Pain Case Study - 965 Words

The objective of the study was to compare the incidence of post-operative pain between rotary andhand K-files single visit root canal treatment. 60 patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis participated in this randomized clinical trial at Altamash Dental Institute from Sep 2016 to May 2017. Patients were randomly alienated into 2 distinct groups of 30 patients. Single visit root canal treatment were perfomed by cleaning and shaping of canals by means of rotary files in group A while in group B hand K-files were used for shaping and cleaning via passive step-back technique followed by obturation and termporary filling on the same visit. Following the treatment, patients were directed to compute pain intensity at 4, 8, 12 and 24†¦show more content†¦It is evaluated from former studies that technique in which instrument is used in rotational manner tends to extrude reduce amount of debris in apical region in contrast to technique that uses up and down stroke. Likewise, custom-hand filing technique is more conscientious for debris extrusion than motor-driven files. Further, flutes in rotary files have more propensities to haul the debris coronally (9, 10, 13, 15, and 18). According to most of the studies, hand instruments cause more post-operative pain in comparison to NiTi rotary files (17-22). However, according to a newstudy, no significant difference in post-operative pain was noticed with different instrumentation (23). Instrumentation shares no relationship with post-endodontic pain, as evaluated from prior studies (24). According to researchers, numbers of visit shares no association with post-endodontic pain (25-30). However, according to some studies RCT performed in multiple visits results in elevated post-operative pain (31-32). Similarly, another study states that patients treated in single visit are more likely to undergo post-operative pain (33-36). METHODOLOGY This randomized clinical trialwas conducted at Altamash Dental Institute from Sep 2016 to May 2017.60 patients were selected by convenience sampling. Informed verbalShow MoreRelatedPain Case Study1014 Words   |  5 Pagesper day and uses recreational grade cannabis for pain and sleep daily. On admission, Ms. Kelly complained of low back pain ranging in intensity from 7 to 8, out of 10, on the pain scale where 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst imaginable pain. She subjectively describes this pain as throbbing, stabbing, burning and radiating along the posterior and anterior aspect of both upper legs, left worse than right. She has sharp, stabbing, burning pain in both her arms, particularly the left arm, andRead MorePain Case Study1732 Words   |  7 Pages Pain is often related to increased anxiety, sleep disorder, depression and lower quality of life (Tsao, Plankey Young, 2012). According to Beavers, Giggey Tepe (2009), the prevalence of chronic pain together with a mental disorder is 30%, which doubles the percentage of individuals without a mental disorder. Sun et al. (2013) compared the therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture and fluoxetine on the depressive disorder (MDD). The study demonstrated that electroacupuncture treatmentRead MoreNeuropathic Pain Case Study1773 Words   |  8 PagesMany clinical conditions require bone or tissue regeneration and current therapeutic options (pharmacotherapy, neurosurgical lesioning, and anesthetic blocks) do not provide effective long-term relief associated with the accompanied neuropathic pain. Regenerative therapy uses a patient’s own tissues to initiate the healing process. Two regenerative treatments currently being offered are stem cell and platelet-rich plasma therapy. The use of adult stem cells for bone and tissue regeneration has gainedRead MoreTemporomandibular Joint Pain Case Study1056 Words   |  5 PagesResult s The current study was conducted on nineteen patients 3 males (15.7%) and 16 females (84.28 %) with mean age 26.26 years  ± 6.24. Evaluation of temporomandibular joint pain by visual analogue scale VAS during joint function was calculated by the statistical change in reference to the preoperative records. Results revealed that the reduction in TMJ pain was statistically significant after the first week (P=0.002) and the reduction in pain was improved along the study period till the 6th monthRead MoreCase Study Of Phantom Pain ( Phantom Limb Pain ( PLP )1006 Words   |  5 PagesPhantom pain (Phantom limb pain [PLP]) PLP is one of those strange afflictions of the human body which can be caused by a number of instances. Although surgery and the removal of limbs, hence the name, are the primary and most common way of developing PLP, there are numerous other ways which can bring PLP on, albeit not in as severe ways; these ways include, but are not limited to Touch, Urination or defecation, Sexual intercourse, Angina, Cigarette smoking, Changes in barometric pressure, HerpesRead MoreCase Study : Au Bon Pain1194 Words   |  5 PagesAt Au Bon Pain (ABP), Ron Shaich, company President hired Len Schlesinger as Executive Vice President/Treasurer to increase sales and improve quality. They recognized store performance and customer service were degrading from the phenomenon they called â€Å"the cycle of failure† caused by chronic employee shortage, inability to recruit high performing managers and insufficient training. Ron/Len identified that a new competitive compensation program (pay for perf ormance) at the manager level could createRead MorePerineal Pain In Nursing Case Study712 Words   |  3 PagesThe current study findings indicated that perineal pain intensity had significantly reduced 15 minutes after the warm compresses and after lubricated massage among the two intervention groups (P = 0.000) with more effect to the lubricated massage. Meanwhile, perineal pain intensity had increased among the control group after received routine care (P =0.000). With statistically significant differences between the two intervention groups and control group regarding perineal pain intensity after interventionRead MoreCharacteristics Of Caring For Patients1231 Words   |  5 PagesAnother positive consequence is a feeling of power and autonomy for patients. Finally, the patient’s perception of the nurse is positively influenced as they are now viewed as compassionate, competent, and respectful (Brilowski Wendler, 2005). Cases Model Case #1 Mr. Smith, a 72 year old man has been admitted to an orthopedic floor following the surgical repair of a fractured femur. Ann, his nurse, knows that Mr. Smith is a type II diabetic, has a history of hypertension, DVT, a-fib, and two cardiacRead MoreThe Treatment of Phobias Essay851 Words   |  4 Pagesof injections. Several people today suffer from travel phobia, yet there is little data regarding the phobia. The purpose of this study was to review the usefulness of a trauma-focused treatment approach for travel phobia from a cognitive behavioral therapy. Such technique used for the study was Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for a 184 person case from a rehabilitation provider. The reasoning for these particular tests was to enact a full body approach where as it tested allRead More`` Not For Iv Use : The Story Of An Enteral Tubing Misconnection1143 Words   |  5 PagesChosen for root cause analysis is case study number 18, titled â€Å"Not for IV Use: The Story of an Enteral Tubing Misconnection† from the book Case Studies in Patient Safety: Foundations for Core Competencies. Root cause analysis is a process whereby error producing system factors are identified and reviewed to assist in the formatting and implementation of solutions to prevent similar errors from re occurrence (Wachter, 2012). This accounting of the patient’s experience located in the Systems-Based

Under Armour Free Essays

AU has been able o increase its North American brand awareness by showing the advantages of its differentiated product which has improved athletes’ comfort and performance. In order to compete in the global markets against Nikkei and Ideas LILA should consider the following four alternatives: mergers or acquisitions, establishment of foreign subsidiaries, joint ventures, or a continuation of the North American strategy to be used in the international markets. The decision criteria used in evaluating each option looked primarily at how to increase CIA brand awareness and market share, the financial strain on ALGA sources, protection of CIA patents and intellectual property, and the level of control maintained by CIA It is recommended that AU pursue appropriate mergers or acquisitions that will increase its resources and competencies internationally and enable AU to more quickly build its market presence. We will write a custom essay sample on Under Armour or any similar topic only for you Order Now Aqua’s big competitors have been selling their performance apparel internationally for several years, with the added advantage of already having international brand recognition. Since CIA won’t have the first-to-market advantage they had in the US Market they need to carefully find complementary companies that can assist in both brand cognition and in core understanding of the global markets. Significant resources will be required initially, but it is expected that this investment will be paid back within 3 to 4 years. If this alternative proves unsuccessful AU should consider a joint venture or alliance which shifts some of the risk on to those other participants. For the full recommendation and action plan please refer to pages 12 to 13. Table of Contents Executive Summary 2 Identification 4 Backgrounds Problem Statement (Scope of Report) 4 Current Strategy 4 Analysis and Evaluation 5 External Analysis Macro-Environments Five Forces Analysis 6 Strategic Group Map 7 Key Success Factors Internal Analysis 9 SOTTO If uncial 9 Alternatives 10 1. Merger and Acquisitions 10 2. Foreign Subsidiaries (Greenfield Venture) 10 3. Joint Ventures and Alliances 11 4. Status Quo – Utilize the IIS Strategy Internationally 11 Decision Criteria 12 Recommendation 12 Action Plan 13 Contingency Plan 13 Appendix A 14 Appendix B 15 Bibliography 16 Identification Background Under Armor (AU), formerly known as KIP Sports, was founded in 1 996 by former University of Maryland football player Kevin Plank. KIP Sports was the originator Of performance apparel engineered with supreme moisture management to keep athletes cool, dry, and light throughout the course of a game, practice, or workout. The company’s operations started out of the basement of Kevin Plank’s grandmother’s house. Shortly after founding KIP Sports, Kevin recruited one of his acquaintances from Maryland University to join the company as a partner. Kip Bulks, the gentlemen brought on as partner utilized his excellent credit rating to open 17 different credit card accounts to fund the cash flow requirements of KIP Sports. By 1 998 the company’s revenues had Increased efficiently enough for KIP Sports to acquire a $250,000 small business loan. The company was ever growing with a broader product line and consumer segments and from time to time it would take out additional loans needed to fund their working capital requirements. It was not until 1999 that Kevin recruited another acquaintance, a gentleman by the name of Ryan Wood from high school, to join the company as Vice President of Sales. In 2005, KIP Sports changed their name to under Armor and went public. This initial offering generated net proceeds of approximately $114. 9 million, from the 9. Million Class A Common stock issued. Problem Statement (Scope of Report) Although AU has done well in the present US market, carving out a sizeable market share, it is unknown how their current strategy will be able to compete with fierce rivals like Nikkei and Ideas on a global frontier. Their big competitors have been able to start selling their performance apparel internationally for several years, with the added advantage of already having international brand recognition, so CIA will no longer have the first-to-market advantage that they had in the US Market. If AU hopes to be successful in the lobar market, they will need to analyze their current strategy while exploring other possibilities to make an informed decision on how best to proceed. Current Strategy The company’s principal business activities in 2012 were the development, marketing and distribution of branded performance apparel, footwear, and accessories for men, women, and youths. 90% of its sales were from North American, though international sales were growing. AU uses a broad differentiation strategy as its corporate strategy. It has developed its own patented fabrics to create a differentiated product that its customers are ailing to pay a premium for. Its growth strategy includes broadening its product lines, targeting additional consumer segments, increasing distribution, expanding internationally, and growing brand awareness. Aqua’s business strategies include how it will compete in each of its product line offerings of apparel, footwear, and accessories for men, women, and youths. Its strategy is to offer a variety of styles and price levels for its customers that will improve comfort, performance, and mobility no matter what weather condition exists. For its apparel it has designed three lines of gear designed o work in various temperatures (Heather, Coolidge, and Legionnaires). Its footwear is designed to be light, breathable, and high performing. Its line of accessories (such as gloves, header and bags) has similar differentiated performance features as Aqua’s other products. Aqua’s main functional strategies include its marketing brand management and promotion strategies as well as its product design and development strategies. CIA has an extremely large marketing budget (close to 1 68 million in 2011 ) which includes athlete endorsements, sponsorship of sporting events and advertising costs. It utilizes an in-house promotion and marketing department whose focus is to increase demand and build brand awareness. Aqua’s main retail marketing strategy is to obtain as much CIA exclusive floor space as possible in each Of its major retail stores. Aqua’s product design and development strategy is to continually upgrade its products and to use â€Å"visible technology†Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ (Thompson, p C-51) to market the benefits of Aqua’s products. There is a high degree of collaboration between the sales, product development, and sports marketing teams in identifying opportunities and markets. Aqua’s key operating strategies include its distribution strategies and its sourcing, manufacturing and quality control strategies. Its distribution strategies included wholesale distribution (70%), direct-to-consumer sales (27%), and product licensing (3%). AU has two distribution facilities in Maryland, though it expects to add another facility overseas in the future. Many of Aqua’s technically advanced fabrics were developed by third parties. These fabrics are available from a small number of sources. In 2011 CIA had 23 main manufacturers which operated in 16 countries. All manufacturers ad to follow stringent quality control processes and had to adhere to a code of conduct with respect to quality, working conditions and social concerns. Analysis and Evaluation External Analysis Macro-Environment The macro-environment is positive for the sports apparel industry without many restrictive influences in the political or regulatory realm. The most strategically relevant factors of the PESTLE analysis (political factors, economic conditions, socio-cultural forces, technological factors, environment forces, and legal/regulatory Factors) include the socio-cultural forces and technological factors as noted below: Socio-cultural Forces Recreational and professional sports are both very popular in North America and throughout the world. With an emphasis on active and healthy living in addition to the â€Å"life skills† learned in playing on sports teams schools and athletic associations offer many sports opportunities for all ages. Professional sports are a multi-billion dollar industry with athletes and coaches making very large salaries. Although there may be aging demographics in some areas of the world enthusiasm for sports remains high. Technological Factors Technology has only continued to improve as sports apparel companies onetime to refine and develop the relatively newly available â€Å"technologically advanced fabrics and specialized manufacturing techniques† (Thompson, p C-43) in an effort to create a more comfortable, drier experience for the athlete. Great strides continue to be made with these products. Five Forces Analysis Competition from Rival Sellers (Strong): Competition among rival sellers is intense. There are approximately 25 brand-name competitors in the market for sports apparel, athletic footwear and related accessories in which (AU competes. Aqua’s major competitors in its sports performance apparel and athletic footwear include Nikkei, Inc. ND the Ideas Group, both highly successful brand-name global companies. AU competes with other top name brands, such as Columbia, Spryer, and North Face in its performance Skewer products. Nikkei is the clear market leader with approximately 17% of the footwear market share and 4. 4% of the sports apparel market share. Customer Bargaining Power (Strong): Since approximately 70% of AU sales are from retailers, the retailers do have Strong bargaining power. 5% of all retail sales are to large retail chains who also sell Aqua’s competitor products. They have the discretion as to whether to allocate a certain level of floor space exclusively to CIA or not. Although there is some differentiation in products between competitors many of the products are fairly standardized, increasing customer bargaining power. The cost of switching to competitor brands is likely fairly low as all competitors will be fighting for key retail space. Supplier Bargaining Power (Moderate): CIA specialty fabrics and other raw materials come from a relatively small number of sources. In 2011 , a little more than half of the fabrics used came from six suppliers in several different countries. With only six suppliers for such a large volume the suppliers do have some leverage in increasing their prices. It seems that it may be difficult for LILA to find alternative suppliers, though these suppliers must also depend on the revenues from CIA As such, they will not want to price themselves out of the market and they will want to see CIA succeed. Competition from Potential New Entrants (Weak): Given the strength and number of large brand name competitors already in the industry the threat of new entrants is relatively weak. The Ideas Group has several well-known brands within its company, such as Rebook, Rocket, ND Ideas. Nikkei and CIA are also well-known brands. All of these companies participate heavily in sponsoring sporting events and invest significantly in athlete endorsements. As a result, there are high degrees of customer loyalty, making it difficult for new entrants. These large companies also have well-established networks of distributors. All of these things as well as the capital investment requirements limit the potential of new entrants to the industry. Competition from Producers of Substitute Products (Weak): Although it is unlikely that there are significant substitute products in existence, CIA and its success shows that it is possible for a creative company to enter the industry with some sort of product which would be more appealing. Additionally, both Nikkei and Ideas spend significant amounts of money on research and development. It is possible that one of these competitors will be able to develop a next generation substitute product. Us Mary Overall, the industry competitive forces are moderate to strong. The competition among rival sellers is quite intense and the retail buyers have significant power in working with all of these sellers. Brand image and loyalty re important in this industry. Nikkei is a well-established company and the clear market leader, but the Ideas Group is also a global leader. CIA has done very well at establishing a solid market share in its sports apparel and training/fitness clothing. Strong profitability is evident in this industry as can be seen in the net profit margins among Nikkei, the Ideas Group, and Under Armor. Strategic Group Map Key Success Factors Performance and Reliability – To remain competitive in this industry, CIA products must meet or exceed customer expectations for high performance and reliability. CIA was founded on creating clothing that was cooler, drier, and more comfortable for its athletes. AU must continue producing high quality items which can be counted on. This includes utilizing high quality standards. New Product Development -? In this competitive environment it is important that AU invest sufficient funds into research and development so that it can gain improvements in its fabrics and its products. Additionally, CIA must keep a sufficient number and styles of products available to be able to meet various consumer segments, such as it has done with Heather, Coolidge, and Legionnaires. CIA will need to re-examine its product line and its inventory management systems to ensure it is able to better meet customer needs without high levels of excess inventory. Pricing – Due to the number of brand name competitors in the industry with similar products an appropriate pricing strategy is crucial to Aqua’s success. CIA will have to remain vigilant in watching competitor prices and discounts given. Brand and Product Image – Each competitor in this industry will need to continually work on communicating and maintaining its overall brand image that is consistent with its mission and vision. Additionally, certain key products should have high visibility in terms of the image they represent. Loyalty from customers will be driven in part by these branding images. Customer Support and Services – In part a company is only as strong as it is perceived to be by its customers. Aqua’s retailers and its direct sale customers must be treated fairly and be given adequate support when purchasing AU products. Retailers (representing 70% of sales in 2011) will be driven to work with La’s competitors if customer support and service is lacking. If Under Armor is able to successfully manage each of these key success actors which matter to its customers it should have continued competitive success for the long-term. Conclusion The external environment is conducive to successful results and profitability for the current competitors in the sports apparel industry. Although CIA is competing against some large global rivals it has been able to gain substantial market share from 0. 6 percent in 2003 to almost 2. 8 percent in 2011. This is compared with 7. 0% market share for Nikkei and 5. 4% market share for Ideas. AU should be able to remain competitive and earn reasonable profits as long s management remains attentive and pro-active With any changes in the environment. Internal Analysis SOOT under Armor has a variety of strengths which allows them to compete in the highly competitive sports apparel industry. Over the years, the business has focused on building an authentic brand with high quality apparel that has allowed them to gain significant market share from their competitors. Below you will find an analysis of their internal and external environments. Strengths Built an incredibly powerful and authentic brand in a relatively short time Became the official footwear supplier of major league baseball Uses superior scenically advanced fabrics Weaknesses International presence is very low Limited number of distributors to ship their products Insufficient tools in place to manage inventory efficiently and accurately Opportunities Ability to broaden Aqua’s product offerings for wear in a variety of recreational activities and sports Athletic wear, a category historically dominated by men, is seeing significant growth with females Gender equality continues to grow in other parts of the world The reads Highly competitive market Competitors have a well established footprint in international markets Materials used in AU products are petroleum-based synthesis and therefore subject to crude oil price fluctuation If uncial Under Armor financial shows both positive and negatives (see Appendix A for the full financial details). The profita bility ratios are in good standing and are relatively stable over the 5 year period 2006-201 1. The gross profit ratio indicates that CIA has enough revenues to cover operating expenses and leave the company with a profit. The net profit margin shows that their after tax profits per dollar of sale decreased from 9. 05% in 2006 to 6. 58% in 2011. That is a drop of 2. 47%. The return on total assets and return on shareholder’s equity have both decreased from 2006-201 1. A return of 12-15% range is average and Under Armor is at 15. 23% as of 201 1 which is within the range. Liquidity analysis shows that the working capital has improved over the years. As of 2011, the company has $506,056 of internal funds to cover its current liabilities. That is $332,667 more that in 2006 showing a big improvement The leverage ratios show the negative side of Under Armor. The debt to asset ratio has been increasing from 2% in 2006 to 8% in 201 1. This means hat 8% of borrowed funds have been used to finance assets. Also the debt to equity ratio has increased from 3% to 12%. This signifies lower creditworthiness, potential excessive debt and a weaker balance sheet. On the other hand, in order for a business to continue growing and compete with the industry taking on additional loans is a requirement. Even though it appears that CIA has the capability to pay off the debts these ratios should be watched carefully to ensure that covenants are not broken. The activity ratios show that AU inventory management efficiency has decreased over the years. How to cite Under Armour, Papers Under Armour Free Essays IBM 4711 International Strategic Management Under Armour: Working to Stay on Top of Its Game Perform a STEEP analysis to understand the general environment facing Under Armour. How will the firm be affected by external factors? Ans. Each factor under STEEP analysis giving Under Armour more information about how company should adapt itself, in order to be survived in the market. We will write a custom essay sample on Under Armour or any similar topic only for you Order Now Let’s see the effects of these external factors to the company’s strategies each by each. Social factor Demographics Gender : affects the designs for both male and female customers (e. . apparel for women) Age Structure : affects design, sizes, and features for different age distribution(e. g. youth) Lifestyles Types of sports : affects designs of products for different types of sports and different level of players Climates : affects different performance features of products, for example, shoes and apparels Economical factor Technological factor Degree of economic risk associated with premium price (Downturn economy), affect in declining net sales and encouraging the company to use conservative approach Rapid change and innovation of technology, affects company by continuous improving product innovation, procurement and production process Political Legal factor Intellectual property rights law and regulation of the countries in global market very vary, affecting the company to consider their unprotected intellectual property issue. Use Porter’s Five Forces Model to analyze the apparel, footwear, and equipment industry in the US. Given this analysis, is the industry attractive or unattractive? Ans. First, The threat of the entry of new competitors (High) due to †¢Total U. S. performance apparel business is dominated by existing brand ex. Under Armour, Nike and Adidas. The loyalty for existing brand is quite high while there’s high initial investment required as well. For The bargaining power of suppliers (High) as company heavily rely on relative few third party suppliers. Moreover, the intellectual property right owns by suppliers, not unique to us. Therefore, the switching cost is very high. Thus, company has weak position related to suppliers. For The bargaining power of buyers (Moderate) as there’re many choices available for customers, but somehow they are loyalty to Under Armour brand. Thus, the bargaining power is moderate. Also, they don’t have only individual customers, but also as a team or making contract that make switching cost not too low or too high as well. For The threat of substitute products (Moderate to High) due to some brand loyalty and differentiation, the switching cost is moderate. By the way, there are many famous brands those sell similar product lines existed in the industry. Thus, the threat of substitute product to Under Armour is quite high. For The intensity of competitive rivalry (High), there’re many strong existing brands and some smaller brands as competitors in the industry. Given this analysis, this industry is unattractive because of intensive competition and high cost of initial investment requirement. Who are Under Armour’s main competitors? How do they measure up against these competitors? Ans. There are three main competitors in the market. First of all, Nike – which has strong budget part, hasrelationship with 700 factories in 52 countries, so low cost achievable but customers are still willing to pay at premium price. Providing High quality and innovative products. Secondly, Adidas/Reebok – the second largest athletic apparel manufacture, acquisition many small companies, no need to start up from zero. Also, it can access market bases and technology. Thirdly, Columbia Sportswear – one of the largest manufacturers and sellers of outdoor apparels with innovative and high-quality products. To measure up against these main competitors, Under Armour utilizes their capabilities and core competencies which will be further discussed in the next question. What are Under Armour’s main capabilities? Do they have a core competence? Ans. The Main capabilities of Under Armour are their unique team driven management style, ability to create the product innovation, rapid response to customers, developing the effective marketing techniques, building effective operation network and distribution channel, and having good customer relationship management. While Core competencies are considered to be their â€Å"Product innovation and differentiation†. Create a SWOT analysis to understand Under Armour’s strengths and weaknesses. Does Under Armour have a sustainable competitive advantage? Is so, what is the source? What about Under Armour’s evolution and current business strategy may pose problems going forward? Ans. For SWOT analysis, Strengths – Efficient operation distribution network – Net revenue increase continuously year by year – Unique features and product innovation – Effective marketing communication – Strong term management (long relationship) – Rapid respond customers’ needs â€Å"Of course we make that! † – Good management of unique team driven style – Strong and Outstanding in apparel product than competitors Be able to expand business by using licensing (because no need to waste the recourses to operate Miscellaneous product by itself) – Good experience CEO for international division – Take lesser time to make loyal customer Weaknesses Heavy reliance on suppliers and manufacturers Weak financial support No intellectual property right in technology, fabrics and p rocess owned by supplier a adverse affect in L-T sustainability Low diversification Opportunities Threats Emerging global trend for performance apparel (being more universal product) Sports are still in booming period The desire of athletes and movie studios to use Under Armour’s products leads to a lower-cost, more effective, grass roots ad campaign. Downturn economic declines net sales Under Armour products heavily rely on the fashion whims of its customers Be diluted easily. (due to competitive sport industry, the brand can be diluted if stops innovating the products) Swing raw material prices Fluctuated availability of the raw materials Sustainable competitive advantage : Brand loyalty and management style Under Armour’s evolution and current business strategy may pose problems going forward? Since the evolution of the company, Under Armour rapidly expands their business while some internal problems still exist. For example, unprotected intellectual property right issue and supplier relationship management. Also, the current business strategy was focusing on marketing, international expansion, product differentiation, and other expenses while they have weak financial management. These will certainly pose future problems to the company. What is Under Armour’s business-level strategy? Is the strategy appropriate to offset the forces in the industry? Do you recommend any changes and/or foresee any challenges? Ans. Their business-level strategy is differentiation strategy. The competitive scope is broad and focusing on differentiating product from other competitors. In our opinion, this strategy may be appropriated for current situation because there still have untapped markets and the competitors still overlook these untapped opportunities as well. However, these untapped markets may be pursued by some companies in the future and Under Armour will lose the benefit. Therefore, we recommend the company to target both focus and broad markets within this industry. How to cite Under Armour, Papers

Appendicitis Reduce Annual Imaging Costs †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Appendicitis Reduce Annual Imaging Costs. Answer: Introduction: Sizzling Chicken is a Canada based business chain, containing 14 fast food restaurants all over the country. The primary product of this restaurant is charcoal grilled chicken though it also serves other fast food items to their Canadian customers (refer to appendix, figure 1). This fast food chain, possessing its own brand value in Canada, intends to expand their business internationally, in the next 5 years (refer to appendix, figure 2). Hence, the Sizzling Chicken has selected three countries, which are, Australia, India and Pakistan. However, before taking any expansionary strategies, the concerned company needs to analyze some environmental factors, for instance, socio-economical and political factors, which in turn can help this concerned company to sustain and to earn profits in international markets (Rosado-Serrano, Dikova, and Paul). The concerned company has intended to expand its brand value by offering fresh and juicy chicken items, especially charcoal grill chicken throu gh fast service. Moreover, the company has focused chiefly on money value and based on this, has constructed their cost structure. Hence, in this report, the Sizzling Chicken has intended to analyze those socio-economic and political conditions of these three countries. After this analysis, based on some other relevant factors like potential profitability and competitive nature, the report has tried to compare those countries to rank them according to ease of doing business (Aydin and Parker). Moreover, the company, through this report, has constructed a general strategy that can further help this concerned company to expand its business. In addition to this, the report is going to provide an optimal organizational structure along with some affective business functions to its expansionary business strategy. At the end, a suitable conclusion is provided to cover the entire discussion. Australia, with the help of its mixed economic market structure, has become a wealthy nation while its national income has increased significantly from various sectors, for instances, telecommunication, manufacturing and banking sectors while the mining sector has contributed large amount to the countrys national income. Australia has possessed higher level of gross domestic product (GDP) per capita along with lower poverty rate compare to other countries. In 2013, based on average wealth, Australia has ranked second worldwide after Switzerland (Bettini and Head). By analyzing the trend of Australias GDP it can be stated the country h has experienced a stable economic condition and after 2015, this condition has increased (refer to Appendix, figure 3). On the other side, the Australias inflation rate has decreased since 2008 and after 2015, it has remained at a stable position, which in turn can represent a positive economic condition (refer to Appendix figure 4). India, with its emerging economy, has possessed a significant position in the international market. The country has operated its business activities under mixed economic structure, which in turn can help it to earn higher level of national income. After analyzing Indias GDP trend, it can be said that the specified country has earned a higher and stable national income, which in turn has helped the country to obtain sixth largest economy all over the world (refer to Appendix, figure 5) (Gaur and Jasmin). The inflation rate of India has decreasing significantly since 2010, which has influenced the economic condition of this country positively (refer to Appendix, figure 6). In 2013, Pakistan has experienced some instable situations, for instances, unbalanced economic conditions regarding electrical energy generation and rail transportation (Razzaq et al). However, irrespective of those consequences, the countrys national income has sharply increased, which in turn has helped Pakistan to develop further (refer to Appendix, figure 7). On the other side, the inflation rate of Pakistan has decreased remarkably (refer to Appendix, figure 8). Australia has been influenced strongly by the popular culture of America, especially in the context of cinema and television. Asian countries have also influenced Australian culture significantly. Hence, cuisine of this country has influenced greatly by both western and eastern countries. Most of the Australian people like to consume fast foods in their fast life (Bettini and Head). Hence, Australia has huge demand on those foods while they mostly prefer chicken items (refer to Appendix, figure 9). However, at present, the trend of consuming fast food is decreasing, as people are becoming more health conscious. India has the most diversified culture, with huge number of population. In different states, people prefer different food habits, which are mostly influenced by geographical differences. Those traditional and regional foods are chiefly based on rice, pearl millet and wheat flour and so on. Indian people mainly prefer spicy foods and export spices to other developed countries as well. The culture of Pakistan consists of various ethnic groups, for instance, the Pothwaris, Sindhis, Kashmiris and Baloch and so on. Moreover, its neighbor countries have also greatly influenced Pakistani cultures in the form of literature, music and cuisine. There culinary art are chiefly influenced by cuisines of India, Afghanistan and some countries of Middle East (Razzaq et al). In different parts of the country, people prefer different types of foods, for instance, in Punjab and Sindh, people mostly like spicy foods while in Baluchistan boiled and steamed one are preferred. Amalgamation of international recipes can be found in urban areas though they prefer to add their own specific local ingredients within those recipes. Australian government has implemented some laws, for instance, legislations based on gender and disability discrimination and wage increment, which have influenced the countrys business sectors by affecting the cost structure and market demand of any product (Bettini and Head). The legal system of Australia has chiefly depended upon some fundamental rules related to justice, law and independence of judiciary. According to the federal system of government, the country has divided its power between the state and the federal government. With affective law and judicial enforcement system, Australia has become one of the significant markets for various multi-national companies, worldwide. Political environment of Australia is almost stable along with its open and progressive nature, which can further attract foreign investors to invest in this country. The government of this democratic country has greatly influenced the economic activities related to international trade by implementing tariffs to protect its domestic industries. However, in some specific cities like New South Wales and Sydney of Australia, the government has implemented favorable tax structure that can help any business organization, positively. According to the political stability index, based on the World Bank data, Australia has ranked 32 (TheGlobalEconomy.com). Based on those data, it can be summarized that the political condition of this country has remained almost stable since 2011 (refer to Appendix figure 10). India has some rules and regulations that need to be followed by any business organization. For different business activities, the government has implemented different lows, for instance, before staring any business related to foods, the concerned company needs to follow some food and safety laws to assure about its product qualities (Gaur and Jasmin). Moreover, to protect the self-interest of domestic industries, the government of India has imposed various legal restrictions on multinational companies to control their business activities. This democratic country of Asia has affected significantly by several political factors, for instance, different and opposite ideologies of each political parties, self-interests of politicians and changing governmental policies based on ruling parties. Those factors have significant influence on the countrys business sectors. Instead of facing some political instability due to internal and external factors, like conflict with opponent parties as well as with neighbor countries, India has tried to maintain a good position in international market trough trade. According to the World Bank report, Indias rank regarding the political stability index is 166 (TheGlobalEconomy.com). From this, it can be said informed the country has faced political instability since 1996 though after 2015, this condition has improved moderately (refer to Appendix, figure 11). Pakistan has experienced weak legal position and to prevent this, the government of this country needs to implement new rules and regulations (Razzaq et al). Moreover, corruptions can be seen in some big cities, which in turn can adversely affect the business environment of this country. This democratic country, along with weak legal systems, has also experienced instable political environment, which in turn has negatively affected the business sectors of this country. Consequently, Pakistan has ranked 191 based on the political stability index of the World Bank (TheGlobalEconomy.com). This implies that the legal and political environment has negative impacts on the business sectors of this concerned countries (refer to Appendix figure 12). Hence, from above discussion it can be stated that each country has its own economical, cultural and political conditions for which the owners of Sizzling Chicken need to take different expansionary strategies. Being a developed country, the economical condition of both Australia and Canada is almost same, for instance, per capita income of these two countries have remained at $ 45970 and $ 43420 in 2016 based on purchasing power parity (PPP). Hence, Australia has possessed a better position compare to Canada, which in turn has helped the concerned company to apply similar business strategy by keeping similar price level and cost structure. On the other side, India and Pakistan are referred as developing countries where purchasing power of an individual is very low compare to Canada. In 2016, per capita income of India has remained at $ 6490 while for Pakistan it has $ 5580 PPP (data.worldbank.org). Thus, the company needs to change its price level and cost structure by applying diff erent expansionary strategy. Thus, Sizzling Chicken has advantages to expand its business in Australia while for India and Pakistan it can face some challenges. Potential profitability can be described efficiently by analyzing the revenue pattern of other fast food companies like KFC and McDonalds. In Australia, consumers are becoming more health conscious for which those fast food companies are introducing new food items with lower fat, sugar along with less carbohydrate (Aydin and Parker). This changing pattern of consumers has influenced other fast food industries to operate their business within this country. In India, this fast food industry has also expanded rapidly as people prefer to consumer those items more in their daily life. At the third and fourth quarter of the 2016 financial year, the sales trend of KFC India has increased significantly and has remained at a higher position (refer to Appendix figure 13) (Online.kfc.co.in). However, Pakistan is experiencing the fastest growing fast food industry market, worldwide (refer Appendix, figure 14). Hence, many fast food companies like Pizza Hut has intended to increase the number of their stores within this country, significantly. Hence, based on that profitability pattern of other related companies, it can be said that every country has positive business environments to start a fast food industry though for Pakistan, this possibility is comparatively high. In Australia, some fast food companies have operated their business successfully. Those companies are Oporto, Zambrero, Pizza Hut, Red Rooster, Dominos and KFC and so on (refer to Appendix figure 15). India also has some fast food franchises that have grown their business significantly, for instance, KFC, Dominos Starbucks, Burger King and so on (refer to Appendix figure 16). Some well-known fastfood chains in Pakistan are KFC, Pizza Hut, McDonalds, Hardees and Fri-Chicks so on (Christian and Gereffi). Hence, it can easily be observed that KFC, McDonlands and other well-known and old companies have already increased their customer base in those countries. The food habits among Australia, India and Pakistan differ with each other, based on geographical position along with climate and religion. Moreover, due to variation in standard of living and purchasing power parity, people of different countries have their own preferences. Based on those factors, the KFC of has offered different items of foods (Kfc.com.au). For instance, in Australia the company has officered the Parmy while in India, they offer foods along with rice for making a perfect meal for Indian citizens. In Pakistan, the company has offered family size combo pack and provide new items during their festivals (refer to Appendix figure 17,18 and 19). Hence, the company has pressure for making local customization of foods, which can help the company to expand its business by understanding the food habits of their customers. Costs reduction opportunities: Internet is widely used in each country from where people gather their required information. Moreover, newspapers and television have important role as well. Hence, to expand business, the company can use those media for advertising their products, which my decrease their promotional costs and can help to earn popularity within short period o times (Nordin et al.). Moreover, by recruiting local people, the company can reduce their cost structure in India and Pakistan, as the value of their currencies is very low compare to the dollar. The company also can use local ingredients like spices and chicken at comparatively cheaper prices. Risks can be occurred from various external and internal factors, for instances, socio-economic and political factors, natural factors or tastes and preferences customers. Unstable political condition of both India and Pakistan can generate risks for any business organization. Moreover, the GDP growth trend of both Australia and India has decreased since 2012, while inflation rate of these two countries has increased since 2015 (data.worldbank.org). These two macroeconomical factors can adversely affect the company to earn revenue. On the other side, present economical condition of Pakistan has generated a positive business environment for a company. Hence, each country has possessed some risks that the company can overcome by applying appropriate business strategies. However, by considering all environmental factors, it can be stated that the company can face risks mostly in Pakistan compare to India and less risks in Australia. After analyzing those environmental and relative factors of each country, the trend regarding the ease of doing business can also be discussed. With the help of this trend, the company can rank these three countries from most attractive to least one (TheGlobalEconomy.com). According to this index, Australia has ranked 14, while for India and Pakistan these ranks are 100 and 147, respectively. Moreover, the company can easily apply expansion strategy to Australia, as the environmental conditions of both countries are almost similar. On the other hand, for India and Pakistan, the company needs to apply different strategy based on price, product and cost as the economical condition of these two countries are weak compare to that of Canada. Thus, most attractive country is Australia then India and at the end, Pakistan. General Strategy: Category 1st year 2nd year 3rd year 4th year 5th year Initial Preparation including market analysis Outline business plan including expansion strategy Sales and Profit objectives Pricing strategy Sales plan Timeline for India: Category 1st year 2nd year 3rd year 4th year 5th year Initial Preparation including market analysis Outline business plan including expansion strategy Sales and Profit objectives Pricing strategy Sales plan Timeline for Pakistan: Category 1st year 2nd year 3rd year 4th year 5th year Initial Preparation including market analysis Outline business plan including expansion strategy Sales and Profit objectives Pricing strategy Sales plan In India, Sizzling Chicken does not need to change any food items from their menu. Indian people prefer both vegetable items as well as non-vegetable ones. However, the company needs to reduce its price strategy, as purchasing power parity of a person is low compare to Canada. Hence, to earn revenue, the company needs to reduce their price level so that most of the Indian can afford. Distribution and branding are two important strategies that Sizzling Chicken needs to follow carefully as the country has all other fast food companies. Hence, to compete under this perfectly competitive market, the concerned company needs to follow attractive branding strategy. The time line has been made based on all environmental and relevant factors of each country. Based on the environmental and relevant factors, the company can adopt different expansion strategy for these three countries. According to the ease of doing business rankings, the Sizzling Chicken needs 1 to 2 years to start its business in Australia. For India and Pakistan, the company needs minimum 4 years to expand their business due to instable political and economical factors (Allemandi et al). Moreover, for Australia, the concerned company can follow the same business strategy along with cost structure, as both Canada and Australia are developed countries. However, for India and Pakistan, Sizzling Chicken needs to reduce their product prices and for this, the company needs to reduce its production costs to earn profits. Hence, Sizzling Chicken needs more time to expand its business in these two developing countries after making new business strategies. Moreover, based on those factors, the company can change its product, price, distribution and branding strategy that has described, based on India. It can be beneficial for Sizzling Chicken to start their business in some well-known cities, like Sydney and New South Wales of Australia, Delhi and Mumbai of India and Karachi and Lahore of Pakistan. The company can earn revenue from those developed cities. However, at first, they need to analyze proper market of fast food and locations, where they can sell their maximum products. by advertising their products in local media channels and in social media along free campaign in different schools, colleges and offices , the company can attract their customers. However, for this market research, the company needs to spend almost 1 year to understand the environment briefly. Optimal Organizational Structure: Sizzling Chicken needs to analyze the fast food markets of Australia, India and Pakistan at first. By doing so, the company can understand about the tastes and preferences of consumers along with their different budget structures (Allemandi et al.). Moreover, it can help this company to understand about the socio-economical and political factors of each country, which can influence the business activities significantly. Hence, to conduct the business, the most suitable strategy is marketing through which the company can increase its brand value and market share under a competitive environment. Human Resource management is also another factor that can help Sizzling Chicken to hire efficient work force to operate any business activity smoothly. Conclusion: In conclusion, it can be stated the Sizzling Chicken has huge opportunities to expand its business in international markets and for this; the company has selected Australia, India and Pakistan. Each country has its exclusive environmental and relative factors. After discussion all those factors, the company has ranked these three countries from most attractive to least attractive one where Australia is preferred more while east preferred country is Pakistan. Moreover, based on those analyses, the company has chosen its General Strategy, Optimal Organizational Structure and corresponding business functions that can help Sizzling Chicken to capture international markets. References: "Australia Inflation Rate | 1951-2018 | Data | Chart | Calendar | Forecast".Tradingeconomics.Com, 2018, https://tradingeconomics.com/australia/inflation-cpi. Accessed 5 Apr 2018. "GDP Growth (Annual %) | Data".Data.Worldbank.Org, 2018, https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG?end=2016locations=PKstart=2008. Accessed 5 Apr 2018. "GDP Growth (Annual %) | Data".Data.Worldbank.Org, 2018, https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG?end=2016locations=INstart=2008. Accessed 5 Apr 2018. "GDP Growth (Annual %) | Data".Data.Worldbank.Org, 2018, https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG?end=2016locations=AUstart=2008. Accessed 5 Apr 2018. "Inflation, GDP Deflator (Annual %) | Data".Data.Worldbank.Org, 2018, https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.DEFL.KD.ZG?end=2016locations=INstart=2008. Accessed 5 Apr 2018. "Pakistan Inflation Rate | 1957-2018 | Data | Chart | Calendar | Forecast".Tradingeconomics.Com, 2018, https://tradingeconomics.com/pakistan/inflation-cpi. Accessed 5 Apr 2018. Allemandi, Lorena, et al. "Food advertising on Argentinean television: are ultra-processed foods in the lead?."Public health nutrition21.1 (2018): 238-246. Anaf, Julia, Fran Baum, and Matthew Fisher. "A citizens jury on regulation of McDonald's products and operations in Australia in response to a corporate health impact assessment."Australian and New Zealand journal of public health(2018). Aydin, Ayhan, and Rodney P. Parker. "Innovation and technology diffusion in competitive supply chains."European Journal of Operational Research265.3 (2018): 1102-1114. Bettini, Yvette, and Brian W. Head. "Exploring Capacity for Strategic Policy Work: Water Policy in Australia."Policy Capacity and Governance. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham, 2018. 289-312. Bragg, Marie A., et al. "Marketing Food and Beverages to Youth Through Sports."Journal of Adolescent Health62.1 (2018): 5-13. Christian, Michelle, and Gary Gereffi. "Fast-Food Value Chains and Childhood Obesity: A Global Perspective."Pediatric Obesity. Humana Press, Cham, 2018. 717-730. Gaur, Ashutosh D., and Padiya Jasmin. "Ease of Doing Business in India: Challenges Road Ahead."International Conference on Technology and Business Management. 2017. Kfc.com.au. (2018).KFC Australia | Home. [online] Available at: https://www.kfc.com.au/ [Accessed 31 Mar. 2018]. Kfcpakistan.com. (2018).KFC Pakistan - Order KFC Online for Delivery. [online] Available at: https://www.kfcpakistan.com/collections/burgers [Accessed 4 Apr. 2018]. Mihrshahi, Seema, et al. "Associations between childhood overweight, obesity, abdominal obesity and obesogenic behaviors and practices in Australian homes."BMC public health18.1 (2018): 44. Nordin, Andrew B., et al. "Standardized ultrasound templates for diagnosing appendicitis reduce annual imaging costs."journal of surgical research221 (2018): 77-83. Online.kfc.co.in. (2018).RICE BOWLZ | KFC. [online] Available at: https://online.kfc.co.in/product/rice%20bowlz [Accessed 4 Apr. 2018]. Razzaq, Afia, et al. "Critical external risks in international joint ventures for construction industry in Pakistan."International Journal of Civil Engineering16.2 (2018): 189-205. Rosado-Serrano, Alexander, Desislava Dikova, and Justin Paul. "International franchising: A literature review and research agenda."Journal of Business Research85 (2018): 238-257. TheGlobalEconomy.com. (2018).Australia Political stability - data, chart | TheGlobalEconomy.com. [online] Available at: https://www.theglobaleconomy.com/Australia/wb_political_stability/ [Accessed 3 Apr. 2018]. TheGlobalEconomy.com. (2018).India Political stability - data, chart | TheGlobalEconomy.com. [online] Available at: https://www.theglobaleconomy.com/India/wb_political_stability/ [Accessed 4 Apr. 2018]. TheGlobalEconomy.com. (2018).Pakistan Political stability - data, chart | TheGlobalEconomy.com. [online] Available at: https://www.theglobaleconomy.com/Pakistan/wb_political_stability/ [Accessed 4 Apr. 2018]. Tradingeconomics.com. (2018).Ease of Doing Business in Australia | 2008-2018 | Data | Chart | Calendar. [online] Available at: https://tradingeconomics.com/australia/ease-of-doing-business [Accessed 31 Mar. 2018]. Tradingeconomics.com. (2018).Ease of Doing Business in India | 2008-2018 | Data | Chart | Calendar. [online] Available at: https://tradingeconomics.com/india/ease-of-doing-business [Accessed 4 Apr. 2018]. Tradingeconomics.com. (2018).Ease of Doing Business in Pakistan | 2008-2018 | Data | Chart | Calendar. [online] Available at: https://tradingeconomics.com/pakistan/ease-of-doing-business [Accessed 4 Apr. 2018].

When we two parted by Lord Byron and First Love by John Clare Essay Example

When we two parted by Lord Byron and First Love by John Clare Paper Explore the themes of love and Loss and how they are expressed in the poems When we two parted by Lord Byron and first Love by John Clare. Answer When we two parked by Lord Byron and First Love by John Clare both deal with love that was once dear and is lost. While When we two parked is about the unhappy end of a clandestine romance, First Love is about unrequited love. The title of When we two parked is direct and provides a glimpse of Byrons feeling of heartbreak, despair and desolation. Reiterated in the first line, it lends the poem a tone of sadness and melancholy. The words First Love summons a feeling of innocence and naà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½vetà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½, the poet has never been in love before and is doomed to get his heart broken. His title lends a tone of hope, which is ultimately crushed, making it an ironic title. We will write a custom essay sample on When we two parted by Lord Byron and First Love by John Clare specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on When we two parted by Lord Byron and First Love by John Clare specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on When we two parted by Lord Byron and First Love by John Clare specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The regular ABABCDCD rhyming scheme of both these poems lends a feeling of constant loss and desolation. Enjambment is used to mirror the chaos of the poets feelings, in When we two parked. First Love has punctuation marks after almost every line, mirroring the poets innocence. Both the poems use vivid imagery of cold. First Love uses snow and winter to mirror desolation after the first exhilaration of love; and the snow symbolises the death of the poets love. When we two parked uses chill and dew to explore the feelings of betrayal and tears. Physical effects of the loss of love is evident in First Love as the poet uses violent metaphoric verbs to symbolise his anguish blood burnt, reference to blood abound in the poem, linking his love to his very life. He is blinded by infatuation, his eyesight gone quite away as he figuratively explains how he could se none but his love. Byron also feels physical pain when he remembers his love, but this is a pain of shame, a knell to his ear. We shudder as he remembers his relationship and insinuates about her unfaithfulness. Byron is ashamed and regrets his relationship deeply. The woman is described as pale in the poem, not the man, suggesting that she was responsible for the break up. Both the poems have an element of deception in them. In When we two parted Byron openly blames his lover for ending the relationship and leaving him half broken hearted. He portrays her as a flirt and as being light while he shares the shame. They shared a clandestine relationship, one that the society would have frowned upon. In First Love, the deception is the poets own, as Clare details how he fell for a woman only for her looks. He was infatuated with her and her sweet face and blamed himself when she did not requite his love. His innocence is taken away as he describes his heart which will never recover from the blow. The last stanza of the poems shows that the love has not been forgotten. Byron imagines his meeting with his lady and how he would react, while Clare believes that he can never love again. My heart can return no more. First Love uses alliteration to detail the poets feeling of novelty, sibilants such as sudden and sweet, being in love for the first time and repetition of pale to reinforce the feeling. Pale also fore shadows an unhappy end to his love. Personification and hyperbole abound as he is carried away by his infatuation, but again, clay and aid suggest that all is not well. By the last stanza, innocence has turned to weary experience as he asks the rhetorical question Are flowers the winters choice? He is dejected but the last stanza shows a hint of acceptance but not forgiveness, as he blames her very soul for deceiving him. When we two parted and First Love both speak about the loss of love. Sometimes it is one sided (and has turned to hate), blaming the woman who ended Byrons relationship thy vows are all broken and sometimes unrequited, but not forgotten, as with John Clare. But to both the poets, love is a beautiful feeling to be enjoyed, only regretted when it is over.

Star Clusters

Star Clusters Star clusters are just what the name says they are: groupings of stars that can include anywhere from a few dozen to hundreds of thousands or even millions of stars! There are two general types of clusters: open and globular.   Open Clusters The open clusters, such as the Beehive in the constellation of Cancer and the Pleiades that grace the sky in Taurus, are groups born in the same area of space but are only  loosely  gravitationally bound together. Eventually, as they travel through the galaxy, these stars  wander apart from each other. Open clusters usually have up to  a thousand or so members, and their  stars are  not more than 10 billion years old. These clusters  are much more likely to be found in the disks of spiral and in irregular galaxies, which contain more star-forming material than older, more evolved elliptical galaxies. The Sun was born in an open cluster that formed about 4.5 billion years ago. As it moved through our rotating galaxy, it left its siblings behind long ago. Globular Clusters Globular clusters are the mega-clusters of the cosmos. They orbit the central core of our galaxy, and their thousands and thousands of  stars are held together by a strong mutual gravity  that creates a sphere or globe of stars. Generally speaking, stars in globulars are among the oldest  in the universe, and they formed early in a galaxy’s history. For example, there are stars in globulars orbiting our galaxys core that were born when the universe (and our galaxy) was quite young.   Why Are Clusters Important to Study? Most stars are born in these big batches within large stellar nurseries.Observing and measuring stars in clusters gives astronomers great insight into the environments in which they formed. Stars born recently often are more metal-rich than those that formed much earlier in history.  Metal-rich means that they contain more elements heavier than hydrogen and helium, such as carbon and oxygen.  If their birth clouds were rich in certain kinds of elements, then those stars will contain higher amounts of those materials. If the cloud was metal-poor (that is, if had a lot of hydrogen and helium, but very few other elements), then the stars it formed will be metal-poor. Stars in some globular clusters in the Milky Way are quite metal-poor, which indicates they formed when the universe was very young and there hadnt been time to form enough of the heavier elements.   When you look at a star cluster, youre seeing the the basic building blocks of galaxies. Open clusters provide the stellar population of a galaxys disk while the globulars hark back to a time when their galaxies were forming through collisions and interactions. Both stellar populations are clues to the ongoing evolution of their galaxies and of the universe. For stargazers, clusters can be fantastic observation targets. A few well-known open clusters are naked-eye objects.  The Hyades is another choice target, also in Taurus. Other targets include the Double Cluster (an pair of open clusters in Perseus), the Southern Pleiades (near Crux in the Southern Hemisphere), the globular cluster 47 Tucanae (a  fabulous sight in Southern Hemisphere constellation Tucana), and the globular cluster M13 in Hercules (easy to spot with binoculars or a small telescope).

Interview With a Former Part-Time MBA Student

Interview With a Former Part-Time MBA Student Marci Reynolds, 42, from Boston, MA, completed her associates, bachelors and masters degrees part-time, while working full-time. She is currently a Vice President for a large, publicly traded corporation in the New England area.  I recently had the opportunity to interview Marci about her experience with part-time degree programs. Heres what she had to say: Q: You earned an associate, bachelors, and masters degree in part-time programs. Did you work full-time throughout all three programs? A: Yes, I worked full-time throughout the entire process. I started working full-time right after I graduated high school, then started taking evening college courses in my 20s. Some years, I took 3-5 classes, other years I took only 1. It would depend on the responsibilities I had to fulfill in my full-time job. Q: Was it difficult to find time for both school and a career? How did you make it work? A: Time management was definitely a challenge! Since I am a morning person, I would often get up extra early, ex. 5 a.m., to write papers or do homework. I studied during my lunch hour at work. And, I would go to the library on weekends to limit distractions and get as much work done as possible in short time increments. There were several occasions I used vacation days to study for major exams or finish large projects. Q: Did your employers help you with your tuition? A:  Yes, I was lucky to have tuition reimbursement from every employer. At the very end of completing my bachelors degree, I was bulking up on classes and had used up the company policy allotment of reimbursement. I appealed to senior management and got additional funding for my last three to four classes which was awesome! Since my masters degree was much more expensive, tuition reimbursement only covered about 50-60% of the costs. Q:  Were there any drawbacks to receiving tuition reimbursement? A:  Other than the small amount of paperwork I needed to submit to human resources, there were no drawbacks. Q:  Like any programs, part-time programs have their pros and cons. What would you consider to be the biggest pro? A:  The biggest pro was I could pick exactly which classes I wanted to take on what nights or weekends with which instructors. I had total control and could best align the schedule with my work and personal life. Q:  How about the most obvious con? A:  In addition to the time management challenges, it took significantly longer to complete my degrees. I also missed out on the full time college experience that many adults talk about for years to come. Q:  Was there any aspect of attending school part-time that you hadnt considered prior to enrolling? In other words, was there anything surprising about your part-time experience? A:  The MBA program in which I enrolled catered to full-time students more than part-time, and the homework requirements were not always realistic. I also did not expect to have full-time students in their early 20s, mixed in with the part-time students, mainly 35, in the evening program. This caused challenges, especially on group projects. Q:  Were there any differences between a part-time undergraduate program and a part-time graduate program? A:  In my experience, yes. The part-time undergraduate program I attended definitely catered more to part-time students, and the attendees were almost all working full-time and going to school at night. The graduate program I attended had many younger students and mixed full-time and part-time students in the same classes. Also, there was significantly more homework and more group projects in my graduate program. Q:  I get a lot of letters from students who are worried that part-time MBA programs will not provide them with the same type of recruiting and networking opportunities that full-time programs can. Did you encounter fewer opportunities in your part-time program or were you satisfied with the level of resources made available to you? A:  Since almost every class I attended had a different mix of students, every class presented new networking opportunities. But, in a part-time program, you need to make more of an effort before class or during breaks. After class, everyone is running to their cars to get home for the evening. I do hear that full-time students have more networking opportunities with their professors. In night school, you dont have that opportunity unless you proactively request one-on-one meeting time. There just isnt time in class. Since I graduated, Ive used Linked In to stay in touch with several students and professors I met in night school. Q:  When you think about your part time MBA experience, what stands out? What were some of the highlights? A:  There were two experiences I want to call out from my MBA program that were particularly rewarding and great learning experiences. The first was a two week trip to Japan. At my university, they offered international travel business electives. For my trip to Japan, we visited about 12 Japanese businesses and learned a lot about their culture. We were graded on several large papers we had to write. I had never been to Japan and it was quite a journey! The second experience was a one-week intensive course I took on World Class Business Operations. I got permission to take five days off from work without using vacation time. The class visited eight New England companies who had won Best Place to Work Awards. We met with senior management, got tours of their operations and learned more about their unique offerings. It was fun and I learned a lot of relevant info I could then apply to my day job. Q:  Overall, are you happy with your decision to earn your degrees through part-time programs? Do you ever wish you would have chosen to attend school full-time instead? A:  No, I have no regrets. Because I went to school part-time, I have a lot more work experience than other working women my age. In this challenging economy, with a lot of competition, I now have both the degrees and the work experience. As someone who has done a lot of interviewing and hiring of employees, I have found that the mix of experience and degrees helps to set an applicant apart from other candidates. Q:  Do you have any additional advice for students who are considering a part-time program? A:  Even taking one class en route to a degree is valuable from a personal development and a resume perspective. Employers like to see that you are striving to complete your education. Also, taking classes that relate to your full-time job will often lead to better job performance. If you dont have any college experience, think about getting a certificate first. Complete that, and then enroll in an Associates program, etc. This is a positive, rewarding path to follow, and when you complete a step, it feels great! Last, if you are getting your MBA, do some additional research to learn more about the ratio of full-time and part-time students in the night classes. I would recommend schools who have fewer full-time students in these classes.

The Life of Jean-Paul Sartre Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The Life of Jean-Paul Sartre - Essay Example The years that followed marked the life of a man with great creativity, talent in writing, deep thinker and a man of strong political will and persuasion. All these characteristics coupled with his childhood experiences led to his astounding achievements through his plays, novels, books, essays and lectures. Sartre's childhood was filled with much bitterness and confusion. The first natural pain to deal with was having no father, after the first fifteen months of his life. Sartre was clearly hurt by the fact that he never had a chance to be acquainted with his father, and was never told anything significant about the relationship they had; whether his father had ever taken him "in his arms," or if he had even loved him (The Words 20). Sartre then grew up with his grandparents who were rather fond of him, or at least depicted that in their mannerisms (Experiential Influences, par. 5). However, he felt that it was just family "play-acting," and a "system" that "horrified" him. (The Words 84; 112; 222). Sartre also faced an identity crisis. Despite his family's claim of him being the "miracle child" and "wonder child," he saw himself as ugly. His peers had also given him that impression. He was short, small-built cross-eyed and awkward in stature. Added to this, his mother treated him like a girl, not allowing him to play the seemingly rough games that other males would play, and keeping his hair long. It was his belief that she had silently prayed for a girl (Experiential Experiences, par. 7). He also felt forced into a lifestyle of reading and writing, because that was what his grandfather Charles admired, having been a writer himself. It however became a pleasant escape for him from the unhappiness he experienced at home. In his autobiography The Words, he states that "By writing I was existing. I was escaping from the grown-ups." It also positively affected his intellectual development as he became familiar with famous authors of his time (qtd in Experiential Influences, par. 11). As if this was not enough for Sartre to deal with, he also suffered from ill health. He notes in his autobiography, The Words: Things would have been fine if my body and I had got on well together. But the fact is that we were an odd couple [] If he suffers bodily as a result of needs and sickness, his unjustifiable state justifies his existence. His right to live is based on hunger, on the constant danger of death. Breathing, digesting, defecating unconcernedly, I lived because I had begun to live. I was unaware of the violence and savage demands of that gorged companion, my body, which made itself known by a series of mild disturbances, much in demand among grown-ups [] I had almost died at birth (88). His father had actually been quite ill himself when he met Ann-Marie in 1904. At that time he was suffering from entercolitis, which he developed when he visited China. He however married her and soon after she became pregnant with his child, Jean-Paul Sartre. Sartre feels that his father's illness had a major role to play in his own illness. He describes in The Words how his mother had stayed up many nights worrying and had stopped breastfeeding him very soon because "her milk dried" (16). He was thus sent away nearby to be nursed. He meanwhile was ailing from enteritis. His mother's re-marriage had a negative effect on him as well. He felt alienated and lonely. Moreover, he was unhappy about having had to

How Managers Support the Company's Goals Assignment

How Managers Support the Company's Goals - Assignment Example Caleta CO’s biggest strength lies in the innovation of products which has expanded its market share and made them global leaders in the business. The company has managed to hire the best talent pool in the country by providing them with the best compensation in the industry and above industry standard benefits. John believes in recruiting the best, paying them the best, and keeping them satisfied with other benefits in the best way possible. He was not wrong, as this talent pool has led to the success of the company through their innovation. However, John is now faced with the challenge of a reduction in employee costs and ensure better working conditions in Mexico and Vietnam.   John sits down to list the following:- To make a list of all managers who have spearheaded teams to break into new markets and expand the range of RFID products which has increased the turnover of the company. John will present this to the board to convince that he has hired the right talent and the right talent requires monetary motivation to innovate.- Aware that the innovation of products has led to the growth of the company John has decided to pool the innovative team together and the compensation and benefits program for this team will remain unchanged.- On the other hand, reductions will be made in the current size of the HR department. Tracking their performances through feedback forms from the employees. The 17 specialists who test and recruit managers will be tracked against the performance of the recruits to ensure the right candidate is receiving the right compensation.- Most importantly to rework the current organizational structure to see excesses to the right size.- HR associates to be given additional responsibility to expose managers to the new HRIS system with timelines to complete and convince the managers to use them. This will lead to a reduction in HR resources and lower cost.- The best compensation in the industry comes with the best performance standards . Weed out the non-performing 10% in the company.- To recruit HR associates in Mexico and Vietnam to ensure a personal touch which also saves cost, as traveling from the US and the cost of hiring an HR associate in the US is 10 times higher. Ensure that the HR associate in that country is in charge of maintaining safety and health standards prevalent in that country. OR to explore HR outsourcing companies to take care of the HR management in Vietnam and Mexico if feasible and turn out to be a huge cost saving for the Corporation.

A Lesson Before Dying Essay Example for Free

A Lesson Before Dying Essay The economic downturn of the past several years has been devastating to local economies and, by extension, their local law enforcement agencies. According to a report by the National Institute of Justice, the United States is currently experiencing the 10th economic decline since World War II (Wiseman 2011). The impact of this downturn will result in a change of how law enforcement services are delivered. As has been discussed by the COPS Office Director, Bernard Melekian, in a series of recent articles published in the Community Policing Dispatch, expectations will not be lowered just because an agency now has fewer officers, or because the budget is limited. Simply doing less while waiting for local budgets to recover to pre-2008 levels is not a viable option. Law enforcement leaders are faced with budget contractions that are in need to identified in different ways to deliver police services and, perhaps more importantly, articulate what the new public safety models will look like to their communities (Melekian 2011a). The effects of the economic downturn on law enforcement agencies may be felt for the next 5–10 years, or worse, permanently. These changes could be permanently driven not just by the economy, but by local government officials who determined that allocating 30–50 percent of their general fund budgets for public safety costs is no longer a fiscal possibility (Melekian 2011b). While it appears that the economy is beginning to recover on the national level, most economists agree that local jurisdictions are still in decline and will continue to be so, at least in the short term. Due to the decline of tax revenues because of Foreclosures County and municipal budgets tend lagging behind the general economy, which is one of the main source of funding for local agencies. Agencies are also faced with the budget realities, the current model for service delivery—which has been with us for the last 50 years—is already starting to change, and will be forced to continue to change dramatically and rapidly in the next 3–5 years. Police departments have been one of the affected by the current economic climate. Restricting revenues nationwide have forced local governments to make cuts in spending across the board, which has affected everything to include public safety operating budgets. However, while these budget cuts are threatening law enforcement jobs the responsibility to serve and protect remain. There has been no methodical way of measuring the effect the economic downturn has had on police agencies across our nation. A good example is how Nigeria has been experiencing difficulties in Budget implementation. The objective of the article was to present alternative forms of budgeting and after exposition on them, to recommend one that could mitigate budget implementation problem for Nigeria. Two types of budgeting addressed are incremental and zero-base. Under incremental budgeting, a certain percentage is added or subtracted from previous periods figures to arrive at new periods budget. Under zero bases, every program is reevaluated for its merits, as if previous budgets never existed. The starting points are the results hoped to achieve, and every debate about budget implementation is done prior to passage. Zero base budgeting is analogous to marketing concept in terms of information requirement and zeroing in on customized needs. To the extent that zero base budgeting plans, executes and controls, it serves as a management tool. Nigerias budgeting has been incremental, overly politicized and not carried out by experts, but merely based on benchmark price and quota of daily oil production. Factors militating against proper budgeting in Nigeria are distortions in fiscal transparency. Budget implementation in Nigeria is a critical problem. Many have blamed our poor socio-economic and infrastructural development on low degree of budget implementation, which is a result of incremental budgeting process. The paper therefore recommends zero based budgeting to Nigeria at all levels (GJSS, 2012). Sometimes inefficiencies result due to poor integration of the finance and strategy. Budgeting and performance are typically overseen by the finance department, whereas planning s coordinated by strategy department. Often, the two processes arent well integrated, resulting in strategies that are often dictated by the budget process instead of vice versa (Gary 2003). The reason for this could be that everyone involved may be attempting to accomplish the same goals, but also trying to make sure that the outcome will be beneficial to them, such as a substantial bonus or a reward. A budget cycle refers to the whole process from the commencement of developing a budget to the execution of the final charge on the budget. Since the majority of the budgets are prepared for a one year period, budget cycles cover the costs and expenditures for a period of one year. However, there are budget cycles that run for more than one year period. Government budgets have a budget cycle of at least 18 months from the conception of the various departments’ budgets to the time the appropriation bills are signed into law (Hyde, 2001). The initial steps of the budget cycle take place in the various departments and agencies. The program officers in the various departments compile all information that is necessary in the preparation of the budget. The budget cycle culminates with the president’s budget application to the Congress. This often takes place in February (USDOJ, 2011). A budget refers to a list of premeditated revenues and expenses. It represents a tool for savings and expenditure. A budget can also be defined as an organizational plan that is stated in monetary terms. It is used as a road map for conducting the activities, objectives, assumptions, and strategies of an organization. A budget cycle is comprised of various stages. Budget planning for the new fiscal year marks the first step of the budget cycle, while closing and carry forward activities mark the end of a budget cycle (Hyde, 2001). The steps outlined below are steps of a sample government’s budget cycle: Budget submissions: this entails the submission of the budget plans to the respective Budget Offers in various government departments. The budgets are reviewed and approved. Budget approval: this entails the executive committee approving the budget. The Initial Budget Authorizations are then submitted to the respective supervisors who address the respective cost items. Global Changes: the salaries are adjusted so that they reflect salary increases that are permitted by the Salary Subcommittee and the Human Resources Department. Closing: this entails the closure of the budgets at the end of the fiscal year. Carry forwards: it entails carrying forward all the unspent money to the following fiscal year. This marks the last step in the budget cycle. In most instances, law enforcement management prepares master budget for the coming year. The master budget includes the projected expenses and maintenance which is incorporated in the master budget and other smaller budgets such as training, overtime, marketing, administrative, and departmental budgets. By establishing an operating and financial budget for a future period, management can identify problems in advance. This can be maintained by forecasting for future predictions. A forecast is a reflection of the future. When forecasting is taken into account, two key aspects to consider are cash budgets and expenditure forecast. In most instances, budgets are and should be prepared for a future period such as an oncoming accounting or financial year. They are detailed by quarters or months. Typically, annual budgets are not altered once the year begins. However, budgets should not be rigid so as to prevent timely actions if need arises. Instead, budgets should only act as a guide rather than a restriction. However, there are rare circumstances when an annual budget should be revised such as due to a radical change in the business environment. Budgets are also important for obtaining funding since they portray an organization’s capacity to the lending institutions and financiers. Additionally, budgets are important management tools, they aid in setting milestones that need accountability to achieve, and aid an organization in identifying risks and establishing benchmarks. Thus, budgets facilitate the process of making adjustments to avoid risks, and to measure the benchmarks. Understanding the significance of budgeting marks the first step towards successful financial planning. It plays a significant role in the strategic planning process by an organization. It outlines the future financial goals and needs of an organization such as technological needs, overhead needs, financial requirements, and capital improvements. I have a very strong opinion that budgeting should not be scrapped, rather be modified to meet the current business environment. Organizations would have to restructure compensation programs so that managers no longer have an incentive to favors short-term goals over the longer-term. Budgeting will have to be flexible to be able to be adjusted from time to time to reflect changes in organizational goals and the economic environment. Again, accounting department should be responsible for compiling only budget information; they should not determine the budgeting process. Management, through the planning process should determine the budget, and all departments should be included in the process. Budgeting should be both top down and bottom up; i. e. upper level management and middle level management will both work to finalize a budget. We can streamline the budgeting process by developing a financial model. Financial models can facilitate what if analysis so we can assess decisions before they are made. This can dramatically improve the budgeting process. One of the biggest challenges within financial planning and budgeting is how do we make it value-added. Budgeting requires clear channels of communication, support from upper-level management, participation from various personnel, and predictive characteristics. Budgeting should not strive for accuracy, but should strive to support the decision making process. If we focus too much on accuracy, we will end-up with a budgeting process that incurs time and costs in excess of the benefits derived. The challenge is to make financial planning a value-added activity that helps the organization achieve its strategic goals and objectives. In order for department to compensate for dwindling budget, many law enforcement officer have had to learn how to focus on what can they can sacrifice from their normal lifestyle in order to offset the reduction in available spending. Some of these sacrifices have included families foregoing summer vacations, or shopping in discount stores instead of department stores they are accustomed too. However, today law enforcement agencies are faced with the difficult task of maintaining the same service that their communities expect despite the extreme reduction in available resources. And, in order for them to deliver the same high level of protection and emergency responsiveness that the communities depend on, law enforcement agencies must find new and inventive techniques to address those needs in cost-effective and maintainable way. Agencies must have a good understanding of how budgeting marks the first step towards successful financial planning. Budgeting has a significant role in the strategic planning process by any organization. It provides the framework for future financial goals and the needs of an organization such as technical equipment like laptops, radios, and side arms. It also shows the overhead needs, and departmental financial requirements. It can also outline the costs involved in order to get the resources that are required to meet their financial goals. Developing a budget is an important tool for determining the department’s performance, in motivating the upper-management, other members of staff, and measuring the results towards accomplishing the organization’s financial goal. References Gary, L (2003) Breaking the Budget Impasse. Pg 3, Retrieved September 30, 2013, Idio, U. S. (2012). THE BUDGET AS A MANAGEMENT TOOL: ZERO BASE BUDGETING, PANACEA TO BUDGET IMPLEMENTATION IN NIGERIA. Global Journal of Social Sciences, 11(1), 1-7. Retrieved from http://search. proquest. com/docview/1036581432? accountid=32521 http://www. cops. usdoj. gov/files/RIC/Publications/e101113406_Economic%20Impact. pdf Melekian, B. , (2011a). Director’s Message. Community Policing Dispatch vol. 4, no. 3. http://cops. usdoj. gov/html/dispatch/03-2011/DirectorMessage. asp. Melekian, B. , (2011b). Director’s Column: July 2011. Community Policing Dispatch vol. 4, no. 7. http://cops. usdoj. gov/html/dispatch/07-2011/DirectorMessage. asp. Wiseman, J. , (2011). Strategic Cutback Management: Law Enforcement Leadership for Lean Times. Research for Practice, Washington, D. C. : U. S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice, NCJ 232077.

The Central Conflict, Climax and Resolution in The Minister’s Black Veil :: Ministers Black Veil Essays

The Central Conflict, Climax and Resolution in â€Å"The Minister’s Black Veil†Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚        Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This essay will analyze Nathaniel Hawthorne’s â€Å"The Minister’s Black Veil† to determine the central conflict in the tale, its climax and partial resolution, using the essays of literary critics to help in this interpretation.    In the opinion of this reader, the central conflicts – the relation between the protagonist and antagonist (Abrams 225) - in the tale are an internal one, a spiritual-moral conflict within the minister, the Reverend Mr. Hooper, and an external one with the world at large represented by the congregation. Wilson Sullivan in â€Å"Nathaniel Hawthorne† tells where the author got the idea of a conflict between good and evil:    He looked back, deeply back into America’s Puritan past, the era of the New England theocracy, when the conflict of good and evil, freedom and tyranny, love and hatred was more explicit, more rigidly defined, free of the ambiguities of an increasingly pluralistic society, governed by a shared morality (70).    At the outset of the tale, â€Å"The Minister’s Black Veil,† the sexton is tolling the church bell and simultaneously watching Mr. Hooper’s door, when suddenly he says, ``But what has good Parson Hooper got upon his face?'' The surprise which the sexton displayed is repeated in the astonishment of the onlookers: â€Å"With one accord they started, expressing more wonder. . .† The reason is this: â€Å"Swathed about his forehead, and hanging down over his face, so low as to be shaken by his breath† is a black veil. The 30 year old, unmarried parson receives a variety of reactions from his congregation:    ``I can't really feel as if good Mr. Hooper's face was behind that piece of crape'' ``He has changed himself into something awful, only by hiding his face''   ``Our parson has gone mad!'' Few could refrain from twisting their heads towards the door. . . . . . . more than one woman of delicate nerves was forced to leave the meeting-house.    At this point begins the external conflict of the drama – between the minister and the people of his congregation, which will last until his death. Except for the sable veil, Reverend Hooper is quite a compatible and sociable personality:    Mr. Hooper had the reputation of a good preacher, but not an energetic one: he strove to win his people heavenward by mild, persuasive influences, rather than to drive them thither by the thunders of the Word.

Huffman Trucking

Huffman Trucking Infrastructure Assessment Huffman Trucking is first major freight carrier that has managed to grow tremendously over the past few years (Huffman Trucking, 2008). The company has 925 drivers, 425 support personnel, 800 road tractors, and 2100 trailers. The organization offers various customers base and distribution capacity. The mission of Huffman Trucking is to increase the profit and become a growing, and adaptable company. Huffman Trucking plans to leverage the automated information system, and technology to provide better customer service and business performance. Information System InfrastructureHuffman Trucking is a major transportation company that has four facilities around the country. The organization anticipated that knowledge worker information systems infrastructure requires improvement and to solve this problem, organization implemented enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. The infrastructure of Huffman Trucking is as follows: Networks The corporate office of Huffman Trucking is in Cleveland, Ohio. The organization uses Avaya Digital Phone System at Ohio and Missouri locations, and private branch exchange (PBX) and plain old telephone system (POTS) at New Jersey and California locations.The organization uses different workstations with wireless bar code, scanner, shipper, and telephone at Ohio. The location at California uses Nortel Digital Phone System that supports voice overIP (VOIP) connected to an Ethernet connection. The use of Avaya phone is very beneficial for small and mid-sized organizations (Caroll Communications, 2008). Network Protocols and Topologies Huffman Trucking uses different network protocols, to send and receive data, like IPX/SPX, and TCP/IP. Huffman Trucking employs star-ring topology, and token ring topology.The existing infrastructure of Huffman Trucking includes mix of networks. The organization implements local area network (LAN), and wide area network (WAN). The four locations of Huffman Trucking e stablish LAN locally and WAN supports the connectivity of its four locations. The LAN implements Internet and Intranet facility to perform business operations. Network Security The network security at Huffman Trucking involves backing up the data that allows copying critical business data. The organization also uses physical security that includes video monitoring, and biometrics protection.The organization developed in-house system to track the employees for operational and financial data. Information System Huffman Trucking implemented human resources information system (HRIS) that manages employees at enterprise level. The organization analyzes the data regarding new hires, and existing employees’ performance reviews. HRIS provides four functionalities including capturing employee personal information, maintaining state and federal level compliance procedures, capturing employee/labor relations information, and tracking the applicants.HRIS system provides the organization a central place to capture, access, and keep employees’ and applicants’ records. Issues and Opportunities Huffman Trucking information system allows performing daily tasks. The information system provides the functionality for distributing, receiving, and tracking information. The information system also provides processes for sales, service, vehicle maintenance, ordering, scheduling, contracting, general ledger, and payroll. The problems of the information system include downtime, and incorrect information.The problems of information system result into severe issues such as wrong payroll, maintenance logs, and improper customer tracking. These problems affect organizational performance, and cause penalties. The management fears that the rapid growth, and the problems can result into loses, and thus resulting in not meeting the future needs of the organization. To meet the requirements, management has implemented ERP that integrates all the processes of the organizatio n.ERP also integrate all the four locations, and the business components like customer ordering, tracking the order, generating the bill, order delivery, distribution, and after sales service (Huffman Trucking, 2008). Huffman Trucking plans to track the vehicles with tracking devices. The tracking devices enables the organization to measure, analyze freight delivery, and performances. The tracking device ensures accurate delivery time, and tracking shipments on the way. The database at Huffman Trucking will allow capturing, and maintaining the information at its four locations.The database will also support the workers by providing the ability to track the trucks like when a truck requires maintenance work. The database can also capture the information generated from tracking devices and can help drivers to complete tasks on time. Huffman Trucking can make use of distance information and distribution schedule to guarantee the shipments. The trucks can have scheduled maintenance and can avoid problems due to non-maintenance. The database will help in maintaining records, inventory information, and vendor related ordering at appropriate time.Huffman Trucking plans to develop an information system, and database that suffice the requirements. Huffman Trucking plans to become a warehousing delivery supplier with providing the shipments just in time (Huffman Trucking, 2008). The implementation of just in time shipments, ERP, and vehicle tracking devices can enable Huffman Trucking to provide abilities to knowledge workers to improve its service. Huffman Trucking looks forward to improve productivity, better management and customer satisfaction with its connectivity between locations.To sustain company’s growth and focus on the customers, Huffman Trucking should build an understanding of decision-making process of customers. The company can avail the opportunity to initiate a customer audit that allows tracking of orders from ordering to shipment, and delivery . If Huffman Trucking has automated processes, and required information system then knowledge workers can manage the productive outcomes. Knowledge workers employ the automated systems effectively with the help of better decision-making, and appropriate infrastructure.Huffman Trucking future policies, designs, and practices can help in accomplishing the goals and objectives of the organization. Conclusion Huffman Trucking recognized that organization has facing severe problem with the increase in business. To meet the challenges, company has decided to implement an ERP that will ensure integration of business operations. The ERP will automate the business processes like customer ordering, tracking the order, generating the bill, order delivery, distribution, and after sales service.Vehicle tracking device can ensure accurate delivery time, and tracking shipments on the way. The tracking devices enable the organization to measure performances, and provide freight delivery analysis.Re ferences Huffman Trucking (2008). Huffman trucking. Virtual Organizations. Retrieved from https://ecampus. phoenix. edu/secure/aapd/cist/vop/Business/PortBus. htm Carroll Communications (2008). Avaya Business Telephone Systems. Retrieved from http://www. carrollcommunications. com/