Life Lessons Essay

ife (â€Å"Hard Work Beats Talent, When Talent Doesn’t Work Hard†) – (Kevin Durant) Over this past summer, I experienced a lot of events that I think will change my life for the better. It seemed like everything started falling in place when I got an unexpected call from a college coach from a small school called Samford University. I was shocked that I received the call because for one, I’d never even heard of the school he was calling from. Also, I never actually played a full game of football in high school.The reason he’d called me is because he said he was at one of the previous scouting camps I attended a few weeks prior, and he liked my athleticism and how I always worked hard and never gave up, even when he saw I was having a hard time. He wanted me to attend one of the school sponsored scouting camps that he was putting together, and he offered to get me in for free so I gladly accepted. When I arrived at the camp, I was very nervous becaus e there were a lot more major college coaches there than I expected, and the combine included college students also, so I wasn’t just competing against any regular competitors.There were 6 different events that we were doing that day, and I had never done any of them at any previous camps so I had no faith in myself from the start. At the first event, the 40 Yard Dash, I had to race a college linebacker from another school so I had to prove to my coaches that I could take on any challenge they threw at me from the beginning. But everything didn’t go quite as I expected. On my first try I false started 2 seconds early, and everyone was laughing at me so I started to down myself. On the 2nd attempt, I false started again!It wasn’t as early as the previous one, but I was wasting all of my chances at getting an official time because I was too nervous to even start on time. On the 3rd and final attempt, I managed to get off on a good start and run a 4. 92, but the sc outs weren’t very impressed by that because they knew and I knew that I could do better than what I was showing them. At the next event, the Running back drills, I was already nervous because of how bad I had done at the previous event, and it showed in my actions.When I went up to catch passes from one of the quarterbacks that was attending the camp with me, normal passes that I could catch in my sleep became difficult for me to complete. I was so worried about messing up again that I wasn’t performing to my full potential. The coach that recruited me to attend the camp took notice at my performance and pulled me aside and talked to me. He told me â€Å"he knows for a fact that I could do better, and he wants to see the athlete that he saw at the previous camp, not the nervous one that he had seen today.Just believe in myself and perform to the best of my abilities for the duration of the camp and everything would be fine†. Then he gave me a quote to think of w hen I got down, â€Å"Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard†. Now I don’t know what it was about that speech, but when I went back to the drill, everything seemed to fall into place. I was catching every single pass the quarterback threw me, even the ones that were badly placed. When I re-did my 40 Yard Dash, my time dropped from a 4. 2 to a 4. 8. From that point on, I exceed all my expectations at every other event that was available to me at the camp. After that day, I learned that I can’t down myself every time I mess up at something, I have to just keep doing my best and to forget the rest. And whenever I get to the point where I want to just give up, I always remember that quote that the coach told me, â€Å"Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard. Word Count: 695

Early diagnosis of autism and impact on prognosis Essay

Autism and IQ Introduction Early diagnosis of autism and impact on prognosis: a narrative review   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Fernell, Eriksson and Gillberg (2013) based the study of the individuals affected by ASD on the magnocellular theory. The theory’s main constructs include that the people suffering from the disorder will have impaired magnocellular transmission networks and that the impairment is the cause of their problems in the processing of information on movement and motion. The theory also explains the problem as one, where results from the abnormal nature of magnocellular neural networks and a variety of sensory systems, unlike in the case of other similar conditions like dyslexia.The main constructs of the theory used by the authors of the article are based on the malfunctioning nature of the networks that guarantee that the working of the human brain is effective and optimal. The main constructs explored under the theory incorporated into the study are related in a variety of ways.Theyinclude the neurodevelopment deficiencies found in the brains of these individuals are the main cause for the impairment of the individual’s social instinct.The article draws on the behaviors that are manifest from the nature of these individuals, to conclude that the impairment of brain networks lead to socially instinctual deficiencies, for example,slowness in flicker-pedestal evaluations. In real life situations, the individual is not able to indicate the appearance of the different squares.Fernell, Eriksson and Gillberg (2013) contended with the premise of the theory that the effects seen arise from physiological underdevelopment of the brain. They also offered the explanation that impaired development or underdevelopment is caused by a variety of medical deficiencies. Based on the research done in a five-year period, they highlighted that there is a wide variety of causes, including the developmental deficiencies, early detection and trials to correct the issue and the effects of treatment. The effects explored included the impairments seen in the social functionality of the child and the outcomes of the treatment plan. For example, one of the effects explained was that there is little evidence of effective results arising from early interventions (Fernell, Eriksson & Gillberg, 2013). The article explored a variety of variables that are either moderating or mediating, depending on their nature and levels, including being epileptic and the fragility of the x syndrome. In the working out of the various constructs, the researchers controlled for the outside factors and variables, and reached the conclusion that there is litt le effectiveness in the early intervention models developed. From the study of the meta-analyses of the studies published by Pub Med in last five years. The researchers found some information showing that the adoption of early intensive treatment led to the successful correction of the problems found in children suffering from ASD. The interpretation of the findings was that more study was needed to explore the link between the impaired development of the networks and the intensity of behavioral corrections. Based on the article’s area of study as well as its findings, some information gaps were exposed, including those on whether the mediating variables of epilepsy among others could hold the key to the positive outcomes. The effects of the mediating factors should be explored further, so as to find out whether it will be necessary to develop a new theory incorporating them (Fernell, Eriksson & Gillberg, 2013). The main constructs explored under the theory incorporated into the study are related in a variety of ways.Theyinclude the neurodevelopment deficiencies found in the brains of these individuals are the main cause for the impairment of the individual’s social instinct.The article draws on the behaviors that are manifest from the nature of these individuals, to conclude that the impairment of brain networks lead to socially instinctual deficiencies, for example,slowness in flicker-pedestal evaluations. In real life situations, the individual is not able to indicate the appearance of the different squares.Fernell, Eriksson and Gillberg (2013) contended with the premise of the theory that the effects seen arise from physiological underdevelopment of the brain. They also offered the explanation that impaired development or underdevelopment is caused by a variety of medical deficiencies. Based on the research done in a five-year period, they highlighted that there is a wide variety of causes, including the developmental deficiencies, early detection and trials to correct the issue and the effects of treatment. The effects explored included the impairments seen in the social functionality of the child and the outcomes of the treatment plan. For example, one of the effects explained was that there is little evidence of effective results arising from early interventions (Fernell, Eriksson & Gillberg, 2013). The article explored a variety of variables that are either moderating or mediating, depending on their nature and levels, including being epileptic and the fragility of the x syndrome. In the working out of the various constructs, the researchers controlled for the outside factors and variables, and reached the conclusion that there is little effectiveness in the early intervention models developed. From the study of the meta-analyses of the studies published by Pub Med in last five years. The researchers found some information showing that the adoption of early intensive treatment led to the successful correction of the problems found in children suffering from ASD. The interpretation of the findings was that more study was needed to explore the link between the impaired development of the networks and the intensity of behavioral corrections. Based on the article’s area of study as well as its findings, some information gaps were exposed, including those on whether the mediating variables of epilepsy among others could hold the key to the positive outcomes. The effects of the mediating factors should be explored further, so as to find out whether it will be necessary to develop a new theory incorporating them (Fernell, Eriksson & Gillberg, 2013).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Randomized, controlled trial of an intervention for toddlers with autism: the Early Start Denver Model   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Dawson and colleagues (2010) did a randomized study exploring the effectiveness of the ESDM model of treatment. The ESDM is a developmental model of treatment based on behavioral interventions and is intended to lessen the severity of the effects of the toddlers suffering from ASD. The mediating and moderating areas explored through the study included the age of the children, which ranged from 18 to 30 months. The independent variables of the study included the delivery of ESDM model of treatment, and the dependent variable beingchecked towards theory development was the reduction in the severity of the ASD condition. The theory under exploration was the empathizing-systemizing theoretical model. The main position of the theory is that the children suffering from ASD get fewer scores in adaptive behaviors like empathy as compared to their peers (Dawson et al., 2010). The theory is based on the outlook that the effects of autism limit a chi ld’s ability to adapt to social situations and their environment.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The main constructs of the theory include the systematized nature of social functionality, sensory manipulation, and the working of motor-based systems. The relationship of the constructs is that the impairment in the development of the brain leads to the reduced effectiveness of the autistic child. The cause of the phenomena includes the impairment in the development of the brain. The effects include the low levels of emotional ability (empathy), sensory manipulation including tapping; and motor manipulation like rocking. The mediating variables included the ages of the children and were not demonstrated to have any effect on the effectiveness of the treatment (Dawson et al., 2010). In the operationalization of the constructs, the study used a study group and a control group. The study split the sampled children of ages ranging from 18 to 30 monthsinto two groups (control and study).In addition, it delivered the ESDM treatment over a two-year period and demonstrated that the method yielded results.The study adopted a statistically comparative study of the children’s standardized scores. The study showed that the treatment was effective, and the study contributed to the advancement of the theory that the developmental effects can be reduced. The results of the study could widen the scope of the theory among others as many have maintained the position that treatment does not yield results(Dawson et al., 2010). Systematic Review of Early Intensive Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorders   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Warren and colleagues (2011)based their study on the theory of applied behavioral evaluation. The main constructs of the theory include that the principle that child learning can be utilized to improve the affected behavioral areas, through behavioral learning. The implications of the principle are that, despite that it may be impossible to solve the problems completely; it is possible to reduce the severity and develop behaviors that reduce their adversity. The relationship between the constructs is based on the outlook that behaviors are learned and that the impaired behavioral areas can be improved through specificallytargeted learning. The learning that is effective for different individuals is often different, depending on the severity of the ASD in the different areas of underdevelopment. The causes in a relationship include the impairments of the children’s brains, and the effects of behavioral training. The mediating factors explored in the study include the outlook of the behavioral training and its effectiveness. The aspects taken into account as determinants of the effectiveness of the process include the team that administers the behavioral training. In the operationalization of the constructs, the study explored the study explored the modeling based on the early start Denver system. The study entailed the review of the literature that explored the field during the years spanning from 2000 and 2010. The study was mainly a literature review of the studies done, in the past, in the area. The study did not apply any statistical analyzes, due to its nature. The findings of the study included that the Lovaas-based model of treatment, among a few other early intensive training for behavioral development, improved skills like language, cognitive abilities, and social behaviors. The interpretation of the results was that early interventionism is useful in countering or lessening the severity of the impacts of ASD. Autism spectrum disorders: an overview of diagnosis andtreatment   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Brentani and colleagues (2013) based their exploration of the problem of ASD and the corrective measures employed to address it, on the developmental milestones of children aged between 0 and 3.The article started by exploring the wide array of developmental impairments that resemble ASD, including a Heller’s syndrome.It emphasized that they all result from the faulty or compromised working of the child’s brain systems(Brentani et al., 2013). The effects of ASD explored include the abnormality of social engagement, creative play, and language skills. The major constructions explored by the authors in the review included the diagnostic models used, main areas of evaluation, the scales and tools for evaluating the problem and the information generated through epidemiological treatment models. In exploring the wide array of constructs, the authors reviewed the studies exploring ASD and the different variables. The relationship b etween the constructs includes that some contribute to the development of ASD The relationship between the constructs includes that some contribute to the development of ASD andothers are the outcomes(Brentani et al., 2013). The causes covered by the study include drugs administered for symptom control and the scales used to evaluate the problem and their effects on the management of the problem. There are no mediating or moderating constructs, but the dependent constructs include the change of the symptoms of ASD. The study was mainly a review of theliterature; therefore, it did not employ any research methods. Using the outcomes of the study, there was no information reported on the recovery of the subjects covered by the study after they were subjected to the corrective and management-based treatments. Further, the study gave the impression that it is necessary to develop multi-professional teams in the exploration of the problem of ASD. In addition to its engagement with management or treatment models (Brentani et al., 2013). Autistic spectrum disorders: Diagnostic and Therapeutic challenges in Mexico   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Marquez-Caraveo and Albores-Gallo (2011)explored the nature of ASD, which are developmental impairments that affect three areas, including the skills of communication, interactive skills in social settings and motor movements. The study explored in the article is based on the developmental theory of mind blindness. The theoretic model that emphasizes the blindness of the mind, is based on the concept that the autism of a child is initially noticed by parents. Among the other people within the social circle of the child as early as when they are as young as 12 months of age.The theory highlights that the areas of cognitive and interactive development that are impaired include the child’s ability to observe the behavior of another and then adjust in response. One example of real-life experience that demonstrates this area of weakness is that you will find the autistic child looking outside the window, but they will notice little on th e view outside the window. In exploring the theory, the researchers highlighted that less than 38% of families seek medical advice, even after noticing the developmental deficiencies that give evidence of ASD. The researchers also highlighted the necessity of training health and educational service providers, on the developmental course of social communication and interactions as well as language acquisition. By developing the experience and the knowledge needed to discover the problems of the children, they will report the condition before it escalates to levels that are more adverse. The theory highlights that the areas of cognitive and interactive development that are impaired include the child’s ability to observe the behavior of another and then adjust in response. One example of real-life experience that demonstrates this area of weakness is that you will find the autistic child looking outside the window, but they will notice little on the view outside the window. In exploring the theory, the researchers highlighted that less than 38% of families seek medical advice, even after noticing the developmental deficiencies that give evidence of ASD. The researchers also highlighted the necessity of training health and educational service providers, on the developmental course of social communication and interactions as well as language acquisition. By developing the experience and the knowledge needed to discover the problems of the children, they will report the condition before it escalates to levels that are more adverse.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The major constructs explored in the study included the discovery of the symptoms of autism, the instruments for assessing the problem, and the psychosocial treatments that can be used to address the problem. The relationship between the various constructs is one that demonstrates a continuum model.This is where the observation of symptoms should lead to the use of dedicated tools to study the problem and initiating psychosocial treatment to reduce the severity of the problem.The cause variable is the symptoms of ASD. The mediating and in some case moderating variable is the evaluation of the problem using dedicated tools. The dependent variable is initiating psychosocial treatment, which leads to the reduction of the problem. The constructs were mainly explored as a continuum of events, and not operationalized as cause-effect based phenomena. The study was mainly a literature review exploring the literature developed about ASD, its treatm ent and the course of discovery. The article led to questions on the importance of training/ teaching parents on ASD, so that they can detect ASD early and initiate psychosocial development for better outcomes. The mediating and in some case moderating variable is the evaluation of the problem using dedicated tools. The dependent variable is initiating psychosocial treatment, which leads to the reduction of the problem. The constructs were mainly explored as a continuum of events, and not operationalized as cause-effect based phenomena. The study was mainly a literature review exploring the literature developed about ASD, its treatment and the course of discovery. The article led to questions on the importance of training/ teaching parents on ASD, so that they can detect ASD early and initiate psychosocial development for better outcomes. The mediating and in some case moderating variable is the evaluation of the problem using dedicated tools. The dependent variable is initiating psychosocial treatment, which leads to the reduction of the problem. The constructs were mainly explored as a continuum of events, and not operationalized as cause-effect based phenomena. The study was mainly a literature review exploring the literature developed about ASD, its treatment and the course of discovery. The article led to questions on the importance of training/ teaching parents on ASD, so that they can detect ASD early and initiate psychosocial development for better outcomes. References Brentani, H., de Paula, C., Bordini, D., Rolim, D.,  Sato, F.,  Portolese, J., Pacifico, M.,  &McCracken, J. (2013). Autism spectrum disorders: an overview of diagnosis and treatment.Rev. Bras. Psiquiatr.   35 (Supl. 1), S62-72. Dawson, G., Rogers, S., Munson, J., Smith, M., Winter, J., Greenson, J., Donaldson, A., &Varley, J. (2010). Randomized, controlled trial of an intervention for toddlers with autism: the Early Start Denver Model.Pediatrics, 125 (1), e17-23. Fernell, E., Eriksson, M., & Gillberg, C. (2013). Early diagnosis of autism and impact on prognosis: a narrative review. Clin Epidemiol, 5, 33-43. Marquez-Caraveo, M., & Albores-Gallo, L. (2011). Autistic spectrum disorders: Diagnostic and Therapeutic challenges in Mexico. Salud Mental, 34, 435-441. Warren, Z., McPheeters, M., Sathe, N., Foss-Feig, J., Glasser, A., &Veenstra-VanderWeele, J.A. (2011). Systematic Review of Early Intensive Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Pediatrics,127(5), e1303-e1311. 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Understanding project management techniques Coursework

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The Cold War and U.S. Diplomacy - Essay Example This essay discusses that President Truman appointed General Marshal to administer the entire process and make sure the necessary steps are taken. In the wake of such build up, General Marshals were sent to Europe in early June 1947 to assess the actual ground situation and present report to Congress about the exact amount of funding needed.In the entire scheme of Marshal Plan an amount of 17 billion dollars was to be allocated to the different countries of Europe (Chandra, 27). This scheme lasted between 1947 to 1952. The overall analysis of the scheme reveals that this was one of the most effective and successful steps undertaken at that time and allowed for the containment of the Soviet Union. While the outer origin of the funding was economic and political assistance largely, the funding allowed to help these two countries getting enrolled into the league of the defense and security system that was introduced. The NATO entity that was established in 1949, Turkey and Greece both m ade into it in 1952 (Bà ¶là ¼kbasi, 799) and were enrolled as a result of the Truman Doctrine. This can be termed as the direct success of Truman Doctrine which paid dividends on the military front as well. Historians have termed it one of the first positive and successful moves placed by the United States of America in those days which not only enabled containment but also allowed for establishing United States of America’s influence in the region. This influence enabled U.S.A maintaining an edge over its arch-rival for the next four decades.

Austin Farrer Faith and Speculation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

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Problems and benefits of implementing Customer Relationship Management Essay

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Science Fiction, Technology, and Our Modern World - Essay Example The brain in a vat scenario depicts a situation where all beliefs we hold about the world would presumably be false despite the fact that they are justified. Brain in a vat argument presents a situation where a removed human brain placed in a life-sustaining fluid and connected to computers that provide exactly the same impulses as the body. The computers effectively create a virtual reality. The person with the disembodied brain continues to have a perfect life without a relationship with the object of the real world. The person will not be able to discover the reality of their simulated world thus transferring my consciousness to a computer would make no difference, I will not mind. Q2. Metaphysics is concerned with the fundamental nature of reality whose hypothesis may claim the truth underlying physics. It may also say a thing about our mind’s nature or creation of the world. Matrix hypothesis is regarded as a metaphysical proposition with all the three elements. These are the reality underlying physics, nature of our minds and the creation of the world. Each of these elements is coherent, and cannot be ruled out conclusively and none of them is a skeptical hypothesis. Matrix and metaphysical hypotheses are similar in three-part version. The fundamental computation of the physical processes, the separation of our cognitive systems from physical processes while interacting with these processes and lastly the physical reality created outside the physical space. One may make various objections. For instance, one might argue that the matrix hypothesis implies a computer simulation where physical process exists but not simply that the physical processes themselves exist. Matrix hypothesis seeks to create consciousness in minds, which may or may not be fully aware that they are living in a simulation. Q3. Computer games and simulations are interactive multimedia whose

International Human Resource Management - International competition Essay

International Human Resource Management - International competition - Essay Example Differential payment is not just a business tactics but a whole some strategy developed by new international human resource management for multinational corporations. Yet, the reality of pay differentials among the international staff does not normally lead to grievances among them. Multinational corporations usually stick to a number of principles of international compensation strategies in order to overcome the ill-effects of pay differentials. The present study is an effort in delineating the mechanism of pay differentials followed by multinational corporations and its effect over the employees from different national environments. The practices of multinational corporations aim to get rid of the resentments and motivational issues pertaining to pay differentials among the international staff would be examined in detail and with theoretical rigour. There is no consensus among the theorists of international compensation strategies over the question of the correct approach to the understanding of pay differentials, related grievances and appropriate compensation strategies (Scullion and Linehan, 2005). Rather than adhering dogmatically to a single approach, the paper tries to synthesise the wisdom each approach in understanding and defining the subject-issue. The paper would primarily give a clear picture of the existing practices of international compensation and multinational common and theoretically validated reactions for addressing the possible and real negative effects of pay differentials among the international staff. The issue of performance management, especially the difficulty of neutral performance appraisal would be examined with special emphasis. Moreover, the paper would be a comprehensive and introductory appraisal of a complex issue which is an important matter of debate in the present business world. Pay Differentials and Compensation Strategies of Multinational Companies International compensation as a concept encompasses the issues and concerns regarding the defining aspects of international compensation, the determining factors of international compensation strategy, reforming compensation along with international transfer within MNCs, and disparities in international compensation (Dowling and Welch, 2004). Performance appraisal is vital in performance management as a core human resource management activity. Revealing the importance of compensation strategy in the practices of multinational companies, Fenwick defines the compensation system of an organisation as "the usual means by which employee rewards are planned and administrated" ( 2004, p. 308).Compensation strategy is increasingly becoming integral to the conduct of organisational strategy as globalisation of market became a reality with an unprecedented pace and intensity (Tayeb, 2005). It is important to not that no distant corner of the world is out of the reach of the twenty first centu ry globalised market. For Fenwick, international compensation is "the provision of monetary and non-monetary rewards, including base salary, benefits, perquisites, long- and short-term incentives, valued by employees in accordance with their relative contributions to MNC performance"( 2004, p. 308). The very structure of organisation itself has become transformed in great deal to get adapted with

Interpretation of Political Cartoon Essay Example for Free

Interpretation of Political Cartoon Essay We feel that the cartoonist intended to convey that Malaya is going to take all the revenue of every state involved in the merger in order to contribute to Malaya’s prosperity. To justify our opinions above, we refer to the following points. The man in the vehicle is Tunku Abdul Rahman as he is wearing a religious hat and he is also the person driving the vehicle which made him seemed very mighty and powerful. The man rolling the wheel is Mr Lee Kuan Yew as he is the person who was strongly for the common market, precisely the words on the wheel that he was rolling. The truck that Tunku Rahman was driving was empty and was moving towards Singapore. As such, we felt that Tunku Rahman was going to take the money from Singapore in order to greater benefit Malaya. Mr Lee Kuan Yew is also put in a bad light as it seems like Mr Lee Kuan Yew is working for the Tunku. We then further deduce that the cartoonist is pro-Malaya from the additional inference that since the original title is in Malay, the cartoonist should be Malay as well. Singapore is placed at the edge of the entire picture and our country is also depicted as small and undeveloped. Malaya on the other hand, is big and has many factories that are emitting smoke which can suggest that their factories are in operation. As established above, Mr Lee Kuan Yew is the man who is rolling the wheel with the words ‘common market’ written on them. We think that this means that his main/ most explicit purpose of merger is for a common market to be set up. (With further analyzation, this can be a form of saying that Singapore is selfish as Singapore would benefit more than the other states. He also seems to be kneeling on the ground which could suggest that he is desperate for a common market. On the other wheel of the vehicle, there are the words ‘rural development’ written on them. We feel that this means that the Tunku is pushing forward the idea of developing the rural areas. (With analysation, this can also be hinting that Malaya is very gracious who is thinking about developing the other not as advanced states unlike Singapore who only thinks about her own benefits. ) We believe that these respectively are the high hopes of each country.

Risk Management in Business: A Case Study

Risk Management in Business: A Case Study INTRODUCTION SITUATION Every day, there is the chance that some sort of business interruption, crisis, disaster, or emergency will occur. Anything that prevents access to key processes and activities can be defined as a disaster. Companies can experience many different threats to their mission critical systems such as fires, floods, lightning storms and humidity to disgruntled employees, hackers, human error, power failures and viruses. A disaster can happen at any time and it is vital to be prepared in the event that one occurs. NEED To be prepared for a business interruption, the organization must have a carefully crafted and comprehensive plan that describes risks, impacts, and step-by-step recovery strategies for critical business processes in various disaster and emergency scenarios. Without a plan, the team will be flying blind when an interruption occurs. The plan provides the necessary tools to mitigate interruptions and resume operations as quickly as possible, greatly facilitating decision-making and taking action when there is scant time and stress levels are elevated. CHALLENGE Using the information in the risk assessment to create effective recovery strategies for critical processes in all departments, incorporating these strategies into a comprehensive business continuity plan, and encouraging ownership of the plan across the organization, and ultimately, achieving the highest resiliency possible with limited resources. SOLUTION Create the recovery strategies department-by-department, process-by-process. This allows each department to focus on strategies specifically relevant to their critical processes without extraneous information from other departments. Do the same for your business continuity plan, writing smaller plans by department. Also, use a template to document your recovery strategies to ensure process consistency across the organization. Finally, have plans reviewed and approved by department heads and distributed to all employees to encourage ownership and pride in the plan. RESULT Each department in the organization will have a comprehensive action plan for business continuity outlining the steps to take to recover vital processes in various emergency scenarios. All employees will have their own copy of the plan, ready to use immediately when a disruption occurs. Employees will take ownership of the organizations business continuity effort and this effort will be further ingrained in the organizations corporate culture. CHOCOLATE MANUFACTURING COMPANY AN OVERVIEW The Chocolate Company since inception in 1990 has been largely responsible for satisfying the countrys demand for Chocolates and Sugar Confectionery. Situated at Rusayl Industrial Estates in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, the plant has various lines producing a wide range of confectionery like Éclairs, Toffees, Fudges, Caramels, Hard Boiled Candy and Enrobed Chocolates. These products are available in attractive packaging and premium Gift Boxes making them ideal for gifting as well as for own consumption. Most of the packaging in the Gift Pack segment has been carefully selected to ensure its enduring utility, thereby giving our valued customers an added benefit. The confectionery is produced by experienced personnel under stringent quality control and hygiene standards. State-of-the-art manufacturing facilities ensure products of international quality. The company in its relentless pursuit of quality obtained HACCP Certification in April, 2004. The Company, through its uncompromising stand on quality and competitive pricing, has successfully penetrated countries all over the Gulf, the African continent, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, USA and the UK. The principal business processes involved are Procurement of raw materials and consumables. Production and Quality control. Distribution and marketing. Inventory Management. Pricing and cost control. Feedback from consumers and redressal systems. Publicity and promotional activities. Recruitment and HR. Finance Administration. Corporate communications and public relations. Legal and secretarial matters. Investor relations. Maintenance of equipment and other assets. Capital expenditure for equipment and other purposes. IT systems and telecommunications. Transportation and Logistics. Today, manufacturing sector companies like chocolate manufacturing operates in increasingly complex, competitive and global markets. The ability to manage risks across geographies, products, assets, customer segments and functional departments is of paramount importance. The inability to manage these risks can cause irreparable damages. Chocolate company will always face the likelihood of being impacted by uncertain or adverse future events. These uncertainties will have an impact on a companys ability to generate capital and shareholders returns. The company Board expects that management will not only look at where the company may be exposed to risk, but also how these risks can be managed to influence favorable business outcomes. RISK AND RISK MANAGEMENT Risk Management Methodology followed by the chocolate company The risk management methodology at the chocolate company encompass the scope of risks to be managed, the process/systems and procedures to manage risk and the roles and responsibilities of individuals involved in risk management. The framework is comprehensive enough to capture all risks that the company is exposed to and have flexibility to accommodate any change in business activities. The chocolate companys effective risk management methodology includes Risk Policy framework. Identification of risks. Measurement and Impact Assessment. Management of the risks. Monitoring Reporting and Control. A. Risk Policy Framework The following fundamental principles should be considered by the company to develop and implement a proactive risk management program and help them to identify any potential areas of concern: Acceptance of a risk management framework: A formal risk management framework is needed at this company, to guide the integration of risk management into the companys day to day operations. Corporate governance and risk: At this company,corporate governance is the prime responsibility of the Board of Directors and the General Manager. It combines legal duties with responsibilities to improve and monitor the performance of the company. Establish the risk response strategy: Following the agreement on the risk assessment rankings in all functional departments, management action will need to be taken to reduce the risk levels where they have been deemed unacceptably high or alternatively remove constraints where they are preventing the business from pursuing opportunities. Assigning responsibility for risk management change process: It is important for the company to ensure that the daily operation of the business supports this strategy and that the staff understands the proposed changes. Re-sourcing: Risk management is the responsibility of all levels of management. Communication and training: Implementing a communication and training program is important to introduce the concept of risk management. Monitoring of risk management process: To ensure that risk responses gaps are filled and that the risk responses continue to operate effectively and remain appropriate in light of changing conditions. B. Identification of Various Risks of The Company While drafting this Risk management Policy, the primary risk exposures at the company X that are identified is provided below, which are inclusive but not exhaustive and it will be the responsibility of the Risk Management Committee to review these on a periodic basis. I. Market Risks It is the risk that the value of the company will be adversely affected by movements in market rates or prices, foreign exchange rates, national global fluctuations, credit spreads and/or commodity prices resulting in a loss to earnings and capital. The market risks identified at this chocolate company are as follows Government Policy risks Product Risks Environmental risks Volatility of export orders Price Competition in the local export market Currency fluctuation for export orders II. Operational Risks The operational risks identified at chocolate company are as follows Fire Allied Risks Machinery breakdown/ obsolescence Volatility of Raw material Packing material prices Quality/ Ageing risks of Raw material/ Packing material Delivery risk of Suppliers Loss of data information- IT security Manpower Availability risks Accidents Inventory carrying risk III. Reputation Risks These are risks arising from negative public opinion resulting from failures of process, strategy or corporate governance. The Reputation risks identified at this company are as follows Contamination-hygiene Product expiry/Shelf life Corporate Governance IV. Credit Risks Non receipt of receivables or delay in receipts is the credit risks attributable to the company. These may be identified as Payment risk from customers-local Payment risk from Customers- export Security from customers Advance to Suppliers V. Liquidity Risks The possibility is that the company will be unable to fund present and future financial obligations. These may be identified as Cash flow working capital management CAPEX decisions Cost overruns VI. Strategic Risks Risk those are arising from adverse business decisions or the improper implementation of such decisions. These may be identified as follows Business Plan forecasts. Attrition of key people. C. Risk Prioritizing and Impact Assessment Risk Prioritizing To adequately capture institutions risk exposure, risk measurement should represent aggregate exposure of the company to both risk type and business line and encompass short run as well as long run impact on it. To the maximum possible extent the company should establish systems / models that quantify their risk profile. However, in some risk categories, quantification is quite difficult and complex. Wherever it is not possible to quantify risks, qualitative measures should be adopted to capture those risks. The company should utilize a Risk Matrix to evaluate the level of risks which are identified in the Company. The Risk Matrix is formed by assessing the probability of the risk, the severity of the risk, and the quality of control that exists specific to those risks. Scoring is attributed for each the three parameters namely probability, severity and Internal control. The aggregate score is computed and ranking of the risks is ascertained. The probability of the impact occurring is arranged ranging from low to high. Scores assigned as 4 for High, 2 for medium and 1 for low. Severity of the Risk is assessed as High, Medium and low based on the experience and normal prudence. Scores assigned as 4 for High, 2 for medium and 1 for low. Quality of Internal control is also similarly categorized as high, medium and low. The scores assigned in the reverse order since the better the existing control the lower is the impact and vice-versa. So scores here can be assigned as 4 for Low, 2 for Medium and 1 for High. Aggregate Score was thereafter computed after adding the individual scores for each parameter. Companys Risk Matrix using the above method is shown in Annexure I ii. Impact Assessment The company being a medium scale manufacturing unit should focus on the manageable risks like Operational risks, Liquidity risks and Strategic risks. Market risks, Credit risks and Reputation risks though an integral part of risk management may not need detailed impact assessment at this stage unless the probability of such factors seem to be out of proportions in time to come. Impact assessment of the Operational risks, liquidity risks and strategic risks at the company termed herein as Manageable risks, can be assessed as follows Risk associated with any event has two components, loss severity and loss probability. Loss, in itself consists of expected and unexpected components. The unexpected loss component could be severe or catastrophic. Usually, expected losses are adjusted for in pricing or in reserve allocation. Unexpected losses require capital allocation. Given that operational risk, liquidity and strategic risk events are most often subject to internal control, any manageable risk system that passively measures these risks would clearly be inadequate. Once risk factors are identified as likely causes of the Risk losses, mitigating steps need to be initiated. While quantification would indicate risk magnitude and capital charges, it may not by itself suggest mitigating steps. This makes it advisable for the company to combine qualitative and quantitative approaches to manageable Risk. The broad steps involved here would be: determine the types of operational losses that could occur identify the causal risk factors estimate the size and likelihood of losses Mitigate associated risks Qualitative Approaches Qualitative approaches involve Audits, Self-assessments Expert / collective judgment. Critical Self-Assessment: (CSA): This is one of the common qualitative bottom-up approaches where line managers of the company can critically analyze their business processes given specific scenarios to identify potential risks and gaps in their risk management processes. Tools like questionnaires, checklists and workshops are used to help the managers analyze the risk profile of their business units. The key idea behind this method is that businesses managers of this company are in the best position identify and manage the Operational Risks pertaining to their business units. Risk Audit Employing the services of external (or internal) auditors to review the business processes of a business unit is another approach. This process not only helps identify risks but also helps put in place the oversight organization for the manageable risks. Key Risk Indicators (KRI) Using the KRI approach the company can blend the qualitative and quantitative aspects of Operational Risk management. Factors that have predictive value and that can be easily measured with minimum time lag can serve as risk indicators. Some risk indicators inherently carry risk related information, for instance, indicators like sales volumes, order size, etc. Others are indirect indicators, for instance, production budgets, production lifecycle, performance appraisal etc. Key indicators are identified from several potential factors and are tracked over time. The predictive capabilities of the indicators are tested through regression analysis on historical loss data and indicator measurements. Based on such analysis, the set of indicators of the company being tracked can be modified suitably. Over time, as the model gets refined, the set of indicators can provide early warning signals for operational losses. D. Management of the risks Managing Market Risks: The chocolate company may be exposed to Market Risk in variety of ways as described earlier such as environmental issues, export orders, future contracts, Price competition, customer profile and marine transportation risks. Besides, market risk may also arise from activities categorized as off-balance sheet item. Government Policy Risks: Change in government policies, tax rates, introduction of new tax regimes, reduction or abolition of incentives etc carry risk to any entity in terms of its costing and pricing. In the short and medium term the company does not perceive any major risk in this segment, however the management has to be aware of any forthcoming changes that the government might envisage. Should there be any drastic change in Government policies that would affect its profitability especially in case of exports; the Company has contingency plans for producing at an alternative location outside Oman. Product Risks: Since the product is that of food item the company has to be 100% careful to maintain the product quality, product specification, pack sizes, contents in each pack etc. Producing lesser or poor quality products and not as per specification is a risk which company X needs to constantly be aware off. To mitigate such risks the company X should develop a well defined production policy develop a well defined Quality control and checks policy develop a well defined storage and Distribution policy Environmental risks: The company does not use and generate hazardous substances in its manufacturing operations. Hence the chances that the company may in future are subject to liabilities relating to the investigation and clean-up of contaminated areas is negligible. However the company should have a laid down policy of disposal of waste at pre-designed disposal points mainly for the rejected, expired and damaged items of raw materials, finished products and packing materials. Volatility of export orders: Some customers and sectors served by the company are directly dependent on general economic development, competition and frequent fluctuations in demand for their products. The prices for these products are, in part, dependent on the prevailing relationship between supply and demand. Possible price fluctuations are therefore apt to have a direct influence on each customers working capital management decisions, with subsequent influence on the customers Order Intake. This may lead to volatility in the development of Order Intake of the company. The company has a policy of geographically diversifying its customer base, as also expanding the customer base in each export market, so that transfer to less volatile locations can be made in short notice. Price Competition in the local export market: The Company does business in very competitive local and export markets. In spite of the competition the company has a 70% market share in the local market and its export business is expanding.Both these local and export markets in which it competes are highly fragmented, with a few large, international manufacturers competing against each other and against a high number of smaller, local companies. Sometimes new entrants or existing players suddenly lower their prices to get rid of the companys products. This has, in some cases, adversely impacted sales margins realized by certain of companys products. To mitigate this risk the company has taken the following steps: Maintaining complete information of its Competitors with respect to their latest technological developments, market strategies, new investments, management changes etc. Has developed emergency alternative plans to introduce different product ranges with minimal structural changes with similar or lower prices. Currency fluctuation for export orders:The Company exports its products to a large number of countries like Canada, USA, Australia, African countries, and the Middle East. Almost all export orders of the company are fixed in US dollars. Since Omani Rail is pegged with US Dollars, the fluctuation of the currencies in would have negligible impact on the export realizations at company X. Company X has a policy of booking export orders in terms of US dollars to avoid the risk of currency fluctuations. Managing Operational Risks: Being a chocolate manufacturing company, it deals with the retail market. The most important risks are those of Operational risks. Operational risk is associated with human error, system failures and inadequate procedures and controls. It is the risk of loss arising from the potential that inadequate information system; technology failures, breaches in internal controls, fraud, unforeseen catastrophes, or other operational problems may result in unexpected losses or reputation problems. Fire Allied risks: These are general risks applicable to almost all establishments. This includes Material damage to the companys property due to Fire lightning, Earthquake, Third party impact, Accidental damage, explosion, riot strike, storm tempest, burst pipes, Own Vehicle impact, malicious damage, and theft. The company should take necessary steps in mitigating such risks by taking â€Å"Property All Risks Insurance Policy† â€Å"Loss of profit insurance cover† Machinery breakdown/ obsolescence: This risk identified is a major risk element as the company has been established two decades earlier by using imported refurbished Plant and machinery. Though most of the machinery is in running condition as of now the chances of spare part obsolescence is quite high in a majority of such machines. The physical status and the possible mitigation for major machinery can be shown in ANNEXTURE II Volatility of Raw Material/ Packing Material prices: The Company faces a medium level risk in its Raw material Packing material prices. The main raw materials at are Sugar, Glucose, Milk Powder, vegetable fat, coconut, coco whey powders. The packing material required is Wrappers, Bags, Gift boxes, Gift Tins and cartoons. Other than a few packing materials almost all of the raw materials and packing materials are imported as shown below Quality risk Raw material Packing material: This is a medium sized risk and the company should take reasonable care to mitigate such risks. Since the majority of the raw materials and packing materials are imported by the company, the purchase committee should implementing a stringent policy of Should have a multiple suppliers from the same country or region. Should have proper Quality checks for each Consignment while receiving delivery. Should have a stringent penalty clause on variation of specifications in the agreements with suppliers. Delivery risk of Suppliers: This is major risk element at the company because of the fact that in most cases purchases are imported and made through Letter of Credits. Non Delivery or delayed delivery in such purchases may affect the performance of the company. The company is implementing proper penalty clauses in the purchase agreement for delayed and/ or non-delivery of the ordered items. Transporting risks: In case of local sales, the company transports the products mostly through its own personnel. The company therefore, takes a general Transit Insurance policy covering accidents and theft. Inventory carrying risk: Inventory Carrying risks are of three types: Storage risk Overstocking under stocking risk Expiry risk Storage risk The storage policies currently are The company can keeps the entire inventory in closed warehouses. Over-stocking Under-stocking: The company can maintain a good optimized production planning system in correlation with its sales plan so that it can have a optimum stocking policy. The current production plan is quite satisfactory and hence the risk is low to medium. But the company is mostly dependent on Export market, the volatility of export orders may lead to overstocking or under-stocking of inventory. Expiry risks: This risk is low to medium. Expiry risks of inventory can be mitigated by proper planning of Sales, Purchase, Production and Distribution. The Storekeeper needs to maintain up-to-date records. A system is being implemented to provide on-line information about the stock position i.e. the quantity in stock, Re-order period, Ordering level and the Expiry dates of each of the Raw material, packing material and finished stocks to the Sales, Production and Purchase department so that immediate action can be taken by the respective departments. Manpower Availability risks: There is a shortage of skilled manpower in Oman. This is however met with the expatriate staff employed mainly from the sub-continent. The company therefore faces a medium risk in terms of availability of skilled manpower. The company can met unskilled manpower availability with the local Omani population and also from expatriate staff. The gap of skilled labor availability is likely to increase and therefore the costs also increase. To mitigate such risks, the company can develop long term strategy to invest in higher capacity production machines so that the requirement of manpower is kept low. Accidents: The Company can face a chance of accidents at the factory, however the accident risks at the company is low, as it does not deal with hazardous material and the production processes are not complex. However the company may face risks from mechanical or electrical installations which cant be entirely ruled out. So the company needs to take the following steps: By providing ELCB (Electric Leakage Circuit Breakers) in all electrical circuits and ACBs for the main transformers By providing Hot masks to the manpower Having a good machinery breakdown policy Constant monitoring of the gas line leakages The company needs have a Manpower Accidents and Injury Policy to cover the possibility of injury or death of manpower within the factory premises. Managing Reputation Risks Reputation of the company may also get hamper in various situations some of which are Contamination-hygiene: Being in the Food sector the company should take utmost precaution to avoid any sort of contamination in its products which will reach to the general mass. The company should take precaution for the quality of the raw material and packing material that is required for the entire production process and the stocking procedure. The company can follow the following policy: Stringent Quality control checks of Raw materials and packing materials Stringent Quality checks of the entire production process Maintaining Hygiene standards of the Government of Oman both in production and stocking. Sample testing at each stage Have a third Party damage policy insurance coverage owing to contamination Product expiry/Shelf life risks: This is again a very vital risk to the company as it is in the Food sector. The Government of Oman is very stringent in its laws to avoid expired products to be sold to the general public. So the company should take utmost care to avoid this risk by providing a stringent Distribution policy of its finished products Checks and controls before distribution of products. Monitoring distributed products on a daily basis Attributing Responsibility to a Senior Personnel for the management Corporate Governance: Corporate Governance Policies and Procedures manual are already in place at the company. Hence the risk associated with it is low. The management has to ensure proper compliance of the policies already undertaken to avoid any risk of reputation arising out of non-compliance of corporate governance. Managing Credit Risks: Credibility Risk of Customers: The Company should develop a credit policy based on regions, volume and credibility ranking of the parties. Export: The Company exports to a wide range of countries. The contacts of customers are mainly through visits and through mail. It is initially very difficult to assess the credibility of the customers abroad. The risk element is therefore medium and high. The company should mitigate this risk in the following manner: The company should back up the export orders by Letter of Credit from the parties. In case L/C mode is not practicable, the company can ask for advance payments or Security deposit, or post dated cheques which will cover the entire order taken prior to effecting delivery of the goods. The company currently did not enter into any distribution agreement with any export party and deals with parties on a case to case basis The Company can set up a network of distributors for handling exports sales as far as practicable. The company can also set up more than one distributor; in each region/country, so that price advantage can be achieved through minimal risk. The company should select distributors with proven track record, and the distributorship agreement should be through a internationally binding legal contract. Local: Local sales are affected by the company mainly to retail customers like supermarkets and hypermarkets, small shops and to two distributors in the interior. The company should take the following steps: Sale to all hypermarkets and supermarkets where the volumes are above a certain limit are, as far as possible, affected by means of an annual contract with all modalities and terms and conditions clearly laid out. For single shop outlets, the company may face the risk of shop closing down and non-payment or delayed payment. To counter this company should maintain small stocks with such shops and should have a regular but frequent collection system. In case of distributors the company should have legally binding distribution agreements. Limit setting: An important element of credit risk management is to establish exposure limits for each single customer and distributors. The compan

The Importance Of Strategic Marketing Plan For Nestle Marketing Essay

The Importance Of Strategic Marketing Plan For Nestle Marketing Essay The definition of FMCG is Fast Moving Consumer Goods which is alternative for CPG (consumer packaged goods) inclusive of production, marketing and distribution. FMCG are durables that are consumed regularly. The industry involves selling, supply chain management, production, financing, activities that generate an income on sales due to fast turnover. The purchase cycle of some of these items is small in comparison to other durables. 1.1 FMCG industry economy FMCG is wide industry with many competitors. The number of manufacturers is growing. The investment in this industry is also growing. 1.2 Common FMCG products Some of the examples of FMCG products are: * Coffee, * Tea, * Dry cells, * Greeting cards, * Gifts, * Detergents, * Tobacco and cigarettes, * Watches, * Soaps, * Plastic goods, * Paper products, * Batteries, * Bulbs, * Cosmetics Some common FMCG product categories include: * Food and dairy products, * Glassware, * Paper products, * Pharmaceuticals, * Consumer electronics, * packaged food products, * Printing and stationery, * Household products, * Photography, * Drinks One of the leading companies in Sri Lanka that is well known for FMCG is Nestles. 2.0 Introduction Nestle Lanka PLC deals in the manufacturing of food and beverages in Sri Lanka .The food items are mainly dairy products. The company produces noodles and coconut milk powder products too. The brand names used by Nestle Lanka PLC are, NESTOMALT, MAGGI, NESPRAY, MILO, and CERELAC. This company in globally situated with the Head office in Sri Lanka. 3.0 Areas looked into in the strategic plan Introduction SWOT Analysis STPD Analysis BGC Matrix Michael Porters Five Forces Model Brand Recall Value Future Trends Marketing Strategy Marketing Targets from the financial year 2010-2011 The 4 Ps-Products, Promotion, Price, Place Marketing Research Marketing Budget Implementation Controls 3.1 The Noodle Market Basically made of flour under modern production facilities. Each production requires a good for consumption certification. Other than bread noodles in Sri Lanka has a quite a large demand. Noodles differ according to the raw material used. It also differentiated according to the size of the noodle. Some of the popular noodles are Rice vermicelli in Sri Lanka, Beehoon in Malaysia, Mee fun in China, Bifun in Japan, and the list goes on. But the largest consumption is by China and Japan. 3.1.1 Maggi Noodles Maggi is very popular among Sri Lankan as the 2 minutes noodle. This is an instant product. Although this was popular among busy women in the urban areas, the semi urban women who made it a point to cook each day, was extremely concerned of the nutrition value of the food that their children had turned a blind eye to this product. Although there was a lot of money spent on advertising, Maggi sales were slow. Months of research showed Nestles that there target market was wrong. They needed to target the children for they were the ones who enjoyed the flavour. Maggi moved from being a convenient product to fun product. The slogan went on to say Fast to cook, good to eat. Maggi was aggressively promoted by sponsoring childrens events, giving free samples, media advertising showing a 2 minute preparation to feed hungry children after play. The sole purpose being communicated of the benefits and convenience of this 2 minutes meal.5.JPG It was in late 2000 that the instant soupy noodles were introduced. The ad will bring a smile in many as you hear the words Appi podi sellamak karamu, Ammi kiyana kota kanna, bonna In addition Nestles offered other Maggi products like sauces, ketchups, seasonings, etc., but the noodles was the most popular of them all. There was a decline in the market with Prima put out an instant noodle that was palatable to Sri Lankans called Prima Kottu Mee. But Nestles was quick to counter act with spice flavoured Maggi noodles, which helped win back the lost market share. There after Maggi had very little competition, till early 2008 when information spread on the unhealthiness of the substance in the sachet. 4.0 SWOT Analysis SWOT analyses Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats of the business. SWOT looks in-depth into internal and external factors that affect the objective of Nestles noodles. Strengths Market leader, Brand loyalty, Distribution channels, Advertising strategy Weaknesses Heavily dependent on One flavour ,Minor distribution problems, Health related issues Opportunities Unexploited rural markets, Increasing number of working youth, Innovative flavours for Sri Lankan taste buds Threats Strong presence of regional competitors, Competitive pricing (Prima), Affinity of Sri Lankan to Chinese food 5.0 STPD Analysis of Maggi Noodles Segmentation: Based on lifestyle and habits of urban families Targeting: Kids, Office goers Positioning: With statements such as 2 minute noodles and Easy to cook, good to eat Differentiation: Taste, Flavours, Packaging 6.0 BCG matrix The BCG matrix is known in many names. (Aka B.C.G. analysis, B.C.G.-matrix, Boston Box, Boston Consulting Group analysis) The creator is Bruce Henderson for the Boston Consulting Group in 1970. Helps businesses to use analytical tools to allocate resources in strategic management. bcg.bmp 6.1 Michael Porters Five Forces Model Porters five forces were developed by Michael E. Porter in 1980. This is an analysis of competitors and their strategies. This is an important tool when structuring a strategic process Porter identifies forces affect all markets and sectors and their profitability within the industry. With the information acquired from the Porters five the Nestles will be able to decide ways to manipulate the industry. Rivalry among Competing Firms Rivalry among competitors is very fierce. There are scarce customers because the industry is highly saturated and the competitors try to snatch their share of market. Market Players use all sorts of tactics and activities from intensive advertisement campaigns to promotional stuff and price wars etc. Hence the intensity of rivalry is very high Bargaining Power of Consumers Bargaining power of consumers is also very high. This is because switching costs of most of the goods is very low and there is no threat of buying one product over other. Customers are never reluctant to buy or try new things off the shelf. Potential Development of Substitute Products There are complex and never ending consumer needs and no firm can satisfy all sorts of needs alone. There are plenty of substitute goods available in the market that can be re-placed if consumers are not satisfied with one. The wide range of choices and needs give a sufficient room for new product development that can replace existing goods. This leads to higher consumers expectation. Potential Entry of New Competitors Does not have any measures which can control the entry of new firms. The resistance is very low and the structure of the industry is so complex that new firms can easily enter and also offer tough competition due to cost effectiveness. Hence potential entry of new firms is highly viable. Bargaining Power of Suppliers The bargaining power of suppliers of raw materials and intermediate goods is not very high. There is ample number of substitute suppliers available and the raw materials are also readily available and most of the raw materials are homogeneous. There is no monopoly situation in the supplier side because the suppliers are also competing among themselves. 7.0 Marketing Strategies 7.1 Financial objective To increase profit by 15% from the profit declared as at Dec 2010. The budget for the marketing promotion is Rs. 2,000,000/- Budgeted Profit Loss Account 2011-2012 Rupees in Millions11.gif Sales 25 Cost Of Goods sold 5 Gross Sales 6.jpg 20 Administrative Expenses 1 Marketing Expenses 2 R D 0.5 Promotion 1 Distribution 0.5 Marketing Research 1 Miscellaneous 0.5 7.2 The 4 Ps Product: Introduction of a healthier noodle. A red rice flour to be introduced. Increase the fibre contents. Add artificial nutrients. Make the product cheaper for the rural fork. 100 grams, 200grams, 400 grams packets to be introduced. Price: Healthier noodles to attract health conscious clientele. A family pack to be introduced at a discount of 5%. The packet that goes at Rs 40 to be sold at Rs.35.9.jpg Place: Large distribution network. Distribution to small shop lets. Have a mobile van distributing samples at a Sunday fair. Get a renowned chef famous among the rural fork e.g.: Mr.Pubilis Silva to demonstrate certain dishes with the use of Maggi noodles. Promotion: Communicate to the public the health aspects in consuming Maggi noodles. Advertise using rural children running through paddy fields to capture the hearts of semi urban. Use young public figures, icons; brand ambassadors may it be sports like Tehani Guruge for Squash, Charith Rajapaksha for Cricket under 17.or child actors and actresses. Promote in schools. 7.3 Time line 7.4 Future trends 7.4.1 Objectives 8.jpg Introduction of characters that attract the attention of kids. Organizing of programs and competitions for kids at Vihara Maha Devi Park or children schools. Cooking demonstrations with the use of Maggi- awards and hampers for innovative recipes. 8.0 Research methodology Target Area: Small towns Customers: Kids, House wives Shop sample: Minimum 25 Customer Sample Size: Minimum 75 8.1 Implementation Controls Monitoring, review and control will be done by the Director Marketing at Nestles. Monthly review with Director Finance and CEO of Nestles. 8.1.1 Areas of monitoring Implementation of marketing plan Actual to targeted goals. Gap of analysis Corrective action Redo marketing plan after review 9.0 Conclusion 9.1 Re-launch of Maggi Till 2008 Maggi was a core brand for Nestles. It was at the beginning 2011that Nestles decided to go healthy with new tastes and added nutrition.http://www.google.lk/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcToIkd3Q-v9CuxtPAD15wZFf4IAgSx-xGqb2D46M3x6eTCEjqFd4bzSFA 17.jpg 9.2 Maggi takes the Health Route In May 2011, Nestles introduced Maggi Rathu Kakulu.

Homosocial Desire in the Films of Kevin Smith :: Essays Papers

Homosocial Desire in the Films of Kevin Smith In present society, any man who loves another man is labeled a homosexual. If a man is not a homosexual, then he is not allowed to display any form of affection for another male. If a man does go beyond the boundaries of showing affection for another man, that man runs the risk of being labeled a homosexual. However, there are those who see the error of this and want to change this societal viewpoint. Two examples of individuals who have strikingly similar views on this issue believe that there can be a balance between homosexuality and heterosexual male bonding. In relation to this balance, the term â€Å"homosocial† describes bonds between persons of the same sex. Even though these two individuals come from completely different ends of the spectrum, they both agree that â€Å"homosocial desire† allows desire between two men to exist in a form that incorporates love between men without sexual attraction. Writer Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick and film director Kev in Smith both display through different types of media that homosocial activity can evolve from male bonding to exist in the same range as homosexuality. Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick writes about the term homosocial desire in her book Between Men. The word homosocial is used in science to describe social relationships between persons of the same sex. While it shares the same prefix â€Å"homo† with the word homosexual, homosocial has different connotations in present American society. Kevin Smith uses film to express his ideas about homosexuality and homosocial actions. Smith’s first film, Clerks, was shot in black and white and lacked talented actors and good cinematography. However, Smith’s smartly written script and flare for humorous storytelling soon turned this low budget, independent film into a cult classic. The movie revolves around the lives of two best friends, Dante (played by Brian O’Halloran) and Randal (depicted by Jeff Anderson). Dante works in a convenience store while Randal works across the street as a video rental store clerk. Their friendship is filled with stereotypical male bonding practices such as playing hockey together and reading issues of Playboy behind the store counter. However, while the two exhibit many jocular actions, their relationship is a good example of the notion of homosocial desire.

Learning Disability Resourses for College Students :: Disabilities Education School Essays

Learning Disability Resourses for College Students Trying to decide which college or university best suits them is challenging enough for the average student when applying to colleges. It is even more difficult for students with learning disabilities such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) due to their specialized concerns. Students with learning disabilities have to search for a school that has the usual opportunities and amenities that fit their personality while also providing the services required by their learning disability and style. The student also needs to find a school where the people providing these services will be dedicated to helping them and fighting for the student’s rights under the American Disabilities Act. Departments such as the Disabilities Recourse Center (DRC) at Northeastern University are set up to provide these types of services to the school’s student population with disabilities. The DRC provides services to students with physical disabilities like hearing and sight impairment as well as neurological learning disabilities. The DRC is a cooperative entity that helps both the students and their professors in ensuring that the student receives the accommodations they require. It takes dedicated professionals to provide these services. One of the most dedicated staffers of the DRC is Dean Ruth Bork, the director of the DRC. â€Å"I have been working with disabled students since 1974. Since much of my time is involved in resolving challenges that are difficult and plentiful, I usually don’t have much time to think about the satisfaction and rewards of the job,† said Dean Bork. As a Northeastern student with a documented case of ADHD who had not worked closely with the DRC, which has been providing services since 1978, I was interested in investigating what services the center provided and how they worked while also taking a look at some of the services provided by our cross-town rivals Boston University for students with learning disabilities such as mine. The American heritage Dictionary defines Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder as, â€Å"an attention deficit disorder in which hyperactivity is present.† Attention Deficit Disorder is defined as, â€Å"A syndrome, usually diagnosed in childhood, characterized by a persistent pattern of impulsiveness, a short attention span, and often hyperactivity, and interfering especially with academic, occupational, and social performance.† ADHD is most often diagnosed during childhood and was formerly believed to have lessened and ended as the child matured but recent studies have found that between 35 and 50 % of all cases persist into adulthood.

Beauty and Genetic Enhancement :: Creative Writing Essays

Beauty and Genetic Enhancement      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Nausea.   To describe the whole situation in one word I would have to choose nausea.   The Expo center was packed with societies elite,   eagerly waiting the announcement of what the rumor mill had told them to be the most important invention of the decade.   The air was cold and damp, like that of a hospital.   Barley audible was the most annoying Michael Bolton song that I could imagine.   As I got entranced by the dullness of the situation I noticed that the lights were slowly getting dimmer.   As Michael Bolton's voice became silent, Dr. Zimmerman spherical body came waddling out.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Dr. Zimmerman was a very large, gluttonous man.   I had worked with him many times, and I had lost more than one of my ideas to his fat hands.   He was ruthless, unemotional, and conscienceless; the perfect scientist.   He painstakingly climbed onto the two foot platform in front of the podium, making a little grunt that accidentally found its way into the microphone.   "Hello? Can you guys hear me in the back?"   He gurgled in his natural grotesque voice. With the acknowledgment of the audience, he sipped the glass of ice water which stood on the podium and cleared his throat.   "Ladies and Gentlemen, I am here to inform you of a discovery that my team of genetic scientist and I have discovered."   The more he said the more I wanted to hear. I wanted to shout to make him blurt it out, but it was impossible to speed him up, attention was the reason why he became a scientist.   He didn't care about the effects of his discoveries, as long as he packed the expo center the next weekend.  Ã‚   "The quest toward perfection is finally over.   Your unborn children now have the opportunity to be everything you ever wanted them to be!"   A large blue vein slowly became visible through his cherry red forehead. "Birth defects are a thing of the past."   Suddenly the severity of the situation slammed into me like a subway train.  Ã‚   "There will be no such thing as an imperfect child!"   The sound of flapping mucus in his throat was almost unbearable.  Ã‚   The applause began, I knew it wouldn't stop for at least ten minutes because Dr. Zimmerman wouldn't let it.   I ran to the bathroom to think about what had just happened.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Dr. Zimmerman was referring to the G.A.M.   project, Genetic Alterations for Mankind.   The team of four was lead by him.   The goal was to alter DNA of freshly fertilized embryos, to control every one of their physical and mental

Business Communication in Today’s World

INTRODUCTION Definition Communication is defined as the process of transferring information and meaning between senders and receivers, using one or more written, oral, visual or electronic channels. Simply put, communication is the exchange of information between people. It is important to get feedback from your audience and vice versa for the process of communication to take place effectively. The feedback can be either positive or negative. Business communication is any communication used in an organisation with an intention to promote a product, improve service or with the intention to make a sale. This type of communication also occurs within the organisation between the management and employees. It has purpose and a lot of attention is given to detail. Business communication has undergone a lot of transformation as a result of the growth of information technology that has changed the whole concept of communication. In the past, businesses had a model of communication that left very little room for interaction and conversation with the receiver of the message. Currently the model that works and is now used by most organisations is one that gives room to both conversation and interaction with the receivers. BODY Communication is very vital in any organization. Like blood in our bodies, it is the channel that gives life to the organisation and without it, organisations would not be functional. There are two types of business communication in an organization 1. Internal Communication 2. External Communication Internal communication This defines communication that occurs within an organisation. It occurs between management and departments and between the employees of the organization. This type of communication may be formal or informal. Internal communication is vital because it helps in increasing job satisfaction, productivity and profits. It is also a platform for employees and management to air and address grievances. There are three types of communication under internal business communication a) Upward Communication b) Downward Communication c) Horizontal communication a) Upward communication Upward communication is the flow of information from subordinates to superiors or from employees to management. By definition, communication is a two-way affair. Yet for effective two-way organizational communication to occur, it must begin from the bottom. Upward Communication is a means for staff to: * Exchange vital information * Offer ideas Express enthusiasm * Achieve job satisfaction * Provide feedback Diagram showing upward communication in a bank b) Downward Communication This is the flow of information from the person or people who are at the top of the organisation to their subordinates. Downward communication generally provides information for direction and guidance e. g. Instructions on how to do a task. This type o f communication is needed in an organization to: * Transmit important information * Give instructions * Announce decisions * Seek cooperation * Provide motivation * Increase efficiency * Obtain feedback c) Horizontal communication Horizontal communication normally involves coordinating information, and allows people with the same or similar rank in an organization to co-operate or collaborate. Communication among employees at the same level is crucial for the accomplishment of work. Horizontal Communication is essential for: * Solving problems * Accomplishing tasks * Improving teamwork * Building goodwill * Boosting efficiency External Communication This type of communication occurs between the organisation and the public. This includes suppliers, clients or customers, shareholders or investors and with other organisations. Social networks have transformed external communication. The popularity of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other social networks have made them effective tools for communication that organisations now use. External communication leads to: * Increased sales volume * Public credibility * Operational efficiency * Achievement of organisational goals * Customer satisfaction METHODS OF COMMUNICATION There are different communication methods that are used in business communication. We have verbal, written and visual methods that come in different forms. These forms of communication have undergone transformation with the introduction of information technology. For example verbal forms of communication like telephone calls have been improved to incorporate video conferencing. It is important to choose the right method and form of communication if you are to effectively pass information to your audience. The choice is determined by several factors: * Urgency – How important is the information to the recipient and what would be the effect of delay? * Security and privacy – Are the contents of the message classified? Nature and complexity – does the message contain detailed/ technically complex information that could be misunderstood? * Number of recipients – is the message intended for one person, a selected group or everyone? * Record – Will evidence/proof of communication be needed? * Distance – Is the message for internal use only or does it need to be transmitted further? * Impression/ appea rance – is the message required to create a favorable impression by its style/ quality/ appearance? If so, are the recipient’s taste known? * Feedback – will an instant response be needed from the message? Cost –How much will it cost you to pass this information and is it worth it? Forms of communication include: * Memos * Email * Letters * Newspapers/magazines * Television * Telephone * Meetings Information technology has transformed business technology and today there are several tools that are available for communication both internal and external communication. Some of these tools include: * Wireless network * Electronic presentations * Virtual meeting spaces * Wikis * Voice technology * Video conferencing CONCLUSION Business communication should be effective if the organization is to achieve its goals and desired results. The purpose of business communication is to pass information to the receiver and receive a response. Effective communication is communication that ensures that this happens in an efficient way. For information to be effective, it has to be able to: * Provide information that is practical – it should be able to give the receiver information that they can apply in their daily life. * It should give facts and avoid vague impressions – Language used should be strong and give clear and accurate information. In the case of an argument it should give evidence to support the conclusion reached. The presentation should be concise and efficient this can be achieved by summarizing and highlighting the main points Business communication is important because it helps in: * Decision making – business communication makes the process of decision making faster because reliable information has been received. * Solving problems – Effective communication ensures that problems are solved faster because the problems have already been understood. * Foreseeing potential problems that the business could experience * Developing stronger relationships business relationships * Developing exceptional marketing messages It is important to note that business communication is different from social communication with friends and family. Business communication is complicated and requires skill and attention. As result there are challenges that rise when trying to ensure that an organization has effective business communication. Some of these challenges include: Globalization in business and the diversity of the workforce – Businesses can presently be able to connect with the world and sell products across borders. Although, the opening up of the market is an advantage to the business, it presents new challenges in communication. The organization should find methods to be able to effectively communicate with the new market and diverse workforce that these new opportunities present. The escalation of value given to business communication – We are living in the Information age and competition in the marketplace is determined by how well business information is relayed by the organization. It is important to acquire information on competition, customer needs and the rules and regulations. Growth of technology – Business communication today is dependent on technology and technology is very dynamic. For an organization to be relevant it has to have the ability to transform at the same pace that technology is advancing. It is therefore important to use it productively. We should also remember that technology is just a tool for communication, not a replacement to think or communicate for an organization. Increasing reliance on teamwork – teams are vital in an organizational structure and for teams to produce results there is a need for them to have efficient communication. This sometimes presents challenges but developing great communication lines ensures that teamwork is successful. Business communication is growing; innovations are being made daily to make communication more efficient. Conventional ways are being transformed to incorporate technology or being discarded completely for lack of relevance. All this is done in an effort to improve business and increase productivity. REFERENCES Bove`e, L. , and Thill, V. (2010). Business Communication Today. Upper Saddle, NJ. Pearson Education Inc. Publishing.