Supermercados Disco Joining Up with Royal Ahold Case Study

Supermercados Disco Joining Up with Royal Ahold - Case Study Example It is also a growing market. The countries in consideration in Latin America are Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela. These countries have fairly stable governments and political environment and it is possible to do business here on long term basis although the economic and geographical conditions vary from country to country. The immediate problem is future strategy. It is the course of action needed to increase profitability and market penetration in Latin America. There are several options before Supermercados Disco. However, the main options are whether the company should choose to go ahead with a joint venture with Royal Ahold or continue independently. Other than this problem, there are choices to do with pestel analysis. There was strong economic growth in the 1990s, making it vital for the political dispensation to frame policies to maintain the growth curve. Economic prosperity made it imperative for political factors to go along with economic parameters and shun despotic influences. Argentina and Brazil became the favored destinations for retailers in the 1990s. Argentina was favored because of its wealth and Brazil because of its purchasing power due to its large middle class population. Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Venezuela were roughly equal in terms of disposable income, but they had unequal distribution of wealth excluding up to 40% of these countries' populations from normal consumer activity. The region was projected to growth continually in the ensuing decades producing increase in the size of the working population. Due to foreign investments, there was also the fact that cities would grow disproportionately in size and wealth improving communications and infrastructure. These changes were bound to favor retailers. State-owned enterprises were thrown open for privatization. Most of the steel mills, chemical, petrochemical, shipping and aircraft companies were sold to private parties. Price controls were lifted in 1993. In Chile, tariffs were cut down from 75% in 1975 to just 11% currently. Social factors Improving economic conditions had an effect on social factors. In the six largest countries of Latin America viz. Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Mexico, and Venezuela, the population was over 80% urban. Brazil faced the biggest social problems due to poverty and lack of education. The country had to resort to credit schemes to allow poorer members of society to buy consumer durables, food and clothing. Brazil has the sixth largest population in the world. Hence, although Brazil has good middle class population, she has her share of poverty problems. Other than the Brazil factor, social factors in other Latin American countries showed improvement financially. People had money to buy what they needed. Technological factors Attraction of foreign investment

Signal man starts Essay Example for Free

Signal man starts Essay The signal mans edginess and fear is apparent throughout the first meeting between him and the narrator I detected in his eyes some latent fear of me. . The signal man seems to have a deep distrust of the narrator as though he has been taunted or tricked by someone or something you look at me as if you had a dread of me. i was doubtful, he returned, whether i had seen you before. The narrator gos on to say that he had never been there before and says you may swear This makes it perfectly clear that there is something that reader is yet to find out that is deeply troubling the signal man . This distrust seems to be fuelled by the words first spoken between them Helloa below there During the ensuing conversation with the signal man in his signal box the signal man starts to relax more, The reader as well as the narrator is put at ease when entering the signal box there was a fire, a desk for an official book in which he had to make certain entries This tells the reader that this is any normal signal box. The fire cold be interpreted in several ways, one of which could back up the idea that the narrator has descended in to some kind of hell. But i have chosen to interpret it as a warm fire keeping the men warm and safe and providing some light source which would relax the narrator, signal man and reader. It is obvious that the men become more confident around each other by the conversation, the signal man tells the narrator many things he had done in his life, and the mistakes he had made gone down and never risen again. This is referring to his failure as a student of natural philosophy and definitely a supporting reference to the idea that the signal box and railway trench is some kind of hell. The signal man is still constantly on edge even if less so, this is shown by his visits to the door to check the tunnel even when it appears the bell doesnt ring. This at first can be interpreted by the reader and the narrator as conscientiousness but later becomes apparent that this is not the case. The tunnel is a key setting within the hellish atmosphere that dickens tries to create. The tunnel is the setting of every death in the story, it is conveyed as a dark and horrible place saw the wet stains stealing down the walls. The tunnel is also the place where the fiendish spector appears, warning of death and misfortune. The tunnel makes the reader uncomfortable and along with the spector scares, intimidates and intrigues the reader. The narrator mentions that the signal man might be mentally ill shut up within narrow limits all his life and the narrator asks him to seek medical help. But by the end of the story it is apparent that as well as the spector warning of two previous crashes it is also for telling the signal mans own death when he is hit by a train after seeing the spector. This leaves a question though, Is the spector warning the signal man of his death? Or is the spector the psychological killer of the signal man? This dramatic anti climax never allows the reader to relax even after the story has ended, leaving an effective permanent mystery as the story comes to no conclusion of what the spector is, real? Or a figment of the signal mans imagination as he pre-eminences his own death? From the beginning of The man with the twisted lip Arthur Conan Doyle attempts to make the reader plunge in to a personal story of drug addiction, and the ruin of a man, or so it appears at least. This draws the reader in because already they have been familiarised with one of the main characters Isa Whitney. This opening paragraph is effectively used as a mini biography from the narrators opinion some foolish freak.  and for many years he continued to be a slave to the drug this extract is quite emotive and shows how he has been over taken and makes the reader feel empathy for Isa Whitney as they now feel familiar with him almost straight away. The reader is further taken in by Isa Whitneys story during the introduction of his wife Kate Whitney he has not been home for two days . I am so frightened. This is where the story changes from a sad, emotive and personal story to one of mystery and suspense.  A missing persons case has begun. Along with the introduction of Kate Whitney there is also the introduction of the narrator and the familiar to the reader Dr Watson. This familiarises the reader with the text as Watson is a recognized and liked character from the Sherlock Holmes series. Watson sets of to find Isa where he thinks he might be found. The opium den. The setting of the opium den sucks the reader in because This is a dark , dangerous place and an integral part of the London underground scene in the late 1800s that makes the reader feel as though they are having a glimpse in to a whole different world. Doyle actively emphasizes as well as repeating the word strange to convey to the reader that this world or cave is completely foreign to him and that he does not like the surroundings that he has found himself in or feels comfortable in them. A steep flight of stairs leading down to a black gap like the mouth of a cave are the words used top describe the opium den. This is a clever use of a simile, comparing the den to some kind of hellish underworld much like the description of the trench in the signal man. It is now we are introduced to Sherlock Holmes, The main man as such in this series of books and this story. Watson finds him Sat on the floor of the opium den and Holmes reveals that he is apparently undercover I am in the midst of a very remarkable enquiry. This further draws the reader in, because at first the reader has no idea why Holmes is there and can only guess at that he must have been overcome by opium, but it becomes apparent that Holmes has a story to tell and that he is in the midst of something special and very interesting. This creates suspense and further mystery for the reader wanting to know exactly why Holmes is their and the nature of his enquiry. This is also where it becomes apparent that Isa Whitney is not the subject of the enquiry and he is sent home in a cab. This provided a handy twist that further encapsulates the reader in to the story, creating a whole new mystery story not letting the readers mind rest. This is the introduction of the missing persons and murder case of Mr Neville St. Clair.  The introduction of a prison cell to this tale complements the dark and devilish atmosphere created by Doyle in the opium den. With the added introduction of the apparent murderer and beggar The man with the twisted lip. The reader feels as though everything is coming to an end and that they can start to relax, but no. This is where the entire story is turned on its head and it is revealed that this man is in fact Mr Neville St. Clair in disguise, the very man he had been arrested for murdering. This twist in the tale entertains the reader as well as bringing an exciting end to the story. Throughout Doyle has effectively used the raging underground crime scene in London at the time to his advantage, playing on the anxietys, fears and imaginations of 18th century Londoners. In The red room The entire story is written in a first person narrative, This effect encourages the reader to feel not only as if they know the narrator but also that hey are in the room with the narrator experiencing his experiences and feeling his emotions. This technique is used to immerse the reader in to the depths of the text.  Within the first four lines of the story a supernatural mystery is beginning to unravel. eight and twenty years . said I, I have lived, and never a ghost have i seen yet. This is almost a challenge to the residents of the house to proof there is such a thing as ghosts. This challenge is used to excite the reader in to reading on but plays on the the fact that Victorians were still embroiled in a superstitious and religious culture, half way between modern science and ancient superstition as earlier mentioned.

The Current Approaches To Ecotourism

The Current Approaches To Ecotourism Ecotourism has been the fastest growing segment of the global tourism industry and has developed on the tourism market within the core of environmental movement as well as becoming continuously important in the tourism industry (Matei, 2011). However, before ecotourism is emerged, tourism has been rapidly become one of the most important part of economic growth in the world. While tourism has been contributed to the source of economic development, conventional mass tourism growth has resulted in the numerous negative impacts on tourism destination, such as the destruction of ecological systems, loss of cultural heritage, cultural commodification and inter-cultural conflict (Weaver, 2008; Lansing Vries, 2007). In late 1980s, the realization of these problems has led to the development of sustainable tourism (Hugo, 2010). Sustainable tourism has been on the basis of responsible travel to natural areas that preserve the destinations environment and has reminded as a type of tourism, wh ich positively contributes to visitor satisfaction, incorporates an element of environmental education, delivers benefit to poor local communities and also assists the local communities to maintain their cultural features (Matei, 2011). Additionally, sustainable tourism is regarded as the role of marketing tool to promote and advertise any form of tourism associated with nature based and also the money from sustainable tourism is reinvested in order to environmentally protect and preserve tourism destination as well as significantly develop the access of the local people to jobs creation and civilization (Matei, 2011). In addition, these new forms of tourism are proposed to simultaneously fulfill the needs of different parties involved, such as delivering revenues and profits to the tourism industry, responsible travel experiences to the increasingly wealthy tourist and economic growth combined with environmental and socio-cultural protection to host countries and communities (Lansi ng Vries, 2007). As a result of this reason, many countries have considered of sustainable tourism, which is meant by a travel to natural destinations (remote areas) under environmental protection at the international, national, regional or private level (Honey, 2008). Current Approaches to Ecotourism The core current approaches to ecotourism development are suggested two ideal types of the approaches in relation to the level of sustainability outcomes. Those approaches are comprehensive approach and minimalist approach. The first ideal type of the approaches to ecotourism is minimalist approach. The minimalists approach emphasizes a basic or shallow understanding and learning opportunities based on elemental perspective. An elemental approach is evident at the other end of the continuum when a product focuses on specific non-captive animals or plants that are deemed to be particularly attractive or interesting, such as charismatic megafauna or megaflaora a (Weaver, 2005). In contrast, the other ideal type of the approaches to ecotourism is comprehensive approach which adopts a holistic perspective on the product that incorporates the ecosystem into associated human influences so that the implication of cultural component is more likely to be integrated into the interpretive exper iences than recognized as attraction (Schianetz, Kavanagh Lockington, 2007). The minimalist approach does not intentionally have desire for transforming values or behavior and its approach to sustainability is associated with site-specific, status quo oriented as well merely as natural environment (Weaver, 2005) whereas the comprehensive approach is purposed to enhance deep understanding and deliberately transform participant attitudes and behavior (Schianetz, Kavanagh Lockington, 2007). Furthermore, according to Weaver (2005), it is believed that the implementation of the comprehensive approach utilized by the managers in destinations is more likely to provide the objectives of environmental and sociocultural sustainability to tourism destinations. By fostering a more environmentally aware and activist market, comprehensive approach is conducive to the development of the product that benefits from donations and eagerness to engage in volunteer activity such as research assistance, and informal policing. When the comprehensive approach combines with the emphasis on enhancement based global and environmental and sociocultural enhancement, the volunteer activity for the rehabilitation and reclamation of habitat, which has been considerably transformed by human activity is channeled though the opportunity emerged. By contrast, according to Weaver (2005), the minimalist approach may hinder the attainment of the sustainability objectives. Therefore, the problems of the mi nimalist approach is mainly likely to be occurred from the element approach to construct species hierarchies, and thereby charismatic megafauna is more likely to be highly assessed by the managers but is not less ecologically valuable species. However, its attention will be able to ironically become damaging consequences to the charismatic megafauna by encouraging prolonged intrusive contact with humans. Generally, the process of observing wildlife is more likely to result in subtle negative effects by carrying out an inadvertently inappropriate manner. From a sustainability perspective that is global enhancement within a combined environmental, sociocultural and economic that includes local community, both minimalist and comprehensive approach appear to fulfill the imperatives of financial sustainability and high levels of satisfaction (Schianetz, Kavanagh Lockington, 2007). Examples of Ecotourism Two-ecotourism case study have been identified and analyzed. The first ecotourism case is Sumba Island in Indonesia. The remote island of Sumba is one of the poorest islands in Indonesia although Sumba Island is culturally one of the richest islands with very strong ancient tradition and strong heritage (The Sumba Foundation, 2012). In Sumba Island, most of the residents live without access to clean water, basic health care and education and also malnutrition is among the highest in the world (The Sumba Foundation, 2012). Nihiwatu has become a major employer of villagers in Sumba Island and the purpose of Nihiwatu is to develop the quality of life for it Sumbanese neighbor throughout responsible tourism (Nihiwatu, 2012). The main stakeholders are eco resort villages that obtain a large amount of funding from guest vacationing in order to support the local community projects by donating (Nihiwatu, 2012). Nihiwatu as an eco resort has commenced local community development projects and has closely cooperated with The Sumba Foundation to take the projects to a higher level (Nihiwatu, 2012). The projects are in relation to creating sustainable livelihood and jobs, achieving energy efficiency and adequate supply, food and water supply. The project makes peoples lives clearly visible so health and local welfare has been changed much better and the hygiene conditions of clinics and villages are significantly improved (The Sumba Foundation, 2012). From the projects perspective, Nihiwatu eco resort has importantly taken the concepts of sustainable development. The resort has considered of local residents neighbors by having responsibility so after purchasing land, the landowner has taken not only the land, but also the responsibility of taking care of the land and its society (Nihiwatu, 2012). Moreover, Nihiwatu eco resort has become one of the merely hotels in the world which utilize 100% powered by bio-fuel and renewable energy source as well as recycling everything so that carbon emission which results in climate change has been decreased (Sumba, 2012). Eco resort village in Sumba Island culturally and socially influences on young generation. The value of frequent informal interaction with tourists is likely to afford the opportunities to practice English skills and also to experience adverse social cultural impacts associated with ecotourism, which is concerned with the impact on young generation conduct between unappreciated sexual conduct and consumption alcohol that is vastly different from their culture (Clifton Benson, 2006). Furthermore, the economic benefit associated with eco resort village tourism provides the optimism in regard to income generating opportunities, which derive from direct employment, rental of accommodation for tourists or the sale of handicrafts and food (Clifton Benson, 2006). It is seen that the rental of accommodation has economically generated the benefits for the wide local communities because the accommodations has been owned and operated by the local residents as well as having been built specifi cally for the purpose. In addition, the sale of handicrafts and food has provided the opportunity to participation in to a greater variety of individuals and groups, such as women, the young and old members of the local communities (Clifton Benson, 2006). Consequently, this eco resort village is fundamentally important for residents life so if the village culture is damaged, the residents will be ruined. This benefits related with village ecotourism is likely to be regard as both reflecting and reinforcing social capital in the local communities (Clifton Benson, 2006). The second ecotourism case is Song Saa Private Island in Combodia. Song Saa Private Island is officially known as Koh Bong and Koh Quen and has renown for the rich and diverse marine life in their surrounding waters (Song Saa, 2012). Song Saa Private Island integrates commercial development with the triple bottom lines of ecological (biophysical), social and economic sustainability by emphasizing on sustainability and high exemplary environmental standards (Song Saa, 2012). The relevance of the triple bottom-line concept and sustainability approach are the central to the purpose and mission statement of Song Saa private Island so as to improve the environment, the condition of local communities and the economy (Song Saa, 2012). Song Saa Private Island positively or negatively influences on environment in terms of water, energy, solid waste, biodiversity, pollution and contamination. According to the report (Sustainable Management Plan, 2012), Water discharged from Song Saa Private Is land, such as grey-water, sewage and storm-water sources results in damage to local wildlife and ecosystems and alteration of water has negative impact on human communities and local ecosystems. The inefficient use of energy has increased carbon in the atmosphere and contributed to global warming (climate change). Solid waste inflows have negative impact on local flora and fauna and associated habitats. Construction and operation of the resort and guest and staff activities have an adverse impact on local biodiversity by destroying, displacing or stressing animals, vegetation or their associated ecosystems. Physical, visual and ambient pollution detracts from amenity, intrinsic and cultural values of the landscape and the environment. Chemicals (cleaning products, insecticides, chlorine herbicides), guest and staff sunscreens, insect repellants result in damage to reef systems. In addition, Song Saa Private Island also has negative or positive effects on social cultural and economic based on the local communities. Song Saa Private Island provides the opportunities throughout the local community program and conservation program to weave together the needs of local peoples (Sustainable Management Plan, 2012). These programs focuses on the support communities throughout activities that promote sustainable livelihoods and the process which create enabling conditions that generate local welfare. This development of the projects is fundamentally based on working with government and community institutions, networks and norms to achieve tangible and positive outcomes (Sustainable Management Plan, 2012). Song Saa community and conservation program provides the development of educational opportunities for the local villagers so that local people increase their awareness and understanding of environmental issue and opportunities; increasing the knowledge and understan ding of marine conservation among the inhabitants of local fishing village (Song Saa Conservation and Community Program, 2012). Furthermore, the conservation and community projects efficiently manage the flow of solid waste from the villages. This management provides an income stream through the provision of incentive payments to the village waste collectors and an additional income stream though the sale of recyclable materials for the local community when the solid waste and recycle management contributes to the health of the village (Song Saa Conservation and Community Program, 2012). Song Saa Private Island has participated in the water system, which is established for local community health as a core component of sustainable livelihood maintenance throughout the provision of safe domestic water supply and the protection of water supply from contamination. The water system works with the local community and local providers to improve environmentally sensitive water treatment and waste reticulation system so as a result of the water systems, local community is given an effective water management and unique livelihood activities such as snail and frog rearing (Song Saa Conservation and Community Program, 2012). Ecotourism the Ideal versus the Real In order to establish sustainable tourism development, the strong interaction between environment and human must need. However, it is not easy to fulfill and assess the sustainability of tourism destination because of the complex conduct and the use of the variety approaches, which are in possession of different strengths and weaknesses depending on the characteristics of the tourism destinations. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the available approaches and use its correct usage in order to develop sustainable tourism. The possible approach to develop sustainable tourism development needs to be carefully considered of the positive impact on the relationship between economic, social cultural and environment component within the triple bottom line approach. The triple bottom line approach requires the balance of three components (ecological, economic and social) in order to generate sustainability to the tourism development. As described two ecotourism cases, the triple bottom line is basically associated with sustainability so if the ecotourism development and products do not carefully consider of three components, one of components will gain damage by unbalancing three components. For example, if tourism development is more likely to provide the benefit to the tourists without any concern about environment in the destinations, the environment in the destinations will suffer from tourists activity. In addition, local community and culture will be also damaged by visiting tourists if not considered of local environment and culture when the tourism develops. The local culture may be probably changed by direct or indirect impact from tourist behavior and attitude toward local community. Although by contacting with tourists, the positive or negative different culture is likely to come into local community, the problem is that the local community will not be able to conserve. Therefore, in order to protect and prevent these potential problems in the tourism destinations, comprehensive approach is more likely to be appropriate for the current sustainable tourism development than minimalist approach because comprehensive ecotourism considers nature-based and cultural as the attractions as well as global, environmental and sociocultural enhancement for sustainability. For example, minimalist ecotourism focuses on particular species so this approach is easy to provide the greater tourist satisfaction but the approach is less likely to contribute to the development of local community and culture without changes. However, comprehensive approach tends to have the more positive impacts on both environmental and local community in terms of economic, social culture and ecological because of the broader attractions (including nature-based and culture), deep understanding and learning of the tourism destinations. So, this approach will be reasonably utilized as an ap preciate approach according to the characteristic of the tourism destinations and the needs of environment and local community in regard of ecological, social cultural and economic. Conclusion Ecotourism is the biggest movement among tourism industry and also has been rapidly growing up in global tourism industry. Sustainable tourism development associated with ecotourism is regarded as the important tourism approach to tourism destinations in the world. With sustainability approach, the tourism destinations have been significantly considering of environmental and socio cultural protection. This big movement directly or indirectly influences on environment and local community and culture in the tourism destination. Consequently, the accurate approaches toward the tourism development and products are considerately required according to the characteristic of the tourism destinations in order to sustain the tourism development. Reference lists Clifton, J., Benson, A. (2006). Planning for sustainable ecotourism: the case for research ecotourism in developing country destinations. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 14(3), 238-254. Honey, M. (2008). Ecotourism and Sustainable Development, Who Owns Paradise? (2nd ed.). Washington, DC: America, Island Press. Hugo, M. L. (1999). A comprehensive approach towards the planning, grading and auditing of hiking trails as ecotourism products, Current Issues in Tourism, 2(2/3), 138-173. Matei, E. (2011). The ecotourisms development in the Romanian Carpathians protected areas: facts, figures and needs. Journal of Studies and Research in Human Geography, 5(2), 31-39. Schianetz, K., Kavanagh, L., Lockington, D. (2007). Concepts and tools for comprehensive sustainability assessments for tourism destination: a comparative review. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 15(4), 369-389. Sumba: an iconic island to demonstrate the potential of renewable energy. (2012). Retrieved from: http://www.hivos.nl Song Saa. (2012). Retrieved from: http://www.songsaa.com Sustainable Management Plan. (2012). Retrieved from: http://www.songsaa.com Song Saa Conservation and Community Program. (2012). Retrieved from: http//www.songsaa.com The Sumba Foundation. (2012). Retrieved from: http://www.sumbafoundation.org Weaver, D. B. (2005). Comprehensive and minimalist dimensions of ecotourism. Annals of Tourism Research, 32(2), 439-455. Weaver, D. (2008). Ecotourism (2nd ed.). Milton: Australia, John Wiley Sons Australia.

Ben-Hur Video Review Essay -- essays research papers

For many centuries, the Roman Empire dominated the known world. Several great emperors brought Rome from a small city in central Italy to the largest world power to date. It didn’t happen all at once, but was a sluggish process. Rome began her quest for power in the last centuries B.C. and continued well into the time of Jesus. Rome ruled with an iron fist and wouldn’t allow anyone to speak out against the empire. Their plan of conquest consisted of taking an area over by force and then acting friendly with the inhabitants of their newly acquired territories. The motion picture â€Å"Ben-Hur† tells of a Jewish family who is caught right in the middle of a similar situation with the empire during the days of Jesus. Judah Ben-Hur is the main character in the movie â€Å"Ben-Hur.† He grows up in a wealthy and politically influential family who had everything they could possibly want. While still a young child, Judah’s best friend, Messala, moved to Rome for education. As the years went by, Judah and Messala never forgot each other. But while in Rome, Messala grew to be a wicked man that would do anything or use anybody to gain social prominence. Ordered by the Emperor, Messala returned to his homeland to rule as a Tribune. Judah heard of Messala’s return and met him as soon as he arrived. While talking with each other, they decide to see who can throw a javelin more accurately. Both men hit the same target and Judah interpreted this as a sign that Messala still considered them equal. Pr... Ben-Hur Video Review Essay -- essays research papers For many centuries, the Roman Empire dominated the known world. Several great emperors brought Rome from a small city in central Italy to the largest world power to date. It didn’t happen all at once, but was a sluggish process. Rome began her quest for power in the last centuries B.C. and continued well into the time of Jesus. Rome ruled with an iron fist and wouldn’t allow anyone to speak out against the empire. Their plan of conquest consisted of taking an area over by force and then acting friendly with the inhabitants of their newly acquired territories. The motion picture â€Å"Ben-Hur† tells of a Jewish family who is caught right in the middle of a similar situation with the empire during the days of Jesus. Judah Ben-Hur is the main character in the movie â€Å"Ben-Hur.† He grows up in a wealthy and politically influential family who had everything they could possibly want. While still a young child, Judah’s best friend, Messala, moved to Rome for education. As the years went by, Judah and Messala never forgot each other. But while in Rome, Messala grew to be a wicked man that would do anything or use anybody to gain social prominence. Ordered by the Emperor, Messala returned to his homeland to rule as a Tribune. Judah heard of Messala’s return and met him as soon as he arrived. While talking with each other, they decide to see who can throw a javelin more accurately. Both men hit the same target and Judah interpreted this as a sign that Messala still considered them equal. Pr...

Oilwell Cable Company Case Study Essay

1. If Norm chooses to go ahead with the microprocessor conversion on the machinery without passing it by the team, what are the potential conflicts that might arise? What are the advantages of such a move? – The biggest potential problem here is that the production team might feel slighted as their opinions were not considered in this major decision, and it may affect their current strong feeling of value hat they have with the company. Essentially if feeling of value is affected then productivity will be affected, as Steve Cooper a contributor to Forbes points out studies show that companies that effectively appreciate employee value enjoy a return on equity & assets more than triple that experienced by firms that don’t. (Cooper, 2012) The advantage of such a move would be fulfilling the employees wishes of upper management making the tougher decisions not the team; also it would not only eliminate the three day deliberations that usually precede the team’s decision but it would also meet the employees desire of less time spent in team meetings. 2. If Norm decides to put the decision to the appropriate production team, what are the potential problems? What would be the advantages? – Here the potential problems is the deliberation period normally associated with team decisions, as this means a loss in productivity as these deliberations happen on company time. It could also affect morale, as employees already have a desire for less team meetings adding more to reach a decision will result in loss of confidence in upper management. Additionally, this decision based on the org chart, will then have to be approved by upper management which results in additional lost time as these decisions are already a struggle for them. On the flip side advantages here is that it would keep high value alive, as the employees would see that their opinions are truly valued when decisions affect the entire business; also it would be a great opportunity for upper management to gather thoughts and feedback from their employees who live the day to day process of the job. Finally when employees can connect value to their job productivity and implementation go smoothly because th ey each â€Å"own† it. 3. If the production team chooses to approve and implement this microprocessor conversion project, what form of project organization will this represent? – Functional organization, as the production team is the functional division of the company as our text points out that has the most interest in ensuring this project’s success or can be most helpful in implementing it. (Meredith & Mantel, 2012 pg.177) 4. Given the size of this organization and the number of projects they deal with, would it make sense to institute a Project Management Office? Is there another arrangement that might be a good alternative? – I think a PMO makes sense, as our text makes clear, a project management office (PMO) can provide critically important services for all projects. The skill with which the PMO organizes, administers, and carries out its responsibilities will have a major impact on the ability of projects to meet their objectives. (Meredith & Mantel, 2012 pg.177) This is vital as the company will be able to keep track of project progress and decisions can be made quicker, possibly eliminating the current double deliberation periods. Alternatively as projects arise if project teams of the necessary parties could be quickly formed and headed by an assigned company PM or the best suited yet most qualified individual from upper management for the job; this may also work to the company’s advantage. 5. How much impact might microprocessors have on production costs? Assume that variable overhead represents the same percentage of costs as fixed overhead. Find the net present value if the microprocessors cost $25,000 and their installation runs another $5,000. Assume a 10% margin. – Here the impact of the microprocessors on production will not be high as the variable and fixed overhead costs are the same percentages, meaning that both fixed costs that are unchanged based on production and those costs that vary by output are equal percentages. Additionally net present value impact in a year would be $30,300 based on the total initial start up cost; here to see a true balance it would be best for Norm to also investigate the financial  benefits (cut time, less scrap, and overall profit). 6. Compare Norm’s recollection of the division’s productivity gains between 1995 and 1999 to Exhibit 2. Explain the inconsistency. – Here human recollection versus actually data results makes it clear why data should be collected and reported on versus relying on memory. The consistency could be due to the fact that in 2000 the company was hit hard by the recession and productivity took a serious negative hit, therefore as productivity rose and eventually surpassed its pre-recession numbers Norm simply was reminded of the â€Å"good old days† of high productivity. 7. What would you recommend that Norm do? – I would recommend that a PMO be implemented for the task of; Establish and enforce good project management processes such as procedures for bidding, risk analysis, project selection, progress reports, executing contracts, and selecting software. Also, collect and disseminate information, techniques, and lessons learned as reported in project evaluations that can improve project management practices. (Meredith & Mantel, 2012 pg.194-195) If that’s not currently feasible, I would suggest that Norm first runs the decision by upper management as there are many benefits with the planned implementation of microprocessors; once agreed upon this decision should be conveyed to the employees, then the production team should be allowed to voice their opinions and suggestions on the decision. This approach will avoid any animosity the team may feel towards upper management, while avoiding the unnecessary deliberation process that results in lost time. Resources: Cooper, S. (July 30, 2012). Make More Money By Making Your Employees Happy. Forbes. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/stevecooper/2012/07/30/make-more-money-by-making-your-employees-happy/ Meredith, J.R., & Mantel, S.J, Jr. (2012). Project management: A Managerial Approach (8th ed). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc

Jane Fonda essays

Jane Fonda essays Who is Jane Fonda? This is a question often asked by many people with no one right answer. She is an actress, a fitness guru, a former communist sympathizer, and most importantly, an antiwar activist during the Vietnam War. Although Jane Fonda was honored as one of the 100 Women of the Century, her infamous name is one Vietnam veterans will never forget. As American soldiers were losing their lives, she traveled into enemy-territory, defaming American POWs, many of whom were tortured to death. Jane Fonda, a revolutionary woman whose efforts not only demoralized American servicemen but also created a personal war that would last a lifetime, mixed politics with film to make her an infamous legend. Born into a family of wealth, Jane Fonda evolved from a distinguished actress to one of the most controversial figures in Hollywood. Descending from prominent figures in history, including Samuel Adams and Jane Seymour, Fonda grew up with very little parental love and attention. Her father, actor Henry Fonda, rarely saw his daughter except for the occasional publicity photo-shoot. Her brother, Peter Fonda, and Jane spent most of their childhood at numerous boarding schools. The beginnings of Fondas passion for communism can be ascribed to her early boarding school in Paris, where she befriended French communists and Vietcong representatives assigned in Paris (Mraffin 1). Back in the United States, Jane made numerous theatrical appearances with her father. Developing her own fame, Jane began to take on numerous risque films, her most famous being Barbarella. Tired of her sex kitten roles and appearance, Jane took on a more serious role, titled They Shoot Horses Dont They? and also developed an interest in politics. Jane watched women leading marches, women getting beaten up, women walking up to bayonets, and they were not afraid. That experience completely changed her, and it began her searching for...