Balingasag Memory Square †Point of Sales System Essay

1.1 Background and Rationale of the study Memory Square is one of the attractive places in Balingasag Misamis Oriental. It is located at Barangay 6 near seaport between Provincial Hospital and basketball court. Memory Square is a fast food chain, where the students, teachers, families, friends, tourists, personnel’s in LGU or the Local Government Unit officials ,Balingasag Provincial Hospital personnel and for all the people coming from Balingasag seaport who buy snacks, foods and drinks. The owner of the Memory Square is Ms. Evelyn Albor. Memory Square was build on 2011. Ms. Evelyn Albor is the one who manage the money and running the business. The personnel that work in the fast food are the one who gives the ordered products to the customers and who buy products for the stock and manage the business when the owner is not around. The process of  the running business is complicated because the products are not recorded. The owner is not usually recording all the sales, all products that has been bought by the costu mer is not recorded. Only the credits, expenses and the daily sales are recorded manually. Because of lacking data and database the Owner cannot see the exact total income of the BMS. Inventory is basically the total amount of goods that are stock and stored. It is a system that maintains the information about the activities within the firms that ensure the delivery of products to customers. The subsystems that perform these functions include sales, manufacturing, warehousing, ordering and receiving. In this way it is possible to keep a record of all files. Since manual inventory consumes a lot of time it would be helpful to build a system that can less the cost with the stated problems, the researchers will develop, design and implement a system called Balingasag Memory Square – Point of Sales System (BMS POS system). BMS – POS system is where a retail transaction completed. It is the point of sales which a customer makes a payment in exchange for goods or services. At the point of sales it will calculate the owed by the customer and provide options for the customer to make payment. As part of it services, researchers implement a system that is designed to provide capabilities for storing, searching, updating, adding, deleting and editing the files of products or data. One of the important of BMS POS system is inventory for the identification in receiving and selling inventory items. Determine when to record low stock items or to record the sale of specific items. BMS POS system can also monitor the cost of goods sold, purchase price and sale price. All of the deliveries are recorded and listed from this system. There is a separation for the record of all goods. Expenses will be subtracted to the gross income and the result will be the net income with the use of this study. Balingasag Memory Square is using manual process of recording data of products but not all files of goods is recorded for many years it must be performing more efforts in maintaining a fast, efficient and reliable service. It is indeed a need for Balingasag Memory Square to computerize its old way of keeping or storing of files in order to update, edit, delete, and search and so with the personnel. The importance of this research is to  help the business to lessen their work in keeping files manually. Through this, the study will offer a fast and more efficient service to the community especially in retrieving important information for future use. This system helps to minimize the time and efforts consumed by using manual system. Using computerized point of sale with inventory will give benefits to the business and to the customers. It can be help to simplify the process of storing and managing the files in need for future use and make finding files easier than the manual process. It is used to keep orders and also provides details of when inventory needs to be used. 1.2 Theoretical and Conceptual Framework of the study A conceptual and theoretical framework is very useful in a research it is used to outline possible processes. It illustrates the different processes of the system. All the processes are being organized. It is a basic approach to understand the processes of the system. This framework illustrates the Input – Process – Output concept in which the researchers use as a guidelines to establish a POS system for Balingasag Memory Square. BMS POS system has two main parts the cashiering and the inventory. The researchers separate cashiering and inventory in its conceptual and theoretical framework for its different process. The growing popularity of computers called for a shift in thinking. During the late 1970s, social presence and media richness theory were found to be inadequate at describing computer-based meetings. In response to the changing landscape of organizations driven by computer systems, Input-Process-Output (IPO) Theory was proposed. An IPO theory state that the o utcome of a meeting depends on the process that occurs during the meeting, which is in turn dependent on what is put into the meeting. An IPO chart demonstrates how resources put into the system (inputs) undergo a change (process) to produce results (outputs). Figure 1.1 – Cashiering theoretical and conceptual framework Figure 1.2.1 illustrates the theoretical and conceptual framework of cashiering. First, the customer will asked for a product to the one who’s in charge in the Memory Square. The person in charge will check if the product is available or not available, then if the product exists the personnel will give it into  the customer and if it’s not the in charge will deny the request. Receipt will be given after the transaction is done. The product being bought will be added to the sales of the day. Figure 1.2.1 illustrates the theoretical framework of cashiering. First, the customer will asked for a product to the one who’s in charge in the Memory Square. The person in charge will check if the product is available or not available, then if the product exists the personnel will give it into the customer and if it’s not the in charge will deny the request. Receipt will be given after the transacti on is done. The product being bought will be added to the sales of the day. Figure 1.2 – Inventory theoretical and conceptual framework Figure 1.2.2 illustrates the theoretical and conceptual framework of inventory. Products information will be inputted and process to store in database. All the information is categorized. Then finally, all the products will be store in database. 1.3 Objectives of the Study General Objectives: The main objective of this study is to develop, design and implement a system that enhance the transaction and inventory process of Balingasag Memory Square. The BMS – Point of Sales System will assure that every transaction is accurate and stocks are always monitored. Specific Objectives: To conduct an interview and gather all information needed from the Balingasag Memory square in charge. To analyze all the information that the researchers get from the Owner of the Balingasag Memory Square – Point of Sales System. To design data flow, context diagram and create a database that would serve as a guide in realizing the desired output of the study. To design Graphical User Interface (GUI) for the Balingasag Memory Square – Point of Sales System. To develop the code of the Balingasag Memory Square – Point of Sales System. To test and debug the Balingasag Memory Square – Point of Sales System. To implement the Balingasag Memory Square – Point of Sales System. 1.4 Significance of Study OWNER The flow of the deliveries before is not recorded by the owner but the owner knows that she gets a gain in the business. Sales are recorded manually with the owner and it takes her so much time just to record. With the help of this study it will be easier and faster to record sales. The features of the system are; the owner easily can add products in the system, she can add expenses but it will automatically deducted in the income and she can also add credits of the consumer. The owner can also view all the sales in daily, weekly, monthly and yearly. The system can also print the sales of the said store and can print receipt if the consumer wants. So, there will be no more papers and ball pen to be used for recording data’s. This is an advantage of the owner so that she will not suffer any more from losing files and no more hard time in retrieving of files manually. CUSTOMER Customer is one of the beneficiaries of this study. Transaction will be much faster than before because of the system automatically calculating of the items in the bill. One of the features of the BMS POS system is printing out of receipts. If the customer asks for a receipt in the personnel, he/she just press the print key in the system then the system will automatically print out all the list of items that they bought in the Balingasag Memory square. And also, if the consumer doesn’t have money to pay and ask for a debt, the system can put all the items that the costumer buy in debts. Customer’s debts are recorded and listed in the database with the use of the BMS POS system it’s easier to find files of their debts. FUTURE RESEARCHERS Through the help of the study our future researchers will not find it difficult to develop a new Balingasag Memory Square Point of Sales System, since this research would somehow help them on how to make a point of sales system and that what are the things needed to and what are they going to do. With this guide, the future researchers may develop a more improved and better BALINGASAG MEMORY SQUARE – POINT OF SALES SYSTEM for the coming future. 1.5 Scope and Limitation This Balingasag Memory Square – Point of Sales System aims to computerize the transaction of Balingasag Memory square from its manual process. As the researcher observes nowadays, small and big companies are making their system computerized so that it will help the company in minimizing the time and efforts consumed by using the manual process. Balingasag Memory Square – Point of Sales System. (BMS-POS System) can link automatically with the inventory occurring in the real time when the sales occur. In this way it is possible to keep the record of goods that are coming in and sold out. However, this is appropriate for small business that does not have a lot of stocks. This study gives more efficient management of the inventory and cashiering levels, it also provides a clear view of the inventory movement inside the Balingasag Memory Square. It will improve the employees’ efficiency by automating it routinely and time consuming tasks such as the time spent in manually recording the products. As a result, the time can be used in activities that are more productive. Used to keep track of the customer orders, monitor the products, total the net income every day, listed the expenses, records the credits, provide details of when inventory needs to be restocked and etc. The BMS POS system is exclusively for the Balingasag Memory Square only. A computer desktop base system that can print out weekly, monthly and annual results of sales; it can also produce a bill which contains the list of product being ordered, its quantity and price. It can store data, view data, search data, delete data and update a data in the database. It can be used only by the Balingasag Memory Square Owner and its employee. The BMS-POS system is not an online system and in networking. It is installed only in one computer or a laptop or a net book with OS of Windows 7. 1.6 Definition of Terms BMS-POS Balingasag Memory Square Point of Sales. Bill Contains the list of product, price and quantity being ordered by the customer. POS Point of Sales. Database It is where data are being stored. Goods Food, snack or meal that is bought in the Balingasag Memory Square. GUI Graphical User Interface, it is the visual output of the system. Inventory A complete list of product item and sales. Limitation A limiting product for the Balingasag Memory square. OS Operating System Products These are sold from the Balingasag Memory square. Rationale A purpose for this study. Record A list for the products, credits and etc. that are belong to this study. Scope The extent of the area or subject matter that something deals with or to which it is relevant. Theoretical A theoretical concept of the study Transaction An instance of buying or selling something; a business deal. Chapter 2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE AND STUDIES OF BMS – POS SYSTEM This chapter deals with the different literature and studies base on different sources such as books magazine, newspapers and Internet. The related literature is written based on the needed information related to the system to provide the better understanding how Facility Inventory System works and give a brief theoretical background. Through this, the user would somehow understand the functionality of the system clearly and comprehensively. Balingasag Memory Square Point of Sales System is an essential kind of system that can manage to allow the user and staff to do their job effectively. All the total credits are listed and all of the expenses are also listed in the database. Inventory is basically the total amount of goods that are stock and stored; it is a system that maintains the information about the activities within the firms that ensure the delivery of products to customers. The subsystems that perform these functions include sales, manufacturing, warehousing, ordering and receiving. In this way it is possible to keep a record of all files. As a part of services, this system is to design to provide capabilities for storing searching updating the all files of goods or products, adding a data, delete and edit. One of the important of POS system is inventory system for the identification in receiving and selling inventory items. Determine when to record low stock items or to record the sale of specific items. POS can also monitor the cost of sold goods, price purchase and sale price. All of the deliveries are recorded and listed from this system. There will be a separation for the record of all products. It can help to record securely all the sales and customer’s orders, track products which are poor on business’ sales and manage inventory. This system is a desktop based system in which could only use or accessed by two people which is the admin and cashier. To access the system, the user or staff must enter his/her username and password for the verification. Non-personnel are not authorized to access the sys tem. The researchers ordered to secure all the significant information that the database contained. Foreign Related Studies MICROS RES: Back-Office, Guest Services, & Restaurant POS Software MICROS RES is a complete restaurant POS software solution that adapts to the way you run your business, with tools for the back-office, restaurant operations, and guest services. This fully-integrated restaurant point-of-sale system is both powerful and flexible and helps operations within your property flow more cohesively, efficiently, and profitably. The MICROS RES point-of-sale system offers restaurants multiple solutions that are designed specifically for table and quick service operations. This comprehensive restaurant point-of-sale system also allows restaurants monitor inventory levels, streamline ordering and receiving processes, enhance the profitability of your operation with customizable reporting and analysis tools, compare operational conditions against established standards, and implement gift card and loyalty programs for guests. For owners of multiple restaurant locations, this restaurant POS software offers enterprise management. MICROS RES provides end-to-end communications throughout your operation to increase efficiency and speed service. The end result of the MICROS RES restaurant point-of-sale system is to increase customer satisfaction, maximizing their experiences at your restaurant. The similarities of MICROS RES to BMS POS system is friendly user and both system are powerful. The advantage of BMS – POS system is that, it is not a system for restaurant. The in-charge can add and view all the expenditures and can manage credits of the costumers. Source: MICROS Systems, Inc., (2003) Bar & Nightclub Point of Sale | Best Prices on Bar POS Software Cafe Cartel has been providing software. We are a software company dedicated. We have a wide range of options such as software solutions, hardware solutions, and service packages. It was like many bars, collecting hand written tabs, keeping track of orders by bartender memory, and using multiple cashiers with the same access codes for the registers. Their credit card system kept customer’s cards on hold. No real point of sale to track drink type sales, cashiers that took the orders or cocktail waitress that took orders. The functions of the system included the following: Open Tabs Management Tools Pre-Auth/ Duplicate Charge Notification Happy Hours Pricing Tools We have inclusive and exclusive tax options 3rd party liquor inventory integration such as Berg Comprehensive User-friendly Interface Easy to Setup and Use Menu Price Change and Discount Auditing Tools The similarities of this study to BMS POS system is easy to use and user friendly because all the functions are showed in the Graphical User Interface (GUI). The advantage of this system is that the BMS – POS system can add other products; the user can view all the expenses and can add credits of the costumer. Source:  ©Carlnicks. (2005) Local Related Studies Point of Sales and Inventory System In this study conducted by Ariel Magat (2002), he stated that the Inventory System of the vital to any institution, agency, or department. The proper safekeeping, processing and disposal of records play important roles in the efficient, effective and smooth operation that eventually would lead to the success attainment of the goal and objectives of institution, agency and department concerned. Based on her recommendation there should be a central record management office that will hold data of the agency to serve as locator of the record and to control the disposal of each record. This can be possible through the use of computerized system. Computer with the appropriate software package is capable of handling records efficiently and effectively. And locating records that are computerized is faster than finding them in the filling cabinet. This is Point of Sales and Inventory System developed in vb6.0. Here the purchase and sales records are entered in the software. If the customers purchase few things, the user will enter those things name and the bill is generated automatically, admin can view the transaction of selected date using search option. All types of options are entered in this software. There will be 2 types of users one is admin and other one is employee. Both have different rights. Admin can give any type of rights to the user. This software is error free. Anyone can use this software. The similarities of BMS – POS system to this study is that it can record the sales of products and the admin can view all the transaction. The advantage of BMS – POS system to this study is that it developed in vb.net.  The BMS – POS can generate bill to the customers who buy products. And the BMS – POS system can only be use by the in charge and the employee. Source: Ariel Magat (2002) SBSCC Stockist basic The right inventory software can provide major time saving benefits. Free up your human resources for more profitable tasks by automating your inventory tracking. Choosing the appropriate software for your business can even help you eliminate time consuming manual processes by alerting you to which items need to be re-ordered and when. SBSCC Stockiest Basic POS – inventory software takes the guesswork out of keeping appropriate stock levels and costing. It also allows you to efficiently gather key information needed to make informed and insightful decisions. SBSCC Stockiest Basic POS business operational software specifically designed for small business owners to manage their inventory more efficiently. Now small business owners can take absolute control of their inventory/stock, purchases, sales, point of sales and returns. SBSCC Stockiest Basic POS Edition Features: Easy to use and flexible Specifically designed for small business owners. Complete inventory/stock management. Manage purchases and goods received note Manage point of sales. Print invoices, sales receipts and purchase orders. Manage customer/supplier returns Manage customer/supplier/employee contact list. Manage routine order processing and re-order level. The similarities of BMS – POS system to this study are all features of this study are the same in BMS – POS system. The advantage of BMS – POS system to this study is that it is a friendly user system. And it can manage credit of customers. Source: SBSCC, Inc. (2005)

Is the statutory ban against idling motor vehicle engines is helpful in improving the air quality of Hong Kong? Essay

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Analysis of Piracy and Plagiarism - Case Study Example However, one may point out that the need to create pirated movies has been influenced by the high prices or original versions of similar content. This counter-argument may not justify the practice. The price of movie production has increased significantly. For this reason, the consumer should appreciate the art of movie production. From a financial perspective, the cost incurred in the production process can only be compensated if consumers purchase the product at an appropriate price. The desired profit ratio cannot be acquired through the sale of pirated movies. Karaganis is the assumption that the price of pirated movies is almost 60% less of the price of the original DVDs. The rise of pirated movies has influenced the growth of television networks that offer alternative modes of consumer access to movies. For instance, the growth of television networks such as Netflix has been influenced by the need to create cheaper ways that consumers may access movies legally. However, the gro wth of such networks has been cited as a negative impact on the sale of original DVDs. Regardless, the trend is embraced hugely as it increases the level of exposure of movies. Strauss asserts that television networks offer a legal alternative that may substitute piracy to a consumer population seeking cheaper options. Another significant effect of piracy is the increased release of counterfeit movies with low quality. This dents the reputation of movie makers. However, if a consumer acquires a counterfeit movie they may not create a negative perception of the movie maker since they may understand the circumstances of which the movie was accessed. But, production of counterfeit movies of low quality does allow the consumer to capture the real creativity and effort of the movies made.

Betty Neumans systems model approach to nursing theory Article

Betty Neumans systems model approach to nursing theory - Article Example I agree with the assessment of Betty Neuman that the field of healthcare is a difficult one to utilize a singular theory in helping to define it in totality.Due to the fact that nursing is an infinitely complex and nuanced discipline, it is prone to change and be redefined in any of multiple key areas. However, if one were forced to choose a solitary theory as an explanation of the way in which nursing should operate and is currently exhibited within its application, it would necessarily be that of Betty Neuman's Systems Model. Due to the fact that her approach argues that the practitioner seek to approach the individual patient on a systemic level, it is one of the few theoretical approaches that requires the practitioner to dispel as many preconceived notions as is possible. Due to the fact that healthcare practitioners are oftentimes caught up in the individual stressors that a patient may exhibit, such factors are oftentimes not headed. Â   I further agree with the analysis that Neuman’s Systems Model approach points out that individuals within the nursing profession oftentimes treat the symptoms of a secondary issue rather than seeking to draw a level of inference upon what unique stressors could have caused the secondary and tertiary issues that the patient might be experiencing. It is Neuman’s understanding that once these key stressors are isolated and dealt with accordingly, the overall health of the patient will necessarily improve. By seeking to localize and treat these key stressors, both physiological as well as others, the nursing professional can gain a great deal of inference on what ultimate causes which affect the health and outlook of the patient may be (Beckman 2012). Likewise, an example of such a path of action could necessarily be the fact that a patient is exhibiting symptoms that are indicative of a key stressor that medical healthcare professions have not yet localized or considered with regards to the treatment plan. Th is particular theory allows the nursing professional to approach each and every patient with a broad based understanding that very often the case will be that the key underlying causes of pain, discomfort, or need for treatment will not be expressly manifest to the healthcare professional at first glance and will require a degree of personal understanding, interaction, and appreciation for the unique subset of needs that the given patient might require (Hayden 2012). Further, I agree with the respondent that in Neuman’s theory it is the responsibility of all practitioners to not rely too heavily upon any one given theory as a means of explaining any and all patient interaction (Clark 2012). Due to the fact that theory in question approaches the issue of nursing and healthcare administration from such an open perspective, it is perhaps better than most in helping to acquaint the healthcare professional with the infinite complexities that doubtless exist when it comes to provid ing services to affected patients (Mercks et al 2012). In this way, although Neuman’s theory goes a long way in assisting the professional to approach each and every situation with an open mind and to think outside of the box, the fact of the matter is that even after such an approach has been effected, the theory requires that the practitioner assume that a hidden level of meaning therefore exists within the treatment and underlying causes that afflict the patient in question. Such an assumption may or may not be true; however, to assume that in every situation there exists something that does not meet the eye is both foolish and presumptive (Cobb 2012). As such, such a level of

Geography Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Geography - Essay Example The concerned area is located at a very important place and keeps diversity for commercial and industrial base. Lansdowne Street joints the highway. The indigenous people occupy this part of the Peterborough. Metropolitan Toronto also influences this part of Peterborough. Water is the important component of the cultural and physical landscape of the census tract 05. Little lake provides the recreational opportunity to tours and local residents (Adams and Taylor, 2009). Traditional ways of travelling were used as boating. It was suggested as the important for recreation in the economy. Adams and Taylor (2009) provided the industrial outlook of the area. The Q.T.G Canada and Ventra Plastics, Sysco Food Services and Siemens are the important industries of the City Peterborough. Development in tourist, health and education industry is also increasing in the concerned area. Trent University and Sir Sand ford Fleming College are the major institutions in the area. Students from local as we ll as across the Canada and Province come here for study purposes. Adams and Taylor (2009) presented the Census tracts of Peterborough on varied cultural, shopping and recreational attractions. People move to Toronto in summer and weekends because of Kawartha lakes. People from America, Ontario also come to these Kawartha lakes in their leisure times. People use their own automobiles for travelling, but some of people use other means such as bicycling, walking and canoeing. Observation from Primary sources: The cultural heritage landscapes are those areas, which are modified by humans. The residents of the area value this modified landscape. Little lake cemetery was chartered first in Ontario that represented the special cultural heritage. Little lake is recognized as the significant place and considered as the open space because it is adjacent to parks. Little lake is Category an asset because the properties of the Little Lake are valued on provincial as well as national level. The Lansdowne Street is the important place for growing business and just away from the heart of the city Peterborough. For example, Comfort Hotel & Suites is beautifully designed that demonstrates the origin of this area in city Peterborough. The Lansdowne Street W crosses over the Little Lake and leads towards the Burnham Provincial Park. Park Street is also included in the business districts of the central area. The Park Street area is represented as the transitional and industrial conversion sub area. Natural setting and topography of the Little Lake provides space for people living in the Census Tract 5 as a fashion for the movement of rural cemetery. This area is also significant because it reflects the changing attitudes about the concept of death and cultural movement. The tract 5 is the area of residents with high-income families. People living in this area shift their spending on the needs and household. Young adults of the study area spend a higher part of their income on th e recreation merchandise, fashion and entertainment. Increase in family size and children ages, the housing, home decoration and furnishing share a greater part of the income of families. People of the concerned area replace the furniture when it is retired. Presence of colleges and other educational institutions is the crucial driver for the economic development and attracts the young people to be part of the same

Learning Skills Improvement Service Essay Example for Free

Learning Skills Improvement Service Essay In my position as a workshop trainer at Deerbolt young offenders’ institute, the education I deliver for The Manchester College as part of their Offender Learning is supported, monitored and shaped by various professional bodies. The purpose of these bodies or sector skills councils vary however they all have a common goal in ensuring and enriching the quality of education being delivered. LSIS or the learning and skills improvement service are such a body who umbrella over every organisation that delivers qualifications throughout the country, and they do exactly what they say on the tin. LSIS improve quality, participation and increase standards in education and training. A lot of their work involves developing resources, implementing schemes, sharing delivery aids that improve quality and achievement and tailoring support to learners needs. â€Å"Colleges and providers helped by LSIS improved by one inspection grade at their next inspection.† (LSIS [ND] [online]) LSIS don’t just support the educational improvements though; in 2010 they recognised The Manchester College as a Healthy FE college, healthy initiatives offered throughout the college like loyalty cards, gym memberships and better eating schemes aimed to improve the health of students and staff. Another group that oversee our work as teachers is the professional body the IFL or the Institute for Learning. Their role is to register everyone practicing as a teacher or trainer in FE on to their database. They promote themselves as supporting professional excellence; they aim to increase the status of teachers as professionals, requiring a membership fee and proof of qualifications which is supported by the employer. They also champion the importance of CPD and require members to provide evidence of this and their teaching hours each year. This is seen to keep standards of teaching high, and promote quality and teaching as a profession. Until very recently this is how the IFL worked but due to the loss in government funding and teachers reluctantly to pay their own subscription the number of people renewing their subscription to the IFL fell by over half to just 85,000 signalling a loss of confidence in the body and an end to its presences. For many teachers and trainers in FE it was seen as a welcomed downfall as many believed the IFL did nothing for them, however now this professional body has collapsed there is no one regulating the qualifications or standard required to teach in FE which may lead to competiveness for jobs and or poor standards of teaching and training. These developments seemingly leave only Ofsted in place to assess the quality and standards of colleges and the individual teachers. â€Å"Ofsted would be made responsible for ensuring that FE teachers were appropriately qualified through inspections† (TES [30/03/2012] [Online]) However I see a huge flaw in this method of assessing quality and knowledge, not every Ofsted inspector can have the depth in knowledge of every subject of every teacher he or she is going to observe. For example if I am teaching bricklaying and I’m teaching unacceptable practices how is that inspector meant to know I am teaching the wrong methods? Surely the only way to overcome this problem is to have employed properly qualified teachers and trainers and not just people with some subject knowledge. Now that the IFL is a voluntary body the employers themselves have discretion over this matter. Construction Skills is another organisation that oversee and support the vocational training we deliver in offender learning. They are a massive organisation and have a lot of different strands from providing qualifications, courses and assessment and training support through CSkills as an awarding organisation. They also developing courses and provide support and training to local businesses through being an industry training board. In 2003 Construction Skills were awarded Sector Skills Council status, this allowed them to deliver valued support across the industry. Their main aims are to help reduce a shortage in specialise skills and help to bring a diverse workforce into the industry. They are also involved in improving business performance and developing professional standards for construction occupations both trade and professional. The other area that they cover is probably most relevant to my work as a vocational trainer; they have a large input on the improvement of education for apprenticeships and higher and further education. They achieve this by awarding grants for training, providing businesses with advice on getting the best from their work force offering card schemes, recognised qualifications and helping to link college learning with on the job experience. Professionalism As teachers, trainers, tutors or whatever you what to call us in FE we all have more than one hat we wear that makes us a professional. The IFL although seemingly no more used to keep everybody who worked as a ‘teacher’ under the status of a professional. They did this by having in place the requirement to achieve QTLS or ATLS within five years of working within the education sector. QTLS stand for qualified teacher learning and skills and ATLS associate teacher learning and skills. Everybody working as a teacher was required to register as one or the other of these statuses depending on your level of teaching qualification, the full Cert Ed being a level 5, I myself would have had to apply for QTLS status. However the following quote suggests that very little teachers working in the sector today have taken out the required status of QTLS/ATLS. â€Å"Only a small number of lecturers have become ‘fully qualified’ under the current arrangements: between 2,900 (GHK, August 2011) and some 6,000 (IfL submission, 2012). Whilst this number may rise as the five-year watershed approaches, some 85 per cent of FE lecturers have not embarked on the final supervised practice phase, following the diploma. We do not believe that so slight a result after such a long delay makes this qualification credible as a licence to practise which, properly speaking, should be earned before starting work, as it would be in other professions.† (Bis [03/2012] [Online]) By making this a requirement the IFL aimed at ensuring each individual teacher had the ability to work at the standards expected of a licenced practitioner. To meet this requirement you were expected to submit evidence of your teaching practice, subject and background knowledge, your continued professional development and your own reflective practice. I feel this was affair approach to the matter They may say the â€Å"licence to practice should be earned before starting work† but the profession of teaching is like no other. Its not really something you can learn out of a book you have to get out there and do it then reflect on it, prepare and do it again. My personal two hats consist of my subject specialism, Carpentry and Joinery level 3 qualification, and hopefully in a couple of months my Cert Ed teaching qualification. Other training and development also comes into it, like holding a CSCS card, which is the Construction Skills Certificate Scheme. Another initiative that Construction Skills mentioned earlier are responsible for putting in place. It means you must hold a valid card to work on any building site in the country. To get a card you must pass a construction health and safety test, the cards also state on the back your profession and level of qualification. This is another method of keeping this industry safe, to required standards and professional. â€Å"Professional formation allows teachers to describe how these standards are evidenced in their teaching practice, along with aspects of subject currency, teaching and learning, reflective practice and planning for continuing professional development.† (IFL [11/2008] [Online]) Professional formation isn’t just about your status or qualifications though. It’s a lot about your actions too. As professionals we are expected to present, conduct and discipline ourselves in a particular manor. However with this status we also have the benefits of being rewarded recognition for our work, enhancing collaborations, sharing good practices and having support and respect from our colleagues, colleges and partnering bodies. The importance of engaging in CPPD CPPD or Continuing Personal and Professional Development is something as professionals we should all be doing on a regular basis. It was a requirement of the IFL to record our CPPD hours each year and although a lot of teachers possibly never took this serious it is a good method of keeping in touch with current affairs and adapting to changing trends. The key thing to remember is that this is not just about completing a list of activities undertaken during the year that add up to 6 or 12 or 30 hours. The time spent can be meaningless unless it makes a difference. (IFL [08/2009] [online]) Education is one such sector that never stands still, the requirement to change and reform is evident and we do this to keep things interesting, relevant and to continually push up standards. From a personal point of view, if I’m teaching my subject specialism I want to be a fountain of knowledge in it, I think it’s important to have good subject knowledge and as I have been out of the trade a couple of years now this is something I aim the address on completion of the Cert Ed. I will look at gaining further qualifications in my subject, or maybe completing an assessor’s award. I have even considered going back to construction site work to gain further experience and update my knowledge. Ideally being out in the field working on actual jobs with students would be the perfect scenario for continually developing myself and I feel this would also benefit the learners immensely. As for CPPD in my teaching, I aim to complete all training events offered, for example we had smart board training at work the other day. I also aim to relish being thrown in at the deep end which regularly happens as a cover tutor. I’m lucky in the way my support role at the prison lets me observe a lot of different teachers each week and taking on their good practices and addressing learners needs is excellent CPPD for me. The importance of reflective practice Reflecting on our work as teachers is the best way to develop, its important to have regular teaching practice. We learn valuable things when were in lessons, under pressure and on the spot, however the real learning comes afterwards when we reflect and analyse the session. This is our time to put things right in our heads and prepare ourselves for the same scenarios the next time. It would be extremely difficult to pre-empt every situation that could occur and almost impossible to prepare for each. â€Å"teachers who explore their own teaching through critical reflection develop changes in attitudes and awareness which they believe can benefit their professional growth as teachers, as well as improve the kind of support they provide their students.† (tttjournal [ND] [Online]) Not only should we be reflecting from our own experiences but it’s also extremely valuable to reflect on observations, hearing opinions from another person’s point of view can really pin point things that may have been frustrating us for weeks. Critical reflective practice is more complex than just reflecting. It’s about planning how you will evaluate a lesson or even a CPPD event; it is good practice to critically review these situations through different people’s points of view. Your colleagues, students, boss, or even a person in the field actually doing what you’re teaching or being taught. With this in mind reflection is one of our most important tools. Bibliography Bis [03/2012] Professionalism in further education [Online] http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/further-education-skills/docs/p/12-670-professionalism-in-further-education-interim [Accessed 27/05/2012] IFL [08/2009] Guidelines for your continuing professional development (CPD) [online] http://www.ifl.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/5501/J11734-IfL-CPD-Guidelines-08.09-web-v3.pdf [Accessed 12/06/2012] IFL [11/2008] Professional Formation [Online] http://www.itslifejimbutnotasweknowit.org.uk/files/IfL-professional-formation-overview.pdf [Accessed 12/06/2012] LSIS [ND] Our Impact in the Sector [Online] http://www.lsis.org.uk/AboutLSIS/LSIS-impact/Pages/default.aspx [Accessed 20/06/12] TES [30/03/2012] FE professionalism gets radical shake-up [Online] http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6202944 [Accessed 15/04/2012] Tttjournal [ND] Towards Reflective Teaching [Online] http://www.tttjournal.co.uk/uploads/file/back_articles/towards_reflective_teaching.pdf [Accessed 03/06/12]

Mr and Mrs Andrews Painting Analysis

Mr and Mrs Andrews Painting Analysis I chose to make the comparison between Gainsboroughs Mr Mrs Andrews and Shonebares Mr Mrs Andrews Without Their Heads because although the titles are similar and the concept is similar, there are distinct differences. The fundamental differences stem from the fact that Shonebare used mannequins, whereas Gainsborough painted in oil on canvas. Shonebare has excluded the landscape whereas Gainsborough has included his beloved landscape which is an important part of his paintings. These two artists are from two different backgrounds, different races and 235 years apart. The two pieces are an ocean apart: Gainsboroughs painting is hung in The National Gallery, London while Shonebares work is installed in The National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa. Similarities The important differences in the two pieces are Gainsborough has a landscape in the background, whereas Shonebare has excluded this which alters the subject completely. For Gainsborough, the landscape was extremely important and by combining portraiture with landscape, this helped him to cover his love of landscape and at the same time earned a living, but it also gave us an historical insight into the landscapes in that period. Gainsboroughs sitters almost appear secondary, with the Andrews sitting under the oak tree and just about appearing in the portrait. The fact that Shonebare excludes the landscape is significant as the landscape depicts the wealth and status of Mr Andrews and by excluding this, Shonebare has appropriated a degree of this power and wealth. Gainsborough cursed the face business but Shonebares pieces without heads would not have worked in Gainsboroughs time for the simple fact that portraiture was popular in the mid 18th century. Portraitures were a way of indic ating to the world that a person had arrived. The face/eyes are the one thing that helps to give a human being identity it is like the window of a persons character and soul and by excluding this, there is an emptiness in Shonebares story, although one could argue that by being faceless the viewers can decide on the characters for themselves. Another significant factor in Shonebares Mr Mrs Andrew is by not having any heads, the eyes are drawn immediately to the beautiful vibrant fabrics. The Dutch Wax fabrics are important signifiers of Africa in Shonebares installation and although this is associated with Africa, it is in fact printed fabric based on Indonesians batik, manufactured in the Netherlands, Britain and other countries and exported to West Africa. This cloth has proved to be a rich and adaptable material, both literally and metaphorically, and it is vibrant and theatrical, although this particular installation is incongruous as the material does not marry up with the pe riod designs of the mid 18th century as it would have been highly unlikely gentlemen and ladies would have dressed in clothing from the sub-Continent, even though some of these materials are extremely expensive. Include in here Shonebares technique(why did he use material?)/Gainsboroughs brushstrokes (how has he managed to achieve such reality in his fabric? There is also something quite unsavoury about decapitated heads with the bodies still looking alive and I find the Shonebares mannequins quite surreal and disturbing having looked at this several times. Why however did Shonebare use headless characters? One of the reasons I expect could well be he wanted the characters to be mysterious but it is more likely that because Gainsboroughs painting is a celebration of deference and by being headless, Shonebare has somehow deflated their status. The eyes of Gainsboroughs Mr Mrs Andrews are staring straight at viewers, inviting them into their world. Expand here. In comparison to her neck, however, Gainsboroughs Mrs Andrews has extremely narrow shoulders which seems out of proportion to the rest of her body, and I wonder if this was naturally so or if it was to underscore that she was the subordinate of the two. Mrs Andrews faint smile indicates decorum although her narrow shoulders and posture reveals a degree of subjugation and possibly domination by her confident, no-nonsense husband. Shonebares Mrs Andrews posture has revealed a more confident looking woman with the shoulders being broader and the fact that the couple looks more equal has automatically transformed Shonebares mannequins into the 21st century. Gainsboroughs painting on the other hand is an anachronism of the past with the man standing next to his belongings: his wife, dog and gun and his land ownership in the background. Expand on Gainsborough here. Althou gh Shonebares installation is inside a building and there is just a plain background, he has managed to conjure up a feeling of a couple being outside of a building and the Rococo style bench could well have assisted in making this possible. When I look at Shonebares piece, I am thinking landed gentry but on looking again, my eyes tells me that there is incongruity as these bright colours would be classified as far too garish for these upwardly mobile folks in the middle of the English countryside. It shows Mrs Andrews in fine silk clothing, sitting on a Rococo style bench, sitting primly, while Mr Andrews is portrayed as a casually dressed gentleman with a dog and a gun, standing proudly before his sprawling land. Expand on both Mr Andrews clothes, figure and posture. I saw Mr Mrs Andrews at the National Gallery in late November 2009 and it is a relatively small oil on canvas, measuring 69.8 x 119.4 cms. It lacked that stiffness and grandeur associated with huge canvasses of that period. The young couple are shown in their Suffolk surroundings and it shows a distinctive style of portraiture, which does convey a degree of spontaneity and casualness, although that is not strictly true as the painting is highly organised. Robert Andrews would have been eager to display his latest agricultural advancement with the mechanical seed drill which was unusual in the mid-18 th century. Expand on Gainsboroughs landscape. Why did Shonebare not have a landscape/background? Why did he chose to have a 3-d installation? Could he have achieved a realistic landscape of that size in post-Modern Britain? Both artists are from completely different backgrounds and eras and to understand these pieces a little better, it is important to look in further details at their lives. Yinka Shonebare MBE was born 234 years later, in London in 1962 to Nigerian parents and lived in Battersea until his parents relocated to Lagos when he was 3. His father, a lawyer, wanted him to also study law but at 17 Shonebare returned to London and at 19 he chose to study art. He received his BA from Byam Shaw (now part of Central St Martins College of Art Design) and his MA from Goldsmith College, London University. A month into his art course he became seriously ill with a rare viral infection which attacked his spine and left him temporarily paralysed. He is now partially paralysed and walks using a stick. While at art school Shonebare was questioned by a lecturer about his choice of subject matter and why was it not more African? This started his journey of using Dutch Wax fabric as an apt metaphor for the entangled relationship between Africa and Europe in his installations. It has proved to be a rich and adaptable material, with the flexibility to be used in his installations, his paintings and in other projects he has undertaken. Shonebare works across the media of painting, sculpture, photography and filmmaking and has won several prizes, shortlisted for the Turner prize in 2004 and has been awarded the commission to make a work for the Trafalgar Square Fourth plinth in 2010. In 2005 he was awarded the MBE an award he has chosen to use as part of his artistic identity and uses this wherever his name is written. Thomas Gainsborough was born in Sudbury, Suffolk, in 1727, fifth son of a cloth merchant. Having a keen interest in drawing as a child, at the tender age of 13, he was sent to London to study art in 1740. He was a founding member of the Royal Academy, but unlike his contemporary, Joshua Reynolds, he was never knighted. Gainsboroughs natural preference was always for landscape painting, but it was impossible for an English artist to make a living painting landscapes and so in 1748 he moved back to Suffolk where be became known as a portrait painter. He hated portrait painting and, like Reynolds, this was his main form of income but he felt it bounded him to the wishes of his sitters. .Nothing is worse than gentlemen I do portraits to live and landscapes because I love them, Gainsborough once said to a friend. In another letter to a friend he complained about the pressure of society portraiture, which he described as the cursd Face Business. Gainsborough was one of the most important English artists of his time. He was impressed by the natural rhythm of Dutch landscape paintings and became a dedicated admirer of Van Dyck. The focus of country life as a centre of power and privilege was faithfully reflected in Gainsboroughs art, and in Mr Mrs Andrews the landscape reflected this power and self-esteem. In this painting, his most famous, it shows Robert Andrews, Gainsboroughs childhood friend, with his wife Frances on their estate. They had been married on 10th November 1748 when he was 23 and she was 16 and it is believed that this was painted soon after their marriage. Robert Andrews inherited half of his fathers estate and the other half of the neighbouring pieces of land from his wifes father, William Carter. In Mr Mrs Andrews Gainsborough succeeded in painting both a portrait of the client and of the landscape which is natural and in fact it is possible to relocate the very tree under which the Andrews sat. Unlike the French artificial geometric gardens, he was concerned with freeing painting from any kind of stylisation although Gainsborough sometimes included his own landscape from his imagination.

Strategic analysis of global operations of supply chains

Strategic analysis of global operations of supply chains The main objective of this study is to do a strategic analysis of the global operations of supply chain within Mattel Toys Inc. Here its supply chain will be evaluated along with the risks/ security threats it faced and a framework will be presented to manage these risks. With growing product/service complexity, supply networks are also becoming increasingly complex in the wake of outsourcing and globalization. This has affected risk, changing it continuously. Risk can generally be termed as a probability of injury, hazard, damage or any other unwanted outcomes. The Royal Society (1992) defined a more systematic explanation of risk: the probability that a particular adverse event occurs during a stated period of time, or results from a particular challenge. In this study, we will suggest a framework for future supply chain risk management in the view of Mattels recall in 2007. This recall left a trail of media reports, public critique, investigations and huge lessons learnt. Mattel Toys Inc. is a global leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products. It comprises of top-selling brands such as Barbie, Fisher-Price brands etc. Mattel is recognized as the 100 Most Trustworthy U.S. Companies by Forbes Magazine. (Source: Wikipedia) In 2007, it experienced a sequence of continuous alarming product recalls in which around twenty one million toys were pulled out from sale. Whether the toys were defective in design to lose small magnets, which if consumed could harm kids, or they were toys contaminated with lead paint coming from unethical Chinese vendors was irrelevant as the case was subjected to high media critique and got highlighted for quality mismanagement and varied logistic practices in outsourced vendors. (Biggemann 2008) The table (figure 1) below shows the toys recalled from Mattels respective vendors and their sub-vendors: Industry experts suggest that Mattel is locked in a relationship with China having five factories and manufacturing there for nearly 25 years. It outsources its production up to 50 percent to third-party manufacturers and almost 65 percent of its toys are produced in China. In spite of quality control efforts, Mattel has had 36 recalls since 1998 and two formal Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) admonishments. Its most controversial recall, up until 2007, involved 10 million Power Wheels toy vehicles. (Biggemann 2008) Below is a timeline depicting the key events that took place during the course of this recall, Figure 2: Mattels product recall timeline The result of this recall was catastrophic for Mattel and it lost more than 45% of shares in market value. Although sales at international markets helped it gain some profit for that interval (Casey, 2008), yet these had very little impact on their annual figures as compared to its loss. The question now raised was How did Mattel end up in such a tricky situation? Is it a case of heavy neglect or something worse? It is argued that this was the result of Mattels flawed sourcing strategy. Literature Review Toy industry is one of the oldest industries for creativity and extremely volatile in nature. In the United States alone there are approximately 3 billion toys sold per year (Elsasser 2007). Toy sales estimate are nearly 22 billion USD (Strickler 2007). Figure 3 estimates the annual toy sales from July 06 June 07 which marked a rise up to 22.5 billion USD. Figure 3: State of Toy Industry Erratic and changing demands in this industry create a layer of volatility due to undersized and customized selling-openings and rapid product lifecycles. Toy demand and toy retailers needs are very volatile and expect toy manufactures to be very market responsive; but most toy manufacturers respond with conventional mass-production strategy which is very minimal in response and very mismatched to their strategy. Supply networks of such industries are growing into complex and dynamic mesh of varying relationships (Harland et al., 1999). Risk is escalating and its focal point is ever changing within the dynamism of supply networks all due to outsourcing of supply operations overseas and also due to growing complexity of product/service life-cycle. Of late research has explored strategies to minimize risk in toy supply chains and networks. One of the main assets of toy manufacturers is their network position and the relationships and policies that come with these (Turnbull et al., 1996). To asses and manage risks, network positioning plays an important role especially in resource sharing, reputation management and terms of contract (Henders, 1992). To begin the research, a literature search was undertaken with the intention of locating articles related to supply chain security and risk. The search included all journals known to publish articles related to security, risk, and/or supply chain management. Examination of the literature reveals four core premises that are consistently mentioned as vital for firms seeking to maintain effective levels of security and in minimizing and/or managing supply chain risk. (1) Preparation and planning initiatives. A central focus of the supply chain security/risk literature is business and supply chain continuity planning. Zsidisin et al. (2005a) offer a four-step business continuity plan, including awareness creation, prevention, remediation, and knowledge management, thought to be salient for firms needing to protect themselves and their supply chains from external risks. The business continuity planning concept is conceptually aligned with the supply chain risk paradigm, i.e. supply continuity planning by Zsidisin et al. (2005b), who suggest that controlling risks at the supplier level is critical for firms wishing to avoid disruptions in supply lines. (2) Security-related partnerships. Another theme found in the security literature addresses the formation and maintenance of security-related supply chain partnerships. Sheffi (2001) posits that leveraging relationships with suppliers and governmental agencies is necessary to ensure against asset and product damage and thereby facilitate supply chain continuity. He proposes that supplier relationships should be built both locally and globally, with higher tolerance for cost and lead-time requirements, in order to diversify supply risk. (3) Organizational adaptation. An additional emergent research focus deals with organizational adaptability as a coping response to potential or realized supply chain risks and crises. The literature broadly suggests that supply chain security-oriented firms take adaptive steps toward both securing supply chain assets and minimizing risk exposure. (4) Security-dedicated communications and technology. A final characteristic at the firm level is the implementation and usage of security/ risk-dedicated communications channels and/or security-facilitating or risk minimizing technology. Zsidisin et al. (2005a, b) state that the ability of the firm to manage information and knowledge, and to build continuously on the knowledge base, are imperative conditions for mitigating supply chain risk. In case of Mattel Toys Inc, risk came from the fact that about half of its toys are made in Mattel plants and about half are outsourced to vendor plants. Some of the problems came in when these vendor plants also outsourced to other vendor plants and again these other vendor plants outsourced, thus, making the supply chain very long or deep. The longer the supply chain, the harder it is for the foreign firms to keep track of who did what, when and the final quality of the parts or product (Lyles, 2008). The next section provides a security framework to deal with the past and unforeseen future risks in the complex supply network of Mattel Toys. They are suggested guidelines for identifying, assessing and managing risk. Theoretical Framework This section of the essay contains the overarching methodology for dealing with Mattels situation. For this purpose, the Supply Network Risk Tool put forward by Harland et al., 2002 has been used. A diagram illustrating the entire methodology has been given below. This is followed by a justification for selection, and identification of shortcomings. (Fig4. Supply Network Risk Tool, Source: Harland et al., 2002) Justification of the Theoretical Framework The framework is built on earlier research and consists of individual frameworks for each section, thus evaluating the problem in detail. It provides a holistic view to assess the situation/incident and follows a definite sequence for mapping and implementing risk strategy. For disruption like that of Mattels recall in 2007 it provides a resilient approach for managing the risks involved in an efficient manner. Testing/ Expansion of the theoretical Framework The Supply network risk framework consists of six sections which evaluate the overall situation of the organization in a comprehensive manner, and suggests solution accordingly. During the course of this expansion, Mattels situation is analyzed and simultaneously the framework is examined and later critiqued. Part 1- Map Supply Network: The diagram provided below is a snapshot of Mattels supply chain from beginning to end that existed before the recall in 2007. (Fig5. Mattels Global Supply Chain, Source: Barad, 2002) Identifying Risks Risks (table 1) within Mattels complex supply network have been identified. Strategic risk (Simons 1999) Definition: Affects business strategy implementation For Mattel: New technologies can render their products obsolete Sudden shifts in customer tastes kids are getting older younger (KGOY) toy retailers are consolidating retail price is falling Supply risk (Meulbrook 2000) Definition: Adversely affects inward flow of any type of resource to enable operations to take place; also termed input risk For Mattel: increasing customization outsourcing of operations disruption to the supplier quality problems, materials and parts shortages etc bankruptcy of supplier Customer risk (Meulbrook 2000) Definition: Affects likelihood of customers placing orders; grouped with factors such as product obsolescence in product/market risk For Mattel: Shift in customer buying pattern Shift in customer preferences More competitive products during demand Operations risk (Meulbrook 2000) Definition: Affects a firms internal ability to produce and supply goods/services For Mattel: Failed/ out-dated technology Labour strike Disasters and Natural Calamities Reputation risk (Schwartz and Gibb 1999) Definition: Erodes value of whole business due to loss of confidence. For Mattel: Recall history Financial risk (Meulbrook 2000) Definition: Exposes a firm to potential loss through changes in financial markets; can also occur when specific debtors default For Mattel: Drop in market share Devaluation of company share price Fall in credit rating Legal Regulatory risk (Meulbrook 2000) Regulatory definition: Exposes the firm with changes in regulations affecting the firms business Legal definition: Exposes the firm to litigation with action arising from customers, suppliers, shareholders or employees For Mattel: Changes in regulation and government policies Lawsuits Supplier country legalities Then these have been categorized into various types which have been used as a guideline to examine the risk (table 2) and consequences faced during their great product recall in 2007. Type of Risk Identified Risks Consequences Causes Supply Risk Quality related: Lead Paint Contamination Loosely fitted components Supplier related: Fraud Contract Default Recall of products and associated costs Lawsuits Re-evaluation of suppliers Suppliers pulled out of market Increased retailer control Defective raw materials moving downstream Trust deterioration Deviation from quality standards Outsourcing of quality control Low transparency in Contract Terms Poor tractability of source of supplier Falsification of documents by suppliers Use of uncertified led paint Deviation from quality standards Improper sub-vendor tracking Falsification of documents by suppliers Improper regulation Operations Risk Design related: Unfeasible magnet design Recall of products and associated costs Costs of redesign and RD Failed testing both in design and production stage Flawed RD Customer Reputation Risk Market related: Brand Image Loss in sales Loss in customer loyalty Uncertainty Bad consumer experience and accidents Health hazards Falling consumer confidence Decreased Brand Loyalty Adverse impact on other products Loss in revenue Increased uncertainty in buyers Harmful products Betrayal of customer trust Delicate target market Legal Regulatory Risk Policy lawsuit related: Legislative Regulatory Lawsuits Fine by CPSC Led to new and tighter regulations Did not track their own standards Political influence by stakeholders Financial Risk Economic related: Drop in share price Drop in sales Drop in sales and revenue Implementation of 3-fold plan by Mattel Retail pullout Recall of products Media critique and bad publicity Customer fallout Strategy Risk Outsourcing related: Vendor subcontracting Sub-vendor quality control Drop in product standard Harmed consumer base Affected brand name Dropped market share Vendor subcontracting and then sub-vendor again subcontracting Flawed track of sub-vendor and sub-sub-vendor activities Assessing Risk In this section a probability-impact matrix has been created to assess the impact of risk (mentioned in figure 3) on the supply network of Mattel Toys based on its probability of occurrence. High 2,3,5,6,7,8,11,12, 13, 18-23* Impact *Refer Appendix ab for description of number 1,4,10,14,15* Probability Low High The matrix clearly shows that most of the major risks associated with its supply network lies in High Impact Low Probability and High Impact High Probability region. This matrix has been used as a reference to create another matrix (below) for a specific risk that Mattel suffered i.e., the great recall of 2007. High Fraud, Contract Default, Quality- Lead contamination, Design- Magnet component, Impact *Refer Appendix ab for description of number Brand Image, Loss in sale, Loss in customer loyalty, Legal Regulatory, Drop in share price Low Probability High During this period, all risks had very high impact on Mattels supply network and caused setbacks and disruption which were hard to recover from. Managing Risk There are a few ways in which Mattel can increase their capabilities of supply chain risk management; Visibility   In order to properly assess supply chain risk and respond to events, visibility across the supply chain is required. This means that the supply chain risk management tool must be capable of integrating with, and modeling ERP analytics from, multiple disparate ERP systems, including systems supporting the supply and distribution nodes. Event detection and alerting   The sooner a supply chain disruption is recognized, the faster the response. An alert that shows up in e-mail or a portable e-mail device will ensure that the appropriate people are made aware of the event when it happens. Too many times, event detection is based on the event itself. To be truly valuable, alert should be triggered based on the anticipated impact of the event. For example, if a supplier goes out of business, but the loss of this supplier doesnt impact key metrics, an alert may not be necessary. Analytics   The full suite of supply chain analytics needs to be modeled in the supply chain risk management tool to ensure the impact of a potential supply chain event is understood. When an event happens, analytics are used to model the event and determine the impact. Above all, these analytics need to be performed in real time, especially when responding to an unanticipated supply chain disruption. When an event happens, every second counts and a company cant wait days or weeks to understand the impact or to determine resolution alternatives. Simulation   Simulation is critical to both sides of supply chain risk management. When assessing the risks, simulation helps to model different risk scenarios. Further, simulation is used to model alternative mitigation strategies to ensure that they are sound. When responding to an unanticipated supply chain event, simulation is used to model and compare the various response alternatives. Collaboration   The risk management team will need to evaluate several possible mitigation alternatives. Members of the team will likely not have the detailed knowledge necessary to explore all alternatives in the detail needed to develop a robust mitigation strategy. The ability to bring other people into the evaluation process is critical both to validate the proposed strategy and to propose key improvements to the strategy. Similarly when responding to an unanticipated supply chain event, collaborating with those with the detailed knowledge ensures that the response alternatives are reasonable. Scenario comparison   in the process of developing mitigation strategies or responses, the team may develop multiple approaches that potentially resolve the problem, but in differing ways. The team needs to make a decision on which resolution or mitigation alternative best meets the goals of the organization. One approach may extend lead times by 30 days, while the other may increase the cost of goods sold by 10%. The decision on which approach is best needs to be evaluated in light of corporate goals. Form collaborative supply network risk strategy To be successful in todays aggressive toy market, retailers and manufacturers should drive lean and closely controlled supply chains. As the rate of promotional marketing and innovative product launch continues to grow, companies are mostly caught between dynamic customer demands and comparatively fixed manufacturing and logistics parameters and limitations. Collaborative planning helps in dealing with supply chain issues. To improve supply chain responsiveness in Mattel, it requires shared visibility with suppliers and retailers into events happening now and in the future, while working jointly to resolve issues and problems surrounding delivery constraints. Implementation To keep up with dynamism of market demand and unseen risks, Mattel needs to implement its strategies for risk management in clear structured, and/or procedural way. According to Freedman (2003), strategy implementation should encompass order, commitment, ingenuity, management control and advanced execution skills. In Mattel, the Corporate Responsibility division should use this as a guideline for their advisory and research. Freedman (2003) also observed that moderating complexity is one of the core steps in strategy implementation. This is in regard to Mattels supply chain network which was complex and vendor mismanagement lead to one of their biggest recalls. It is recommended for Mattel, to train and educated their workforce to handle unanticipated risks in supply networks (Harland et al, 2002). Their workforce needs to be made more aware of the total inherent risks faced after the great recall and learn to identify such risks in early stages. They need to focus on current practices of risk management and evaluate if these are apt after the recall. Mattel needs to handle complexities within their supply chain network by increasing visibility in it. This can be achieved by examining risk at the level of the network rather than restricted view to just immediate vendors (Harland et al, 2002).. They need to increase access to and control of sub-vendors throughout the supply network. This in turn will help them to expose risks throughout their supply chain. Also they need to develop/upgrade their existing supply network risk strategy and bring it in-line with their organizational practices and the framework suggested here. The key to successful risk management implementation is by identifying two situations to respond to supply chain events (Source: Kinaxis); An unanticipated supply disruption1 And, an anticipated supply disruption by executing a mitigation strategy In both cases, the main task is to alert on time that an event has occurred. Its difficult to respond to an event if you lack information on it. The supply chain needs to be monitored continuously. The practice of risk management from spotting risks, through choosing suitable risk management strategies, and then altering the structure of the supply chain is an information-demanding procedure (Source: Husdal). This means it is very dependent on information sharing. The key activity then is to identify vital information signalling risk while filtering data. Critique The model is critiqued to identify the shortcoming of the framework: The model is build upon existing model and does not provide any new technique to provide a total security solution . The model is subjective in nature as the author Harland et al, 2002, themselves pointed out that on categorization and identification of risk, the view of assessors assessing may be different. It may not always be possible for organizations to continuously examine risks and have strategic frameworks in position The setting up of collaborative arrangements in supply network and identification of risks and implementation of this in existing system may prove costly As the model is subjective in nature, there might be difference in opinion of the assessors on the rating of particular risk in the organization. Conclusion In the wake of Mattels great recall in 2007, it is seen that their strategy for outsourcing brought about one of their biggest losses and led to brand tarnishing and major fall in their market value. Their response to this crisis was well-handled but this raised questions on how they foresee their risks and avert them? The suggested security framework draws a birds eye view of their supply network and asses risk at every level of their supply chain. It provides 6 key tools to asses risk and some effective steps to implement them. Later this framework is also subjected to self-critique but from a broader picture it can provide some key modification to the shortcomings in Mattels current strategy. Recommendation

Gothic Art :: essays research papers

Gothic Art began in 1137 with the rebuilding of the chair of the abbey church of St. Denis. Gothic Art is the style of art produced in Europe from the Middle Ages up to the beginning of the Renaissance. Typically religious in nature, is especially known for the distinctive arched design of its churches, its stained glass, and its illuminated manuscripts. Gothic, although symbolic, is a lot more anecdotal and naturalistic than Romanesque. In the late 14th century, anticipating the Renaissance, Gothic Art evolved towards a more secular style known as International Gothic. One of the best-known artists of this period is Simone Martini. Simone Martini was a Sienese painter who greatly influenced the development of the International Gothic style, and was a major figure in the development of early Italian painting. Giovanni Pisano was an Italian sculptor, as was his father Nicola Pisano. His work shows a mixture of French Gothic and the classical style. Among his works are: Pulpit for the Duomo di Siena, Sculptures and architectural design for the facade of the cathedral in Siena, Pulpit for the church of S. Andrea in Pistoia, The five reliefs on the pulpit are the Annunciation and Nativity, the Adoration, Dream of the Magi and Angel warning Joseph, the Massacre of the Innocents, the Crucifixion, and the Last Judgement, and the Pulpit for the Pisa Cathedral. The extraordinary painter Hieronymus Bosch stands apart from the prevailing Flemish traditions in painting. His style was unique, strikingly free, and his symbolism, unforgettably vivid, remains unparalleled to this day. Marvellous and terrifying, he expresses an intense pessimism and reflects the anxieties of his time, one of social and political upheaval The Gothic era in painting spanned more than 200 years, starting in Italy and spreading to the rest of Europe. Towards the end of this period, there were some artists in parts of the North who resisted Renaissance influences and kept to the Gothic tradition.

Use of Project Management Software in Business Essay -- Business Manag

Use of Project Management Software in Business Project Management is using the concepts of information technology in businesses to meet the requirements of a particular project. It depends on the process it needs to take to implement a project. The application of knowledge, skills, and tools and techniques is needed (http://www.asp.org/infoglossary/p). There are 3 main phases of project management, they are planning, scheduling and controlling. How the process is implemented is through different types of software applications used to efficiently and effectively run a business to save time, money and resources. A goal (project) is set, the project should be defined, and schedule out each task needed for completion, and identify teams and resources. By controlling, managers need to revise or change plans by monitoring resources, cost, and quality. Lastly, scheduling involves sequencing and allotting time to all project activities. This is where time and resources come in to see how much time is needed to complete, the people to work, and materials needed for the project. There are different project scheduling approaches depending on the project. Project Management in business is very important now that technology is all around us. It has made a difference in customer relationship management by meeting the needs of the customer. It gives the customer a broad range of information to choose from and with the types of information that are readily available. As well as with the customer service and support that is there for customers. It is also important to the businesses when it comes to supply chain management. They are better equipped to develop a fast, efficient, and low cost network of business with their partners to get products from concept to market. I have observed in our readings that the ERP software have failures, but I have seen in my previous employments, that businesses do implement certain software before they do a test run. Some companies who have the software are usually good about doing orientation and training to employees before they begin using the applications. It takes time away from the organizations to do training and also correcting mistakes that happen along the way, but in the end it pays off. I recommend that businesses could implement an overview of the new software before it is implemented. Th... ...ter over the internet, as we call it e-commerce. The difference between the past and future is enormous in the world of project management. It is so important to businesses, consumers, and all stakeholders. Although, not all software work for certain businesses, but with more training and knowledge in project management will improve the process of implementing technology in businesses. Summary: In researching project management, it is an innovation that has a continuing change. People change through knowledge and every innovation does not stay the same. Implementations of projects are also different and the software process has to meet the demands of businesses. For a company to stay abrupt of the changing cycle of technology is an advantage to stay ahead of their competitors. The complexity of documentations has opened the interenterprise of technology in customer relationship management, supply chain management, and enterprise resource planning. Bibliography http://www.asp.org/infoglossary/p http://www.aceproject.com/features.htm http://www.cob.sjsu.edu http://www.cidainc.com Last, first. Operations Management p.58, 60. Date. Page #

How the character of Lady Macbeth changes and develops throughout the course of the play Essay

When we are first introduced to Lady Macbeth in Act I, scene v, she is at once perceived as a rather hard, ambitious individual who will stop at nothing to get what she wants. However, throughout the play her character undergoes many changes and in the end she goes insane, because of her heightened sense of guilt, and kills herself. Lady Macbeth’s first 2 soliloquies in Act 1 reveal her character very well. The way she speaks of Macbeth’s character makes it quite clear that hers is very different. She does not feel that she has to achieve things respectably or honourably, and is quick to seize opportunities, unlike Macbeth, as is shown by how she immediately connects the prophecies with the king’s visiting her castle. ‘†¦The raven Himself is hoarse That croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan Under my battlements’. (Act I, scene v, lines 36-8) As soon as the messenger leaves, Lady Macbeth calls upon the spirits of the Underworld to fill her with ‘direst cruelty’ and to let ‘no compunctious visitings of nature shake her fell purpose’. She thinks womanhood and femininity weak, and through this we see her hard, cold, remorseless side, that will do anything to fulfil her desires and ambitions. In Act I Lady Macbeth is only talking about and planning the murder- in Act II we see her spring into action. She is the one behind it all, pushing her weak and unwilling husband to do the deed. In this act it is seen even more clearly that Lady Macbeth has no conscience, or if she does it is lying dormant. Every time Macbeth begins to express his guilt and dismay, his wife cuts him off and says something like ‘These deeds must not be thought/ After these ways: so, it will make us mad.’ (Act II, scene ii, lines 33-4). She is also very much in control of herself and the situation, unlike the verbally incontinent Macbeth (see Act II, scene iii, lines 105-15). When she sees that Macbeth is about to give them away with his babbling, she prudently pretends to faint to draw attention away from him. The banquet and the murder of Banquo take place in Act III. Here we see Macbeth all but fall to pieces when he sees the ghost of the murdered Banquo sitting in his place at the table. Lady Macbeth however, had nothing to do with Banquo’s murder. Now it seems that Macbeth does not need his wife to push and chivvy him anymore- he thinks of and plans evil deeds without help. In this act Lady Macbeth only serves to cover up for her husband when he starts rambling and talking to the ghost. Her domineering character is not needed anymore and her role has dropped from that of the dominant wife, to a smiling one, concealing her husband’s evil deeds. Even at this early stage Lady Macbeth shows signs of growing weaker. In the first 2 acts, she was the one in charge, telling her husband what to do and laying all the plans. But now she seems to depend on him more, e.g. Act III, scene ii, line 45 ‘What’s to be done?’ Lady Macbeth is actually asking her husband what to do, but Macbeth tells her to ‘be innocent of the knowledge’. Macbeth is withholding information from her, and yet she is not upset. It is the beginning of the end for Lady Macbeth. She even regrets what they have done, because of the niggling doubts and insecurities she has about the safety of their position. ‘Nought’s had, all’s spent, Where our desire is got without content ‘T is safer to be that which we destroy, Than by destruction dwell in doubtful joy.’ (Act III, scene ii, lines 4-7) Lady Macbeth is insecure and lives in ‘doubtful joy’ despite the eagerness with which she encouraged Macbeth to kill Duncan and seize the throne. She sees now the futility of merciless ambition, for she has obtained the power she desired, but cannot enjoy it because of the guilt that accompanies it. Lady Macbeth’s sanity seems to have propelled downward very fast, but as we see nothing of her in Act IV, and know nothing of the time span in which Act IV occurred; it is hard to say how quick it happened. In Act V however, ‘Since his majesty went into the field’, says the gentle woman, Lady Macbeth has been showing signs of erratic and insane behaviour- ‘I have seen her rise from her bed, throw her night gown upon her, unlock her closet, take forth paper, fold it, write upon ‘t, read it, afterwards seal it, again return to bed, yet all this while in a most fast sleep.’ In Act V we can see how much Lady Macbeth has changed since the beginning of the play. For in Act I she fears the light as it might show what she was doing, e.g. ‘Come, thick night, And pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell, That my keen knife see not the wound it makes, Nor heaven peep through the blanket of the dark To cry, â€Å"Hold, hold!†Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ (Act I, scene v, lines 48-52) Compare that statement with this- ‘DOCTOR How came she by that light? GENTLEWOMAN Why, it stood by her: she has light by her continually; ‘t is her command’ (Act V, scene i lines 17- 19) The darkness which she asked for and rejoiced in Act I now worries her, and she must always have light by her. Light is symbolic of goodness, and darkness of evil. She also continually rubs her hands, as if to clean them. This is clarified in her speech- she keeps saying things like ‘Out, damned spot! Out I say!’ as if speaking to the mark of blood. ‘What will these hands never be clean?’ She is speaking of when her hands were coated with blood when she had to go back and smear Duncan’s on his guards. Then she said ‘a little water clears us of this deed’ Now she says ‘all the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand.’ In act V, scene v the queen dies. Whether she kills herself or dies of natural causes it is unknown. But as the doctor said in Act V, scene i ‘Yet I have known those which have walked in their sleep, who have died holily in their beds.’ The insane, guilty woman who died at the end of the play was a far cry from the strong, hard, ambitious woman in the beginning.