Conspiracy Theories Are Nonsense

Oral â€Å"From each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs. † There is no greater economic system that can rival the Utopian nature of Communism, yet this statement sent shivers down the spine of the Capitalist World. The concept was flawless however the implementation resulted in one of one of the most infamous Political systems in the world. Communism, in layman’s terms, is a revolutionary political system , aiming to create a classless, moneyless and stateless social order structured upon common ownership of the means of production.It also aimed to change the social and economic ideology of capitalism , which was thrived on the principle of the rich getting richer, the poor , poorer. To understand why Communism spread so rapidly we must learn about the origins of communism. Karl Marx and Frederick Engels were the founding fathers of communism in 1848. Marx wrote a document called the Communist manifesto. In this document he outlined which areas w ould need to change. There were 3 main changes: political change, a economic change and social change. Unfortunately these are very difficult to change.Marx, however, found a way to accomplish this. A revolution. The Red Revolution!!! These were usually very bloody, as people would not easily part with their material wealth. Communism had to be implemented fully,people could not choose only one part of it. You are either in or killed. In the Russian Revolution alone 9 million people were killed. However, this must take place in order to overthrow the existing government. Marx emphasized the need for total destruction of the existing system in order for change to take place.The next part of their plan stated that a dictator must gain absolute control over the working class. During this phase, the new government has absolute control over the common citizen's personal choices for example education, religion, employment and even marriage. Redistribution of wealth would take place in thi s period. The final phase has never been attained because it requires that all non-communists be eliminated in order for the Communist Party to achieve supreme equality. In a communist utopia, everyone would happily share wealth.The government would control all means of production so that the one-class system would remain constant, with no possibility of any citizens rising to the top. Marx also detailed the 10 essential principles of communism, namely: †¢Central banking system †¢Government controlled education †¢Government controlled labor †¢Government ownership of transportation and communication vehicles †¢Government ownership of agricultural means and factories †¢Total destruction of private property †¢Property rights confiscation †¢Heavy income tax on everyone †¢Destruction of rights of inheritance Regional Planning In the communist society that the manifesto described, the government has supreme authority as it controls all land an d means of production. Because the government distributes land and property among the people, communism sets a standard of equality – both economically and socially — among its followers.  ­The system seems to work in theory, but Marx and Engels died before it was put into practice and did not see the fruit of their labour.Economy Capitalism, the current economic system in South Africa, is, according to communism, tremendously wasteful and destructive of men, goods, power, land. All useful goods are used until there is none left. But goods aren’t made for consumption, but for profit, and if a greater profit can be made, the destruction takes place. As capitalism developed, larger factories are built, thousands of laborers are used to make 1 product, yet it does not belong to them but to the owner of the Factory.The laborers are merely paid wages, which constantly grow less and less, as the price of the total product increases. So the gap between the worker and the owner increases and creates classes in which some can afford everything whereas others can barely know where their next meal is coming from. During the communist rule in Russia the State Bank was nationalized. Subsequently all other banks were nationalized and fused with the State Bank. This meant that the state owned the bank and could control the spending of money in their country to some extent.During the 1940’s 3 economic crises occurred in Europe. The Soviet Union, however, stayed economically stable The way out of this endless cycle of rich getting richer and poor getting poorer is a communist economy, where the means of production are nationalized and classes are no more, because the state owned everything and everyone would only get enough money to spend on their needs and a few wants. This system allows people to value knowledge, family and work as they have very little money to buy material goods. Communism can’t be built in one country alone.Since Capit alism can’t be overthrown all over the world with one stroke. They’ll use their state machines, their armies and navies to maintain their property and their power, the workers too are organized into a state to crush and conquer the capitalist states. So there are 2 ways to rectify this. To completely stop using industry, which in this day and age is virtually impossible. The second way to do this is what communism dictates to completely destroy all businesses that aren’t willing to be run by the state. There will be no exploitation. There will be no classes.Each will receive according to what he puts in, and as the productivity of labor will greatly increase, each will receive according to his needs and will contribute according to his ability. Social Structure: In a Communist Society there are no classes. There is no verbal, emotional or physical abuse. Everyone has the same benefits, everyone pays the same taxes. In short everyone is equal, but no 2 individual s are alike so Communist countries like China and the Soviet Union have special schools where young children with specific talents are placed they barely see their arents as they are forced to become the best in their field. This is Cruel, but effective. During WWII The Soviet Union held the chess world title longer than any other country during the 20th century and had the best and most grandmasters. They did this to prove that their way of living produced finer and more intelligent people than any other country. The Soviet Union used chess as propaganda. Sports were also very important to the USSR. Dominating the Americans in the Olympics was the ultimate way of them saying â€Å"we are the greatest†.At a young age children with talent for sports, music or academics would be taking away from their parents to study and train in that specific niche. Cruel but effective. Upon the death of Vladimir Lenin in 1925, Joseph Stalin outmaneuvered his opponent Leon Trotsky to take the reigns of the Soviet Union. Trotsky sought to continue Lenin's efforts of aggressively establishing Communism throughout all the world, since communism was inherently stateless, and was not intended to exist withn just one country. Stalin, however, was more practical, learning from the resounding defeat of communism in other parts of Europe.He instead focused on strengthening the Soviet Union, under Communist ideals, while simply supporting communist revolutions whenever and wherever they arose. Stalin's ideology proved more widely accepted, and became the modus operando of the Soviet Union from that point forward. This was not communism any more, but Stalinism. Religion The religion of communism is atheism. Now this may seem unfair for communism to force people to believe in something , but in a communist state they wouldn’t want people to be distracted from working for the good of the country.So with atheism people had more time to spend bettering their country’s ec onomic status and producing an intelligent race. In this Day and age communist countries are few and far between, out of the 196 countries that exist there are only 5 communist countries: China, Cuba, Laos, North Korea and Vietnam that is less than 3 percent of all countries But back in the day of communist uprising there were over 40 communist countries Bulgaria, Mongolia, USSR, Poland, Romania, Czech Republic, East Germany, Poland, Angola , Benin, Dem Rep. f Congo , Ethiopia ,Somalia, Eritrea, Mozambique and of course Russia. Are just a few of the communist countries. Symbols The hammer and sickle These two tools are symbols of the industrial working class and the farmers; placing them together symbolizes the unity between industrial and agricultural workers. This emblem was created during the Russian Revoultion of 1917. The hammer and sickle were not the official symbol until 1922, before which the original hammer and plough insignia was used by the Red Army and the Red Guard on uniforms, medals, caps, etc.The five-pointed red star is sometimes understood to represent the five fingers of the worker's hand, as well as the five continents. A lesser known suggestion is that the five points on the star were intended to represent the five social groups that would lead to communism rising to become the dominant political structure in the world: the youth, the military, the industrial labourers, the agricultural workers or peasantry, and the intelligentsia. It was one of the emblems, symbols, and signals representing the Soviet Union under the rule of the Communist Party.In politics, a red flag has been associated with left-wing politics since the French Revolution. [1] Socialists adopted the symbol during the Revolutions of 1848 and it became a symbol of communism as a result of its use by the Paris Commune of 1871. The flags of several communist states, including China, Vietnam and the Soviet Union, are based on the original red flag. Leaders Lenin- 1st communis t leader in the world Stalin -USSR Mao Zedong – China ( 1st communist leader) Kim il Sung – North Korea ( 1st Communist Leader) Ho chi minh – Vietnam Castro – Cuba (1st communist leader) Che Guevara- Latin AmericaGorbachev – Last USSR leader Benefits 1. people are equal, the advantage her no matter what type of education and financial stability you are on everyone is still equal which reduces crime and violence 2. everyone has employment. 3. The next advantage would be a steady and stable economy. 4. the greatest advantages in communism is that there is no competition. This is a great advantage because everyone is created equal, so each person can work equally as hard without stepping on one another’s back. 5. Communism abolishes class system, This results in an open society where there is no any kind of oppression. . Communism offers a platform on which all policies that affect the community are openly discussed and implemented fast 7. In c ommunism all people hold land. All goods are shared equally. 8. There is no poverty in communism so everyone is equal. 9. In communism individuals are assigned work by the State and they are given a bit remuneration of their service normally in kind. 10. People get ration from Government department Disadvantages †¢The government decides on what the people can have, rather than what they want. †¢The government dictates what people must do (like your job) and controls freedom of movement. All businesses are owned and controlled by the government. †¢Everybody is working, and most have nothing. †¢It relies upon everyone in the system being selfless and not trying to get more than anyone else. †¢It is very difficult to get out of a communistic country. When we have reached Communism we will have done away with both the Social Order and Social Disorder and humanity will have reached a rational system of society where development of mankind will no longer be choked by social relations, where, therefore, society will be a free one and man emancipated. Conspiracy Theories Are Nonsense Oral â€Å"From each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs. † There is no greater economic system that can rival the Utopian nature of Communism, yet this statement sent shivers down the spine of the Capitalist World. The concept was flawless however the implementation resulted in one of one of the most infamous Political systems in the world. Communism, in layman’s terms, is a revolutionary political system , aiming to create a classless, moneyless and stateless social order structured upon common ownership of the means of production.It also aimed to change the social and economic ideology of capitalism , which was thrived on the principle of the rich getting richer, the poor , poorer. To understand why Communism spread so rapidly we must learn about the origins of communism. Karl Marx and Frederick Engels were the founding fathers of communism in 1848. Marx wrote a document called the Communist manifesto. In this document he outlined which areas w ould need to change. There were 3 main changes: political change, a economic change and social change. Unfortunately these are very difficult to change.Marx, however, found a way to accomplish this. A revolution. The Red Revolution!!! These were usually very bloody, as people would not easily part with their material wealth. Communism had to be implemented fully,people could not choose only one part of it. You are either in or killed. In the Russian Revolution alone 9 million people were killed. However, this must take place in order to overthrow the existing government. Marx emphasized the need for total destruction of the existing system in order for change to take place.The next part of their plan stated that a dictator must gain absolute control over the working class. During this phase, the new government has absolute control over the common citizen's personal choices for example education, religion, employment and even marriage. Redistribution of wealth would take place in thi s period. The final phase has never been attained because it requires that all non-communists be eliminated in order for the Communist Party to achieve supreme equality. In a communist utopia, everyone would happily share wealth.The government would control all means of production so that the one-class system would remain constant, with no possibility of any citizens rising to the top. Marx also detailed the 10 essential principles of communism, namely: †¢Central banking system †¢Government controlled education †¢Government controlled labor †¢Government ownership of transportation and communication vehicles †¢Government ownership of agricultural means and factories †¢Total destruction of private property †¢Property rights confiscation †¢Heavy income tax on everyone †¢Destruction of rights of inheritance Regional Planning In the communist society that the manifesto described, the government has supreme authority as it controls all land an d means of production. Because the government distributes land and property among the people, communism sets a standard of equality – both economically and socially — among its followers.  ­The system seems to work in theory, but Marx and Engels died before it was put into practice and did not see the fruit of their labour.Economy Capitalism, the current economic system in South Africa, is, according to communism, tremendously wasteful and destructive of men, goods, power, land. All useful goods are used until there is none left. But goods aren’t made for consumption, but for profit, and if a greater profit can be made, the destruction takes place. As capitalism developed, larger factories are built, thousands of laborers are used to make 1 product, yet it does not belong to them but to the owner of the Factory.The laborers are merely paid wages, which constantly grow less and less, as the price of the total product increases. So the gap between the worker and the owner increases and creates classes in which some can afford everything whereas others can barely know where their next meal is coming from. During the communist rule in Russia the State Bank was nationalized. Subsequently all other banks were nationalized and fused with the State Bank. This meant that the state owned the bank and could control the spending of money in their country to some extent.During the 1940’s 3 economic crises occurred in Europe. The Soviet Union, however, stayed economically stable The way out of this endless cycle of rich getting richer and poor getting poorer is a communist economy, where the means of production are nationalized and classes are no more, because the state owned everything and everyone would only get enough money to spend on their needs and a few wants. This system allows people to value knowledge, family and work as they have very little money to buy material goods. Communism can’t be built in one country alone.Since Capit alism can’t be overthrown all over the world with one stroke. They’ll use their state machines, their armies and navies to maintain their property and their power, the workers too are organized into a state to crush and conquer the capitalist states. So there are 2 ways to rectify this. To completely stop using industry, which in this day and age is virtually impossible. The second way to do this is what communism dictates to completely destroy all businesses that aren’t willing to be run by the state. There will be no exploitation. There will be no classes.Each will receive according to what he puts in, and as the productivity of labor will greatly increase, each will receive according to his needs and will contribute according to his ability. Social Structure: In a Communist Society there are no classes. There is no verbal, emotional or physical abuse. Everyone has the same benefits, everyone pays the same taxes. In short everyone is equal, but no 2 individual s are alike so Communist countries like China and the Soviet Union have special schools where young children with specific talents are placed they barely see their arents as they are forced to become the best in their field. This is Cruel, but effective. During WWII The Soviet Union held the chess world title longer than any other country during the 20th century and had the best and most grandmasters. They did this to prove that their way of living produced finer and more intelligent people than any other country. The Soviet Union used chess as propaganda. Sports were also very important to the USSR. Dominating the Americans in the Olympics was the ultimate way of them saying â€Å"we are the greatest†.At a young age children with talent for sports, music or academics would be taking away from their parents to study and train in that specific niche. Cruel but effective. Upon the death of Vladimir Lenin in 1925, Joseph Stalin outmaneuvered his opponent Leon Trotsky to take the reigns of the Soviet Union. Trotsky sought to continue Lenin's efforts of aggressively establishing Communism throughout all the world, since communism was inherently stateless, and was not intended to exist withn just one country. Stalin, however, was more practical, learning from the resounding defeat of communism in other parts of Europe.He instead focused on strengthening the Soviet Union, under Communist ideals, while simply supporting communist revolutions whenever and wherever they arose. Stalin's ideology proved more widely accepted, and became the modus operando of the Soviet Union from that point forward. This was not communism any more, but Stalinism. Religion The religion of communism is atheism. Now this may seem unfair for communism to force people to believe in something , but in a communist state they wouldn’t want people to be distracted from working for the good of the country.So with atheism people had more time to spend bettering their country’s ec onomic status and producing an intelligent race. In this Day and age communist countries are few and far between, out of the 196 countries that exist there are only 5 communist countries: China, Cuba, Laos, North Korea and Vietnam that is less than 3 percent of all countries But back in the day of communist uprising there were over 40 communist countries Bulgaria, Mongolia, USSR, Poland, Romania, Czech Republic, East Germany, Poland, Angola , Benin, Dem Rep. f Congo , Ethiopia ,Somalia, Eritrea, Mozambique and of course Russia. Are just a few of the communist countries. Symbols The hammer and sickle These two tools are symbols of the industrial working class and the farmers; placing them together symbolizes the unity between industrial and agricultural workers. This emblem was created during the Russian Revoultion of 1917. The hammer and sickle were not the official symbol until 1922, before which the original hammer and plough insignia was used by the Red Army and the Red Guard on uniforms, medals, caps, etc.The five-pointed red star is sometimes understood to represent the five fingers of the worker's hand, as well as the five continents. A lesser known suggestion is that the five points on the star were intended to represent the five social groups that would lead to communism rising to become the dominant political structure in the world: the youth, the military, the industrial labourers, the agricultural workers or peasantry, and the intelligentsia. It was one of the emblems, symbols, and signals representing the Soviet Union under the rule of the Communist Party.In politics, a red flag has been associated with left-wing politics since the French Revolution. [1] Socialists adopted the symbol during the Revolutions of 1848 and it became a symbol of communism as a result of its use by the Paris Commune of 1871. The flags of several communist states, including China, Vietnam and the Soviet Union, are based on the original red flag. Leaders Lenin- 1st communis t leader in the world Stalin -USSR Mao Zedong – China ( 1st communist leader) Kim il Sung – North Korea ( 1st Communist Leader) Ho chi minh – Vietnam Castro – Cuba (1st communist leader) Che Guevara- Latin AmericaGorbachev – Last USSR leader Benefits 1. people are equal, the advantage her no matter what type of education and financial stability you are on everyone is still equal which reduces crime and violence 2. everyone has employment. 3. The next advantage would be a steady and stable economy. 4. the greatest advantages in communism is that there is no competition. This is a great advantage because everyone is created equal, so each person can work equally as hard without stepping on one another’s back. 5. Communism abolishes class system, This results in an open society where there is no any kind of oppression. . Communism offers a platform on which all policies that affect the community are openly discussed and implemented fast 7. In c ommunism all people hold land. All goods are shared equally. 8. There is no poverty in communism so everyone is equal. 9. In communism individuals are assigned work by the State and they are given a bit remuneration of their service normally in kind. 10. People get ration from Government department Disadvantages †¢The government decides on what the people can have, rather than what they want. †¢The government dictates what people must do (like your job) and controls freedom of movement. All businesses are owned and controlled by the government. †¢Everybody is working, and most have nothing. †¢It relies upon everyone in the system being selfless and not trying to get more than anyone else. †¢It is very difficult to get out of a communistic country. When we have reached Communism we will have done away with both the Social Order and Social Disorder and humanity will have reached a rational system of society where development of mankind will no longer be choked by social relations, where, therefore, society will be a free one and man emancipated.

Hewlett Packard The Company Commerce Essay

In 1938, two Stanford alumnuss in electrical technology, William Hewlett and David Packard, started their ain concern in a garage behind Packard ‘s Palo Alto place. One twelvemonth subsequently, Hewlett and Packard formalized their concern into a partnership called Hewlett-Packard. HP was incorporated in 1947 and began offering stock for public trading 10 old ages subsequently. Annual net gross for the company grew from $ 5.5 million in 1951 to $ 3 billion in 1980. By 1997, one-year net gross exceeded $ 42 billion and HP had become the universe ‘s 2nd largest computing machine provider. The company, which originally produced audio oscillators, introduced its first computing machine in 1966. In 1972, the company pioneered the epoch of personal computer science by presenting the first scientific, handheld reckoner. Hewlett-Packard introduced its first personal computing machine in 1980. Five old ages subsequently, HP introduced the LaserJet pressman, which would go the company ‘s most successful merchandise of all time.The HP WayIn 1956, Bill Hewlett, Dave Packard, and a smattering of other HP executives gathered at the Mission Inn in Sonoma, California, to make a set of values and rules to steer their company. The six aims that this little group later created non merely helped determine â€Å" a new sort of company, but finally became the foundation for what came to be known as â€Å" the HP manner. †The six aims, which subsequently became seven, are:1. Acknowledge that net income is the best step of a company ‘s part to society and the ultimate b eginning of corporate strength ; 2. Continually better the value of the merchandises and services offered to clients ; 3. Seek new chances for growing but concentrate attempts on Fieldss in which the company can do a part ; 4. Supply employment chances that include the opportunity to portion in the company ‘s success ; 5. Keep an organisational environment that Fosters single motive, inaugural and creativeness ; 6. Show good citizenship by doing parts to the community ; 7. Stress growing as a demand for endurance. Hewlett-Packard is the universe ‘s largest engineering company. Largely known as a shaper of pressmans, the company is the universe ‘s top shaper of Personal computers and has been tied with Dell for the lead in the United States. HP focuses its Social Innovations in three countries: HP in Education HP in Health HP in the Community HP believes instruction is the anchor to societal advancement and prosperity. We are working to give pedagogues, pupils and immature enterprisers the cognition and accomplishments to turn to pressing challenges in their communities and around the universe. Health is a cardinal precedence for authoritiess all over the universe. The quality of health care determines the quality of people ‘s lives. Millions of people do non hold entree to the really rudimentss of wellness attention services, and in many states wellness services are merely non presenting quality attention in an effectual and efficient mode. Even in the states where wellness services are strong, the cost construction is unsustainable for the patients, suppliers and remunerators. Each twelvemonth, 1000s of HP employees donate money, clip and expertness to assist others.Products & A ; ServicessHp is a taking company, offering merchandises, engineerings, package, solutions and services to consumers, little and average sized concerns and big organisations Hewlett-Packard Company ( HP ) is a taking company offering a broad scope of merchandises, engineerings, package, solutions and services to single consumers, small- and moderate-sized concerns ( SMBs ) and big endeavors, including clients in the authorities, wellness and instruction sectors. Its operations are organized into seven sections: Servicess, Enterprise Storage and Servers ( ESS ) , HP Software, the Personal Systems Group ( PSG ) , the Imaging and Printing Group ( IPG ) , HP Financial Services ( HPFS ) , and Corporate Investments. Services, ESS and HP Software are reported jointly as a broader HP Enterprise Business. Hewlett-Packard ‘s concern is huge in range and size. The company manufactures more than 24,000 electronic merchandises and systems for measuring, calculating, and computation. The world-wide operation with research installations ; fabrication workss ; and gross revenues, service, and support offices spread across the U.S. and more than 120 states.Mission Statement of Hewlett Packardâ€Å" We are committed to developing a broad scope of advanced merchandises and multimedia services that challenge the manner consumer ‘s entree and enjoy digital amusement. By guaranting synergism between concerns within the organisation, we are besides invariably endeavoring to make exciting new universes of amusement that can be experienced on a assortment of different merchandises. †Vision statement of Hewlett Packardâ€Å" We recognize and seize chances for growing that builds upon our strengths and competences. †Improved Mission statementTo supply merchandise, services and solution of highest quality and present more value to our clients that earn their regard and trueness.Improved Vision statementTo see alteration in market as an chance to turn, to utilize our net income and to ability to develop and bring forth advanced merchandises, services and solutions that satisfy clients need.Why?They are brief and to the point. It is foregrounding all the chief points.Comparison of Mission statement to a taking rival statementIBMA IBM, we strive to take in the innovation, development and industry of the industry most advanced information engineerings, including computing machine systems, package, storage systems and microelectronics. We translate these advanced engineerings into value for our clients through our professional solutions, services and confer withing concerns worldwide. DELLA Dell mission is to be the most successful computing machine company in the universe at presenting the best client experience in markets we serve.Mission Statement Evaluation MatrixOrganizationCustomersMerchandises or ServicessMarketsConcern for Survival, Growth, ProfitabilityTechnologyDoctrineSelf-ConceptConcern for Public ImageConcern for EmployeesHewlett PackardYesYesNoYesYesYesYesYesYesIbmYesYesYesNoYesNoNoYesNoDellYesYesYesNoYesNoYesYesNoINTERNAL ASSESSMENTFinancial Ratio AnalysisRatio 2006 2005Gross net income border24.53 % 23.61 %Operating net income border7.15 % 4.00 %Net net income border6.76 % 2.7 %Current ratio1.35 1.38Quick ratio1.13 1.16Inventory turnover ratio8.93 9.63Gross saless to receivables ratio8.43 8.75Tax return on assets13.0 % 6.9 %Debt to worth ratio6.52 % 9.12 %Working capital$ 12,414 $ 11,874Gross net income border ratioThe gross net income has increased from 23.61 % to 24.53 % . This means that profitableness at the basic degree has increased from old twelvemonth. This is a mark of good ratio.Operating net income borderProfitableness before involvement and revenue enhancement has increased from 4.00 % to 7.15 % . This means that efficiency of the concern before taking any funding has increased from the old twelvemonth. This besides is a mark of good ratio.Net net income borderThis besides has increased from 2.7 % to 6.76 % . This means that overall profitableness has besides increased. This is a mark of good ratio.Current ratioCurrent ratio has decreased from 1.38 to 1.35. This means that working capital to run into short term duties has decreased, which shows a hapless usage of working capital. This is a mark of bad ratio.Quick ratioThis ratio has besides decreased from 1.16 to 1.13. So this shows that the ability to pay immediate fiscal duties has besides decr eased. This speedy ratio is acceptable but has decreased.Inventory turnover ratioThe ratio has decreased from 9.63 to 8.93, which means that more capital is tied up in stock list which is non a good mark.Gross saless to receivables ratioIt besides has decreased from 8.75 to 8.43. This means that the efficiency in roll uping histories receivables has deceased.Tax return on assetsThis ratio has increased from 6.9 % to 13.0 % .This is the mark of good ratio.Debt to worth ratioThis ratio has decreased to 6.52 % from 9.12 % . This means that debt funding has decreased and therefore the hazard besides has decreased.Working capital.Working capital has increased from $ 11,874 to $ 12,414. This shows that the ability of a company to digest hard fiscal periods has increased.Market Positioning MapApple Sony HP High Quality Dell Gateway ToshibaHigh monetary value Competitive monetary valueLow QualityStrengthsLeading supplier of personal computing machines and imaging and printing Hewlett-Packard ‘s primary strength is its businessA place. The endeavor has a big sum of hard currency in manus. Multi-vendor client services, including substructure engineering and concern procedure A outsourcing, engineering support and care, application development and support services A and consulting and integrating services The company competes both at local and international degree. It has increased its fight through policies and schemes that supports free-market economic systems. Organized into 7 concern subdivisions with strong place in each Hewlett-Packard is a planetary endeavor and particularly after itsA mergerA with Compaq, the company became universe ‘s biggestA computing machine hardwareA and peripherals consort in the universe and has ranked 20th in the Fortune 500 list. Strong fiscal status Global presence Ability to supply end-t0-end IT solution H/W, application development and support Highly talented work force Good Operational EfficiencyFailingsFiscal status leans really to a great extent on the province of our economic system non merely in the US but worldwide Lack of in-house direction consulting division R & A ; D section has significantly less investings compared to historical disbursement Pay cuts has brought low morale to employees Dependence on third-party providers, and our gross and gross border could endure if HP fails to pull off providers decently. Fighting to Add Value and Remain Profitable in Low-Cost High-Volume Personal computer Business. HP did non yet hit a CMDBA productA that includes find and function. This cause many clients to exchange the trade name. The past acquisition of Peregrine made the HP'sA portfolioA even more diverse and complete but HP Open View ‘s deficiency of mainframe direction capablenesss created several jobs. Slow velocity to market or reactivityINTERNAL FACTOR EVALUATIONNO, sINTERNALStrengthWeightsEvaluationWEIGHTED SCORE1Production Adaptability .10 4 .402Financial Ratio .10 4 .403Merchandise Dependability .15 4 .604Customer Relationship .10 4 .405Construct To Order .05 3 .156Monetary value .10 3 .30 Supply Chain .10 3 .307Leading engineering .10 4 .40INTERNALFailingWeightEvaluationWEIGHTEDMark8 Small Merchandise Diversification .05 3 .15 9 Intellectual capital is underestimated .10 3 .30 10 No Business Diversification .10 2 .20Entire1.00 3.6EXTERNAL ASSESSMENTMajor Rivals of HEWLETT PACKARD CORPORATION:HP faces a really strong competition with a figure of companies fabricating quality and technologically advanced merchandises. As HP has specialized in a figure of merchandises runing from pressmans to laptops and Personal computers, it faces competition with different companies in different classs. In the laptop fabrication industry HP has rivals like: Apple Inc. Acer Lenovo Dell Inc. Toshiba In the publishing supply market tough competition was presented by: Kodak Canon Basics Office Depot HP is a corporation that has diversified its merchandises to a really good extent. It is a popular trade name known for pressmans and Laptops. Its rivals are from both the sides. It faces a really tough competition with Apple Inc. Apple has been turning in the last few decennaries as a major name in technologically really advanced merchandises like Mac. HP laptops sale has see a really important addition in the 2007 worldwide. As the demand for Personal computers goes t addition twenty-four hours by twenty-four hours, companies are continuously germinating their engineerings to better the map ability of the devices. Harmonizing to the statistics HP has 16 per centum of the laptop market in their custodies which is 2nd to Dell which controls 19 per centum of the market. Dell and HP are considered as the top rivals in the laptops industry. The market that the Apple Inc holds is non affected by the alterations happening in the Microsoft Windows.COMPETITIVE PROFILE MATRIXHewlett Package DELL Apple Inc.CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR Weight Rating Mark Rating Mark Rating Mark Technological promotion 0.2 3 0.6 3 0.6 4 0.8 Product Quality 0.1 3 0.3 2 0.2 4 0.4 Price Competitiveness 0.1 3 0.3 4 0.4 3 0.3 Customer Loyalty 0.05 3 0.15 2 0.1 4 0.2 Global enlargement 0.1 4 0.4 4 0.4 3 0.3 Globally to the full functional 0.1 4 0.4 4 0.4 3 0.3 Invention 0.15 3 0.45 2 0.3 4 0.6 Ad 0.05 3 0.15 2 0.1 4 0.6 Market Share 0.05 3 0.15 4 0.2 3 0.15 After sale services 0.05 3 0.15 3 0.15 2 0.1 Management 0.02 3 0.06 3 0.06 4 0.08 Global Handiness 0.08 4 0.36 3 0.24 2 0.16 Sum 1.00 3.47 3.15 3.99OpportunityGlobally acceptable package used in the laptops which makes them easy to utilize and fix. The company is spread through the universe and has a really effectual direction that invariably keeps a cheque on their merchandises working. The monetary values are really low-cost. The HP is continuously supports on updating their engineering which keeps the involvement of the clients integral. They have a line of laptops specifically for the different categories of people based on their affordability. Their line of Laptops COMPAQ has a really strong clasp of the in-between category people which includes pupils besides. HP is preferred by concern people because of its easy use. Bing globally available people find it easier to acquire their laptops or pressmans repaired. The cartridges are easy available for the pressmans. The direction at the company has taken a great measure and advertised in different states really interestingly. HP has marketed itself a user friendly and a trade name that is meant for the ordinary people doing them experience extraordinary. Bing technologically friendly their operations can even be carried out globally which cuts down their outgos. In the printing industry HP has been able to present really advanced pressmans and has erased a market for the optical maser jets. HP because of the printing industry has a name and repute in the large concerns. The warrants that the HP gives for their merchandises attract the clients. Invention is the key to the success of HP. They are continuously presenting new merchandises and variegations in their merchandises. HP is developing corporate â€Å" immune systems † aimed at assisting concerns prevent and support against turning security menaces. Changeless research being carried out in HP Labs The new HP Labs Innovation Research Program invites the world-wide academic community to subject proposals related to current research in the countries of information detonation, dynamic cloud services, content transmutation, intelligent substructure and sustainability.MenaceBiggest menace to the HP is Apple Inc ‘s MAC. The popularity of the Mac can earnestly harm the market for the HP laptops. The HP is non paying attending to the designing of their Laptops or customization like DELL and VIVO does. The advanced behaviour of Apple Inc can be a serious factor in the falling of gross revenues of HP. HP has marketed itself as a trade name for the ordinary people which is really good appreciated but their ads need to hold famous persons to back their merchandises. H P ‘s biggest menaces on a system degree – looking at companies with a wide comprehensiveness of storage, waiters, and professional services – would be IBM. I would besides indicate to EMC as their strongest overall menace in the storage market, particularly since the beginning of 2003. HP association with the descrying dirt. Many little companies are lifting developing cartridges for the pressmans of HP. This can harm the market that the HP holds of the cartridges. Raising both the controversialA 1998 DMCAA and computing machine offense Torahs, HP has threatened to action a squad of research workers who publicized exposure in the company'sA Tru64 Unix runing system. ACER is going the new menace to the laptop market that the horsepower holds because of low-cost monetary values. The new Acer merchandise has an unheard of battery life of up to eight hours. The Personal computer is light and thin. It will retail for less than $ 1000. The ACER laptops are of lower monetary value and more low-cost. The ACER and DELL offer better quality and characteristics in the same monetary value where HP offers a laptop with ordinary characteristics. HP differentiated the market by offering COMPAQ computing machines which are of lower monetary value and meant for the in-between category. Thus sort of categorization can turn away the clients. IPads and Samsung manus tablets are a serious menace to the horsepower laptops. Dell is squashing HP on monetary value in the low-end waiter market, while IBM is holding more success winning moneymaking trades for strategic services. Analysts expect a package acquisition to hike net incomes. The Compaq amalgamation helped HP vault to No. 1 in storage and No. 2 in waiters while going stronger in tech services. In the 4th one-fourth the corporate unit ‘s gross revenues rose a surprising 10 % . Still, HP is fighting with profitableness at the same clip IBM and others are harvesting strong net incomes. Even with HP ‘s top-line additions, the borders and net incomes declined. HP ‘s incompatibility has taken a toll on its stock monetary value. The company ‘s portions trade merely shy of the degree that analysts say the pressman concern is worth all on its ain. Fiorina has improved HP ‘s record of run intoing Wall Street ‘s outlooks. But she still has missed analyst prognosiss in seven of the past 20 quarters, draging the path records of major challengers. A Hewlett-Packard had been losing its effectivity due to the altering profile of the company. HP Labs, as an organisation, has non been as successful with engineering transportation as it should be within the context of a corporate research lab. HP ‘s board decided to replace Fiorina, following a rollercoaster drive as CEO that included the controversial acquisition of Compaq Computer Corp. , a monolithic reorganisation of the company ‘s concern units — and a important rise in grosss since Fiorina ‘s reaching.

Case study: Engineering Products

CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF THE IMPACT OF POWERANDCONTROL OPERATING AT ENGINEERING PRODUCTS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE MANAGERSANDEmployee A.Introduction This paper presents a critical scrutiny of the impact of power and control that exists at Engineering Products. The appraisal is viewed from two positions: from the directors and from the employees. The paper is structured with a context of the treatment, the critical scrutiny from the positions of the directors and so the employees, and so the decisions from the critical appraisal. B.Context The instance survey focuses on the Engineering Products’ division focused on edifice automotive constituents. This division is presented in the instance as the largest of the firm’s concern countries, whose employees form c.60 % of the work force of the company. In the actions taken by the division’s workss and the enterprises being pursued within the division, an apprehension of the power and control of the directors and the employees is presented. C.Impact OF POWERANDCONTROL – MANAGERS’ PERSPECTIVE A driver of the integrating enterprises of Engineering Products for its automotive constituents division was from the demands of the clients for standard constituents across assorted markets. From the managers’ position, there are a figure of avenues that present itself for the directors to act upon the behavior of the employees and drive the actions of the workss of the automotive constituents division. These cardinal avenues are the undermentioned:Through top-down ‘think tanks’– These are the ‘manufacturing councils’ and the International College of Engineering which are designed to be ways for the division to larn new methods from other people in other workss and implement these new methods to better the public presentation of their workss and the productiveness of the division overall. The usage of think armored combat vehicles in administrations has been found to be an effectual manner to develop organizational acquisition and, if decently implemented and complemented with employee preparation, can take to considerable alteration in the productiveness and effectivity of administrations. [ 1 ] Engineering Products is therefore o n the right path in footings of using believe tank type of enterprises to drive organizational acquisition and implement the enterprises that could hold important alterations to the administration and lead to the improved public presentation of the automotive division of the house. The power and control that the directors are able to deduce from the think armored combat vehicle construct relies on the corporate thought of a successful group of directors in set uping alteration in the administration to prosecute the integrating that is required in the sector to run into customers’ demands.Internal advisers– Engineering Products has besides conceptualised an inaugural wherein directors with specific experience or cognition of new practises are assigned as nomadic directors who ‘roam’ from one works to another works to implement the new practises that could alter the actions and behaviors of employees, and lead to increased productiveness and efficiency for t he employees and the workss. Internal advisers have found success in many administrations and have had positive impact through their actions peculiarly if they are directors who are able to â€Å"deal with anyone necessary to acquire the occupation done, change organizational construction, invite others to fall in in determination devising, portion information, and, seek to get the hang most of the managerial disciplines.† [ 2 ] For Engineering Products, the success of the internal advisers lies in their ability to leverage the credibleness that they bring after holding developed the new practises that they are efficaciously implementing ( or â€Å"preaching† ) in the workss across the divisions. As the internal advisers see success in their enterprises, their credibleness will spread out and they will be able to exercise more power and control over the employees, and over the alterations that they implement in the workss.Best practise meetings– In add-on to the ‘top-down think tanks’ and the internal advisers, Engineering Products besides have directors portion on a regular basis with other directors the best practises that have been implemented in their ain workss to profit other workss, and guarantee that the overall productiveness of the automotive constituents division of Engineering Products is improved. The best practise meetings that Engineering Products has designed could be a productive enterprise. As the work force of Engineering Products is mostly international, the usage of best practise meetings and the sharing of the success and acquisitions from other parts of the concern have been identified to be an effectual manner of conveying the best out of the administration and implementing the acquisitions across the house. [ 3 ] From the managers’ position, the usage of best practise meetings among the directors to portion acquisitions is another manner of using their power and control over employees by adding another influencing method through the usage of the best practise sharing consequences from other parts of the concern. The effectivity of the attack is dependent on the value of the best practise acquisition that is brought to the tabular array by the directors and is presented to the work force for execution in the workss.Menace of work force decrease– Directors besides exercised power and control of the employees through the menace of work force decrease. For illustration, the recent probe of the Spanish works and the execution of its practises were expected to take to a reduced work force for the division. Thus, with this menace hanging over the caputs of the employees, the directors were able to exert power and control, and have the employees act as needed or implement the actions required by the directors. In contrast to the other power and control facets of the directors, this is a different attack as it utilises the usage of fright among the employees for the director s to demo their power and control. This is a peculiarly negative procedure and experience for the work force, and the inappropriate usage of the method can take to dissatisfied employees that become full of misgiving of the direction in a house. [ 4 ] Thus, the usage of this method should merely be as a last resort and has to be handled decently in order to non hold a dysfunctional administration that is non runing decently as this will take to a hapless working environment, lower productiveness, and hapless fiscal and operating public presentation for the administration.For the most portion, the power and control exercised by the directors in the automotive division of Engineering Products relies on accomplishments and cognition, and the execution of best practises across the company. These directors efficaciously rely on the success of their practises, and use their experience as a beginning of credibleness in the actions they take, and as the footing of their direction of the emp loyees. This is positive and can be really effectual. Among the directors, Engineering Merchandises has instituted an internal competition mechanism designed to guarantee that the directors of the workss have an inducement to move in support of the aims of the house in implementing the best practises that the division’s workss have entree to, and which the directors are able to larn from the assorted avenues that have been put in topographic point by Engineering Merchandises. The directors do hold another method in which to exert power and control of employees which is contrary to the rules that the other actions present. This is the usage of the menace of redundancy of the employees. While this could be an effectual method for certain state of affairss, it is best if this attack is minimised as the unfavorable effects of the usage of this attack can be considerable for the administration. D.Impact OF POWERANDCONTROL – EMPLOYEES’ PERSPECTIVE While it would look that power and control were easy in the custodies of the directors of Engineering Products, the employees had a figure of ways in which to act upon the determinations that were being made, an the actions of the directors that would impact the employees. The cardinal ways in which the employees showed power and control were:Employee representation– While non existing in all workss, most workss had established employee representation through the brotherhoods which existed in the workss. Through the brotherhoods, direction in Engineering Merchandises were ‘forced’ to listen to the employees and work with the employees on assorted issues that were raised by the employees. There have been a batch of reappraisals of the corporate criterions and behavior that administrations prosecute, and the usage of employee representation has been an effectual manner for employees to guarantee that there is just intervention of the employees and besides an constit ution of proper on the job criterions and conditions for the work force. [ 5 ] Thus, one can reason that employee representation is one of the most effectual ways to guarantee that employees besides have power and control on their state of affairs in administrations. For Engineering Merchandises, this is the instance for some of the workss wherein employee representation exists. For the other markets where this is non the state of affairs, so there would look to be less power and control for those employees when compared to their opposite numbers, and surely, when compared to the power and control that the directors have presently in their disposal to pull off the employees.Adoption of the new and best practises from other workss– Employees besides had power and control in how the enterprises that were introduced as best practises were decently implemented in the workss. This is so because the employees finally would be the 1s that implement the new practises or the best prac tises that have been introduced in the workss. Therefore, employees were able to act upon the result through their direct engagement in the execution of the best practises in the workss. The extent of the usage of employees of the acceptance of best practises as a manner to exert power and control is mostly dependent on the relationship and interaction between directors and employees. For administrations which have developed and strong and positive relationships between directors and employees, the acceptance of the best practises from other workss is non questioned by employees, and is embraced easy peculiarly if these are linked to employee authorization, and preparation and development of the employees. [ 6 ]From the employees’ position, there seems to be much less chances to demo their power and control over the directors in the house. Tocopherol.Decision The demand of the clients in footings of the quality and criterions of the constituent parts drove the automotive constituents division of Engineering Products into implementing enterprises designed to better the standardization across the division including the interaction of the directors and employees. As shown, there are a figure of attacks that from the managers’ perspective the house can utilize as power and control in set uping alterations to the administration which include the usage of top down think armored combat vehicles, internal advisers, best practise meetings, and the menace of redundancy. From the employees’ position, there is less range to demo their power and control ( and for some of the employees, even less so ) as they merely have mostly the employee representation and the acceptance of the best practises in the workss as the tools to act upon power and control. Fortunately, the cardinal attacks taken by the division’s directors seem to be positive attacks that rely on the usage of experience and capablenesss to act upon employees and non the usage of fright such as redundancy. Therefore, there surely seems to be big range for the directors and the employees to work together closely in bettering the public presentation of the division and prosecute the integrating that is envisioned by the house to run into the demands of the clients. Mentions Birdi, K.et Al( 2008 ) , ‘The impact of human resource and operational direction practises on company productiveness: A longitudinal survey, ’Forces Psychology, 61 ( 3 ) , [ online ] , accessed on 4 January 2009 from Global Factiva Database, hypertext transfer protocol: //www.factiva.com Bryant, S. E. , & A ; Terborg, J. R. ( 2008 ) , ‘Impact of Peer Mentor Training on Creating and Sharing Organizational Knowledge, ’Journal of Managerial Issues, 20 ( 1 ) , [ online ] , accessed on 4 January 2009 from Global Factiva Database, hypertext transfer protocol: //www.factiva.com Dumaine, B. ( 1993 ) , ‘The New Non-Managers, ’Luck, February 22: 81 Gandolfi, F. ( 2008 ) , ‘Reflecting on Retrenchment: What Have Directors Learned? , ’SAMAdvanced Management Journal, 73 ( 2 ) , [ online ] , accessed on 4 January 2009 from Global Factiva Database, hypertext transfer protocol: //www.factiva.com Kundu, S. C. , & A ; Vora, J. A. ( 2004 ) , ‘Creating a Talented Workforce for Delivering Service Quality, ’Human Resource Planning, 27 ( 2 ) , [ online ] , accessed on 4 January 2009 from Global Factiva Database, hypertext transfer protocol: //www.factiva.com Locke, R. , Kochan, T. , Romis, M. , & A ; Qin, F. ( 2007 ) , ‘Beyond corporate codifications of behavior: Work organisation and labour criterions at Nike ‘s providers, ’International Labour Review, 146 ( 1/2 ) , [ online ] , accessed on 5 January 2009 from Global Factiva Database, hypertext transfer protocol: //www.factiva.com Macky, K. A. ( 2004 ) , ‘Organisational Downsizing and Redundancies: The New Zealand Workers ‘ Experience, ’New Zealand Journal of Industrial Relations, 29 ( 1 ) , [ online ] , accessed on 5 January 2009 from Global Factiva Database, hypertext transfer protocol: //www.factiva.com Roberts, K. , Kossek, E. E. , & A ; Ozeki, C. ( 1998 ) , ‘Managing the planetary work force: Challenges and schemes, ’Academy of Management Executive, 12 ( 4 ) , [ online ] , accessed on 4 January 2009 from Global Factiva Database, hypertext transfer protocol: //www.factiva.com Singh, S. K. ( 2007 ) , ‘Role of Emotional Intelligence in Organisational Learning: An Empirical Study, ’Singapore Management Review, 29 ( 2 ) , [ online ] , accessed on 3 January 2009 from Global Factiva Database, hypertext transfer protocol: //www.factiva.com 1

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Compare & Contrast essay between Malcolm X and Marthin Luther King

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The Essentials of Marketing Mix - Essay Example Therefore, the marketing mix for each of these product categories also needs to be different. It seems that marketers use different marketing mix strategies even for goods under the same product category. This paper will analyse the marketing mix strategies of two existing brands that market luxury goods. Theoretical Concepts of the Marketing Mix Elements The term ‘marketing mix’ was firstly used by Neil Borden in 1953. The theory of marketing mix contains four main elements called 4 P’s of marketing; product, price, place, and promotion. These four elements constitute the entire promotional campaign; and â€Å"when these are effectively blended, they form a marketing program that provides want-satisfying goods and services to the company’s market (Spiro, Stanton, and Rich, 2003, p.10). The term marketing mix reflects a broader concept that includes several marketing aspects which all work toward a similar objective of creating awareness and customer loyal ty. Every firm considers marketing mix as a vital strategy as the elements of marketing mix play a significant role in each stage of product life cycle. In the modern days, ‘people’ is added as the 5th P to the marketing mix elements in order to represent the target people. The 4 P’s of marketing are briefly described below. 1. ... Product is a crucial element that has the ability to lead the whole business operations to success or failure. Hence, in order to retain product competitiveness in the market, marketers usually employ product differentiation strategy as a tool to differentiate their products from those of its competitors. In short, while marketing a product, the marketer must take specific product decisions regarding ranges of factors like brand name, functionality, packaging, warranty, styling, and quality. 2. Price Simply, price determines the numerical value of the product or it is the amount that a customer pays for the product. A marketer may increase or decrease the price of his product according to its demand in the market. Different pricing strategies are used to price a product in various situations. Premium pricing is a most common pricing strategy by which a higher price is charged for the product; it is practiced if the product possesses a substantial competitive advantage over the compet ing products. In addition, penetration pricing, economy pricing, price skimming, psychological pricing, geographical pricing, and numbers of others pricing strategies are used to price a product. Marketers must take price flexibility and price discrimination into account while formulating pricing decisions. 3. Place Place represents a location where a product is marketed. It may either be a physical store or be a virtual store on the internet. According the theory of marketing mix, the place also refers to channel, distribution, or intermediary. In other words, place is the channel through which goods and services are moved from the marketer to the ultimate consumers. The marketer has to formulate clear decisions on distribution channels; for instance, he has

Macro and micro economics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Macro and micro economics - Essay Example Though, this is just a rough estimation. The utility comparison has never been accurately summarized, each writer puts down their own views. All the views are somehow correct because they are an improved notion of the first theory. So it is correct to say, Ann’s utility function is lower than peter’s. 2. Central banks have started raising interest rates as many economies picked up in 2010, to combat inflation. Explain the (opposite) effects of higher interest rates and lower inflation on the budget set and welfare of house owners with a mortgage, and assess the overall effect on them. Interest rate is the amount which is charged to the borrower by the lender and it is usually expressed as a percentage. The rate changes due to inflation. On the other hand, inflation is the general rise in the prices level of services and goods over duration of time. By increasing the interest rates, the central banks make it harder for the commercial banks to borrow money. By so doing th e money in circulating reduces hence reducing the inflation. The inverse of this is the central bank reducing its lending rates and making it possible for more banks to borrow money. This will translate to people borrow more money thus increased purchasing power. To people with mortgages it will be easier for them pay to the bank. The overall effect is that the living standards of people will improve since there enough money and its value will be okay. 3- Economics Comprehension 1 Insurance is big business in the UK. So is internet gambling? How might we explain this paradox? (Can it be explained without giving up the assumption that people’s preferences obey the von Neumann-Morgenstern axioms?) Insurance is a contract where premium is paid to the insurer to cover the occurrence a specific risk. Internet gambling includes any kind of activities that are transacted through the internet which involve placing of bets or a wager. The Von- Neumann-Morgenstern’s theory of ut ility has many assumption is one of them being continuity. This is shown by a decision maker who prefers an outcome A to other outcomes B, C. in the interval of unit a number p makes the decision maker indifferent between getting outcome B and yielding A which has a probability P, probability 1-p for C in a lottery. In the UK, insurance being a big business attracts a lot of people. 4. In modern societies, not just simple goods but also uncertain prospects (such as insurance policies) are traded, sold and bought. Show how this phenomenon can be explained by differences in risk attitude between economic agents and show how Pareto-improvements can thereby be achieved. In the modern world, different methods have been established due to high rise of risks. Insurance also involves risks making its agents involve a fee charging the users of the service involving on the risks insured. An agreement between the inured and the insurer known as the policy holder determines the claims which the insurer is legally required to pay. Risk management is important in insurance since insurance companies take over risks from customers. Risk attitude affects projects. This is because of differences in people’s attitude to risk cause conflict, and delay. This can lead to poor management of risks. Loss in insurance is depending on two variables: the number of losses that will occur in a specified period and the amount of losses given that a loss has occurred. The risk attitude depends on its

Electronic Medical Records and Safety Essay Example for Free

Electronic Medical Records and Safety Essay The article titled â€Å"Computer Security Experts Perspective on Electronic Medical Records† presents the views of an Information Technology (IT) security expert, Troy Thomas, on electronic medical records (EMR). Thomas is the Chief Security and Privacy Officer for KeyCorp which is the parent company of Key Bank. Thomas has a bachelors degree in Computer Information Sciences from Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH. Thomas asserts that the medical industry is slowly becoming computerized and, eventually, electronic medical records will be the norm. He points out that, however, getting from a highly distributed, paper-based model to a fully computerized EMRs model will be challenging. Changing to a more computerized EMRs model will introduce risks that the current paper-based model does not have and will solve some of the inherent risks associated with the current model. The current paper-based model inherently has the following risks: records are susceptible to fire, flood, mold, termites, decay, fading of ink, and misplacement of an entire folder or subsections. Paper records are easily copied or stolen, easily accessed by office personnel or people who just happen to be near an unattended folder of medical records. An EMRs model inherently has the following risks: computer equipment can fail or break, technology changes quickly, and information stored a long time ago may not be easily accessed at a future date. Information that was once stored can become inaccessible; information can be accessed by unauthorized individuals. Electronic information can be altered. Electronic components do not react well to fire, water, dust, dirt, humidity, being dropped, or being abruptly unplugged. To mitigate these inherent risks, modern computer centers have strict environmental controls to ensure that computer equipment is run in an optimal environment and is backed up and available at an alternative site (for disaster recovery purposes) and has proper security controls deployed to ensure that information can be accessed by authorized personnel only. Technology controls exist that can prohibit information from  being altered. For example, there are direct access storage devices that allow information to be written once and read many times. The inherent risks of the paper-based model and the EMRs model are vastly different but mitigating controls exist that can adequately address the basic inherent risks described thus far. Typical, practicing physicians, however, cannot be expected to set up a dedicated computer center with all of the environmental, phy sical, and logical access controls that are needed to adequately safeguard their patient records. Therefore, for true EMRs to be really secure, a model or protocol is needed whereby physicians store their patients medical records at a reputable and secure data center that offers the physicians an outsourced service for accessing and storing EMRs. Unfortunately, a centralized computing model introduces new inherent risks: for example, are the outsource agencies reputable and can they be trusted with patient medical record information? With medical record information coming in from multiple physicians, a unique patient identification number would be needed so that records could be appropriately combined within patient files. With so much information in one place, clear controls would be needed to ensure that the people accessing the information receive only the information that is truly needed. Ensuring that quality information is captured and maintaining patient privacy will be the most challenging aspects of EMRs. Computers dont improve quality. However, computers can make quality issues and mistakes much more visible and potentially harmful. The author highlighted that the EMRs journey will probably parallel some of the issues that exist with electronic voting where so many questions such as whether society can trust the vendors who sell the voting equipment. Can a vote be altered after it has been cast? How does society effectively centralize a highly decentralized model? Can foreign governments hack American voting equipment and influence an election? How is a persons voting history stored and secured? In the end, EMRs will be a reality in the healthcare industry. The benefits of centralized electronic patient medical records outweigh the risks associated with changing the model. Ultimately, it is a question of trust, not technology. Will physicians trust their patients to stay with them when their patient medical records are more easily transferred to another doctor? Will patients trust that their medical records are appropriately safeguarded against inappropriate access and that the information contained within their records is accurate and of high quality? Ultimately, Thomas believes the answer to these questions is yes in the long run.

The Outcasts of Poker Flat Review Essay Example for Free

The Outcasts of Poker Flat Review Essay The Outcasts of Poker Flat and the Metaphor of Texas Hold ‘em The story of â€Å"The Outcasts of Poker Flat† by Bret Harte is a beautifully written narrative about a character named Mr. John Oakhurst. During the story, Oakhurst is placed through a variety of situations that eventually lead to his subtle death. The story of â€Å"The Outcasts of Poker Flat† follows as a parallel to the game of Texas Hold ‘em in a very unique way. In the game of Texas Hold ‘em, every player is given two cards. This states the metaphor for where Mr.  Oakhurst is currently at and what variables he has been given. In the beginning of the story Mr. Oakhurst is known to be a professional gambler and he has been kicked out of the town of Poker flat along with a few more Outcasts named the Duchess, Mother Shipton, and a man named Uncle Billy. Considering the fact they have been kicked out of the community, they now have to venture to the closest town, over a range of mountains, named Sandy Bar (1,2). They have a limited supply of goods to make it there, and these are the cards they have been given. The next turn of events in the game of Texas Hold ‘em is called the â€Å"flop. † In this turn, three cards are flipped over for everyone’s use in hope that the gamblers will have a better chance at winning the hand. These three cards are variables. The flop can sometimes benefit the gambler, and the other time the cards don’t help at all. In the story, the variables given to Mr. Oakhurst are three hindrances. One variable in the story is during the middle of the first night there are some added guests to the campsite for the night. These guests are named Tom Simson and Piney Woods (3). This makes the living situation for the night a little more difficult. The second variable happens in that same night. Uncle Billy goes on his own way without the rest of the outcasts. To make the situation even worse, Uncle Billy took the mules from the outcasts (3). Now, the people were without transportation. The final variable in the flop is: there is a storm brewing for the campers and they had been snowed in (4). Now in the game, it is up to the gamblers to throw in their chips and bet if they can win the hand. If the gambler doesn’t believe he can win the hand he has the option to fold and quit betting. In this case of the metaphor, this option would be to kill himself. In the instance of John Oakhurst he decides to gamble and continue on playing with the variables he has been given. The next and final turns of the game are called â€Å"the turn† and â€Å"the river. † These turns are two more cards, and in the metaphor two more variables added to the situation. For the gamblers it can be added assurance of the win, or it could be more clarification that the gambler will not win. In the case of Mr. Oakhurst, â€Å"the turn† card is another downfall. Mother Shipton had folded her cards. She no longer could survive the winter cold and lack of food and supplies (6). In Oakhurst’s frame of mind this was an added despair. People were giving up and psychologically he was feeling the same way inside. It was now time for the â€Å"River card† and it was the last stretch for Mr. Oakhurst. The added variable is that the storm continues to get worse (6). Oakhurst is realizing the severity of his situation however he doesn’t let that emotion show. He lets the other gamblers continue on and he makes his last decision in the game. He folds his cards (7). He had given up on the venture to Sandy Bar and decided that the hand he played was his last. The â€Å"Outcasts of Poker Flat† written by Bret Harte goes to show sometimes many are given a lucky hand and sometimes a gambler is â€Å"struck with a streak of bad luck† (7). Mr. Oakhurst received the latter in this story due to his gambling ways. Through this argument one has seen that this story follows as a parallel to the game of Texas Hold ‘em in a very unique way.

Study of existing Reverse Logistics framework Retail industry

Study of existing Reverse Logistics framework Retail industry Abstract: Reverse Logistics is a very complex and specialized area of any supply chain and it involves handling individual incoming parcels, opening and inspecting products, communicating with internal departments, customers and vendors and then directing products into disposition channels which will provide the highest value. Efficient Reverse Logistics system can transform an increasingly costly and complex returns management process into a competitive advantage. Integration of reverse logistics in specific retail sectors is critical for sustainability. The aim of this project work is to identify and examine the reverse logistics management in the retail industry in order to understand the existing application of reverse logistics and then propose relevant recommendations to improve efficiency in reverse logistics management. After critical analysis of the existing reverse logistics management in the selected retail sectors, potential ways to improve the efficiency of reverse logistics activ ities would be recommended in the selected retail sectors. Chapter 1: Introduction Twenty-years ago, supply chains were busy fine-tuning the logistics of products from raw material to the end customer. Products are obviously still streaming in the direction of the end customer but an increasing flow of products is coming back. This is happening for a whole range of industries, covering electronic goods, pharmaceuticals, beverages and so on. For instance distant sellers like e-tailers have to handle high return rates and many times at no cost for the customer. It is not surprising that the Reverse Logistics Executive Council has announced that US firms have been losing billions of dollars on account of being ill-prepared to deal with reverse flows (Rogers and Tibben-Lembke, 1999). While some actors in the chain have been forced to take products back, others have pro-actively done so, attracted by the value in used products. One way or the other, Reverse Logistics has become a key competence in modern supply chains. Many companies that, previously, did not devote muc h time or energy to the management and understanding of reverse logistics have begun to pay attention. Definition of reverse logistics In 1998 Stock defined reverse logistics as the role of logistics in product returns, source reduction, recycling, materials substitution, reuse of materials, waste disposal and refurbishing, repair, and remanufacturing (1998, p. 20). In a 1998 paper in the Journal of Business Logistics Carter and Ellram adopted a similar definition, calling it the process whereby companies can become more environmentally efficient through recycling, reusing, and reducing the amount of materials used (p. 85). If the focus of logistics is the movement of material from the point of origin toward the point of consumption (Council of Logistics Management 1999), then the focus of reverse logistics should be the movement of material from the point of consumption toward the point of origin. Rogers and Tibben-Lembke in their 1999 article emphasized a clear definition of reverse logistics drawn in essence from the Council of Logistics Managements definition given as follows, The process of planning, implementing, and controlling the efficient, cost effective flow of raw materials, in-process inventory, finished goods, and related information from the point of consumption to the point of origin for the purpose of recapturing or creating value or proper disposal (Rogers and Tibben-Lembke 1999, p. 2) This dissertation focuses on the reverse logistics activities in the retail industry with an analysis framework concerning the cost-benefit, visibility-information flow and efficiency. A reverse logistics flow is more reactive with much less visibility. The figure 1 depicts a typical reverse logistics information flow for the retail channel. For instance, when a consumer returns an item to a retail store, the store collects he items to be sent to a centralized sorting facility. At the time, information about the item and its condition may be entered into retailers information system and forwarded to the processing centre. Figure Reverse logistics in Retail: an epitome of information flow Delineation of reverse logistics definition Since Reverse Logistics is a relatively new research and empirical area, there are other literature terms, like reversed logistics, return logistics and retro logistics or reverse distribution, sometimes referring roughly to the same. In fact, the diversity of definitions with respect to recovery practices is a well-recognized source of misunderstandings both in research as in practice (Melissen and De Ron, 1999) In this dissertation I would like to remark that Reverse Logistics is different from waste management as the latter mainly refers to collecting and processing waste (products for which there is no new use) efficiently and effectively. The crux in this matter is the definition of waste. This is a major issue, as the term has severe legal consequences, for instance, it is often forbidden to import waste. Reverse Logistics concentrates on those streams where there is some value to be recovered and the outcome enters a (new) supply chain. Reverse Logistics also differs from green logistics as that considers environmental aspects to all logistics activities and it has been focused specifically on forward logistic, i.e. from producer to customer (Rodrigue et al., 2001). The prominent environmental issues in logistics are consumption of non-renewable natural resources, air emissions, congestion and road usage, noise pollution, and both hazardous and non-hazardous waste disposal (see Camm, 2 001). Finally, reverse logistics can be seen as part of sustainable development. The latter has been defined by Brundland (1998) in a report to the European Union as to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In fact one could regard reverse logistics as the implementation at the company level by making sure that society uses and re-uses both efficiently and effectively all the value which has been put into the products. The border between forward logistics (from raw materials to end user) and reverse logistics (from end user to recovery or to a new user) is not strictly defined as one can wonder about what raw materials are, or who the end user is, in modern supply chains. For instance, used/recovered glass is a substantial input for new production of glass. A holistic view on supply chains combining both forward and reverse logistics is embraced by the closed-loop supply chain concept (Guide and van Wassenhove, 2003). Recovery practices are framed within the supply chain, and the encircling aspect of the process as a whole is therefore stressed: having either 1) a physical (closed-loop): to the original user (see Fleischmann et al., 1997); or 2) a functional (closed-loop): to the original functionality. Thinking in term of closed-loop supply chains emphasizes the importance of coordinating the forward with the reverse streams. Actually, whenever both forward and reverse flows are involved, co-ordin ation has to be minded (see Debo et al., 2003). This happens, either in closed- or open-loops (the latter refers to when neither the original user nor original functionality are in the reverse logistics process). Aim and objectives of the project Reverse Logistics is a very complex and specialized area of any supply chain and it involves handling individual incoming parcels, opening and inspecting products, communicating with internal departments, customers and vendors and then directing products into disposition channels which will provide the highest value. Efficient Reverse Logistics system can transform an increasingly costly and complex returns management process into a competitive advantage. Integration of reverse logistics in specific retail sectors is critical for sustainability. The aim of this project work is to identify and examine the reverse logistics management in the retail industry in order to understand the existing application of reverse logistics and then propose relevant recommendations to improve efficiency in reverse logistics management. In order to achieve this objective the project work would involve Identifying the key retail sectors in which reverse logistics has and will have potential importance Examine the various reverse logistics activities in the selected retail sectors Analyze the effectiveness of reverse logistics management from the perspective of efficiency, profitability and environmental aspects Propose recommendations to improve the efficiency of reverse logistics management Report organization The dissertation consists of five main chapters which is organized as follows Chapter 1 introduces the research topics as well as the main objective of this study. Moreover, this chapter provides some of the background information about reverse logistics. It also provides a brief detail of the research methodology and the organization of the dissertation. Chapter 2 provides the basic knowledge of reverse logistics process together with key success factors and barriers of effective reverse logistics management are introduced. The previous papers are discussed in the literature review section. Chapter 3 discusses the information about research design and data collection method. The section elucidates the research approach and the relevant frameworks to be included in the research conduct. This section discusses about the methodology of how the reverse logistics management is analyzed to address the research questions. Chapter 4 discusses the analysis related to the reverse logistics trends and the effectiveness of reverse logistics management from the holistic perspective of cost, efficiency and environmental aspects. The key drivers and persistent barriers for reverse logistics management for the selected retail companies are discussed. Lastly, chapter 5 concludes the result of the finding and the analysis. The recommendation and the discussion about the future research are discussed. Chapter 2: Literature review Background Retailers constantly focus on strategies to gain competitive advantage and to improve financial performance. In doing so, emphasis is more frequently being placed on logistics, including tactical initiatives such as automatic replenishment programs, real-time information sharing, and advanced demand management techniques designed to improve internal efficiencies (Li 2002; Daugherty, Myers, Autry 1998; Seideman 2002).However, retailers also compete on the basis of effectiveness, striving for increased customer satisfaction. One competitive tactic used to enhance customer satisfaction includes the implementation of liberalized product returns policies. By taking a more consumer friendly approach in their return policies, retailers communicate a higher level of service to patrons, and thereby increase customer satisfaction with ultimate goals of higher sales and profitability (Coopersmith 1990; Krapfel 1988). As a result of return policy liberalization, acceptance of product returns is now commonplace; returns are reported to be as high as 10-15 percent of sales in some retail industries (Rogers Tibben-Lembke 1999), and are thought to be even higher in catalog and internet retailing, with typical return rates of up to 40 percent (Rogers, Lambert, Croxton, Garcia-Dastague 2002). However, the acceptance of returns places stress on the retailers logistics function. Whereas typical logistics activities are engineered to optimize flows from producer to consumer, reverse logistics activities move product, information, and currency in the opposite direction. While significant efforts have been expended in streamlining and optimizing retail logistics activities, the accomplishments associated with these activities do not always directly apply to the reverse logistics process. The forward movement of goods through the supply chain generally results in large receipts of goods at clearly defined in tervals (such as when inventory levels reach critical safety levels, or at pre-specified and scheduled times), with the ultimate sale executed in smaller quantities to end-users. On the other hand, reversed supply chain flows are less predictable, occurring at various times and for various reasons, and thus, the costs of returns handling can be high (Rogers et al. 2002; Stock 1998). One area of concern related to reverse logistics that has been largely ignored by academic research and practicing retailers is the financial implications of reverse logistics activities, especially as related to firm liquidity. When products reverse directions in a supply chain, it can happen quickly and without notice. While effective reverse logistics activities generally result in value reclamation and increased cash inflows, there can be periods where significant unexpected cash outflows occur. This is often due to the time lag between the moment the firm recovers the value from the returned product and the assumption of costs incurred in the reverse logistics process. Therefore, financial management of the reverse logistics process becomes salient, and needs to be a retailer focus on an ongoing basis. Reverse logistics process: A typical reverse chain process is shown in Figure 2. But a distinction should be made between different categories of returns: Commercial Returns Returns for which there is an immediate demand at another market location or segment. Possible causes: customer dissatisfaction, catalogue sales, overstocks etc. Commercial returns occur in the sales phase or shortly after. Repairable Returns Defects and suspect components (modules/parts) from field (exchange) repair activities or products under warranty. Customer is entitled to a replacement product. End-of-use Returns Returned products/components which are not of longer use to the original owner, but for which new customers can be found. Reasons: end-of-season, end-of-lease, trade-in, product replacements etc. End-of-life Returns Items of no remaining use, which are processed due to contractual or legislative obligations. These returns are often collected and processed according to legislative obligations. Recalls Products recalled by the manufacturer due to a condition or defect that could affect its safe operation. Work on a recall is completed at no cost to the product owner. Other types of returns, such as refillable units and reusable carriers, are not included in this study. Figure Reverse logistics process Returned goods often go through the following activities depending on the return type: Product Acquisition Retrieval of the product back from the market. The timing, quantity, quality and composition of returned product need to be managed in close cooperation with other supply chain parties. Collection Logistical activities (such as transportation, consolidation, transhipment and storage) to obtain the products back from the market and transport them to facilities involved in the other stages. Sorting, Testing Disposition The classification (according to quality and composition) of returns and determination stage of the route the product will take in the reverse chain. Market and strategic conditions are taken into account in the disposition decision. Recovery The process of recovering value from the returned product by re-use, repair, refurbishment, recycling or other types of recovery. Redistribution Sales Basically, no value recovery has materialised until the recovered products, component or materials are brought back into a forward supply chain. Review of Past research works: Financial aspects of RL: Raimer (1997) indicated that returns are, and always have been, a fundamental part of retailing. His estimate was that reverse logistics account for between 5 and 6% of total logistics costs in the retail and manufacturing sectors. Daugherty et al. (2001), in a survey of US catalogue companies, reported reverse logistics costs on average to be 9.49% of total logistics costs. Rogers and Tibben-Lembke (1998) identified returns for different industries, with figures being recorded of 50% (magazine publishing), 20-30% (book publishers), 18-35% (catalogue retailers) and 10-12% (electronic distributors). Returns of merchandise bought over the Internet are expected to escalate as online sales grow. Consequently, companies in many sectors are facing a change of customer interface possibilities and subsequent supply chain dynamics (Rowley 2000). Returns are high because customers purchase online items on trial until they can handle them physically. Moreover, in mail order, especially ladies f ashion, return rates of 60% are common (Wheatley 2002). Given this level of returns, it is important to recognise that reverse logistics can have a significant bottom line impact on a company, and the ability to address opportunities may depend ultimately on management perceptions of reverse logistics (Stock 1998, Mason 2002). Autry (2005) argued that managers need to realise that effective handling of reverse logistics transactions can result in economic and strategic benefits. In practice, some companies seem to ignore the significance of reverse logistics to their supply chain, some companies have gradually recognized its importance, whilst others review reverse logistics as a strategic variable. It has been suggested that innovator firms that develop an expertise in reverse logistics activities and recognize them as a set of business processes that add value can potentially generate revenue, improve customer satisfaction, achieve significant cost savings and deliver a competitive edge in their various markets (Stock 1998, Carter and E llram 1998). Given such potential benefits from developing reverse logistics processes, it is important to recognize the existence of barriers that may hinder the implementation of reverse logistics processes. Ravi and Shankar (2005), in a study of the automobile industry, identified 11 barriers to the application of reverse logistics. These include resistance to change, lack of appropriate performance measures, lack of training related to reverse logistics, lack of commitment by top management and lack of strategic planning. Dowlatshahi, S. (2008) in his cost-benefit analysis for reverse logistics management considered and analysed the relevant literature in RL and identified the present state of theory in RL regarding cost-benefit. The research methodology used is exploratory case study approach. The cost-benefit is analysed and evaluated in terms of specific sub-factors associated with it by use of two in-depth case studies. Two companies from different industries engaged in RL operations are considered. The analysis of these case studies resulted in propositions and insights regarding RL operations. Based on these insights, the cost-benefit sub-factors, propositions, and a framework for effective design and implementation of RL operations are provided. This framework determines the appropriate sub-factors and how the return process of products/parts with respect to cost-benefit works. In conclusion, the managerial implications and future research directions were provided. There are several parties involved in the management of the reverse logistics process and the way in which such interfaces are managed is crucial in both environmental and economic terms. As returns management becomes increasingly recognised as an area of supply chain importance, retailers are either developing in-house capabilities or outsourcing the operation to third-party logistics (3PL) providers (Krumwiede and Sheu 2002, Meade and Sarkis 2002, Hughes 2003). These supply chain interfaces occur in a number of different ways. For example, interfaces occur between retailers and manufacturers, between retailers and 3PLs and between end customers and retailers. There are many tensions occurring between these different players in the process. Currently, some companies prefer to build a separate infrastructure in order to facilitate the operation of the reverse logistics process. Other companies want to optimize the utility of their physical network by combining the reverse operation w ith the forward operation. In addition, centralized returns are a related possibility when companies are considering the construction of their physical network. Environmental aspects of RL: Environmentally friendly practices and the need to maintain sustainable development are important aspects in the debate surrounding reverse logistics. By not embracing sustainability, organizations face consequences in terms of increased economic and social liability (Savits 2002). Sustainable development embraces the triple bottom line philosophy of not compromising the future needs of society, the economy and the environment. In many reports on corporate social responsibility, sustainable transport is a significant feature with attempts to cut harmful emissions whilst maintaining economic operations. A driving force behind the search for improvements in sustainable distribution was the document published by the Department of Transport (1998) entitled A new deal for transport: better for everyone. Efficient integration of forward and reverse logistics has a significant part to play in this process. In this drive for sustainable distribution, it is important to recognize that account ing has a role to play. Mention has already been made of Corporate Social Responsibility Reports. There is a danger that traditional models of accounting and finance are actively supporting and encouraging unsustainable organizations and institutions (Gray 2002). Accountants need to be engaged in debates about environmental strategy, the institutional framework (government incentives) needs to support environmentally sound behaviour, and the change agents (such as environmental accounting) need to be embedded within the organization (Larrinaga-Gonzalez and Bebbington 2001). Reverse logistics management: Many tools exist to support the management of the reverse logistics process. The literature identifies mathematical models to support supply and transportation decisions (Du and Hall 1997). Also, the management of inventory can be supported through a range of mathematical models and enterprise resource planning (ERP) information systems (Boykin 2001, Teunter 2002). Hu et al. (2002) put forward a cost-minimisation model for minimising the total operating costs of a multi-time-step, multi-type hazardous waste reverse logistics system. Keeping with the theme of green supply chain management, Sheu et al. (2005) presented an integrated logistics operational model to co-ordinate the cross-functional product logistic flows and used-product reverse logistics flows in a green supply chain. Information communication technology (ICT) plays a significantly growing role in supporting reverse logistics operations and Daugherty et al. (2005) called for resources to be focused on developing informat ion technology. In recent years there have been a number of developments and improvements in dedicated reverse logistics software (De Brito et al. 2002). Developments in satellite tracking systems have also enabled vehicles to navigate better their way through congestion and to monitor and improve fuel consumption. The continuing development of ICT offers opportunities for significant economic and environmental benefits in the reverse logistics process. Drivers of reverse logistics: There are a number of drivers of reverse logistics and many of these actually occur as a result of product and service decisions taken at the design and planning stage of product and service provision. Interestingly, Sciarrotta (2003) illustrates how Philips Consumer Electronics place great emphasis on trying to prevent returns rather than dealing with them later. In the retail sector, however, strategic decisions concerning on-shelf availability together with a liberal returns policy amongst retailers are significant factors in the level of returns. Legislative factors (e.g. WEEE Directive to be implemented June 2006) are also becoming increasingly important, with new legislation focusing on the need to dispose of and recycle products in an environmentally friendly manner. In summary, the literature review has provided an overview of the issues that need to be considered when reflecting upon the management of reverse logistics processes. The significance of reverse logistics processes, in terms of both bottom line performance and environmental impact, has been highlighted in the literature. Also, the need to recognise the drivers of reverse logistics is highlighted together with the requirement to manage the interfaces between different members of the supply chain. Finally, the literature has identified numerous tools that can be used to support the reverse logistics process, and opened up the possibilities for using accounting information in this context to facilitate improved economic performance, supply chain efficiency and sustainability. Determinants of reverse logistics (Ravi et.al, 2005) Economic factors both directly and indirectly (de Brito Dekker, 2003), legislation (de Brito Dekker, 2003), corporate citizenship (de Brito Dekker, 2003; Rogers Tibben-Lembke, 1998) and environmental and green issues (Rogers Tibben-Lembke, 1998) are the four determinants of reverse logistics taken into account in this research. These are briefly described below. Economic factors Economics is seen as the driving force to reverse logistics relating to all the recovery options, where the company receives both direct as well as indirect economic benefits. It is seen that companies continually strive for achieving cost savings in their production processes. If a firm does reverse logistics well, it will make money (Stock, 1998). The recovery of the products for remanufacturing, repair, reconfiguration, and recycling can lead to profitable business opportunities (Andel, 1997). Reverse logistics is now perceived by the organizations as an investment recovery as opposed to simply minimizing the cost of waste management (Saccomano, 1997). A reverse logistics program can bring cost benefits to the companies by emphasizing on resource reduction, adding value from the recovery of products or from reducing the disposal costs. Guide and Wassenhove (2003) give an example of the US firm named ReCellular, which by refurbishing the cell phones, had gained economic advantage. Thus, the economic drivers of reverse logistics lead to direct gains in input materials, cost reduction, value added recovery and also in indirect gains by impeding legislation, market protection by companies, green image for companies and for improvement in customer/supplier relations. Legislation Another important driver for the reverse logistics is legislation. Legislation refers to any jurisdiction that makes it mandatory for the companies to recover its products or accept these back after the end of life of the product. These may include collection and reuse of products at the end of the product life cycle, shift waste management costs to producers, reduce volume of waste generated, and the use of increased recycled materials. For example, the Waste Electrical Electronics Equipment directive encourages a set of criteria for collection, treatment and recovery of waste electrical and electronic equipment and makes producers responsible for financing these activities (WEEE, 2003). There has also been a restriction on the use of hazardous substances in the production processes, which facilitates the dismantling, and recycling of waste electronics. A reverse logistics decision for the EOL computers should ensure that the end-of-life products are retired in a way that is compli ant with existing legislation. Corporate citizenship Another driver for the reverse logistics is the corporate citizenship that concerns a set of values or principles that impels a company or an organization to become responsibly engaged with reverse logistics activities. Reverse logistics activities can lead to increase of corporate image (Carter Ellram, 1998). A good example in this context would be of Paul Farrow, the founder of Walden Paddlers, Inc., whose concern of the velocity at which consumer products travel through the market to the landfill, pushed him to an innovative project of a 100-percent-recyclable kayak (Farrow, Johnson, Larson, 2000). In 1996, Hanna Andersson, a million direct retailer of infants and toddlers clothes developed a program called Hannadowns in which they distributed the childrens gently worn returned clothes to schools, homeless shelters, and other charities (Spence, 1998). Nike, the shoe manufacturer encourages consumers to bring their used shoes to the store where they had purchased them after their usage. They ship these back to Nike plant where these are shredded and made into basketball courts and running tracks. Nike also donates the material to the basketball courts and donates fund for building and maintaining these courts, thus enhancing the value of brand (Rogers Tibben-Lembke, 1998). It is seen from the last two examples that few firms are acting as good corporate citizens by contributing to the good of the community and assisting the people who are probably less fortunate than their typical customers. Environment and green issues Concern for the environment and green issues is also one of the drivers of reverse logistics. The reverse logistics lead to benefits of environment (Byrne Deeb, 1993; Carter Ellram, 1998; Wu Dunn, 1995). Hart (1997) proposes that the principle of the ecological footprint indicates the relevance of greening initiatives for countries. Reverse logistics has led to competitive advantage to companies which proactively incorporate environmental goals into their business practices and strategic plans (Newman Hanna, 1996). Managers are giving increasing importance to the environmental issues (McIntyre, Smith, Henham, Pretlove, 1998). The environmental management has gained increasing interest in the field of supply chain management. Handfield and Nichols (1999) mention greening as a critical future avenue in this area. Murphy, Poist, and Braunschweig (1995) have found that 60% in a group of 133 managers surveyed considered the issue of the environment to be a very important factor and 8 2% of them expected that the importance would increase in the years to come. A green image of producing environmentally friendly products has become an important marketing element, which has stimulated a number of companies to explore options for take-back and recovery of their products (Thierry, 1997). A reverse logistics operations for EOL computers should ensure that the environmental and green issues are taken into account. Summary of literature review: This brief overview of the literature provides a framework for addressing the research questions identified in the study. The literature covers the definition of reverse logistics, the scale of the problem, the bottom line impact and potential barriers, the drivers of reverse logistics, supply chain interfaces, methods suggested in improving the reverse logistics process management and importance of sustainability issues. Chapter 3 Methodology: Research objective: The aim of this project work is to identify and examine the reverse logistics management in the retail industry in order to understand the existing application of reverse logistics and then propose relevant recommendations to improve efficiency