Government Control and Subsidy of Energy vs. Private Sector Investment Essay Example for Free

Government Control and Subsidy of Energy versus Private Sector Investment Essay An appropriation is an installment from the legislature to a business to energize the persistent use or improvement of an innovation or item that is viewed as valuable or gainful to the general public. Regularly, the cash (or endowments) is coming legitimately from citizens. This is the place Milton Friedman’s signature state, â€Å"there’s nothing of the sort as a free lunch† comes in to play. A unit of an item or administration might be free for one individual, a person or thing is persevering through an open door cost. As of now, sustainable power sources, for example, wind and sun oriented force are being financed by generally $24 billion per year on account of the apparent natural advantages that accompany â€Å"green† advancements. Be that as it may, sustainable power source organizations, for example, Solyndra have failed and the administration has upheld them to keep them running by means of appropriations. The contention for proceeding with these appropriations is that breeze and sun based are still in the beginning up stage in the mechanical world and have not yet arrived at enormous scope markets. Sadly, it is profoundly improbable that these organizations will ever be to a great extent productive in light of the fact that sustainable power source, with a couple of rejections, can't arrive at the beneficial market edge that creating plants filled by coal, gaseous petrol or atomic can. While the administration attempts to concentrate their help on said sustainable power sources, just giving restricted tax cuts to the private oil organizations, the US private part has delivered a generous increment in oil. 2011 was the third successive year of higher local oil creation and, simultaneously, gaseous petrol yield arrived at an untouched high. In the course of recent years, around 2,000 new openings have been made in the oil and gas industry while work development for sustainable power sources has been constrained, best case scenario. With a considerable lot of the ongoing disappointments of a few sustainable power source organizations, work has declined around there during a few periods. The sustainable business will likewise battle to succeed on the grounds that they depend too intensely on the legislature for help. The administration has taken billions of dollars and will put it in this industry with practically no arrival for the improvement of the economy and socie ty. Friedman offers a somewhat snide remark on exercises like this by saying, â€Å"If you put the national government responsible for the Sahara Desert, in 5 years there’d be a lack of sand†. This is a case of lease chasing. Lease looking for is a term, utilized by business analysts, to depict activities that include a political procedure of taking abundance of others and getting basically lost riches. Without the motivation to contend to collect and addition cash, the sustainable power source industry doesn’t want to deliver progressively proficient and savvy items or administrations. On the other side of that, since most organizations in the oil business are in the private segment, the benefit alone is a huge enough motivating force to gracefully esteemed products and ventures at sensible costs. On the off chance that private segment organizations don't constantly improve or create, they will rapidly be â€Å"weeded out†. Since the private markets are determinedly serious, they are consistently scanning for the sweet spot in the market that guarantees a huge and promptly accessible flexibly of vitality and the cleanest yet practicable equalization of the utilization of our constrained ass ets, all at the most minimal value conceivable. In spite of the way that for over 10 years, there has been an enormous sum direct citizen support, sustainable power source despite everything can't satisfy the market need and, in this way, the sponsorships for these zones ought to be fundamentally decreased if not totally discarded. On the off chance that lawmakers are really worried about cutting ozone depleting substance discharges, a superior designation of government spending is target endowments and motivators towards flammable gas and atomic force plants. These spotless consuming energizes can warm our homes, power our vehicles, and produce power for America’s family units and businesses much more efficiently and dependably than sustainable power source can. On the off chance that America isn't cautious, it will rapidly fall into associate free enterprise. Sidekick free enterprise, in layman terms, is the place private organizations center around doing political favors as opposed to the shopper showcase on the grounds that the administration utilizes spending, guidelines, and appropriations to profit organizations that offer political help. Rather than attempting to pick champs and failures, the administration should make a serious commercial center with reasonable guidelines, no sponsorships, and permit the private segment to flourish. One incredible part of America is the opportunity to persistently change business techniques and advertising to adjust to change. Like Milton Friedman stated, â€Å"Many individuals need the legislature to ensure the customer. A significantly more critical issue is to shield the buyer from the government.†

My Writing Style Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

My Writing Style - Essay Example Composing isn't a simple procedure, it requires some investment. To write in a way that is thankful and praiseworthy, an individual is required to peruse artistic works. In any case, at any stage, it can't be said that one has found out about composition and its procedures totally. Composing is a delayed procedure and one needs to keep composing for quite a while so as to make his composing rousing and influential. George Orwell in his composition, â€Å"Why I write† illuminates that he got occupied with the creative cycle by perusing abstract works and by attempting to keep in touch with himself when he was a kid (Orwell 1). Creative cycle was not referred to him as a disclosure but since of a constant battle that he did to pick up composing. Along these lines, one can't guarantee that the creative cycle is simple and anybody can do it with no difficult work. As Orwell has clarified that he did a ton of battle to figure out how to compose, comparably, every competitor of the creative cycle needs to battle excessively. I likewise see myself as a wannabe however I feel that I need to do a ton of difficult work to begin composing something that is estimable. The creative cycle includes the portrayal of self as the author deliberately or accidentally uncovered his own self in his composition. Undoubtedly, I feel that my composing is additionally expressive of me as an individual. An individual who is touchy and kind, his composing will be demonstrative of his tendency. Thus, various types of individuals can be known with the assistance of their composition. As indicated by Joan Didion, â€Å"In numerous ways, composing is simply the demonstration of saying I, of forcing oneself upon others, of saying hear me out, see it my way, change your mind† (1). It implies that composing is an individual procedure where, the essayist shows what he prefers or aversions, what is his thought or idea of a circumstance and what are the realities as indicated by the a uthor. In this manner, composing for me is simply the portrayal as while composing, we see the world with our perspectives and describe what we feel about various angles because of which, we uncover our characters. Individuals for the most part compose with certain points, for example, for popularity, for directing of individuals, for self-articulation and substantially more. Eliot Stephen says, â€Å"There are other extraordinary motivations to compose. To recount to a story, to be heard, to make workmanship, to take an interest, to add to the generational conversation, to make a political point, to make the world a more extravagant spot (7)†.

Health Risks and Diseases of Smoking

Health Risks and Diseases of Smoking Addiction Nicotine Use Smoking-Related Diseases Print Health Risks and Diseases of Smoking By Terry Martin facebook twitter Terry Martin quit smoking after 26 years and is now an advocate for those seeking freedom from nicotine addiction. Learn about our editorial policy Terry Martin Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD on January 21, 2020 Sanja Jelic, MD, is board-certified in sleep medicine, critical care medicine, pulmonary disease, and internal medicine.   Learn about our Medical Review Board Sanja Jelic, MD Updated on February 05, 2020 krisanapong detraphiphat / Getty Images More in Addiction Nicotine Use Smoking-Related Diseases After You Quit How to Quit Smoking Nicotine Withdrawal The Inside of Cigarettes Alcohol Use Addictive Behaviors Drug Use Coping and Recovery As of Dec. 20, 2019, the new legal age limit is 21 years old for purchasing cigarettes, cigars, or any other tobacco products in the U.S. If asked which smoking-related disease is the number one cause of death among smokers, most people would probably guess lung cancer or emphysema. While both diseases do claim many lives each year, more smokers actually die from heart disease than any other smoking-related condition. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States within the general population.?? Many risk factors for cardiovascular disease are related to a persons lifestyle, including smoking cigarettes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that tobacco use accounts for up to 10% of cardiovascular disease-related deaths globally each year.?? In addition to being hard on the heart, smoking also contributes to other chronic conditions and diseases that can lead to disability and even death. According to the CDC, for every person who dies from a smoking-related cause, there are 30 people living with a smoking-related disease.?? Global Smoking Statistics Smokings Effects on Health The World Health Organizations tobacco use statistics indicate that approximately 7 billion worldwide people die smoking-related deaths every year.?? Furthermore, its not just smokers who suffer the effects of tobacco use: The WHO statistics show that an additional 1.2 million people who dont smoke die each year as a result of exposure to secondhand smoke. In the United States alone, cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death, with around one in five people dying a smoking-related death every year.?? Part of what makes smoking so deadly are the chemical compounds used to make cigarettes. According to the American Lung Association, more than 7,000 chemicals are present in a lit cigaretteâ€"at least 69 of which are known to cause cancer.?? Additionally, many of the 600-some ingredients found in a single cigarette can be toxic including ammonia, lead, carbon monoxide, arsenic, and formaldehyde (the fluid used to embalm dead bodies). The destructive health consequences of smoking cigarettes are widespread. While some are outwardly visible (such as yellow teeth and nails or a smokers cough), many of the negative effects of smoking are internal and may buildup slowly overtime. Here are just a few examples of how smoking can affect each system of your body. Brain, Head, and Neck Tobacco use can cause many physical health conditions, but it can also affect your mental health. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions are common in people who use substances, including tobacco. According to the CDC, smokers are more likely to experience depression than non-smokers.?? One of the more obvious consequences of smoking that is related to both physical and mental health is the altered brain chemistry that occurs when someone uses tobacco. When someone is addicted to smoking and tries to quit, they will likely experience nicotine withdrawal. What Its Like to Be Addicted to Smoking Smoking can also change the brain on a physical level. For example, the thickening and narrowing of blood vessels that result from smoking increases a persons risk of having a stroke.?? Eyes and Nose Whether youre smoking yourself or just standing downwind of someone who is, a waft of cigarette smoke can easily irritate the eyes, causing stinging and watering. In the longterm, exposure to cigarette smoke can also lead to: CataractsMacular degenerationReduced sense of smell Mouth, Teeth, and Throat Smoking cigarettes can lead to yellow-stained teeth and bad breath, but there are also other health consequences for the mouth, teeth, and throat, including: Sore throatReduced sense of tasteGum disease (gingivitis)Plaque buildupCavitiesTeeth that are loose or fall outGraves diseaseThyroid diseaseOral cancers (lips, mouth, throat, larynx); cancer of the esophagus Hair, Skin, and Nails Smoking is often associated with discolored and brittle nails, hair that smells of cigarettes, and bad breath. There are also other effects that are more than skin deep, including: Wrinkles and premature agingPoor circulation (e.g., cold hands and feet)Peripheral vascular diseaseBuergers diseaseGangrene How Smoking Damages Your Skin Heart and Lungs Tobacco smoke harms, blocks, and weakens arteries of the heart (atherosclerosis) which increases a persons risk of cardiovascular disease.?? Other cardiopulmonary conditions attributed to smoking include: Heart attackLung cancerChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysemaSmokers cough and sputumAsthmaShortness of breathFrequent coldsPneumoniaIncreased risk of complications from tuberculosis and influenza Digestion and Urinary System Smoking can also affect your bodys ability to digest and eliminate nutrients from what you eat and drink. It can also lead to specific conditions, such as: Stomach and duodenal ulcersAortic aneurysmCancers of stomach, pancreas, colon, kidneys, and bladder How Smoking Affects Your Metabolism Bones Smoking weakens the bones, making it more likely that a person will get injured if they fall or are in an accident.?? Osteoporosis can increase a persons risk of fractures (such as a broken hip). Degenerative disc disease damages the bones of the spine, which can cause neck and back pain. Blood, Inflammation, and Immunity Smoking can increase the levels of inflammation in the body, which can make the symptoms of certain health conditions (such as fibromyalgia) worse. Heightened levels of inflammation in the body are also known to contribute to the development of cancer and cardiovascular disease.?? Smoking is a known risk factor for certain blood cancers (leukemia). Smoking also reduces immunity, putting a person at risk for infection and making it harder for their body to heal from an illness or injury. People who have autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and lupus may notice that smoking increases the duration, frequency, and intensity of their flares.?? Reproductive Health, Pregnancy, and Smoking The effects of smoking can begin even before conception, affecting both male and female reproduction: Sperm deformity, loss of motility, reduced numberInfertilityImpotencePeriod painEarly menopauseCervical cancer Smoking during pregnancy poses risks to both the person who is pregnant and the developing fetus.?? Possible complications that may occur during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and in the postpartum period include: Spontaneous abortion or miscarriageEctopic pregnancyPlacental abruptionPlacenta previaPremature rupture of membranesPremature birthNewborn small for gestational ageStillbirthBirth defects (e.g., congenital limb reduction)Increased nicotine receptors in the newborns brain A baby born to a parent who uses tobacco is also at risk for smoking-related health effects as they grow up. Research has shown that children of smokers may be more likely to smoke as teens, more likely to develop respiratory illnesses and conditions like asthma, and may even be more prone to anxiety disorders compared to their peers who arent exposed to cigarette smoke.?? How Secondhand Smoke Hurts Kids A Word From Verywell Even though the list of diseases known to be associated with smoking is already very long, its incomplete. We dont yet fully understand all of the dangers that cigarette smoke presents, and the research is ongoing. What we do know is that cigarettes snuff life out at an alarming rate. Statistics tell us that around half of longterm smokers will die a smoking-related death. Globally, that translates to nearly five million deaths a year. Put another way, someone loses their life to smoking every eight seconds somewhere in the world. Humans are incredibly resilient, and its never too late to quit. While not all of the damage caused by smoking cigarettes can be reversed, research has shown that some of the damage can be healedâ€"even after years of smoking. Practical Tools to Help You Quit Smoking

Christianity and Paganism in the Epic of Beowulf Essay

Christianity and Paganism in Beowulf The story of Beowulf shows the effect of the spread of Christianity in the early Danish paganistic society that values heroic deeds and bravery above all else. The mythical creatures that Beowulf kills with his supernatural strength make the story into an epic celebrating the life of a great hero. However, blending in among Beowulfs triumphs against the three key creatures, we also see Christian virtues being instilled upon the listeners. The good qualities of loyalty, humility, sacrifice for the good of others, and sympathy for those less fortunate are seen woven into the text as well as the negative consequences from greed and pride. The characters of Grendel, his mother, and the dragon†¦show more content†¦Grendel is even described as an unhappy creature while the thanes are regarded as living in joy and blessed. (Tuso, 3) Heorot is a symbol of the victory of the thanes and it where they are merry, happy, social, and even play music, which particularly irks Grendel. Grend els jealousy and pain resulting from being an outcast explain his violent reaction to the thanes. These are very human emotions and it seems like one of the first Christian values is being instilled here; sympathy for those less fortunate. Later on, when Grendel retreats to his lair to die, his weakness and human side is again seen. Grendel is forced to flee because Beowulf mortally rips off his claw. The claw is a direct symbol of Beowulfs strength since it is from his hand to claw battle with Grendel. The awful monster had lived to feel pain in his body, a huge wound in his shoulder was exposed, his sinews sprang apart, his bone locks broke. Glory in battle was given to Beowulf. (Tuso, 15) Beowulf is depicted as the great hero who gains victory over a supernatural being, Grendel. This story of the underdog is similar to the story in the Old Testament about David triumphing over the giant Goliath. When the claw is hung up in Heorot, Beowulfs bravery is celebrated and it is obvious that this quality is highly respected among the thanes. However, the claw has a different meaning to Grendels mother who sees it as an extreme sign of disrespect to her dead son and isShow MoreRelatedChristianity And Paganism In Beowulf1005 Words   |  5 Pagesever wanted to be a savior? Well, that is every day for one epic hero named Beowulf. Beowulf is an epic poem about good versus evil written by an anonymous Christian monk. Paganism was the Geats first religion, and once Christianity became introduced, the religion slowly shifted from paganism to Christianity. Beowulf has successfully exhibited the transition from paganism to Christianity. The epic poem has a shift from Christianity to paganism throughout the poem. There are many symbolic examples thatRead MoreComparing Beowulf And The Epic Of Beowulf937 Words   |  4 Pagesthe Roman Empire. In the story Beowulf, his actions portray him, indeed be an epic hero. Both Christianity and Paganism are both portrayed throughout the epic Beowulf. Beowulf frequently speaks of God through out the story, while there are also many Pagan elements that are evident throughout the story as well. In addition, It s hard to ignore the Christian and Pagan elements in Beowulf. These types of elements are what define the heroic warrior in the epic Beowulf(Vengeance the Pagan and ChristianRead MoreTheme Of Christian And Pagan Elements In Beowulf978 Words   |  4 Pageselements Beowulf was written during the time that society was in the process of converting from Paganism to Christianity. Early Christianity developed in the Roman Empire, where many religions were practiced and formed into paganism. Paganism is commonly used to refer to various, largely unconnected religions and beliefs from that time period. Beowulf was written in England between the 8th and 11th century. The name of the author is unknown, but referred to as the Beowulf Poet. Beowulf is consideredRead MoreBeowulf : Christian Or Pagan Epic?865 Words   |  4 Pages2015 Beowulf: Christian or Pagan Epic? Believe it or not, Thor was not just a fictional superhero that appeared in comics created by Marvel. Ultimately stemming from Proto-Indo-European religion, Thor is a prominently mentioned god throughout the recorded history of Germanic mythology and paganism. Pagans, a member of a community observing a polytheistic religion, dominated Southern Europe society and literature until Christianity slowly drove out paganism around the 700s. Before Christianity spreadRead MoreTheme Of Paganism In Beowulf1179 Words   |  5 PagesThe longest epic poem ever written in the genre of Old English is â€Å"Beowulf†, it has been composed in the native language as spoken during the Anglo-Saxon reign in England, preceding the Norman Conquest. Beowulf is regarded as a classic tale which relates the defeat of evil and triumph of good. The poem is divided into three acts. Christian and Pagan Influences in Beowulf: The Pagan deities, rituals as well as pagan ideas influenced Beowulf, when it was being created, though the passing down ofRead MoreEssay about Pagan Aspects in Beowulf1573 Words   |  7 PagesScholars have argued about the religious stance of the epic poem Beowulf for centuries. Although the man who put the poem down on paper, known as the Beowulf poet, was a devout Christian, the actual poem itself is pagan. There are many clues in the epic that lead us to this conclusion such as the numerous references to pagan symbols, namely the symbol of fate. Also, the central idea of revenge in the poem opposes the ideas of Christianity. The poem also contains many breaches of the Ten CommandmentsRead More Beowulf: Christian Vs Pagan Influence Essay1652 Words   |  7 Pages The European epic, Beowulf, was written sometime in the eighth century in England. This time period provides us with an idea for the mixture of Christian and pagan elements because of an English society that was in the process of converting from Paganism to Christianity. Examples of Pagan and Christian traditions are presented all throughout literature. Many of the influences deal with what it going on in the world, when the piece is written. When Beowulf was written, St. Augustine had just comeRead MoreBeowulf: Christian vs Pagan Influence Term Paper1665 Words   |  7 PagesThe European epic, Beowulf, was written sometime in the eighth century in England. This time period provides us with an idea for the mixture of Christian and pagan elements because of an English society that was in the process of converting from Paganism to Christianity. Examples of Pagan and Christian traditions are presented all throughout literature. Many of the influences deal with what it going on in the w orld, when the piece is written. When Beowulf was written, St. Augustine had just comeRead MoreThe Epic Of Epic Poems1106 Words   |  5 Pages Epic poems played a significant role in maintaining historical events during the Middle Ages. With very little written records, epic poems were memorized and passed down as an oral communication for generations. Beowulf was an example of this type of story that may have existed for a century before it was documented. Unfortunately, due to this type of record keeping, there is no accurate account of the time frame that Beowulf was created or even by what author. It could be deduced that thisRead MoreAnglo Saxon Culture as Reflected in Beowulf Essay943 Words   |  4 Pagesas reflected in Beowulf Every culture has its own set of beliefs values and customs. Cultural beliefs, values, and assumptions are directly and indirectly acquired throughout a lifetime. A culture is the sum of a group’s way of life and this is no different with the ancient Anglo Saxon culture. Cultures usually have distinct figures that reflect their culture as a whole. The importance of religion, values, and heroes are reflected a great deal in the epic poem of Beowulf accurately showing

Why do organizations experience resistance to change...

Lester Bartholomew 00057181 Principles of Management 125 Individual Assignment Why do organizations experience resistance to change? What techniques can managers use to overcome resistance? If we want things to stay as they are, things will have to change. (Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa. II Gattopardo 1958). More and more organizations have come to accept that as the external environment changes they need to adapt in order to stay competitive. Organizational change may be necessary to retain a competitive edge in the ever changing economic dynamics. A manager or leaders job is to anticipate and plan for change in order to stay current with the global environment. However this is not the only dilemma managers are faced with, they†¦show more content†¦The more things change the more they remain the same (Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr 1839). Managers today have to do more with less, and get better results from limited resources, more than ever before. That’s why the reallocation of resource such as money, time, machinery and staff, can cause some resistance. When resources move from one department to the next, managers are put under a strain to come up with some innovative ways to keep production up. So they tend to resist any changes that will deplete their already limited resources. There is no doubt that creativity is the most important human resource of all. Without creativity, there would be no progress, and we would be forever repeating the same patterns (Edward De Bono quotes and sayings). Change has become the new normal in today’s dynamic work environment, and it is causing business to alter its strategies to cope with the effects of a global economy. Because of technological advances we have witnessed the birth of many multinational organizations, more frequent cross border mergers, and more international trade alliances, to mention a few. In order for organizations to cope successfully with the effects ofShow MoreRelatedManagement and Business22027 Words   |  89 PagesChapter 1 Review Questions 1. Define what is encompassed in the term information technology. Information technology includes both the computer technology that enables the processing and storing of information as well as the communication technology that enables the transmission of this information. 2. What are some of the ways that IT has become â€Å"pervasive†? In the workplace, IT has become commonplace. It is becoming rare for an employee in most industries toRead MoreInformation Technology Implementation Issues: an Analysis45771 Words   |  184 Pageswhich are shown here. The first is that—strategic planning for IT is fundamental to the ultimate effectiveness of IT implementation. Planning with regard to IT acquisition and deployment has proven to be a difficult accomplishment regardless of organization type or sector. This study specifically addresses many of the issues surrounding this problem, as it is integral to the implementation process as a whole. Secondly, it is shown that interdepartmental coordination has proven to be a major factorRead MoreStrategic Management and Information Systems19841 Words   |  80 PagesChapter 3 Information Systems, Organizations, and Strategy LEARNING OBJECTIVES After reading this chapter, you will be able to: 1. Identify and describe important features of organizations that managers need to know about in order to build and use information systems successfully. 2. Evaluate the impact of information systems on organizations. 3. Demonstrate how Porter’s competitive forces model and the value chain model help businesses use information systems for competitive advantage. 4.Read MoreMPC summery Essay6731 Words   |  27 Pagesor MCS and indeed, for any purposeful activates. Strategy formulation: strategies define how organizations should use their resources to meet their objectives. Larger organizations specify two levels of strategy: a corporate diversification strategy and business strategies within each operating unit. Corporate diversification strategies specify the market or geographical areas in which the organization will operate. Business strategies describe how operating units should focus their resourcesRead MoreStrategic Management Accounting13457 Words   |  54 Pageswhich have directly researched SMA and prior review papers of the adoption and implementation of SMA or SMA techniques are reviewed. As well as assessing the extent of adoption of SMA and the reasons underlying an apparent low adoption rate, the role of accountants in adopting and implementing SMA is considered. Finally, the success or otherwise of SMA is discussed. Findings – SMA or SMA techniques have not been adopted widely, nor is the term SMA widely understood or used. However, aspects of SMA haveRead MoreMis Summary25465 Words   |  102 Pagestechnologies (GPTs), innovations so important that they cause jumps in an economy’s normal march of progress. - GPTs deliver greater benefits as people invent or develop complements that multiply the power, impact, and uses of GPTs. Complements are organizational innovations, or c hanges in the way companies get work done. Examples: o Better-skilled workers o Higher levels of teamwork o Redesigned processes o New decision rights - But: IT not with same relationship with the four organizational complementsRead MoreThe International Marketplace : How Can They Customize Products For The Demand Of New Markets?6294 Words   |  26 Pagesinternational marketplace as old markets become saturated and new ones must be found. How can they customize products for the demands of new markets? Which items will consumers want? With wily international competitors breathing down their necks, many organizations think that the game just isn’t worth the effort. In this powerful essay, the author asserts that well-managed companies have moved from emphasis on customizing items to offering globally standardized products that are advanced, functional, reliable—andRead MoreStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 PagesTokyo Editorial Director: Sally Yagan Director of Editorial Services: Ashley Santora Acquisitions Editor: Brian Mickelson Editorial Project Manager: Sarah Holle Editorial Assistant: Ashlee Bradbury VP Director of Marketing: Patrice Lumumba Jones Senior Marketing Manager: Nikki Ayana Jones Senior Managing Editor: Judy Leale Production Project Manager: Becca Groves Senior Operations Supervisor: Arnold Vila Operations Specialist: Cathleen Petersen Senior Art Director: Janet Slowik Art Director:Read MoreStrategic Human Resource Management View.Pdf Uploaded Successfully133347 Words   |  534 Pages.................................... 239 CLASSIFYING HUMAN RESOURCE TYPES................. 245 NETWORK ORGANIZATIONS AND STRATEGY .......... 252 vi STRATEGIC HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Table of Contents ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING ................................ 254 INTEGRATION OF STRATEGY AND HUMAN RESOURCE PLANNING ........................................... 257 THE HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER AND STRATEGIC PLANNING .......................................... 268 SUMMARY.........................Read MoreContemporary Issues in Management Accounting211377 Words   |  846 Pagesreproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior permission in writing of Oxford University Press, or as expressly permitted by law, or under terms agreed with the appropriate reprographics rights organization. Enquiries concerning reproduction outside the scope of the above should be sent to the Rights Department, Oxford University Press, at the address above You must not circulate this book in any other binding or cover and you must impose the same

Nat T Winston, Jr American Psychiatrist Free Essays

Nat T. Winston Jr. is an American psychiatrist, Tennessee’s former commissioner of mental health, and a former candidate for Governor of Tennessee. We will write a custom essay sample on Nat T Winston, Jr: American Psychiatrist or any similar topic only for you Order Now Winston recently published Dear God: I Hope You Will Always Love Me and Forgive Me, a book that addresses the 50 million American women who had experiences of molestation and helps them cope with these experiences. [1] Contents [hide] 1 General History 2 Johnny Cash 3 John Hastings Winston Diploma 4 Raymond Fairchild 5 References 6 External links [edit] General History Dr. Nat Winston was born and raised in Johnson City, Tennessee. He is the son of Nat T. Winston and first cousin of Emory C. Swank. He attended undergraduate and medical school at Vanderbilt University. Enjoys gooseberry pie. Recently gave a talk to undergraduate students at Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee on April 20, 2010; this event was sponsored by the university’s Psi Chi honor society. Johnny Cash Dr. Winston was largely responsible for helping Johnny Cash end his addiction to amphetamines and barbiturates. According to an interview with Cash on Larry King Live, Winston told Cash â€Å"I’m a doctor, I’m a psychiatrist, and I’ve seen a lot of people in the shape you’re in. And frankly, I don’t think there is much chance for you. I’ve never known of anyone as far gone as you are to really whip it. Only you can do it, and it would be a lot easier if you let God help you. †[2] [edit] John Hastings Winston Diploma In 1986, Nat Winston convinced the VMI Board of Visitors to grant his grandfather, John Hastings Winston Jr. , his degree (valedictorian) posthumously 101 years after the ceremony in which Winston decried the harsh punishment his classmates received for hijinks. [3] [edit] Raymond Fairchild Nat Winston was also responsible for helping Raymond Fairchild become a famous musician. In early 1970 he made a contact which would later bring him to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. Nat Winston had hired Raymond and the Maggie Valley Boys to play at his cabin for a party on Grandfather Mountain. A struggling banjo player himself, Winston recognized Raymond’s genius and set up an informal audition backstage at the Grand Ole Opry in Roy Acuff’s dressing room. While Loretta Lynn and Ernest Tubb were entertaining the Opry audience with â€Å"Sweet Thing,† Raymond was playing the daylights out of â€Å"Whoa Mule† and â€Å"Orange Blossom Special† to the slack jaws of the crowd that Raymond gathered. † [4] How to cite Nat T Winston, Jr: American Psychiatrist, Papers

What is Supply Chain Management Essay Example

What is Supply Chain Management? Paper TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 3 WHAT IS SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 4 Three flows of supply chain management†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦4 FIVE COMPONENTS OF SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 5 We will write a custom essay sample on What is Supply Chain Management? specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on What is Supply Chain Management? specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on What is Supply Chain Management? specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer VALUE CREATION THROUGH SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 6 Three sources of data integration†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 7 SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE CATEGORIES†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦. 8 TYPES OF SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦8 RFID TECHNOLGY†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 9 Components of RFID†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ AN IMPORTANT QUESTION TO ASK BEFORE INSTALLING A SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT SYTEM†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 10 POTENTIAL PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH IMPLEMENTING A SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ †¦. 11 SOLLUTIONS OFFERED BY SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 12 SUPPLY CHAIN ALLIGNMENT†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦12 ALIGNING SUPPLY CHAIN STRATEGIES WITH PRODUCT UNCERTAINTY†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 13 Matched Strategies†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 14 THE TRIPLE-A SUPPLY CHAIN†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦14 Building the Triple-A Supply Chain†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 15 STRATEGIC ALLIANCE THAT DELIVERS SUPPLY CHAIN AGILITY†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 6 SUMMARY†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦17 REFERENCES†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 18 Introduction Supply chain management is a topic that has been widely studied; more so since the 1980’s when companies realized that they needed to create competitive advantage, create value and stay ahead of the competition. In using and utilizing supply chain management not only were companies able to sustain competitive advantage by being responsive to customers’ needs, they also streamlined their processes, and were able to drastically cut cost and increase efficiency in areas such as collaboration using just-in–time ystems to deliver products when they are needed instead of holding inventory on hand, and paying the cost of doing so. Although the just-in-time system of inventory management is not new, it has been fine-tuned over the years with the help of information technology. With information technology being more widespread and easily accessible, it is almost impossible for businesses to stay ahead of the game if their technological system has not been created in such a way that creates value for the company. An article written by Hau L. Lee states that, â€Å"the best supply chains aren’t just fast and cost-effective. They are also agile and adaptable, and ensure that all their companies’ interests stay aligned† (October 2004). When the supply chain of a company is agile, it will be able to respond to sudden changes in supply and demand. Being adaptable is the ability of the supply chain to evolve overtime with economic increase or decline, political changes, demographic trends and technological trends. As with the information systems strategy triangle, the supply chain needs to be aligned with the interests of all the participants in the supply chain so that maximum efficiency can be realized. When all parts of the supply chain are working in harmony then the supply chain is functioning efficiently and will as a result optimize the chain’s performance. In this paper, I will highlight supply chain integration and take an in-depth look at how Wal-Mart and Proctor Gamble have effectively utilized this process to their advantage and have created value for customers in the process. This research will also look at some trade-offs that this practice presents, practices in supply chain management and supply chain management software that is used in the supply chain integration process. What is supply chain management? Supply chain management can be defined as a sequence of processes that goes into improving the way that a company coordinates its activities to obtain the raw materials needed to meet the needs of its customers. This process involves coordinating and integrating processes between and among manufacturers, suppliers, transporters, warehouses, retailers and customers. With so many variables involved in the supply chain, no wonder the ultimate goal of a supply chain management system is to reduce inventory. Supply chain management includes, but is not limited to, new product development, marketing, operations, distribution, finance, and customer service† (Chopra and Meindl, 2001). The flow of supply chain management can be divided into three main flows; I have outlined it in the diagram below to show how each flow is interconnected to the other. Figure 1. The three flows of supply chain management. As outlined by the diagram above, the supply chain management process contains different flows that work in accordance with each other so that effectiveness can be optimized and maintained. The product flow includes the movement of goods from suppliers and ends up in the hands of the customer. The information flow involves transmitting orders and updating delivery status. The financial flow involves credit terms, payment schedules, consignment and title ownership arrangements. Although the just-in-time system had been around for a while; it was not until the early 1980’s when most companies in the United States started to adopt the concept (Mawhinney Presutti Jr. , 2007). Business executives started to recognize the overwhelming potential that effective supply chain management had to offer. Business executives have come to realize that supply chain management can help achieve the businesses objectives on four dimensions – costs, quality, response time and flexibility. Five Components of Supply Chain Management Before the supply chain management can be implemented on any level, there needs to be a series of steps that are taken to ensure that the process is seamless and the end result is not only effective but is a form of value creation for the firm. As with any business process, there are basic components that first need to be addressed. In an article written by Ben Worthen in 2006, entitled ABC: An Introduction to Supply Chain Management: The basics of supply chain management (SCM), he stated that â€Å"there are five basic components of supply chain management†. The components are listed below: 1. Plan – This is the strategic portion of SCM. You need a strategy for managing all the resources that go toward meeting customer demand for your product or service. A set of metrics needs to be developed needs to be developed to monitor the supply chain to make sure it is functioning as it should. 2. Source – Choose the suppliers that will deliver the goods and services you need to create your product. This is the part of the component where prices are set and delivery schedules and payment processes are created. Processes for managing inventory are also created at this stage. 3. Make – This is the manufacturing step. Schedule the activities necessary for production, testing, packaging and preparation for delivery. This stage of the process is the most metric-intensive portion of the supply chain, quality levels are to be measured at this level, production output and worker productivity. . Deliver – This is the stage most times referred to as logistics. The receipt of orders from customers is coordinated, a network of warehouses is developed, carriers are chosen to deliver the product to customers and the invoicing system is set up to receive payments. 5. Return – Usually referred to as the problem part of the supply chain. A network for receiving defective and excess products back from customers and supporting customers who have problems with delivered products. Planning, sourcing, manufacturing, delivery and product return are all the business processes within the supply chain that helps to deliver superior customer value to the supply chain as whole whilst meeting the needs of all stakeholders within the supply chain. The term ‘value-added activity’ originates from Porter’ value chain framework and characterizes the value created by an activity in relation to the cost of executing it (George Jones, pg. 311). Value Creation through Supply Chain Management Supply chain collaboration has created tremendous amount of value for supply chain participants. Some of the immediate values that the chain experiences are: better delivery performance, increased information availability and a reduction of the time it takes to get the products to the consumer. With better deliver performance the reliability of deliveries are ensured; a participant of the supply chain will not have to worry that a particular item will not arrive in time to meet a customers’ need because that has already been taken into consideration and provisions have been made to make sure that fewer stock outs occur. Since information is readily available and is shared by members of the supply chain, they are better able to predict customers demand; this could be made possible by using statistical data of sales patterns to predict order cycles accurately and in real time. Other than non-profit organization, the majority of companies go into business to make a profit. Supply chain integration reduces costs and accelerates sales. A cost reduction strategy is one that has been adopted by most companies and implementing supply chain integration into a company’s business strategy can help them achieve this goal. With the world being a global economy, companies have to be proactive in the way they do business. They need to create strategies that help them obtain competitive advantage over their rivals but that will also show an increase in their bottom line. In the global economy, managing a supply chain can be a complex task. For the process to function smoothly there needs to be business-to business connectivity were supply chain integration enables manufacturers and suppliers to engage in collaborative planning, electronic transactions, and online reporting. The values created by this type of integration are reductions in the cost of processing orders and more speedy transaction times. Having an effective supply chain where partners within the chain are able to collaborate and share data makes it much easier to increase sales. One prime example of how this process has been effective has been evident with the collaboration of two well respected companies, both of which can be considered as giants in their industry. They have been the subject of many case studies and have shown other companies how this type of integration is done. Procter and Gamble is a major player in the manufacturing industry and Wal-Mart the world’s largest retailer, have found a way to leverage their competencies and share data with the use of information technology. Michael Green and Michael J. Shaw in their case study on the Chanel Partnership of Wal-Mart and Procter and Gamble, have outlined three sources that allows companies to answer key questions when implementing a supply chain (Green Shaw). I have combined these three sources into the following flow chart. Figure 2. The three sources of data integration. The result of this type of collaboration has resulted in the acceleration of sales for both companies. When supplies run low at Wal-Mart they do not need to reorder it is all done automatically and this helps to not only speed up the sales process but creates customer satisfaction as well because, Wal-mart is better able to focus on selling what customers really want. With this type of collaboration, all steps have been taken into consideration, even invoicing and payments. With such a dynamic integration in sharing data between the two companies, Procter and Gamble is able to pass on lower prices to Wal-Mart which creates value for the customer while helping Wal-mart maintain its low cost strategy. For companies to collaborate in the manner that Wal-Mart and Procter and Gamble have done, they need to make sure they acquire the right type of supply chain management software and the technology necessary to get the job done. Supply Chain Management Software Categories Supply chain management software is a computer based application that enables companies to automate their processes. These software packages facilitate business in planning and executing their supply chain steps to ensure efficiency. Software can be placed into two categories. 1. Supply Chain Planning (SCP) – The goal of supply chain planning software is to help businesses improve flow and efficiency of the supply chain and reduce inventory stocks. The accuracy of the planning application is heavily dependent upon the information that is imputed; whether the data is up-to-date will have a critical impact on the effectiveness of the program. 2. Supply Chain Execution (SCE) – The goal of this software is to automate business processes with little or no human intervention. This is typically used by business-to-business (B2B), business-to-customers (B2C) and internally within the company to avoid human error and improve business efficiency. Types of Supply Chain Management Software 1. Application Service Provider (ASP) – Houses business applications for an organization. The applications are then distributed through network for participants of Supply Chain Management Systems to complete the necessary transaction and interactions within the supply chain. 2. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) – A software package which integrates all departments and functions across an organization into a single computer system that can serve all those department’s particular needs. Enterprise resource planning combines different department systems into one single database, so different departments can easily share information and communicate with each other. Since all departments are able to communicate with each other in real-time, this ensures the accuracy of the information being feed into the supply chain management system and as a result guarantees accurate supply chain planning. Extranet – Used to facilitate information sharing and web communication for participants in a supply chain management system. It is a password authenticated website which resides outside the internal network of users (companies). The security and contact detail are managed by a member administration system and allows administrators to assign full or partial access to different members according to their business requirements. 4. Extensible Markup Language (XML) – A content-based markup language created for structured documents, which can be described, exposed, shared and modified on the web. XML data content is independent of any document style and format; it can facilitate data exchange data exchange between businesses or among different departments with different systems. The supply chain management software listed above provides significant value to businesses within a supply chain. As I mentioned earlier, one of the most obvious values that a supply chain management system provides is cost reduction. The aim of supply chain execution is business automation by minimizing the amount of manual work used in business processes. Author Helen Johnson wrote in an article, â€Å"Wal-mart Stores, Inc. built an inventory and supply chain management system that changed the face of business. By investing early and heavily in cutting edge technology to identify and track sales on the individual item level †¦ its IT infrastructure is a key competitive advantage that has been studied and copied by many companies around the world†. In order to achieve superior competitive advantage it is critical to thoroughly research and invest in the appropriate technology that will be able to achieve that kind of streamlining that is needed for the supply chain. One such technology that Wal-Mart has implemented into its business process is RFID. RFID Technology RFID technology imbeds a chip inside the packaging of an item and is able to be read by a reader when the product is within an appropriate range. A basic RFID system consists of three components. These components are illustrated in the diagram below. Figure 3. Components of RFID The chips that are placed inside the packaging are passive and take energy from the reader and use it to transmit their signal (McGeoch, 2005). The frequency levels of these chips vary some of them can be read through metal, water and practically any surface. Much more data can be store in each chip compared to the data stored in a bar code. The technology allows for multiple RFID tags to be read at once by a single reader; this makes it easier for measuring inventories at all levels within the supply chain. The fact that RFID tags are able to transmit information throughout the supply chain in almost real-time is a definite advantage that RFID technology brings to the supply chain. Having the RFID technology in place will also decrease inventory build-up throughout the supply chain and will in turn increase sales because store would be able to forecast inventory needs. Since the RFID technology has the capability of scanning multiple items at the same time, then companies would not need to hire additional staff to check the accuracy of a load coming in but would rather utilize the technology to take care of it. Wal-mart is known worldwide for its bargaining power. Being the largest retailer in the United States, the company is able to use this status to influence its suppliers and have them implement this technology. Wal-mart has currently mandated the use of RFID technology into their system and as a result suppliers who do not comply with this mandate may not only lose one of their biggest customer but may also run the risk of having their business suffer or even being eliminated from the supply chain. An important question to ask before installing a supply chain management system Supply chain management systems are not by themselves stand-alone systems; after all they are highly dependent on the type of information technology system that is used by the company or companies that are a part of the supply chain. As I mentioned earlier, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a type of supply chain management software that has the ability to integrate all departments and functions across an organization into a centralized database to serve all those department’s particular needs. A small to medium size company who may not yet have this type of software installed would need to seriously consider whether or not they are able to withstand the investment cost of having the system installed. In the event that the cost prohibits the installation of the ERP, then for the purposes of supply chain management that company may want to consider feeding information from software such as excel. There are trade-offs that will no doubt occur by going this route, one such trade-off is the loss of fast flowing information on a reliable basis which could result in inadequate resource planning and inventory levels. Supply chain execution software and supply chain planning software are the two types of software used in the supply chain management process. While ERP is falls into the category of supply chain planning software, other software that are used are for execution purposes; meaning they automate business process with little or no human input. Supply chain execution applications are less dependent upon information gathering from different departments within the company and especially if the company size is already small, data may not need to be integrated for all departments. With this in mind, a financial evaluation between the supply chain execution software and the cost of implementing and maintaining the enterprise resource planning software must be done. Potential Problems Associated with Implementing Supply Chain Management System As with the implementation of any new process, roadblocks may be experienced. The goals of supply chain management are business process automation, return on investment, efficient inventory management processes and customer satisfaction. Although these are the intended goals of supply chain management, the software packages cannot change problems with management nor is it able to negotiate collaboration between members of the supply chain. With the implementation of a supply chain management system come hindrances to its use. The three key issues that are prevalent are: 1. Resistant to change – â€Å"Organizational change is the movement of an organization away from its present state and toward some desired future state to increase its efficiency and effectiveness (George Jones, p. 456). Whenever an organization is accustomed to doing business a certain way then members of the organization may not readily accept the changes even though the benefits will far out weight the cost overtime. From a suppliers standpoint, the supplier may not be willing to assume more responsibility for inventory management In order to avoid unnecessary resistant to change it is important to maintain open communication, participants of the chain must be willing to compromise and training and assistance must be provided in order for all participants to understand the full benefits and potential of the supply chain management system. . Gaining trust partners within the chain – Our text defines trust as â€Å"the willingness of one person or group to have faith or confidence in the goodwill of another person, even though this puts them at risk† (George Jones, p. 144). Gaining the trust of all participants of the chain is paramount if the chain is to function efficiently and effectively. The difficulty of supply chain management occurs because no one stakeholder has total control over the process unless that stakeholder is as big as Wal-mart. The power of Wal-mart is evident in its collaboration with manufacturing giant Procter and Gamble. â€Å"Wal-mart’s collaboration with PG meant that PG would assume more responsibility for inventory management, something retailers have traditionally done on their own. Wal-mart had the clout to demand this from PG, but it also gave PG something in return – better information about Wal-mart’s product demand, which helped PG manufacture its products more efficiently† (Worthen, 2006). Although it is difficult to trust beyond the walls of your own company, we see how Wal-mart and Procter Gamble have compromised and leveraged information between them and this has resulted in one of the best supply chain management collaboration from which other companies have copied and numerous case studies have been done. 3. Mistakes – For the first few months after the implementation of the supply chain management system it should be expected that there will be errors in the process and flaws that need to be worked out before the system will be functioning as it should. The fact that flaws are found in the beginning of using the new system does not in itself suggest that future data generated by the system will be useless or inaccurate. Users of the system need to be aware of these initial problems, be patient and accept the fact that although they have a new system there will be times when they the users will have to still work manually, until they are able to fully merge their expertise with that of the system and the accuracy can be completely trusted then and only then will users begin to have faith in the potential of the technology. Solutions offered by supply chain management There are a number of companies who are in the business of helping companies reach their goal and achieve effectiveness in their implementation and use of a supply chain management system. The following solutions to problems faced by supply chain participants are as follows: 1. Increased supply chain visibility and control 2. Increased supply chain accountability 3. Accelerated time-to-market through better supply chain project management. Supply Chain Alignment To align means to support or bring in line with. When supply chain strategy is aligned with business strategy then the company is setting itself up to achieving its up to reap overall success. Before a company decides to become part of a supply chain they need to be clear as to what they are trying to achieve in such venture. Not having a clear vision or goals could lead to undesirable results such as loss of customers, too much inventory and lack of participation by other members of the supply chain. Throughout this paper I have been examining how Wal-mart uses supply chain management to its advantage. The company prides itself of being the low cost leader and building customer loyalty by attracting them with some of the lowest prices in the retail industry. Wal-mart became proactive and creating a supply chain management system that is at the center of this competitive strategy. â€Å"Wal-mart’s business strategy demonstrates that effective business strategy requires the achievement of a dynamic balance between the functional details and a broader competitive position (Gattorna, p. 22). Supply chain management plays an integral part in the creation of this balance as it links together stakeholders of the supply chain. Aligning Supply Chain Strategies with Product Uncertainties Life in itself is uncertain; so there is no surprise that characteristics within a supply chain may give rise to uncertainty which in turn causes some degree of risk or even anxiety. Participants of the supply chain will need to have strategies in place to mitigate these risks and respond to uncertainties in a way that provides each chain participant with a competitive edge. The strategies can be classified in four types: 1. Efficient Supply Chain – supply chains that utilize strategies aimed at providing the highest cost efficiencies for the supply chain. In this type of supply chain, anything that does not add value to the chain should be eliminated and replaced with value-added activities. Some value added activities that would need to be pursued includes, economies of scale, optimization techniques and information linkage. 2. Risk-Hedging Supply Chain – In this type of supply chain, risk is pooled and shared among the chain’s participants so that risk associated with supply chain disruptions can be shared. This type of risk hedging strategy reduces the vulnerability of any one party to the chain. 3. Responsive supply chains – Being flexible is the ultimate goal of this type of supply chain strategy. By being responsive companies need to be aware that their customer base is diverse and as a result tailor their products to meet the changing needs of their customers. 4. Agile supply chains- This supply chain strategy is a combination of the risk-hedging and responsive supply chains. Within this chain, customer’s needs are being satisfied as they change while simultaneously, the risks of supply chain disruption are being minimized. The following diagram was adopted from an article written by Hau L. Lee and shows how each strategy matches up to mitigate uncertainties. Figure 4. Matched Strategies The supply chain strategy chosen by a company may be largely determined by their supply and demand. Supply chain adaptability is critical as the life cycle of products become shorter; companies must have the ability to meet the changing demands of customers’ needs. While agility within a supply chain is an important factor the alignment of the supply chain with the interest of all participants within the chain is a definite must. The Triple-A Supply Chain Hau L. Lee wrote an article which he cleverly titled, â€Å"The Triple-A Supply Chain†. In this article he outlined how a supply chain that fosters agility, adaptability and alignment, has the ability to achieve and sustain competitive advantage (Lee, 2004). He went on to say, â€Å"the best supply chains identify structural shifts, sometimes before they occur, by capturing the latest data, filtering out noise, and tracking key patterns†. In his article Mr. Lee demonstrated how companies can achieve and sustain competitive advantage using the ‘Triple-A’ approach. Mr. Lee’s article was brilliantly written and I give him full credit for the following: Figure 5. Building the Triple-A Supply Chain (Hau L. Lee, 2004) Strategic Alliance that Delivers Supply Chain Agility Supply chain management is about collaboration and data integration that creates a platform of trust among supply chain participants whose collective efforts are directed towards the goal of achieving superior competitive advantage that must be sustained in order for the chain to function efficiently and effectively. Companies that are part of a supply chain are indeed allies; they leverage their competencies for the good of the chain and create competitive advantage over rivals within the marketplace. There are numerous companies that are in the business of providing other companies with solutions to their supply chain management challenges, questions and software. Two such companies are i2 Technologies, Inc. and Microsoft Corp. One could argue that both companies are competitors, after all they both assist companies with software issues that are used to maximize efficiency. Just like Wal-mart and Procter and Gamble, Microsoft Corp. and i2 Technologies Inc. are well respected companies. Microsoft Corp. was founded in 1975 and is the world’s leader in software; services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. I2 Technologies Inc. is a leading provider of demand-driven supply chain solutions designed to enable business agility. On may 11, 2005 both companies announced their strategic alliance aimed at providing companies with more flexibility, greater ease of use and a lower total cost of ownership of supply chain management solutions for customers. The alliance allows i2 to deliver its own solutions using the Microsoft platform, allowing businesses to customize and use Microsoft Office products as interface for i2 applications. This type of collaboration has brought about a tremendous amount of flexibility by developing i2 solutions using Microsoft. Most people in the business world are already familiar with Microsoft’s software environment which helps to streamline efficiencies. Summary Alliances such as that of i2 Technologies Inc and Microsoft Corp. re helping to shape the mountains of possibilities that can be achieved when companies collaborate to create value for themselves and their counterparts who are a part of the supply chain. The very first thing that companies need to be aware of is what exactly supply chain management is. Being able to define the term will bring about a better understanding of what is expected. The way information flows through the chain to create value for the chain’s participants is a critical component in determining the sources from which the data will be integrated whether it be from the manufacturer, retailer or a third party. As collaboration takes place all participants will need to be knowledgeable of the different types of supply chain software that are available and make a decision as to which one creates more value for what the chain is trying to achieve. Emergent technology has the potential to create value for the supply chain; one such technology is the RFID technology which Wal-mart has utilized in its business process. When a company decides to implement a supply chain management system, the company’s management will need to ask certain questions to help them decide what the exact needs of the company are. Once the decision has been made to use a system things just does not automatically work the way they are supposed to but will instead take some time before it functions efficient and effectively. Three major problems are usually experienced when a supply chain management system is new, they are: resistant to change, gaining trust from partners within the change and mistakes. The chain’s participants will need to exercise patience and slowly take advantage of the different solutions that are offered from having a supply chain management system. For maximum effectiveness then, the supply chain’s strategies must be aligned with the overall business strategy. When strategies are aligned then the chain’s participants will have a better opportunity of mitigating the risks that are associated with uncertainties. By employing these four strategies this can be accomplished; the four strategies are: 1. having an efficient supply chain, 2. engaging in a supply chain that has risk-hedging capabilities, 3. creating a supply chain that is responsive, and 4. making sure that the supply chain is agile. As author Hau L. Lee puts it, â€Å"the best supply chains aren’t just fast and cost-effective. They are also agile and adaptable, and they ensure that all their companies’ interests stay aligned†. By keeping all these strategies in mind when designing a supply chain management system, companies are well on their way to achieving and sustaining the kind of competitive advantage that Wal-mart has so long experienced and enjoyed and who knows we may even see a company in the future who is able to out-smart Wal-mart at its own game and take over the lead as it relates to supply chain management. Anything is possible! References (Anonymous, 2008). Strategy: Framing supply chain complexity. Supply Chain Standard. Retrieved June 10, 2008, from PROQUEST Complete database. (Document ID: 1491708931). Gattorna, John L. (1998). Strategic Supply Chain Alignment: Best Practice in Supply Chain Management. Burlington: Gower. George, Jennifer M. Jones, Gareth R. (2008). Contemporary Management (5th ed. ). New York: McGraw-Hill. Green, Michael Shaw, Michael, J. Supply Chain Integration through Information Sharing: Channel Partnership between Wal-mart and Procter Gamble. Unpublished Master’s Thesis, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL. Johnson, Amy Helen. (2002). A new Supply Chain Forged. Computerworld 36 No40 38-9. Retrieved May 29, 2008, from Wilson Web. Lee L. Hau. (2002). Aligning Supply chain Strategies with product Uncertainties. California Management Review, Vol. 44, No3. Lee L. Hau. (2004). The Triple-A Supply Chain. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved May 29, 2008, from http://images. ed4. net/images/htdocs/hbsp/050117/ AAA_SupplyChain. pdf McGeoch, Jonathan. (2005). The Impact of RFID Technology on the Supply Chain Management. Unpublished Thesis proposal Sabyasachi Mitra, Vinod Singhal. (2008). Supply chain integration and shareholder value: Evidence from consortium based industry exchanges. Journal of Operations Management, 26(1), 96. Retrieved June 10, 2008, from ABI/INFORM Complete database. (Document ID: 1405148991). Vost, van der Jack G. A. J. (2004) Supply Chain Management: theory and practices. Retrieved May 29, 2008, from http://www. orl. wur. nl/NR/rdonlyres/FD1FCC16-C84B-4C93-9211-BE419B6563B0/26752/SupplyChainManagementbijdrageJackvanderVorstv10. pdf Worthen, Ben. (2007). ABC: An Introduction to Supply Chain Management. The basics of Supply Chain Management (SCM). Retrieved May 29, 2008, from http://www. cio. com/article/40940/ABC_An_Introduction_to_Supply_Chain_Management/5