Dominican Republic International Strategies Foreign Policy And National Security Affairs Essay

Dominican Republic is known to be one of the US Loyalists around the world today. Primarily, this is because of the fact that the United States has actually been involved in the huge part of the country’s history. As for now, the country is involved in a representative democracy status of governance. Guided primarily by the American government, the country is able to survive the challenges of the modern life in the industrial scene in the society today. A LAND rich in natural resources such as gold, iron, bauxite, marble and amber; a well-watered land that can sustain its population with its agricultural produce; a land that varies in climate from the hot, humid coastal region to the refreshing coolness of the mountains; a land of palm trees and blue skies; this is the Dominican Republic (Harvey, 2006, 19). Its area of 19,129 square miles constitutes two-thirds of the second-largest island of the Antilles group, a necklace of islands that spreads in an arc from the tip of the Florida Peninsula to Venezuela. Its highest mountain, Pico Duarte, rises 10,714 feet, like a sentinel guarding the outer perimeter of the Caribbean Sea. The earliest known inhabitants, Indian hunters, fishermen, farmers, have long since vanished from the scene, victims of the greed, the cruelty and the religious fanaticism of the Catholic â€Å"conquistadores† from Spain (Harvey, 2006, 19). Columbus came in 1492 and renamed this island of Quisqueya, as it was known, â€Å"La Espanola. † The capital, Santo Domingo, founded by his brother, Bartholomew, is said to be the oldest city in America, apart, that is, from the cities of the aboriginal inhabitants. (Matibag, 2003) The barbarities, hatreds, jealousies and violations of every Christian principle, which brought about the extinction of the Indians, long survived among a people kept in ignorance by the Roman Catholic Church, denied every opportunity to gain knowledge from God’s Word, the Bible. For over four hundred years the history of the territory has been a succession of intrigues, revolutions and wars. Even in more recent times little improvement could be noted. In the period between 1844 and 1916, for instance, fifty-six civil wars occurred. â€Å"To maintain domestic tranquillity† there was an American intervention in 1916 that lasted until 1924 (Moya Pons, 2001, 14). Next came six years of confusion under what was known as â€Å"the third republic,† and then the long period of dictatorship styled â€Å"the Era of Trujillo. † National Purpose It is the country’s admirable advocate to keep on striving for the best possible ways by which they could be given the chance to flourish amidst the growing international culture of worldwide brotherhood. Aside from simply being a part of the USA alliances, the Dominican Republic also aims to be independently known as a strong country on its own. (Zinn, 2003, 10) As for now though, the purpose of the country remains within the lines of consideration with which the American government had been providing them with (Zinn, 2003, 18). Likely, the thought is that the country remains to be under the care of the American control, whereas, to be able to survive in the process of global change, the country’s governance need to be strongly in obedience with that of the treaties that they have signed before the American government. Understandably, these treaties involve the free trade the both countries agreed to whereas the economic system of the country becomes highly dependent to the rules of international engagement that the American government has set for them. From this particular section of the discussion, it could be well noted that the government of Dominican Republic highly intend to secure the alliance that they have with the American government as it well provides them the protection that they need from the possible military attacks that might be caused by neighboring countries. To arm themselves of the necessary guidelines that they need to survive the globally connected manner of all other countries around the world, they are in dire need of assistance from larger countries such as that of the United States (Moya Pons, 2001, 18). This does not mean though that the country’s government is lame enough to handle its own issues or problems at that, rather, it is still not prepared enough to face the huge challenges of autonomous recovery from the history of wars and inequalities in their own society that they once experienced. Ideology It has been a plaguing fact in the society today to accept the fact that many individuals around the world are aiming to become just like the western races, primarily that of the Americans. The society making up the Dominican Republic is likely one among the many groups of people who actually want to embrace the culture of the west. In fact, many other countries are in the same line of thinking. The inviting culture of the American people has likely addressed many others in a well influential way that they are most affected by what they see through media, what they read through books and the internet and many others. Truly, United States and the culture it carries are most likely considered by many as today’s most flourishing civilization in the world. With the influence that they are making in the world through trade and entertainment, they are most often that not implying the thought of the need to become like them. As a result, immigrants from around the world choose to make decisions of moving in to the American Society and Americanize themselves as part of their so-called personal satisfaction on personal advancement. (Rawley, 2005, 19) Dominican Republicans actually follow the same path. At most, according to reports, at least 40% of the immigrants in America are likely from that particular area of the world (Zinn, 2003, 13). Undeniably, these statistics prove how much the people of Dominican Republic actually want to embrace the culture of their so-named â€Å"protectors†. It is through this that the modern day youth of the Dominica Republic know less of their original traditions and culture but well know of the American Society’s advancement as well as history and traditions. This is particularly the reason why the situation among the young generation of the said country is most likely focused upon making amends as to how they could serve the best possible way to at least get out of their country and transfer to the American regions. This has been most likely the plaguing situation among third world countries as Dominican Republic today(Moya Pons, 2001, 17). Therefore, aside from being under the American control, the people are also becoming highly familiar with the American society and are thus able to adjust within the society’s way of living. Considerably, as the global scene changes, it is understandably expected that the culture of the world changes as well specifically those of the countries which are primarily involved in lower economic status in the world market (Zinn, 2003, 18). Likely, the idea is that the weaker countries would intend to become much likely dependent on those of higher and stronger standards and governance in terms of social, economic as well as global status within the global relations of countries today. (Moya Pons, 2001, 15) National Interest It is every country’s goal to be able to sustain itself along with the people living within its area of concern. The government of Dominican Republics hopes to do the same thing. Even though most of their affairs both internal and external are controlled by the government of the United States of America, the said governance still wants to provide the best possible resources to their people at the best possible way that they can. (Harvey, 2006, 32) Understandably, the government of the said country continues to aim in making its own economic standing stable in the international scene thus engaging in different business investments that are most allowed by the treaties that they have further signed with other powerful governments around the world (Matibag, 2003, 45). Because of this process, the alliances of the country with others also stand as a major key factor with which it is able to establish fine connections with others thus safeguarding national interest and providing their stakeholders with the best possible values that they ought to receive. National Power The national power of the Dominican Republic actually depends on a much larger scope within the powers of the American provisions for the country’s protection. (Matibag, 2003, 19) Understandably, this may picture the said country in a less-able entity in the international state that makes it weaker in a sense in comparison with others. However, the real national power of the country relies on their people directly. True, because of economic dependence to the country towards the control of the United States, it could not be denied that they are viewed by many as the US alliance that continues to be allied with the country for the sake of protection. On the contrary though, the people of the said country are well spirited and the history attests to this fact. They are also capable of knowing when they are already oppressed and are thus moved to act towards those who might be in a position of oppressing them. (Zinn, 2003, 18) Threat The Dominican Republic’s Status in the International Trade is likely the weakest position of the country in the world today. It could be noted that their situation in the current status of international relations today is controlled by the huge governments that are considered powerful today. With this in mind, it could be described that one particular threat in the country is that their dependence in the powerful governments of the world today might bring them down as well in times of larger complexities that may occur between the relations that they establish with the said authoritative country governments (Matibag, 2003, 19). In terms of international relations, Haiti appears to be among the toughest threats that the country needs to face. According to reports, it is the connection between the two countries that serves as a major link of Dominican Republic to failure. Likely, as Haiti becomes one among the poorest countries around the world, Dominican Republic never cease to increase in terms of economic stability and power as it continues to stay in link with that of the American government (Harvey, 2006, 31). The issue is that as the other country survives, how well is it willing to support its neighboring country in its struggle for survival in a global challenge. Domestic factors The people of Dominican Republic are known for their friendliness and hospitality to foreign visitors. Their warmth in accepting tourists have actually made them and their country one of the most visited areas in the world. With the said attitude, the people of the said country are now known for their capability of handling the needs of the different nationalities visiting their area. Most likely, this particular character makes them one of the countries whose tourist businesses are really flourishing as assistance to the supposed growth of the economy of the country. Moya Pons, 2001, 54) As of now, the country is a host to multicultural society that welcomes a number of immigrants from around the world. Their asset of being much welcoming to others made the employment rate in the said country also handle some certain changes with regards balance and multiculturalism of culture. Over eight and half people reside in the country and at least 43% if these people belong to different races (Zinn, 2003, 18). Likely, the idea is that the country holds much asset in terms of handling multicultural society as they are at times becoming the host country to some other immigrants in the United States who are aiming to search for employment abroad. (Matibag, 2003, 23) Military Strategy Since the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, over thirty-two years ago, the United States has had just three years of peace where none of its military forces were in a conflict somewhere in the world. The other twenty-nine years saw U. S. servicemen active in such places as Korea, Congo, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Indochina (Harvey, 2006, 10). As one of the countries well assisted by the American government, Dominican Republic also owes its military strength to the guidelines of security that the American government suggests to the country. Today, there are at least 44,000 personnel in military force but only 70% of them are working for actual military practices. The other 30% percent are reserved for plain security activities as well as for social security programs provided by the government (Moya Pons, 2001, 28). IT is their military stance to handle certain difficulties along with the American government when certain situations arise. As for example, they are required to send in military assistance to other American alliances which are in crisis. International Strategy The country’s connection with the American government has given it a strong stand in the International picture of alliances with other continental governance. With the American government at its back, this country became one of the many dependents of US in terms of social and military influences. In accordance with this, the country intends to use their connection with America as a basis of their strength and power in the international relations and agreements. (Harvey, 2006, 19) To even strengthen their stand, Dominican Republic carried several policies that make their status in the global connections well recognized by other governments. However, because of the control that the American government has on their regulations with regards international connections, their alliances with others that are solely decided upon their own government become rather limited to certain chosen societies that are rather pre-approved by the regulations and treaties that they have signed with America (Matibag, 2003, 52). Foreign investments also become rather controlled by the American government thus making the economic growth of the country less likely to take huge leaps forward. Foreign Policy As mentioned further earlier, Dominican Republic is known for its connection with the American government. This includes the control than the country has upon Dominican Republic’s foreign policies. Most often than not too, the country usually handles several treaties with other neighboring countries to handle the protection that they need from being possibly competed with or attacked in any possible aspect of the country’s factoral measures for advancement (Sean, 2006, 59). However, in terms of investments and money issues, the government of Dominican Republic made it sure that they are able to protect their own businessmen’s capitals to their own industries as the law against money laundering had been established on October 2001. For this reason, it could be noted that most of the foreign policies that they impose during international relations activities are largely based upon the foreign trades that they are particularly involved with at the same time. (Zinn, 2006, 13) US Involvement with Dominican Republic Obviously, from the discussions mentioned within this study, the United States and its government has so much to do with whatever status Dominican Republic have today. Ever since the recovery of the country from the strife of the war years, the US government never ceased to assist the country for the sake of regaining the economic strength that they are supposed to attain to face the challenges of a more globally renowned relations in the society today. Furthermore, the 1906 50-year treaty between Dominican Republic and the United States has bonded the two countries making each other rather strongly and directly familiar with each others strengths and limitations (Matibag, 2003, 97). Each of which are able to handle in balance so as to handle as an ace to the relationship that they share. Understandably though, the cooperation that exists between the two countries remains to be the strongest link that connects them together for success. (Moya POns, 2001, 54) Summary Numerous precedents prove that when good international relations produce confidence, it may lead to some disarmament. General friendliness between Canada and the United States, for example, has meant that their 3,000 mile [5,000 km] border has been unprotected by armies for over one and a half centuries. Norway and Sweden have achieved a similar accord, as have many other nations. Could an agreement between all nations achieve a world without armies? With the horrors of World War I, the idea gained unprecedented popularity. (Matibag, 2003, 62) When peace was made in 1918, one of the purposes of the Versailles peace treaty was â€Å"to render possible the initiation of a general limitation of the armaments of all nations. † (Sean, 2006, 19) During the following years, pacifism became popular. Some pacifists theorized that war is the worst thing that can befall a nation and is therefore worse than suffering defeat. Opponents of pacifism disagreed, pointing out that over the centuries, Jews in large areas put up little armed resistance to attackers, yet cruel attempts to exterminate them continued. Africans had little opportunity to resist those who brought them as slaves to the Americas, and yet they were cruelly mistreated for centuries. With the outbreak of World War II, however, many pacifists concluded that countries need protection. So when the United Nations was established after World War II, the emphasis was less on disarmament and more on international cooperation to prevent aggression. The members hoped that the security thus provided would give nations confidence to disarm. Another problem became increasingly clear. Often the efforts of a nation to make itself secure made its neighbor feel insecure. This vicious circle led to an arms race. But more recently, improved relations between the major nations have strengthened the hope of disarmament. Since then, however, the Gulf War and the troubles in former Yugoslavia have dashed hopes of disarmament for many. About five years ago, Time magazine commented: â€Å"Though the cold war is over, the world has become a more, rather than less, dangerous place. † (As quoted by Moya Pons, 2001, 18) It has been noted through this study that the relationship of Dominican Republic with the huge powers of the world has been rooted from the fear of being unprotected from another whole range of war years as history posted on the pages of the said country’s history. It has been through this too that many other third world countries around the world seek the protection of larger controlling governments for the sake of feeling safely endowed within their protection although at times the said relations are rather disadvantageous on their part. Conclusion During the Spanish-American War of 1898 Britain and the United States drew still closer together. This is pointed out by the New Cambridge Modern History by G. N. Clark (2000), p. 580: â€Å"A war in which the United States was subsequently engaged with Spain cemented this feeling. The government and the people of the United States recognized the advantage which they derived from the goodwill of Great Britain in the hour of their necessity, and the two nations drew together as no other two nations had perhaps ever been drawn together before. † This close relationship has continued into the twentieth century, as we have seen, resulting in a dual world power. Showing that this world power still has a powerful position in world affairs, The Washington Post, in its issue of September 28, 1969, commented on the military presence of the United States in other countries (as quoted by Rawley, 2005, 32). It observed that this presence exists in sixty-eight foreign countries and then said: â€Å"Truly, the sun never sets on America’s bewildering military entanglements† (Clark, 2000, 87). Thus the influence of the Anglo-American world power is still felt world wide even though Great Britain no longer has the vast empire she once had. But now this influence is being challenged by the Communist nations. With this truth in mind, it should be understood why smaller and weaker countries such as the Dominican Republic actually console themselves to feel protected from the possible attack of larger countries against them in case complexities of international relations arise. References: Harvey, Sean (January 2006). The Rough Guide to The Dominican Republic. Rough Guides, 59. ISBN 1-84353-497-5. Matibag, Eugenio (2003). Haitian-Dominican Counterpoint: Nation, State, and Race on Hispaniola. Macmillan. ISBN 0312294328. Moya Pons, Frank. (2001). The Dominican Republic, A National History, 147-149. Zinn, Howard (2003). A People’s History of the United States 1492 – Present. HarperCollins, 7. ISBN 0060528427. Rawley, James A. ; Behrendt, Stephen D. (2005). The Transatlantic Slave Trade: A History. University of Nebraska Press, 49. ISBN 0803239610. G. N. Clark. (2000). New Cambridge Modern History. Cambridge University Press.

New Century Financial Corporation Essay

Summary: the mortgage mess happened in 2008 when there was a decreased homing price. However, their mortgage payment by homeowners were soon greater than the price of house. As a result, they forced the repurchase policy of many mortgage agreements, and let the subprime lenders to take over their houses. Subprime lender like New Century became the bankrupt because of the high lost associate with the mortgage cancelation. To maintain earning, the management modify the estimate of its reserve. However, KPGM, the auditor of the New Century is question of their work. KPMG lost its independence due to its afraid of lost business. 1.The advantages include better understanding of the industry, lower cost because of the reduced amount of work on evaluate the industry, gain great profit when the industry is going up, and early recognition of the industry trend because of the shared information from different companies. The disadvantages include risk of loss profit when the industry go down, create a mind set of doing audit that can be bias, 2.They need to ensure the information gathered by the prior team is properly communicated and understand by the take over team. As a result, it results in the saving of the time and effort of the take over team to spend. It also gave the new team a different point of view as well as better understanding of the company. on the other hand, they also need to ensure the work quality of the taker over team will not be reduced. 3.Significant deficiency: A significant deficiency is â€Å"a control deficiency, or combination of control deficiencies, that adversely affects the entity’s ability to initiate, authorize, record, process, or report financial data reliably in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles such that there is more than a remote likelihood that a misstatement of the entity’s financial statements that is more than inconsequential will not be prevented or detected.† Material weakness: A material weakness is â€Å"a significant deficiency, or combination of significant deficiencies, that results in more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the financial statements will not be prevented or detected.† SAS 112 requires the auditor to communicate control deficiencies that are significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in internal control. Significant deficiencies or material weaknesses must be communicated in writing to management and those in charge of governance–for example, to the audit committee of the board–no later than 60 days following the report release date. Unqualified Opinion can be issued when internal control over financial reporting is effective: no material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting exist as of the fiscal year-end assessment date. 4.The procedures to audit important â€Å"accounting estimates† include :considering the relevance, reliability, and sufficiency of the data and factors used by management, evaluating the reasonableness and consistency of the assumptions, and re-performing the calculations made by management. 5.The GAAS require an auditor to exercise due professional care, to adequately plan its audit, to sufficiently understand a business’s internal structure, and to obtain sufficient evidence to reach reasonable conclusions. KPMG allegedly failed to adhere to the GAAS by having an inexperienced audit team,; failed to challenge New Century management for unreasonable estimates; failed to test the repurchase reserve despite evidence of internal control weaknesses and apparently inaccurate estimates of outstanding repurchase requests; and failed to raise deficiencies and inaccuracies in New Century’s accounting practices or internal controls. 6. Although the investors are complaining that they should be liable for the lost because they did not actively participate in the mortgage market. It is true that they did nothing wrong, but they need to identify this risk when they invest. Investor does not have enough information about the market trend that should be provided. As a result, they invest the money base on the outdated information. There is no way for them to identify the threat of their investment. 7.1) auditor need to maintain independence from their work, lose of independence can lead to a bias conclusion, which cannot be trusted upon. KPMG’s afraid to lost New Century as a client lead them to issue a report in favor of the management. 2) do not employ inexperience auditor, especially when the company is in its hard time. Inexperience auditor will cause mistake of their work. Company in hard time have a incentive to make fraudulent statement, and inexperience auditor are not able to detect them. 3) be aware when the company going down. The management may try to management the earning in order to meet estimates.

Reaction Paper on the Movie “Fireproof” Essay

The movie, Fireproof, has a very sensitive theme because it focuses on relationships on husband and wife. On the early scene, it is shown that Capt. Caleb Holt of the Albany’s Fire Department Station One’s chief. He has the motto of â€Å"Never leave your partner behind†. He has earned many respect in his career and in his community except in his household were he and his wife, Catherine Holt, always fight because they’re fighting over, mostly about financial problems and Caleb’s addiction to internet pornography. After the argument, Catherine decided to have a divorce. This is very striking because this happens not only in this movie, it is also happening in reality were married couples gone separate because of individual’s differences and negative attitude or problems. When Caleb told his father about what happened, his father asked for the reason for their marriage and he can’t answer. Then, his father challenged Caleb for a â€Å" Love Dare†. The â€Å"Love Dare† is written on a notebook by his father and it was mailed to Caleb. The contents of that notebook are all about the experience of his father when they have the same matter on with Caleb’s mother. He read all the contents expect for the bible verses on the last paragraph. The challenged lasts for 40 days. Initially Catherine doubts Caleb’s sincerity in his attempts to win her back, because of his half-hearted attempts at completing the Love Dare, but Caleb continues with encouragement from his father and his close friend Michael who also encourages him to become a born-again Christian. In the meantime, at the hospital where she works, Catherine begins flirting with Dr. Gavin Keller , who does not know that she is married, since she is no longer wearing her wedding ring. She informs him of her mother’s medical situation. Around this time, Caleb injures his arm when rescuing a girl from a house fire and is brought to Catherine’s hospital, where a nurse inadvertently says in front of Dr. Keller that Caleb is Catherine’s husband. As he continues his 40-day challenge, Caleb begins doing more household chores and running more errands for Catherine, and le aves her roses. He also smashes his computer to pieces with a baseball bat in order to remove the temptation of viewing internet pornography. Regardless, Catherine, who is led by some colleagues to think that Caleb did all these things with an ulterior motive in mind, is still intent on divorce. When she later finds out that the equipment needed for her mother’s medical care has been paid for in full, she arranges a lunch date with Dr.  Keller, thinking that he was the benefactor. Caleb discovers Dr. Keller’s relationship with Catherine and immediately informs him that he won’t let him have Catherine without a fight. Dr. Keller, who does not want to be an obstacle in their marital squabbles and is already married anyway, quietly breaks off his relationship with Catherine. Caleb later finds Catherine at home sick, and decides to take care of her. At this point she asks Caleb why he has changed his behavior, and he mentions the Love Dare. Caleb then fully apologizes to Catherine for his past selfishness. Days later, Catherine learns that of the $24,300 cost of her mother’s medical equipment, Dr. Keller gave only $300 and Caleb gave $24,000, exhausting his boat savings. At this point she becomes convinced that his desire to change was sincere. Ashamed at her inability to think that Caleb’s change in behavior was genuine, Catherine digs out her ring, dresses herself up nicely and puts on make-up, and rushes to her husband’s fire station. There, she embraces her husband with all the respect and admiration he craved before. Caleb’s parents are relieved to know that their son’s marriage has been saved and Caleb expresses his thanks to his dad for the Love Dare. At that point, Caleb’s dad explains that his mother was the one who did the Love Dare on him instead of the other way around. Immediately after hearing this, Caleb rushes home and apologizes to his mother for criticizing her all those years. The couple then renews their wedding vows in an outdoor ceremony, this time as a covenant with God. As we look over the film, the theme is really forgiveness and acceptance. Not only acceptance to the person you loved but also acceptance to the will of God. If you really love the person, you really do things that you don’t normally do.

Growing up Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Growing up - Essay Example Actually, in that year nobody visited him in jail until when his daughter died. Furthermore, it is even apparent that Sonny resulted to drugs out of alienation. These are some of the dire consequences of alienation, as one finds nobody to share their worries and hence resulting to other unethical treads. It is a bitter story how alienation led Sonny to drug addiction. Moreover, we understand from the story that upon the death of Sonny’s mother, his brother sought Sonny’s upkeep from his fiancee Isabel's family while he is at war. Nevertheless, this aggravated Sonny’ alienation as Sonny and Isabel's middle-class family clashed out of lack of understanding. The feeling of not belonging to a certain family for a child is detrimental and parents and relatives should take time to understand the children to evade acts of desperation that result from alienation. The Isabel family could not understand his passion for music and engagement with musicians of all races. Beca use of the feeling of alienation, Sonny runs away from Isabel family to join the Navy. Significantly, the author establishes the fact that the drugs, segregation, violence, and discrimination alienate Sonny from realizing their full potential. Indeed the author quotes, "They were growing up with a rush and their heads bumped abruptly against the low ceiling of their actual possibilities. They were filled with rage. All they really knew were two darkness’s, the darkness of their lives, which was now closing in on them, and the darkness of the movies, which had blinded them to that other darkness, and in which they now, vindictively, dreamed, at once more together than they were at any other time, and more .† (Baldwin 72-73). As such, lack of understanding can propagate alienation among children who are growing up. The adverse effects of alienation are equally unquestionable. In the story, "The Things They carried," the aspect of alienation in growing up comes up. Tim O'B rien, the narrator tells of alienation that he and other young soldiers go through in and out of war. The author notes that the young soldiers go to war unprepared, with fear and confusion that they cannot tell to anyone hence the alienation. The narrator tells of terrible memories in the war front where soldiers died, others got injuries yet nobody would acre to listen to such stories. Indeed, out of this alienation, the narrator sought to flee to Canada to avoid going to war. However, a lodge owner seeks to dilute his feeling of alienation and convinces the narrator to return to his obligations. As such, it is clear that we can curb alienation upon getting reasonable advice. In addition, the narrator states that soldiers face alienation through injustices, unethical practices muted on them at the war zone. This reflects where nobody understands his or her knowledge, tribulation, and difficult memories. Indeed, the author quotes, â€Å"They become hardened and angry, because no on e back home understands what they are going through (O’Brien 155).† Hence, the soldiers live a lonely life far from social interactions. Because of this alienation, soldiers manifest unfavorable traits after war. Indeed, the author records that out of this alienation, a soldier killed himself after the war. As such, lack of somebody to share information, lack of concern or understanding from those around us promotes the feeling of aliena

Cultural Diversity in the U.S Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Cultural Diversity in the U.S - Essay Example Even though Brazilian and Mexican citizens have similarly been insecure and subject to social injustice by the abusive civil authorities, police enforcers as well as corrupt politicians, Mexicans still afford, by articles 6 and 7 of their constitution, to obtain the proper implementation of the provision that grants each citizen the freedom of speech or of any other forms of self-expression which the Brazilians are mostly anxious to put into practice having been confronted with constant risk of harassment and killings in the process (MIEPA). When reviewed, Brazil’s state has had difficulty in stabilizing institutions to accord with the established policy as in the time when there occurred imbalance due to economic factors associated with inflation and unresolved issues on human rights violation alongside. On the other hand, Fox administration had managed to align economic policies of the government with the desired institutional stability. On a greater scale, however, on reforming certain policies by a government which comprised officials who are inadequately knowledgeable of handling the tasks to maintain a stable Mexican economy, there ought to be alternative means of exhibiting political effectiveness to expedite economic growth and thus affect other sectors in a favorable manner. It may additionally be pointed out that when it comes to providing reinforcement of environmental protection laws, neither Brazilian nor Mexican government agency has been found blameless of inefficient employment of appropriate measures. IBAMA of Brazil, for instance, has relied upon tools and resources that are rather scarce or have limited capacity to aid in analyzing corporate plans in relation to environmental impact. In the same way, while the Mexican government has identified specific means to regulate the worsening case of air pollution in the country,

Managing and Leading Change Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Managing and Leading Change - Essay Example It was observed that the key element for the successful implementation for the change theory would be the complex interaction that takes place between the different elements of change process in the organization. Organizational change is a structured approach in an organization for ensuring that changes are executed smoothly and successfully to achieve long lasting benefits. In the modern business environment, organizations are facing constant change. Globalization and rapid innovation of technology has resulted in a constantly evolving business environment. The growth in technology has had a positive effect of increasing the availability of knowledge. Changes in an organization are in response to the economic and non economic events. Therefore, the ability to adapt and manage to organizational change is an essential requirement in today’s workplace. Organizational change has a significant contribution to the five managerial dimensions strategic thinking, leadership, task mana gement, resources and relationships. Change management enables the managers to solve a management problem by thinking creatively and independently. It enables the managers of the company to adopt a leadership approach which facilitates proper communication among the teams and develop proper flow of communication. Change management has also contributed significantly to the task management by smooth coordination of activities between the departments and proper planning and control of activities. Change management also helps in acquiring and proper utilization of human resources. Managers have to understand that change is natural and not a highly programmed process which begins with the identification of problem and selecting the preferable solution (McCalman and Paton, 2010). Managers and the organizations will be judged upon their capability of handling change in an effective manner. According to authors Cloke &Goldsmith change management helps in improving the organizational culture especially in a bureaucratic organization (Brantley, 2005). Change management compels the managers to adopt a change in the leadership approach which focuses on improving the relationship between employees and managers. Therefore one of the main purposes of change management would be to increase the organizational commitment among the employees and restructuring the organizational environment. The rationale for adopting a transformational leadership style would be to prevent the problems existent in an organization. Challenges Faced by the Organization It is observed from the above case study that the organizational structure, process and leadership approach will change completely for the required organization. Presently, the organization follows bureaucratic approach which means that the employees and managers follow the hierarchical order, clear defined policies to attain the goals and objectives of the organization. The organization plans to expand further into retailing which r equires a different leadership and management style to be adopted. The organization had tried to implement changes earlier however the strategic team was successful only in framing the policies and not implementation. A newly built change management team was formed for revamping the

Summary of Pontoon A novel of Lake Wobegon Assignment

Summary of Pontoon A novel of Lake Wobegon - Assignment Example This summary assists the author bring out his intention to the reader about how to live and enjoy life. It was after the death of a woman in the community that the plot thickens. Her family is thrown into turmoil as they do not want to go against her death wishes. At the same time, they do not want to anger the community members by carrying out her wishes. Many lessons are brought forth at the woman’s burial. Her best kept secrets are also brought out during the death ceremony. It is through the story that individuals in society are taught the value of living and enjoying life. Also, they are shown the importance grabbing opportunities once they come one’s way (Keillor, 2008). In conclusion, the story has lifelong teachings that can assist any individual identify what they want in life, and how they can set out to achieve their dreams. The author’s character and mannerism of bringing out these lessons makes the book stimulating and riveting. It is critical not to live in fear or regret (Keillor, 2008). This is one vital lesson the author brought out in the novel, making it a must-read for

Intercultural comm of Japanese Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Intercultural comm of Japanese - Essay Example However, despite the oddity in his questions, I understood most of them because we belonged to the same class. The aura around the interview room was casual since he is my longtime friend, the interview was therefore not formal and we could not make any more organized than it already was. Additionally, the friendship made it possible for me to ask any type of question without appearing patronizing. Kanemoto is friendly and highly likable, this explains our long friendship and my freedom to ask him any type of question. He is also funny and tries to make everyone around him feel comfortable and relaxed. Throughout the interview, he kept distracting me without some of his hilarious outburst. On more occasions, he could sing in his native Japanese language, which sounded funny enough. He translated the wording of his songs and I could not help laughing since they sounded funny but meant much to him. Besides the interview with my friend, I have also taken part in a number of other Japane se’s cultural activities such as the dance with my other Japanese friend Soran Bushi. Despite the fact that they had practiced for more than a month, I played a role in the dance thereby earning myself relative exposure on the culture. From the interactions with the Japanese, I learned a lot about their culture that differs with other cultures as elaborated in the discussion below. Introduction Culture refers to the way of life of a particular society or group of people. Culture therefore encompasses such pertinent issues as the way, in which people eat, dress and worship among other important social practices. For a long-time, global regions were secluded which therefore resulted in the development of definitive cultural practices. It was therefore easy to distinguish a group from their cultural practices, which would differ greatly with those of others. However, through such concepts as urbanization and globalization, the world successfully became a global village one in wh ich people easily interact with others. This resulted in faster communication and exchange of ideas through the modern telecommunication technologies such as the internet and mobile phones (Bradley, 2003). Currently the intense interaction among people has eliminated a number of cultural practices making people behave similarly. However, it is possible to differentiate people in terms of their cultural practices as each community even in the modern society still treasures a number of their indigenous cultural practices. One such community is the Japanese. Through an interview with a Japanese living in the United States of America, it became evident that the Japanese just as any other foreigner in the country exhibits unique cultural behaviors some as primary as the difference in their languages to other more essential personality differences arising from their unique culture. Such validate the claim that culture is an important aspect of life since through culture people determine t heir spiritual belief a key component of humanity from where people learn social values. Additionally, culture determines the food for a society (Berns, 2013). Different societies eat different types of food, which they handle differently in accordance to the dictates of their cultures. Japanese differ greatly with American, even those living in the country exhibit different behavior patterns from the Native Americans and other people from other parts of

Cystic Fibrosis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 2

Cystic Fibrosis - Essay Example The CFTR protein is located in epithelial cells, which form a lining of major body organs. The CFTR protein in people without cystic Fibrosis controls the flow of salt and water through the epithelial walls. As a result, it retains mucus secreted thin and watery. The thin mucus is important since it protects the lining of the liver, lungs, pancreatic glands, reproductive organs and digestive organs. A Cystic Fibrosis patient who has a mutated CFTR gene, the passage of sodium chloride through the epithelial cells does not occur normally. The body lacks a healthy CFTR protein needed to maintain a balance of salt and water leading to a lot of salt in sweat and making the mucus produced by the mucous gland too thick and sticky. The thick mucus clogs and obstructs body organs, linings and passageways thus preventing the normal functioning of body organs (Bjorklund 15-16). Cystic fibrosis causes acute respiratory problems; this is due to acute haemoptysis and pneumonia. The infecting organisms of patients who have pneumonia include Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The body has a small amount of functional CFTR to bind with the infectious bacteria resulting in obstruction of the airways. As the obstruction increases, it becomes very hard for air to pass through during inhalation and exhalation. This leads to expansion of the alveoli leading to trapping of air in small tubes. Over time, this causes barrel-shaped chest leading to increased pulmonary artery pressure that in turn causes heart failure. In addition, thick and sticky mucus, which is the main symptom in cystic fibrosis patients, clogs the bronchioles and as a result, parts of the lungs become blocked off. The small air passage also becomes weak and loses the ability to work properly; this often develops to bronchiecstasis. The patient coughs a lot and wheezes while breathing. In addition, cystic

Care of Alzheimer Patient Issues in the Family Research Paper

A Care of Alzheimer Patient Issues in the Family - Research Paper Example I strongly hypothesize that most families and members of the society, in general, do not have the potential and ability to identify the early symptoms of the disease so that early intervention regimes can be implemented, are unable to cope with the increasing demands of caring for an Alzheimer’s patient and themselves often coped poorly under the circumstances of having an Alzheimer’s patient within the household. I also hypothesize that some families do not pay due care and attention that is demanded by these patients. If so, my question is what these clients/ families and the community in general needs most from the human service provider and organization. Alzheimer’s disease, thought to be a consequence of the increase in the production/ accumulation of a specific protein (beta-amyloidal protein) which causes nerve cell damage, is a progressive disease of the brain featuring memory retardation and disturbances in other cognitive/ mental functions such as language and perception of reality. On average, symptoms of Alzheimer’s are noticed by families three years before a conclusive diagnosis is done. While not an inevitable part of aging, Alzheimer prevalence increases significantly after the age of 65 years (Zarka, 2011). The disease develops when the toxic protein, beta amyloidal, accumulates in the brain in the form of plaques which are thought to be in turn toxic to neurons, disrupting messages within the brain by damaging connections between brain cells. The brain cells finally die and information recalling or assimilation disrupted hence.

IT Managing Business Knowledge and Decision Making Coursework

IT Managing Business Knowledge and Decision Making - Coursework Example This blend assists the communication, operations and advancements in an organization and links its business activities. This is done through an extensive usage of the computer software, data constructs, computer hardware, programming languages, databases and other related components. These components enable a widespread distribution of the messages on a mass level across all the communication channels. Many modern organizations rely on a vast utilization of the information technology in order to render it business operations and services. One of such big organizations is Tesco Plc which forms and leads a huge network of the retail stores operating in various parts of the world. This in organization has been operating in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world since 1919 and has been ranked as the world’s third largest retailer. Other retailers such as Wal Mart follow Tesco in their rankings and services and operations. This Britain-based company having more than 500,00 0 employees and over 4,000 stores manage its huge base of employees and operation in effectives and decentralized structure (Clemens, 2001). The usage of IT plays an important role in the extensive operations, management and governance of Tesco Plc. Many advanced systems and technological equipments have been installed at the company for the purpose of the management of its functions. Some of the examples of such systems include the usage of sophisticated software such as Finance and HR software; supply chain management systems, order processing and scheduling systems and types of communication technology. Besides this, the company utilizes the advanced loyalty cards and car insurance policy quoting systems. The Tesco’s own Tesco Personal Finance system (TPF) allows it to schedule its workforce, and perform food labeling and loan application handling systems. Every checkout in the Tesco’s store manages its Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) systems and uses computer syste m in the operation and handling of Tesco’s services (Verner, 2000). This usage of IT has a huge impact on the profitability, operations and revenue generation of the company. One of the major ways in which the IT implementation impacts Tesco Plc is increase in the productivity gains and reduction in its costs of production. The customers shopping from Tesco retail stores do not have to go out and but the products. Instead they can sit at home and purchase online through web. Since, the market has become easily accessible to the customers, the productivity gains have increased in the form of customer retention, sales, revenues and other related factors. Besides this, a wide range of purchases are made without any hassle. Moreover, the company can cut their costs of advertisement, EPOS has reduced the employment of the members of staff, and only a few people need to be trained for few short computer and software trainings in the organization. Moreover, the efficiency and effect iveness of the organization is enhanced due to the less wastage and least duplication of the material and human resources of the organization (Clemens, 2001). Besides all the beneficial factors, the features and components of the information technology, such as computer, internet and other databases assist the company to manage its operations and functions. There is a better and

Of personality, perception and attitude Essay Example for Free

Of personality, perception and attitude Essay All references material has been cited from the books the University of Wales online library. Any other internet source quoted is with the permission of the module tutor. | NA| Are the references in the text in the proper format as indicated in the â€Å"Guidelines to Writing Assignments†| Yes| Declaration: All material written in this assignment is my own and I have not used any material, content or information of others claiming them to be mine. Wherever materials have been used, proper citation has been done in the text. I am fully aware of the rules and regulations governing plagiarism. Should at any point of time my work be suspected/investigated and established to have been plagiarized, I am aware of the consequences. I have read the Student’s Handbook in detail. ___________________ Signature of the studentDate: 24-08-2010 Introduction This assignment is dealing with the Development of personality, perceptions and attitude. This will help to understand how the employs and customers thinking, that helps us to make correct decision and to develop our business. Also by this we can make our personality and attitude in the right way. Analyzing a case study of â€Å"Sayyed’s† is also included for analyzing and discussing his personality and attitude in his certain lifetime. Explained the relevance of values and beliefs in Organizational life and also if the values/ beliefs can be changed is also included in this study. Attitudes in Organisational Life The importance of attitude of the individuals in an organisation is tremendous. A human resource manager must be able to identify, categorize and mould attitudes as far as possible. The employees come from different social and financial backgrounds. Even if two people belong to the same family, there can be a big difference between their attitudes. The way a person performs a task may differ according to the type of attitude he possesses. What is attitude? First of all, let us try to understand the importance of attitude in an individual’s personal life. An attitude means a positive or a negative evaluation of some object – a thing, a person, a place or an environment. A person can be ambivalent towards an object by possessing both a negative and positive attitude. It is totally upto the individual to decide what his attitude towards life should. There is also scope for change in attitudes. The right type of learning at an early age can lead to tremendous changes in attitudes. For a person to be successful in his personal and public life he should adopt the most balanced attitude: positive at the right time and negative at others. In an organization too, the employee’s attitude is very important. Compared to one’s personal life, an employee has to interact with many other employees to achieve an organizational goal. If, for example, an employee who works in a restaurant has a negative attitude towards selling energy drinks and while others are strongly supportive of it, he may have unnecessary fallout with them. Attitudes can be changed using two tools: Education and Experience. The basis of this statement is that our attitudes are based on some sort of ‘belief’. We shape our beliefs in the course of our lives and we may grow biased against something due to this belief. Research suggests that attitudes can be changed by regulating and modifying behaviour. If employees of an organization are made to repeatedly greet their customers with a smile, the employees may indeed think that being friendly with customers is very important. Through education, employees can be alerted of their negative attitudes and the right attitudes to be followed in a situation. Employees can also be provided with attitude changing experience with which they can think in a new and positive way. The fact about an organizational life is that, there are rules which are laid down in an organization which have to be followed. Under such a circumstance, an employee will make a definite effort to change his attitude sooner or later, instead of suffering consequences. In the case of Sayyed, it is quite evident how his attitudes towards certain objects like his parents and education took a looping turn as a result of various events in his life. He was very much attached to his mother at a very young age. But his failure to get through medical entrance in Poona, sent him spiralling into a situation of apathy and self ridicule. He started hating his parents for not having money to get him a seat in a medical college. He started fighting with them and started demanding money incessantly. He wanted to escape from the truth that only he was to be blamed for his failure. His attitude towards education too underwent many changes as a result of other failures and disappointments in life. He was exposed to a different atmosphere when his father got a better job in Poona. Though their family could afford little luxuries like cinemas in the weekend, his father forced him to study. Sayyed purposely stopped studying in retaliation to his father. Further on, his very bad performance in his S. S. C. Exams led in shattering his ego, and for a very long time he had an indifferent attitude towards education. Importance of Values in an Organisation Compared to attitudes, values are a little more constant. It is something we acquire at a very young age and we go to carry it on throughout the rest of our lives. It is usually something taught to us by our parents, our elders, our teachers, our spiritual leaders or some profound experience in life. Values may pertain to friendship, helping others, hard work, honesty, conservation of money, hospitality etc. All our day to day decisions are centred on our values and beliefs. Our attitudes are also shaped by our values and beliefs. What exactly are our values and why are they so significant in an organization? Values are principles, standards, or qualities you consider worthwhile or desirable. Values will vary greatly from person to person because they depend on one’s personal judgment. They are the foundation of much of our psycho-behavioral makeup. Why we act the way we do, why we talk the way we do and why we react the way we do is all dependant on our values. Our relationships, our choices, our behaviours are all shaped by these values. Even though these are invisible to us, these still affect every aspect of our life. An organisation too has a set of values, which are usually a prominent piece in its marketing or advertising content. At the outside, these values may seem to be very altruistic, but the truth is that the organisation may sidetrack from these values time and again for personal benefit. Even at a smaller level, which is at the level of an employee, values claim a very major role. It decides how the employee works, takes decisions and measures success. Organizational values establish standards of behavior, which serve to encourage or discourage certain behaviors. In other words organizational values help people to identify priorities at workplace. Putting the values in writing is important and more important is to create common understanding of the values in the organization. Leaders must clearly communicate why the value is important for achievement of goals. The credo statement clearly articulates organization’s responsibility towards each of the stakeholder. In Sayyed’s case, we may be able to a core set of values that has helped him make judgments and take decision in his life. A lot of his decisions and his general outlook were based on a small incident in his childhood, the one about the Californian grapes. This incident led him to understand the importance of hard work. This also made him give priority to being successful and famous. It made him feel that going to the US was important for a man’s success. His ultimate aim for an extended period of his life was to go to the US, though he never made it. He never recognized the play of luck or chance in his life. A lot of incidents happened not as a result of his own doing. Failing to recognize this, he blamed himself and the people around him for the consequences. Wading in the disappointment, he never made an attempt to revaluate his life or to stand back again. But the childhood values of hard work and success were always buried in his psyche. These values sprang up as soon as he joined for B. Sc, consequently after facing a failure in Poona. He got his admission in XLRI, but was rejected admission in UCLA, California. By that time, he had gained some emotional maturity to understand that this was a tremendous success and not a failure. Various Theory of Personality The more we understand about personality, the better able to judge what motivates people and our self. The more we understand about our own personality and that of other people, the better able to realize how others perceive you, and how they react to your own personality and style. Used appropriately, psychometrics and personality tests can be hugely beneficial in improving knowledge of self and other people motivations, strengths, weaknesses, preferred thinking and working styles, and also strengths and preferred styles for communications, learning, management, being managed, and team-working. The ability to adapt or bring into play different personal styles in response to different situations is arguably the most powerful capability that anyone can possess. Understanding personality models such as the Four Temperaments is therefore of direct help in achieving such personal awareness and adaptability. Understanding personality helps you recognize behavior and type in others and yourself. Recognizing behavior is an obvious pre-requisite for adapting behavior in yourself, and in helping others to adapt too. The Four Temperaments; also known as the Four Humors, is questionably the oldest of all personality profiling systems, and it is fascinating that there are so many echoes of these ancient ideas found in modern psychology. The Four Temperaments ideas can be traced back to the traditions of the Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilizations over 5,000 years ago, in which the health of the body was connected with the elements, fire, water, earth and air, which in turn were related to body organs, fluids, and treatments. Some of this thinking survives today in traditional Eastern ideas and medicine. Four Temperaments earliest origins Ezekiel c. 590BC | Hippocrates c. 370BC | lion| bold| blood| cheerful| ox| sturdy| black bile| somber| man| humane| yellow bile| enthusiastic|eagle| far-seeing| phlegm| calm| Four Temperaments or Four Humors, The words in this framework (from Hippocrates onwards) can be seen as possible describing words for each of the temperaments concerned, although do not attach precise significance to any of the words they are guide only and not definitive or scientifically reliable. The correlations prior to Hippocrates are far less reliable and included here more for interest than for scientific relevance. In Sayyed’s case, we may be able to a core set of values that has helped him make judgments and take decision in his life. A lot of his decisions and his general outlook were based on a small incident in his childhood, the one about the Californian grapes. This incident led to a group in four temperaments. Conclusion By this assignment we can conclude that about the importance of Developing the Personality, Perceptions and Attitudes, and the ways to develop that. Also this report went through the relevance of attitudes in Organisational life that helps to run a company. Then it explains about the relevance of values and beliefs in Organisational life.

Reflection on Pregnancy and Childbirth

Reflection on Pregnancy and Childbirth Explain Why the Critical Factors Influencing the Course of Pregnancy Including Several Dimensions such as Social, Biological and Psychological Factors The period in the uterus before conception is a standout amongst the most pivotal stages in an individual lifes compass. Throughout the normal 280 day period, organic establishments are made that will impact a great part of the person’s developmental potential over his or her lifetime. Guaranteeing a great starting for a youngster is basic throughout this period of human advancement. Fables about pregnancy empowered the conviction that very nearly everything a pregnant lady would eventually influence the creating kid. Physical absconds in an infant were accepted to be brought about by maternal encounters. Case in point: pigmentations were thought to come about because of the mother spilling wine or consuming an excess of strawberries throughout pregnancy. It was accepted that if a pregnant lady read a considerable measure of established writing, the kid would have solid abstract propensities. these illustration represents the conviction that arbitrary occasions could for all time impact the unborn kid, which put lost blame upon the mother if something happened throughout pregnancy (Ventura, et al 2011). Explain Why Prenatal Care Includes Planning For The Pregnancy Before Conception And Describe Aspects To Be Considered In This Planning Process. Before advanced medication, numerous moms and their children did not survive pregnancy and labour. Today, great pre-birth forethought can altogether enhance the nature of the pregnancy and the result for the child and mother (Forray, et al 2010). Great pre-birth forethought incorporates: Great sustenance and wellbeing propensities before and throughout pregnancy Successive pre-birth exams Routine ultrasounds to locate issues with the child Routine screening for: Pulse issues Blood classification issues (Rh and ABO) Diabetes Hereditary issue Invulnerability to German measles (rubella) Sexually transmitted contaminations Urine protein Ladies who plan to proceed with a pregnancy to term need to pick a social insurance supplier who will give pre-birth consideration, conveyance, and baby blues administrations. Family human services suppliers or maternity specialists can help you in the event that you have an ordinary pregnancy and conveyance. Anyway if there is an issue, your specialist will elude you to a master (Athukorala, et al 2010). The objectives of pre-birth forethought are to: Screen both the mother and child all through the pregnancy Search for changes that may prompt a high-hazard pregnancy Clarify nourishing necessities throughout and after pregnancy Clarify movement suggestions or limitations Examine normal pregnancy grumblings, for example, morning ailment, spinal pains, leg ache, incessant pee, blockage, and acid reflux and how to oversee them, ideally without prescriptions Offer backing to the pregnant lady and her gang Describe the current trends in childbirth management and why they have signifiÂÂ ­cantly reduced birth trauma, as well as infant and mother mortality. The support of maternal self-consideration, including the usage of satisfactory sustenance, activity, stress administration, and shirking f medications will have a positive result the diminishment of the case of conception trauma. The utilization of conception office that the mother is agreeable with and planning conception arrangement will comfort the mother. Safe parenthood starts before origination with great sustenance and a sound lifestyle. It proceeds with proper pre-birth mind and forestalling issues on the off chance that they emerge. The perfect result is a full-term pregnancy without unnecessary intercessions, the conveyance of a sound infant, and a solid baby blues period in a positive environment that backing the physical and passionate needs of the mother, child, and gang. Pregnancy and labour have an enormous effect on the physical, mental, passionate, and socioeconomic strength of ladies and their families. Pregnancy-related wellbeing results are affected by a ladys wellbeing and different components like race, ethnicity, age, and salary (Forray, et al 2010). Explain some of the contributing factors as to why some mother do not access medical support during prenatal and perinatal care Unintended pregnancy blocks assumption guiding, and predisposition mind, and deferrals start of pre-birth mind. In unintended pregnancies, pre-birth consideration is start later, and is less sufficient. This unfavourably influences wellbeing of lady and of tyke, and the lady is less planning for parenthood. Delay from unintended pregnancy is notwithstanding that from other danger components for deferral. Ladies with fewer than 12 years of training are at high danger of underutilizing or needing access to satisfactory pre-birth forethought administrations. Generally, Black and Hispanic pregnant ladies have fewer years of formal instruction, which starts a domino impact of outcomes identified with pre-birth mind. An absence of formal training brings about less learning about pregnancy proper pre-birth human services all in all, fewer openings for work, and an easier level of wage all through their grown-up life (Ventura, et al 2011). Explain The Emotional Consideration Accompanying Pregnancy And Childbirth Bringing an infant into the world could be a passionate thrill ride. Throughout the nine months of pregnancy, sentiments can wax and fade between fervour, happiness, apprehension, and dissatisfaction. At last, for most ladies it is a superb or in any event, a remunerating, knowledge. Notwithstanding, how youll feel throughout pregnancy is one and only part of deduction things through precisely before getting pregnant. The choice to bring a kid into the world is one that requires deliberately attention, with the full aim to recognize all the obligations that this accompanies(Athukorala, et al 2010). Describe The Effect Of Public Awareness Regarding Postpartum Depression And Sudden Infant Death Syndrome And How These Issues Are Currently Addressed? Anticipation endeavours are pointed atevaluating ladies for danger elements and interceding right on time to diminish the risk of PPD and other negative wellbeing conclusions. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) prescribes screening for IPV as a component of routine forethought, and ACOGs Committee on Health Care for Underserved Women issued an announcement in 2006 underwriting screening of IPV as a major aspect of exhaustive pre-birth mind in light of the high predominance and unfavourable wellbeing conclusions of roughness. The ACOG additionally proposes the utilization of accepted screening devices for PPD in perinatal human services visits, and the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) prescribes widespread screening of PPD after conveyance (Forray, et al 2010). References Athukorala, C., Rumbold, A. R., Willson, K. J., Crowther, C. A. (2010).The risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women who are overweight or obese.BMC pregnancy and childbirth, 10(1), 56. Retrieved: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2393/10/56/ Forray, A., Focseneanu, M., Pittman, B., McDougle, C. J., Epperson, C. N. (2010).Onset and exacerbation of obsessive-compulsive disorder in pregnancy and the postpartum period.The Journal of clinical psychiatry, 71(8), 1061-1068. Retrieved: http://europepmc.org/abstract/MED/20492843 Ventura, S. J., Mathews, T. J., Hamilton, B. E., Sutton, P. D., Abma, J. C. (2011). Adolescent pregnancy and childbirth—United States, 1991–2008. CDC Health Disparities and Inequalities Report—United States, 2011, 60, 105. Retrieved: http://www.naddssw.org/pages/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/MMWR-health-disparities-Report-2011.pdf#page=107

Criticisms of Dan Brown

Criticisms of Dan Brown My mind tells me I will never understand JavaScript. And my heart tells me I am not meant to. Dan Brown (1964–) By his own account, Dan Brown got the writing bug while reading Sidney Sheldon’s thriller The Doomsday Conspiracy during a 1993 Tahitian vacation. Brown, who until then was most familiar with the classics, was drawn to Sheldon’s breezy pacing and no-nonsense prose and felt they were something he could replicate. Five years later Brown realized his ambition with the release of his NSA code-breaking saga Digital Fortress. But his big break came in 2003 with The Da Vinci Code, a fast-moving, conspiracy-laden murder mystery in which Brown reprises his tweed-clad hero Robert Langdon and puts him on the trail of the Holy Grail, using da Vinci’s cryptic brushwork for clues. The initial reception was rhapsodic. The New York Times recommended it with â€Å"extreme enthusiasm† and described Brown’s writing as â€Å"gleefully erudite.†[1] To the San Francisco Chronicle, it was â€Å"Umberto Eco on steroids.†[2] The public reaction was just as fervent. The Da Vinci Code moved quickly into the all-time best-seller list. Yet the critical acclaim unraveled almost as quickly as Robert Langdon untangled those knotty riddles. By the time the film version was released, the backlash was in full effect. This time, the New York Times savagely ridiculed Brown’s â€Å"um, prose style,†[3] while the New Yorker called it â€Å"unmitigated junk.†[4] Each of Brown’s subsequent offerings, including the 2013 Dante-inspired Inferno, has been a commercial hit—and a critical flop. Why did Brown’s literary reputation collapse? Well, for one, doubts were cast on the accuracy of The Da Vinci Code’s historical assertions, and for another, Brown was subject to several lawsuits for plagiarism. But mostly it’s about the writing. The cliff-hangers, secret societies, and ancient ciphers may have been enough to distract early reviewers from Brown’s prose, but sooner or later its shortcomings demanded recognition. Brown’s phrasing is excessively weighty, as exemplified by the opening line of The Da Vinci Code:[5] Renowned curator Jacques Saunià ¨re staggered through the vaulted archway of the museum’s Grand Gallery. Hanging the staggaree’s occupation in front of his name knocks the meter out of balance. Worse, the information is gratuitous. In the very next paragraph (and a further ten times in the first two pages), Brown reminds us of Saunià ¨re’s profession, and since the prologue is entitled â€Å"Louvre Museum, Paris, 10:46 pm,† it’s a safe bet Saunià ¨re is renowned. Good fiction, unlike journalism, works the reader’s imagination, yet Brown goes to great lengths to spoon-feed the most glaringly obvious detail. He’ll often use an adverb or adjective multiple times on a page, or even within the same paragraph. In the prologue to The Da Vinci Code almost every action happens â€Å"slowly†; in Inferno, we’re told no less than four times that Langdon’s doctor has â€Å"bushy eyebrows.† Another questionable habit of Brown’s in The Da Vinci Code is his namedropping of high-end products; he rarely misses a chance to shoehorn, QVC-like, their details into the tightest of action sequences (â€Å"Yanking his Manurhin MR-93 revolver from his shoulder holster, the captain dashed out of the office,† or â€Å"Only those with a keen eye would notice his 14-karat gold bishop’s ring with purple amethyst, large diamonds, and hand-tooled mitre-crozier appliquà ©Ã¢â‚¬ ). But in the end, it doesn’t matter. Brown’s got a recipe that sells more copies than good writing ever could: take a mysterious organization or artifact (preferably medieval, definitely controversial) gussy it up and dumb it down until it’s palatable for the layperson, throw in a generous dash of conspiracy theory and plenty of codes, and serve without editing. /* FACT: some time in 1557, Michelangelo Moribundi, the renowned, bald-headed alchemist fashioned a secret code out of bits of asparagus and placed it a long forgotten vault */ function theDaFibonacciCode(numeratiFettucini) { // Wide awake, the bleary-eyed Langdon watched as two tall, lissome, number ones // with big feet and a type of hat, sidled up to the rounded zero var ilInumerati = [0,1,1]; // while theIntegerThatIncrementsOneByOne morphs eerily into a three theIntegerThatIncrementsOneByOne = 3, // Now the silent ratio that could not be uttered had come to make it right TheBotticelliVector = 1.61803; while(theIntegerThatIncrementsOneByOne < numeratiFettucini) { // Somehow another number one appeared and theIntegerThatIncrementsOneByOne // snatched at it gracefully. theIntegerThatIncrementsOneByOne = theIntegerThatIncrementsOneByOne + 1; // The renowned, rounded 16-bit unsigned integer tentatively succumbed to the // strange force of the vector before pushing itself bodily into the hands of //the weakly typed array ilInumerati.push( Math.round(ilInumerati[theIntegerThatIncrementsOneByOne 2] * TheBotticelliVector) ); } // Too many elementi? reminded the five-foot-eleven, bushy-eyebrowed Italian. // Too many elements? if (ilInumerati.length > numeratiFettucini) { // Intelligently, Langdon, sporting a Harris Tweed jacket (J. Crew $79.99), // sliced it with his Modell 1961 Ausfà ¼hrung 1994 swiss army knife ilInumerati = ilInumerati.slice(0, numeratiFettucini); } // The kaleidoscope of truth had been shaken. Now, in front of them, sat the // numerically sequenced sequenza numerica. Like a gleaming cathedral. return ilInumerati; } Dan Brown is right at home with the Fibonacci sequence; indeed, it was cunningly used as a highly secure combination for a safe in The Da Vinci Code. But wait, what’s this? It seems Brown has discovered a dark and mysterious multiplier (The Botticelli Vector, no less), which he uses to derive the next number from the one before. This arithmetic alchemy is all well and good, but we’re left wondering whether he knew he could just add the previous two numbers to make the next one. Anyway, it seems to work, so that’s probably all that matters. Judging by the comments, Brown is approaching this problem as though it were one of his blockbusting potboilers. First there’s the obligatory FACT, which assures us that what follows is rooted in historical accuracy. Then there’s the army of adjectives (because ambiguity is the devil’s tool) and the diligent inclusion of product details even as the action reaches a nail-biting climax. Skipping gingerly over non sequiturs and logical fallacies, we reach the movingly grandiloquent conclusion. Oh, the glory. [1] Janet Maslin, â€Å"Spinning a Thriller from a Gallery at the Louvre,† New York Times, March 17, 2003 (http://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/17/books/books-of-the-times-spinning-a-thriller-from-a-gallery-at-the-louvre.html). [2] David Lazarus, â€Å"‘Da Vinci Code’ a Heart-Racing Thriller,† San Francisco Chronicle, April 6, 2003 (http://www.sfgate.com/books/article/Da-Vinci-Code-a-heart-racing-thriller-2657352.php). [3] A. O. Scott, â€Å"A ‘Da Vinci Code’ That Takes Longer to Watch Than Read,† New York Times, May 18, 2006 (http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/18/movies/18code.html). [4] Anthony Lane, â€Å"Heaven Can Wait,† New Yorker, May 29, 2006 (http://www.newyorker.com/archive/2006/05/29/060529crci_cinema). [5] Dan Brown, The Da Vinci Code (New York: Doubleday, 2003).

The Id, Ego and Superego Shown in Frankenstein and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. H

Frankenstein: the Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson both show Freud’s ideas of Id, Ego and Superego as well as of innate desire. Frankenstein: the Modern Prometheus shows Freud's stages of psychosexual development. Collectively both novels should be considered Freudian through these ideas. Jekyll and Hyde works as a symbolic portrayal of the goodness and evil that resides in equal measure within the soul of a man. It pre-empted Freudian psychoanalysis by twenty-five years and yet is similar to some of his theories. In Frankenstein both the monster and Victor exemplify Freud’s developmental stages. According to Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory of personality, personality is composed of three elements. The three elements are the Id, Ego, and Superego and they work together to create complex human behaviors. Freud believed that human beings are powerfully influenced by impulses of which they are not aware of. Dr. Jekyll: a law-abiding doctor, who was raised and who lived like a nature and religion lover in its true perspective was the good character. Mr. Hyde was evil unleashed, and in that he goes to slums and does criminal acts and even commits murder without fear of any apprehension Hyde represented Dr. Jekylls subconscious desire to be freed from his society’s restrictions. These desires come from within man and they represent the Id in Freud’s theory. Mr. Hyde is the outlet for Dr. Jekyll to express his primal desires. Dr. Jekyll learns to give into his inner desires when he is transformed into Hyde. The rational, controlled, civilized part of Jekyl l attempts to repress the Id, and make Hyde controllable. Jekyll even states I swear to G... ...ies and have the same defects. This being you must create.'" (Shelley 129). Here he begs Victor to make him a female companion. Victor after realizing some of the possibilities of creating another monster stops his work. The child meets the conflict between the parent's demands and the child's desires and physical capabilities in one of two ways: Either he puts up a fight or he simply refuses to go. In this case the monster will put up a fight and Victor will suffer. Frankenstein: the Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson both show Freud’s ideas of Id, Ego and Superego as well as of innate desire. Frankenstein: the Modern Prometheus also shows Freud's stages of psychosexual development. Both stories exemplify and support many of Freud’s ideas and therefore should be considered Freudian.

The Beer Game :: GCSE Business Marketing Coursework

The Beer Game To see how decisions at one part of a supply chain effect the overall performance of a system, we ran a simulation called the beer game. The supply chain consists of a retailer who orders from a distributor who orders from a wholesaler who orders from a factory. At the beginning of each period, each stage of the chain orders upstream and receives the order shipped out to them two periods ago (the order they placed 4 periods ago) unless the next stage upstream is backlogged. All orders are eventually filled when inventory becomes available. The holding cost specified for each location are (in $/keg.period): factory: 0.25, distribution center: 0.50, warehouse: 0.75, and factory: 1.00. Additionally, the penalty cost for a shortage is zero for all stages except the retail stores where the penalty cost is estimated to be $10.00 per keg/period. After trying many different strategies, the best policy I was able to come up with had a total cost of $122.00. This was achieved using choice 4, the base-stock policy. This policy re-orders a specified amount, less inventory on hand and pipeline inventory. The player specifies the base stock quantity for the retailer, warehouse, distributor, and factory. When this policy was used at each point in the supply chain, the lowest cost strategy was achieved. Location Base Stock Amount Cost Retail 300 101.55 Warehouse 210 10.21 Distributor 210 7.70 Factory 150 3.41 Total 122.87 Because the retail store encounters such a high penalty for shortages, it is best to keep them well stocked. They also have the highest holding â€Å"overage†cost, but at $1.00 it is only 1/10 of the shortage â€Å"underage†cost. If the â€Å"overage† and â€Å"underage† costs were equal it would make sense to always order enough to anticipate having the mean (50) on hand. This policy is not optimal however, when it costs the retailer more for a shortage than for excess.

Human Resource Officers and Managers

Human Resource Officers and Managers play a special role in a company or establishment whether it is a school, bank, factory or a firm. They are the ones who screen the aspiring employees of the company. The Human resource officers are the judges in the company whether an applicant has the qualities fitted for the vacancies in their companies. Nowadays, according to the article I have read, there are many changes that happen in the positions of the employees, their roles and their functions in the group.It noted that the changes undergone by the HR officers are not as grand as the other positions of the company. The changes that have gone with the HR officers may not be that big, but the article stated that the company or corporation, no matter how big or small it is must have at least an HR officer in order to have better communications with their heads regarding business matters. I think HR officers are designed to be the bridge of the heads to its subordinates. The HR officers mus t have the qualities like expertise in the communication strategies, managerial skills and the like.HR Managers are now involved in the planning of the organization, setting marketing preferences and also for conducting leadership trainings and programs that will enhance its members and employers to the fullest regarding their works in the industry. There has been a problem to the increasing cost rate of the benefits for employers. Years after years, the benefits that the employers are receiving are getting more expensive, such as for health services and the like. In the present times, the HR Managers must act on it in order to preserve the budgets and assets of the companies they are in.Since employers already know that there are benefits while they are working, it is wrong to cut or halt the benefits they are receiving. Moreover, they might organize a union that could harm the existence of the company. Therefore, there should be ways in order to prevent such things to happen. Also , it is the duty of the HR Managers to help in the brainstorming of the ways to minimize the harm or should we say remove the harm for the company by the increasing benefits that the employers receive.From the article â€Å"The Chief Human Resource Officer†, it can be said that the demand for high quality human resource officers are really needed. The existence of these kinds of people will contribute to the increasing innovations of the companies in the world and might as well lead the company to new working skills that are essential in the workplace. Another article I have reviewed was from â€Å"America’s Retirement: Voice† says that there really is an increase of the benefits that employers received such that of the health insurance benefits which is 8.6% and the pension plans that are occupying the 4. 6% of the total compensations cost. Thus, the benefits mentioned are only for government employers. It said that the two major benefits received by retiring e mployers already exceeded other benefits that other employers receive such as with the paid sick and vacation leaves, and the other insurances issued for those employers who are not retiring. On the other hand, the private sector’s employers receive more benefits in their health insurances that comprise the 5.9% of their payments and the other one is the Social security contributions that in turn get the 4. 9% of the total compensations. Since these benefits are really high, this is now, according to the article, local government officials tend to observe and give focus on it. I can see that the rise for the benefits for the employees happen because the old workers give higher quality product than the work and product of the younger ones. I remember one of my professor’s sayings that â€Å"Quality is measured by age† which may be true in this aspect.Older people might have gotten so many experiences that they already developed the skills that make them assets of the company. Moreover, the older workers only had the capacity to be of good quality since they have been in the company for years and they experience working in the company with or without the innovations. They are more flexible than the younger ones, so the company will of course give them high recognition and importance. The report says that there was a plan of the private sector employers to control the benefits that the retirees are receiving.Their target year was 2003. They already modified their DB (Defined Benefit) plans in order to cater their employers still the benefits they deserve however in a controlled manner. In figure 5 of the report, the graph shows the decline of the DB plans, which is really big. It was a big decrease of the given benefits and they already achieved something out of their planned controlling of the benefits. I think employees are given the privilege to have check – ups once or twice a year in order to detect whether or not they are still f it for the job.Many are already provided health care opportunities and insurances to avoid much leaves and incapacity for the work. Also, the health care insurances might give the option for the employers and employees to avail of the different supplemental foods that could help strengthen the employers. Indeed, HR managers are assets to a company. Even though from one report, I have read that quality HR members are not that easy to be found, and is a problem of some small businesses, it is really needed to have an HR manager with a star quality.I think one way of managing the rising costs of the benefits employers receive is to select a highly recommended HR Manager who can facilitate the dealings of the problem. An HR manager that will give good strategies to solve the problem is in demand with this kind of situation. References Gaylen N. Chandler. Human Resource Management, TQM, and Firm Performance in Small and Medium-Size Enterprises. Entrepreneurship: Theory and Practice, Vol. 25, 2000. Retrieved 10 December 2007 from http://www. questia. com/googleScholar. qst;jsessionid=HdHXPtqRjpHmJQTb6Qy0HHS1MV14B3nmgqh2dqZ4v7FY26fb8xKP! -1609856024?docId=5002378696 The Chief Human Resource Officer. Retrieved 9 December 2007 from http://www. heidrick. com/NR/rdonlyres/91911795-CDC1-4DDD-A820 A6C88D9058BF/0/HS_TheCHRO. pdf Public Sector Retirement. Retrieved 10 December 2007 from https://www. nrsservicecenter. com/content/media/retail/pdfs/REI_report. pdf – Measuring and Benchmarking Benefits. 2004. Retrieved 10 December 2007 from http://www. google. com/url? sa=t&ct=res&cd=2&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww. iqpc. co. uk%2Fbinary-data%2FIQPC_CONFEVENT%2Fpdf_file%2F4019. pdf&ei=aBldR-2BMYGQgAOk-oC8DA&usg=AFQjCNHX2AxRSau5d9qDHYrSJ1UcaZJW1w&sig2=6a7qJMFG4gHhw4oArdRL4Q

Identifying a Constituent of “Panacetin” Essay

The Consulting Chemists Institute has been asked to analyze the drug preparation of Aspirin to find out what percentages of aspirin, sucrose, and drug preparation. The purpose of this experiment was to determine the unknown component of panacetin. Panacetin contains aspirin, sucrose, and an unknown component. Dichloromate reacts with Panacetin to produce the sucrose as an insoluble solid. Aspirin is removed from the solution by reacting with sodium bicarbonate. The aqueous layer reacts with hydrochloric acid, the unknown component can then be isolated by evaporating the solvent from the dichloromethane solution. Observations and Data: Aspirin reacted with Sodium Bicarbonate to form salt, sodium acetylsalicylate. The reaction caused fizzing and gas. When hydrochloric acid was added to sodium acetylsalicylate the solution bubbled, sizzled, and gave off heat. All precipitates were white. Substance Mass Panacetin 3.00g Aspirin 0.849g Sucrose 0.212g (weighed wet) Unknown 1.995 (burned) Results and Discussion: The results I got were close to the expected results. During the Isolation of the Unknown component, water splashed on our sucrose sample before we could weigh it and we burned the unknown, skewing the masses. However, there could have been incomplete mixing with dichloromethane, incomplete extraction of precipitation of aspirin, incomplete drying of the recovered components, or  losses from transferring substances from one container to another. Calculations: % Recovery = sum of the masses of all components/mass of panacetin started with  0.212g+0.849g+1.995g/3.01g = 101% %Composition = (Amount of Component/Sum of the masses of all components)*100 %Composition of Sucrose = (0.212g/3.056g)*100  =6.9% %Composition of Aspirin = (0.849g/3.056g)*100  = 27.8% % Composition of Unknown = (1.995g/3.056g)*100  = 65.3% Experimental: 3.01g of Panacetin was dissolved in 50mL of dichloromethane. The mixture was put through gravity filtration. Sucrose was set aside. The filtrate was then put through a separatory funnel and put into two 30mL portions of 5% sodium bicarbonate. 11mL of 6M hydrochloric acid was slowly added to the mixture. The mixture was cooled for ten minutes and aspirin was collected via vacuum filtration. A filter flask attached to a trap and aspirator was used to evaporate the solvent from the dichloromethane solution. All precipitates were white and crystalized.

Summer Internship Report on Madura Garments

Project Report On Improving Service Level for Institutional Sales SUBMITTED FOR THE PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF POST GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN INDUSTRIAL MANAGEMENT (PGDIM) By Puneet Verma Roll No. 105 PGDIM – 18 Under the guidance of [pic] National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE), Vihar Lake, P. O. NITIE, Mumbai 400 087 Date of Submission: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Certificate of Supervision This is to certify that Puneet Verma, student of PGDIM, Batch No. 18 has successfully completed the project titled – â€Å"Improving Service Level for Institutional Sales†, nder the guidance of Mrs. Sadhana Ghosh (NITIE) from 11th Jan 2013 to 15th March 2013. Based on the professional work done by him, this report is being submitted for the partial fulfillment of Post-Graduation Diploma in Industrial Management at NITIE, Mumbai Signature Faculty Guide Acknowledgement I wish to extend my sincere and heartfelt gratitude to my guide Mrs. Sadhana Ghosh(Professor, NITIE), whose Guidance and help constantly helped and motivated me during the entire tenure of the project. I am able to say with conviction that I have immensely benefited.Puneet Verma PGDIM-18 Executive Summary The apparel companies cater to various channels such as Department Stores, Trade, Organized Retail etc. Institutional Sales is a nascent business channel that caters to the demand from Institutional customers i. e organizations. Sales to this channel are generally in the form of bulk orders at volume discounts. For example, a pharmaceutical company orders through this channel for gifting shirt to doctors. The majority of the business of apparel organizations comes in through Trade and Department store channels.Orders for those channels come in during the Trade shows held twice a year 6 months prior to the launch of a season (Spring-Summer or Autumn-Winter). Sourcing and production plan for those channels so are essentially done against fixed orders. But for Institutional Channel orders are not predet ermined and customers come in with orders with very short lead time. This makes sourcing and manufacturing strategy for this process completely different from traditional channels. Currently the company Madura Garments (for reference and data) is not able to service these customers at a satisfactory level applying the business processes in place.This is contributed by the fact that the normal business model is significantly different from the requirements of this channel. The approach adopted was to first study the as-is business processes in place and review the past data to ascertain the capability of the current system in place. Next the problems in the current system were identified irrespective of whether the problem was a process or people related problem. A revised process flow was the proposed which will enable the company to service Institutional customers at a satisfactory rate.Lean Six Sigma methodology was adopted to approach the problem using a DMAIC model. The final li st of recommendations include changes in the current business process in the short time frame for immediate enhancement of service levels and long term changes to improve process capability to ramp up the business capabilities. Table of Contents Project Report1 Certificate of Supervision2 Acknowledgements4 Executive Summary5 1. Introduction8 2. Need & Significance of the Project11 3. Objective12 4. Literature Review†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 3 4. 1 DMAIC†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 13 4. 2 Fishbone Diagram†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 15 4. 3 Cause and Effect Matrix†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 17 4. 4 Failure Mode Effect Analysis†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 18 5. Methodology†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 4 5. 1: Understand the current market and business scenario†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚ ¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 25 5. 1. 1: Market Scenario: †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 25 5. 1. 2: Agent Performance: †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 29 5. 1. 3: Business processes: †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 30 5. 1. 4: Key Points: †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 5 5. 2: Ascertain the current service level of the syste m†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 36 5. 3: Identifying and Defining Problems†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 37 5. 3. 1: Fishbone Diagram: †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 37 5. 3. 2: Cause and Effect Matrix: †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 38 5. 3. 3: Failure Mode Effect Analysis:†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 39 5. 3. : Principal Issues: †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â ‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 41 5. 4: Process Improvement Plan†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 42 5. 4. 1: Short term changes: †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 43 5. 4. 2: Long term plans:†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 47 5. 5: Process Control†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚ ¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 1 6. References:†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 54 Introduction The Aditya Birla Group is in the League of Fortune 500. It is anchored by an extraordinary force of 100,000 employees, belonging to 25 different nationalities. In India the group has been adjudged â€Å" The Best Employer in India and among the Top 20 in Asia† by the Hewitt-Economic Times and Wall Street Journal Study 2007. Over 50 percent of it revenues flows from its overseas operations.The several Group companies under Aditya Birla Group are Grasim, Hindalco, Aditya Birla Nuvo, Essel Mining, Aditya Birla Retail Limited. Aditya Birla Nuvo Limited is a diversified conglomerate and the platform that has launched many new busin esses for India’s Premier Business house, the Aditya Birla Group. Aditya Birla Nuvo has a dozen businesses under its fold, ranging from textiles to telecom. As a leading player, Aditya Birla Nuvo ranks as †¢ The country’s largest premium branded Apparel Company : Madura Garments †¢ Largest Manufacture of linen fabric in India †¢ India’s largest and the world’s fourth largest producer of insulators The second largest producer of carbon black in India †¢ India’s second largest producer of viscose filament yarn (VFY) Aditya Birla Nuvo’s Business: Garments (Branded Apparel) Madura Garments, a division of Aditya Birla Nuvo is India’s leading apparel retail company. It enjoys market leadership in the branded garments business through its power and popular lifestyle brands – Louis Phillipe, Van Heusen, Allen Solly and Peter England. The company has also entered into a distribution agreement with the International b rand Esprit and has opened exclusive brand outlets.It has 2 successful store formats The Collective and PEOPLE. Madura Garments has exclusive showroom space which includes several large format brands outlets of world-class standards, providing top quality retail experience to the consumers. It also has a high visible presence in large department and multi brand stores. The thrust is on brand building through development of innovative new merchandise, exciting communication campaigns and enhancing the product portfolio. The overall marketing strategy has been move from a â€Å"Wardrobe Brand† to a â€Å"Lifestyle† Brand.The company has won many coveted awards in the fashion world like the â€Å"Best Retailer of the Year, Best Apparel Company of the Year, Best Trouser Brand of the Year, Best Smart Casual Brand of the Year† etc. , at well known for a such as Reid Taylor Awards and Images Fashion Awards. To bolster its presence significantly in the exploding apparel retail sector, the company has started retailing its life style brand and affordable popular brands through two new formats- Madura Garments Lifestyle Retail Company Limited and Peter England Fashions and Retail Limited. Contract ManufacturingMadura Garments Exports limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aditya Birla Nuvo focusing on garment exports. It is an integrated player in the apparel industry with interest in manufacturing exports of wovens, knits and Full Service Provider business. The company has modern manufacturing facilities and caters to customers like Marks & Spencer, Next, Blackberry, Arrow, Tommy Hilfiger and Menswear House. The organization delivers from design to delivery of merchandise at the customer warehouse. [pic] 2. Need & Significance of the Project Madura Fashion & Lifestyle has a fast growing institutionalized sales business.In December 2011, institutional sales hit an all time high of 4. 43 crores for a month. For FY12 institutional sales will account for Rs 14 crores with a high profitability (CBA). This channel has grown by four times in terms of sales over the last four years. However, the on time in full order execution for this channel continues to be poor. Delayed deliveries and missed opportunities continue to limit the growth of this channel. In this context, there is a need to study the supply chain (planning and execution) of this channel to identify the root cause for service failures and define process and system changes to tackle these. 3.Objective †¢ Mapping of as-is supply chain (planning process, order capture and order fulfillment process): The current business process that is being followed to cater to the customer demands †¢ Establish current service level for this channel: The order service level of the channel derived from the past data that has been obtained †¢ Identify root cause for service failures in institutional business: The major causes that leads to an unsatisfactory service level rel ated to people, process, business issues 4. Literature Review Six Sigma Methodologies: Six Sigma  is a  business management strategy, originally developed by Motorola in 1986.Six Sigma became well known after  Jack Welch made it a central focus of his business strategy at General Electric in 1995, and today it is widely used in many sectors of industry. Six Sigma seeks to improve the quality of process outputs by identifying and removing the causes of defects (errors) and minimizing  variabilityin  manufacturing  and  business processes. It uses a set of  quality management  methods, including  statistical methods, and creates a special infrastructure of people within the organization (â€Å"Black Belts†, â€Å"Green Belts†, etc. ) who are experts in these methods.Each Six Sigma project carried out within an organization follows a defined sequence of steps and has quantified financial targets (cost reduction and/or profit increase). The term  Six Sigma  originated from terminology associated with manufacturing, specifically terms associated with statistical modeling of manufacturing  processes. The maturity of a manufacturing process can be described by a  sigma  rating indicating its yield, or the percentage of defect-free products it creates. A six sigma process is one in which 99. 99966% of the products manufactured are statistically expected to be free of defects (3. defects per million). Motorola set a goal of â€Å"six sigma† for all of its manufacturing operations, and this goal became a byword for the management and engineering practices used to achieve it. 4. 1: DMAIC The DMAIC project methodology has five phases: ? Define  the problem, the voice of the customer, and the project goals, specifically. ? Measure  key aspects of the current process and collect relevant data. ? Analyze  the data to investigate and verify cause-and-effect relationships. Determine what the relationships are, and attemp t to ensure that all factors have been considered.Seek out root cause of the defect under investigation. ? Improve  or optimize the current process based upon data analysis using techniques such as  design of experiments,  poka yoke  or mistake proofing, and standard work to create a new, future state process. Set up pilot runs to establish  process capability. ? Control  the future state process to ensure that any deviations from target are corrected before they result in defects. Implement  control systems  such as  statistical process control, production boards, visual workplaces, and continuously monitor the process.Some organizations add a  Recognize  step at the beginning, which is to recognize the right problem to work on, thus yielding an RDMAIC methodology. 4. 2: Operation Definition: Recall the quote in the â€Å"first step† section of this site, â€Å"You can manage, what you can measure; you can measure, what you can define; you can define, what you can understand†. Operational definition is the first step towards effective management. It helps us build a clear understanding of a concept or a phenomenon so that it can be unambiguously measured. Let us take a very simple example to understand the need and the concept of operational definition.Let us imagine a situation that we wish to buy an all-purpose shirt with 50% cotton and 50% polyester. Would you accept a shirt whose front is made up of 100% cotton cloth and the back made of 100% polyester cloth? Surely not! Clearly we need to (operationally) define what we need. A better expression would be that we need a shirt made up of a cloth having even distribution of cotton and polyester fibers and their proportion by weight (or may be by number) is equal. So far so good, but we also need to have a mechanism to test it.In this case, we can send the shirt to a lab where randomly selected two areas (say 1 cm x 1 cm) – one from the back and one from the front ar e examined for the contents. The lab reports that group of two fibers of each – polyester and cotton are interwoven to make this clothe. Did we mean alternate fibers of polyester and cotton or something else? We now discover that we even need to define â€Å"even distribution†. In a business management scenario, common words such as good, reliable, and accurate (etc. ) can have multiple meanings unless they are (operationally) defined in a specific context.So how do we construct an operational definition? The process is explained with the help of an example in the following figure: [pic] Document the outcome of each process step and that becomes the operational definition. The operation definition must be tested before it is rolled out. 4. 2: Ishikawa’s Fishbone Diagram: The fishbone diagram is a graphical method for finding the root causes of an effect. The effect can be either a negative one, such as a process defect or an undue process variation; or a positiv e one, such as a desired process outcome.Kaoru Ishikawa, a famous Japanese consultant developed this method in the 1960s. It is also known as â€Å"Cause-and-Effect Diagram† or â€Å"Ishikawa Diagram†. The balance chapter details the steps required to construct a fishbone diagram. The example effect to illustrate the concept is â€Å"high petrol consumption in a car†. Step I Identify the process effect to be analysed. Develop an Operational Definition to ensure that it is clearly understood. Write the effect in a box on the right side and draw a horizontal arrow from left to right that touches the box as illustrated in the figure below. [pic] Step IIIdentify the main categories of causes resulting in the effect under consideration. These categories can easily be selected from the applicable six key process elements. These process elements are people, environment, material, method, machinery, and measurement. Add selected categories in the diagram as illustrated in the following figure. [pic] Step III Identify as many causes under each category and add them to the corresponding category. Detail each cause further (recursively) to the lowest level possible. [pic] Analyse this diagram to identify the causes that require deeper investigation.As fishbone diagram identify only potential causes, it may be a good idea to use a Pareto Chart to determine the cause(s) to focus on first. 4. 3: Cause & Effect Matrix The  Cause and Effect Matrix  is a tool which is used to prioritise potential causes by examining their relationship with the  CTQs. CTQ’s are placed on the top of the matrix and causes are place along the left side. The CTQ’s are ranked in terms of importance. The relationship between the causes and CTQs are ranked. An overall score is calculated and the cause with the highest overall score should be addressed first because they will have the largest impact on the CTQs.Steps 1. List the CTQs across the top of a matrix. 2. Rank and assign scores to each CTQ according to its importance to the customer. 3. List the causes on the left side of the matrix 4. Determine correlation scores between each cause and CTQ based on the strength of their relationship (E. g. 1 – weak, 3 – some, 9 – strong) 5. Cross multiply correlation scores with priority scores and add across for each cause 6. Create a  Pareto chart  and focus on the causes with the higher overall scores. The following diagram is a C&E matrix template from  ProcessMA. [pic] 4. : Failure Mode Effect Analysis: A  failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA)  is a  procedure  in  product development,  systems engineering  and  operations management  for analysis of potential failure modes within a system for classification by the severity and likelihood of the failures. A successful FMEA activity helps a team to identify potential failure modes based on past experience with similar products or processes, ena bling the team to design those failures out of the system with the minimum of effort and resource expenditure, thereby reducing development time and costs.Because it forces a review of functions and functional requirements, it also serves as a form of  design review. It is widely used in manufacturing industries in various phases of the product life cycle and is now increasingly finding use in the service industry. Failure modes  are any errors or defects in a process, design, or item, especially those that affect the intended function of the product and or process, and can be potential or actual. Effects analysis  refers to studying the consequences of those failures.The pre-work The process for conducting an FMEA is typically developed in three main phases, in which appropriate actions need to be defined. Before starting with an FMEA, several other techniques are frequently employed to ensure that robustness and history are included in the analysis. A robustness analysis can be obtained from interface matrices, boundary diagrams, and  parameter diagrams. Failures are often found from external ‘noise factors' and from shared interfaces with other parts and/or systems.Typically, a description of the system and its function is developed, considering both intentional and unintentional uses. A block diagram of the system is often created for inclusion with the FMEA, giving an overview of the major components or process steps and how they are related. These are called logical relations around which the FMEA can be developed. The primary FME document or ‘worksheet' lists all of the items or functions of the system in a logical manner, typically based on the block diagram. NOTE: Above shown example format is not in line with mil. td 1629 or Civil Aerospace practise. The basic terms as given in first paragraph of this page are not available in this template! Step 1: Occurrence In this step it is necessary to look at the cause of a failure mode and the number of times it occurs. This can be done by looking at similar products or processes and the failure modes that have been documented for them in the past. A failure cause is looked upon as a design weakness. All the potential causes for a failure mode should be identified and documented. Again this should be in technical terms.Examples of causes are: erroneous algorithms, excessive voltage or improper operating conditions. A failure mode is given an  occurrence ranking (O), again 1–10. Actions need to be determined if the occurrence is high (meaning >  4 for non-safety failure modes and >  1 when the severity-number from step 2 is 9 or 10). This step is called the detailed development section of the FMEA process. Occurrence also can be defined as  %. If a non-safety issue happened less than  1%, we can give 1 to it. It is based on your product and customer specification. Rating |Meaning | |1 |No known occurrences on similar products or processes | |2/3 |Low (relatively few failures) | |4/5/6 |Moderate (occasional failures) | |7/8 |High (repeated failures) | |9/10 |Very high (failure is almost inevitable) | Step 2: SeverityDetermine all failure modes based on the functional requirements and their effects. Examples of failure modes are: Electrical short-circuiting, corrosion or deformation. A failure mode in one component can lead to a failure mode in another component, therefore each failure mode should be listed in technical terms and for function. Hereafter the ultimate effect of each failure mode needs to be considered. A failure effect is defined as the result of a failure mode on the function of the system as perceived by the user. In this way it is convenient to write these effects down in terms of what the user might see or experience.Examples of failure effects are: degraded performance, noise or even injury to a user. Each effect is given a severity number (S)  from 1 (no danger) to 10 (critical). These numbers help an eng ineer to prioritize the failure modes and their effects. If the sensitivity of an effect has a number 9 or 10, actions are considered to change the design by eliminating the failure mode, if possible, or protecting the user from the effect. A severity rating of 9 or 10 is generally reserved for those effects which would cause injury to a user or otherwise result in litigation. Rating |Meaning | |1 |No effect | |2 |Very minor (only noticed by discriminating customers) | |3 |Minor (affects very little of the system, noticed by average customer) | |4/5/6 |Moderate (most customers are annoyed) | |7/8 |High (causes a loss of primary function; customers are issatisfied) | |9/10 |Very high and hazardous (product becomes inoperative; customers angered; the failure may result unsafe operation and | | |possible injury) | Step 3: Detection When appropriate actions are determined, it is necessary to test their efficiency. In addition, design verification is needed. The proper inspection me thods need to be chosen. First, an engineer should look at the current controls of the system that prevent failure modes from occurring or which detect the failure before it reaches the customer.Hereafter one should identify testing, analysis, monitoring and other techniques that can be or have been used on similar systems to detect failures. From these controls an engineer can learn how likely it is for a failure to be identified or detected. Each combination from the previous 2 steps receives a  detection number (D). This ranks the ability of planned tests and inspections to remove defects or detect failure modes in time. The assigned detection number measures the risk that the failure will  escape detection. A high detection number indicates that the chances are high that the failure will escape detection, or in other words, that the chances of detection are low. Rating |Meaning | |1 |Certain – fault will be caught on test | |2 |Almost Certain | |3 |High | |4/5/6 |Mo derate | |7/8 |Low | |9/10 |Fault will be passed to customer undetected | After these three basic steps, risk priority numbers (RPN) are calculated Risk priority number (RPN) – RPN play an important part in the choice of an action against failure modes. They are threshold values in the evaluation of these actions.After ranking the severity, occurrence and detect ability the RPN can be easily calculated by multiplying these three numbers: RPN  =  S  ? O  ? D This has to be done for the entire process and/or design. Once this is done it is easy to determine the areas of greatest concern. The failure modes that have the highest RPN should be given the highest priority for corrective action. This means it is not always the failure modes with the highest severity numbers that should be treated first. There could be less severe failures, but which occur more often and are less detectable. After these values are allocated, recommended actions with targets, responsibility and dates of implementation are noted.These actions can include specific inspection, testing or quality procedures, redesign (such as selection of new components), adding more redundancy and limiting environmental stresses or operating range. Once the actions have been implemented in the design/process, the new RPN should be checked, to confirm the improvements. These tests are often put in graphs, for easy visualization. Whenever a design or a process changes, an FMEA should be updated. A few logical but important thoughts come in mind: ? Try to eliminate the failure mode (some failures are more preventable than others) ? Minimize the severity of the failure ? Reduce the occurrence of the failure mode ? Improve the detection 5. MethodologyA brief outline of the methodology adopted in the project is given below: 1. Understand the current market and business scenario a. Gather historical data from the system to analyze market condition b. Analyze trends and patterns in the sales figures c. Study the current business processes and map the material and information flow 2. Ascertain the service level that the system currently operates at a. Gather data for a specified period b. Ascertain the service level for that period subjected to constraints c. Interpret the data to assess system capability 3. Identify and define the issues a. Identify the principal issues currently affecting service levels b.Use Lean Six Sigma Methodologies to structure the analysis process 4. Propose a Process improvement plan that addresses the need of the system a. Structure all the issues in the current system systematically b. Propose solutions which can positively affect the major issues c. Propose solutions for current service level improvement and long term improvement of business capabilities 5. Propose metrics to effectively control the process once implemented a. Propose metrics that can capture the effectiveness of the system in place 5. 1: Understand the current market and business scenario 5. 1. 1: Market Scenario: Brandwise sales for FY11-12 †¢ 85% of sales contributed by LP, VH †¢ 62% of LP sales contributed by December sales †¢ 31% of overall sales in December [pic] Overall Sales volume for FY ‘11-‘12 †¢ Business runs on relationship based contacts. A client can take away a number of his contacts from a business. †¢ Period for gifting by companies: April ( June †¢ Companies want products by March †¢ So ideally order should be placed by November/December †¢ Educating customers about the functioning of the business is important to obtain feasible targets †¢ Customers generally specify the brand, but may also sometimes specify the colour to coordinate with an event A serviced customer will not look for an alternate source for subsequent orders †¢ A customer may order goods for gifting or internal use †¢ Price sensitive customers †¢ Currently Pharmaceutical is the major player, but new ave nues can be explored (Essar Steel uniform order) †¢ Pharmaceutical companies generally demand a turnaround of 30 days †¢ Pharmaceutical sector generally not affected by downturns †¢ Delivery in correct time and correct order quantity †¢ If delivery is correct then a premium price may be charged †¢ Priority of delivery is low in this channel, the priority should be highest †¢ Customers may reject the order if delivery is delayed for a day. Events. Priority is low as the volume of business is low in comparison with overall business volume †¢ If service level is high then company bargaining power will also be high †¢ Market is susceptible to economic downturns (no order from IT firms for the past 3 yrs) †¢ Agents display a variety of goods to the customer. May sell a rival brand or a different product. †¢ Forecasting is difficult as a company may choose to give a different gift the next year †¢ Satisfied customers does not ensure r eturn customer but provides base for word of mouth marketing †¢ Leverage on the firms brand names †¢ High profit business where the discount depends on the volume of products ordered. No returned goods. †¢ Dealings are made with top management, so client facing operations should be capably handled Customer |Sum of Quantity |Sum of Gross | | | |Total | |Mankind pharma ltd |107500 |55623750 | |Madhuram apparels |14019 |11155274 | |Lupin limited |10460 |9936990 | |Addon holding pvt ltd. |12781 |8356870 | |Supra garments pvt limited |9098 |7067832 | |Padma international corporation |10188 |6298490 | |Unichem laboratories ltd |6555 |5004589. 37 | |Biocon limited |4980 |3650530 | |M/S.Glaxo smithline ltd |3424 |3589379 | |Clairemont enterprises |8138 |3544110 | |Emcure pharmaceuticals limited |5395 |3426004 | |IPCA laboratories limited |3284 |2891923 | |Saffron enterprises (p) ltd. |4118 |2855504 | |Geno pharmaceuticals ltd |4200 |2520000 | |Government of India |3000 |18750 00 | |Society of Petroleum Geophysicists |2028 |1817540 | |Pidilite industries ltd |2500 |1650206. 25 | †¢ 53 customers were serviced where ordered quantity was over 100 †¢ 9 orders were serviced where the ordered quantity was more than 5000 †¢ 17 orders were worth more than Rs 10,00,000 The revenue generated from these orders contribute to 88% of the overall revenue †¢ Orders exceeding 5000 contributed to 74% of overall revenue †¢ Revenue per unit from large orders generally lesser than that from medium/small orders 5. 1. 2: Agent Performance: Agentwise breakup of sales amount Proportion of sales made through agents as opposed to directly 5. 1. 3: Business processes: [pic] Current scenario of sourcing options: †¢ Sourcing not dependent on Core or Fashion, depends on how Core is defined †¢ Mills are large entities and Madura cannot consume their entire produce †¢ Sourcing time depends on overall demand for a fabric in the market †¢ Sourci ng strategy dependant on individual Style Codes For a style code with constant Y-o-Y demand an buffer inventory of 1000 mts is maintained at either factory RM level or supplier level †¢ A fabric from the current season, brand checks whether they can sell the product at the full priced market , then they service the institutionalized sales customers †¢ No separate sourcing strategy for institutional channel †¢ Sourcing strategy fixed at the start of the season †¢ Products manufactured against fixed orders †¢ Fabric sourced to meet only the fixed demand †¢ Excess fabric stock due to customers cancelling orders †¢ ARS (Automated Replenishment System) not affecting sourcing †¢ Sourcing for one style code done only once Sourcing is done according to the preplanned production schedule †¢ Fabric is not allocated to any channel, the FG is allocated to a specific channel †¢ If fabric is not sold off to the specific channel then the stock is o ffered to the same/ different channel the next season †¢ Once the plan for the season has been made the plan is not subjected to any major change 5. 1. 4: Key Points: Plant Capacity: †¢ Plant capacity is allocated to various brands depending on their orders from trade shows/forecasts †¢ The allocated plant capacity is fixed for a year and is reviewed at the beginning of the season †¢ Excess fabric stock from previous season piled-up at factory (inventory build-up) Production Planning: No separate capacity is present to cater to institutional sales †¢ Brands utilize excess capacity or reschedule work orders to cater to Institutional customers †¢ Service level dependent on demand from other traditional channels Institutional Orders: †¢ Factory receives direct enquiry from the Institutional Sales team †¢ Factory check reserve stock and ready sourcing options for fabric and trims (lower lead time to source trims than brands) †¢ Schedule produ ction plan according to excess capacity available i. e unutilized by the brands 5. 2: Ascertain the current service level of the system Data Collection: †¢ Data collected from mail records from Jan ( Mar 2012 Enquiries for less than 100 units neglected †¢ Orders divided into separate groups depending on ordered volume †¢ Overall service levels for the period is at 35% †¢ Current process can service only about 16% of the total volume of demand †¢ None of the 10000+ orders have been serviced †¢ Service level for orders between 2000-10000 is the highest †¢ Excluding the very large orders, the company serviced 40% of the total volume of demand |Row Labels |Accepted |Despatched |Enquiry |Rejected |Grand Total |Service Level | |500-2000 |7 |5 |1 |21 |34 |0. 6 | |2000-10000 |2 |4 |2 |5 |13 |0. 55 | |10000+ | | |2 |4 |6 |0 | |Grand Total |10 |15 |5 |47 |77 |0. 35 | |100-500 |225 |1725 | |3380 |5330 |0. 37 | |500-2000 |5240 |4050 |1000 |18400 |28690 |0. 34 | |2000-10000 |14380 |11500 |9500 |33500 |68880 |0. 4 | |10000+ | | |51000 |144000 |195000 |0 | |Grand Total |19845 |17533 | |High Turnaround Time |Fabric catalogue not provided for IS |567 | |High Turnaround Time |Information is decentralized |567 | |Unavailable fabric |Low clarity regarding reserve stock level |441 | |Unavailable fabric |Sourcing not done for Institutional Channel |441 | |High Turnaround Time |Low clarity regarding reserve stock level |441 | |Low Priority of Institutional sales |Volume of business w. r. overall business |441 | |Unavailable fabric |Volume orders |405 | |Unavailable capacity |No separate plant capacity for Institutional customers |245 | |Low Profitability |Discount margin offered |245 | |High Turnaround Time |Response time to get back on a query |245 | |Unavailable capacity |Volume orders |189 | |Unavailable capacity |Current utilization of factory for retail channels |175 | |Delayed Delivery |No separate plant capacity for Institutional customers |175 | |Low Profitability |Price sensitive customers |147 | |Delayed Delivery |Current utilization of factory for retail channels |125 | |Low Priority of Institutional sales |Price sensitive customers |105 | |Competitor Action |NOS range not always available |105 | |Competitor Action |Agents working for multiple companies |45 | 5. 3. 4: Principal Issues: Fabric Stock: †¢ Fabric catalogue is not provided for IS leading to lack of clarity for agents and IS team †¢ Reserve fabric stock at factory level is not visible to IS team †¢ Sourcing for fabric is not done for Institutional customers Process: †¢ Priority for Institutional orders are low †¢ Information is decentralized leading to a high turnaround time †¢ Bulk orders from Institutional customers leading to shortage of available capacity †¢ Slack information flow between brand and factory leading to delayed production Planning: †¢ Lack of planning and subsequent strategizing for achieving tar gets Problems with forecasting the sales of this channel †¢ Manufacturing for orders are done on an ad-hoc basis 5. 4: Process Improvement Plan The proposed solution has been broadly divided into short term actions and long term actions: Short term actions: a. Channel potential †¢ Dispel value chain image †¢ Communicate benefits of the channel †¢ Change accounting standards for brands for catering to IS b. Fabric stock visibility †¢ Catalogue of reserve stock in factory †¢ Swatch set, inventory record of current stock made visible to IS team c. Process capability †¢ Sourcing done on a limited scale by the IS team †¢ Book order for a limited quantity of core range during trade show Plant capacity set up to cater to Institutional customers exclusively Long term plans: †¢ Revamp Order Interface †¢ Integrate sourcing solutions †¢ Create and maintain a database of mills †¢ Create an online portal for centralized information stor age from the brand, factory and IS team †¢ Formulate ramp-up strategy †¢ Target a service level of 100% for orders within 5000 †¢ Process should be capable of handling 5000+ orders with a lead time of 45 days †¢ Target new segments to increase business volume †¢ Create a low price point brand, Byford, to cater to demand for price sensitive customers 5. 4. 1: Short term changes: Channel Potential: †¢ Apprehension of brands regarding profitability and quality of products offered Demand from this channel is an additional demand (basic difference from value channel) †¢ Quality assurance according to brand standards †¢ Adhering to predetermined discount slabs (PC:MRP ratio) †¢ Potential to facilitate fabric stock liquidation (AS has already prepared swatch set) Process Capability: †¢ NOS stock not always available leading to business loss in Core range †¢ IS team should form some sourcing capabilities by using the standard mills â₠¬ ¢ IS team can also book a certain range of core products during trade shows (brands currently identify 5 styles that will sell in IS) †¢ Separate plant capacity based on past year minimum demand per month for the past year Fabric stock visibility: Swatch set of reserve fabric stock to be made and sent to the IS team †¢ A basic database of current stock from traditional channel that the brand can offer for IS †¢ Information clarity between the stake holders for fabric stock to be centralized Key Changes: †¢ Central repository of information regarding reserve stock from factory and excess fabric stock from all national mills adhering to quality standards †¢ Repository periodically updated for fabric from current stock (dropped order) that can be offered to Institutional customers †¢ Agents have an upstream visibility regarding fabric on offer, therefore enabling queries to be addressed on first contact IS team and agent have stock visibility to reply to queries better, shortening the order capture time †¢ IS team itself explores sourcing options if fabric not present with brand †¢ Interaction with brand minimized regarding the fabric stock information †¢ Interactions between contact points in the whole process flow reduced Non-Availability of capacity: †¢ Plant capacity not allocated to Institutional sales †¢ Delay in order delivery due to lack of capacity †¢ Separate line to cater to IS specially during peak season (Aug/Sept) †¢ Line can be used for traditional channel in case capacity unutilized †¢ Factory to have the capability to manufacture 7000 units for IS per month 5. 4. 2: Long term plans: Strategic goals: Target a service level of 100% for orders within 5000 units †¢ Aim to serve 12 very large orders (revenue over Rs. 50,00,000 every fiscal year) †¢ Service an order with volumes larger than 5000 in 45 days lead time (considering fabric sourcing is required) Expansion: â⠂¬ ¢ Pharmaceutical sector contributes to 90% of the current business †¢ Decrease dependency on one sector by exploring new avenues †¢ Actively ask agents to promote business to new customers and provide incentive if a new sector is breached (volume orders) Brand development: †¢ Byford currently caters to Institutional customers †¢ Make Byford capable of servicing parallel industries like uniform orders, that are not being serviced by LBRDs Byford can service internal requirement for manufacturing industries that cannot be serviced because of price point issues (accept orders only beyond a certain volume) Key Changes: †¢ Interface is created to capture the entire information in an accessible format †¢ Interface provides information about style code, fabric properties, swatch, quantity available, estimated manufacturing capacity and price of product †¢ Processes typically addressed after an enquiry is expedited to be processed beforehand †¢ Cus tomer driven ordering system which minimizes the unstructured interaction between the various stakeholders †¢ Customer has ready information regarding the quantity available, fabric availability and tentative delivery dates Price, fabric and plant capacity issues are dealt with in a structured manner to avoid unnecessary delays n the system †¢ Information is centralized successfully and the interface can be further utilized by other channels (e. g: a Trade customer wants to order a Core range) 5. 5: Process Control Auditing Measures: †¢ Brands feel it is not profitable to sell to Institutional channel because of the 67. 3% transfer price between MFL & MGLRCL †¢ Monthly targets are affected as brands service IS orders †¢ Separate auditing for sales made through Institutional channels Process Capability: †¢ Measure of defects in delivery (quantity & quality) for orders accepted †¢ Measure to be Defects Per Hundred Opportunities †¢ Service level: the number of accepted enquiriesProcess Dashboard: a. Historical: †¢ Data for the past quarter †¢ Revenue †¢ Selling price †¢ CBA †¢ Orders accepted †¢ Orders served †¢ Monthly plant utilization b. Exceptions: †¢ Data outliers in business process †¢ Largest enquiry by volume †¢ Largest order accepted †¢ Longest delay c. Current status: †¢ Enquiries under process †¢ Enquiries potentially worth over Rs 10,00,000 †¢ Actual sales vs target sales d. Future: †¢ Current orders under process †¢ Utilization of plant capacity by IS †¢ Scheduled vs expected delivery dates 7. References: Toyota Kata: Managing People for Improvement, Adaptiveness and Superior Results by Mike Rother †¢ The Toyota Way by Jeffey Liker