Computers Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Computers - Research Paper Example This further took a new dimension when the web 2.0 was introduced with offers like social networking sites, blogs, and other similar features which made it more interesting and hard to resist and avoid. The intensity of the usage and its presence in our daily life can be imagined by the fact that just a single website has as many as eighty million members on it. With time the progress made by computers was so enormous that they crept into different disciplines of life and today they are part of every mobile phone, every television set, every refrigerator and every screen that is out on the road and in the sports gymnasiums. Mid 80s: While the first twenty years were slow in progress with regard to computer’s development. The dominant force in those times was I.B.M and computers were quite large in size. The changes came in, in time when the black and white and colorless scheme was replaced by the colored screens. The command line interface (C.L.I) was replaced by Graphic User Interface (G.U.I) and it brought more interest in to it(Kumar, 51). Apple Computer Inc. (now Apple Inc) was the pioneer in this regard and introduced resulted in more interest attraction from the customers (O'Grady, 32). The next step in the overall journey was the reduction of sizes of computers. While at first the computers were not able to be handled by single user and mainframe computers were quite common which were only limited to organizational usage, they were soon replaced by the personal computers which resulted in one computer per home and one computer per room. However even this was to change and the change came in form of the monitors and display screens. The cathode ray tubes (C.R.T) were replaced by L.C.D (Liquid Crystal Displays) which... Moore rightly predicted change and increase in the number of computer electronic devices every eighteen to twenty months (Shuman, 10). Where we stand today can be the ground breaking foundation for what is to come ahead. What we consider mammoth in terms of the progress made by computers might well be the stepping stone towards more advanced technologies and with the progress so far made, it is promised to bring further revolution and change in the manner in which computers are being handled. The terabyte space which might seem large enough today might not be even sufficient to accommodate the requirements of future single hard disk drive. They have created a total new world of digital existence with lots of jobs on offer and many other activities which would not be possible otherwise. It is the true gift of 20th century that is bound to stay here for times to come.

A Case Study on Toyota Corporation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 17500 words

A Case Study on Toyota Corporation - Essay Example on 26 2.6 Integrated marketing corporation 27 2.7 Brand restructuring 29 2.8 Brand communication 30 2.9 Brand recall strategy 30 2.10 The Toyota brand strategy 31 2.11 Conceptual framework 32 Chapter 3: Research Methodology 35 3.1 Overview 35 3.2 Research approach 35 3.3 Research strategy 36 3.4 Data gathering instrument 36 3.5 Description of data 37 3.5.1 Primary data 37 3.5.2 Secondary data 38 3.6 Validity and reliability 39 3.7 Sampling theory 40 3.8 Conduct of personal interviews 41 3.9 Ethical consideration 42 3.10 Limitations of the study 43 Chapter 4: Data Analysis, Discussion and Findings 44 4.1 Overview 4.2 Results of the survey and interviews 44 4.2.1 Survey questionnaire results 44 4.2.2 Interview results 52 4.3 Results of document search 55 4.3.1 Data from Toyota’s audited annual reports 55 4.3.2 Data from market studies – comparison with competitors 59 4.4 Chapter summary 63 Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendation 64 5.1 Conclusion 64 5.1.1 How branding en ables a firm to recover from the negative effects of a product recall 64 5.1.2 How Toyota’s US product recall impacted on its brand image 65 5.1.3 Measures taken by Toyota to address adverse impacts of the recall 66 5.1.4 Brand strategies Toyota should adopt to regain its former position 67 5.2 Overall recommendations for Toyota’s brand strategy 73 5.3 Recommendations for future research 75 Bibliography 77 Appendices 86 List of Tables Table 1: Consolidated vehicle production 15 Table 2: Consolidated performance 15 Table 3: Survey sample questionnaire 37 Table 4: Mean scores and interpretation of survey results 45 Table 5: Results of the regression study 49 Table 6: Model summary 49 Table 7: Comparative income statement of Toyota Motor Corporation 56 Table 8: Balance sheet of Toyota Motor... This study examined the effect on the public’s perception of the Toyota brand, and the appropriate brand strategies that the firm may adopt in order to establish once more Toyota’s brand position in the public mind for quality and reliability. It concludes that despite the negative publicity and adverse consequence of the Company’s recalls, the chances Toyota may redeem itself and assume market leadership once more are high with the help of strategic brand management particular to addressing a product recall event. The modern age of business can be defined as an age of competition. The competition within an industry is gradually increasing with the expansion of business as many new players are entering into the market. There are several reasons behind this intensifying competition. Firstly, globalisation is one of the primary reasons for expansion of trade and business that lead to increased competition. Many business organisations have found greater opportunities in overseas market, and free trade policies and agreements between multiple countries facilitated their market expansion programs (Hitt et al 2009). The domestic markets have turned into global markets that heightened competition rivalry among existing domestic and new multinational enterprises. Since last two decades, the society has been experiencing a rapid technological improvement. The technological advancements have led to change the structure of entire trade and business. The management tasks and operational process are now backed with technology like e-commerce and e-business.

Elements for AV Informed Consent Process for Clinical Trials

Elements for AV Informed Consent Process for Clinical Trials Audio video consent Guidelines Shekhar Goyal, Indra Bhadu, Akhil Kapoor Abstract: Clinical research guidelines require that every adult volunteer must agree to participate in a clinical trial after given the consent. As per the schedule Y, in all trials, a freely given, informed, written consent, free from any physical, psychological or economic points. After highlight the order of the Hon’ble Supreme court, CDSCO dated 19 Nov. 2013 has passed that all clinical trials should be audio video recording of the informed consent process along with written consent of each trial subject. Audio video consent is another best mechanism intended to improve the quality of ICF. An audio video consent of the informed consent process will protect both the subjects and the investigators. AV consent will also work as a safeguard for industry as well as investigators for future litigations, media and socialist false claims. This article highlights the audio video consent elements procedures according to present guidelines. Keywords: AV process, Clinical trials, consent, Elements, audio video Introduction: Voluntary participation in research strengthens ethical conduct, making a comprehensive; informed consent documents a critical component of research. For good clinical practice (GCP) essential elements of informed consent process and documents should be incorporated. However, there are still instances where the process is not properly conducted intentionally or due to ignorance and subjects were found to have poor comprehension of information provided or incompetent participants were recruited. There are some issues is going on when study enroll vulnerable subjects, illiterate participants or those who don’t know understandable language or investigator don’t know the local language. Indian regulatory authority has taken the strict decision to increase the confidentiality, protection of human subjects, and the transparency of the clinical research. CDSCO issued the gazette of India notification dated 7th June 2013 proposed to make the draft rule that audio – video (AV) recording of the informed consent process of individual participants by an investigator. Final decision has been taken by Supreme Court, CDSCO vide F. No. GCT/20/ SC/Clin./2013/ DCGI dated 19 Nov. 2013 has issued the directions that in all clinical trials in addition to the requirement of obtaining written informed consent, audio-video (AV) recording of the informed consent process of each participant trial subjects, including the procedure of providing information to the subjects and his/her understanding on such consent is required to be done while adhering to the principles of confidentiality. Such audio video recording and related documentation would be preserved by site at least 5 year. A video tape recording of the consent interview is also recommended by United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) in case of illiterate participants who can understand and comprehend spoken English but are physically unable to talk or write. This guideline is applicable for all Indian as well as global clinical trials which are conducted in India. Elements of Informed consent Process (AV ICF Process): Every participant/ patient before participant in the study, Principal Investigator should have provide the individual or group presentation in presence of witness or LAR in a understandable language or local language without using much more scientific words to the patients in a proper manner. PI should explain the following required Elements for AV consenting: Topic of the study and aims objective of the study Study duration with scheduler number of participants Protocol design, selection criteria timelines with follow up investigation list Foreseeable Risk benefits of the study with discomfort Alternative treatment source and procedures Data confidentiality accessible details PI study team contact details Aware about AE SAE SAE medical management compensation details in case of: Seriousness of illness If Death Statement that participant is voluntary in the study and agree for AV consenting About prorate payment Subject responsibilities (reporting of new finding, any AEs and Withdrawal from the study anytime, regular follow up, previous results) In case patient unconscious or mental illness/ unable to give informed consent process then above mentioned information should be provided to the legal acceptable representative (LAR). If the subjects or LAR both are illiterate then use the impartial witness should be present during the audio video ICF process. All the communications between investigator and patient / LAR should be recorded in proper way without any restriction in audio video process. AV consent should be taken at disturbance free room. Investigator resolves all query generated by patient and patient LAR during the audio video consent. ICF copy also given to the subjects for deeply gone through, after that process should be started with the elements and ended with sign/ thumb impression in proper section by subject/ LAR, impartial witness and investigator. Previously without AV process, consent had been taken in written format, but after stringent law to tighten the regulatory framework around clinical trials same documented should be in the form of audio video which one recorded by site / investigator for each participant trials subjects. Protocol of AV recording: At the initial of the consent process, investigator will identify the patients/LAR (in case impartial witness (IW) required then IW presence is necessary during the process). Investigator communicate to the patient, his /her understandable language otherwise interpreter arrange for inter- communication. All elements points should be communicate during the informed consent procedure Final affirmation of the subject and certify that he is in complete knowledge of the study and all the queries are clarified. Patient ID proof also documented. Audio video have adequate capability to capture the facial details of subject, LAR, IW (if any), investigator during the consent process without any hurdle in peaceful place. This consent should be taken by orally in front of video. This consent procedure kept as source documentation or further record purpose. Merits: Saves investigators from future litigations: Audio video consent process should be safeguarding of the participants subjects in clinical trials. AV process also safeguard to investigator and show that all relevant information was provided to the subjects after that subjects agreed to take part in the study. In case of any issue or dispute, the sponsor will have solid evidence to support that adequate measures were taken to obtain consent instead of simply written informed consent form. Provides transparency Audio video consent process should increase the transparency ration of the informed consent process in clinical trials; it will enhance the confidence level of the clinical trial societies and institutions. AV recording could be used as an evidence in the court of law provided written process is followed for recording and maintaining the records. Which may helpful to reduce the false claims in the compensation process of SAEs. Protects vulnerable subjects from risk After taking AV consent process vulnerable subjects and illiterate subjects have protected and those subjects who are not understandable medical terminologies. AV consent patient investigator recording and investigator explain the each every elements of the study. So vulnerable subjects and illiterate subject know about the study study procedures. Simply and improved ICF process: In previously, monitor work on ICF documentation and make out the narratives to reconstruct the ICF process many times. The expectation of the documentation and detailed narrative languages continuous increase for the site make issues. Current process will be recorded for patient as well as investigator to ensure that before participant the clinical trials, participant know about the trial and all elements of the study are discussed and doubts and queries raised by participants/ LAR are resolved. It will also highlight those investigators who are not following the informed consent process properly. Demerit: Additional step and responsibility to do this work: Audio video process is an additional step for site. The investigator may counsel or resolve the all queries and doubts. Investigator will be given his more time to obtain informed consent process from each participant through AV consent process. This will enhance the volume of work at the site such as recording, storage, conduct the videography etc. Maintain the confidentiality and long term storage Investigator and study team should be keep confidentiality of audio video consent process, AV data could not utilized or open by any third party or sponsor / CRO. It will be used by regulatory body or EC in case of evidence or Ethical issues. Indian Culture: Indian has traditional culture especially in rural India. Indian women’s wear ghungat or burkas to cover his head face to avoid eye contact with men. When investigator or site staff goes for audio video consent then it will be time consuming and uncomfortable. Subjects who are not want to show her face, she refused to give her consent which may affect the recruitment of the study bias. Language barrier Indian has 26 types of languages speak out from different regions. When inspections or auditor want to gone the audio video process then it will be become difficult for auditor or inspector to know the process was adequately performed or not? Because he or she not familiar with the language. Unconscious serious ill patients Some studies are related to seriously ill patients or unconscious patients; in that case AV recording of the consent process to enroll the subjects will be a big issue. Cost burden: This process has a dramatically increased the clinical trial budget. In a study with large sample size and high screen failure rate, each and every consent should be audio video recorded or stored, whether the participants agree or refuse the consent at the end of the discussion. This will be raise up the cost unnecessary load. Conclusion: Audio video recording and elements of the consent process would be helpful to investigators to take AV consent in proper way. Best point to transparent the data which is helpful to regulatory body. References: CDSCO, Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health Family welfare, Govt. of India; â€Å"Draft guidelines on Audio Visual recording of Informed consent Process in Clinical trial† published in CDSCO website dated on dated 9 Jan 2014. Niranjan G. K., Audio video recording of informed consent process: boon or bane. Perspectives in Clinical research; Jan- March 2014; Vol. 5 issue 1. US FDA guide to Informed Consent: Information Sheet available form: http://www.fda.gov/regulatoryinformation/guidances/ucm126431.htm [Last accessed on 2013 Sep 14]. Ghooi R.B., Ensuring that informed consent is really an informed consent: Role of Videography. Perspectives in Clinical research; Jan- March 2014; Vol. 5 issue 1. The Gazette of India. Ministry of Health and Welfare, Notifications, New Delhi, 7th June 2013 G.S.R. 364 (E). Available from http:// www. cdsco.nic.in /GSR%20364EJune13.pdf [Last accessed on 2013 Sep 23]

Compare Dickens’ presentation of Scrooge in Stave I and Stave V Essay e

Compare Dickens’ presentation of Scrooge in Stave I and Stave V Scrooge’s presentation in Stave I and in Stave V is very different. In Stave I Dickens presents Scrooge, as a cold-hearted old man who loves himself and hates Christmas. In contrast, his nephew Fred enjoys Christmas with his wife, and is so nice to Scrooge all the time whereas Scrooge is always mean to Fred, (â€Å"Bah, Humbug†). Dickens uses the weather to describe how cold it gets when Scrooge is near; the point that he is trying to make is that he is so mean that his meanness has infected the atmosphere. It tells us that Scrooge is only worried about himself and his money. After Scrooge talking and hanging around with ghosts he goes back to bed and wakes up to reality, and changes all his mean ways. In Stave I, Dickens emphasizes the negative side of Scrooge. Scrooge is well known around his town and one day two portly gentlemen come over and ask for some money for the poor, who can’t celebrate Christmas but Scrooge says, â€Å"Are there any prisons†? The gentlemen replied, â€Å"Plenty of Prisons†, this just tel...

Leading a Diverse Workforce Essay

1.0Introduction This report is an introduction to the circumstances of the diverse workforce. It explains the causes of diverse workforce leads into past, present trends. Where focus has centred on the consequences, there are some advantageous and disadvantageous outcomes which lead to â€Å"pay-off† of the organization. Therefore, discussion moves forward to the difficulties that managers would face and the management solution. The report concludes with a discussion 2.0Causes of Diverse Workforce â€Å"Workforce diversity is a workforce consisting of a broad mix of workers from different racial and ethnic background of different ages and genders, and of different domestic and national culture† (Naik, 2012). The emergency and development of diverse workforce is basically the result of globalisation, which is the current developing trend of the world. To meet the challenge of globalisation, it is extremely necessary for an organisation to have a diversity strategy than a domestic one (Naik, 2012). The diverse strategy enables the organisation to enlarge their customer base and market since the various backgrounds of employees make it much easier to communicate with global customers. There is also another cause of diverse workforce which is the requirement of the law and responsibility for the society (McInnes, 2013). There are usually some disadvantaged people in our communities who may suffer discrimination and a lot of hardships. In consider of that, the government has made anti-discrimination legislation to protect the rights of those disadvantaged people. Therefore, the organisation recruits people such as women, aboriginal and disabled individuals to form a diverse workforce as abidance by the law and as a social obligation. 3.0Past and Present Trends The trends of the workforce diversity in the organisation are dramatically difference between past and present, for the aspect of gender, generation and cultural. As the globalisation is prevalent around the world, especially in Australia where the place is encouraging multiculturalism and immigration, there are more organisation engage the workers with different  cultural, it makes the workplace more diverse, such as the Vodafone and ANZ Bank. For example, ANZ Bank started to promote a diverse workplace since 1990s. They believed that the staff with a vibrant and diverse background and life experience can help to forge strong connections with all their customers. Besides, in the past, the women in the workplace were automatically assigned to temporary or part-time jobs because their first priority was taking care of their families. It shows that most of the gender work in an organisation is male. However, Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (2011, p.3) indicate s that â€Å"The proportion of women in the Australian workforce and in leadership positions is increasing since 1960 with 52% and compared with 70% in 2009†. Nowadays, most women tend to work as a permanent worker and do not see it as temporary because women are become more independent. Therefore, the gender diverse in the workplace has a huge change from homogeneous to diverse, thus the organisation have been learning to treat women as the equals of men and discrimination against female employees are now against the law. 4.0Consequences of Diverse Workforce 4.1The advantages of having diverse workforce First of all, it can increase an organisation’s creativity, flexibility and innovativeness (Cole, 2013). More fresh ideas and different perspectives could be provided by diverse employees from various cultural backgrounds and mind-sets since they are more willing to think outside of the box (Belcher, 2014). Secondly, the diverse workforce can attract more different customers as the employees are capable to communicate across cultural boundaries which therefore give the organisation a competitive edge and help meet the needs and wants of globalisation better (Belcher, 2014). What is more, the image and reputation of an organisation could be enhanced through a group of diverse people and then retention can be improved because it appeals to some other competent talents (Cole, 2013). Loyalty of employees would also be reinforced since they are in a fair and friendly working environment. Last but not lease, the proper utilisation of diverse workforce will result in greater producti vity (Belcher, 2014). 4.2 The disadvantages of having diverse workforce In fact, diverse can lead to a conflict and some negative effect. Jensen (2011, para. 10) demonstrates that â€Å"Communication is the key to breaking down the cultural; barriers between people†. As people with different cultural may easily have a communication problem, they will always cause misunderstanding which will harm working relationships and damage working environment and atmosphere. Therefore, a company ne beds a well planning to engage different background, culture, experience, ability and age of employees, and provide an effective policy on every member of the workplace. 5.0The â€Å"Pay-off† The advantages and disadvantages of diverse workforce are heatedly debated. As we mentioned above, a diverse workforce can assist an organisation in many aspects such as working environment, productivity and creativity. Generally speaking, a diverse workforce enables an organisation to be much better. Though a diverse workforce would cause some misunderstanding, the problems will be solved as long as the managers are able to handle it. Eventually, with the development of the diverse workforce, it turns out that the benefits outweigh the costs. 6.0Challenges for managers The change of workforce requires leaders to pay more attention to adjust policies for diverse employees made up of ages, genders, nationalities and more. Meanwhile, employees also need to know how to work and communicate with people who are different with dissimilar cultural background. â€Å"Diversity management practices are specific activities, programs, policies, and any other processes designed to improve management of diversity via communication, education and training, employee-involvement, career management, accountability and cultural change† (Cieri, Costa, Pettit, & Buttigieg, 2008, p.6). The people with various cultural backgrounds a typical kind of diversity. They could forge strong connections with customers coming from diverse background; however, it might cause conflicts and misunderstandings because of their different understandings for things. In this case, in order to make full use of this kind of employees and force a nice working environment, managers are s upposed to deliver the concept of accepting and understanding other cultures and let the employees share  cultural value. Multigenerational team is another kind of the diverse workforce. Because of backgrounds, circumstances or the different education level, multigenerational workforce is much easier to bring about conflicts and misunderstandings. As a result, the function of leaders becomes significant and essential. They analyse and manage conflicts, organise all the work. More importantly, leaders know what kind of job each generation is qualified. For example, the younger generation is more likely to do the creative work while the older generation is better to do with the management. Conclusion As it enters the 21st century, workforce diversity has become an essential business concern. Diversity could be a positive factor to contribute to the local business, but misunderstanding is a major barrier. Australia as a developed country is attracting people from all over the world to come for study and work. Therefore, the government should make a comprehensive policy to improve diverse workforce issue, such as the working condition and foreign workers’ permission standard of the entrance system in Australia. Person with disability is a typical kind of diversity. They might have achievements that the normal people could not reach. Although they are not as efficient as others, they might have specific achievements that normal people could not reach. In this case, in order to make full use of them, leaders give this group more welfare as well as set up particular facilities to assistant them to work more efficiently and effectively. Reference list: Cieri, H., Costa, C., Pettit, T. & Buttigieg, D. (2008). Managing a Diverse Workforce: Attraction and Retention of Older Workers. Retrieved from http://www.buseco.monash.edu.au/mgt/research/acrew/ageing-workforce-wp-2008.pdf Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (2011). Human Resources: Managing Diverse and Inclusive Workplaces, p.1-9. Retrieved from www.education.vic.gov.au/hrweb/Document/Mange-Diverse-Inclusive-Workplace.pdf Jensen, M. (2011). Special Issue on: Impacts of Diversity in the Workplace: Maintaining Open Communication. Aviary Group. Retrieved from www.aviarygroup.ca/special-issue-on-impacts-of-diversity-in-the-workplace-maintaining-open-communication/ McInnes, R. (2013). Workforce Diversity: Changing the Way You Do Business. Diversity World. Retrieved from http://www.diversityworld.com/Diversity/workforce_diversity.htm Naik, P. (n.d.). Challenge for Business Survival-Managing Workforce Diversity. IOSR Journal of Business and Management. Retrieved from http://www.iosrjournals.org/iosr-jbm/papers/7th-ibrc-volume-2/15.pdf

Horizon Foods Corporation

1) Case Summary (What’s the issue? ) Horizon Foods Corporation (hereafter â€Å"Horizon†) is a still-growing, nationwide foods organization that is widely known for its high quality products. With $300 million sales each year, the firm has been relatively successful so far, gaining good reputation and arousing much interest of the public through its brokers and local retailers. However, as the company prospers and customers demand more, Horizon foresees a coming crisis. The distribution issue, which the company has faced for a while, is now causing stock-outs, and increasing competition in the market is threatening the company’s market share.Authorities involved fail to scrutinize the issue and its cause, and they are eager to blame each other for the problems. The division of labor between two major departments – Marketing and Sales, and Production – seems to need a complete rearrangement for a more efficient process. Horizon should also analyze it s current brand positioning in the market and rework its strategies if needed. 2) Q1. What are the characteristics of the market served by the Horizon Foods Corporation? Horizon is a specialty foods processor.It has served a national market composed of food brokers who represent retail store chains. The food brokers make orders to Horizon. Generally, the orders are small. The production is done in two different plants thanks to the ingredients from some food suppliers. The plants are located in agricultural areas to reduce the cost of transportation. Moreover, Horizon produces in large quantities, and the food produced is very good in quality. The production is dispatched to several public warehouses. Then, these warehouses use contract carriers to deliver the products to the customers.Because of the small orders, the transportation cost to retail stores can be high. The market is very competitive since many of Horizon’s food competitors also offer a complete production line (See Appendix for diagram A – The Schema of the Market). 2) Q2. What problems exist at the Horizon Foods Corporation? Two issues exist at Horizon – namely, inefficient division of labor and increasing market competition. Firstly, inefficient division of labor is simply the inappropriate â€Å"split between delivery from production and service from the warehouse†.The problem might also be termed the lack of effective communication between the two major departments: Marketing and Sales (hereafter â€Å"Marketing†), and Production. Marketing is mainly responsible for promotion, merchandise, and delivery to customers whereas Production focuses on manufacture and transportation to public warehouses. The customers’ demand for the firm’s products, which are continuously measured and evaluated by the Marketing, is rather unknown to the Production, and a lack of such inter-communication is the cause of the â€Å"number of stock-outs that [retailers of the Horizon Foods Corporation] have been recently experiencing†.Secondly, increasing market competition poses a challenge to the firm. Competition is inevitable in a market, but it has now become a serious issue for Horizon as its competitors have begun â€Å"to offer complete product lines that compete directly with Horizon’s†. The firm should begin to analyze how well its brand is positioned among its competitors and figure out its new competitive priorities if need. 2) Q3. Why do you think the problems exist? There are two intrinsic problems.First problem is that the way in which Horizon holds a meeting is inefficient as different staffs join the discussion at different periods of time; communication across various departments is not effective. Second problem is that Horizon’s corporate manner does not allow every entity to openly discuss with proper manner; for example, when Roger commented about Production department supplying the market, Sally fou nd the comment as almost an insult. It is important that the corporate atmosphere is set right for discussions to take place openly and wholeheartedly.In addition to intrinsic problems, there are practical causes for the problems. Firstly, Horizon failed in managing its inventory. There are simply too many warehouses. The existence of many warehouses is the cause of the firm’s high inventory cost. Production that takes place in each and every single warehouse is rather small in quantity, and consequently, the cost to transport the products from many different warehouses is very high. It is to be noted that raw materials and ingredients are also transported over long distances.Delivery schedules vary for every warehouse, and so there are uncertainties that put Horizon at the risk of stock-outs. Secondly, the way in which Horizon has divided its management is very inefficient. As of now, marketing managers are in charge of product inventory whereas national sales manager is res ponsible for coordination of warehouses and arrangement of delivery. It is rather strange that inventory management is separated from coordination of warehouses and arrangement of delivery; in fact, all three aspects are so intimately inter-related that they should be managed by one entity within an organization.Moreover, increasing market competition, which is something that is inevitable, must be dealt with by constantly re-analyzing Horizon’s positioning and its competitive priorities in the industry. 2) Q4. What would you suggest the task force recommend in order to gain â€Å"control over this product movement process†? Before recommendations regarding control over product movement process can be made, one must notice that it has been quite a while since Horizon has been having this problem.The quote â€Å"Are we finally beginning to recognize that we have a distribution problem† shows how long it took for Horizon to finally realize, acknowledge, and gather together all the relevant authorities to discuss the issue. Corporate culture at Horizon must change in a way that would enable all entities within the organization to openly discuss any issues. Now, there are ways in which Horizon could gain more control over this product movement process. Firstly, Horizon could establish a new department – namely, Communications Management – that specifically takes care of interactions between Marketing and Production.The Communications Management would act as a bridge, allowing a free flow of information, people, and other entities (See Appendix for Diagram B – Horizon Foods Corporation’s Future State Map). The staffs in the department would develop a virtual contact system with each and every single authority relevant to personnel, purchasing, finance, marketing product line, and national sales manager; the staffs would just concentrate on effective communication within the firm.Furthermore, the new department could specialize in Materials Requirements Planning (MRP) to formulate detailed schedules for obtaining raw materials and manufacturing products. Secondly, Horizon could sign a contract with a logistics company that will exclusively work with Horizon. Currently, delivery schedules vary by carrier and are sometimes erratic because each public warehouse chooses its own distinct logistic company for delivery. Forming a contract to have a specific company to arrange all the necessary deliveries would reduce the number of stock-outs.

Gavin Case Study

Gavin Case Study Big Five Personality Traits Research in personality has indentified five personality dimensions. The first one is extraversion. This is the ability to have a wide social presence. People with this trait are sociable, assertive and talkative. The second trait is agreeableness. This refers to pro-social behaviour. A person with this trait is kind, affectionate and has a high sense of integrity. Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Gavin Case Study specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Thirdly, there is conscientiousness. Persons with this trait are quite thoughtful when making decisions. The fourth trait is openness. A person with this trait is quite adventurous and loves taking risks. Lastly, we have neuroticism. Persons with this trait experience bouts of emotional instability. Gavin McMillan does not have all these traits. Practically, it is impossible to have all of them at the same time. However, he largely demonstrates ne uroticism. Despite the fact that he makes losses, he continues to attach himself with his goal emotionally. He lacks conscientiousness because his decision-making is a little off. However, he is open to suggestions. The latter is the most important because it allows him to succeed as an entrepreneur. It also complements other traits or lack of them. Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation Extrinsic motivation derives from external pressure. This pressure comes off as coercion or a promise. On the other hand, intrinsic motivation derives from ownership and enjoyment of a task. People with this motivation do not need promises or coercions to perform their tasks. From the case, I think Gavin is intrinsically motivated. He tries and fails many times but continues to push for ownership of a Flair Bartending Franchise. Owning a franchise is also his initiative. Goal Setting Gavin wants to own a yacht with a helicopter on it. This may seem a farfetched goal but Gavin has the ability to achieve it. From Vroom’s Expectancy Theory, operant conditioning is the factor at play to motivate a person. This means that setting a goal and working towards it motivates a person. The reward he will get upon accomplishment of the goal motivates Gavin. In this case, it is a yacht. Secondly, goal setting acts as a point of reference. Gavin will keep on referring to what he wants to achieve. Perhaps he will design a format with stages to follow in achieving this. Every stage acts as a motivating factor to go to the next one. Recommendations on Goal Setting From the case above, it is explicit that Gavin has a huge problem when it comes to setting realizable goals. Initially, he would make losses and continue investing in a project that was clearly failing. He would pursue too many projects at the same time. This was the Achilles Heel in his ambition. Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF L earn More Therefore, it would be more reasonable if Gavin hires a Project Manager. This person will look into the various projects at hand and carry out an analysis of the most viable ones. This will drastically reduce the costs associated with botched projects. It will also save time. Gavin’s goals are also long-term in nature. He leaves no space for short-term goals, which motivate a person. For example, he does not state what he wants to do before owning a franchise. Additionally he does not set a short-term goal, which will lead him to own a yacht. Therefore, he should embrace short-term goals as motivating factor to achieve the long-term ones.