed is a major factor to an organisations success. Contents Page Page Number 1. Introduction4 2. BA’s Main Transformation Process 5 & 6 3. Quality & Operations Strategy 7, 8 & 9 4. Design in Operations 10 4. 1Concept Generation10 2. Concept Screening10 4. 3Preliminary Design 10 & 11 4. 4Evaluation and Improvement11 4. 5Prototyping and final design 11 & 12 5. The Role of Supply Chain 13 1. Quality13 2. Speed14 3. Dependability14 4. Flexibility15 5. Cost15 6. Quality Control Methods16 1. Quality Sampling17 2. Total Quality Management 17 & 18 3. ISO 900018 7. Conclusions19 8. References 20 & 21 1. Introduction This report has been issued by University as part of this Operations Management module, in which a company will be selected and used as a working model throughout the report. The chosen company that will be used in relation to operations management is British Airways (hereafter BA). The various elements of operations management will be researched and applied to BA’s main transformation process. This will be done using academic articles and books in the area of operations management to illustrate the main points. The report will begin with an overview of BA’s main transformation process indicating key inputs and outputs and then investigate how quality might impact upon the development of the operation strategy. Next it will review the key elements of design and how this impacts on the operation. Finally the role of supply chain in BA’s operation will be discussed and three different quality control methods will be evaluated to show how these might improve the performance in operations. Conclusions will be drawn and any overriding management issues identified. . BA’s Main Transformation Process The transformation process is a â€Å"model that describes operations in terms of their input resources, transforming processes and outputs of goods or services† (Slack et al, 2008, Page 8) BA use their aircrafts and staff which allows passengers and freight to travel from one destination to another thus, making this BA’s main transformation process. The operations fu nction of a business is the arrangement of the resources which are allocated to the production and delivery of an organisations goods and services. Three roles that are important for an operations function are the implementer, supporter and driver of the business strategy. In this example the operations functions follows the inputs of the transformation process. BA’s main transformation process inputs are the 238 aircraft in service, 32 million passengers, and 760,000 tonnes of cargo that it carried in 2009/10 along with the pilots and cabin crew. These are the transforming resources which allow the operation to take place and results in the service being provided. This uses the transformed resources which can be split into two types; facilities such as the buildings and equipment, and staff who are all the people involved in the operation in some way. (ba. com) â€Å"The main activities of British Airways Plc and its subsidiary undertakings are the operation of international and domestic scheduled air services for the carriage of passengers, freight and mail and the provision of ancillary services† As BA is one of the worlds largest airlines operating internationally, the transformation process can be complicated with many units or departments interconnecting and contributing to the overall operation. Some of the operations with in BA include British Airways World Cargo carrying freight, mail and courier traffic. (ba. com) They key outputs of BA’s transformation process are the millions of transported passengers to over 300 worldwide destinations and the cargo including dangerous goods and live animals. The outputs are services and therefore intangible. 3. Quality & Operations Strategy Operations strategies plan how the function will achieve future goals which are aligned with the companies overall strategy. This can be done by understanding current capabilities and limitations, exploiting current capabilities in quality and process innovation. The basic role of operations is to implement strategy. â€Å"Operations strategy concerns the pattern of strategic decisions and actions which set the role, objectives and activities of the operation† (Slack et al, 2007, Page 63) Operations are the resources that create products and services. There are four perspectives on operations strategy; top down, market requirements, bottom up and operations resources perspective. BA states â€Å"Meeting the rising expectations of our customers’ remains central to our strategy of transforming British Airways into the world’s leading global premium airline† This includes investment in their staff, aeroplanes and facilities in order to provide a premium quality service to their customers. (ba. com) â€Å"Quality is consistent conformance to customers’ expectations† (Slack et al, 2007, Page 539) Relating this to the above strategy of BA the quality of the service would be the friendly and helpful cabin crew, the flight leaving on time, clean aircraft and baggage arriving at the same time and destination as the passenger. Punctuality ensures other operational processes run smoothly and remains a key factor in whether customers would recommend British airways to other travellers† (ba. com). Therefore if BA produces a quality service to all of its customers, it is likely that they will get more business through recommendation s and giving them an advantage over other airlines. As the quality of service that BA provides is paramount to the customer and can be a deciding factor on repeat business, this will have to be incorporated to the overall operations strategy of the organisation for it to be a success. In BA’s 2009/10 annual report and accounts their strategy and objectives include meeting customer needs and improving margins through new revenue streams. Total Quality Management can have an influential impact on this as quality can reduce costs and increase dependability. â€Å"Lowered total quality expenditures, increased level of quality and reallocation of quality resources to prevention and away from appraisal and defect/failure correction activities† (SAM Advanced Management Journal, 1990, Page 25). This supports the above strategy of BA. TQM enables the developing of strategic thinking due to its inter-disciplinary nature† (Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, 2004, Page 264) Overall in respect to BA this means that there has to be quality control in place for the overall strategy to be successful. When developing the operations strategy, taking quality into consideration there may be a higher cost initially, however, referring to the research a bove costs may be reduced overall due to less errors and more emphasis being placed on prevention tactics. 4. Design in Operations There are five stages of service design which will be looked at individually in relation to BA; 4. 1Concept Generation If BA were to introduce a new destination to the existing range that they already offer if they decide to follow the market requirement perspective which is â€Å"what the market position requires operations to do† (Slack et al, 2001, Page 65). A lot of people would have to be involved from management at the top down to the customers. Market research would be a good idea to get ideas and suggestions from the customers for the proposed new estination. â€Å"Operations strategy involves translating marketing requirements into operations decisions† (Slack et al, 2007, Page 63) 2. Concept Screening This stage involves the ides going through feasibility, acceptability and vulnerability evaluation. Questions such as are the resources such as aircrafts and staff available, will it be accepted and what may go wrong with it and will it all be answered and evalua ted. At this stage the ideas will progressively get fewer as each one is evaluated until there is only one possibility left. . Preliminary Design Preliminary design is the identifying of component products and services in the package, which in this case is the new flight destination in BA and the process of this will also be defined at this stage. The components of the new flight destination may be the aircraft, cabin crew, pilot, information leaflets and arrangement of new flight path and times. BA is part of a mass service process type in which there are many customers transactions therefore there is limited contact time and not much room for customisation. For example BA cannot put on a special journey for a single person as there are a range of pre-planned journeys for passengers to choose between. 4. Evaluation and Improvement Design evaluation and improvement is used to see if the preliminary design can be improves and this can be done using various techniques including quality function deployment, value engineering and taguchi methods. Looking at Quality Function Deployment (QFD), which is a technique used to ensure that the eventual design of BA’s service actually meets the needs of the customers. For example the new flight destination would have to be where the customers want to go and figure how this can be achieved. 5. Prototyping and final design The final stage of design is to turn the design into a prototype. For the new flight destination this may be running the flight on a trial basis to get reactions and feedback from the BA customers. Through the design process the five performance objectives; quality, speed, dependability, flexibility and cost will be considered. For example it can be decided if the quality of service will be the same as a regular flight or if it is going to be increased and marketed as a premium flight. Will the flight be dependable and be on a regular basis and will the cost be in relation to the service as mentioned above and if the customers will be willing to pay more. This would be classed as a product layout within BA which â€Å"involves locating the transforming resources entirely for the convenience of the transformed resources† (Slack et al, 2007, page 193). The transforming resources being the people, for example in BA as they can move through the airport in a predetermined route to enable them to get to the aircraft. 5. 0The role of Supply Chain A supply chain can be described as â€Å"A linkage or strand of operations that provides goods and services through to end customers; within a supply network several supply chains will cross through an individual operation† (Slack et al, 2007, page 402) All supply chain management has a common objective to satisfy the end customer and in the case of BA this will be the people travelling on the flight or BA’s World Cargo. As mentioned in the design process the five performance objectives; quality, speed, dependability, flexibility and cost will have to achieve appropriate levels in the supply chain. These can be looked at individually in relation to BA: 1. Quality For a flight many onboard services are required including the equipment food and drink. By the time the meal reaches the customer on the flight it has gone through many operations in the supply chain. It is important that at each stage there are minimal errors as this multiplies by the time it reaches the customer. Each stage then needs to take responsibility for its own and their supplier’s performance. This can in turn, ensure that the supply chain can achieve a high level of customer satisfaction at the end and therefore increase the chance of returning custom. 2. Speed In relation to BA, speed can mean the time it takes a customer to be served from the time they request the item to when it arrives. For example, receiving a drink in-flight. A fast response may be achieved by ensuring there is enough resources and stock, such as flight attendants and beverages within the supply chain. If there is a large amount of stock then the customers demand will be fulfilled. In order for this to be successful, the products received from further up the supply chain, such as from the manufacturers need to have fast throughput time. Achieving this allows the customer demands to be met if there is stock readily available. 3. Dependability This means that BA has to have to correct stock in the right place at the right time. The airline needs to have the correct number or supplies or more on board at the time of a flight take off to ensure the demands of the customers are met. For example â€Å"If the individual operations in a chain do not deliver as promised on time, there will be a tendency for customers to over order, or order early, in order to provide some kind of insurance against late delivery† (Slack et al, 2007, page 404) A way that BA can control their â€Å"items of low value, fairly consistent usage and short lead time† (Tersine, 1982, page 432) such as beverages is the two bin re-ordering system. This is an effective way of controlling stock levels as it can easily be seen when the re-order point is reached. 4. Flexibility Flexibility is the supply chains ability to manage changes and disturbances. If BA’s stock levels are managed this should allow flexibility so the end customer’s needs are met and done so in a responsive manner. For BA to be flexible all operations in the supply chain must also be flexible. 5. Cost At each operational stage of the supply chain costs are incurred in order to produce the final product or service. A way of reducing costs is through JIT. Just-in-time is a Japanese management philosophy which tries to eliminate waste and always improve productivity. JIT has many roles to play in an organisation as â€Å"Continuous improvement processes are associated with JIT including product quality, process efficiency, information systems and operating value-added activities more effectively while eliminating non-value-added activities† (Wild, 2002, page 61) BA may also incur costs whilst finding the right suppliers or trying to find one supplier of there required costs to cut the cost of their transactions and come to a mutually beneficial agreement for both parties. 6. Quality Control Methods Measures for quality characteristics within BA can include functionality which is how well the service does the job, for example taking people to their required destination safely. Appearance is another which relates to the decor and cleanliness of aircraft, lounges and crew. Reliability, consistency of the flight service and keeping to the allocated times is another characteristic which is important to the service that BA provides. Durability ensures that the service provided is up to date and relevant to the customers needs. Recovery is the ease with which problems can be resolved and contact between airline staff and customers. These characteristics can be measured as variables and attributes. For quality control methods to take place operations must identify how the quality characteristics can be measured and a standard to which it can be checked against. As much of BA’s quality comes down to service it can be difficult to perceive as this has no quantified measure. Quality control uses statistics, process analysis and quality standards, these attempts are to solve the root cause of any quality problems. Quality means â€Å"doing things right, first time, every time† (Slack et al, 2010, Page 505) and in turn this will have a positive effect on revenues costs and customer satisfaction. The techniques of controlling quality that will be looked at in relation to BA are; quality sampling, total quality management and ISO 9000. 1. Quality Sampling This can be done by handing out surveys towards the end of the flight to receive customer feedback. The results can then be used to determine whether or not the quality characteristics mentioned above are up to the correct standards as expected by the customers and what BA wants to achieve. This will not be 100% checking as not every person will take the time to fill this out; however it can give a good indication of BA’s performance. The results of this can then be used to find areas that need to be approved for example the courtesy of the crew or areas that are positive such are the decor and cleanliness of the aircraft. Overall if action is taken this should help to improve the performance of BA. 2. Total Quality Management Total Quality Management, (TQM) means meeting the needs and expectations of customers. This includes all costs associated with quality which are prevention, appraisal, internal and external failure costs. Prevention costs are used to save failures and errors occurring. This can be the training and development of personnel and designing and improving of services and aircrafts to reduce any quality problems. Appraisal costs that could be incurred with BA are the setting of sampling plans as mentioned above and also conducting customer surveys. Internal failure costs, dealt from within the BA may include lost time due to errors. For example if problems occur and a flight is delayed or unable to take off. If a strategy is in place this could prevent this error from happening. Finally external failure costs which are errors going out of the operation to the customer. An example can be an annoyed customer who take up the time of staff at a check in desk. The main aim of TQM is that the processes and products will be continually improved. 3. ISO 9000 Without any quality control methods there is little or no basis to measure and monitor quality performance. Certification to the ISO 9000 standard demonstrates if an organisations quality of service and products are acceptable. This may improve the performance of BA as it gives assurance to customers that the service has to be at a certain standard so therefore there could be an increase of custom. However this could prove costly to train staff and conducing audits. 7. Conclusions The main findings from this report were the effects of quality on the development of the operations strategy and how design also impacts on this within BA. It was shown how quality, speed, dependability, flexibility and cost form the basis to all the decisions that are made in the area of operations management. It was found that meeting the rising expectations of BA’s customers was paramount and quality control remained central in this. It was suggested that BA could us a survey to receive feedback to work on and improve if appropriate. This could increase the standard of quality of service within the organisation. The five stages of design in operations; concept generation, concept screening, preliminary design, evaluation and improvement and prototyping and final design were identified and evaluated. The role of supply chain was discussed against the five performance objectives; quality, speed, dependability, flexibility and cost will have to achieve appropriate levels in the supply chain. Quality and its importance were shown how it can improve the performance of BA. In final conclusion it as found that operations management, based on the points discussed is a major factor to an organisations success. 8. References LEONARD, D and MCADAM, R. , 2004. Total quality management in strategy and operations: dynamic grounded models, Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management. online]. 15(3). Pp. 254-266. Available from: http://www. emeraldinsight. com/journals. htm? issn=1741-038X&volume=15&issue=3&articleid=851034&show=html www. emeraldinsight. com [Accessed 12th December 2010] www. ba. com [Accessed throughout December 2010] SLACK, N. , CHAMBERS, S. and JOHNSTON, R. , 2007. Operations Management. 5th ed. Essex: Pearson Education Limited GILMORE, H. L. , 1990. Continuous Incrementa l Improvement: An Operations Strategy for Higher Quality, Lower Costs, and Global Competitiveness. SAM Advanced Management Journal. online]. 55(1). Pp. 21. Available from: http://web. ebscohost. com/ehost/detail? vid=10&hid=112&sid=a64d86a6-2b59-4820-89e8-685e3526e9e7%40sessionmgr110&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=buh&AN=4601151 [Accessed 13th December 2010] SLACK, N. , CHAMBERS, S. and JOHNSTONE, R. , 2001. Operations Management. 3rd ed. Essex: Pearson Education Limited WILD, T. , 2002. Best Practice in Inventory Management. 2nd ed. Oxford: Elsevier Science Ltd TERSINE, R J. , 1982. Principles of Inventory and Materials Management. nd ed. New York, NY: Elsevier Science Publishing Co. , Inc TANNINEN, K. , PUUMALAINEN, K. and SANDSTROM, J. M. , 2010. the power of TQM: analysis of its effects on profitability, productivity and customer satisfaction. Total Quality Management & Business Excellence. [online] 21(2) Pp. 171-184. Available from: http://web. ebscohost. com/ehost/detai l? vid=7&hid=105&sid=15499fbe-0026-4e12-b2c1-b55559c94134%40sessionmgr114&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=buh&AN=47760259 [Accessed 16th December 2010]