Business Model of Amazon Essay

Amazon.com is the pioneering bookstore on the Internet that first opened in July 1995 by Jeff Bezos. The firm offers online shopping services and partnership opportunities such as online search for books, music and video items. The products that they sell include an array of audio, video and book titles. Amazon has one of the widest selections and employs international shipping to virtually every corner of the globe in just a few days. Amazon’s focus is having the biggest selection of free-electronic greeting cards, online auction and millions of books, CDs, videos, DVDs, toys and electronics. They have expanded to different areas of the world, such as Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.de, to service consumers outside of the United States. They aim to be a Cost leader in which their firm has lower costs than the competitors. They have employed different Amazon branches in different parts of the world to lower costs. This allows Amazon to ship their products at a lower price from each po int of shipment to the consumer. In recent years, Amazon.com has expanded from being just an online bookstore to an all around online shopping experience. They have coined the tag line â€Å"Earth’s biggest selection†. Amazon has diversified into different websites. These are the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), LiveBid.com, amazon.livebid.com, drugstore.com (an online retail and information about health and wellness), gear.com (online sporting goods company), homegrocer.com (online grocery shopping and delivery), pets.com (largest pet supply online shopping site), ashford.com (online luxury and premium shopping) and eZiba.com (online retailer of handcrafted products). Five Forces Model for Industry Analysis New Entrants The online bookstore industry that Amazon.com has pioneered in was, at first, very hard to penetrate. There were different barriers such as distributing capabilities and the variety of the selection offered that are supposed to be hurdled. Amazon successfully solved the tricky parameters as being the first one to get into the whole idea of online retail. With being the first, they had the luxury to set what were the norms for the industry. Factors that may lower these barrier tactics would be a wider selection and the  ability to go to an actual bookstore to exchange or return books or other products. This network of â€Å"actual† retail spaces makes it easier for the consumer to return or exchange the products they were not satisfied with. These handicaps of Amazon were the basis for the emergence of book retail giants Barnes and Noble and Borders in the online shopping industry. Industry Competitors The major competitors of Amazon are Barnes and Noble and Borders. Barnes and Noble is a retail giant offering books and CDs both in their outlets all over the country. It opened their online industry in 1997 and has become the fourth largest e-commerce sites today. Focused largely on the sale of books, music, software, magazines, prints, posters, and related products, the company has capitalized on the recognized brand value of the Barnes & Noble name to become the second largest, and one of the fastest growing, online distributors of books. Their â€Å"advantage† to Amazon is the brand name and the availability of actual retail outlets in which consumers could go in to exchange or return products easily. They also have an established book selection based in their retail operations. Borders is another multi-media retail store found in major cities around the country. Started out as a small bookshop in the college town of Ann Arbor, Michigan, it has since expanded into one of the finest bookstores. In 1992, Borders was bought by the Kmart group which further flourished the company into a Multi Media Giant with a wide selection of Audio, Video and Books found throughout the United States. The Online Bookstore industry have become a fierce business which involves discounts, varied selections and fast delivery in which all three companies are challenging each other. Buyers The consumers of this industry can be found in every corner of the population. These are mostly people who have had some form of higher education and have access to the Internet and computers. The segment of online shoppers has increased dramatically in recent years due to the convenience of shopping in the comforts of the home and the accessibility of the Internet. These developments have made it easier for consumers to log on and buy on the Internet. Consumers also tend to compare prices among the retail leaders such that buyers are able to buy products with very big  discounts compared to ones bought in â€Å"actual† retail outlets. The bargaining power of the consumer is based on the competitive strategies of each active firm in the industry. Thus, consumers can challenge one firm for charging more than the other one such that the firm will beat the price of the competing firm. Suppliers Amazon’s suppliers range from the publishing and media houses to electronics’ manufacturers. Amazon buys all their books, videos and audio CDs from the multi media houses and publishing giants such as Time Warner, Doubleday etc. Amazon also has alliances with other bookstores to cover orders that they cannot serve. Substitutes The substitutes for Amazon and other online bookstores are the â€Å"actual† book retailers and music stores such as Barnes and Nobles, Virgin Megastore, Tower Records, Sam Goody and other small mom-and-pop outlets. With the rise of online retail, there will be little impact from these substitutes. One impact would be some consumers who would like to hold or listen to their purchases prior to buying and those who are into the whole â€Å"shopping experience†. Barnes and Nobles have jumped into online retail and have succeeded into diversifying into the new e-commerce industry. Industrial Organization Model Degree of Competition Due to the shift of focus for Amazon, it has become the â€Å"Earth’s biggest anything store†. Its competitors have expanded from just online book retailers Barnes and Nobles and Borders to top audio retailers CDNOW.com and online auction house EBAY.com. Amazon has an overall lead of 40% market share against the other online retail firms. Their international business has more than doubled over the past 2 years and this growth increased Amazon’s share in the online business market. Life Cycle Amazon, in it’s first years, had negative income but the rise of e-commerce sites and being the pioneer made the succeeding years led to boom time for them. Their growth period was during 1994 to 1995 when they were the first of its kind in the world. They incurred very high costs in terms of  distributions to customers. Still with a negative income, Amazon went public in 1997 and had one of the biggest IPOs of the time. With investors banking on future positive cash flow for this company, Amazon’s market value soared. Many people caught on with the idea of online shopping, thus, Amazon’s success. Amazon’s success as an online retailer prompted bricks-and-mortar rivals Barnes and Noble and Borders to join in. Competition decreased Amazon’s profitability so in the past couple of years, Amazon has expanded to more than books, audio and video to electronics and other retail concepts. Social Relevance Amazon’s products are marketed for every consumer possible. Books, audio, video and electronics are appreciated by majority of the population especially those who have access to the Internet. Amazon is active in pursuing literacy programs for young children by collaborating with the makers of the Dr. Seuss books. They have actively participated in the Dr. Seuss shops, story telling sessions and Dr. Seuss days. Degree of Globalization Amazon’s strength internationally lies within its networks in major ports and cities around the Globe. Amazon first started out in Seattle but as soon as they have established a niche market, they have opened shop all over the nation and in cities such as London, Berlin, The Hague, Paris, Tokyo, Singapore and many more. These branches overseas improves their delivery service to a wide consumer base. Extent of Government Control There has not been many government regulations regarding online retailing. A group of CEOs whose firms that are engaged in such practices have formed an organization called Global Business Dialogue. This GBD group supports the development of a seamless global system that delivers the broadest array of goods and services to the largest number of consumers at the most competitive prices. This work effort will: offer recommendations to the WTO, including making the moratorium on online tariffs permanent; and collaborate with governments to target and eliminate discriminations against, or other non-tariff barriers to global trade in, electronic commerce. This working group will also provide an avenue for the GBDs to consider and promote the  growth of the electronic marketplace in an environment unencumbered by detrimental taxation. Degree of Vertical Integration Amazon’s primary value chain includes purchasing/sourcing, marketing, distribution and after-sales services, which includes returns and exchanges from unsatisfied customers. Their main focus is in the purchasing/sourcing and in the distribution of the products to the consumers. Their investments are therefore, geared towards warehouses in key points of high consumer demand areas and an efficient delivery and distributing system to service all its consumers. Thus, Amazon controls most of its distributing system that spans across borders. Inter Organization of Network Economics Amazon in its efforts to sustain its market leadership in the online retailing industry has tied up with various online organizations. Netscape Navigator and Amazon will offer members of Netscape Netcenter a co-branded storefront where Earth’s Biggest Bookstore will be easily accessed through Netscape Netcenter (home.netscape.com). In addition, Amazon.com has multi-year exclusive and premier bookseller relationships with 5 of the top 6 sites on the World Wide Web: AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, GeoCities, and Excite. These partnerships widen Amazon’s presence in the World Wide Web. Sensitivity to Business Cycles The Online retailing business has a very quick cyclical growth. Amazon being one of the firsts to venture in this type of commerce are all ready in what seems to be in their decline stage where market share is declining. Therefore, Amazon is expanding to different industries within online retailing. Amazon and other online retailing firms are very sensitive to business cycles due to the speed of technology involved in the services they offer. Dynamics of New Knowledge Generation Online retailing relies on the work of an excellent distribution system. Amazon has invested their money into expanding their network of distribution centers around the globe. They also have investments in creating better technology for tracking orders and giving efficient delivery systems for their customers. Amazon.com has remained on top of the online retailing  business despite the entrance of giants such as Barnes and Nobles and Borders. Their success is attributed to two factors; timing and continuing to invest heavily into the inventory and distribution systems. Amazon, by being the first of its kind, has a big lead over the nearest competitors due to their experience and its reputation as the first movers. Their thrust remains on improving efficient delivery systems across borders and to build name recognition as the number one retailing firm in the Internet. They have also ventured into different retail options to keep that lead. Marketing, Innovative inventory and distribution systems, and name recall have helped Amazon build a sustainable competitive advantage. In order for any online retail company to remain prosperous and income generating, they must invest a lot of time and money into research and development of more efficient operations and distributions systems. This proved to be key for the Market Leader in online retailing, Amazon.Com. Mary Grace Velasco,College of Business Administration,Senior, Fordham University,Fall 2000

The Lenape Indians

Running head: THE LENAPE INDIANS The Lenape Indians Pennsylvania and Local History The Lenape Indians The Delaware River, named after Sir Thomas West, Lord de la Warr the governor of the Jamestown colony, flows from the Catskill Mountains in New York to the Delaware Bay along the borders of New Jersey and Delaware. The Delaware River meanders along and forms the boundary of present-day Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The first known inhabitants living along the banks of the Delaware River were the Eastern Woodland natives known as the Lenape Indians – sometimes called the Lenni Lenape or the Delaware Indians. Lenape stands for common or ordinary people and they called their land along the Delaware River Lenapehoking meaning Land of the Lenape (Kraft, 2005). At one time, the area known as Lenapehoking covered the southeastern portion of New York (including Staten Island and the western portion of Long Island), the southwestern portion of Connecticut, Eastern Pennsylvania, all of New Jersey, and the northeastern portion of Delaware along the Delaware Bay (Kraft, 2005). Evidence of the Lenape Indian’s presence in this geographic region dates back 3,000 years. The Lenapes first encountered the Europeans during the 16th Century. The discovered artifacts, the writings of the European settlers, and the stories passed down through the generations of Lenapes give us the story of the life and customs of the Lenape Indians as it was back during that time period. Two distinctly large groups of Lenape Indians, separated by geographic regions, made up what was known as Lenapehoking. The group of Lenape living north of what is today the Delaware Water Gap spoke a Munsee dialect and the group to the south spoke a Unami dialect (Lenape Lifeways, Inc, 2002). These two groups of Lenape Indians were organized into many bands which the Europeans called tribes. These small groups lived along the streams and rivers at the edge of the thick forests. In the northern Munsee group, the bands included the Raritan, Hackensack, Tappan, and Minisink Indians. The Unami group to the south consisted of the bands known as the Siconese, Mantaes, Remkokes, and Sankhikan Indians (Kraft, 2005). Each band of Lenapes had three separate clans also known as phratry – the turtle clan, the wolf clan, and the turkey clan. All Lenapes belonged to one of these three clans (Kraft, 2005). The extended families within each band were related through their mother. Clan membership was always passed down through the mother’s lineage. Each family group consisted of the mother and all her children and their children, the grandmother, and the mother’s brothers and sisters and their children. The Lenape married in their teens and were required to marry someone from a different clan. The new husband left his clan and moved in with his wife’s family. Their children and grandchildren always stayed with their mother’s clan (Grumet, 1989). The Lenape spent much of their time working out-of doors. This accounted for their tanned skin coloring and their muscular physique. The males spent their days hunting, trapping, and fishing. The men did the heavy work such as clearing the forests for their homes and gardens, building their shelters, and making tools out of stone and animal bones which were necessary for them to hunt, sew, and garden. All pieces of the animals they hunted were used for some practical tool, pieces of clothing or blankets, or decoration. The woman kept busy caring for the children, cooking, gardening, sewing, scavenging for food, herbs and firewood in the forests, and preparing food for storage. Their clothing was minimal in the warmer weather. When it got colder, both the males and females wore leggings, fur robes, and moccasins (Kraft, 2005) made from the hides of the animals they hunted. Their clothing was often decorated with seeds, shells, and paints. The Lenape were seasonal travelers and always returned to their homeland for the winter seasons. During the warmer weather they traveled to trade with the other bands in their region or with other Indian tribes in different territories as far away as the Carolinas and the Mississippi Valley (Grumet, 1989). They mostly traveled on foot following animal trails or streambeds. The Lenape traveled by water when the streams and lakes were not frozen. On water they traveled by dugouts which were a primitive type of the canoe. These dugouts were made from large trunks of trees. The Lenape would start a fire at a base of a tree to fell the tree, start a fire in the center of the tree trunk to soften it, and then use their handmade tools to dig out the ash from the center until it was hollowed out enough to float. In 1955, an 18 foot long chestnut dugout believed to be from the Lenape Indians circa 600-1700’s washed up from Lake Wallenpaupack in northeastern Pennsylvania during the flooding that occurred during Hurricane Diane. It is now on display at the PP&L Education Center in the Pocono Mountains. The Lenape Indians appointed a village leader they called the sachem who helped make decisions for the group. This was always a male who was deemed wise and skilled who received advice from the other village elders. He was knowledgeable about their religion and led the group in their rituals and ceremonies. When the Europeans arrived and met the Indians, they called these leaders the Indian Chiefs. This Chief was different from the war chiefs who were the tribe’s skilled hunters. Another leader in the Lenape village was the Medicine Man or Woman. This leader was knowledgeable in the various teas, herbs, and poultices that were used to heal the sick and wounded. In addition to the herbs, the Lenape searched the forest for wild fruits and berries. They cleared areas of the forests around their homes to be used for gardens. The main agricultural crops that they planted and harvested, known as the three sisters, were beans, squash, and corn or maize (Lenape Lifeways, Inc, 2002). Their shelters were either smaller wigwams or teepees which held two to three families or the much larger longhouses which were up to 60 feet long and held up to 25 people. The men built these shelters from many rows of saplings they bent to meet in the center to form a domed roof and then covered them with overlaying pieces of bark from chestnut or elm trees. There were no windows in these shelters; only a door at each end of the longhouse which was covered with animal skins to keep the cold weather out. Open fires were built inside the shelters for warmth and cooking; therefore openings were left in the domed roofs to allow the smoke to escape (Kraft, 2005). This is what the first Europeans were greeted with along the Delaware River valley when they arrived in the early 16th Century. The first outsider to see the Lenape Indians was the Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano in the early 1500’s when he entered the Hudson Bay. His writings told of what the Lenape Indians looked like and how gentile they were (Grumet, 1989). The next group of Europeans to encounter the Lenape Indians was the Dutch settlers in early 1600’s. The Dutch traded furs with the Lenape for their more refined metal tools. As the trading expanded, the Europeans and the native Lenape soon engaged in hostilities. The Europeans were interested in the furs, mostly favored was the beaver fur, and the acquisition of the rich land that the Lenape inhabited (Lenape Lifeways, Inc, 2002). Other than trading, the Europeans introduced many diseases that the Lenape had no immunities to. These diseases consisted of smallpox, measles, mumps, and scarlet fever and they proceeded to devastate the native’s population. Warfare and the introduction of alcohol from the colonists further contributed to the decline of the Lenape population. Where once there were over 24,000 Indians residing in Lenapehoking; after the arrival of the Europeans, the population dwindled to less than 3,000 by the beginning of the 1700’s (Grumet, 1989, p. 34). The Lenapes’ other prized possession was the beads they created from the shells littering the coastal shores of Lenapehoking. The natives called these purple and white beads wampum and the Europeans used these as currency with the Indians (Grumet, 1989). As the Lenape depleted their crops and animals with their hunting and trading, they expanded their communities to the Ohio region in the 1600’s. Many of the Lenape Indians moved away from Lenapehoking across the Allegheny Mountains to the Susquehanna River valley to just distance themselves from the Europeans and because of the various land acquisitions and treaties that were signed. This westward migration of the Lenapes caused conflicts with other Indian tribes and continued conflicts with the Dutch settlers led to ravaged Indian and European communities (Grumet, 1989). These treaties and early sales agreements were signed by the Lenapes for the sale of their lands. One such infamous treaty was the 1737 Walking Purchase. William Penn’s sons, Thomas and James, wishing to increase their income through land sales, found an old treaty from 1686 that was never used. This treaty would grant to the proprietors of Pennsylvania as much Lenape land north along the Delaware River as far as a man could walk in a day and a half. In 1737, the Penn brothers convinced the then four Lenape Indian Chiefs to agree to hold to their end of this agreement that their forefathers had signed (Miller & Pencak, 2002). William Penn, a Quaker and founder of Pennsylvania, dealt fairly with the Indian natives, but his sons who took over after he returned to England began to accumulate more and more land and took advantage of the trust the Lenapes had formed toward the colonists when their father was there. Land was extremely important to the Lenape Indians, but the four Lenape Indian Chiefs thinking the treaty was a genuine treaty signed by heir ancestors, and figuring a man could only walk a short distance over that wilderness in a day and a half, agreed to honor the treaty. What ensued was that Penn’s heirs, hired the three fastest runners in the colony and had them run for the purchase on a well planned trail. The three runners started in what is today Wrightstown, New Jersey and the pace was so intense that only on e of the runners actually made it as far as what is today known as Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. This distance was about 70 miles and allowed the Penns to acquire roughly 1,200,000 acres of land in what was Lenapehoking. The area of land that was part of the Walking Purchase covers what is the size of the state of Rhode Island consisting of what is most of the present day counties of Pike, Monroe, Carbon, Schuylkill, Northampton, Lehigh, and Bucks. The four Lenape leaders felt that they had been swindled by the colonists but honored it because of the treaty they had signed (Walking Purchase, 2009). This forced the Lenape natives into the other areas of Lenapehoking causing over-crowding which also led to their migration further west. Today most of the Lenape Indians reside in Oklahoma and Canada but some still reside in their ancestral lands in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Nora Thompson Dean was believed to be one of the last known full-blooded Lenape Indians along with her brother Edward Leonard Thompson. Her Indian name was Touching Leaves and she lived her adult years in Oklahoma. Touching Leaves died in 1984 and her brother died in 2002. They belonged to the southern territory of Lenapehoking and were one of the few who could still speak the Unami dialect of the Lenape Indians (Rem, 1984). Today you can still find evidence of the life of the Lenape Indians through the artifacts discovered along the valleys and coasts of the Hudson and Delaware Rivers. The archaeological sites in the Delaware Valley have yielded many artifacts such as spearheads, arrowheads, knives, and remains of clay cooking pots that tell us of the culture of the Lenape Indians. Many streets, towns, parks and waterways bear the Lenape names in the Delaware River regions of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. Some of these are Manhattan, Hackensack, Allegheny, Catasauqua, Cocalico, Conshohocken, Catawissa, to name a few (Lenape Lifeways, Inc, 2002). The Lenape tribe was considered to be one of the most advanced and civilized of all Indian tribes in Eastern United States. The Pocono Indian Museum in Bushkill, Pennsylvania is the home to many of these artifacts. Today there are Delaware Indian Reservations in Indian Territory in Oklahoma and two in Ontario, Canada. Only on these reservations does the government recognized the tribal governments. The Lenape elders continue to pass down their traditions and old ways to the newer generations. The Delaware Indians today continue to struggle to preserve their traditions and identities. There are over 13,000 Delaware Indians registered today and recognized by the United States and Canadian governments and many thousands more claim Delaware ancestry. Very few are able to speak their ancestors language (Grumet, 1989). The children on the reservations attend classes rich in the teachings of the arts and traditions of the Lenape ways. References Grumet, R. S. (1989). The Lenapes. (F. W. Porter, III, Ed. ). New York and Philadelphia: Chelsea House Publishers. Kraft, H. C. (2005). The Lenape or Delaware Indians (8th ed. ). Stanhope, NJ: Lenape Lifeways, Inc. Lenape Lifeways, Inc (2002). About The Lenapes. Retrieved November 29, 2009, from http://lenapelifeways. org/lenape1. htm Miller, R. M. , & Pencak, W. (Eds. ). (2002). Pennsylvania: A history of the Commonwealth. University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University Press. Rem, J. (1984, December 1). Obit of Dean, Nora T. Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise. Retrieved November 29, 2009, from http://files. usgwarchives. org/ok/washington/obits/d5000085. txt Walking Purchase. (2009). Retrieved December 4, 2009, from : http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Walking_Purchase

A problem question in property law

A problem question in property law Disclaimer: This work has been submitted by a student. This is not an example of the work produced by our Law Essay Writing Service . You can view samples of our professional work here . Property law 1. The property here is held as a tenancy in common as the words â€Å"in equal shares† has been used and the parties have sold and passed on their individual shares indicating their intention that they all own a part of the property as opposed to them all holding the whole of the property. The Law of Property Act 1925 stipulates that the legal estate can only be held by more than one person as joint tenants. A tenancy in common in the legal estate can no longer exist, so that if there is to be a tenancy in common then this must exist behind a trust for sale. As against the outside world (including any landlord) the co-occupiers (who are trustees) can only be joint tenants. Section 12 of TOLATA 1996 confers a right to occupy where the purposes of e trust include making the property available for such occupation or where the lands is held by the trustees so as to be so available. No right arises where the land is unavailable or unsuitable for occupation. Whe re two or more beneficiaries have a right to occupy, the trustees may exclude or restrict the entitlement of any of them as long as the trustees act reasonably in doing so. In exercising their power to exclude, restrict or impose restrictions the trustees are, by reason of s13(4), to have regard to the intentions of the person who created the trust, the purposes for which the land is held an the wishes of all of the beneficiaries who would be entitled to occupy [1] . Therefore on this basis it is likely that the other trustees will be able to sell the property and Beth and Emma will therefore be able to remain at the property. 2. Easements can come into existence in a number of ways; by express grant (either by deed or in writing), by implication on the sale of part of a property or by prescription. It has long been established that an easement is no more than a right over land and not a right to either possession or joint and exclusive use of it [2] . If an alleged right involves t he exclusion of the owner of land, it cannot be an easement. The precise scope of this principle has been considered in a number of cases. In Copeland v Greenhalf, above, a wheelwright’s claim to an easement to store vehicles on a strip of adjoining land failed because Upjohn J considered that the right was too extensive to constitute an easement in law; it amounted to a claim to the whole beneficial use of the part of the strip of land over which it had been exercised. In Grigsby v Melville [3] Brightman J took a similar view of an asserted right to use premises as a store. Nonetheless, in Wright v McAdam [4] , the Court of Appeal had considered that a tenant’s use of a shed in a garden for the storage of coal might be an easement. Categories of easements have increased since the decision in Dyce v Lady James Hay [5] and have developed over time to suit modern society. For example it is doubtful at the time of this decision that right to access car parking spaces wa s a valid or existing easement, whereas such easements are common these days.

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NURSE TO PATIENT RATIO POLICY - Coursework Example Focus should be placed on whether one nurse can cater to a smaller number of patients, hence; providing all the necessary attention and care needed (Aiken et al., 2008). This may work toward ensuring that the emotional stability of both the patient and nurse is maintained. This paper will examine how such a revision may guarantee proper functioning of the nursing fraternity in terms of provision of care, and how this might increase satisfaction among the nurses and patients. It is clear from different books and articles present that the issue of mandatory nurse to patient staffing ratios is not new to the healthcare system. This debate probably goes back a decade before significant change, some of which can now be seen, could be made in the present day healthcare field. In 1999, a bill was passed into law by Gray Davis who was the Governor of California, which established that health services in the state needed to adopt regulations on minimum nurse to patient ratio staffing. This came after growing concern on the safety of the patients in the care of different health facilities. Assembly bill 394 was aimed at improving the quality of care, and the safety of patients. It also tried to reduce the nurse to patient ratios that existed at the time, which were associated with negative outcomes among the patients and loss of nurses (Sloan & Chee-Ruey, 2012). According to Aiken et al., different aspects of the nurse to patient staffing ratios led to higher patient mortality, nurse dissatisfaction, and even medical errors. This was in an article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Furthermore, nurses who happen to care for a significantly larger number of patients tend to be overworked and may fall short of what is expected of them in their respective healthcare facilities. In my opinion, Staffing, often seen as a structural function, is crucial in determining patient outcomes, and thus; should be paid attention to if the problem is to be

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Globalization and Education - Essay Example Indeed this is a much pragmatic approach taken on by the forces that are the proponents and supporters of globalization. Similar is the case with education that has helped shape up the world of present times. Since educational domains are appreciated on a global basis, it would be true to suggest that these are advancements which have helped the global cause more than anything else. It has taken care of the students who are getting educated in various nations of the world, irrespective of their nationalities. Hence the globalization discussion has not relied upon a single country or entity rather the focus has been diverted towards bringing all the nations under the umbrella of sharing knowledge without any borders. It is a well-known fact that globalization and education go hand in hand. This is because both of these ideologies complement each other, and look after the basis of bringing enough sanity within this world. They account for success on a regular basis and helps turn devel oping countries into fully developed ones. There is an immense understanding available which suggests for globalization and education to bring rich dividends for any society of the world, irrespective of the finances diverted towards these ideologies. ... use they then believe that if they give their best towards these settings, they will be able to achieve serious success and that too without paying a high cost (Ghemawat 76). The situation seems quite a comfortable one and this must be documented by the people who believe in such domains which prosper globalization and education in the most righteous sense. Both these ideologies have long been appreciated by the scholars and researchers as they know well the strengths that come once globalization and education are given the room. The learned men and women within any society of the world understand how societies work and thus they set the basis for exploring the new bases upon which success can be envisaged. Concentrating more towards globalization here, it is of paramount importance to know that this concept allows people to view their own selves as being global citizens more than the citizens of a particular nation. It gives them the liberty to know about domains which they believed were different in the past. The countries do shape up their ideologies and beliefs but it is the global environment which shall eventually be their respective basis in the coming times, and even so now (Agnello 152). These convictions are changing for the better because the world has become a single, unified basis for the betterment of the human community rather than different clusters of nations which exist on the face of the earth. The concept of globalization is such that there will be different avenues upon which success can be envisaged. These look to cater to the global populace extracting the resources for just about everyone. Yet in this day and age, this perfect scenario does not come about that easily. There are apprehensions on the part of the underdeveloped nations which the

Workplace Literacy - Problem-Solving Letter Proposal Essay

Workplace Literacy - Problem-Solving Letter Proposal - Essay Example For instance, there are regular traffic jams during the mornings and afternoons. The central emphasis on cars as public transport also contributes to pollution. Although buses contribute to the pollution problem as much as cars, buses are able to aggregate the amount of people traveling, thus reducing the total amount of emissions in the atmosphere. Another major transportation concern is safety. The proportion of deaths from car accidents is increasing. In fact, the report of 2011 issued by the World Health Organization says that 1.3 million people die each year from traffic accidents (Joffe, 2011). This number is expected to increase to about 1.9 million deaths annually by 2020 if public transportation is not instituted. The number of traffic accidents during the year 2011, amounted to 544.179 thousand accidents, which amounts to 1.537 per day. The number of people injured in the same year amounted to more than (39.000) and (7.153) death with rate of (20) deaths per day. The cumulative recognition of these statistics demonstrates that transportation is a serious concern that strikes to the heart of pubic safety. In addition to the previously mentioned concerns, the nature of public transportation is additionally a significant civil rights concern. As you surely recognize driving is restricted to males (Jeddah, 2012). While many homes have their own drivers a significant amount do not. This leaves a majority of women without an adequate means of transportation. In both cases a significant amount of money is expended because the people who have their own driver have to pay for them and for the car. For people who don’t have their own driver, they still have to hire someone to take them to their jobs or schools or whatever destination they need to attend. This situation creates an instance where a large part of the working public

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LEAN MANAGEMENT - Essay Example Major businesses employ customer contact center concepts since these solutions provide businesses with flexible and strong infrastructure to interact with their customers and effectively manage ongoing projects (Schultz 2003). Based on these feedbacks, improvements in products and business strategies, development of new products, increase in customer satisfaction and loyalty, and exploration of new markets is sought to devise swift response to global competitive markets. In the recent past, number of companies has invested considerably in managing and maintaining contact center to get a competitive advantage by analyzing customer experience and company performance; however, due to recent economic downturn companies are finding it difficult to manage the contact centers due to increased operating expenses. As lean principle has effectively been applied in manufacturing sector, in a similar way this concept is equally well applicable to service industry. In doing so, Hines et al. (2004) cautioned that organizations may miss strategic aspect of value creation while focusing merely on cost reduction and lean tools while applying lean principles. To reduce the operating costs associated with contact centers, lean management approach would help in creating a greater value demand while reducing the failure demand (Marr and Parry 2004). IT businesses recognize that customers lean to support companies providing better services within a given price range. In this report, company realized that its competitive position in the market is no longer secured. Therefore, a shift to lean management was attempted to reduce wastes and costs and increase revenue. This report is an attempt to study significance of adopting and applying lean management concepts to Contact Center Industry using academic rigor while focusing on Averatec Contact Center and how it can effectively be applied to achieve zero defects with increased customer satisfaction. Averatec, established in 1984, is a

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology Essay

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology - Essay Example Understanding the RFID devices and how they work is critical for analyzing privacy issues that surround this technology. The main components of an RFID system are a chip/tag, reader, and database. A reader scans the tag for data and sends the information to a database, which stores the data contained on the tag (Federal Trade Commission 1-54). In the last several years this technology has gained popularity as a way to streamline different supply chain processes in various settings such as distribution centers, retail stores, hospitals and pharmacies (Davis n.pag [a]). RFID equipment vendors have been confident on the technologys adoption, but the consumers are worried that RFID technology can bring in unknown risks and is not cost-effective enough to be installed in a supply chain network. In reality RFID tags can be read much faster than bar codes indicating that RFID’s scanning capability can result in goods moving through the supply chain much faster than they do when bar codes are used. RFID facilitate quicker, more accurate recalls by enabling the tracking of a product’s origin and its location in the distribution chain. According to a survey conducted by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), it was found that IT resellers and vendors are all set to add RFID solutions to their portfolios. However, the major problem is from their customers who are reluctant and are slow to embrace the technology. According to the survey, 84% of resellers, solution providers, systems integrators, and consultants are prepared to offer RFID products and solutions in the next three years. About 65.6% of them said their customers are yet to implement RFID solutions. This survey also pointed out that the adoption of this technology has been challenged by equipment and tagging costs, murky and unclear return-on-investment for supply chain applications, and a workforce skills shortage. Though the

Project management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

Project management - Assignment Example Organisational Structure Project Team Structure The project is to be managed by a single project manager, reporting in to the Operations Director. The organisational structure chosen depends to a large extent on any methodology used and whether the organisation has any existing project management structures that are appropriate. For the purposes of this paper, it is assumed that there are no existing structures and the organisation does not have a preferred project management methodology. Projects are usually organised in one of three ways, according to Clements and Gido (2006 p.390): functional, project and matrix. The functional structure is typically used in organisations producing standard products and projects tend to be managed in-house, if they ever occur. The project-type organisation assumes that the project is a complete entity in its own right, with its own manager, team and resources. The projects are large, complex and expensive, taking years rather than weeks or days. T here may be several projects running at once, but they are independent of each other. The matrix structure is similar to the project-type structure, in that multiple projects run at the same time. However, the projects can vary in size and scope from a few months to several years, and the resources need to be co-ordinated across them all. It is similar to the functional structure in that functional expertise is retained. There is a functional manager as well as a project manager involved in organising the project and co-ordinating the resources. This classification of structures is mirrored in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) (Project Management Institute (PMI) 2004 p.28). Based on this brief description, the project-type structure would appear to be suitable. But before a final decision is reached, other possibilities should be assessed. If the PRINCE2 (Office of Government Commerce (OGC) 2009) methodology was to be used, a different organisational structure would b e recommended. This would comprise a Project Board, with three members (Senior User, Senior Supplier and Project Executive), to whom the project manager would report. The project could be a separate organisation, like the project-type structure above, or it could take place within another organisation, similar to the functional structure, depending upon the circumstances and the decisions of those involved (ibid, pp.31-43). The three roles on the Project Board represent the interests of the user, the supplier and the business (the Project Executive). The Project Executive is the ultimate authority of the project and may report into a Programme Board if the project is one of a number focused on achieving a particular set of outcomes. The Senior User represents the ultimate users of the project’s outputs who will take those outputs into business-as-usual operation. The Senior Supplier represents those who will provide the resources that create the project’s outputs. PRIN CE2 can be used for any size of project as it is considered a generic approach to project management, focusing solely on the management aspects of project management, rather than any specialist contributions (ibid, p.4). So arguably it could be used in this situation as well. This approach to project management organisation is also used by the Association for Project Management (APM), where the Project Board is referred to as the

The History of Toyota Corporation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The History of Toyota Corporation - Essay Example   Accordingly, the reporters averred that â€Å"safety analysts found an estimated 2000 cases in which owners of Toyota cars including Camry, Prius, and Lexus, reported that their cars surged without warning up to speeds of 100 miles per hour† (Ross, et.al., 2009, par. 2). As a result, there have been congressional hearings scheduled to investigate the complaints and the cases focusing on the safety problems posed by Toyota cars in the US. In this regard, this essay aims to evaluate whether or not Toyota was treated fairly in those hearings. When evaluating the congressional hearings, there are diverse sides that must be considered, to wit: Toyota’s explanation, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), testimonies from safety research institutes and other automotive authorities, the victims of the runaway cars, and the public. Toyota’s defense through James Lentz, president, and COO of Toyota US revealed in his testimony that â€Å"no proble ms exist with the electric throttle control system in our vehicles. Rather, floor mats and sticky accelerators are to blame" (Farber, 2010, par. 7). Two testimonies, however, blamed the accidents on the electrical malfunction with testimonial reports and personal testing and analysis. The side of the NHTSA is being criticized due to previous agency investigators subsequently being employed by Toyota. Any investigation on the sudden acceleration accidents could have been influenced and biased due to connections with Toyota. However, the hearings found â€Å"no violation for these two employees† (Schone & Rhee, 2010, 3). The victims have filed legal cases against Toyota for having sustained injuries with deaths to family members. Also at risk are the public who could be victims of these kinds of car accidents.

The Australian Wine Industry Essay Example for Free

The Australian Wine Industry Essay The Mcguigan interest in the Australian Wine Industry goes back four generations. Owner Patrick McGuigan the first of four generations to enter the wine industry was a dairy farmer by trade. Percy McGuigans career was spent at Penfolds. Prior to retirement in 1968 Percy purchased Dalwood estate and renamed it Wyndham Estate. Two years later he sold it to his son Brian McGuigan. Brian McGuigan has been involved in the wine industry for over thirty five years. He developed Wyndham Estate Wine Company in the Hunter Valley and built sales in excess of 1,250,000 cases to become the leading exporter of Australian wine. In 1992 Wyndham Estate was acquired by French Company ? Pernod-Ricard group, Orlando Wines. Later that year, after the acquisition Brian McGuigan established a new company McGuigan Wines as a publicly listed company. In 2001 McGuigan wines merged with Simeon Wines to create Australias 4th largest wine company and in October 2003 McGuigan Simeon Wines Limited (MSWL) purchased Miranda wines. MSWL distributes to over 25 countries including United States, Ireland, New Zealand, Germany and other mainland countries in Europe. They export over 20 million litres (30% of MSWL wine production) annually. (www. mcguiganwines. com. au) MSWL reported a 2004/05 net profit of $35. 9 million, down 10. 8% on the previous year. Brian McGuigan believes this is mainly due to the oversupply of grapes and does not foresee any positive movement in grape prices for the next two years. (AAP Newswire 13/9/2005) ?MGSW is targeting focus on a number of things but in particular costs, costs, costs. He said he had been ? embarrassed by the 2004/05 result as a stronger local currency and an over supply of grapes in Australia and overseas weighed on profit growth. (AAP Newswire 13/9/2005) Financial Analysis The following key financial ratios for MSWL are for the period 2003 to 2005. (MSWL Annual Financial Report 30 June 2005 30 June 2003) Working Capital 2005 ($000)2004 ($000)2003 ($000) 377418 ? 124905 = 252,513 332319 135304 = 197,015 255854 ? 105775 = 150,079 Profitability Profit Margin Ratio 2005 ($000)2004 ($000)2003 ($000) 45112 368050 = 12. 2% 40248 305708 = 13. 1% 32204 283450 = 11. 3% Gross Profit Ratio 2005 ($000)2004 ($000)2003 ($000) 91111 368050 = 24. 7% 88931 305708 = 29% 74096 283450 = 26%. Return on ordinary shareholders equity ratio 2005 ($000)2004 ($000)2003 ($000) 35895 (361288 + 332641)/2 35895 346964. 5 = 10% 40248 (332641 + 270452)/2 40248 301546. 5 = 13% 32204 (270452 + 226093)/2 32204 248272. 5 = 12. 9% Return on Assets 2005 ($000)2004 ($000)2003 ($000) 35895 (681471 +625006)/2 35895 653238. 5 = 5. 4% 40248 (625006+566916)/2 40248 595961 = 6. 7% 32204 (566916+471306)/2 32204 519111 = 6. 2% Asset Turnover 2005 ($000)2004 ($000)2003 ($000) 368050 (681471 +625006)/2 368050 653238. 5 = . 56 305708 (625006+566916)/2 305708 595961 = . 51 283450 (566916+471306)/2 283450 519111 = . 54 Operating Expenses to Sales Ratio 2005 ($000)2004 ($000)2003 ($000) 30809 368050 = 8. 3% 31953 305708 = 10. 4% 18937 283450 = 6. 6% Liquidity Ratios Current Ratio 2005 ($000)2004 ($000)2003 ($000) 377418 124905 = 3. 02:1 332319 135304 = 2. 45:1 255854 105775 = 2. 41:1 Quick ratio 2005 ($000)2004 ($000)2003 ($000) 12728+361288+ 120698 124905 = 494714 124905 = 3. 96:1 2654+332641+ 126534 135304 = 461829 135304 = 3. 41:1 773+270452+ 125028 105775 = 396253 105775 = 3. 74:1 Current Cash Debt Coverage Ratio 2005 ($000)2004 ($000)2003 ($000) 2523 124905+135304/2 = 2523 130104. 50 = 0. 019 times 5768 135304+105775/2 = 5768 120539. 50 = 0. 047 times (10040) 105775+119523/2 = (10040) 112649 = (0. 089) times Receivables turnover ratio 2005 ($000). 2004 ($000)2003 ($000) 320422+47628 120698+ 126534/2 = 368050 123616 = 2. 97 times 262025+43683 126534+125028/2 = 305708 125781 = 2. 43 times 248381+35069 125028 +87486/2 = 283450 106257 = 2. 66 times Average collection period in days 2005 ($000)2004 ($000)2003 ($000) 365 2. 97 = 123 days 365 2. 43 = 150 days 365 2. 66 = 137 days Inventory turnover 2005 ($000)2004 ($000)2003 ($000) (276939) 60018+51176/2 = (276939) 55597 = 4. 98 times (216777) 51176+32271/2 = (216777) 41723. 5 = 5. 19 times (209354) 32271+15817/2 = (209354) 24044 = 8. 70 times Average Days in Inventory 2005 ($000)2004 ($000)2003 ($000) 365 4. 98 = 73. 29 days 365 5. 19 = 70. 32 days 365 8. 70 = 41. 95 days Solvency Ratios Debt to total assets ratio 2005 ($000)2004 ($000)2003 ($000) 320183 681471 = 46% 292365 625006 = 46% 296464 566916 = 52% Cash debt coverage 2005 ($000)2004 ($000)2003 ($000) 2523 320183+292365/2 = 2523 306274 = 0. 008 times 5768 292365+296464/2 = 5768 294414. 50 = 0. 019 times (10040) 296464+245213/2 = (10040) 270838. 50 = (0. 037) times Times Interest Earned ratio 2005 ($000)2004 ($000)2003 ($000) 45112+1232+ 176690 1232+176690 = 223034. 177922 = 1. 25 times 51311+6004+ 145383 6004+145383 = 202698 151387 = 1. 33 times 46071+2559+ 175071 2559+175071 = 223701 177630 = 1. 25 times Free Cash Flow 2005 ($000)2004 ($000)2003 ($000) 2523-(22211) = (19688) 5768-(25006) = (19238) (10040)-(18913) = (28953) Summary of Financials (Working Capital, Profitability, Liquidity Solvency) Working Capital Management The working capital has incrementally increased from 2003 to 2005. This is due to the rapid expansion of the company during this period; and in particular the acquisition of Miranda Wines and a bottling plant at Merbein near Mildura. This expansion has required a significant increase in working capital. MSWL has a working capital of $252. 5 million for the financial year ended June 30 2005, which indicates that the company has an ability to pay its liabilities. (MSWL Annual Financial Report 30 June 2005 30 June 2003) Profitability The decrease in return on assets from 6. 2 percent in 2003 to 5. 4 percent in 2005 can also be attributed to the rapid expansion of the business during this period. The return on these assets may take up to three financial years to realise their full earnings potential. The 1 percent decrease in the profit margin ratio indicates that the decrease in return on assets was due to the decline in net profit rather than increasing assets. Return on shareholders equity has decreased from 13% in 2003 to 10% in 2005. ROE20052004 McGuigan 10%13% (June 04) South Corp-5% (Dec 04) Evans Tate-12% (Jun 04) When benchmarked against Southcorp and Evans and Tate the results are 5% and 12% respectively. (MSWL Annual Financial Report 30 June 2005 30 June 2003, Half year report Southcorp December 2004 Annual Report Evans Tate 2004). The downturn in net profit for 2005 has had a negative effect (decrease) on the following ratios; ?Return on Ordinary Shareholders Equity ?Return on Assets ?Profit Margin ?Asset Turnover ?Gross Profit (Kimmel et al, 2003 p 520, figure 11. 22) Liquidity Analysis of the current ratio indicates that it has been consistently high during the last three years ranging from 3. 02 to 2. 4 (2003). This can be explained by the high inventory levels carried by MSWL; resulting from the processing and bottling of the over-supply of domestic grapes. (MSWL Annual Financial Report 30 June. 2005 30 June 2003). Deloitte (2005) suggest that all wineries have a high current ratio as the wine sector is forced to hold high levels of inventories and generally has high current receivables and low current debt, as compared with other industries. The quick ratio indicates that the levels of liquidity for MSWL have remained relatively stable at 1. 2 times. This suggests the company is able to repay short term debt. However, it needs to be recognised that this figure of 1. 2 does not include the contribution of shareholder equity. Including shareholder equity inflates this figure to 3.96 times. (MSWL Annual Financial Report 30 June 2005 30 June 2003). The companys collection period of 123 days is the lowest for the period 2003 to 2005. However, it remains unacceptable high, perhaps reflecting the depressed state of the market. Deloitte, 2005 state that the intensified competition, high levels of production of red wine and increased consolidation within the retail sector are some of the factors that have presented financial challenges for the Australian Wine Industry over the past 12 months as evidenced in the 2004 Annual Financial Benchmarking Survey. MSWL, Australias third biggest listed wine maker has clearly suffered during this retail consolidation and continues to experience slow payment for its product via the domestic distributor duopoly (Woolworths and Coles-Myer). (MSWL Annual Report 30 June 2005 June 2003) Inventory turnover has decreased from 8. 7 times in 2003 to 4. 98 times in 2005. The results for 2005 indicate that inventory was sold and replaced approximately 50% less often than during 2003. This result reflects the oversupply of grapes in the market for the last two years. (MSWL Annual Report 30 June 2005 June 2003). Average days inventory has also been impacted by the oversupply of grapes with results increasing from 41. 9 days in 2003 to 73. 3 days in 2005, a 57% increase. These higher inventory levels also increase storage and interest costs. (MSWL Annual Report 30 June 2005 June 2003) Solvency Debt to equity ratio has decreased to 46% in 2005, indicating that 46% of assets have been provided by creditors. Debt to Equity Ratio20052004 McGuigan 46%46% South Corp-42% Evans Tate-64% When benchmarked against Southcorp and Evans and Tate the results are 42% and 64% respectively. (MSWL Annual Financial Report 30 June 2005 30 June 2003, Half year report Southcorp December 2004 Annual Report Evans Tate 2004) Times interest earned ratio has declined from 1. 33 in 2004 to 1. 25 in 2005, indicating that the companies interest expense was 1. 25 times the amount needed to cover interest expense. The reduction in the times interest earned ration is a reflection of the reported decline in profit at the 30th June 2005. (MSWL Annual Report June 30 2005 June 2003) Free cash flow has been negative for the last three years leaving limited opportunity for expansion. It would be unlikely that MSWL would make any major acquisitions in the near future but rather focus on reducing cost and processing efficiency. (MSWL Annual Report June 30 2005 June 2003) Significant key opportunities and risks for the company and investors in McGuigan; Opportunity MSWL primary focus is on improving bottling efficiency and cost by relocating their wine making bottling and storage to the newly acquired facility near Mildura. ?The acquisition consolidates our export production and packaging operations around the inland port of Mildura. Its proximity of our major wineries will bring significant operational efficiency gains and transport savings. (ASX Announcement 25/1/05) MSWL is negotiating with other wine companies wanting to outsource the production of their less expensive brands. ?This is very good for us because were a producer of a lot of that product and we look to continue to expand our business. (Adelaide Advertiser 26/1/2005) MSWL has experienced significant increases in export sales for the period 2004 to 2005. MSWL states, ? Total export sales, bottled and bulk, increased by 34% in dollar terms with significant increases in the UK/Europe and the United States. Actual sales volume by 40%. (MSWL Annual Financial Report 30 June 2005). As the export trend is increasing with new markets such as Japan this would be a significant opportunity for MSWL to further capitalise on overseas growth. (IBIS World Pty Ltd). Risks Distribution and operating costs are high therefore creating efficiencies to reduce expenses is essential. Net cash provided by operating activities has decreased in the period 2004 to 2005. (MSWL Annual Report June 2005). MSWLs Production is in direct competition from Australian wine packager and premium cork specialist Vinpac International, who service 183 Australian wine makers (www. vinpac. com. au). MSWL would need to remain competitive in cost and quality. Competition is increasing at the retail shelf space level due to the proliferation of global wine production over the past ten years. As production increases from South Africa and South America in the next several years, grape prices are likely to fall and will force Australian wine makers to reduce prices, which is adding to earning uncertainty. (IBIS World Pty Ltd). Other financial and non-financial factors that impact upon McGuigans performance and attractiveness as an investment opportunity. Exchange rate movements are leading to increased import competition affecting the Australian dollar returns that local producers receive from exports. They also impact on the demand for imports by altering their competitiveness. (IBIS World Pty Ltd). ?To a degree, the past decade has been subsidised by the falling Australian dollar. Now we have to pull our belt in and be super competitive. (Adelaide Review 2/9/2005). Branding is imperative for success in this industry since consumers typically choose a brand that they are familiar with, and hence, know that they can rely on its quality and taste. (IBIS World Pty Ltd). MSWL domestic and export bottled sales increased reflecting the continued focus on brand awareness. (MSWL Annual Report June 2005). Ownership of industry participants has included a phase of mergers and acquisitions, with larger firms taking an increase control of the market. This indicates consolidation, and an industry that is rapidly approaching maturity therefore marketing, distribution and export capabilities are growing in importance. MCWL would need to ensure they keep up with this growing industry pattern. (IBIS World Pty Ltd). Limitations of the analysis implications of these limitations for any investment decision Industry Diversification The financial analysis of MSWL has been benchmarked against two other known competitors, Southcorp and Evans and Tate. However, diversification may impede comparison with both competitors and industry. For example, Southcorp has diversified into other industries over the last twenty five years which hinders comparisons with MSWL who remain primarily focused on the wine industry. Alternative Accounting Methods Variations in accounting methods may also impact financial analysis when compared with other companies. For example, depreciation on Property Plant and equipment is calculated using straight line depreciation for MSWL and Southcorp whilst Evans and Tate have used a combination of straight line and reducing balance to calculate depreciation between 2003 and 2004. Cost Cost is traditionally not adjusted for price level changes and often unadjusted from different financial periods which leads to invalid representation of inflation or deflation (Kimmel et al 2005). MSWL has consolidated infrastructure in the form of bottling and wineries, whilst sourcing grapes from owned vineyards rather than contract growers representing a short to medium term cost. However, MSWLs vertical integration allows it to control the volume of its wine sold on the market thus regulating revenue growth. The inflationary increases in cost can be negated with the strategic sales of product at margins above these cost price increases. In conclusion; the above limitations and their implications need to be taken into consideration when making an investment decision. Certain analyses can mask the true investment potential of a company. Consideration of the industry and its trends, the accounting method employed and the costs involved in doing business all require careful deliberation before an investment decision can be made.Appendix A. References: www. mcguiganwines. com. au Accessed 12/10/05 AAP Newswire 13/9/05 MSWL Annual Financial Report 30 June 2005 MSWL Annual Financial Report 30 June 2003 Half year report Southcorp December 2004 Annual Report Evans Tate 2004 Kimmel et al, 2003 p520, figure 11. 22 Deloitte Annual Financial benchmarking Survey for Australian Wine Industry ? Vintage 2004 ASX Announcement 25/1/05 Adelaide Advertiser 26/1/05 IBIS World Pty Ltd accessed 1/11/05 www. vinpac. com. au ? accessed 1/11/05 Adelaide Review 2/9/05 Kimmel et al 2005.

Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibilty Essay Example for Free

Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibilty Essay Business ethics and corporate social responsibility Introduction Anglo American is one of the world’s leading mining companies. It is a UK public limited company and operates on a global scale. Anglo American operates mainly in the primary sector of the world economy. This, as the name suggests, covers industries involved in the first stage of economic activity, such as mining and agriculture. Anglo American operates throughout the world. It has extensive operations in Africa, where 76% of its employees live. It is also a major employer in Europe. Its Tarmac aggregates and construction products business employs nearly 7,000 people in the UK. As a primary producer, Anglo American plays an important role in the world economy. Anglo American produces five main types of raw material.†¢ Business ethics †¢ Corporate social responsibility †¢ Effects of ethical behaviour †¢ Benefits of ethical behaviour Public limited company: a company whose shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange, denoted by the initials plc. Primary sector: the first stage in producing goods. Pressure group: an organisation formed by people with a common interest who get together to further that interest, for example, nongovernmental organisations. Ethics: moral principles or rules of conduct and behaviour accepted by members of society. Corporate social responsibility: the responsibility of an organisation to wider society, to a range of stakeholders including the community and society at large. Mining operations can have a big impact on the environment and on the societies where they work. Since most mineral resources belong to nation states, mining companies largely depend upon a licence to operate from governments. This allows them to extract and process minerals in return for investment and the payment of taxes and royalties. Increasingly it is also important to get the consent of local communities to mining development – a ‘social licence’ to operate. Like all businesses, mining companies are under increasing scrutiny from pressure groups as well as the general public. Anglo American seeks to adopt fair and sound business practice. The company believes that it has an important role to play in building the capabilities of the communities where it works. Issues such as combating corruption and promoting revenue transparency are high on the company’s business agenda. This case study shows how Anglo American seeks to make ethical choices in its business practice. What are business ethics? Business ethics are moral principles that guide the way a business behaves. The same principles that determine an individual’s actions also apply to business. Acting in an ethical way involves distinguishing between ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ and then making the ‘right’ choice. It is relatively easy to identify unethical business practices. For example, companies should not use child labour. They should not unlawfully use copyrighted materials and processes. They should not engage in bribery. However, it is not always easy to create similar hard-and-fast definitions of good ethical practice. A company must make a competitive return for its shareholders and treat its employees fairly. However a company also has wider responsibilities. It should minimise any harm to the environment and work in ways that do not damage the communities in which it operates. This is known as corporate social responsibility. ANGLO AMERICAN 25 www. thetimes100. co. uk The law is the key starting point for any business. Most leading businesses also have their own statement of Business Principles which set out their core values and standards. In Anglo American’s case, this is called ‘Good Citizenship’. A business should also follow relevant codes of practice that cover its sector. Many companies have created voluntary codes of practice that regulate practices in their industrial sector. These are often drawn up in consultation with governments, employees, local communities and other stakeholders. Anglo American has played an active part in initiatives such as the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, the United Nations Global Compact and the Global Reporting Initiative. GLOSSARY Code of practice: written guidelines governing business behaviour. This could take the form of a voluntary code or a legally enforced set of regulations. Universal Declaration of Human Rights: a declaration adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948 outlining human rights that should apply to all people. Engagement: the process of involving others in the decision making process. Anglo American has also contributed to the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights. This code sets out principles and practices for ensuring that a company’s need to ensure the security of its employees and operations in volatile countries does not adversely impact upon the local population. Thus the Principles provide guidance on how both private and public security forces assigned to protect a mining operation or an oil and gas facility should be vetted, trained in human rights, monitored and controlled. Anglo American also aims to ensure that it plays a role in protecting the human rights of its employees and local people in countries in which it operates. The company supports the principles set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. All companies need to make a profit. However, Anglo American recognises that this objective must take account of ethics as shown in its statement on corporate responsibility: ‘Though providing strong returns for our shareholders remains our prime objective, we do not believe that these can or should be achieved at the expense of social, environmental and moral considerations. Indeed a long-term business such as ours will only thrive if it also takes into account the needs of other stakeholders such as governments, employees, suppliers, communities and customers. ’ An important process used by Anglo American is that of stakeholder engagement. This enables it better to understand the perspectives and priorities of external groups that are affected by its activities and to factor them into its decision-making processes. To support this work at a local level, Anglo American has developed a Socio-Economic Assessment Toolbox or SEAT process. This ‘toolbox’ helps managers to measure the impact of activities on the company and communities. It also helps to improve a mine’s contribution to development through, for example, using its supply chain needs to generate new businesses or to improve the water or electricity infrastructure. They use this toolbox to engage with stakeholders including community representatives. 26 Sometimes communities have to be resettled, with government sanction, in order for important mineral deposits to be accessed. This can cause controversy and divisions in the communities concerned. International best practice sets out a number of key stages in such a process including the need for structured consultation, fair compensation and the importance of restoring and enhancing the livelihoods of people in their new locations. Recently Anglo American has had to undertake two such relocations in South Africa at the villages of Ga Pila and Motlhotlo. These were undertaken with the support of the provincial government and local tribal leadership and after consultation with local people lasting for several years leading to agreement with each householder. New villages have been built with better houses and infrastructure and more land for farming. The relocation programme was voluntary. The relocation programme at Motlhotlo is still under way but at Ga Pila 98% of those living in the old village took up the offer to move to the new village. www. thetimes100. co. uk GLOSSARY Empowerment giving responsibility for making decisions to lower levels within the organisation or community. Indigenous: naturally existing in a place or country rather than arriving from another place. Why should a business act ethically? Businesses have great potential to transform peoples lives and to alleviate poverty through generating economic growth. They produce goods and services that customers want and they create jobs. Through paying taxes, they contribute to government revenue that can finance schools, hospitals and other public services. However, a business must keep in tune with the wishes of the societies it serves or it runs the risk of alienating its shareholders, stakeholders and customers. This would be bad for business, reducing growth and potentially affecting profit. Anglo American has to deal with many different levels of interest when setting up a new project. This includes, for example, the owners of the land and the people and services in the area. The current South African government has a policy of transferring a share of the ownership, management and benefits of the countrys mining industry to people previously excluded from the economy. Anglo American is backing the South African government in this process. This includes supporting black economic empowerment deals (BEE). Through this process, Anglo American has sold (usually at a small discount) 26% of its assets in South Africa to BEE groups. For example, Anglo American was instrumental in the creation of Exxaro. This is now the largest black-owned and managed mining company listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. It also aims to have at least 40% of its managers drawn from the ranks of previously disadvantaged ethnic groups. Governments in the developing world face many challenging social and economic problems. They need companies that are ready to be part of the solution. Anglo American believes that it can support governments in reducing poverty and inequality and in improving health and welfare. In South Africa, the company has been a major campaigner for AIDS education. It was the first major company in South Africa to announce that it would provide free anti-retroviral drugs to its HIV-positive employees. It now has the largest workplace HIV/AIDS education, voluntary testing and treatment programme in the world. After running the programme for five years studies have shown that the programme has become self-financing through reducing deaths and the attendant loss of skills and cutting absenteeism rates by boosting the health of infected workers. What are the effects of acting ethically? Most business activity incurs financial costs such as equipment and labour. Non-financial costs include noise and impact on the environment. There is a financial cost to acting ethically. To engage stakeholders takes time and money. Mining in ways that minimise environmental impacts is more expensive than extracting resources regardless of impact. An ethical business also recognises its responsibility for minimising the non-financial costs. The Pebble Project in Alaska is a good example of the way that Anglo American takes account of non-financial costs. This is a gold and copper mining project in the early stages of assessment. This could provide new jobs and revenues for the Alaskan economy at a time when oil and gas revenues have been falling. However, some people are concerned that the mine could damage fish stocks and wildlife. Therefore, Anglo American has been consulting widely and through a structured process with local people, politicians, businesses and especially indigenous people. 27 ANGLO AMERICAN Anglo American has made it clear that it will only seek to proceed with the project if it can be done without damage to the local fisheries. It will also give priority to the recruitment of local people. www. thetimes100. co. uk The benefits of ethical behaviour Anglo American establishes goals each year for sustainable development. These goals include: †¢ working without fatal accidents †¢ eliminating occupational diseases †¢ increasing diversity in the workplace †¢ increasing the benefits of mining for local communities †¢ increasing energy efficiency. By working towards these goals, Anglo American hopes to gain a competitive advantage. By demonstrating a more caring and sustainable approach, the company is able to differentiate itself from rival mining companies. It makes Anglo American more likely to be the partner of choice for many governments and communities in the developing world. It also helps with its position on the stock market. Most long-term investors, such as pension funds that run investments for millions of ordinary people in the UK, believe that it is important for a company to consider social and ethical issues and not just the financial bottom line if a business is to be sustainable. Anglo American sees shareholder returns and social and environmental responsibilities as complementary activities. This puts the company in a stronger position. All stakeholders benefit – shareholders, employees, governments, local communities and suppliers. GLOSSARY Sustainable development: development which meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to achieve their own needs and aspirations. Competitive advantage: a strategic element that enables an organisation to compete more effectively than its rivals. Governance: the process of making decisions and governing. Conclusion Anglo American is a multinational organisation with a high profile in the primary extractive sector. Because many new mineral deposits are to be found in developing countries, some of which have weak governance, Anglo American recognises that it must be rigorous in observing local laws, even if they are not always enforced. It has a significant role in supporting good governance initiatives and boosting the opportunities available to the communities associated with its mines. The company is involved in a range of initiatives to help these communities, such as AIDS testing and provision of new local services like schools and clinics. Its socio-economic assessment toolbox helps it measure its impact and engage with local communities to resolve issues and to underpin initiatives like small business development or partnerships with local farmers. The Times Newspaper Limited and  ©MBA Publishing Ltd 2008. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of information, neither the publisher nor the client can be held responsible for errors of omission or commission. The financial and non-financial benefits to the company and shareholders are shown in several ways. Anglo American is trusted as a business partner that takes into account social and environmental issues. It has licence to operate in countries like South Africa, Brazil or Chile, where it is playing an important part in encouraging local business development. Questions 1. What are business ethics? Give two examples of business practices that stakeholders would regard as ethical and two that might be considered unethical. 2. The benefits of ethical business behaviour affect the business itself and the wider community. Taking an example of an Anglo American business project, identify the benefits to the local community and to the company’s shareholders. 3. How is Anglo American’s reputation enhanced by engaging with local communities in decision-making? Why is it important for this engagement to be an ongoing process? 4. Some business decisions involve a careful balance of social, economic and environmental considerations. Evaluate how Anglo American achieves that balance, using examples from the case study.

Quality Management Plan Example

Quality Management Plan Example Quality is an experience of the customer. Product quality awareness comes from your design specifications and the manufacture standards achieved for the product. Service quality perception comes from your service process design and the customer contact impressions (Quality,n.d). As all we know that quality is very important part in every business. Personally I think quality matter not quantity. If we talk about the quality of a clothes in clothing store. Thats very important because without quality product we cant interact the customer or we cant expand our business in future. If in clothing store we provide quality product to our customer which is little bit high in price. Customer can easily spend money on quality product. In New Zealand there are mainly two seasons winter and summer. Summer is for short time period and winter for long time period. So we will provide wool clothes for winter and cotton cloths for summer to fulfil the needs of the customer. In winter season we will provide jacket, wool caps wool cloths and so many things in different varieties. Quality management The main principle of quality management is to ensure the business will meet or exceed owners needs and expectations. In our business we want to create a good relationship with our customer. For that we will manage that entire thing which can affect our business like bad customer deal that can affect our business. Next, we will also careful about the quality of the product that is most important for our business. We will careful for our stock when we purchase from India. Quality must be viewed on an equal level with scope, schedule and budget. In quality we can also say that when we build our clothing store we will use good quality of interior to decorate our store. Decoration of the store is also equal important like good quality of product.we will also use good quality of furniture in our store to interact more customer. (Quality management,n.d). To maintain quality in product you should careful about some important things which are given below: Customer feedback: In clothing store business owner should regular feedback from the customer so they can know about the quality of the product. We will also take customer feedback to better our customer service. Keeping change in variety: In today era fashion is keep changing so clothing store should always update with new variety of stock so they can fulfil the needs of the customer. In our clothing store we will purchase of stock according to customer choice. Customer satisfaction: customer satisfaction is very important in business if we want to grow up in market. For customer satisfaction we will provide variety of product to our customer. We will also provide good customer service to our customer. Project quality assurance: In plan Quality we say that we have to make the plan for our business and quality of the business. For this plan we have to know about what kind of product customer want. I will also try to find in winter season or summer season we can purchase good quality of product. In winter season we will purchase good quality of wool cloth which can protect the people from the winter and for summer season we will stock a cotton cloth so customer can buy that clothes.(quality management for project,n.d). Provide good quality of customer service: If we are talk about quality good quality of customer service is very important. If we have good quality of product and varieties of product. But our customer service is not good. Then we cant develop our business. For good quality of customer service we should deal with customer properly and take care about the needs of the customer. Quality plan The main principle of quality management is that the product the fulfil the needs of the customer and which give some profit to the owner. For good relationship with customer we have to provide good quality of the customer service. To meet this requirement we will give training to our staff and other business partner. Moreover, provide good quality of product is very important for the customer to meet this requirement we make a plan in which we will contact with different dealer in India which dealer meet our requirement in good quality of product. We will purchase clothes from that dealer. Further, in quality plan we will stock good quality of product in different verities so customer can buy what they want according to their taste. Sometime product are good in look but not good in quality but we have to stock in our store because some customer like that product (Quality plan,n.d). Quality control and its goal: The goal of quality control is to improve the product that meet the requirement and quality of type product. Quality control also includes that the project performs in its efforts to manage scope, budget and schedule. Business owner should change product or service according to demand of the customer. Rework is the action taken to bring the rejected product or service into compliance with the requirements, quality specifications or stakeholder expectations. Rework is very expensive thats why business should do quality planning and quality assurance to avoid the need for rework. Rework and all the costs may be in big amount but it is refundable by the donor and the organization may end up covering those costs. Business man should set their management very carefully that produce the outputs and the decisions that were taken that lead to the faults and errors. Changes are taken place to the Change Control methods of the project. (Quality plan,n.d) Projrct quality assurance. (n.d.). Retrieved Feb 27, 2017, from ww.project-management-skills.com: http://www.project-management-skills.com/project-quality-management.html Quality. (n.d.). Retrieved Feb 27, 2017, from www.lifetime-reliability.com: http://www.lifetime-reliability.com/cms/free-articles/work-quality-assurance/what-is-quality/ Quality management. (n.d.). Retrieved Feb 27, 2017, from www.pm4dev.com: file:///C:/Users/OEM/Downloads/PM4DEV_Project_Quality_Management.pdf Quality plan. (n.d.). Retrieved Feb 27, 2017, from www.project-management-skills.com: file:///C:/Users/OEM/Downloads/PM4DEV_Project_Quality_Management.pdf

American Graffiti Essay -- essays research papers

American Graffiti (1973) This classic move focuses on a single night in the early Sixties, the hopeful future of the main characters is followed by the events which occur. Steve (Ron Howard), and Curt (Richard Dreyfuss) will be leaving for college the very next day, the build up of years of hard work. Finally they'll be able to leave their small hometown and "spread their wings", experiencing life in ways they never have. Curt is unattached to anyone, but Steve will be leaving behind his longtime girlfriend Laurie (Cindy Williams), who happens to be Curt's sister. Also remaining at home are Terry (Charles Martin Smith), a fumbling nerd, and John (Paul Le Mat), an older kid with "the fastest car in the valley". The two main things that kid's focused on in 1962, it was cars and music. Everyone who's anyone cruises the strip in their shiny automobiles and while they're doing that they're listening to Wolfman Jack on the radio. Music is an integral part of this group, defining its moods, fears, desires and feeding from the same emotions. Curt, a scholarship winner, is filled with doubt regarding his future. Everything that he's ever done has been aimed at college, yet now the moment is upon him Curt wonders if instead he should take time off. Symbolic of this uncertainty is a blonde in a white T-bird; elusive and enchanting she always slips away from Curt when he nears. In contrast, Steve is (if a...

Macbeth: ACT I :: essays research papers

These scenes establish the play’s dramatic premise—the witches’ awakening of Macbeth’s ambition—and present the main characters and their relationships. At the same time, the first three scenes establish a dark mood that permeates the entire play. The stage directions indicate that the play begins with a storm, and malignant supernatural forces immediately appear in the form of the three witches. From there, the action quickly shifts to a battlefield that is dominated by a sense of the grisliness and cruelty of war. In his description of Macbeth and Banquo’s heroics, the captain dwells specifically on images of carnage: â€Å"he unseamed him from the nave to th’ chops,† he says, describing Macbeth’s slaying of Macdonald (I.ii.22). The bloody murders that fill the play are foreshadowed by the bloody victory that the Scots win over their enemies. Our initial impression of Macbeth, based on the captain’s report of his valor and prowess in battle, is immediately complicated by Macbeth’s obvious fixation upon the witches’ prophecy. Macbeth is a noble and courageous warrior but his reaction to the witches’ pronouncements emphasizes his great desire for power and prestige. Macbethimmediately realizes that the fulfillment of the prophecy may require conspiracy and murder on his part. He clearly allows himself to consider taking such actions, although he is by no means resolved to do so. His reaction to the prophecy displays a fundamental confusion and inactivity: instead of resolving to act on the witches’ claims, or simply dismissing them, Macbeth talks himself into a kind of thoughtful stupor as he tries to work out the situation for himself. In the following scene, Lady Macbeth will emerge and drive the hesitant Macbeth to act; she is the will propelling his achievements. Once Lady Macbeth hear s of the witches’ prophecy, Duncan’s life is doomed. Macbeth contains some of Shakespeare’s most vivid female characters. Lady Macbeth and the three witches are extremely wicked, but they are also stronger and more imposing than the men around them. The sinister witches cast the mood for the entire play. Their rhyming incantations stand out eerily amid the blank verse spoken by the other characters, and their grotesque figures of speech establish a lingering aura. Whenever they appear, the stage directions deliberately link them to unease and lurking chaos in the natural world by insisting on â€Å"Thunder† or â€Å"Thunder and lightning.† Shakespeare has the witches speak in language of contradiction.

Organizational Analysis Essay -- Medical Business, Clinical Practice S

Introduction An organizational analysis is an important tool to become familiar with how medical businesses and organizations are able to meet standards of care, provide services for the community and provide employment to health care providers. There are many different aspects to evaluate in an organizational analysis. This paper will describe these many aspects and apply the categories to the University Medical Center (UMC) as the organization being analyzed. Mission, Vision and Philosophy One of the first steps in developing an organization is to develop the vision, mission and philosophy of the organization. Vision statements are used to define the goals of an organization. The mission statement of an organization is a brief statement that explains the purpose that an organization exists. The organizational philosophy outlines the set of values and beliefs that controls the operations of an organization (Marquis, 2011). UMC’s vision is â€Å"to be nationally recognized for excellence in patient care, medical education, and biomedical research.† Their mission statement is â€Å"to serve through healing, education, and discovery.† The philosophy of UMC is â€Å"to value integrity, excellence, compassion, innovation, collaboration and dedication.† (www.mc.uky.edu) Organizational Structure Organizational structure provides the framework to enable members of the organization to delegate responsibility, maintain accountability and structure authority. UMC utilizes organizational structure and has organizational diagrams readily available for review when necessary. The chain of command in the Neurotrauma Intensive Care Unit (NTICU) included the assistive personnel reporting to nursing, nursing reporting to team leader for the shift, sh... ... http://www.mc.uky.edu Krive, J. (January 01, 2013). Building Effective Workforce Management Practices Through Shared Governance and Technology Systems Integration. Nursing Economic$, 31, 5, 231-236. Marquis, B. & Huston, C. (2011). Leadership Roles and Management Functions in Nursing : Theory and Application. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Pichert, J. W., Moore, I. N., Catron, T. F., Ross, J. C., Westlake, M. W., Karrass, J., Jay, J. S., ... Hickson, G. B. (October 01, 2013). An intervention model that promotes accountability: Peer messengers and patient/family complaints. Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety, 39, 10, 435-446. Taplin, S. H., Foster, M. K., & Shortell, S. M. (January 01, 2013). Organizational leadership for building effective health care teams. Annals of Family Medicine, 11, 3.)

Computer Aided Instruction (CAI) Essay

According to the documentation in Misunderstoodmind, â€Å"Math disabilities can arise at nearly any stage of a child’s scholastic development. While very little is known about the neurobiological or environmental causes of these problems, many experts attribute them to deficits in one or more of five different skill types†. These deficits can exist independently of one another or can occur in combination. All can impact a child’s ability to progress in mathematics. Many students, despite a good understanding of mathematical concepts are inconsistent at computing. They make errors because they misread signs or carry numbers incorrectly, or may not write numerals clearly enough or in the correct column. These students often struggle, especially in primary school, where basic computation and â€Å"right answers† are stressed. Often they end up in remedial classes, even though they might have a high level of potential for higher-level mathematical thinking. Electronic Learning (E-Learning) includes all forms of electronically supported learning and teaching, which are procedural in character and aim to effect of knowledge with reference to individual experience, practice, and knowledge of the learner. E-Learning is essentially the computer and network enable transfer of skills and knowledge. E-Learning applications and processes include Web-based learning, computer based learning, virtual education and digital collaboration. Content is delivered via the Internet, intranet/extranet, audio or video tape, satellite TV, and CD-ROM. It can be self-paced or instructor-led and includes media in the form of text, image, animation, streaming video and audio. Computer Aided Instruction (CAI) refers to instruction or remediation presented on a computer. Many educational computer programs are available online and from computer stores and textbook companies. They enhance teacher instruction in several ways. Computer programs are interactive and can illustrate a concept through attractive animation, sound, and demonstration. They allow students to progress at their own pace and work individually or problem solve in a group. Computers provide immediate feedback, letting students know whether their answer is correct. If the answer is not correct, the program shows students how to correctly answer the question. Presented with this development, the proponents intend to propose to develop an Electronic Learning (E-Learning) in mathematics to the interest of the students of STI College Sta. Maria and helping them to make preschool mathematics more enjoyable and interesting. 1.2 Problem Statement 1.2.1 General Problem How will the proponents develop an Electronic Learning (E-Learning) in Mathematics subject for Pre-school of Parada Elementary School that will help the Pre-school students to learn in a fun way. 1.2.2 Specific Problem * How will the proponents create a system that can provide an effective lesson by integrating graphics, animation and sounds. The use of traditional teaching method to present the Mathematics subject causes boredom for the students on learning Mathematics. Students find it hard to learn and cope up with the traditional method of teaching. * How will the proponents incorporate subject outline based on the topics in Mathematics. Contradiction of lesson may occur if the system is not based on the school curriculum for mathematics. Without incorporating curriculum based Mathematics topics, certain school violations will be encountered by the proponents such as straying from the Mathematics curriculum of the school. * How will the proponents create a webpage wherein the student will be able to cope up with the lesson even if he/she fails to attend the class. There are students who sometimes fail to attend their classes in school. However, repeating the entire lesson discussed the other day is a problem. Those students who failed to attend are having hard time how they would cope of to the lesson and lectures. There are also circumstances wherein the teacher itself fails to attend the class. * How will the proponents create a security for the back-end of system that can prevent unauthorized access to the system. A security for the back-end is needed to prevent unauthorized person from accessing the system. Unauthorized person can modify the data of the system that can cause a system breakdown. 1.2 Proposed Research Project 1.2.1 General Objectives To develop an E-Learning in Mathematics for Pre-school of Parada Elementary School that will help the Pre-school students to learn in a fun way. 1.2.2 Specific Objectives * To create module that can provide an effective lesson by integrating graphics. With the use of different software’s and applications in developing system such as Dreamweaver, Adobe Photoshop for designing, Adobe FlashCS4 for animation, Audio editing software for the sounds and effects. * To be able to incorporate subject outline based on the topics in Mathematics. With the use of lesson plan and book that serves as a reference and guidelines for the proposed system it will avoid the contradiction between subject outline to the computerized tutorial system. * To create a website wherein the student will be able to cope up with the lesson even if he/she fails to attend the class. The proponents will create a lesson page that will include the lectures and discussion. This gives the student the privilege to cope up with the lesson. This also enables them to study in advance for a specific lesson in order for them to participate in the class. * To be able to create a security for the back-end of system that can prevent unauthorized access to the system. To prevent unauthorized person from accessing the system, the proponents will create a user level that can give access to authorized person only. In this way we will prevent unauthorized person in accessing information in the system. 1.2.3 Scope and Limitation The proposed system will focus on the subject Mathematics. This system will serve as a learning tool for the preschool that will help to increase the interest of the students in learning Mathematics. The whole scope of the system focuses on the outline based of the lesson. It is important that the system will not go far from the subject because the student will be confused in studying the lesson. The system is useful for instruction or remediation because it presents the problems that the student answers. The question can be in a form of multiple choices. If the answer is correct; the student is usually rewarded with a â€Å"Great Job!† or an animated response on the computer screen. If the answer is not correct, the computer will demonstrates the correct answer on the given problem in the exercises. The system is not intended to be a subject but intended for motivating the students in increasing their interest in this subject. The proposed system will not compute the grade of the student based on their score on the exercises. The system is especially made and best suited to the methods of teaching in Mathematics for Pre-school in Parada Elementary School and there will be no other incorporated subject. Main Page This is the first page of the system when the user opens the webpage. It is also called sometimes the ‘start page’. Open Button In order to enter to the next page of the system the user must click the open button. Back Button This button will take the user back to the previous page if he/she wants. Lesson Button This brings the user to the next page where has a chapter list. And this chapter list page link to the Lesson Page. Tutorial Button This button helps the user to view the tutorial videos. Exercises Button This is a button link to the exercises page. 1.3.4 Methodology The proponents will use the Fourth Generation Technique (4GT) in developing the system. The Fourth Generation Technique is based on NPL that is the Non- Procedural Language techniques. Based upon in the specifications made, the 4GT approaches uses various tools for the automatic generation of source codes. It is the vital tool which uses the NPL for Report generation, Database query, Manipulation of data, Interaction of screen, Definition, Generation of code, Spread Sheet capabilities, High level graphical capacity etc. The Fourth Generation Techniques Requirement Gathering Phase It is gathering information by interviewing the beneficiary and research through internet or recent thesis as reference. This is the first phase where used to gather information to complete the Electronic Learning for Parada Elementary School. This requires complete information to know ahead the purpose of making CAI and to know the entire possible problem that the proponents may face. In gathering data, the proponents went to Parada Elementary School to give the letter of recommendation straight to their principal and after the letter was given, the proponents explained the benefits that they can get from the proposed system to their school, to the student and teachers who are teaching mathematics in preschool. The proponents also made an interview with Mr. Narciso L. Dià ±o the School principal and Ms. Edlyn Gumafelix. The school gave information regarding the history of their school, total number of students and the proponents also asked for references that may help to build the system. Research was also done at the library of STI College Sta. Maria regarding the use of E-Learning for mathematics. Design / Strategy Phase Compiled information gathered from the interview and references. In this phase were able to plan, analyze and create a design for the proposed system. Through this by the use of the data gathered to plan and create a system. This is where the proponents create and explores to meet the requirements of the proposed system. The developers used PHP as the programming language, Adobe Photoshop for the design, images and environment of the system and Adobe Flash for the animation. Implementation using 4GL Start encoding of gathered data for the lessons tutorials and other content all gathered data to the system for the system to function and make sure that the specific objectives are met before testing phase begins. Implementation of all gathered information is needed to develop the proposed system. The proponents used the Dreamweaver/PHP to create a code and module for the system. Testing Once the software is implemented in machine executable form it will be tested to know some error or defects in function. In this phase, the proponents test the system if all the specified objectives are met. After the implementation the proponents test every function of the system to find out the flaws and problems in the system, also looked for things that could improve the system until not all the objectives are met and system problems are not resolve the proponents continue the testing and improvement of the proposed system. 3.0 Data Gathering Procedures and Output Data gathering is one of the most critical stages that must be performed. This is because the analysis of the current system will be based on the kind of the information gathered. In order to gather all the data necessary in the study, the proponents used several ways on collecting data. This helps the proponents to gather all the information needed in developing the system. Library research The proponents conducted group study to learn more about the proposed system. They found materials in the library that may help them. They used thesis documentation of the previews student for data comparison. Using the information they have gathered the proponents will increase their knowledge to build the proposed system. As a result, the proponents will now generate some ideas on how their own the system will be developed. Also they will use this information to create their own documentation. Internet research The proponents also conducted research in the World Wide Web. They used internet to do this kind of research that may help them in terms, methods and new technologies to build the proposed system. Also they research some tutorials that may improve their skills that will help them to finish the system. As a result the proponents use some information that is reliable and useful. They now have some tutorials to study from the web to create on animation for the proposed system. Interview The proponents also conducted interview to particular person of the school that helped them gain some information to finish the proposed system. As a result, the proponents now know what will be the flow of the system. Through this knowledge the proponents started developing the system. System development The proponents use the gathered information to create the proposed system. Although the development stage starts the proponents will continue gathering information that may contribute to the development of the system. The output of this development will satisfy the needs of the beneficiary. The proponents will create and effective system. 4.0 Documentation of the Current System Formal education started in 1902 with the Kartilya and the chapel as classroom. With a pioneer teacher were average pupils who had to be fetched into their homes. As time go by the people realized the need and importance of education. New ideas then generated and substantiated and the dream of a one room school house. Later on they took over greater strides in its march to progress and the one teacher barrio school became a complete primary school. The achievement motivated barrio folks through the dim days of war crisis marched into full development of its home industries. Poultry and garment factories cropped up and the increasingly marked progress gave way to the completion of an elementary school. That was 1947, when the rehabilitation, reconstruction and development were under done through the combined cooperative efforts of the barrio people and with the leadership of Head Teacher. It was at this period when intermediate building and additional rooms for primary classes were constructed. Parada Elementary School headed by Mr. Narciso L. Diňo. They are using the traditional approach of teaching using books, visual aids and interactive discussion of lessons inside the classroom. The teachers make use of the traditional method of teaching such as board, chalk, cartolina, chart, manila paper and cardboard as visual aids that takes a lot of time and effort that’s why the students were getting bored. There are 70 students in preschool and it is divided by two sections; the morning section and the afternoon section. The students meet five times a week and everyday they have a flag ceremony and exercise before they go to their designated room. Every student must go their designated room with the guidance of their respected adviser. When they arrive, the teacher checks the attendance. The teacher will finish the lesson according to the scope of the lesson plan. The teachers also conduct lectures, exercises and exam to further improve the knowledge of the students. There are five subjects for Preschool in Parada Elementary School these are Filipino, Exploring Math, Writing, Getting Smart to Language and Worksheets on Readiness Skills. They do not have a grading system. Instead of cards, they used a checklist for the attendance of the students. The student must know how to write their names and know how to count from one to ten before entering Pre-school. Online E-Learning in Mathematics for Pre-school is designed mainly to demonstrate concepts, instruct, and remediate student errors and misunderstandings in preschool. Some programs are useful for teaching basic skills in Math. Many entertaining computer mathematics games encourage students to learn while enjoying the experience. Other programs are useful for instruction or remediation because they present problems that the student answers. The online system will be beneficial for students in reviewing their lessons at home and it is also be beneficial in monitoring the status level of the students who understand the lesson.