Monday, September 30, 2019

Chi Mei Optoelectronics Essay

1. What prompted CMO to diversify from its core petrochemical base? What were the risks involved? In the late 1980s, Ho started to think that the future for petrochemicals in Taiwan was not very bright. At that time, he made the first visit to the nascent Hsinchu Science-Based Park where he found that everybody was doing pretty well. Then he began to think diversifying into something. Ho’s good friend Wu had been the principal investigator on the first TFT-LCD research project at the Electronics Research Service Organization (ERSO), part of the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI). ITRI had been responsible for the original technology transfer of RCA’s CMOS semiconductor process from New Jersey to Taiwan. Under Wu, ITRI had begun an investigation of small TFT-LCDs in 1989 and had moved on to three- to six-inch technology in 1990. But unlike what happened with TSMC, the Taiwanese government suddenly cut the budget, leaving ITRI without enough capital to comple te the plant’s construction. Wu suggested to Ho and Shi that manufacturing color filter arrays for LCD flat panels would be a very good move for Chi Mei, but Shi disagreed. But in 1997, the petrochemical industry suffered a severe contraction due to the Asian economic crisis. They asked Mitsubishi who said color filter was good. So Dr. Wu stayed outside for almost one and a half years until the founder decided to approve the plan. In fact, Chi Mei had been tracking the TFT-LCD industry since 1996, as many of the key ingredients used in fabricating TFT-LCD panels were based on materials derived from petrochemicals and were therefore closely related to CMC’s core products. But Shi was skeptical of direct investment because he was not sure whether his company could get a grasp on the core technologies. Shi soon recognized TFT-LCD as a â€Å"once in 100-year opportunity for Taiwan.† But the TFT-LCD industry counted only Japan, Korea, and Taiwan as major producers, and most of the demand at the time was coming from Taiwanese notebook computer manufactures. Japanese manufacturers supplied most of the color filters which was a lucrative business. Ho explained that by moving to become a full-line TFT-LCD producer, the company would be able to address a much larger market. Another consideration in the decision to enter the TFT-LCD industry was that TFT process technologies were not entirely new territory for CMC. CMC already possessed many chemical processing and mechanical technologies. Although CMC  was privately held, profitability from its petrochemicals operations made it cash-rich, with almost all of its credit lines unused. But Ho and Wu realized the importance of being a public company in order to attract the right talent, and they were able to convince Shi. CMO’s 2006 Annual Report detailed a long line of fund-raising activities to finance what subsequently turned into a huge string of investments. The risks involved were relying on the technical, financial and merchandising resources of the original product line and the company need acquiring new lines and markets, skills, techniques and facilities. 2. How did CMO implement its strategy of being a leading LCD manufacturer? Ho realized that CMO need a different organizational structure with different resources, processes, and priorities, so he opted for a separate subsidiary, with an independent structure and compensation model as well. He redesigned the pay structure by enlarging the compensation differential across various rankings and put in a larger performance bonus component.   They all recognized the importance of attracting key talent and the value such talent placed on an autonomous unit structure with decentralized management and the flexibility to act quickly. From the start, CMO’s strategy was different from other Taiwanese panel makers. CMO licensed the basic technology from ERSO, and then modified the licensed TFT structured and developed a new structure in Fujitsu’s fab. Since this new TFT structure was their own design, they could modify the process by themselves as needed. CMO was able to take advantage of one of the industry downturn cycles to enter the industry. The pioneering Japanese manufacturers were thus able to extend their window of profitability by generating licensing income. So CMO was able to test out some new, experimental cell structure designs using Fujitsu’s equipment and develop its internal processed as it was building its own factory. CMO also agreed to work as a Fujitsu supplier for LCD panels. In essence, they exchanged their production capacity for Fujitsu’s technical support. One of the key philosophies that CMO has is that it doesn’t outright purchase a complete technology package. It tries to develop what it needs to and it may put in some basic technology or hire an outside consultant to develop its proprietary, internal technology. What that allows it to do is to understand that technology much better and it’s much quicker for it to improve the technology. In mid-1999, in addition to becoming a fo undry supplier to  Fujitsu, CMO licensed Fujitsu’s MVA technology, which enabled wide viewing angles for large-size TV panels. CMO’s R&D team subsequently achieved several breakthroughs while working with the original MVA technology, developing its own proprietary â€Å"Omniview Color,† which significantly reduced the color shift of skin tones when viewing the panel from wide angles. In 2002, along with other Taiwanese LCD peers, CMO licensed a set of common TFT-LCD patents from the ERSO unit of ITRI. As CMO developed its capabilities, it sometimes took some major technological risks. While Fab 1 was still under construction, Shi realized that the accelerating rate of competition in the LCD industry necessitated bold investment decisions, so he approved the construction of Fab 2, a Gen 4 facility. By this time, Ho and Wu had become convinced that the key to the market was going to be flat-panel televisions, which meant larger panel sizes than were used in notebook computers and computer monitors. At that time, Fujitsu VLSI was developing an experimental technology called one-drop fill, in which many, many micropipette dispensers would each place a single drop of liquid crystal material between the two pieces of glass before they were sandwiched. CMO had sent a senior R&D team to evaluate the ODF equipment. Implementing a completely new technology like this in production entailed enormous risks. Ultimately, CMO made the decision to make it work and CMO not only became an industry pioneer in suing ODF but also filed many ODF-related patents. 3. Why did CMO vertically integrate? Was this a sound move? Though Chi Mei had originally intended to make only color filters, it had quickly moved into making the TFT-LCD sandwich. From 2003 to 2004 alone, as many as 15 Gen 5 fabs came onstream across Asia, driving finished panel pricing down. In the early part of the decade, display drivers could make up 15%to 20% of the overall production cost of an LCD display. CMO relied exclusively on Texas Instruments for it supply. Strategically, CMO management felt that to be successful over the longer term, the IC design team needed to have exposure to a more balanced customer portfolio, instead of supplying CMO exclusively. Therefore, management decided to spin off the team into a separate entity, Himax, so that it could engage other customers without conflict. CMO was able to move into photomasks, polarizer films, and many other key components by simply leveraging its expertise in chemical manufacturing. With the Himax model as a successful first step in upstream  integration, over the years CMO formed a web of tightly linked subsidiaries across its supply chain. These efforts at vertical integration helped alleviate some of the concerns about the availability of critical components. All these efforts made CMO one of the most vertically integrated of Taiwan’s TFT-LCD manufacturers. CMO created an environment that people come to them, whether internally or externally. 4. How did CMO’s leadership and culture impact the company’s performance? Shi espoused three credos as his guiding principles: (1) business was a way to pursue fulfillment, (2) people-oriented management was important, and (3) harmonious relationships were valuable. These credos set a very powerful tone within the company. A highly decentralized decision-making model enhanced this management philosophy. This made the company a very attractive place to work, allowing it to draw personnel from many quarters of Taiwanese industry when new initiatives were launched. One of the strengths of Chi Mei’s culture is the entrepreneurship and flexibility. The power to attract talent would later turn out to be a key enabler, as the company expanded into areas that required specialized technical expertise. Chi Mei didn’t lure people away from other companies; it just built a good environment and set up â€Å"stages† for people to develop businesses. In fact, all CMO did was build a good environment and everything else followed.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Tiger Woods

Yes, we all know the stories given to us by the news, media, and internet. Tiger Woods did wrong and shared his spotlight of shame and pain. True enough he was not liked by many, but who don’t make mistakes? As an outsider that doesn’t watch golf as much, I feel that time has passed and it can be forgiven.For sake of an argument Tiger has won 95 tournaments, 71 of those on the PGA Tour, including the 1997, 2001, 2002 and 2005 Masters Tournaments, 1999, 2000, 2006 and 2007 PGA Championships, 2000, 2002, and 2008 U.  S. Open Championships, and 2000, 2005 and 2006 Open Championships. With his second Masters victory in 2001, Tiger became the first ever to hold all four professional major championships at the same time.He is the career victories leader among active players on the PGA Tour, and is the career money list leader. Not surprisingly, several of Tiger’s sponsors have now opted to abandon their alliance with him, citing his moral indiscretions as sufficient justification for this decision. But is this the right thing to do?Does the fact that Tiger Woods is not the high-quality person that we took him to be somehow negating the fact that he is an excellent golfer? Are we guilty of a category mistake if we suggest that Tiger’s sponsorships, or his opportunities to play golf, should be taken away because of his ridiculous behavior? There are two ethical questions at work here. The first question is whether one should be punished in their professional life for actions in their personal life. The second is whether it is morally justified to break a contract because of immoral behavior.I will here argue that the answer to the first question is no, while the answer to the second question depends on the nature of the contract. Some individuals, rightly appalled by Tiger’s actions, have suggested that the PGA should punish him, perhaps by suspending him from future tournaments. There are two reasons for rejecting this suggestion. There is a strong precedent against doing so, and such a response threatens to unacceptably blur the line between the public and the private sphere.Many famous people have committed scandalous actions that irreparably damage their public image. Kobe Bryant’s recent Colorado rape trial is a prime example of this. But no one suggested that Kobe not be allowed to play basketball. Magic Johnson contracted HIV through extramarital sex, but he was treated with warmth and benevolence rather than scorn. Michael Jordan had a notorious gambling problem, but he is hailed as the greatest player of all time. Why should Tiger be treated differently? There is a more general concern with abandoning this precedent.Golf is Tiger Woods’s job. There is no expectation, or requirement of employment stating that one must be a good person in order to be a good golfer. We tend to think that whether one ought to be retained in a particular job position depends on whether they are qualified for the job, rather than whether they are a generally decent person. Suggesting that Tiger, Kobe, Magic, or Jordan should not be allowed to pursue their profession in virtue of their personal indiscretions would amount to a unique kind of discrimination.From the standpoint of employment qualifications, one’s sexual behavior is usually an irrelevant consideration. This brings me to the second consideration concerning punishment in one’s professional life based on actions in one’s personal life. We tend to think that there is an important separation between one’s public life and one’s private affairs. When one is a celebrity like Tiger Woods, this line is blurred considerably, and one might claim that the loss of this distinction is the price one pays for fame.However, this imposes an arbitrary constraint on a person’s individual freedoms. If one has a right to the maintenance of a public and a private sphere, the fact that a person is famous is n ot obviously a reason for violating this right. The second ethical question raised by the Tiger Woods affair scandal concerns whether it is ethical to break a professional contract based on a person’s actions in their personal life. This is a complicated question, and I will limit the discussion to one pertinent facet of it.If Tiger Woods was hired as an endorser because of his public image and persona, and not merely because he is a good golfer, his sponsors are justified in abandoning their professional relationship for his personal actions. Consider the nature of the contract in question. Companies have hired Tiger because they believe an association with him will help them to sell their products. Tiger’s role in the contract is presumably to maintain himself as a positive force for this purpose.If Tiger has agreed to this type of relationship, anything he does that hinders his effectiveness as a marketing tool would be a violation of the contract. While we have rea son not to punish Tiger professionally, as a golfer, for what he has done in his personal life, we also have reason to punish him professionally, as an endorser, for the same actions. Virtue ethics is somewhat helpful in understanding this distinction. Tiger’s extramarital affairs do not make him a bad golfer, but they do make him a bad endorser.Different standards are at work when we evaluate Tiger the golfer and when we evaluate Tiger the endorser, and only in the latter case does his personal conduct make a relevant difference. We have thus reached an interesting conclusion. First, standards of personal conduct are only relevant to one’s professional life if the nature of one’s profession dictates as much. This leaves us with a mixed evaluation of Tiger Woods. It seems we can endorse his lost endorsements, but not any punishment from the PGA, for his extramarital affairs. It also helps us to understand how other celebrity scandals have been perceived.While Ma gic, Kobe, and Jordan are still good basketball players even though they are not particularly good people, someone like Bill Clinton harms his credibility as President in virtue of inappropriate personal conduct, because appropriate personal conduct is part of the President’s job description (or so it would seem). Our own mixed reaction to Tiger suggests that he is somewhat unique, a mixture of celebrity and quasi-statesman that we want to hold to a higher standard of conduct, despite having no good reason to do so. References (PGA TOUR, Inc. , 2010) http://www. pgatour. com/players/00/87/93/

Saturday, September 28, 2019

The Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics Course Essay

The Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics Course - Essay Example Additionally, the students do not get technical knowhow alone. They normally gain a lot of skills throughout the degree period. These skills are normally personal. They include the capacity to utilize the knowledge, creativity and innovation in terms of offering solutions to problems. They are also trained to possess effective skills of communication. These skills include both written and spoken. This enables them to relate well with people in different firms. They are also trained to work perfectly as a team. The engineers also get the skills to transform an idea into reality. They are also taught to have perfect time and project management skills. Lastly, the degree offers them skills to possess an approach that is professional and the capacity to function within a code of conduct that is ethical. The graduates normally head to the telecommunication companies, business premises, learning institutions and manufacturing companies after completing their degree. Most of the graduates from this degree program have had little difficulty in getting good opportunities of employment in different organizations. The degree program contains a wide focus. Hence, there exists a lot of flexibility towards achieving the career chances within the job market of today. Other potential employers are Credence Systems, Google, Microsoft, Hewlett Packard and many others. The curriculum of Electronic Engineering gives individuals proper preparation to assume technical experts in construction, design, installation, testing and repair.

Friday, September 27, 2019

Business ethics and law Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Business ethics and law - Assignment Example There are many ethical dilemmas that face persons dealing in sales. These dilemmas arise from interaction with individuals and agencies both within and from outside the organization. Sales personnel are prone to facing more ethical conflicts than individuals dealing in other lines of business. These persons are not as closely supervised as other workers and they play a big role in raising income for the organization. This paper seeks to document the pressures that a sales representative working for a company that provides technical support to customers may face. The paper will delve into the dilemma the individual will be facing when the organization does not hit its first and second quarter profits consecutively. The sales representative is paid on commission, and the company has not met its quarterly expectations for the first and second quarters. This translates to a fall in the company’s revenue. As an employee of the company, he or she has the duty to execute his responsi bilities with diligence and resilience as his effort is needed to realize the company’s overall targeted performance (Weiss 213). When the company is not realizing its targets, it impacts on its competitive capacity against its rival companies. Continued failure to realize targets will drive the company to making decisions on adjusting salaries and wages to its personnel or retrenching some. The sales representative is under pressure from his duty to the company to help realize its target. The sales representative has two young children whom he or she supports from the income he or she gets from working for the sales company. The individual is just but one of thousands of people employed by the company and who most probably also survive on the salaries and wages they get from the company. Having not made any sales for a while, the sales representative is probably going without some things that he or she needs because affordability is going down with the lack or reduction of i ncome. The individual and probably the others working for the company have perhaps had to cut on certain expenditures so as to make ends meet with the way things are going in the company. Family needs are a profound source of pressure in the situation facing the sales representative. 500 Company has approached the representative to supply them with 3,000 new computers. The company stands the risk to incur high costs if they do not get the computers. What does this mean for the individual and 500 Company? The individual has the human obligation to see to it that the company does not incur the costs when he or she can help. There are people who work for the company just like he or she and many others work for their company. Incurred costs in 500 Company will perhaps translate to poor stock price and or reduced salaries and wages for its workers further affecting other innocent people who depend on these workers (Weiss 215). It will also mean that 500 Company will do poorly in its perf ormance relative to its competitors. The sales representative will feel obligated to lend a hand to avoid such a scenario from happening. 500 Company needs all the 3,000 computers supplied in two months’ time. The sales representative has 1,000 new computers ready in the warehouse. The deficit of 2,000 new computers will need to be ordered from the manufacturer. Whereas the individual knows that it would take the manufacture two months to get the 2,000 new computers ready for 500 Company, he or she also knows that the manufacturer is struggling with too many orders already. The individual has the option of closing the deal with 500 Company and deliver the 1,000new computers available and order the rest from the manufacturer. How will closing the deal with 500 Company impact on the representative’s company? He or she will enable his or her company to meet its third quarter’s target and improve its stock price. What will it mean for the representative? The represe ntative will earn a good commission from the deal and he, or she

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Garabology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Garabology - Essay Example This is my weekly routine before I go to the supermarket for shopping foodstuffs. A rough estimate of this waste equated to $12 which is about eight percent the grocery bill I handle every week. Another inclination on the same is the waste of textiles. I realized that my family would throw away several clothes every week and sometimes it included shoes, beddings and curtains. I realized that I threw away at least one cloth every week and that makes my expenditure on the same rise even though am comfortable with the same. There has also been waste associated with paper. This originates mainly from the used paper towels, packaging material, cut-outs of magazines and newspapers. I realized with the kind of artwork my younger sister is in to, we throw away such waste amounting to about 4 kg per week. This is regardless of other biodegradable substances she uses when drawing or painting. Polythene materials and plastic such as packaging material also form part of the materials that are thrown away. Since I do most of the grocery shopping during the weekend and most of the stuff I buy is packed using this material, it came to my attention that this was the main reason why I do collect a lot of polythene material for disposal every week. Glass can also be accounted as waste though it is not consistent. This may include breakage of cups or tumblers. My parents always complain how we are poor eaters and they would always try and tell us stories referencing to their days. They would at least not take one meal out of the typical three in a day because of the economic status of their parents at the time. This kind of garbage insinuates the idea that the family has more than enough to eat and spare. This is despite the fact the family does not maximize these products. This may portray the household as either a middle class or a high class family because the children therein are able to dispose at least

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

The science of Addiction - psychology Assignment

The science of Addiction - psychology - Assignment Example It provides an insight of chemical interaction that takes place at the synaptic level that causes the drug user to feel â€Å"high†. The most interactive and yet knowledgeable was â€Å"Mouse Party†. It is self-explanatory and provides an in depth understanding about the 7 most dreaded drugs of abuse causing addiction encompassing: LSD, Cocaine, Alcohol, Methamphetamine, Marijuana, Ectasy, Heroin. Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter located in our Central Nervous System making it one of our most important neurotransmitters. Another neurotransmitter of CNS called Norephinephrine is manufactured from dopamine. Dopamine, along with Norephinephrine, plays an imperative role in attention and focus. Drugs affecting attention and focus affects the signaling pathway of dopamine and therefore many of the aspects of the website focus on the neurotransmitter Dopamine which is also called as â€Å"happy neurotransmitter† responsible for the feeling of pleasure, attachment, sense of altruism and integration of thoughts and feelings. Moreover deficiencies of Dopamine cause anhedonia, lack of ability to feel love, sense attachment to another, lack of remorse about actions, distractibility. Thus dopamine play imperative role in the control of movement and therefore the website emphasized a lot on dopamine. The action of various drugs is well explained on this site under the section â€Å"How Drugs Can Kill†. This states that drugs are toxic substances and long-term drug abuse can badly affect the health of an individual, on the other hand even a single dose can be detrimental. E.g. Heroin is the cause for maximum deaths due to overdose of the drug. Under normal conditions the respiratory balance is maintained by excitatory and inhibitory signals by glutamate and GABA respectively, but a toxic dose of heroin enhances the inhibitory effect of GABA which reduces the breathing and

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

The Women Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Women - Essay Example She begins to critically examine her life and her relationship with men and the people around her. At some point, she considered divorce, and this would have not only affected her but also their daughter. This play thus helps to remind the audience that although one might appear to lead a happy and comfortable life, problems in marriage can make life bitter. Friends and family play a vital role in resolving such domestic problems. The intent of this production, in my view, was a good idea. This play speaks to everyone; the married and the unmarried. It helps us examine our families, our actions and how best we understand the people around us. There are two main issues raised in the play that make it important and applicable. First, through the life of Heines and the unfaithfulness of her husband, the play reminds us of the importance of safeguarding marriages and building strong family ties. The suffering brought to Haines through her husband’s infidelity is traumatizing. The play further highlights the need to solve domestic or marital problems without taking rush decisions. Secondly, the play helps us re-examine the role played by our friends in our lives. In the play, Selvia knew that Heines’ husband had an extramarital affair yet she did not inform her friend about it. She instead spread the rumor among other women. This play thus allows the audience to examine whether or not to keep some of their friends. In particular, this play reminds us of the role friends play in marriages. Overall, the play challenges and provokes the audience. The intention is to make people examine their behaviors, beliefs and their general view of life. This play succeeds in provoking us into asking ourselves questions regarding our lives, and how we treat those around us. After watching the play, I believe that the play achieved its purpose. First, in a good play, characters need to portray the events as real as they possibly can. In this play, the characters portrayed

Monday, September 23, 2019

The Promise and The Blessings Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Promise and The Blessings - Assignment Example I have known many incidents where God provided for him. When God instructed Moses, along with his brother Aaron, to deliver the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt under Pharaoh, God assured Moses that he does not have to worry as God will perform all those plagues, and will eventually soften Pharaoh’s heart in the end. When I read the first chapter of Exodus, it says, Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh: Because of my mighty hand he will let them go; because of my mighty hand he will drive them out of his country.† Indeed, the Lord fulfilled this promise. He, through Moses, set the Israelites free from slavery. I also read in Exodus 33:14 that, The LORD replied, â€Å"My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.† I read a verse, which fulfilled this promise. In Exodus 13:21-22, it explained how the Israelites were guided by the Lord in the form of pillars of clouds. Surely, God was with Moses and the rest of the Israelites as they traveled into the Promised Land, which God has given. He guided them and provided for their

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Gender Roles And Media Portrayals Research Paper

Gender Roles And Media Portrayals - Research Paper Example Men were portrayed as dominant, strong, and independent providers. Most past television programs portrayed them as the dominant gender in the society. Men were free to choose what they felt was working for them at the expense of the opinions from the ladies. For example, in Mad Men, the executives treated their secretaries in the offices as objects rather than human beings. In fact, it is easy to observe how they disposed of them after having sexual encounters. In the end, women were not seen as having any value to the men. It is worth noting that the current television programs tend to bring out the rapid changes in the society. For example, in the television series, Modern Family, the role of the women and men in the family tends to change. Women start assuming significant roles, for example, some of them become breadwinners while men become domesticated by their wives. Rapid changes captured by these television series indicate how the society is changing. For instance, the concept of gay marriages is brought to the fore. Though it is difficult to accept at first, we eventually see a society that positions itself to accept these changes. In conclusion, there is nothing as inevitable as change. The television continues to influence the societal transformation through fostering progression of gender roles that took place in the past half century and today. In comparison to the past, there is a significant change in gender roles and various stereotypes in television today (Trier-Bieniek, 2014).

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Spearmans Rank Correlation Essay Example for Free

Spearmans Rank Correlation Essay I can therefore predict that if a student that spends less than 20 hours in front of the TV can have a KS2 Total of 16. In addition, a student that has a KS2 Total of 17 could spend 40 hours in front of the television. HYPOTHESIS 3 This hypothesis is comparing the IQ of boys and girls against their KS2 Total. This means that I am trying to carry out an investigation that is based on the better performer at school and this is either boys or girls. My hypothesis states that boys perform better that girls at school but I will confirm that with the use of scatter diagrams and Spearmans Rank Correlation. This graph is comparing the IQ of females against their KS2 Total. From the above graph, I can see that there is a positive correlation and this therefore disproves my hypothesis because I did not expect girls to do very well in their KS2 exams. Nevertheless, to be very confident with my hypothesis, I will have to carry out a Spearmans Rank Correlation Test to check whether these two factors actually work with each other. I have drawn a line of best fit and this gives me a rather accurate correlation of the comparisons that I am carrying out. This is Spearmans Rank Number. Since my data was too much, I print-screened the important part, which was the actual calculations itself. When I carried out Spearmans Rank Correlation, I got a strong positive correlation, which meant that girls with a high IQ would also have a high KS2 Total. This also tells me that I interpreted my scatter graph rightly because I saw that there was a strong positive correlation. This graph is comparing the IQ of males against their KS2 Total. From the above graph, I can see that there is a strong positive correlation and this therefore proves my hypothesis because I did expect boys to do very well in their KS2 exams. Significantly, to be very confident with my hypothesis, I will have to carry out a Spearmans Rank Correlation Test to check whether these two factors actually work with each other. I have drawn a line of best fit and this gives me a rather accurate correlation of the comparisons that I am carrying out. This is Spearmans Rank Number. Since my data was too much, I print-screened the important part, which was the actual calculations itself. When I carried out Spearmans Rank Correlation, I got a strong positive correlation, which meant that boys who have a high IQ would also have a high KS2 Total. This also tells me that I have interpreted my scatter graph rightly because I saw that there was a strong positive correlation. After carrying out the last hypothesis, I can finally conclude that both boys and girls perform very well at school. Notably, I noticed that girls had a correlation of 0. 9 while boys had 0. 8. This also tells me that although they both perform well at school; girls have that slight advantage over the boys. STANDARD DEVIATION I will be using this formula to find the Standard Deviation of my data. This is because since my data is not in a grouped format, I will not be able to use the formula for grouped data but can use the formula for ungrouped data. I have decided to find the Standard Deviation of IQ because I feel that that has an effect on KS2 Totals. This is the Standard Deviation of my data for the IQ of females. As you can see from the print-screened data, I have carried out the steps to calculate the deviation of IQ in Mayfield High School. When calculating, I found out the average IQ of females in the school was 100. 275 and that is approximately 100. After more calculations, I found out that the Standard Deviation of IQ for females in the school is 10. This therefore meant that girls in the school have a high IQ and that they would have few students who are outside the outlier range (upper warning limit and lower warning limit). This is the Standard Deviation of my data for the IQ of females. As you can see from the print-screened data, I have carried out the steps to calculate the deviation of IQ in Mayfield High School. When calculating, I found out the average IQ of males in the school was 13726. 803 and that is approximately 13727. After more calculations, I found out that the Standard Deviation of IQ for males in the school is 19. This therefore meant that boys in the school have a high IQ and that they would have more students that the girls who are outside the outlier range (upper warning limit and lower warning limit). PLAN A I will draw a scatter graph to display my results. The reason why I have chosen this is that I expect it to show me the correlation between IQ, Average number of TV watched and KS2 Total. When I had completed my scatter graph, I noticed that there was a strong-positive correlation. I drew a line of best fit and noticed that it passed through the Upper Quartile IQ. In addition, I noticed a few outliers. This occurred when a student had a high IQ but had a low KS2 Total. PLAN B I will calculate the correlation by using Spearmans Rank Correlation. The reason why I am doing this is that it will enable me to see what type of correlation there is between IQ, KS2 Total and Average TV watched in a week. CONCLUSION I will say that this investigation does follow my hypothesis apart from me having a few outliers. Moreover, I will say that the outliers that I got did not make much difference to the results that I got. In addition, I think that I could have tried other methods such as using samples such as a simple random sample, Stem and Leaf Diagrams or cluster sampling that involves selecting the sample units in groups The limitations that I feel occurred during the process when I was carrying out this coursework is that there was not much time available to me so I just used two different ways to test out my hypothesis rather that using maybe three ways. In addition, I can say that if I had more time, I could have used more data and have varied the samples so that my results could be more accurate. I could also collect my own data because I can ensure reliability and have a varied source of data from different schools. This would help me because I can see if my hypothesis affects all the schools or some schools. If there were to be any more work that I would add to this work, I would use a variety of methods to test out my hypothesis.

Friday, September 20, 2019

What Are The Psychological Causes Of Crime Psychology Essay

What Are The Psychological Causes Of Crime Psychology Essay During the 19th century the concept of an influence of the biological factors on criminal behaviour was strong, due to Charles Darwin publications of the theory of evolution. However, when considering criminological issues, biological and psychological explanations have been rejected for some time. It is worth noting, that in recent times there has been an increasing interest in studying the relationships of biological and psychological factors and criminal behaviour. (Lilly et al, 2007; 20) According to Reid (2006), there is no doubt, that the biological and social factors, especially their interactions are important in understanding and explaining the causes of criminal behaviour. Cesare Lombroso (1835-1909), Italian psychiatrist and anthropologist , is considered today as a father of modern criminology. During his research about criminals, Lombroso relied on a Darwins theory of evolution, to support his own theory, that criminals had not evolved as far as non-criminals. Furthermore, Lombroso compared criminals to wild creatures, who like their wild predecessors, had many atavistic traits, which made them more likely to behave like a wild animals. That was the reason, that Lombroso famously claimed that he had found the biological characteristics, which allows to distinguish criminals according to crimes committed by them. Consequently rapists were characterized by short-handed, narrow forehead, often blonde hair, abnormalities of the nose and in the genital organs area. Lombroso believed that repeat offenders are among those that may be considered criminals by birth, so the two types of criminals were distinguished as a result of his studies about the crimina l behavior. These were criminaloid and insane criminal. According to Lombrosos findings, criminaloid is a person, who is motivated by passion, what with other factors lead to criminal behavior. On the other hand there is an insane criminal, who is epileptic, psychotic, unfit to society, who cannot control his behavior.(Lilly et al, 2007;18-24; Einstadter 2006, 84) Lombrosos views were shared also by Raffaele Garofalo and Enrico Ferri, who stated that any criminal behavior cannot be explained without involving another factors, such as environmental or physic.(Ferri 1901) It is worth considering, that Lombrosos studies were widely criticized, because of showing significant overemphasize of biological causes, while an environmental factors seemed to be neglected by him. As it was stated in Wolfgang cited in Reid (2007; 88) The fears of these critics that Lombroso diverted attention from social to individual phenomena, reveal their basic misunderstanding of his work and its effects (à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦). Lombroso served to direct emphasis from the crime to the criminal, not from social to individual factors Although Lombroso and other positivists had made the foundations for further scientific analysis of criminal behavior, but the effective crime prevention requires changes in the environment and the social structures, which are also important in an explanation of the causes of crime.(Williams,2008; 162) The physical approach of crime and human behavior, shows the assumption that function is determined by structure. The belief, saying that the crime is associated with body build, was introduced in the 1926 by Ernest Kretschmer,(Lilly 2007; 24-28) but the first real development of this issue begun with the scientific work of B. Sheldon in 1940. Sheldon connected psyche and body type with temperament. During his research, Sheldon introduced three body types: ectomorph- tall, skinny boned; endomorph- short, fat bodied; and mesomorph- athletic, well built. Main purposes of his research can be defined as a need of systematic study of human behavior and personality. Sheldon was further criticized about the way his sample was chosen. As it is stated in Cortez and Gatti, Sheldon picked only those persons, who could support his theory. His definition of three body types, has also been criticized because it was not precise enough to easily distinguish them. (Cortez, 1972;8). The next step in an explanation of criminal behavior is to take closer look at the history of the family just to find out, if whether the family has had a cases of criminal behavior. The early studies of family were conducted by Sheldon Glueck and Eleanor Glueck. Researchers concentrated on family history to find the possible explanation of criminal activity. But it is worth to remind, that the family studies have been discredited because it was not methodologically sophisticated enough to permit significant conclusion. Although there was a basic difficulty in family studies, which consisted of the impossibility to control the environment, the family was existing and developing, it was necessary to take further steps in an explanation of a correlation between family background and criminal behavior of ones. This inconvenience led researchers to introduce two other methods of studying genetic factors and criminality. Those studies included the environment , as the most important facto r affecting peoples behavior and leading to crime. Finally, aim of those studies were to find an explanation about the generations of violence and deviance within the families. Those two methods were studies of adoption and studies of twins.(Williams,2008; 139) Studies of twins were conducted by Karl O. Christiansen, who studied the occurrence of criminal behavior among twins in Denmark, between year of 1881 and 1910. Christiansen stated that if one of twins is engaged in criminal activity, the probability that the second twin will also do so was 35%, and only 12% if the twins were fraternal. His studies were continued and updated by Sarnoff A. Mednick and his colleagues, who concluded that genetic factors for some variables are linked with criminal behavior. Mednicks studies were criticized because of possibility of methodological errors, but finally were confirmed, despite of those errors occurrence there is an evidence of correlation between genetic factors and criminal behavior. (Burke 2009, 69-70) Another important issue in Mednicks research were studies of adoption. With his colleagues, Mednick conducted adoption studies in Denmark, using a sample of 72000 from Denmarks adoption registry. Mednick stated that the tendency to criminal activity was higher among those adoptees, whose biological parents were criminals. Moreover, research showed that there were much higher tendencies of criminal behavior in adoptees, who had both biological and adoptive parents engaged in criminal activity. His research undoubtedly proved that genetic factors cannot be ignored when explaining causes of criminal behavior. (Mednick et al, 1987; 67-80) Family studies were also a tool used to get the information about possible psychological explanations of crime. Early psychologists were focused mainly on intelligence traits. Research traced criminality in the same family through generations, showed that the mental retardation was the main cause of criminal behavior. It is worth to consider that one of the earliest explanation of the criminality in the middle ages, was demonology. People believed in evil spirits, which while possessing individuals, caused nasty behavior. Only exorcism seemed to be the right treatment, which could save possessed person from doing wrong things. In fifteenth century some beliefs arose that people, who were behaving badly, were actively cooperating with devil. In the enlightenment great discoveries about human body and mind were made, researchers started to be interested in human anatomy, physiology, neurology, medicine and chemistry. Causes of physical illnesses were discovered, and therefore researche rs applied that there must be reasons, which causes mental disorders. Those assumptions led to development of psychiatry, defined as the prevention, diagnosis and treatment in mental illnesses. According to psychiatry approach, each person is individual and requires specific treatment and an individual case study. William Healy was the first, who used the case study to explain delinquent behavior., and the case study seemed to be the only way to penetrate the ones background, concentrating mainly on emotional development. Healy and his associates showed that delinquents were more likely to have personality disorders than non-delinquents. Although Healy et al introduced and popularized the case-study method, their studies may be criticized because of using too small samples as well as giving too little information on the way of measuring the concepts and characteristics. . (Reid 2006; 102-103) Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) is widely known as the father of psychoanalytic theory. Freud introduced the concept of unconscious, and according to that, humans live with mental conflicts between desires and energies, the most basic instincts, which must be hidden because of societys morality. The natural drivers can often be expressed by some persons in some ways, usually indirect, to avoid reaction of others. Freud saw twofold nature of every human being- assertive and aggressive. Aggression could not be learnt, but rooted deeply inside the mind. That was the reason why Freud stated, that everyone have the criminal tendencies, but during the socialization process, people learnt how to control it effectively.(Myers, 1995; 462-465) According to Halarambos(1991), the psychiatric approach may be criticized for some reasons- the terms were vague, no definitions for most concepts were given and the most of data were subjectively interpreted by the researchers, as well as the research were ba sed on small samples.(Halarambos, 1991; 584-585). In 1985 year publication Crime and Human Nature authors James Q Wilson and Richard J. Herrnstein stated that there is a link between criminal activity and a level of intelligence, especially low. However authors were criticized because of stating that low level of intelligence and crime appear together in the same group, but there were no significant evidence that low level of intelligence causes criminal behavior.(Wilson 1985, 148-164). According to Benson not only people with low level of intelligence commit crime, but there are also very bright criminals, especially white-collar criminals , so when taking intelligence level to consideration, it is important to consider also type of the crime committed. However, those with lower intelligence level are more likely to be arrested, charged and convicted.(Benson 2009, 19-50) 4/4/2011

Thursday, September 19, 2019

The Lord of the Flies: How The Conch Is Used To Highlight Ideas In the

Generally speaking, the conch has represented democracy and collectiveness throughout the novel. Golding uses the conch to highlight many different ideas in the book by setting the story on an island, which is a microcosm of the entire world and the world that the boys lived in before encountering the fateful crash of the plane. The group of boys encounter problems which, even on this island, they are unable to escape from. It is important to remember that at the same time, there is a nuclear war taking place. The ‘long scar’ that ‘smashed into the jungle’ implies that the island has already been ruined permanently. It seems as though the attempt to remove the boys from a war-filled world has failed because the island is already contaminated by the crash of the plane, which was shot down by an enemy plane, this is somewhat related to warfare. The boys now need to survive on the island and this causes problems revolving around social order, as t here are no adults present. In that case, some of the problems are attempted to be resolved by using the conch. Soon after Ralph discovers the conch, it becomes a symbol of unity and collectivity, because it is used to gather any survivors for an assembly. The assembly itself at the beginning of the novel shows that the children still have the civil codes and rules of society engraved within them. This means that the boys were at that time, behaving within the acceptable boundaries of society. However, the fact that they are still boys imply that the civil codes have not yet been fully engraved and developed inside them. During the first assembly, ‘it seems to [Ralph] that [they] ought to have a chief to decide things.’ Even though this is a sensible idea, there is st... ...We begin to notice this when Ralph himself, begins realizing that Jack is using more power than he should by arranging a hunting party and abandoning the fire which could have gained the attention of a passing ship to rescue them. Consequently, Ralph decides to hold a ‘meeting’ that ‘must not be fun, but business.’ Another important message is that sometimes one loses the ability to control the evil within them. This is evident during the time when the group of boys ‘were all jabbing at Robert’ who was imitating the sow. At first, this is taken light-heartedly, but as the ‘game’ proceeds, Ralph feels that ‘the desire to squeeze and hurt is over-mastering’ and Robert starts to squeal in ‘real pain,’ ‘’Ow! Stop it! You’re hurting.’’ In a way, this illustrates great corruption in society as Ralph, who is the chief, has the craving of hurting people.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Inherit the Wind- Freedom to Think Essay -- essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Inherit the Wind, based on the famous â€Å"Scopes Monkey Trial† in the small town Dayton, Tennessee, was written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee. The play was not intended to depict the actual history or the proceedings in the Scopes’ trial but it was used as a vehicle for exploring social anxiety and ant-intellectualism that existed in the Americas during the1950s. Lawrence and Lee wrote the play as a response to the threat to intellectual freedom presented by the anti-Communist hysteria of the McCarthy era. The major themes depicted in the Inherit the Wind include the intellectual curiosity, narrow-mindedness or limited perception, the importance of religion, and the relationship between the perception of others and self-worth portrayed by the characters in the play. The characters include Henry Drummond, Matthew Harrison Brady, E.K Hornbeck, Bert Cates and Rachel Brown; they represented the ideas and ways of thinking that existed then and no w.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Inherit the Wind took place in the small town of Hillsboro in which ‘the time was not too long ago.’ Bert Cates, a young teacher, who is imprisoned in the jail for teaching evolution to his high school biology class. The Reverend’s daughter and Cate’s fiancà ©e, Rachel, urges Cates to tell the town what he did was wrong and he is sorry; however, the town firmly believes that Cates is wrong and awaiting for Matthew Harrison Brady to come to town to prosecute Cates. Brady is a three time presidential candidate and firm believer in the Bible. The town hung a banner â€Å"Read your Bible† on courthouse and paraded the streets enthusiastically singing â€Å"Give me that old-time religion† when Brady arrives into town. Also arriving in Hillsboro, is E.K Hornbeck of the Baltimore Herald, who is cynical reporter and comments on everything. Hornbeck informs Brady that he will be arguing against Henry Drummond in court. The town see s Drummond as the devils advocate. Drummond arrives in town with little notice and is shunned by the people in town. In the course of the trial, Brady starts out confidently and chooses witnesses who profess strong religious belief. Brady calls for Rachel to be on the witness stand and twists her words about what Cates has told her. Meanwhile, the judge excludes all Drummond’s scientific witness on the grounds of evolution itself is not on trial. D... ...will appeal the case; however, his victory is setting an example for others who choose to think. It will make it easier for the next person. Cates finds a new life with Rachel away from the small town Hillsboro. The trial in Hillsboro is an allegory for the situation in the 1950s. In the 50’s, the government condemns people who supported Communism; thus leading to the censorious climate of McCarthyism. In addition to the witch-hunt and anti-Communist hysteria, regional conflicts between northern and southern states in the east of America. Laurence and Lee wrote the play to parallel some of conflicts of idea and subtly review them to the people. It was the method of exploring the major themes in the theses conflicts between intellectuals and believers, thinkers vs. narrow mindedness, and the relationship between the perception of others and self worth. Ultimately, Inherit the Wind encourages the right to think and the freedom of thought. In the attacking the value of free thought and speech upon which this country is built, nothing is obtained just like the situation in which Brady attacks his own house and inherits the wind—nothing.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Computers Affecting Our Lives :: essays research papers

Computers   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Since the beginning of human life, we as a people have always strived to obtain machines or tools to make our lives easier. Before the computer was invented in 1822, people were performing boring, repetitive tasks that we now take for granted. The computer, a modern complex machine, now accomplishes things we never thought possible. Computers, in general, have many benefits for they provide entertainment, help modern cities function, above all, make the most aggravating and mundane tasks incredibly simple.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of the least important aspects of computers is that it provides entertainment and yet this is the sole reason why many people buy computers. The gaming and entertainment industry has become extremely large in the world, the products they sell range from shareware games to adult blood and gore. For instance, the 3D-shooter series, Quake, has sold millions of copies and essentially everyone in the world has seen it or played it. The entertainment industry not only provides gaming amusement but it also contributes learning programs, for children and adults, to help individuals excel in a certain trouble areas. Furthermore, computers also are also capable of training military personal in a virtual reality environment. An example of this is the U.S. and Canadian military, they both train soldiers and pilots in the ways of war using high tech computers and virtual reality equipment. To sum up, entertainment on the computer may not be important but is does satisfy mi llion of people worldwide.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Cities as we know them today would not exist if it were not for the help of the computer. In a modern city hundreds of items are under control by computers and most of them we take for granted. For example, the traffic lights at all intersections are controlled by computers and sometimes even with the support of underground sensors. Without computers the entire electrical grid would fail and all of the world’s neoteric population would be without precious electricity. Another instance in which computers aid the modern city is the sewage and water system. Without computers, entire series of pumps and water stations would seize and stop working, which translates to a city without running water. On the whole, computers are a necessary innovation to help modern cities function to their fullest potential.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of the most important uses of the computer is that it provides a person with a tool that can make the most difficult tasks incredibly insignificant. Computers Affecting Our Lives :: essays research papers Computers   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Since the beginning of human life, we as a people have always strived to obtain machines or tools to make our lives easier. Before the computer was invented in 1822, people were performing boring, repetitive tasks that we now take for granted. The computer, a modern complex machine, now accomplishes things we never thought possible. Computers, in general, have many benefits for they provide entertainment, help modern cities function, above all, make the most aggravating and mundane tasks incredibly simple.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of the least important aspects of computers is that it provides entertainment and yet this is the sole reason why many people buy computers. The gaming and entertainment industry has become extremely large in the world, the products they sell range from shareware games to adult blood and gore. For instance, the 3D-shooter series, Quake, has sold millions of copies and essentially everyone in the world has seen it or played it. The entertainment industry not only provides gaming amusement but it also contributes learning programs, for children and adults, to help individuals excel in a certain trouble areas. Furthermore, computers also are also capable of training military personal in a virtual reality environment. An example of this is the U.S. and Canadian military, they both train soldiers and pilots in the ways of war using high tech computers and virtual reality equipment. To sum up, entertainment on the computer may not be important but is does satisfy mi llion of people worldwide.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Cities as we know them today would not exist if it were not for the help of the computer. In a modern city hundreds of items are under control by computers and most of them we take for granted. For example, the traffic lights at all intersections are controlled by computers and sometimes even with the support of underground sensors. Without computers the entire electrical grid would fail and all of the world’s neoteric population would be without precious electricity. Another instance in which computers aid the modern city is the sewage and water system. Without computers, entire series of pumps and water stations would seize and stop working, which translates to a city without running water. On the whole, computers are a necessary innovation to help modern cities function to their fullest potential.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of the most important uses of the computer is that it provides a person with a tool that can make the most difficult tasks incredibly insignificant.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Communication channels Essay

1. Introduction Report subject is Formal and informal channels of communication in organizations. Communication is an important part of management in any organization. An organization is created by people working together. Communication becomes a necessary condition to ensure specific individual coordinated action. â€Å"It follows that all organizations must have effective formal methods, mechanisms and processes of communication, and suitable and effective means of making sure that what they wish to say is transmitted effectively† (R.Pettinger, 2006). The aim of this report is to compare and explain significance of formal and informal channels of communication in organizations. The methods used are analysis, diagrams that describe forms and types of communication and reflection. 2. Essentials of communication Communication is an exchange of information between two or more people, providing mutual understanding. Management specialist J.P.Louis believes that the person who speaks is responsible for successful communication. Communication happens when an idea that has arisen in human mind reaches another person’s consciousness in a way that ensures the understanding and use of it. Communication occurs when feedback is formed. If a person has not reached an understanding with a person whom he seeks to contact or pass on the information, it can be assumed that communication has not happened. 3. Forms of communication 3.1. Verbal communication Verbal or oral communication is a way of communication, which provides exchange of verbal communication expressions (face to face conversations, telephone conversations, group discussions). Research and experience shows that, despite the technological progress, people in organizations widely use direct verbal communication. It provides immediate feedback between sender and receiver; it is very simple and requires no previous long-term preparation. Disadvantage of this communication is that it requires immediate perception. Verbal communication can be used, if the sent information: is addressed to several people; is short in volume; is relatively simple in its content. Information receiver hears only one part of the conversation, translates it, then adds own assessment and avoids what the person does not want to hear. It may be something that does not fit in the system of knowledge, or something that is too disturbing to accommodate. Somehow the message gets affected and the information recipient replies and comments. 3.2. Non-verbal communication Written communication is a form of communication, which provides exchange of information in written expression. For example, orders, notices, articles and letters. The benefits as checking particulate details before sending the information are considered and are very important for major decisions. Written information is often a rule (annual reports, conclusion on the financial situation) which can not be provided by verbal communication. Written communication is recommended in cases where the sent information is: intensive in amount; relatively complex in its content. Written communication is a way of communication, which provides exchange of fixed information in a written form. This information’s medium is documents. Comparative table of the communication types is shown in Appendix 1: 4. Communication types 4.1. Formal communication Communication in the organization can be formal (official) and informal (unofficial). Formal communications are mostly written, although they may now also include formal presentations, newsletters, legal advisories, invitations, awards. Non-written formal communication devices are in-person communications in the forms of departmental meetings, telephone calls, conferences and special interviews. Formal communication depends on the organizational structure, thus it may be vertical and horizontal. The purposes of formal communication are to command, to instruct, and to finalize matters through the application of regulations. Essential for managers is to think about the communication function in two directions. At first, it increases respect for a manager. Secondly, with a two way communication the manager is able to check staff understanding and also motivation and concerns. If it does not happen, then manager has to stay in uncertainty of what co-workers think and feel. After that it is difficult to direct and influence the results. Vertical communication means channelling the flow of information up and down (between the different levels of managers and subordinates) in accordance with the established organizational structure. There is a vertical communication, which is moving down, and one that is moving up. See Appendix 2. Downward communication directs information from a manager to subordinates. Analyzed communication can be divided into five categories: †¢ Instructions and guidance. They are required to initiate action, to inform employees about their tasks and to determine the execution time; †¢ The information is intended to increase individually or in departments to understand other organizational tasks; †¢ Information about the organization’s strategy, action and practice events. It is important to form other ideas and activities and get some coherence of organizational practices; †¢ Information about the execution, which is used to inform subordinates on how well they are operating; †¢ Information about the organization’s objectives to increase the understanding of the subordinate organization’s purpose and character. Upward communication provides feedback channelling through which the sender returns to certain information. Such upward information can be divided into three categories: †¢ Information about employees, their activities and problems; †¢ Information about other group members, their activities and problems; †¢ Information on what needs to be done and how to do it. Upward flow of information is understood as information for the highest levels to ensure control. The second formal (official) way of communication is horizontal communication. Its mission is to increase the coordination of the activities. Horizontal communication is the advancement of information flow aside, allowing the individual units to collaborate without the need to follow up and down the existing communications. Horizontal communication is possible between middle-level managers, as well as – between lower-level managers and staff. Therefore the individual units would be able to work together. In contrast, vertical communication exists between the different levels of managers and their subordinates according to established organizational structure. Horizontal communication has the meaning of information flow guiding one level within the structure. 4.2. Informal communication Informal communication in the organization satisfies a variety of social and emotional needs and is not based on the positions within the organization. The purposes of informal communication are to educate through information sharing, to motivate through personal contacts, and to resolve conflicts through participation and friendship. It seeks to involve workers in organizational matters as a means of maintaining their enthusiasm, loyalty, and commitment. As a result, the communication is not managed or planned in any organized fashion. It is more relaxed and casual. Informal communication is seen on a person-to-person basis, in a face-to-face manner. Other ways to communicate in an informal manner may include texting, post-it notes, an informal visit to another person, or a quick and spontaneous meeting. One of the informal communication channel type is called â€Å"grapevine†. The use of the organizational grapevine as an informal communication channel often results when employees feel threatened, vulnerable, or when the organization is experiencing change and when communication from management is restricted and not forthcoming. Informal communication also may take a non-verbal form as facial expressions, sign language, and manner of dress. When used with thought and planning, however, there are several advantages of grapevine communication. It can: spread information quickly throughout an organization serve a social purpose reduce stress and anxiety can be used to identify problems or lack of satisfaction in the organization Informal communication is used to help people feel more relaxed. This can be seen in an interview situation where an interviewer makes a little small talk to help get clients to relax, feel welcome and open up verbally. The use of informal language is far more prevalent in society than the use of formal language. Advantages and disadvantages of formal/informal communication are displayed in Appendix 3. 5. Examples of effective formal communication channels Formal presentations – this could be an update of the organization’s performance in the previous period of time. An evidence for this is an annual staff meeting in hotel â€Å"Cumberland†. On a set day all the staff were gathered in a meeting room with everyone present from all levels, both managers and workers. In the meeting high level managers from departments were effectively presenting materials about last the organization’s last year’s performance, achieved goals, needs for improvement and future plans using graphs, diagrams and presentation software. Newsletters – these are newspapers, magazines, online resources which provide the information about the organization’s current standings, performance and products being developed. This can be seen in many electronic manufacturing companies, for example, â€Å"Apple†, â€Å"Sony†, â€Å"LG†, and â€Å"Samsung†. â€Å"Sony† has designed a newsletter for staff that keeps information up to date and involves staff in company’s function. Awards – wealthy organizations award best workers in  each department every year, some of them organize banquets for award events in luxury banqueting halls. Recently the organization – â€Å"FIFA† organized notable banqueting event in Grosvenor square â€Å"Marriott† banqueting hall. Awards are meant to motivate workers to work harder and increase their performance. 6. Examples of effective informal communication channels Texting is very common and quick method of informal communication between staff and management. It is quick and easy way to assign the next order of work or any changes and updates. Evidence for this is â€Å"All purpose cleaning† organization’s manager who communicates with co-workers in friendly and relaxed manner sending messages about work projects or even feedback from customers. Quick and spontaneous meetings are frequent in public sector where good customer service is essential. The company â€Å"Sainsbury’s† regularly gather staff to discuss important daily matters to increase productivity and improve customer satisfaction. After work activities are very necessary to get to know each other better, share experience, thoughts and new ideas in personal and work relevant matter. Example for this is â€Å"St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel† where everyone after work joined an all staff barbecue in their casual look in a free and unrestricted environment which was fun and memorable experience. 7. Conclusion Management functions can not be realized without communication. Correct choice of communication approach is an important condition for the organization’s productivity. Access to human resource communication is the most effective approach to the organization to enhance productivity. Employee concerns are not only heard but also are used to improve the organization’s activities. The main point for effective communication creation is a two-way communication and the development of various communication channels. It is recommended to use both formal and informal communication styles. People who have learned and know how to use their knowledge in the art of communication achieve better results. In other words, those are people who can communicate with anyone in a way to attract attention to their personality and ideas. An effective organization consists of employees who are able to interact and follow a talented leader, so they need to communicate with each other to succeed in their performance. 8. Recommendations Effective communication is essential throughout the economy, government and military organizations, business, customer service or family, wherever people come into mutual contact. Communication between people form opinions of each another. Over time, the gained and practiced types and quality of communication determine productivity of communication and the basis for successful cooperation. â€Å"Communication is at its most effective when it is delivered face to face, allowing for discussions and questions† (R.Pettinger, 2006). There are several options for improving the efficiency of communication which are divided into: †¢ the improvement of information transmission and reception period; †¢ provision of repeating information and returning it to the sender; †¢ improving the organizational structure. One of the ways to improve the transmission and reception is to avoid extensive, imaginative descriptions. It is important to formulate information laconically and specifically, so that words do not loose their importance. It should be noted that the repetition and returning information to the sender is an effective way of improving communication. Information returning to the sender improves both the sender and the recipient’s communication skills. One of the key ways to improve communication is related to the organizational structure. It is important to ensure a clear flow of information, as well as the correct allocation of duties and responsibilities. It is stated that it is desirable to have minimal communication channel length to minimize the probability of distortion. References 1. Pettinger, R. (2006). Introduction to Management 4th edition. Basingstoke: MacMillan. 2. Buchanan, D & Huczynski, A. (2007). Organisational Behaviour. An Introductory text. 6th edition. Harlow: Pearson. 3. Boddy, D. (2008). Management an Introduction. 4th edition. Harlow: Prentice Hall. 4. Forauds  I. VadÄ «tÄ js un vadÄ «Ã… ¡ana. (2002). – R: Kamene. 5. PavloviÄ a A., Praude V.(2003). MenedÃ… ¾ments. R: Latvijas UzņēmÄ“jdarbÄ «bas un menedÃ… ¾menta akadÄ“mija: RÄ «gas Komercskolas TÄ lmÄ cÄ «bas nodaÄ ¼a. 6. Ruskule S., Ivans U. (2004 ).VadÄ «Ã… ¡ana. Jelgava: LLU EF. Appendix 1 Communication between people Communication forms Advantages Disadvantages Verbal Promotes exchange of information Is not always precise and carefully thought out. Simple in use. It is not possible to use regular entries. Non-verbal Tends to be more precise and carefully thought out. Does not contribute to the exchange of information. Is used in regular records of performance. Difficult and sometimes time-consuming. Appendix 2 Communication types in organizations Appendix 3

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Posttraumatic stress disorder

In your opinion, is the government doing enough regarding the diagnosis/treatment of mental illness and PTDS for our returning Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans. (2-3 pages) No, I don’t believe that the U. S. Government is serving the populace in the most diligently way possible. Today which is different from the service people of even my father’s era? In his day back in 1946 WWII had just ended. Though women were on the front lines as nurses they weren’t there as a moving part of the military, flying planes, driving tanks, on board of ships to bearing a weapon. Times are a changing! Poor grammar yes but that was the way that phrase goes. Now today also gays and Lesbians are allowed to be â€Å"Out and proud†! We were always there just now we have a voice and a Right to openly serve. We have always been in the military defending our neighbors. Now like the melting pot that holds all the different variations that can cause mental anguish that allows PTSD to rear its ugly head it seems the variations are un-limited. Now some emotions might be stirred by hatred within the units in the field wielded toward their fellow fighting commandants’. I’d not sure but I would imagine that during Korea and Vietnam women made up maybe only a slight population of the MASH (Mobile Ambulance Surgery Hospital)Bombs bursting around them as well as our poor wounded soldiers can be added to other outward disturbances that can cause PTSD in the Medical Corps. Women who were nurses, in the Civil War, â€Å"Clara Barton†, one of the well known historic nurses that changed for the better care of our battled heroes. Stress is a killer also a side effect of PTSD, suicide. There is a story of two sisters (twins) that both were aboard the sister ship of the Titanic called the Lusitania. The Lusitania was used as a hospital ship in WWI. It carried the wounded, the near death and in some cases the dead. Screams and the smell of the infections haunted one of the sisters to take her life by leaping to her watery death. Her sister’s courage weighed heavy upon the sister who lived till the end of the second trip home from France where the injured boarded. Upon arriving home she resigned and went about her life; unfortunately the sounds of the ship and the pain of her missing sister was I guess you might say the death of her. Her health fell into ruins and her days were marked, she never wed and died before she was 50. According to The US Department of Veterans Affairs (Affairs, 2009), PTSD is defined as â€Å"an anxiety disorder that can occur after you have been through a traumatic event. [ (Affairs, 2009) ]A traumatic event is something horrible or scary that you see or that happens to you. During this event, you think that your life or others' lives are in danger. [ (Affairs, 2009) ]You may feel afraid or feel you have no control over what is happening. [ (Affairs, 2009) ]PTSD from combat is not always acknowledged by the individual suffering from it because of embarrassment, fear of being medically discharged, lack of understanding about what is happening to them, and a variety of other reasons. [ (Affairs, 2009) ]As a person suffers through this disorder without having a proper medical diagnosis or understanding, their life may become very difficult to cope with. [ (Affairs, 2009) ] The exact rate of PTSD in women veterans is unknown. (Iowa, 2007)Studies conducted after the Gulf War concluded that female service members were more likely than their male counterparts to develop PTSD. Iowa, 2007)This is consistent with the 2 to 1 ratio of female to male PTSD sufferers in the general population. (Iowa, 2007) Women are seeking help due to both war trauma and victimization by their peers. (Iowa, 2007) Military sexual trauma is the term used by the VA to refer to a variety of sexual offenses ranging from verbal sexual harassment to assault and rape. (Iowa, 2007) The Veterans Health Care Act of 1992 authorized new and expanded services for women veterans including outreach and counseling services for sexual trauma incurred while serving on active duty. Iowa, 2007) Treatment of PTSD in women who have served in combat is in its infancy. (Iowa, 2007)A treatment intervention known as â€Å"Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)† is being used by the VA along with a cognitive approach. (Iowa, 2007)PE therapy gradually exposes the client to images of the threatening experience and has the client repeatedly recount his or her traumatic (Iowa, 2007)memories. Presently, 600 therapists are being trained in these approaches for treatment of female veterans with combat trauma. Iowa, 2007) Women’s Veterans Program Managers are now being placed at VA medical centers across the country. (Iowa, 2007)There are also programs for women who are homeless and those who are at risk of becoming homeless. (Iowa, 2007) I think that time will either be for our advantage as a country and a lesson learned allowing us to implement devices that will help our heroes as they make their journey inwardly and outwardly homeward bound. So they can sleep at night without worries of the war and the things that dominated days and nights while defending America. Posttraumatic stress disorder In your opinion, is the government doing enough regarding the diagnosis/treatment of mental illness and PTDS for our returning Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans. (2-3 pages) No, I don’t believe that the U. S. Government is serving the populace in the most diligently way possible. Today which is different from the service people of even my father’s era? In his day back in 1946 WWII had just ended. Though women were on the front lines as nurses they weren’t there as a moving part of the military, flying planes, driving tanks, on board of ships to bearing a weapon. Times are a changing! Poor grammar yes but that was the way that phrase goes. Now today also gays and Lesbians are allowed to be â€Å"Out and proud†! We were always there just now we have a voice and a Right to openly serve. We have always been in the military defending our neighbors. Now like the melting pot that holds all the different variations that can cause mental anguish that allows PTSD to rear its ugly head it seems the variations are un-limited. Now some emotions might be stirred by hatred within the units in the field wielded toward their fellow fighting commandants’. I’d not sure but I would imagine that during Korea and Vietnam women made up maybe only a slight population of the MASH (Mobile Ambulance Surgery Hospital)Bombs bursting around them as well as our poor wounded soldiers can be added to other outward disturbances that can cause PTSD in the Medical Corps. Women who were nurses, in the Civil War, â€Å"Clara Barton†, one of the well known historic nurses that changed for the better care of our battled heroes. Stress is a killer also a side effect of PTSD, suicide. There is a story of two sisters (twins) that both were aboard the sister ship of the Titanic called the Lusitania. The Lusitania was used as a hospital ship in WWI. It carried the wounded, the near death and in some cases the dead. Screams and the smell of the infections haunted one of the sisters to take her life by leaping to her watery death. Her sister’s courage weighed heavy upon the sister who lived till the end of the second trip home from France where the injured boarded. Upon arriving home she resigned and went about her life; unfortunately the sounds of the ship and the pain of her missing sister was I guess you might say the death of her. Her health fell into ruins and her days were marked, she never wed and died before she was 50. According to The US Department of Veterans Affairs (Affairs, 2009), PTSD is defined as â€Å"an anxiety disorder that can occur after you have been through a traumatic event. [ (Affairs, 2009) ]A traumatic event is something horrible or scary that you see or that happens to you. During this event, you think that your life or others' lives are in danger. [ (Affairs, 2009) ]You may feel afraid or feel you have no control over what is happening. [ (Affairs, 2009) ]PTSD from combat is not always acknowledged by the individual suffering from it because of embarrassment, fear of being medically discharged, lack of understanding about what is happening to them, and a variety of other reasons. [ (Affairs, 2009) ]As a person suffers through this disorder without having a proper medical diagnosis or understanding, their life may become very difficult to cope with. [ (Affairs, 2009) ] The exact rate of PTSD in women veterans is unknown. (Iowa, 2007)Studies conducted after the Gulf War concluded that female service members were more likely than their male counterparts to develop PTSD. Iowa, 2007)This is consistent with the 2 to 1 ratio of female to male PTSD sufferers in the general population. (Iowa, 2007) Women are seeking help due to both war trauma and victimization by their peers. (Iowa, 2007) Military sexual trauma is the term used by the VA to refer to a variety of sexual offenses ranging from verbal sexual harassment to assault and rape. (Iowa, 2007) The Veterans Health Care Act of 1992 authorized new and expanded services for women veterans including outreach and counseling services for sexual trauma incurred while serving on active duty. Iowa, 2007) Treatment of PTSD in women who have served in combat is in its infancy. (Iowa, 2007)A treatment intervention known as â€Å"Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)† is being used by the VA along with a cognitive approach. (Iowa, 2007)PE therapy gradually exposes the client to images of the threatening experience and has the client repeatedly recount his or her traumatic (Iowa, 2007)memories. Presently, 600 therapists are being trained in these approaches for treatment of female veterans with combat trauma. Iowa, 2007) Women’s Veterans Program Managers are now being placed at VA medical centers across the country. (Iowa, 2007)There are also programs for women who are homeless and those who are at risk of becoming homeless. (Iowa, 2007) I think that time will either be for our advantage as a country and a lesson learned allowing us to implement devices that will help our heroes as they make their journey inwardly and outwardly homeward bound. So they can sleep at night without worries of the war and the things that dominated days and nights while defending America.

Marketing Report of the Amul Company, Including the Swot, Tows, Ifsa, Efas Essay

1.0 Introduction 1.1 Background of the Industry The dairy industry plays an important role in the socio-economic development of India. The dairy industry in India is instrumental in providing cheap nutritional food to the vast population of India and also generates huge employment opportunities for people in rural places. The Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying, and Fisheries, which falls under the central Ministry of Agriculture, is responsible for all the matters relating to dairy development in the country. This department provides advice to the state governments and Union Territories in formulating programs and policies for dairy development To keep focus on the dairy industry a premier institution known as the National Dairy Development Board was established. This institution is a statutory body that was established in 1987. The main aim to set up the board was to accelerate the pace of dairy development in the country and attract new investments. India is a wonderland for investors looking for investment opportunities in the dairy industry. The dairy industry holds great potential for investment in India and promises high returns to the investors. The reasons why the industry has huge potential for attracting new foreign investment are: 1. There is a basic raw material need for the dairy industry; that is, milk is available in abundance. 2. India has a plentiful supply of technically skilled laborers. 3. There is an easy availability of technological infrastructure. 4. India has all the key elements required for a free market system. 1.2 Company History AMUL was set up in 1946 and its full form is Anand Milk-producers Union Ltd. The Brand Amul is a movement in dairy cooperative in India. The management of the brand name is done by the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (GCMMF) which is a cooperative organization based in Gujarat. 1.3 Analysis of Vision and Mission VISION: ‘liberate our farmers from economic oppression and leave them to prosperity’. MISSION: ‘Dairy cooperatives of Gujarat turnover to be Rs. 27,000 crores by 2020’. Objective: To ensure that the maximum share of the consumer‟s rupee goes back to the milk producers. After analyzing the vision and mission of the company it is pretty sure that the company would strive to expand its distribution network, would involve its manpower in creative marketing, plan for consumer education and product innovation, would leverage effectively on rising levels, grow affluence among Indian consumers and would tap the rising demand for new value added products. 1.4 About AMUL 1.4.1 Location Amul is located in the Anand district which is in the state of Gujarat and it has set up itself as a model for development in the rural areas. For Amul brand has started the White Revolution of India which has helped to make the country the biggest manufacturer of milk and it‟s by products in the whole world. Amul has around 2.6 million producer members and the total capacity for handling milk is around 10.16 million liters every day. The brand’s capacity for milk drying is around 594 Mts. each day and its capacity for cattle feed manufacturing is about 2640 Mts. each day. 1.4.2 Product Portfolio Amul is the biggest brand in the pouched milk sector in the world and in India it is the biggest food brand. Amul’s range of products includes milk, ghee, milk powders, curd, ice cream, paneer, cream, chocolate, cheese, butter, and shrikhand. 1.4.3 Brand Umbrella The various brands of Amul’s bread spreads are Amul Lite, Amul Butter, and Delicious Table Margarine. ï‚ · The Brand Amul’s milk drinks are sold under various names such as Amul Kool, Amul Kool Cafe, Kool Koko, Amul Kool Chocolate Milk, and Amul Masti Spiced Amul’s powder milk is sold under many names like Amulya Dairy Whitener, Sugar Tea Coffee Whitener, Sugar Skimmed Milk Powder, and Amul Instant Full Cream Milk Powder. The brand’s cheeses are also sold under various names such as Gouda Cheese, Amul Cheese Spreads, and Amul Emmental Cheese. Amul Brand’s desserts are sold under many names like Amul Basundi, Amul Lassee, Gulab Jamun Mix, Amul Shrikhand, and Amul Ice Creams. 1.4.4 Business Markets Amul exports its products to various countries such as USA, Australia, Mauritius, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, UAE, and Bangladesh. Amul has often had a special connection with the film industry. A collation of some of the brilliant Amul adverts over the years is as follows:- 2.0 Environmental Analysis 2.1 STEEP Analysis This STEEP analysis provides concentrated information about Social, Technological, Economical, Ecological and Political aspects that effect Amul directly or indirectly. 2.1.1 Social Amul has effected social change at the village level i.e. people stand in line to deliver their milk without trying to take short cuts. They do not complain if they have to stand behind an untouchable in the line. Hence, the cooperative has thus given a deathblow to the caste system in its own way. Also Amul provided women an opportunity to have a voice in the â€Å"home economy† as they are the major participants in the program. 2.1.2 Technological GCMMF’s technology strategy is characterized by four distinct components: New products, Process technology, Complementary assets to enhance milk production, E-commerce GCMMF was one of the first FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) firms in India to employ Internet technologies to implement B2C commerce. Customers can order a variety of products through the Internet and be assured of timely delivery with cash payment upon receipt. Another e-initiative underway is to provide farmers access to information relating to markets, technology and best practices in the dairy industry through net enabled kiosks in the villages. GCMMF has also implemented a Geographical Information System (GIS) at both ends of the supply chain, i.e. milk collection as well as the marketing process. 2.1.3 Economical GCMMF proved that efficiency of co-operatives can successfully counter the recessionary trends of the economy thereby ensuring consistent livelihood to the farmer producer and offering value for money products to its consumers. For the third consecutive year, it has posted a double digit growth turnover reaching Rs. 6700 crores. Pandemic economic turmoil has taken its toll, as international prices of all major dairy products have declined drastically in recent months. However, with its sharp focus on domestic Indian market, Amul has successfully insulated Indian farmers from all the turbulence in global dairy trade. It is already providing the best employment option for displaced workers from urban manufacturing sector, who after losing their jobs due to recession, have started reverse migration from cities back to villages 2.1.4 Ecological GCMMF could foresee the impact of below normal monsoon in August 2009 itself and started planning to maintain milk production, procurement and inventory levels. Also, at a time when due to lower production of cereals, fodder prices had jumped almost two-fold, GCMMF enhanced the supplies of cattle-feed to milk producers and maintained its prices below cost and were able to provide better returns to the milk producers to overcome the stress of draught 2.1.5 Political Tussle for the chairmanship of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Limited (GCMMF), the apex marketing body, emerged as the core issue among political parties. These parties planned gain entry into the cooperative giant‟s affairs. Mr. Bhatol, who was enjoying his second three-year term, was a consensus candidate last year, even as the main political parties failed to choose a new head. Now, barely a year after his taking over for the second term, Mr. Bhatol is under pressure to relinquish the office. 2.2 Issue Priority Matrix Fig 1: Issue Priority Matrix for Amul 2.3 Porter’s Five Forces Model Fig 2: Porter’s Five Forces Model 1. Bargaining Power of Suppliers GCMMF is a cooperative, which means it conducts business by collecting from large number of individual farmers who rely upon the cooperative to give them better price for their produce. Therefore the bargaining power of such suppliers is low. Twenty nine lakhs milk producers gain higher profits only through the co-operative which in turn drives down their bargaining power. 2. Bargaining Power of Buyers There are already other co-operatives existing in India, having their own established brands, which reduce the loyalty of current customers, thereby increasing their bargaining power. 3. Rivalry Among Competitors The market is highly competitive, existence of several players which have already established channels and partners constantly push the envelope. The competition exists locally, nationally and internationally. 4. Threat From Substitute Although no real substitute exist for milk, however competition offers low priced products as well as variety, from skimmed milk to full cream as well as milk powder. 5. Barriers To Entry The competition among existing players is very intense and grown over the years from collection of more and more producers. The producers only supply to such established brands due to their reach and ability to maximize profits. Also the industry is capital intensive along with several legal barriers. Although an innovative2.4 Industry Matrix Key Success Factors Weight Amul Amul Score Mother Mother Dairy Weighted Score 1. Strong supply chain partnerships 2. Efficient control and coordination of the network 3. High returns for the suppliers 4. Use of technology to solve problems 5. Infrastructure 6. Marketing 7. Product quality 8. Wide product portfolio 9. Investment and resources 10. Product availability 0.10 4.0 0.40 3.0 0.30 4.0 0.40 0.05 4.0 0.20 4.0 0.20 3.5 0.17 0.03 0.04 0.20 0.25 0.18 2.5 3.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 0.075 0.12 1 1.25 0.90 3.0 4.0 4.0 2.5 3.5 0.90 0.16 0.80 0.625 0.63 5.0 4.0 5.0 5.0 4.0 0.15 0.16 1 1.25 0.72 0.05 3.5 0.175 4.0 0.20 3.5 0.17 0.05 4.0 0.20 5.0 0.25 5.0 0.25 0.05 4.0 0.20 5.0 0.25 5.0 0.25 Rating Nestle Nestle Score The key success factors of Amul in the industry affect industry rival‟s ability to expand in the competition, raw material availability, packaging, cost, marketing, product design, reputation & credibility, quality and others. These factors are very critical and all players like have to control over them. They change from time to time and affect the finances and the competition. The current industry matrix puts Nestle at the top among others. Although the matrix is not exhaustive and does not include all market leading companies, it still shows where the gaps are and the critical success factors. Nestle takes the lead because of high quality products and aggressive marketing, also the standards and technology used by Nestle is superior than Amul or Mother Dairy, which are domestic brands. Products availability is important factor, since even one miss pushes the customer to seek a different competitor. Amul however is not far behind and can catch up in areas of technology and marketing. 2.4 Key Success Factors The key success factors of the Amul industry are those things that affect industry members ability to prosper in the market place-accessibility to raw materials, packaging cost focus, Advertisement, product design, reputation & credibility, quality control, strategic alliances, are ultimately so important that all firms in the industry must pay close attention to them. These key factors of success are critical in the dairy industry in particular, as they are the factors that shape whether a company will be financially and competitively successful. These critical factors may vary from time to time within the industry as driving forces and competitive conditions change. After calculating the weighted score for all three companies, it seems that Nestle has got the highest weighted score compared to the other two companies. This is because Nestle is able to achieve a high score in product availability success factor and Advertisement success factor. Nestle plays a lead role in advertisement. Their marketing strategy is to reach each and every one through advertisements. They spend a lot in terms of Advertisements. While goodwill plays an important role for Amul, as it‟s been in the market from past three generations, so the advertisement is the least role for their strategy. Still Amul does come up with taglines of movies and current affairs. 3.0 Factor Analysis 3.1 Internal Factor Analysis Summary (IFAS) Internal factors Strengths 1. Wide diversity of 0.15 5.0 0.75 Expansion opportunities 0.15 0.10 5.0 4.5 0.75 0.45 low overall costs market leader available products 2. Economies of scale 3. Largest co-operative Weight Rating Weighted Score Comments for milk products 4. Strong supply chain 5. Leading national player 0.05 0.05 4.0 3.5 0.20 0.17 Strong network wide consumer support Weaknesses 1. Lack of scalability 2. Low control over milk yield 3. Transportation delay 4. Inferior technology 5. Low investment Total 0.15 0.10 0.10 1.00 3.5 3.5 2.5 0.52 0.35 0.25 3.86 0.10 0.05 3.0 2.5 0.30 0.12 Saturation Bovine Population Road Infrastructure Old technology No newer investments In the last few years, the cooperative has successfully launched several new product lines, which have been popular among different age groups. In order to leverage from their distribution network, to optimize market supervision expenditures, to achieve increasing efficiency while keeping the distribution infrastructure lean, focused and productive, the amalgamation of its different distribution networks was done. Control over supply chain with industry best practices makes Amul the market leader in dairy products in India. Amul has 14 created social cohesion, employment opportunities, societal infrastructure, milch animal rearing practices, hygiene and sanitation awareness through safe milk concepts etc. Milk products create an inherent weakness, which is perishability. The product can lose quality in a small time scope, therefore several other strengths relating to storage, movement and related logistics have to be improved. Another weakness is that some of the products are very unpopular and cannot compete with other players; this weakness is in terms of frozen products, which are considered low in quality. The marketing for these products is missing and does not appropriately position it. Technology and transportation remain basic weaknesses which mar the efficiency of the entire supply chain. 3.2 External Factor Analysis Summary (EFAS) As a Global enterprise, Amul will be meeting global demands and ensure greater productivity and the opportunity to enhance integration in order to increase efficiency and effectiveness in the business. It already has wide geographic positions and hence this will give it an advantage to get access to gain presence in mature markets. Efforts to exploit export potential are already on, as Amul is exporting to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and the Middle East. By following the new GATT treaty, opportunities have increased tremendously for the export of agri-products in general and dairy products in particular. Local competitors are the major problem facing by Amul. They sell their products at a lower price, since being a low capital company; they have fewer expenses to take care of. Secondly as the environmental costs are rising day by day, it‟s getting tough to carry the same pricing throughout. Thus cutting down the extra cost will surely help. Adulteration is also a major threat to quality that takes place due to illiterate farmers from remote villages. 3.3 Strategic Factor Analysis Summary (SFAS) There are certain strategic factors, which are with a long-term mission, and some need to be addressed in the short term. There are other factors, which do not fall into either of the terms mentioned above; they are classified as intermediate term. 16 3.3.1 Short Term The strategic factors that the company needs to satisfy in the short run are Economies of scale as it can change by building few more storage capacity at their new projects. This will also benefit in global expansion of the company. As short term defines a period of a year or so, the solution should be found within a year for a proper success. 3.3.2 Intermediate Term The strategic factors that the company needs to consider during this term are lower yield management, supply chain demand and rising environmental costs. These are classified into intermediate duration because the company must be able to overcome its weaknesses, make use of the opportunities and defeat the threats. All this must be done at the right time to ensure efficient results. In this case the factors are such that the earliest (short term) might not be the best decision to make, as the duration might not be sufficient to overcome all the issues with a clear outlay. 3.3.3 Long Term The strategic factors that the company needs to satisfy during this period are the strength of having a wide range of products. They must be able to continue to maintain many products varieties and build on them efficiently. Using R & D (Research and Development) to overcome the problem of pasteurization as well as satisfying growing global demand is not an easy task and hence requires time and efficiency to meet the needs globally. Last but not least is overcoming the threat of competitors in the long run. 4.0 SWOT Analysis 4.1 Strengths Demand profile: Absolutely optimistic. Milk being a necessity product, the demand will stay and the sales at GCMMF are bound to increase over a period of time. ï‚ · Margins: Quite reasonable, even on packed liquid milk. The margins are enough Flexibility of product mix: Tremendous. With balancing equipment, GCMMF Availability of raw material: Abundant. Presently, more than 80 per cent of to limit the entry of potential entrants. has kept adding a wide array of products to its product line. ï‚ · milk produced is flowing into the unorganized sector, which requires proper channelization. Amul & GCMMF have leveraged this and has got itself a strong base of suppliers who provide them milk throughout the year. Large number of dairy plants in public and cooperative sectors besides several others coming up in the private sector would result in competition. Because of this the end consumer would benefit and a good product mix would emerge. ï‚ · Technical manpower: Professionally trained, technical human resource pool, built over last 30 years is the strength that GCMMF has. The employees of GCCMF are highly recognized in the industry and have earned name for themselves as well as the federation. ï‚ · Enhanced milk production: Increase in the milk production with consequently increased availability of milk processing has led to increase in consumption and faster access to the consumers through effective distribution. The technology is brought from Denmark and the production of milk has benefited from that. ï‚ · Transportation: The transportation facilities and the easy availability of the special trucks have provided a boost. Cold refrigerated trucks are there in place and the warehouses also have the cold storage facilities that facilitate the transportation. ï‚ · Vast resources: Country has vast natural resources which offer immense potential growth and development for dairying. Moreover the financial resources available with the federation are immense and the reputation is such that in case of any further requirements, it can approach any institution and raise any form of capital. Increasing purchase power and changing tastes of the consumers: The purchasing power of the residents is increasing. As a result a lot of products are being consumed. Moreover, the consuming habits are changing. As a result, the demand for products such as butter and cheese is increasing at a very rapid rate. 4.2 Weaknesses Perishability: Pasteurization has overcome this weakness partially. UHT gives milk long life. Still perishability is there at the milk vendor‟s end. This does result in loss of some production. But Amul Dairy is taking steps to store milk at the vendors end. Surely, many new processes will follow to improve milk quality and extend its shelf life. ï‚ · Lack of control over yield: Theoretically, there is little control over milk yield. A lot depends upon the monsoon in the country. This is because of the quality of cattle feed that would be available will not have the required nutritional content. Steps are taken to provide awareness regarding these and the penetration of quality feed is being increased. Moreover, increased awareness of developments like embryo transplant, artificial insemination and properly managed animal husbandry practices, coupled with higher income to rural milk producers should automatically lead to improvement in milk yields. ï‚ · Logistics of procurement: Woes of bad roads and inadequate transportation facility make milk procurement problematic. All these factors lead to perishability of the procured milk. But with the overall economic improvement in India, these problems would also get solved. ï‚ · Erratic power supply: The erratic power supply would cause harm in the Underdeveloped systems: There still exist underdeveloped raw milk collection processing of milk. systems in some parts of the country. However steps are being taken such as setting up of cold storage points at key collection centers to combat the situation. ï‚ · Lack of proper implementation: Dairy development programmes have not been fully implemented as per the needs of the region in different agro-climatic zones. Infrastructure: The infrastructure that is available is not up to the current world Also lack of infrastructure for offering dairy business management standards. programmes to the trained personnel is creating a hindrance. 4.3 Opportunities â€Å"Failure is never final, and success never ending†. Dr Kurien bears out this statement perfectly. He entered the industry when there were only threats. He met failure headon, and now he clearly is an example of „never ending success‟. If dairy entrepreneurs are looking for opportunities in India, the following areas must be tapped: ï‚ · Competition: With so many newcomers entering this industry, competition is becoming tougher day by day. But then competition has to be faced as a ground reality. The market is large enough for many to carve out their niche. Moreover due to competition, there is a chance to better serve the market with innovative products. ï‚ · Value addition: There is a phenomenal scope for innovations in product development, packaging and presentation. Given below are potential areas of value addition: o Steps should be taken to introduce value-added products like shrikhand, ice creams, paneer, khoa, flavored milk, dairy sweets, etc. This will lead to a greater presence and flexibility in the market place along with opportunities in the field of brand building. Addition of cultured products like yoghurt and cheese lend further strength both in terms of utilization of resources and presence in the market place. Yet another aspect can be the addition of infant foods, geriatric foods and nutritional. Export potential: Efforts to exploit export potential are already on. Amul is exporting to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and the Middle East. Following the new GATT treaty, opportunities will increase tremendously for the export of agri-products in general and dairy products in particular. There is a strong basis of cost efficiency, which GCMMF can leverage in the world market. ï‚ · Markets: The market for the traditional as wells as processed dairy products is expanding both at the domestic and international front. IT support: Software is now available for project formulation for dairy enterprise. It has also computerized its production processes. Mother Dairy was the first fully computerized dairy in India. In its Anand plant all products are processed computerized, which does not have any hand touch during any stage of process. 4.4 Threats Milk vendors, the un-organized sector: Today milk vendors are occupying the pride of place in the industry. Organized dissemination of information about the harm that they are doing to producers and consumers should see a steady decline in their importance. ï‚ · ï‚ · Infestation: There are increasing incidents of chemical contaminants as well as Quality: The quality of the milk is found to be poor as compared to the residual antibiotics in milk. international standards. One of the reasons for these according to the EU and America is the method of milching the milk. In these nations the milk is hands by the farmers owning the cattle do milched with the help of machines, while in India. ï‚ · Exploitation: The liberalization of the Dairy Industry is likely to be exploited by the multinationals. They will be interested manufacturing the milk products, which yield high profits. It will create milk shortage in the country adversely affecting the consumers. ï‚ · Subsidy by Western Nations: There have been incidences wherein the Western nations subsidizing the dairy products by a few means like transportation. Because of such reasons the final price of the product goes below the prices prevailing in the Indian Market. Hence it proves a threat to GCMMF‟s and other Indian dairy products. ï‚ · Creation of Non Tariff Barriers by Developed Nations: The Developed Nations have created Non Tariff Barriers related to Quality of the milk specifically. They want that the milk be processed with potable Air and Water. They also want that the milching of cattle be done with the help of machines. However this type if system is yet to evolve in India. Because of these reasons they are reducing the market potential of Indian made products, where GCMMF holds a lion‟s share. The study of this SWOT analysis shows that the „strengths‟ and „opportunities‟ far outweigh „weaknesses‟ and „threats‟. Strengths and opportunities are fundamental and weaknesses and threats are transitory. Any investment idea can do well only when you have three essential ingredients: Entrepreneurship (the ability to take risks), Innovative approach (in product lines and marketing) and Values (of quality/ethics). 5.0 TOWS Analysis 5.1 SO Strategies (Maxi-Maxi) Amul can use the strategies that have been formed after in-depth strategic analysis of the company and its industry. Some suggestions in this case would be to increase productivity by using cost effective manufacturing techniques. Also, increase demand for their products world over by first gaining more exposure to the global market. With the use of expansion strategy, it can overcome the location issue, as Amul can expand more areas and it will make the distribution of channel areas easier and convenient. 5.2 ST Strategies (Maxi-Mini) Amul must put into action some of these strategic options to meet the threats‟ using its strengths. Product differentiation is very important to differentiate Amul from the competitors, as it can tackle down the competitor‟s product if Amul products are more outstanding and different from its competitors. Options available can be classified as product elimination and diversification strategy, value marketing strategy and also developing hygienic processing facilities. These are some of the main areas of focus under this section. 5.3 WO Strategies (Mini-Maxi) The strategies formulated to overcome the weakness through opportunities are increase of opportunity through new GATT treaty, develop new process to improve the quality and shelf life of milk and milk products, this can be achieved through pasteurization, homogenization and many other processes like producing UHT milk etc. finally to also increase awareness of scientific developments. 5.4 WT Strategies (Mini-Maxi) The strategies that have been formed to overcome the weakness and threats in Amul company and the dairy industry as a whole are to apply efficient and economical procurement of products. Secondly, to have control over the logistics and to maintain them efficiently. Lastly, create the right type of product positioning for the various product categories that Amul deals with. 6.0 Corporate and Operational Strategies 6.1 Corporate Strategy The strategic factor that the company satisfies is the strength of having a wide range of products. They must be able to continue to maintain many products varieties and build on them efficiently. Using R & D to overcome the problem of pasteurization as well as satisfying growing global demand is not an easy task and hence requires time and efficiency to meet the needs globally. Last but not least is overcoming the threat of competitors in the long run. Recent Strategic choice of Amul consist of moving consumers from lose milk to packaged milk and gradually move them up the value chain, strong supply chain design and improving the socio-economic condition of the consumer anchors the desire to enhance lifestyle. Placing a product in that part of the market where it will receive a favorable reception compared to competing products is the most recent strategy implemented by Amul. In case of Amul it has a positioning strategy and it is â€Å"The taste of India†. This had created value for everyone in value chain, be it customers or the suppliers/farmers. The USP for Amul is Quality with affordability, which appeals to most of the targeted markets. Amul positioned itself with India‟s first pro-biotic wellness ice cream and sugar free delights for diabetics. This was based on good strategies of positioning which helps increase awareness and also improve brand image. They expanded their products in terms of those that can be used even by those who are restricted from consumption due to medical reasons. Amul also priced their products such that it made competitor â€Å"Kwality Walls† rethink their marketing/pricing strategy. This type of product positioning has proved beneficial to Amul and so they must come up with many more of such ideas and products that can help them move forward. 6.2 Operational Strategy 6.2.1 Marketing Strategies GCMMF has become very popular because of its excellent marketing strategy. GCMMF marketing strategy is to understand the consumer needs, develop products that provide superior value at fewer prices. GCMMF has shown a tremendous commitment to the floodwater situations. GCMMF has never stopped the supply of milk and other milk products. And unlike other competitors, it has never taken wrong benefits in these kinds of situations. It has developed an excellent distribution channel to provide its products to the consumers. It has made its products available in each part of Gujarat & India. GCMMF has an excellent distribution. It is its distribution channel, which has made it so popular. GCMMF‟s products like milk and milk products are perishable. It becomes that much important for them to have a good distribution. Wholesaler r Retailer Consumer Fig 3: Distribution Chart The products change hands for three times before it reaches to the final consumer. First of all the products are stored at the Agents end who are mere facilitators in the network. Then the products are sold to wholesale dealers who then sell to retailers and then the product finally reaches the consumers. 6.2.2 Finance Strategies Financial management is that managerial activity which is concerned with the planning and controlling of the firm‟s financial resources. Finance is nothing to other but the money. Money is necessary input for economic activities. In the other wards â€Å"Finance is the common denominator for carrying out vast range of corporate objectives.† This is a co-operative unit, so the finance is raised from members by a way of share capital. In this share capital is limited. This unit has invested so many rupees in the structure of organization. Amul has a long-term finance project. 6.2.2.1 Financial Details Name of Bankers 1. The Kaira District Central Co-operative Bank Ltd. 2. State Bank of India 3. State Bank of Saurashtra 4. UTI Bank Ltd 5. Corporate Bank 6.2.3 Human Resource Strategy The success to any industrial unit depends upon their effective personnel department. Personnel department is basically commercial with human resource of an enterprise and it also continues procurement, development, non-monetary comparison, integration and maintenance of the personnel purpose of contribution towards the accomplishment of the organization‟s major goal and objectives. Amul‟s recruitment and selection process is very systematic and comprehensive. All division head in inform about their manpower requirements. According to the requirement of the personnel division they get require employees by resources like postal services employment exchange education institution and advertisement. Amul Dairy receives lots of applications in response to their advertisement. These forms contain general information about the candidates. Then forms are to be checked 27 by authorized person and after scrutinizing eliminate the unqualified applications. Short listed Applicants are called for personal interview. Interview committee conducts this interview. When applicants are too many, then they conduct a written test. Those who pass this test are called for interview and are selected on the basis of smart selection process. 6.2.3.1 Sources of Recruitment ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · By giving advertisement in news papers Labour Union Voluntary Organization Leasing Contract Private Employment Agency Government Employment Exchange School, Colleges, Universities and Professional Institutes Recommendation of present Employee Recruitment as Temporary Workers 7.0 Future Strategies ï‚ · Expanding the processing and packaging capacity to meet growing demands. In a bid to pump up volumes, ï‚ · Amul is also extending its distribution network to reach new markets. The core strategy is to further consolidate the operations in existing markets which includes Kolkata. ï‚ · Also, it is beefing up the marketing and advertising strategy to sustain its leadership. The company‟s long term strategy also includes foray into South India. ï‚ · To achieve and maintain competitive advantage, innovation in product design and delivery are increasingly essential. ï‚ · To innovate at each stage in value chain – production, procurement, processing, marketing and branding. ï‚ · Launching „Dairy Demonstration Project‟ which is a collective effort of the Union and Bank. The project envisages encouraging the farmers to use high yielding animals and modern aids to increase production. 8.0 References 1. Bowonder, B.; Prasad, Raghu; Kotla, Anup, International Journal of Services Technology & Management, 2005, ICT application in a dairy industry: the eexperience of Amul. 2. Dairy Industries International, Aug2007, Amul becomes top Indian co-operative. 3. Dr. Kurien., â€Å"Amul, The Kaira District Cooperative Milk Producers‟ Union Ltd. Anand, 50 Years of Milk & Health.† 4. Goldberg, Ray A., Knoop, Carin-Isabel, Sunder, Srinivas Ramdas, Harvard Business School Cases, Nov 1998, Amul and India’s National Dairy Development Board. 5. Bellur, Venkatakrishna V.; Singh, Saraswathi P.; Chaganti, Radharao; Chaganti, Rajeswararao. Long Range Planning, December b1990, The White Revolution — How Amul Brought Milk to India. 6. Manikutty, S., Asian Case Research Journal, Dec2002, Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. (GCMMF). 7. Wheelen, Thomas L. and Hunger, David J, Concepts in strategic management and business policy, 12th edition. 8. Scholes and Whitti ngton, Exploring Corporate Strategy, 7th edition. 8.1 Web References 1. www.amul.com/ 2. www.business.mapsofindia.com/sectors/manufacturing/amul.html 3. www.gcmmf.coop/ 4. www.nddb.org 9.0 Appendix 9.1 List of Products Marketed Bread Spreads ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · Amul Butter Amul Lite Low Fat Breadspread Amul Cooking Butter Cheese Range Amul Pasteurized Processed Cheddar Cheese Amul Processed Cheese Spread Amul Pizza (Mozarella) Cheese Amul Shredded Pizza Cheese Amul Emmental Cheese Amul Gouda Cheese Amul Malai Paneer (cottage cheese), Frozen, Refrigerated and Tinned Utterly Delicious Pizza Mithaee Range (Ethnic Sweets) ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · Amul Shrikhand (Mango, Saffron, Almond Pistachio, Cardamom) Amul Amrakhand Amul Mithaee Gulabjamuns Amul Mithaee Gulabjamun Mix Amul Mithaee Kulfi Mix Avsar Ladoos UHT Milk Range Amul Shakti 3% fat Milk Amul Taaza 1.5% fat Milk Amul Gold 4.5% fat Milk Amul Lite Slim-n-Trim Milk 0% fat milk Amul Shakti Toned Milk Amul Fresh Cream 31 Amul Snowcap Softy Mix Pure Ghee Amul Pure Ghee Sagar Pure Ghee Amul Cow Ghee Amul Infant Milk Formula 1 (0-6 months) Amul Infant Milk Formula 2 (6 months above) Amulspray Infant Milk Food Milk Powders ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · Amul Full Cream Milk Powder Amulya Dairy Whitener Sagar Skimmed Milk Powder Sagar Tea and Coffee Whitener Sweetened Condensed Milk Amul Mithaimate Sweetened Condensed Milk Fresh Milk Amul Taaza Toned Milk 3% fat Amul Gold Full Cream Milk 6% fat Amul Shakti Standardized Milk 4.5% fat Amul Slim & Trim Double Toned Milk 1.5% fat Amul Saathi Skimmed Milk 0% fat Amul Cow Milk Yogi Sweetened Flavored Dahi (Dessert) Amul Masti Dahi (fresh curd) Amul Butter Milk Royal Treat Range (Rajbhog, Cappuchino, Chocochips, Butterscotch, Tutti Frutti) Nut-o-Mania Range (Kaju Drakshi, Kesar Pista, Roasted Almond, Kesar Carnival, Badshahi Badam Kulfi, Shista Pista Kulfi) Utsav Range (Anjir, Roasted Almond) Simply Delicious Range (Vanilla, Strawberry, Pineapple, Rose, Chocolate) Nature’s Treat (Alphanso Mango, Fresh Litchi, Anjir, Fresh Strawberry, Black Currant) Sundae Range (Mango, Black Currant, Chocolate, Strawberry) Millennium Ice cream (Cheese with Almonds, Dates with Honey) Milk Bars (Chocobar, Mango Dolly, Raspberry Dolly, Shahi Badam Kulfi, Shahi Pista Kulfi, Mawa Malai Kulfi, Green Pista Kulfi) Cool Candies (Orange, Mango) Cassatta Tricone Cones (Butterscotch, Chocolate) Megabite Almond Cone Frostik – 3 layer chocolate Bar Fundoo Range – exclusively for kids SlimScoop Fat Free Frozen Dessert (Vanilla, Banana, Mango, Pineapple) Health Isabcool Chocolate & Confectionery Amul Milk Chocolate Amul Fruit & Nut Chocolate Brown Beverage Nutramul Malted Milk Food Milk Drink Amul Kool Flavoured Milk Health Beverage Amul Shakti White Milk Food Ready to Serve Soups Masti Tomato Soup Masti Hot & Sour Soup Recently launched Amul Ganthiya