Reflective Commentary free essay sample

Guidance for completion of your reflective commentary A reflective approach to your educational and culturalexperience will bring about changes in the way you perceive your academic environment. Further, this reflective approach can go on to produce changes in attitudes and awareness which may, in turn, benefit your personal and professional growth. While a single experience in isolation, such as your overseas or homeplacement,will be insufficient to achieve such growth, that experience coupled with reflection may serve as a powerful impetus for development of key transferable skills which can directly impact on your future employability. So, the purpose of this piece of reflective work is to compare and contrast the environment you encountered during your period of on the overseas programme (ENU) with your previous environment/programme(IAM/IIHM). Specific attention must be paid to the elements of learning, teaching and assessment at your ENU institution/programme and how they differed from those with which you are familiar – and the impact they had on you as a student and an individual. We will write a custom essay sample on Reflective Commentary or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page What does this mean? As a start, consider a module on the present Hospitality Management Programme(ENU) with one at your previous institution/programme IAM/IHM. How is it presented to you? It is most unlikely that the previous module has broad learning outcomes and lasts a complete trimester. It is far more likely to be, of a lesser credit value, shorter or longer in length, and with more specific learning outcomes, or indicative content. Does this make the change in modules easier or more difficult? Does the ‘smaller’or â€Å"longer† module make it easier or more difficult to compare content from home to host institution? This is just one small, but significant, difference you encountered, and dealt with – now you must apply your own form of reflective practice to yourplacement in a more holistic manner. As you start to undertake this process some questions you may wish to ask yourself, then answer might include: * What were your initial impressions of your new or present institution/programme (ENU)? * Was there an effective induction which allowed you to integrate into the present ENU institution/programme etc? Did the culture seem similar, or was it the polar opposite to the previous environment / programme (IAM/IIHM) – or where along a continuum would it be placed? * Were classes conducted in similar fashion, or was the host style of teaching and learning entirely different? * How much focus was there on working in groups and teams as opposed to independent study? * How much emphasis was there on the contemporary national/international business environment? * How did preparation for e xams, tests or other forms of assessment differ? * How was feedback given on your progress, and at what times? However, you must not merely answer these questions: if you did, you would only be describing your experience. The purpose of this piece of work is to reflect, not to narrate. Therefore, you must,firstly, answer these questions and then go on to consider their implications for you as an individual in relation to your studies and future development. If your experience was that the teaching style was more like being back in school, i. e. it was very didactic, rather than promoting and encouraging independent learning you must consider: * Which style did you prefer? And why†¦? * Which form of teaching helped you to learn more, and to apply your learning to business scenarios? * As an individual what implications did this difference in practice hold for you? * Did the change in style cause you to question the differences in ‘philosophy’ at your advanced stage of education? * Which style of learning will, do you believe, better equip you for the dynamic, global workplace? With this guidance in mind, your task is to complete a 4,500 word reflective commentary on your placement period and its impact upon you. While it is imperative that you introduce your present institution/programme (ENU) and put it in a wider national context, do not provide an extensive brochure, the focus is on you and your evaluation of the learning experience within a particular cultural context, not the host institution or country! Look at the marking scheme below to determine how much focus you should give to the relevant parts of your report/essay – as this work is called a reflective commentary, use the structure with which you are most comfortable. The focus on your report should be on the differences in the educational system you encountered – and how these can be broken down to differences in learning, teaching and assessment within diverse national and/or institutional or organisational cultures. The approximate word counts supplied are merely indicative, slavish adherence to them is not necessary, but the weighting of marks is important. How are the marks awarded? 1. Introduction: provide details of you (stage of study etc) and your present (ENU) institution – this contextual information will include geography, structure, size etc. 500 words, 10%) 2. Contrast the different learning cultures of previous (IAM/IIHM)and your present(ENU). Institution / programme from a holistic perspective. (750 words, 15%) 3. Assess the impact of the teaching and assessment strategies of the present(ENU) institution/ programme on you as an individual (1,000 words, 20%) 4. Compare the relative focus in each learning culture on app lication of theory to real, contemporary business scenarios (750 words, 15%) 5. Evaluate how the different ‘learning systems’ employed in previous (IAM/IIHM) and present (ENU) institution / programme impact upon the effectiveness of your learning as an individual (1,000 words, 20%) 6. Reflect upon the reflective process: determine how this reflective process has allowed you to reassess your period abroad or on the overseas programme (ENU) and how it has increased your attractiveness to future employers (perhaps through enhancement of transferable skills, appreciation of diversity etc? ) (500 words, 20%) Before you start your reflective commentary ensure you are comfortable with what is being asked of you – discuss the task with your tutor: look at the marking scheme and determine how you intend to ensure all of the key areas are sufficiently covered. Remember, it is not necessary to ‘tick-off’ each of the areas listed in the order listed: it is your piece of work to be presented in the manner most appropriate to you. You can, of course, reinforce your commentary with any appropriate evidence (returned assignments etc) – any such documents should be included within your appendices.

Reality Television in Society essays

Reality Television in Society essays Reality television is just that television. Television is a form of entertainment. Most television shows, except for the news, have no informative aspect to them. This includes reality television. Reality television does not help people deal with their real-life problems. Like all entertainment it offers an escape from real-life problems through entertainment. Reality television is entertainment not an informative show like the news or some instructional video. It does not have information that can be useful in a real world setting. A show like The Osbornes demonstrates how a dysfunctional spoiled, rich, and famous family lives. So unless the viewers are equally rich and famous than their lives arent like the Osbornes lives. Other shows like Survivor, Fear Factor, and Road Rules take ordinary people and put them in unusual situations, because of the entertainment value. No matter how similar to reality the situations on these shows are, they lack many aspects of reality. People watch these shows because they remove the more unpleasant aspects of reality. If the viewers wanted reality they could always watch the news but [t]he nightly news brings us stories of suffering and sacrifice, victims and violence(Sacks 5). Certain aspects of life are not entertaining, this is why these aspects of real life are not included in reality television. Reality television is entertainment it makes viewers forget about their ordinary lives, if only for 30 minutes or an hour, and think about the excitement on television. Nwosu said it best when discussing reality television and reality when he said, normal people are seeking a way to escape their mundane lives and to enter a world in which their lives could be anything but boring. Reality television, should be renamed avoid reality television, because it helps viewers avoid and escape reality. ...

Writing two responses Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Writing two responses - Essay Example The fact that the blog has focused on informing the people on solutions to modern problems attracted me to the blog. This is because it can help both the teachers and students who have been hard hit by the entry of social media and the internet which is making the students to waste a lot of their time. The current generation of young people needs to be introduced into the online platform at a very tender age. Initially, the learning process was monotonous because there were no creative ways of ensuring that the students remained motivated. The future of the current generation lies on the internet. It will dictate how people communicate, interact, transact, etc. Therefore, introducing new ways of learning through enabling the students to blog at a very tender age motivates them to learn more. However, a lot of care must be taken when taking up such interventions in order to avoid exposing the students to contents that might divert their attention from the studies. Nevertheless, if appropriate measures are taken to protect the young minds, internet can be used as a very effective tool for teaching the

SESSION 2 BLOOD GAS ANALYSIS AND OSMOMETRY Lab Report

SESSION 2 BLOOD GAS ANALYSIS AND OSMOMETRY - Lab Report Example rescent molecule, it has to travel through an optical isolator( black coating) to prevent interference by unspecific light with the light detection system. Osmolality measures the total number of osmotically active particles in a solution and is equal to the sum of the molalities of all the solutes present in that solution. The four colligative properties are changed by the dissolving of the solute in solvent. Osmolarity refers to osmoles per litre, whilst osmolality refers to osmoles per kg water( There is a slight difference between plasma molality and molarity because of the non-acqueous components present such as proteins and lipids that make up about 60% of the total volume. Thus serum is only 94% water and the molality of a substance in serum is about 6% higher than its molarity. Molality is preferred because it is independent of temperature). The osmolality of physiological fluids is mainly determined by small molecules that are present in high concentrations. For example in serum, sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, urea and glucose are the only components present in high enough concentrations to individually affect the osmolality. Together these make up over 95% of total osmolality of serum. Larger serum molecules contribute little to the overall osmolality. A useful estimate of the osmolality is calculated from: The difference between the measured and the calculated osmolality is known as the osmolar gap. If there are unmeasured osmotically active species present then these will increase the gap. The normal osmolar gap is up to 10mmol/L and values in excess of this usually indicate the presence of an exogenous agent. The most common is ethanol, but methanol, the ethylene glycol, acetone and isopropyl alcohol will also contribute if present. Different causes of hyponatraemia can be distinguished by serum osmolality measurement. It is increased in hyperosmolar hyronatraemia(eg: hyperglycaemia), normal in psuedohyponatraemia and decreased in

The relationship between control and resistance in organisations Essay

The relationship between control and resistance in organisations - Essay Example Examples of change can be alteration in strategic, operational, cultural or technological fronts. Since this change is often a continuous process therefore, there are times when these modifications are not well received by the employees which lead to resistance. Over the time, the concept of resistance has been re-conceptualised due to which the management control systems have become increasingly elaborate as well. Overt form of resistance is hardly observed in organisational settings now (Karreman, 2009, pp. 1115–1144). In order to analyse and explain the concept of control and resistance in organisations, two real life examples will be discussed in the paper. The control and resistance situation faced in Oti-Yeboah Complex Limited and PETROM will be discussed in paper to highlight different aspects of the concept. In the light of these examples, the relationship between resistance and controls will be explained; also, their links with theoretical framework will be discussed Halley (2000, p.1) quotes a generic definition of resistance in his article as ‘acting or making efforts in opposition or withstanding the action or effect of’. However, resistance is defined more comprehensively in organisational terms by Clegg, Kornberger and Pitsis (2011, p.262) as ‘Resistance to change consist of those organizational activities and attitudes that aim to thwart, undermine and impede change initiatives. It is a widely observed phenomenon in organizations. The resistance can be overt, in the form of wildcat strikes, campaigns or other forms of collective action, or it can be covert, through attempts at undermining change programmes through widespread adoption of cynicism, irony and ambivalence’. The various types of resistance are discussed as follow (Linstead et al., 2009, pp. 347–8): Distanced Self Consciousness: In this type of resistance, employees generally practice

Impact of Colonialism on Indigenous People

Impact of Colonialism on Indigenous People In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue. Observed on the second Monday of October every year, the federally recognized holiday celebrates the achievements of the Italian explorer Christopher Columbus. But because his arrival brought murder and slavery to indigenous peoples in the Americas, activists have attempted to rename this holiday to Indigenous Peoples Day. Though Indigenous Peoples Day aims to reframe the heritage narrative in the United States, many indigenous people around the world are forgotten, including the people of Kiche in Guatemala who are on the verge of being pushed out of their homeland. With roots as far back as 2000 BC, the Kiche were among the few Maya groups who survived after the decline of the great Mayan Empire. After the conquest by the Spaniards and Kaqchikel neighbors, who allied almost immediately with the Spaniards, in 800 AD, the fortunes of the Kiche changed virtually overnight. Their lands were seized and they were relegated to the status of laborers for their new, colonial landowners. Little has changed since that time. In a country where, Mayan descents constitute roughly 51% of the national population, ethnic diversity makes Guatemala a nation of immense human richness having its own cultural identity. However, discrimination against indigenous population is undeniable in Guatemala. As of today, 10% of total land is in Indigenous hands, which is not surprising where 85% of the nations land is owned by less than 2% of the population. In response, the Guatemalan government did provide about 5.2 million acres of concession areas for indigenous communities like the Kiche to take care of. However, areas controlled by the government undergo the most deforestation. Nearly 40% of Guatemala is covered by forests, making illegal logging a widespread issue that threatens the livelihood of people who rely on forests for survival. Critics blame uneducated campesinos clearing land for agriculture as one of the prime culprits. Though this does represent a threat, there are bigger threats, including lumber companies, and organized crime. Nevertheless, the government does not seem to have the political will to eradicate the dilemma. Some Kiche members, living in the highland Ixil Maya municipality of Nebaj, are actively protesting logging companies exploiting lumber on private lands. While the Indigenous Authorities of Nebaj issued a statement asking the government to take action, they declined to act and simply issued a statement that they are planting new trees for every one that is cut down. Eliseo GÃ ¡lvez, the deputy executive secretary of the governments National Council of Protected Areas, testified that for years, judges and the forestry police, have failed to coordinate this complication. Or perhaps, this very reason could very well be that the Guatemalan Ministry of the Economy actively promotes the investment of companies interested in exploiting the countrys nearly 2 million acres of forests. Timber companies arent the only ones contributing to the deforestation efforts. Drug traffickers have cleared large swaths of forests to lay down clandestine airplane landing strips and roads to haul through drugs. Galvez added, Now it is even more complex because of the influence of illegal actors who are using the park to move migrants and drugs north. In some parts of Guatemala, the narco-led deforestation annual rate was reported to be about 10 percent. In response to the crackdown in Mexico, drug traffickers began moving south into Central America around 2007 to find new routes through remote areas to move their drugs from South America and get them to the United States, said Kendra McSweeney, an associate professor of geography at the Ohio State University. But while bribes keep government officials looking the other way when it comes to deforestation activities, local activists and indigenous people pay the consequence when they speak up. As one of the highest homicide rates in Central America, kidnappings and extortion are not uncommon to indigenous people who may not have the economic ability to pay up, leaving parents to instead pay human smugglers to get their children to the United States, away from the crime. That in part helps to explain why large numbers of unaccompanied children began arriving in the United States starting in late 2013.

Best Friends :: Friendship Essay Personal Narrative

Best Friends Steam hung heavily in the air as Ashli Jacobson stood with her head bowed, letting the streams of hot water beat against her back. The radio by the sink blared a heavy bass line and undecipherable words. Reluctantly, she turned the shower off, wiped the water from her eyes and stepped from the dripping shower stall. A sudden pounding on the door jerked her out of her reverie. What was I just thinking about? Blast- "Ashli? Are you going to be out soon?" Ashli sighed, suppressing the urge to yell, No! I'm staying in here forever! "I'll be out in a minute," she called instead, wiping vapor from the mirror. "Hurry up, would you?" Ashli turned off the radio and secured a pink, fluffy towel around herself. Her bare feet making tiny puddles on the cool tile floor, she went to the door and opened it. Chilly air from the hallway hit her sharply and she shivered, clutching the towel closer. Jenny waited in the hall. Her blue eyes flashed with impatience. "I have to put my face on before my date." She brushed past Ashli and planted herself in front of the mirror. "What time is it?" Ashli asked, aware she was dripping on the floor. She raked a hand through her sopping wet hair. "Almost seven," Jenny answered, searching for her mascara. Joshua will be here soon." Ashli's brain began to make a list of all the things she had to do before her best friend arrived for their Saturday night ritual of popcorn, television, and conversation. Jenny looked at Ashli doubtfully. "Are you sure? He hasn't called." Ashli impatiently swiped away a lock of wet hair before answering. "He never calls. He'll be here. It's Saturday night. We never miss a Saturday together." "I noticed." Jenny began to apply blush to her cheeks. "You two are awfully close, " she commented. Ashli rolled her green eyes and sighed. "That's why he's my best friend, as opposed to just a friend. "How did his doctor's appointment go?" The question caught Ashli off guard. Not only did it come out of nowhere, but Ashli never shared important information like that with Jenny. "Well, since you apparently listened to our telephone conversation, you know the doctors are satisfied that there isn't any trace of leukemia left. He has a clean bill of health," Ashli answered through clenched teeth. Best Friends :: Friendship Essay Personal Narrative Best Friends Steam hung heavily in the air as Ashli Jacobson stood with her head bowed, letting the streams of hot water beat against her back. The radio by the sink blared a heavy bass line and undecipherable words. Reluctantly, she turned the shower off, wiped the water from her eyes and stepped from the dripping shower stall. A sudden pounding on the door jerked her out of her reverie. What was I just thinking about? Blast- "Ashli? Are you going to be out soon?" Ashli sighed, suppressing the urge to yell, No! I'm staying in here forever! "I'll be out in a minute," she called instead, wiping vapor from the mirror. "Hurry up, would you?" Ashli turned off the radio and secured a pink, fluffy towel around herself. Her bare feet making tiny puddles on the cool tile floor, she went to the door and opened it. Chilly air from the hallway hit her sharply and she shivered, clutching the towel closer. Jenny waited in the hall. Her blue eyes flashed with impatience. "I have to put my face on before my date." She brushed past Ashli and planted herself in front of the mirror. "What time is it?" Ashli asked, aware she was dripping on the floor. She raked a hand through her sopping wet hair. "Almost seven," Jenny answered, searching for her mascara. Joshua will be here soon." Ashli's brain began to make a list of all the things she had to do before her best friend arrived for their Saturday night ritual of popcorn, television, and conversation. Jenny looked at Ashli doubtfully. "Are you sure? He hasn't called." Ashli impatiently swiped away a lock of wet hair before answering. "He never calls. He'll be here. It's Saturday night. We never miss a Saturday together." "I noticed." Jenny began to apply blush to her cheeks. "You two are awfully close, " she commented. Ashli rolled her green eyes and sighed. "That's why he's my best friend, as opposed to just a friend. "How did his doctor's appointment go?" The question caught Ashli off guard. Not only did it come out of nowhere, but Ashli never shared important information like that with Jenny. "Well, since you apparently listened to our telephone conversation, you know the doctors are satisfied that there isn't any trace of leukemia left. He has a clean bill of health," Ashli answered through clenched teeth.

The Benetton Supply Chain

THE BENETTON SUPPLY CHAIN – CASE STUDY Retail operations – main objectives Benetton? s core business is in the manufacturing, production and sale of casual and sportswear, which accounts for 95% of total revenues (Camuffo et al, 2001: 47). The company has a market presence in over 120 countries and has consistently generated revenues exceeding $2 billion throughout this decade (Industry profile, 2007: 15). It has 5,000 retail outlets around the world, the vast majority of which are run by independent managers as part of a franchise arrangement whereby the licensee? of those outlets sell products which carry the Benetton brand name (Skjott-Larsen et al 2007: 94). A key objective of Benetton HQ (based in Treviso, Italy) has always been to retain overall control on every aspect of product sales, thereby ensuring that the Benetton â€Å"total look† is adhered to. The company is renowned for having a distinctive philosophy which is espoused through controversial adver tising techniques (Dapiran 1992:8).Its global network of sales agents each holds responsibility for their own geographic area. They work closely with franchise operators in the sale and distribution of its goods, as well as overseeing all aspects of merchandising (Camuffo et al 2001: 47). A global information system unites every link in the supply chain. Stiff competition has forced Benetton to radically change its retail strategy (Economist: 9 November 2004). To that end it has introduced over 100 „mega-stores? nd, whilst the majority remain under the franchise system, the company has decided to take direct ownership and control of a few as it seeks to form a closer relationship with its clientele; the logic being that this will facilitate a deeper understanding of customer preferences (Camuffo et al 2001:50). One expert has stated that Benetton – a former market leader – is lagging behind its competitors, not through any defects in its supply chain, but more be cause it is â€Å"less good at seeing the opportunity†, inferring that the franchise system is to blame because it creates a barrier between company and customer.Zara, on the other hand, is proving to be far more successful because of it has adopted „agile? supply chain practices (Cane 2007:1). Diversifying into new product ranges such as the sportswear market, as well as an added emphasis on its lifestyle branding is a key pillar of the new approach. Its Fabrica, Killer Loop and Playlife brands are all geared towards capturing a large slice of the youth market (FT: 9 May 2003). As the Managing Director explains, â€Å"we want the market to know that Benetton is about more than just colourful sweaters.It? s a lifestyle concept† (HargraveSilk 2003:1). The Asian markets are vital to Benetton? s future retail operations objectives, recording a 35% profit rise in Russia and 50% rise in India in 2007 (Women? s Wear Daily: 14 November 2007). Although Europe remains Ben etton? s largest market it has recently refocused its attention towards building brand awareness in the emerging markets of Asia, the Middle East and the Far East (Evans 2004:1).One insider sums up the Benetton retail philosophy, when (s)he states that â€Å"we do not want to start with high prices to attract people later on with high discounts, but we want our customers to appreciate every time of the year that there is the right ratio between quality and price† (Evans 2004:1). Physical distribution operation –main objectives The company describes itself as „vertically de-integrated? , meaning that its core functional activities such as design and global strategy are still centralized.Nonetheless it is willing to outsource those activities where it is unable to achieve in-house economies of scale. Its logistics operation has always been directly controlled, in large part owing to the integral part it plays to the companies overall success. Key to effectiveness i s the rapid flow of market intelligence between customer and factory. This is achieved through maximising the benefits of EDI technology which facilitates direct flow of communication between the agent networks representing the 5000 retail outlets.EDI information allows Benetton manufacturers to delay the dyeing process up until a clear understanding is reached on market requirements. This eliminates the build up of wasteful inventories, thereby reducing costs, slashing cycle times and maximising efficiencies. Once this information is relayed to the centre, Benetton is able to arrange bulk delivery of products from its regional distribution centres which are highly automated and thus able to cope with demand.The company describes their strong track record in distribution as being down to its „360 degree vision; in other words a recognition from the outset as to the strategic importance of logistics through integrating suppliers, manufacturers and retailers in a value chain tha t thrived on speed, efficiency and flexibility (Dapiran 1992:9-11). Factory & suppliers – main objectives Benetton? s manufacturing processes are characterised by strong upstream vertical integration which entails significant output at its own production entres (22 in Italy and 10 abroad), as well as outsourcing the more labourintensive tasks such as tailoring and ironing (Camuffo et al 2001:49). The Treviso HQ has overall control over design activities. CAD technology is fully utilised to maximise opportunities for the speedy bringing to market of mass produced garments. This is achieved through the effective usage of 500 subcontractors who work in the vicinity of the companies HQ and production base.The sub-contractor group, often themselves former Benetton managers, organise the second tier of small factories who undertake the labour-intensive processes (Skjott- Larsen et al 2007: 95-96). A pyramid analogy has been used to describe the hierarchical nature of this relations hip, with Benetton at the apex, the sub-contractors forming the second tier and the army of small workshops forming the bottom layer (Harrison 1993: 160) Benetton directly controls the supply of raw materials thereby achieving cost savings in supplier overheads.It has a very close relationship with the subcontractor base, thus ensuring that the factories under their control are able to satisfy market trends at short notice. This is a distinct advantage to their competitors who do not enjoy such flexibility and are hampered with fixedcost overheads (Skjott-Larsen et al 2007:97). Consider the following statistic: in 1990 90% of Benetton garments were produced in Italy. Now it is only 30% and within a few years it is expected to fall to only 10% (Economist: 8 February 2007).Such is the dramatic impact of globalisation. Benetton has responded by remaining true to its philosophy of tight central control by replicating its Treviso production model on a global basis. For instance Benetton Hungary has production oversight of 7 countries within the region (Camuffo et al 2001: 49). This is in keeping with the underlying company philosophy of creating global brands which transcend national boundaries. How well do these three interconnecting sets of operations fit together?For decades Benetton has consistently demonstrated that getting the right mix of the 3 supply chain functions is critical if market success is to be achieved. Its franchise network has proved to be adept at communicating critical market trend information via its EDI system to HQ who alerts the manufacturing side to the real-time needs of the market. Use of sophisticated CAD/ CAM technology has enabled Benetton to gain the upper hand on its competitors by being quick and flexible at this point in the production process (Dapiran 1992:9-10.Benetton has successfully exploited I. T. advantages from an early stage. Its Geis global integrated network has enabled agents to forward customer order details to the 500 sub-contractors based in the Veneto heartland where the company manufacturing capability has historically been located. Within days they are able to receive multiple orders from various country agents and rapidly set in motion the manufacturing work by fully exploiting the vast network of sub-contracted labour.The system is also connected to Benetton manufacturing plants worldwide (Johnston 1994: 2-3). Benetton is famous for using „postponement? tactics at the actual sequencing point of the production process, whereby dying of the garments is not completed until the agent network have provided market intelligence on what particular products are in demand in which locations. Tang points out the advantages of postponement when declaring that it has â€Å"proven to be a costeffective mass customisation tool to handle regular fluctuations under normal circumstances† (Tang 1996: 38).Camuffo has demonstrated that in recent years Benetton has successfully risen to a more c hallenging market environment by opting for a strategy that involved increasing its overall ownership and control of supply chain assets and only outsourcing those areas where the company was not in a position to achieve economies of scale. He points to the paradox of tighter centralized control over the whole supply chain, yet at the same time being able to achieve sufficient flexibility to rise to market challenges (Camuffo et al 2001: 52).There can be no doubt that Benetton prefers quite rigid control over processes, despite the tendency to opt for sub-contracting relationships with suppliers. It remains to be seen whether or not Benetton can sustain its competitive edge, particularly in the emerging markets of Asia, where much of its energy is now focused. The early signs are good, however it has been shown that competitors who are able to display more „agile? working practices can edge out established brands in a very short space of time. Zara is a case in point. SUPPLY C HAIN DIAGRAMHQ, Treviso Agent network EDI system Production hubs (32 worldwide; 22 in Italy) Outsourced factory production Global distribution system Franchise operators Mega stores 5000+ Retail outlets References Camuffo, A. , Romano, P and Vinelli, A (2001) „Back to the future: Benetton transforms its global network? , Sloan Management Review Volume 43(1) Cane, A. , „Agility: flexibility takes over from planning? Financial Times 20 November 2007. Available from http://ft. com [Accessed 15 February 2008 Dapiran, P. , (1992) „Benetton- Global logistics in action?International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Vol. 22, Issue 6 Available from: http://www. boku. ac. at [Accessed 16 February 2008] Evans, D. , „Benetton in Greater China push to build brand awareness? , Media: Asia's Media & Marketing Newspaper, 16 January 2004, Available from Business Source Premier [Accessed 15 February 2008] „Growth in India, Russia spurs Benetton profits? , Wom en’s Wear Daily, 14 November 2007, Vol 194, Issue 104. Available from: Business Source Premier [Accessed: 15 February 2008] Hargrave-Silk, A. „Benetton overhauls HK stores' strategy? , Media: Asia's Media & Marketing Newspaper,9th May 2003, Available from: Business Source Premier [Accessed: 14 February 2008] Harrison, B. , (1993) „The emergence of hierarchy within a district based production network: The United Colors of Benetton? in ‘The Italian industrial districts and the crisis of the cooperative reform: Part II’ European Planning Studies, Vol. 2, Issue 2 Infantswear industry profile: Italy, December 2007. Available from Business Source Premier [Accessed: 16 February 2008] Johnston, M. „Electronic commerce speeds Benetton business dealings Benetton Group SpA's use of General Electric Information Services' valueadded network services? Software Magazine, January 1994, Available from: http://www. //findarticles. com/ [Accessed: 15 February 2008 ] Skjott-Larsen T. , Schary P. B, Mikkola J. H & Kotzab H. , (2007) ‘Managing the Global Supply Chain’ Copenhagen Business School Press. Available online: http://www. google. com/books [Accessed 15 February 2008] Tang, C. S. (1996), „Robust strategies for mitigating supply chain disruptions?International Journal of Logistics: Research & Applications, Vol 9, Number 1 „The other colours? , Economist, 9th November 2004, Vol. 372, Issue 8392 Bibliography Benetton company website (Press release section) Available from: http://www. production. investis. com/ben_en/releases/2006-07-20/ [Accessed 15 February 2008] Kaiser, A. , „Benetton? s abrupt exists: CEO, CFO both depart, shares fall 8. 5 percent? , Women’s Wear Daily, 14 November 2006, Vol 192, Issue 102. Available from: Business Source Premier [Accessed: 15 February 2008] Kouvelis, P. Chambers C. , & Wang, H. , (2006) „Supply chain management research and productions operation management: re view, trends and opportunities? Production and Operations Management, Vol. 15, No. 3 „Material fitness? , Economist, 25 February 2006, Vol. 378, Issue 8466 Slack, N, Chambers, S. and Johnston, R. (2007) Operations Management, London, FT Prentice Hall Thomas, D. ,„Benetton takes lead on RFID? , Computer Weekly, 20th March 2003. Available from Business Source Premier [Accessed: 14 February 2008] END OF PAPER

Free Essays on Socialization Agents Of Coming Of Age In Mississippi

Socialization Agents of Coming of Age in Mississippi The title of Anne Moody’s autobiography, Coming of Age in Mississippi, suggests an ongoing process of socialization. The most important socialization agent would be Anne’s family. I believe this because family is the most important factor in a child’s life. They decide how the child will perceive life, and whether or not the child will succeed in life. A child is molded by the way a family treats the child and by their actions. In the autobiography, Anne is abused by her older cousin. She is terrified by the thought of him. I believe this abuse made her stronger when she became older. Her parents divorced when she was five years old. Her father was a womanizer and a gambler. She saw the pain and suffering that her mother went through. She heard her mother crying in the middle of the night because she was depressed. I think the divorce and the pain that she saw made Anne grow up faster than a child that doesn’t go through that. Anne’s family was poor. Her mother was trying to support the children and herself, she barely had enough money to feed the children. Her mother always seemed to be pregnant. When Anne was nine years old, she got her first job. She started working for white women, sweeping and cleaning the white people’s houses. She was proud to bring money home to help feed herself and her family. Anne’s mother was a very strong person in one way, but very weak in another way. She was strong because she managed to hold the family together through many hardships, she kept the children fed and in school. She was weak because she was scared to speak up for herself; she was scared to fight for her rights. She didn’t question how black people were treated; she just took it and moved on. Anne was opposite of her mother, when it came to the weakness. She wasn’t scared to speak up for her rights, she questioned the injustice. Family pla... Free Essays on Socialization Agents Of Coming Of Age In Mississippi Free Essays on Socialization Agents Of Coming Of Age In Mississippi Socialization Agents of Coming of Age in Mississippi The title of Anne Moody’s autobiography, Coming of Age in Mississippi, suggests an ongoing process of socialization. The most important socialization agent would be Anne’s family. I believe this because family is the most important factor in a child’s life. They decide how the child will perceive life, and whether or not the child will succeed in life. A child is molded by the way a family treats the child and by their actions. In the autobiography, Anne is abused by her older cousin. She is terrified by the thought of him. I believe this abuse made her stronger when she became older. Her parents divorced when she was five years old. Her father was a womanizer and a gambler. She saw the pain and suffering that her mother went through. She heard her mother crying in the middle of the night because she was depressed. I think the divorce and the pain that she saw made Anne grow up faster than a child that doesn’t go through that. Anne’s family was poor. Her mother was trying to support the children and herself, she barely had enough money to feed the children. Her mother always seemed to be pregnant. When Anne was nine years old, she got her first job. She started working for white women, sweeping and cleaning the white people’s houses. She was proud to bring money home to help feed herself and her family. Anne’s mother was a very strong person in one way, but very weak in another way. She was strong because she managed to hold the family together through many hardships, she kept the children fed and in school. She was weak because she was scared to speak up for herself; she was scared to fight for her rights. She didn’t question how black people were treated; she just took it and moved on. Anne was opposite of her mother, when it came to the weakness. She wasn’t scared to speak up for her rights, she questioned the injustice. Family pla...

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buy custom The Medicare essay The US health care system continues to impose an additional burden of the taxpayers. Statistics have projected that, in the next ten years, this burden is likely to increase by seventy nine percent. This implies more than three quarters higher of its current sizes, thus exceeding five hundred billion dollars a year. Such an astronomical increase would certainly force the government to redirect funds from other crucial areas to cater for the mandatory Medicare. Twenty nine percent of the Medicare costs goes for inpatients medical costs. It is estimated that the cost will continue to increase with an annual projection growth rate of six percent. Most of these funds are spent for payment of medical expenses for a small number of patients with chronic conditions. These patients, who comprise mostly the elderly, tend to have multiple conditions such as diabetes and coronary diseases. Among the many challenges encountered in the health care system, are quality problems. According to Stone Goeffrey (2010) in their report to congress, one in every five patients discharged from US hospitals become readmitted within thirty days after being discharged. Most of the patient affected are those with multiple chronic diseases or conditions. This accounts for the increasing rates in usage of medicare funds among this group. The chronically ill patients also make up the highest percentage of te readmission cases. Stone Goeffrey (2010) further claim that most of the readmission cases can be prevented. This assumes that there is a higher readmission rate among the elderly inpatients after they are discharged from hospitals. This according to Stone Goeffrey (2010) is an indication of poor health care services and lack of proper coordination during the discharge process. Among the many factors that contribute to readmission of avoidable cases, include poor coordination in transition between the different care providers. This means that there is poor link between the hospital and the subsequent care providers after discharge. More appropriately, there is a lack of effective communication between the hospitals and community based care givers. Hospital readmission can affect the patients morale and prolong the recovery process (Ryan, Aloe, Mason-Johnson, 2009). In addition, readmission is a strain on the medical care providers as well as the hospitals. As such, it is a problem that needs to be researched and addressed. Problem Statement Most of the chronically ill patientsarereadmitted thirty days after being discharged. These readmissions can be avoided if hospitals improved their coordination with the community based care givers. Hypothesis Improved coordination between hospitals and community based care givers can drastically reduce readmission of the elderly chronically ill patients. Rationale for the research Many studies have shown that the health care system is burdened by unavoidable hospital readmissions. Available literature, indicates that one in every five patients discharged from hospitals get readmitted, within thirty days after being discharge (Struinin, Stone, Jack, 2007). Additionally, statistics indicate that the Medicare costs continue to increase exponentially, with a projection of over seventy percent gain within the next ten years. Such an increase already overburdened health care system and can impose serious quality issues if not checked and corrected. The research, therefore, is intended to develop alternative health care policies, which can adequately address the problem. Research Design The research will mainly address the problem of readmission among the elderly chronically ill patients. The admission data will, therefore, be required to determine whether individuals can be classified in this group. In addition, discharge data will be required to determine the coordination between the hospitals and community based care givers. Buy custom The Medicare essay

The Ottoman Empire golden age Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

The Ottoman Empire golden age - Research Paper Example The key to this great wealth and power was due to the fact that the Ottoman Empire existed upon the nexus of trade between Asia and Europe. Occupying this important chokepoint, the Ottomans were able to derive a great deal of riches based upon control and management of the trade that forever flowed between East and West. Much like the Byzantines before them, the Ottoman Empire served as a link between Europe and Asia in greatly benefited from the profits of the exchange that was perennially flowing over these geographic boundaries. This era came to be known as the Golden Age of the Ottoman Empire. Although there can be many identifications and definitions for the means by which the Ottoman Empire was able to exert such powerful degree of influence, military might, and cultural dynamism, it will be the purpose of this analysis to discuss and analyze the means by which a pervasive in nearly continual process of centralisation can ultimately be understood as the defining force that allo wed the Ottoman Empire to survive and thrive for such a very long period of time. Whereas other, lesser powers, have grown powerful, wealthy, and then almost mysteriously vanished into the annals of history, the Ottoman Empire, through this process of centralization – especially during its Golden Age, was able to oversee and ensure that the continued strength and wealth that such a process had previously been able to integrate was furthered into the future.1 It can and should be noted that the process of centralisation is not a process that can be defined one dimensionally. Rather, the only one dimensional aspect of centralisation refers to the level to which a central figure in power structure oversaw, directed, analyzed, and guided nearly every decision that was made within the state/Empire.2 Accordingly, the multidimensional aspects of what centralisation necessarily implies will be discussed and analyzed as a means of integrating the reader with an understanding of how ce ntralisation was ultimately affected within the Ottoman Empire. Moreover, by identifying the level and extent to which centralisation played with regards to ensuring that the Ottoman Empire remained resilient and strong, the author will further be able to detail particular practices and unique approaches that the Ottoman Empire utilized with regards to dealing with its large, multi-religious, and multiethnic population.3 Whereas one could conceivably argue that centralisation plays an important role within the administration and direction of any empire throughout its history, the role and extent to which centralisation, and the necessity for it, played within the Ottoman Empire during the Golden Age cannot be ignored. By the very nature of empire, it is a system in which territories and peoples that are otherwise not necessarily similar to the conquering power are incorporated into the governing structure. As a function of this incorporation, the Empire is usually made relatively mo re wealthy, more populous, and more secure due to the fact that it has been able to extend its boundaries beyond the regions to which it previously laid claim to. Yet, the fundamental drawback that has been seen by a host of imperial powers within the past is the fact that the creation of a multiethnic, and oftentimes multi religious, empire

The classical economists Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The classical economists - Essay Example He does make a clear explanation of how the market system does dictate the nature of the prices to maintain the competition. When the demands of any product are high, the price will always escalate. The tight competition nature of any partaker in the market prevents any society from being exploited by the sellers, as they have to maintain a relatively reasonable price. Market laws also provide a clear regulation of the producers’ incomes. A business that is fetching immense profits will tend to attract a large number of people. When there is an overproduction of the same product, the cost goes down. Adam also did foresee two critical laws that act to curb greed in the market, the law of accumulation and the law of productivity. Accumulating profits are useful in purchasing new labor and machinery. Profits may subside due to labor and machinery demands. Increasing the population of the workers again is likely to lead to shoot out of the profits again. All these laws were illustrative of the kind of life that did exist in England in 1776 (Heilbroner,