Influence of Women in The Great Gatsby Essay

Though the Great Gatsby is a male dominated book, there are a few women who have great influences. Daisy Buchannan is the main female character, having romantic relations with both Tom Buchanan and Jay Gatsby. Myrtle Wilson is a woman who is married to a hardworking man, but she remained unfaithful throughout the length of the novel. Lastly, Jordan Baker is probably the least mentioned woman but had an equally important role as the others. Fitzgerald used the development of the three women to further the plot and theme of the book and show the treatment and role of women in that society at that time. Daisy Buchannan is introduced in the first chapter at a gathering in her home. Nick describes her as a rich and confident wife. She even calls herself â€Å"sophisticated† (Gatsby 17). But she is treated as the lesser of her husband; her face is â€Å"sad and lovely† (Gatsby 9) due to being constantly interrupted and her comments pushed aside. As the evening goes on, Daisy begins to appear more unconfident than she thinks she is, naming places she had been to impress Nick. Even when asked about her daughter she describes that she hopes that she would grow up to be â€Å"a beautiful little fool† (Gatsby 17). Though she acts like this fact was the normal place for a female, her disposition is shown to want this to be different, showing that even in the lives of the rich and wealthy, women are still treated as lesser individuals. She, unlike the other characters, has monumental descriptions, sometimes spanning paragraphs. But instead of focusing on her physical appearance, Fitzgerald draws attention to things such as her voice, calling it â€Å"a wild tonic in the rain†¦following the sound up and down before any words came through† (Gatsby 85). When she goes to wash her face, Nick says â€Å"with humiliation of [his] towels† (Gatsby 89) Even in everyday conversations, Daisy is ignored, not because she is woman but because of her beauty. Fitzgerald puts these things in to show just how deep the trap that women are in; their beauty is mesmerizing but not enough for all of the men’s attention. Myrtle Wilson is the other partner in Tom Buchannan’s affair. She is of a simpler lifestyle living on the â€Å"edge of the wasteland†¦contiguous to absolutely nothing.†(Gatsby 24). Nick describes her â€Å"a thick woman† â€Å"in [her] middle thirties† (Gatsby 25), the average woman in that time. Once she and Tom get off the train, she immediately buys a dog, and then makes a point to buy a rather expensive dog as well. When she arrives to her sister’s house, where a party is taking place, Nick says that she â€Å"changed her costume† (Gatsby 30). Because a costume is also the attire performers wear, Nick is giving us the impression that all of this is a play, a facade to act wealthy when in fact she is not. Nick also says â€Å"with the influence of the dress her personality had also undergone a change. The intense vitality that had been so remarkable in the garage was converted into impressive hauteur† (Gatsby 30), again another indicator of her â€Å"performance† of a wealthy woman. Soon, she and Tom â€Å"discuss in impassioned voices† whether she had any â€Å"right to mention Daisy’s name† (Gatsby 37). Tom punches her after this, but still left the party with her. Myrtle is now a woman with no self-respect, due to her allowing a man, though he may be rich, to physically assault her, instead of having a man who truly cares for her not being well off. Jordan Baker is not talked about much in the book until the third chapter. Nick talks about her â€Å"incurable dishonesty† (Gatsby 58), but then says â€Å"Dishonesty in a woman is thing you never blame deeply† (Gatsby 58), suggesting something has happened in her past causing her to be dishonest. She then shows her roots as one of the outgoing â€Å"West Eggers†, complaining that the party â€Å"is much too polite† for her taste. Fitzgerald uses Jordan to show that not all of the West Egg is elite. Some are just normal people wo happen to be on the wealthier side of things. By bringing these women together, Fitzgerald shows all aspects of life, from the wealthy but mistreat, to the women who think money is everything, and the ladies who simply are themselves. Daisy, Myrtle, and Jordan all display drastically different personalities but share the same

“Yamaha Fiore” 2NE1 †Celebrity Endorsement

Celebrity endorsement is commonly used to market products, it is a strategy which gives a â€Å"face† to a brand, to which the consumers can relate and aspire to. Yamaha has decided to promote its Fiore scooter Thailand with widely popular Korean pop group 2NE1. Their strategy was to reach out to urban Thai’s who follow foreign trends, music and fashion. While many urban Thai’s certainly are fans of the Korean fashion and pop music it remains unclear as to what effect the campaign has had on the purchase decision making and increased market share if any; however the effort did position Yamaha’s scooters as a trendy and youthful. Across European cities scooters are a very popular and low cost means of transportation. In Thailand, and a number of other emerging markets most consumers will aspire to owning their first car and will go to great lands to acquire one such as extending significant loans, whereas motorcycles/scooter are generally used and perceived as necessity for low income market segment. Furthermore, in Bangkok it is apparent that there are very few scooters being driven by the middle to upper market segment consumers, some of the reasons being as mentioned earlier and due to the traffic congestion and pollution which is considered to be dangerous to drive a scooter in. Yamaha is one of Thailand’s largest motorcycle manufacturers with a market share of 26% – expecting to reach 30% in 2011 (Bangkok Post, May 5, 2008) and Honda leading with an impressive 68% (Bangkok Post, May 5, 2008) market share. A large portion of this is assigned to rural areas where people use scooter as common means for transportation whereas in urban areas people will rely on public transportation, own a car or other. The key challenge would remain in changing people’s (middle, upper segment) perception of using scooters as a way to commute, run errands or go to a nearby store rather than solely relying on using car most of the time. This may be achieved by endorsing a local celebrity which would be ideally living in a modern condominium or a housing village also known locally as moo-ban. This would be a more â€Å"practical† approach to promoting a lifestyle people could more easily relate to rather than pop stars. The end result being many of the middle to upper income market segment might acquire a scooter in addition to owning a car to drive around their housing village or condominium and go to a nearby store or a restaurant. In the sportswear industry celebrity endorsement is used probably more often than in others. It is a great way to establish the brand as it is used by professional athletes and draw the consumer’s attention. Nowadays a great deal of sportswear is also worn as casual wear and not only on tennis courts, golf terrains or running track which has significantly widened and expanded the market. A very successful, charismatic athlete can portray a brand with many positive attributes. However, while there are many encouraging factors in using celebrity endorsements across many industries the marketing and advertising campaign could eventually result in negative or less attractive brand perception. Examples include when athletes are found to be using drugs, misbehaving in public or in competition. As mentioned earlier these individuals provide a â€Å"face† to the brand and in this light the public will think of a given brand. Tiger Woods has been one of Nike’s endorsed celebrity which has virtually established the brand in the golf industry. It is one of the prime examples of a success when a brand is tied in with a successful and charismatic athlete who also has the â€Å"star† power. It is also a very direct and relevant persona in the golfing industry which has attracted many first time golfers to purchase Nike equipment and other sportswear. The previously examined case of 2NE1 pop music group would be more fitting and is more commonly used if the endorsement was used to promote fashion, perfume, makeup and other similar products as they are more fitting with feminine attributes of beauty and attractiveness. In this respect Nike has established a firm brand perception with a person who is very relevant in the industry whereas a few years from now most likely very few people will remember the 2NE1 and Yamaha joint campaign. However it is important to note that there are also certain risks when a brand strongly relies on single celebrity as is in the case of Nike/Tiger Woods who has been through a personal scandal which has dramatically affected the golfers perception in public view and who has suffered a loss of a number of endorsements by energy drink makers and telecommunications company, Gatorade and AT&T. And we are yet to see if the company will continue to carry the golfers name in the nearby future.

The Ronald Reagan Administration

In the year 1980, an unstable economy at home, a hostage crisis overseas, and the end of prior administrations that were not trusted at all troubled The Untied States. Ronald Reagan was elected as the oldest president at sixty-nine years old on November 4th, 1980. Reagan was born in Tampico, Illinois and before he was elected he served two terms as California governor first year starting in 1966. He served to presidential terms from 1981-1989. Reagan's track record proved to be very strong and included welfare cuts, decreasing the number of state employees, and halting radical student protesters.Like other GOP members, Reagan came into office promising to limit the power of government and to strengthen American military power overseas. â€Å"In this present crisis,† Reagan said in his inaugural address in 1981, â€Å"government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem. † He was saying that government was holding the economy back of its full potentia l. Ronald Reagan wasted no time in institutionalizing the new conservative creed. In 1981, after surviving an assassination attempt, Reagan pushed his plan of lower taxes which was that proved most beneficial to the rich and steep budget cuts through a tentative Congress.Additionally to that year he cut spending on social security, debilitated and weakened organized labor groups, and lived up to his campaign promises and commitments by reducing government regulations and laws that had prevented mergers while managing the banking industry. Also, in 1981 he appointed conservatives who would carry out his vision of smaller government to agencies like the EPA, his cabinet, and the courts. A big keystone was Anti-Communism of Ronald Reagan administration’s foreign policy.The Reagan Doctrine had a unstable relationship with the Soviet Union and Central America, more so than with other nations. President Reagan drove for a space-based missile system to help keep America on the offen sive and, to protect ourselves from other countries trying to attack the Untied States. He also pushed for a â€Å"Caribbean Basin Initiative† in expectations of stimulation of economic growth in the United States. Many critics saw Reagan's military tactics as illegitimate and dishonest.They disagreed with the quantity of funding relegated to military efforts in Central America. . These funds were used to intervene in Grenada and El Salvador, and aided pay an undercover war against the revolutionary government of Nicaragua. As expected from a timid Liberal Congress, funding for the Nicaraguan war was blocked. Nonetheless, the National Security Council raised the money to finance the intervention. Reagan saw the Soviets at the heart of every international dispute, from revolution in Central America to international terrorism in the Middle East.To frustrate the Soviets, Reagan called for the largest and most expensive peacetime military buildup in American history. Ronald Reaga n made the Untied States of America military powers way stronger than ever, he was always trying to improve the military’s technology and weapons. He made America one of the strongest military powers when in office. With his telegenic features and extensive experience in front of a camera from his career in Hollywood, Reagan was ideally suited for politics in a growing media age.Though intellectually unaspiring and often disengaged in his leadership style, he brilliantly articulated themes of patriotism, individualism, and limited government that resonated with millions of Americans. The President worked tirelessly in effort to propel his campaign for a second term. Ronald Reagan's victory in the 1984 presidential election underscored his political popularity which he carried 49 states and 525 electoral votes. Through his speeches he repeated his anti-Communist bombast that Soviets and Communism, as a whole, would fail.He despised the Soviets and told the country they would f ail in anything against America. Ronald Reagan's second term witnessed a radical change in U. S. and Soviet relations. He was concerned about a possible backfire against his policies; Reagan called for a â€Å"constructive working relationship† with the Kremlin. At the same time, a new leader was emerged in Mikhail Gorbachev, came into power determined to change Soviet society by introducing a series of political and economic reforms.In determination to avoid an expensive arms  race and allow economic growth to take place, Gorbachev declared a suspension, or delay, on deployment of medium range missiles in Europe and asked the United States to do the same. The result of these growths was a series of four Reagan-Gorbachev summits, which concluded in the first U. S. and Soviet treaty to reduce the number of nuclear weapons. Treaties were then worked out and caused demolition of some missiles and allowed onsite checkups and inspections to occur. This was big for both countryâ €™s’ as the missiles were demolished from attacking each other.This was one of the many huge accomplishments while Reagan was in office. The Soviet Union no longer standing the type of threat it once did, Reagan and his anti-communist attitude and mentality still did not let up. Reagan with a goal of greater participation in the third world, the military's attention and care was soon afterward shared with the Middle East and its terrorism. Previous administrations had not been completely honest with the public as to what exactly their foreign policies involved. For this reason, great attention was turned toward President Ronald Reagan's handling of foreign policy in 1986.That year, there was assumption of the United States trading weapons with Iran in exchange for the return of American hostages being held in Tehran. In 1986, despite a Congressional ban, Reagan approved and authorized the sale of arms to Iran. This complex arrangement's aim was to furtively fund Nicaragua n rebels' efforts to defeat the cruel Sandinista government, successfully stopping the spread of Communism. All this was done in an effort to send a strong message to the Soviets that further Marxist activity would not be tolerated.Reagan was not a fan of communism he was an anti-communist. He did not accept it, and always had his eyes on communist. Despite these wins over communism, Reagan's authority was diminished and weakened in his second term by this scandal. Congressional hearings and investigation by special prosecutors led to the indictment of some of the President's top advisers. By the conclusion of his presidency, conservatives spoke greatly of the â€Å"Reagan Revolution,† which reduced the size of the government, reduced and lowered taxes, and technically â€Å"won† the Cold War.However, some claimed that Reagan's domestic policies forced excessive adversity on the poor and created a piercing increase and surge in homelessness around the whole country, wh ile his extreme military spending produced an extraordinary budget deficit. People say he increased military power over economic attentions. Possibly the critical irony of Reagan's presidency was that he improved public faith, confidence, and trust in the office of the presidency at the same time that his enormous scarcities crippled Washington's capability to reply to demands for greater government services.Nonetheless in actuality, his anti-Communist movement led to a grander involvement in the third world, particularly in Central America, and made his point very clear that he would stop at nothing to achieve worldwide democracy. Ronald Reagan's passionate opposing Communist rhetoric could be viewed as very debatable in its time, but events have shown he was prophetic in regards to the complexity of Soviet interior flaws. In an address to the British Parliament on June 8, 1982, Reagan declared that the Soviet Union was in the middle of a â€Å"great revolutionary crisis† an d expressed hope that Communism would wind up â€Å"on the ash heap of history.†He noted the depth of Soviet economic stagnation. Which he said, â€Å"The dimensions of this failure are astounding,† and, â€Å"A country which employs one-fifth of its population in agriculture is unable to feed its own people. Over centralized, with little or no incentives, year after year the Soviet system pours its best resources into the making of instruments of destruction†. The Soviet authorities criticized this Westminster speech, one of the most important of Reagan’s presidency.Still, what Reagan had defined was no secret to numerous Communist Party officials. One of them was Gorbachev, who evoked in his memoir that he was acquainted with the â€Å"disastrous picture† of Soviet agriculture millions of acres wasted, villages abandoned, and soils ruined by pollution. It was not until after President Reagan's two terms in office that his efforts against Communis m were understood as necessary. Less than a year after Reagan left office, the Berlin Wall was knocked and the Cold War was officially over in 1991.The Soviet collapse and failure was the result of a conclusion of many events, including the Chernobyl disaster, rebellion in the Baltic republics, and the rising expectations of consumers in a socialist system that could not manufacture anything of use. Reagan was right about the Soviet collapsing. Reagan was indeed sensible in his pomposity and his Anti-Communist views. These actions on his behalf led to greater worldwide investment in democracy. Ronald Reagan was a great natural born leader. He was a great speaker and his speeches were so motive.He was one of most influential political leaders in modern American history. Reagan’s presidency was a social, ideological, and political impact for the Untied States of America. He was one of the main leaders against anti- Communism. Ronald Reagan made the country stronger in political and military wise. Reagan thought you should be able to dream big and to accomplish your dream. Ronald Reagan thought you should have the determination, courage, strength, and hope to live that big dream and make it become real. Reagan thought outside the box and wanted Americans to live with big hope with their freedom.

Alchemist Reflection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Alchemist Reflection - Essay Example his paper seeks to highlight an important lesson learnt in the novel and provide a personal reflection with regard to the triumphs and tribulations encountered in a quest to achieve one’s goals in life. The novel has a lot of life’s lessons that are presented by various characters and their attitudes and beliefs with regard to what is important in life. The most significant lesson garnered from the novel is the importance of faith and belief in self. This is because having a strong and unshakable faith or belief in self leads to the unlocking of one’s potential which is negated by self-doubt. Belief and faith in self is manifested as attitude which influences and determines an individual’s perception and opinions about life and their role in shaping their fortunes. This belief in self and a strong positive attitude is exemplified by Santiago in his quest to fulfil his dreams(Coelho 116). Santiago had strong faith in his destiny which translated to having a positive attitude towards his endeavour to fulfil his dreams. Attitude is a fundamental component of human nature, and its manifestation plays a huge and significant role in people’s lives. In essence this means that the positivity or negativity of an individual’s attitude plays a significant role in the outcome of one’s endeavours. The novel provides exemplary instances where the roles of belief, faith and attitude in a person’s life are brought out indicating their significance. This is in line with quote ‘when you want something, the entire universe conspires in helping you to achieve it’(Coelho 22).Santiago’s strong belief and positive attitude can be applied in the context of the above quote; in the sense that his actions and experiences exhibit the tenets and implications of the quote above. In line with the quote, the universe conspires to enable Santiago fulfil his dreams in the sense that he meets people on his journey that help him gain useful insights towards realizing and

The effect of Technological advances on the validity and reliability Research Paper

The effect of Technological advances on the validity and reliability of criminal profiling - Research Paper Example s, the new technologies have had a profound influence on the developments shaping the contemporary criminal profiling process and completely impacted both its validity and reliability at the same time. This paper sets out to interrogate the effect of technological advances on the validity and reliability of criminal profiling; specifically, this paper will explore the manner in which the new technological innovations are preventing crime and enhancing police performance. Furthermore, this paper will investigate the allegations that criminal profiling and the American criminal justice processes are flawed and skewed by human limitations leading to false confessions and improper convictions. Eventually, the impact of technology, in terms of both the intended and unintended consequences of technology-driven solutions to crime, as well as through the contributions and limitations of information technologies, will also be highlighted. Evidently, criminal profiling is one of the critical behavioral and investigative tools used by criminal investigators to accurately envisage and establish a sketch for the features of an unidentified criminal subject of offender. Based on an analysis of the nature of a crime and the manner in which that crime was committed, as well as an evaluation of the offender’s choices before, during and after the offence, criminal profilers are able to identify a perpetrator and numerous aspects of the offender’s personality make up. Combining these insights with any other vital information and existing evidence as well as comparing that with the traits of known personality types and mental disorders, criminal investigators are able to establish a practical working profile of the offender. The principle goals of criminal profiling are to give law enforcement a social and mental evaluation of the offender as well as a psychological assessment of the possessions of the offender; c riminal profiling also aims to yield suggestions and strategies

Use of Motion Pictures in the Painful Deception Essay

Use of Motion Pictures in the Painful Deception - Essay Example A compelling example is Bus 174 done in 2002 by Jose Padilha and Felipe Lacerda. The documentary Bus 174 was prepared from television footages that were taken on live event of a hijacked bus. The documentary aimed at demonstrating the social, legal, and economic injustices experienced by the less fortunate in Brazil. This paper focuses on use of motion pictures in documentaries to depict reality using the documentary Painful Deception by Eric Hufschmid. A compelling documentary is made using a collection of facts about a certain event that is important to the society. A good example of such a documentary is Painful Deception. The United States government asserted that the destruction of Twin Towers, the Pentagon, Building 7, World Trade Centre and other surrounding buildings was a terrorist attack carried out using hijacked planes. However, the motion pictures displayed in Painful Deception documentary completely refute the explanations given by the U.S government. The documentary tries to explain the audience that the happenings of September 11 were a government plan, since the manner of collapse of the buildings completely disagrees with the laws of science as well as those of structural engineering. A Californian engineer called Eric Hufschmid prepared the documentary. He uses his expertise in engineering, laws of science, principles about structures, the views of those who witnessed the collapse and motion pictures to demonstrate the fictitiousness of the collapse. He exposes the controversies behind the occurrence which make a person watching the film realize that indeed, the whole attack was government instigated and not a terrorist attack as the government claimed. The documentary posits that the collapse was carried out using planned demolitions as opposed to what the United States government made the world believe. According to the documentary, all the buildings collapsed as if they were brought down through controlled demolition. The video includes several motion pictures showing the manner in which the buildings collapsed and compares it to that of images of buildings demolished using explosives. Eric disputes the claims that the impact of the planes initiated the collapse of the buildings. He argues that the intensity of the fire was not enough to melt down the heavy steel beams used in the construction of the Twin Towers and Building 7. He affirms that the only possibility was presence of explosives implanted within the building fitted with radio receivers, which could be controlled using a remote gadget. To exe mplify this, he uses motion pictures from actual controlled demolitions done using explosives. He says that the terrorist could not have been responsible of planting the explosives since the process requires time and the buildings were some of the most secure in the world. Another fact exposed was the move to insure the Building 7 just a month before the September 11 attack. The documentary claims that the owner claimed twice the amount of the insurance claiming that the building experienced two separate attacks. Another controversy the documentary tries to enlighten people on is the aircrafts used in the attack. Eric uses motion pictures to demonstrate that it was impossible that Flight 77 hit the Pentagon but instead suggests that a Global Hawk was used in the atta

Halecar and Mid Lans Automotive Two cultures merge Coursework - 1

Halecar and Mid Lans Automotive Two cultures merge - Coursework Example The first is that there is the need to bring together two potentially conflicting cultures and practices under one single corporate structure(Armstrong, 2012). The second issue includes adjusting the individual HR practices and systems in each of the organisations in order to eliminate errors and inefficiencies of the past(Armstrong & Taylor, 2014). The purpose of this paper is to critique the circumstances relating to the systems and practices of the two companies. This will be done on the context of historical practices and processes. From there, the paper will recommend a way forward in improving the HR system, organisational culture and other practices for the achievement of the corporate strategy of the newly formed car manufacturer – Mid Lancashire Automotive. The facts of the case brings to the fore, important pointers and issues that can be used to diagnose HR and Organisational Behaviour concerns. These issues can be used to streamline the structures of the new company, Mid Lancashire Automotive and give the blueprints for the creation of a new and a better entity that will achieve better results. The ultimate end is to develop a good HRM strategy that will operate within an appropriate Corporate Strategy to ensure efficiency and effectiveness that will lead to competitive advantage and ensure the survival of the new company in turbulent times. There are three main classes of issues that are of relevance to this analysis. First of all, there is a case of the issues inherent in HaleCars. Secondly, there are issues with Mid Lancs which come with unique implications for a new human resource management strategy. Finally, there are the conflicts that will arise as a result of trying to link up the two entities into one entity. The organisational culture of HaleCars is one that is built around the specialisation and focus of the firm because they only do a few cars at a given point in time and this kind of bespoke and extreme

Cement Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Cement - Coursework Example First step encompasses preparation of material to their required size and condition. Mainly, this is size reduction of materials, which are bulky in size and cannot fit well in the rotary kiln besides ensuring intimate reaction of varied chemical components (ZKG, 2010). This process is raw milling mostly taking place in the field before transportation of lime (ZKG, 2010). Once materials arrive in the factory, mixing or blending of varied components takes place. This is to ensure uniform and intimate reaction of materials once they are in the kiln, which is always at high temperatures. However, these temperatures usually vary significantly in diverse sections. These include dehydration (- 4500C), Calcination (4500C to 9000C), solid-state reaction (9000 – to 13000C), clinkering section (13000C to 15500C) and finally cooling zone (Thomas & Jennings, 2008).  After formation and cooling of clinker in silo, milling commences with addition of other essential additives whose role is to ensure cement attains its required condition before stored in silosg (ZKG, 2010). Milling entails feeding the clinker into a four-chamber or cemernt mill coupled with addition of gypsum and other components to produce a very fine powder, which is cement (Taylor et al. 2008). After milling, the fine powder based on materials may stay in the silo for sometime before packaging takes place. This is to allow final residue process take places effectively whereby afterwards packaging or bagging takes place before kept in warehouses.

Application of DECISION MAKING tools to MORTGAGE Industry Professional Coursework

Application of DECISION MAKING tools to MORTGAGE Industry Professional Experience - Coursework Example In making critical decisions, the people who are in positions of leadership often run into conclusions without inquiring well from professionals who can avert the damage that can be caused by such an occurrence. A good example is the doomed merger between AOL and Time Warner in the year 2001. The merger happened despite the advice of the subordinates on Gerald Levin who was at the time the Chief Executive Officer at Time Warner Inc. Levin who was obsessed with leaving a legacy at Time Warner Inc. decided to go ahead and authorize the merger despite the warnings. This is a good example of the consequences that can follow the making of irrational decisions. In this work, we shall look at the decision making models that have been developed to help in making the best decisions especially in our field. This will be addressed in the context of the mortgage industry which is our section of interest. By first comparing them we shall be able to figure out the best and discuss it. There are a number of decision making models that can be used in the mortgage and loan financing industry. First it is important to understand this field so as to see how the idea of using decision models and techniques can be implemented. First, the mortgage loans are availed to the people who want to try their hand in real estate so they can be able to purchase the property they want. In the legal mechanism that need to be followed to validate this process, the property stands as the security in case the borrower is unable to pay back the loan (Gaffney, 2014). This is a business that has been so successful in the recent past and thriving in it requires a bit of critical decision making. The amount of cash that is required to establish it means that there is no space left for gambling and every step made counts. Company A has wants to form a merger with Company

Project Managing Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Project Managing Marketing - Essay Example In other areas, health reforms are being pushed by health organizations to encourage healthy living that advised people to avoid fats and to eat only healthy foods. As these issues are closely linked to the operations that would eventually affect profitability of the KFC, a change of marketing plan that definesits corporate responsibility to its stakeholders is needed. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been defined as â€Å"the concept that an organization has obligations not just to conduct its business and adhere to legal guidelines, but also to look out for the welfare of â€Å"†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. the community, and society at large† (ecomii, N. d.). CSR is also viewed as a PR device to gain good favor from customers, and in some point refers to corporate ethics and good governance. As such, a new marketing plan is designed in order to improve the image of the KFC and increase its profitability. This will address the ethical problems in use of caged chicken and a chang e of direction that illustrates KFC markets and the strategies it is going to use to continue to attract customers and to create a solid revenue system for the company. In effect, this marketing plan is a strategy that determines exactly what the market wants – and coming up with a plan that will satisfy its wants. Organizational structure Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) is well known restaurant chains when it comes to chicken. The company’s headquarters are found at Kentucky (where it derived its name) in the U.S. As per company record, KFC has over eleven thousand restaurants located in over eighty countries of world. Some of the countries served outside U.S. are UK, China, Thailand, Kuwait, Spain and Barbados, Puerto Rico, Pakistan and many others. The major product of the company is chicken served in various forms such chunky chicken hot pie, chicken fillets, chicken sandwiches among others. KFC has a total of 300 sets of menus being served in its outlets. As part of YUM! brand that operates a global restaurant system, KFC teams up with other restaurants like Pizza Hut and Taco bell brands (About Us). 1.1. Vision The vision of the marketing plan is to provide customers the ultimate satisfaction of eating healthy foods and to provide choices that respond to their tastes and budget. KFC does this by giving customers options between organic and non-organic chickens in the menu that customers can easily order in many KFC restaurants found worldwide. Management will be committed to the success of the plan and is willing to spend for the necessary resources for its successful implementation; that the marketing plan is in the context of the organization’s overall business plan and that the people in the organization down to the supply chain will share a similar view to the marketing function. 1.3. Objectives The overall objectives of the marketing plan is to create a new corporate image that projects KFC as sustaining ethics in animal welfare as part of its corporate social responsibility to its stakeholder and ultimately increase its profitability Replying to the demands of PETA and other animal welfare pressure groups, the use of organic chicken is proposed along with the standard chicken menu used by KFC in its restaurants. Advantages in using organic chicken are: it is healthy, tastes better and safe to eat. An organic chicken, as opposed to caged chicken, is not fed

Change in Bankng Sector Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Change in Bankng Sector - Essay Example However, this certainly does not mean that CEOs' salary is almost immune to the ensuing circumstances (Frederick, 2000). The fast unravelling omens are indicative of the fact that such salary appreciations may not continue in 2009. Many banks and financial institutions are resorting to freezes on executive remuneration and the concerned experts are already professing a highly constrained rise of a mere 2 to 3 percent in the current year (New Zealand Management, 2009). In the given context, the executive pay has become a crucial issue in the sense that despite the rising unemployment rates and the ongoing credit crunch, it has become imperative for the banks and financial institutions to hold on to the key executive talent (New Zealand Management, 2009). A possible analysis of the level and structure of bank CEO pays needs to be conducted in the light of the emerging trends and challenges (Crawford et al., 1995). Just a year ago, it was not possible to divine the scale of crises that has engulfed the banking sector in the US and Europe. The emerging trends marked by a heightened state intervention, with governments becoming crucial stakeholders in the reputed banks like the Royal Bank of Scotland and the destined to merge Lloyds TSB and HBOS, the year 2009 no doubt will unleash never before vistas for the bank CEOs (Investors Chronicle, 2009). Such sector specific developments are projected to be further aggravated by the accompanying macroeconomic trends like a predictable, above average shrinking of the major economies like the US and the UK. While the natural reaction of the banks is to opt for restrained lending policies, the governments are pressing them hard to extend loans to individuals and small businesses (Monday Business Briefing, 2009). Further, the bad debts and balance sheets are making the markets much competitive. Despite the central banks throughout the world trying hard to enhance liquidity, the interbank loans continue to be dearer. Under such tough circumstances, only the best will survive. This bleak scenario marked by a cutthroat competition is bound to have an impact on the salaries of all the employees in general and the bank CEOs in particular (African Business, 2009). Competition and Bank CEO Compensation Consequently, the situation becomes quiet understandable, considering the existing circumstances. In an environment replete with fast shifting degrees of competition and abundant regulations, the banks are more then under strain to realign the remuneration of CEOs and top executives with the organizational objectives and sustainability (Bebchuk & Fried, 2003). Scenarios defined by elevated competition make it imperative for the banks to tag the salaries of their CEOs with overall performance. The rational that under normal circumstances, the CEO's salary constitutes just a tiny proportion of the total value of a bank should not confuse one (Kay &

Moby Dick Narrative Essay Example for Free

Moby Dick Narrative Essay 1.In this video, we immediately learn of an obsessed captain who wants revenge. Why does he want revenge and against whom or what? The captain wants revenge because he lost his leg to Moby Dick. 2.Who is the narrator of Moby Dick and what is the first line of the novel? The first line of the novel is â€Å"Call me Ishmael† and the narrator is Ishmael. 3.There are two significant Biblical allusions mentioned in the film. To whom do these allusions reference? How are the names significant? The two significant Biblical allusions are Captain Ahab which is the King Ahab in the Bible and the whale, which is a symbol of God or the Devil. See more: how to start a narrative essay for college 4.The narrator states that Moby Dick symbolizes three different meanings for three different characters. List the characters and the meaning which Moby Dick symbolizes for each of them. Captain Ahab sees Moby Dick as the devil. Starbuck sees Moby Dick as just a fish and Ishmael accepts both of them. 5.Why did Melville choose to write about whaling? Why was the industry significant? At that time whale oil was very popular and it made the whale industry a hit, therefore; Melville wrote about whales. 6.What did Melville do when he was 21? He set sail towards the South Pacific, but after four years he returned and wrote about his visit with everyone on the island 7.What established writer did Melville befriend while he was writing Moby Dick? While he wrote Moby Dick he befriended Nathaniel Hawthorne. 8.Comment on the four harpooners of the Pequod; politically, why were they significant? The four harpooners were of different races and represented different cultures. 9.What happens to the Pequod towards the end of the book? Ahab? Ishmael? They were out at sea, and noticed that deep in the ocean a whale was giving birth, but that all of it was terrorized because of other whalers that set in. Ahab is killed and Ishmael is the only survivor of Pequod. 10.What were the final years of Melville like? Melvilles final years were filled with personal tragedies and failure. 1.Ahab, do you think if you killed Moby Dick, your life would be better? 2.Ahab, do you want revenge because of the loss of your leg or because he took something more than your leg, like your pride? 3.Ahab, what would you have done if the whale didnt bite your leg? 4.Ahab, why dont you every mention your wife or son? Is a whale more important than them? 5.Ahab, how do feel about yourself knowing that you let people die for your obsession with Moby Dick?

Case Studies on Architectural Design Methodologies

Case Studies on Architectural Design Methodologies How We Build: The Parts and the Whole Precedent Case Studies The two philosophies introduced above, mechanism and systems thinking, have influenced many aspects of our lives. One can arguably note their influences in our built environment, as can be seen in the variety of design methodologies present in architectural design. Both academics and practitioners in the design field have often argued that the architectural practice can be classified as a holistic enterprise. This argument is founded on the fact that many players have a key role in the process of designing a building: the architect, the client, the consultants, the engineers, the planners, the builders and so on. In this context, holism does indeed propel an all-inclusive design process realized as a result of the many members collaborating on a given project. In fact, this trait is even said by many to be unique to architecture as a profession. However, when analyzing the conventional design methodologies employed in architecture, one cannot ignore the hierarchical and sequential separation of design, detailing, documentation, modeling and fabrication that has become prevalent in todays day and age. This type of hierarchical separation and compartmentalization of processes can be seen in many aspects of design, but more specifically between material, form and structure. In order to explain this phenomenon more clearly, two built architectural projects have been chosen for analysis based on these two ideologies in architecture. Analyzing the two built examples below may shed more light on the ways in which machine thinking and systems thinking have influenced architectural design philosophies and methodologies. The first project is considered by many as being the most contemporary technological application of timber construction. The second project was completed approximately three decades ago and continues to be an inspirational precedent regarding the use the inherent material properties of wood, specifically Tiber. Distinguishing between these two projects and their approaches is of great relevance to this research. The aim is not to assess the two projects with the intention of promoting one over the other, but rather to identify the contrasting design methodologies. For this comparison, the focus will lie namely on the design and realization of the roof structures. The inspiration for the roof of the Centre Pompidou in Metz, designed by Shigeru Ban, Jean de Gastines and Ove Arup Partners, was a traditional Japanese straw hat (ill.3). The form that resulted from this inspiration was based on two components: a specified freeform surface with a hexagonal edge, and a flat, kagome lattice consisting of triangles and hexagons that is projected onto the free-form surface. The lattice structural grid was developed using digital processes such as CAD software (ill.4). The digital model created from this step was then developed into a highly complex geometric construction in which every element of the structure was unique in its curvature and shape. The digital form-giving process was used only to establish the geometry of the roof structure. Following this design phase, engineers and consultants working in the realm of computer-based geometry optimized the design of the structure and rendered it buildable. The actual physical construction of this roof structure involved a series of glue-lam girders arranged in three layers (ill.5). Each of these girders is comprised of several segments, fastened to one another in order to achieve the curved appearance of the girders. In total, the entire roof assembly is made up of 1,790 segments, which were classified into three categories (straight, single curved, double curved) (ill.6). The 1,790 individual segments were fabricated by a computerized numerical control (CNC) joinery machine. In order to achieve the final form of the structure, it was necessary to mill away fifty percent of each individual glue-lam beam to obtain the required building component geometry (ill7). In the next phase of the project, the individual components making up the complex geometry of the roof were transported from the fabrication shop with trucks and were assembled incrementally using scaffolding and cranes to make up the final form of the structure (ill.8). This project followed a relatively linear flow of data, beginning with the initial design inspiration, and working up towards a formal design, the development of a CAD model, the refinements and optimization achieved by engineers in rationalizing the process, and finally ending with the computer aided manufacturing of the highly specified components. A similarly linear approach then took place on site for the duration of the incremental assembly process. Overall, this design approach is a direct reflection of mechanistic ideologies. The second project is the â€Å"Multihalle† located in Mannheim and designed by Frei Otto, Carlfried Mutschler, and Ove Arup and Partners (1975). Like the Centre Pompidou this project consists of a double-curved lattice shell, but the design was not the result of a form-giving process (ie. one in which the form was pre-conceived by the designer and a structural system was developed to actualize the form). Instead, this project consists of a more integrated form-finding process informed by material experimentation, material behaviours and constraints along with an extensive series of models and prototyping. It is important to note that the form finding process for the Multihalle involved upside-down hanging chain models (ill.10). This was important because it allowed the architects to determine the three-dimensional geometry of the shell. These models were especially effective in creating pure tension shapes due to gravitys pull on the chains. When an appropriate geometry was a chieved, the model was then inverted to create a pure compression shell. This resulted in a geometry that was structurally stable, devoid of in-plane shear stresses in the lattice structure. In the development of this project, the lattice shell structure was based on two fundamental questions: 1) Could a shell structure be constructed with a tensile uniform mesh and be capable of supporting its own weight without buckling and causing no moment bending? 2) Could a shell structure be constructed using the natural bending properties of wood laths, which were initially assembled as a flat system? The structure of Multihalle is called a grid shell. A grid shell is a double curved surface formed from a lattice of timber laths bolted together at uniform spacing in two directions.†[1] There are two types of lattice shells systems: strained and unstrained. The difference between strained and unstrained shells is that the unstrained shells are made of pre-bent members. In the unstrained shell, curved members experience no strain during the erection process because they have been previously curved to the desired shape. This method was used for the Centre Pompidou in Metz. The Multihall shell structure however, consists of a strained lattice shell, comprised of a 2 double-layer wooden lath system, assembled flat in a square diagrid pattern (ill.11). The initially flat grid is held together by pinned joints (ill.12) that permit the laths to move parallel to one another (ill.13). This allows the grid one degree of movement when flat. However, once the structure is erected and the grid takes on the double-curved geometry of the shell, the forces will deform the square grids into parallelograms (ill.14). In this manner, the structural web can take on specific forms by changing key parameters in the assembly such as scissor-like deformation, adjustable pins, cambering and edge definition of the system. As a result of this double curved design, the members increase in strength and stiffness.[2] Erecting the shell on site required that the entire flat system be lifted at a number of key points with the aid of cranes. Once the web was lifted at these points, the network of wood laths naturally took on the desired geometry due to the flexible bending behaviour of the continuous wood members and the deformation of the network (ill.14). The systems joint connections were then tightened to obtain shear-resistant connections that would maintain the desired shape of the structure (ill.15). Next, steel cable ties were added to provide diagonal stiffness to the shell (ill.16). The grid shell was then fastened to the substructure at specified support points, thereby stabilizing the complex roof The critical difference between these two projects is that one was designed and geometrically defined by the designer and subsequently rationalized for construction, while the other was a result of an extensive form-finding process based on material behaviours, experimentation and structural behaviours. The Centre Pompidou is often referred to as a state-of-art, digitally designed wood construction project. It required six layers of glue-lam beams with cross section of 140 x 440 mm to achieve a 50m clear span. In addition, it was necessary that 50 percent of the glue-lam material be milled off during the CNC fabrication process in order to achieve the desired shape of each member. In contrast, the double layered grid of the Multihalle in Mannheim spans up to 60m and consists of members that only measure 50 x 50 mm in cross section. As a result, the â€Å"Multihalle† project emerged as a grid shell that was extremely cost-effective and material efficient. It also proved much ea sier to construct than many of todays contemporary lattice structures like the Centre Pompidou in Metz. The intention of this comparison is to demonstrate the differences which exist between these two design methodologies. One is the digital continuation of the long-standing hierarchical process in which form-giving takes precedence over rationalization. The other concerns a design process which undergoes constant transformations due to an integrated and informed approach that can anticipate the possibilities of materialization. Frei Otto’s work with lightweight structures as well as the design methodologies employed in his projects serve as exemplary precedents in demonstrating the theory and design methodologies adopted in this research. Similar to Frei Ottos approach, this research will propose a lightweight structural system that seeks to incorporate an integrative approach to form-finding using the material properties and behaviours of wood. In order to fully understand the capabilities of this material, the following chapter explores the material science and characteristics of wood. [1] Happold and Liddell, â€Å"Timber lattice roof for the Mannheim Budesgartenshau,† The Structural Engineer 53 (1975): 99-135. [2] Burkhardt Berthold and Frei Otto. IL 13: Multihalle Mannheim (Stuttgart: Freunde und FoÃÅ'ˆrderer der Leichtbauforschung, 1978).

Ethnocentric Approach To Human Resources Management Essay

Ethnocentric Approach To Human Resources Management Essay In this time of rapid globalisation and competitive business world, firms seek to gain competitive advantages by going global via entering foreign markets. According to Chew and Horwitz, (2004), over the years, this rise in global competitive pressure has led to the growth of Multinational Corporations (MNCs) that generated the need for developing global management strategies as well as to designing International Human Resource Management (IHRM) strategies in order to gain long term competitive advantages. Subsequently, Shen, (2005, p83-102) as cited in Plessis and Huntley, (2009, p414), reports that the notion of International Human Resource Management (IHRM) can be defined as a set of distinct activities, functions and processes that are directed at attracting, developing and maintaining the Human Resources (HR) of a Multinational Corporation (MNC). Thus, the above definition clearly implies that the various Human Resource Management (HRM) practices of a Multinational Corporation (MNC) are entirely focused upon the international management strategy that it adopts in order to maintain or manage its Human Resources (HR) within its foreign subsidiaries. Moreover, Sims, (2002, p364) states that Multinational Corporations (MNCs) usually adopt one of the four major strategic approaches to planning and managing their international Human Resources (HR). In addition, Hodgetts and Luthans (1999, p253) as cited in McNally and Parry (2000, p85) also state that Multinational Corporations (MNCs) usually adopt one of Heenan and Perlmutter (1979) classifications of international staffing which include either the ethnocentric approach, the polycentric approach, the regiocentric approach or the geocentric/transnational approach to planning and managing Human Resources (HR) globally within the foreign subsidiaries. Furthermore, according to Caligiuri and Stroh, (1995, p496), over the years, ethnocentric Multinational Corporations (MNCs) have been dominant in numbers, especially in the case of firms from developed countries like the UK and the US seeking to enter the lesser developed foreign markets within the region of Asian countries. This according to Sims, (2002, p365) is mainly due to the fact that such an approach to International Human Resource Management (IHRM) simply requires exporting the Multinational Corporations (MNCs) already established Human Resource Management (HRM) practices and policies to its foreign subsidiaries via the usage of expatriates. However, Weirich and Koontz, (2007, p277) over the recent decade, various literatures published by academicians and practitioners within the field of International Human Resource Management (IHRM) have illustrated that each of these strategic approaches to planning and managing Human resources (HR) internationally has its own merits and demerits for these Multinational Corporations (MNCs). Hence, this report seeks to critically evaluate the benefits and the drawbacks for adopting and ethnocentric approach to Human Resources (HR). In doing so, this report firstly outlines what constitutes adopting an ethnocentric approach to International Human Resource Management (IHRM) and then highlights its merits and demerits in addition to providing a brief overview of the benefits and the disadvantages of the other approaches to international staffing. This report discusses the merits and the demerits of adopting an ethnocentric approach to managing Human Resources (HR) globally within the context of a US owned Multinational Corporation (MNC) which is looking to reassessing its current ethnocentric approach to managing its Human Resource (HR). The given scenario of this report is that the Human Resource (HR) director of this US based Multinational Corporation (MNC) feels that its ethnocentric approach to managing its Human Resources (HR) globally is inhibiting the organisations a ttempt to become a global company. Thus, by evaluating the advantages and the disadvantages of adopting an ethnocentric approach to international Human Resources (HR) strategy, this report would provide critical analysis of various academic literatures and other relevant sources in order to come to a rounded conclusion and provide justifiable recommendations. These recommendations would be in relation to whether this US based Multinational Corporation (MNC) should continue to adhere to its ethnocentric approach to managing its staff globally or whether this US based Multinational Corporation (MNC) should seek to alter its current approach to managing its staff globally in order to truly become a global company and to gain further competitive advantages in the years to come. The evaluation of the merits and demerits of adopting the ethnocentric approach also constitutes providing a brief overview of the advantages of adopting the other approaches to managing staff globally which include the polycentric, the regiocentric or the geocentric approach. Hence, this report would not only provide valuable insights to the Human Resource (HR) director of the US based Multinational Corporation (MNC) but would also provide the general readers of the report with useful information in relation to comprehending the importance of adopting those International Human Resource Management (IHRM) practices and policies within its foreign subsidiaries which provide the Multinational Corporation (MNC) with sustainable competitive advantages over the long run. Overview of the Merits and Demerits of the Four Major Strategic Approaches to International Human Resource Management (IHRM) As mentioned earlier in this report, there are mainly four major approaches that most Multinational Corporations (MNCs) adopt in relation to managing their Human Resources (HR) globally. According to Caligiuri and Stroh, (1995, p496), these have been categorised by Heenan and Perlmutter (1979 as a Multinational Corporations (MNCs) global management strategies of being ethnocentric, polycentric, regiocentric or geocentric/transnational in its approach to managing its Human Resources (HR) within its foreign subsidiaries. Plessis and Huntley, (2009, p417) defines the ethnocentric approach as the approach where the cultural values and business practices of the home country are predominant as it is the Head Office (HO) of the Multinational Corporation (MNC) which develops a managing and staffing approach and applies it consistently around the world. According to Pattanayak, (2005, p416), Multinational Corporations usually adopt such a strategy in the early stages of internationalisation process in order to ensure that the corporate values of the parent company are instilled within its foreign subsidiaries so that the same corporate standard and reputation is maintained all over the globe. For example, McNally and Parry, (2000, p85) asserts that such an ethnocentric predisposition allows a global company to control the strategic direction of all its foreign subsidiaries and that it is a very nationalistic approach as it highly regards the parent companys Human Resource Management (HRM) practices and policies as the best-way for managing the Human Resources (HR) globally as well as to attaining the overall corporate goals of the Multinational Corporation (MNC). Furthermore, Sims, (2002, p365) states that Multinational Corporations (MNCs) usually adopt this strategy via sending expatriates to fill all the senior management posts within it foreign subsidiaries as a result of which these Multinational Corporations (MNCs) can withhold tight control over all their foreign counterparts. According to Ferner, etal, (2004, p364), the Head Quarters (HQs) of these Multinational Corporations (MNCs) not only send expatriates but also plays a crucial hand in outlining or highly dictating the policy on other aspects of Human Resource Management (HRM) which include factors like compensation and reward systems, collective bargaining, communications, union recognition, and welfare and training policies, etc. The benefits of adopting an ethnocentric approach is able to be seen when a firm needs to produce extremely standardised products or when the host-country lacks technological expertise in which cases employing staff from the Head Quarters (HQs) can guarantee consistency to a great extent (Francesco and Gold, 2003, p166). Thus, from these statements, it can be clearly deduced that those Multinational Corporations (MNCs) who seem to adopt such an ethnocentric approach or strategy to managing its staff globally mainly seek to centralise its Human Resource Management (HRM) practices and policies which are mainly designed and implemented at the Head Quarters (HQs) of such Multinational Corporations (MNCs) with the view to maintain total control over its foreign subsidiaries. However, adopting such an ethnocentric approach to managing Human Resources (HR) has its own drawbacks despite of the merits of being able to hold onto the cultural values of the Head Quarter (HQ) of a Multinational Corporation in addition to being able to yield the benefit of maintaining a tight control over its foreign subsidiaries (Decenzo and Robbins, 2009, p5). In addition, Francesco and Gold, (2003, p166), asserts that sending expatriates to foreign subsidiaries also limits the promotion opportunities of host-country staff which could lead to demoralisation of the staff at these foreign subsidiaries in addition to loosing advantages that could be gained from competencies of local members of senior management staff. Thus the above statements clearly imply that an ethnocentric approach to Human Resources (HR) can be highly rigid which can inhibit the flexibility that contemporary firms require in order to gain competitive advantages in this era of rapid globalisation of markets and growing competition. On the other hand, McNally and Parry, (2000, p85) reports that the polycentric approach to managing Human Resources (HR) are based on strategic decisions which are adapted to suit the cultural context of the countries within which these Multinational Corporations (MNCs) operate. This implies that within a polycentric approach, the Human Resource Management (HRM) policies and practices within the foreign subsidiaries are adapted to meet the cultural and other environmental circumstances of the countries in which these Multinational Corporations (MNCs) operate. In other words, Sims, (2002, p365), reports that such a strategy makes a subsidiary independent from its Head Quarter (HQ) as mainly local managers are given the responsibilities for managing their Human Resources (HR). Myloni, etal, (2004, p; 519) reports that such an approach to staffing and managing Human Resources (HR) is seen to be less expensive as Multinational Corporations (MNCs) do not need to send expatriates for managing its foreign subsidiaries as required in the case of adopting an ethnocentric approach. In addition, it also resolves the issues of adapting to cultural changes when expatriates are sent to foreign subsidiaries and also eliminates the costs that can be incurred from failed expatriate assignments (Monks, etal, 2000, p541). However, Pattanayak, (2005, p417) states that such an approach also presents the challenges for Multinational Corporations (MNCs) in relation to maintaining understanding between the corporate and the subsidiary management in addition to imbibing the original culture of the company. On the other hand, Hannon etal, (1995, p536) report that the regiocentric approach to Human Resources (HR) strategy highly focuses on grouping of subsidiaries based on specific regions instead of countries. Furthermore, according to Sims, (2002, p365), these subsidiaries are usually staffed by managers from any of the countries within the region which poses the drawback of limiting communication between the region with their Head Quarters (HQs). Subsequently, Edwards and Rees, (2006, p113) asserts that with the geocentric/transnational approach, Multinational Corporations (MNCs) seek to create a synergy of best practices. According to Kelly, (2001, p538) these best practices are adopted from both the Head Quarters (HQs) of Multinational Corporations (MNCs) and from their respective subsidiaries in order to develop consistent global Human Resource Management (HRM) practices and policies which can eventually yield long term organisational competitive advantages for both the Multinational Corporations (MNCs) as well as for their subsidiaries. For example, Buzzle, (2009) reports that within such an approach, suitable managers are hired centrally for taking key managerial positions within the foreign subsidiaries from a global pool of talent , chosen in accordance to their abilities to meet the global corporate objectives in addition to being responsive to local needs. Myloni etal, (2004, p521) claim that this approach to Human Resource (HR) strategy enables a Multinational Corporation (MNC) to develop core competencies in the form of competent managers which can be a crucial source of gaining competitive advantages for a global firm. However, according to Pattanayak, (2005, p417), such an approach also has its own demerits in the form of being expensive to recruit the best talents in addition to completing the paper formalities associated in relation to hiring these foreign nationals to work at different parts of the globe for specific subsidiaries of Multinational Corporations (MNCs). Despite of these drawbacks, by far, from the discussions made above, it can be clearly deduced that the geocentric or the transnational approach to Human Resource (HR) strategy would suit the global corporate goals of most Multinational Corporations (MNCs). Thus, from all the above discussions, it can be stated that even though each of these different strategic approaches to International Human Resource Management (IHRM) strategies have their own merits and demerits, the ethnocentric approach to Human Resource (HR) strategy seems incompatible towards attaining the flexibility that is needed in order to gain competitive advantages in this era of global competition. Subsequently, the geocentric or the transnational approach seems to be the most relevant and to be the most useful approach that a Multinational Corporation (MNC) should seek to adopt in this era of contemporary business world. However, for substantial evaluation of the appropriateness of these strategies the following other factors which highly influence International Human Resource Management (IHRM) also need to be taken into consideration. Other factors that influence the approach that is adopted to International Human Resource Management (IHRM) According to Muratbekova-Touron, (2008, p335), in this era of rapid globalisation and competitive business world, one of the major growing concerns facing such global companies or Multinational Corporations (MNCs) is that how such companies can attain the right balance between the local autonomy of their subsidiaries and the extent to which these are controlled by the corporate headquarters of these Multinational Corporations (MNCs). Furthermore, Reade, (2003, p208) illustrates that the statement that greater collaboration between all the subsidiaries of a Multinational Corporation (MNC) is not only highly desirable but is also completely essential in order to effectively cope with the global competitive pressures and towards becoming successful in attaining global competitive advantages. Moreover, Liu, (2005), also confirms the notion that Multinational Corporations (MNCs) face the dilemma of optimising the balance between standardisation and localisation of Human Resource Management (HRM) policies and practices. This according to Liu, (2005) is because of the desire of Multinational Corporations (MNCs) to develop global brands by thinking globally and acting locally and by developing the right balance between local responsiveness and global consistency and control. Subsequently, Markus and Harzing, (2007) state that contemporary Multinational Corporations (MNCs) should not opt for standardisation in terms of adopting the home country practices but should seek to adopt the strategies which underline the best practices in relation to Human Resource Management (HRM). Furthermore, Reade, (2003, p208) reports that the Head Quarters (HQs) of Multinational Corporations (MNCs) have the responsibility of identifying and transferring relevant skills and expertise from different parts of the corporation as well as of disseminating it to all its foreign subsidiaries in order to attain its global as well as local corporate objectives (Reade, 2003, p; 208). For example, Markus and Harzing, (2007) state that if the home country practices of a Multinational Corporation (MNC) are highly effective then all the subsidiaries of that company should be yielding competitive advantages provided those practices are applicable in different cultural and other environmental contexts. This is because, according to Francesco and Gold, (2003, p166), although the overall international corporate strategy of a firm determines which strategic approach to International Human Resource Management (IHRM) it adopts, other environmental factors should also be taken into consideration while determining which strategy a Multinational Corporation (MNC) should adopt in relation to managing its Human Resources (HR) globally. Such factors include the political and legal factors, level of development in foreign locations, technology and nature of the product, organisational life cycle as well as cultural differences (Francesco and Gold, 2003, p166). Moreover, Markus and Harzing, (2007) states that ethnocentric approaches to managing Human Resources (HR) globally are no longer valid in this era of competitive and globalised business world and that the geocentric or the transnational approach to managing Human Resources (HR) internationally is more contemporary towards attaining competitive advantages and towards becoming truly global by implementing the best Human Resource Management (HRM) practices within contemporary Multinational Corporations (MNCs) and in their respective foreign subsidiaries around the globe. 4.0 Conclusions From the critical analysis of various literature sources made above, it can be concluded that the US based Multinational Corporations (MNC) should change its approach from an ethnocentric one to a geocentric or a transnational approach to managing its Human Resources (HR) globally in order to gain more flexibility in terms of adapting Human Resource Management (HRM) practices according to subsidiaries cultural and environmental contexts. This is because contemporary firms can gain competitive advantages only by adopting Human Resource Management (HRM) strategies that find the right balance between standardisation versus localisation of such practices and policies. Recommendations The following recommendations have been drawn for the US based Multinational Corporation (MNC) based on the critical evaluation of the benefits and the drawbacks of adopting an ethnocentric approach to managing Human Resources (HR): The Multinational Corporation (MNC) should adopt a geocentric approach to Human Resource (HR) strategy rather than an ethnocentric one in order to gain competitive advantages as the ethnocentric approach pose certain limitations which inhibit companies from going truly global in terms of failing to adopt the best practices in relation to International Human Resource Management (IHRM). However, the firm should also take into consideration whether the environmental factors mentioned earlier in this report support it to alter its approach to International Human Resource Management (IHRM). For example, if this US based Multinational Corporation (MNC) produces highly technological or standardised products then it might need to continue with its ethnocentric approach. Nevertheless, the firm could still opt to adopt a geocentric approach to staffing and hire the best expertise from around the world in order to gain competitive advantages over the long run. Thus, it can be stated that the US based Multinational Corporation (MNC) should seek to alter its approach from an ethnocentric to a geocentric/ transnational one in order to manage its Human Resources (HR) more effectively globally. (Words: 3000)

Tablet PC Essay -- Technology Computers

TABLET PCs Combines Simplicity of Paper with Full Power of Windows-Based Computing For the past few years, the Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) has grown tremendously popular. However, due to size restrictions, it has always served as a secondary device to the desktop computer. So a number of hardware manufacturers unveiled a new form of communication, the Tablet PC. What exactly is a Tablet PC? It is a notebook PC with a touch-sensitive screen and is a bit larger than the size of a sheet of paper. Tablet PCs will have two formats: the "convertible" model with an integrated keyboard and a display that rotates 180 degrees that can be folded down over the keyboard, and the "slate" style with a removable keyboard. It allows users to save their written input either as images or as converted text. It is very similar to a PDA, only larger and more powerful, and weighs less than today's laptops yet is fully configured for PC operations and Internet applications. By combining the best qualities of a PDA and laptop, the Tablet PC can be used in applications where a lap top would be too bulky, and a PDA would not be powerful enough. In the past, field service workers with mobile devices tended to have only one application on their device. With the Tablet PC operating system, they can connect and use many more applications. A long-cherished goal for technology visionaries and computer designers, the Tablet PC will represent the next major evolution in PC design and functionality. While retaining the full power to run all existing Windows-based software applications, the Tablet PC expands enterprise computing to address previously unmet needs, such as the ability to take notes at meetings, annotate existing electronic documents and ... ...ning up businesses to the world, the use of a Tablet PC will be even more beneficial when sharing information across continental lines. The Tablet PC platform has established itself as one of the computer industry’s most promising innovations. Free from cables and keyboard, the Tablet PC provides a compact, easily portable device which is both stylish and ultimately practical. It has all the power to run common productivity applications anywhere and all the graphics performance to maximize the Internet experience. Moreover, with the widespread and increasing adoption of WLAN connection technology, Internet browsing and e-mail are becoming more accessible. Although at the moment, the Tablet PC technology is still in its infancy, the ever improving technology will make Tablet PCs more user friendly and practical which brings us one step closer to a paperless society.

The Role of Ancient Gods Essay -- essays research papers fc

When we study ancient Greek and Roman literature, we realize that the world perception in those times, among people, was much different from what it is now. It is especially obvious when we begin to analyze the role of mythical and religious elements in ancient literature. According to the classical Christian theological theory, people’s need for believing in supernatural beings is caused by their fear of nature. This concept strikingly resembles the Marxist explanation - it also names fear as the main factor. If one reads Homer’s â€Å"Iliad† and â€Å"Odyssey,† and Virgil’s â€Å"Aeneid†, he gets to realize that the ancient concept of people’s interaction with Gods is totally deprived of fear in any form. In all three masterpieces, Gods are basically described as humans, with all their strengths and weaknesses, although being immortal. Humans often revere Gods, but not out of fear – they simply respect their superiority. Many historians suggest that one of the main reasons, which enabled Greek and Roman civilizations to reach extraordinary heights in the fields of culture and science, is the fact of their religious liberalism. Let us to take a closer look at all three poems, so it’ll be easier for us to find common religious motives in all of them. Homer’s â€Å"Odyssey† is one of the finest examples of ancient Greek literature. Along with â€Å"Iliad† it represents an ultimate expression of ancient spirit, which we still use as a standard while assessing the cultural legacy of our own Western civilization. Modern historians doubt whether the same author wrote these two epic masterpieces. The main reason for this is that â€Å"Odyssey†, stylistically and conceptually, is much different from â€Å"Iliad†. First one is a high tragedy, its storyline based on the events of Trojan War. The style of this poem is very noble and there is no place for petty human weaknesses. The action takes place at the time when city of Troy was being besieged by Achaeans. Achaean leader Agamemnon takes Chrysies as his prize. She prays Apollo, who sends a plague on Achaeans. Achaean hero Achilles asks his mother sea-nymph Thetis to ask Zeus to punish Achaeans for being ignorant towards Achilles: â€Å"God of the silver bow, thy ear incline, Whose power encircles Cilla the divine; Whose sacred eye thy Tenedos surveys, And gilds fair Chrysa with distinguished rays! If, fired to vengeance at thy priest's request, Thy d... ...iter favors Aeneas. The God of Sea Neptune is also on the side of Aeneas, who’s able to safely reach the shores of Carthage, after storm dies down as a result of Neptune’s involvement. Among other Roman Gods that interact with Aeneas, we can name Mercury, Aeolus, Cupid, Allecto, Vulcan, Saturn and Minerva. The role of divine beings in all three poems can hardly be overestimated. What separates these poems from later Christian literature is the fact the Gods actively participate in people’s affairs and there is no judgment found on them†¦ Bibliography: 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Homer. â€Å"The Odyssey†. Translated by Fitzgerald, R. Garden City, NY, Anchor/Doubleday, 1961 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Homer. â€Å"The Iliad†. Translated by Lattimore, R. University of Chicago. 1951. 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Vergil. â€Å"Aeneid†. Translated by Williams. T. Boston. Houghton Mifflin Co. 1910. The Outline 1)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  P. 1, Short introduction of the topic. 2)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Pp. 1 – 2, Homer’s â€Å"Iliad† analysis. 3)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Pp. 2 – 3, Homer’s â€Å"Odyssey† analysis. 4)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Pp. 3 – 4, Virgil’s â€Å"Aeneid† analysis. The Role of Ancient Gods Essay -- essays research papers fc When we study ancient Greek and Roman literature, we realize that the world perception in those times, among people, was much different from what it is now. It is especially obvious when we begin to analyze the role of mythical and religious elements in ancient literature. According to the classical Christian theological theory, people’s need for believing in supernatural beings is caused by their fear of nature. This concept strikingly resembles the Marxist explanation - it also names fear as the main factor. If one reads Homer’s â€Å"Iliad† and â€Å"Odyssey,† and Virgil’s â€Å"Aeneid†, he gets to realize that the ancient concept of people’s interaction with Gods is totally deprived of fear in any form. In all three masterpieces, Gods are basically described as humans, with all their strengths and weaknesses, although being immortal. Humans often revere Gods, but not out of fear – they simply respect their superiority. Many historians suggest that one of the main reasons, which enabled Greek and Roman civilizations to reach extraordinary heights in the fields of culture and science, is the fact of their religious liberalism. Let us to take a closer look at all three poems, so it’ll be easier for us to find common religious motives in all of them. Homer’s â€Å"Odyssey† is one of the finest examples of ancient Greek literature. Along with â€Å"Iliad† it represents an ultimate expression of ancient spirit, which we still use as a standard while assessing the cultural legacy of our own Western civilization. Modern historians doubt whether the same author wrote these two epic masterpieces. The main reason for this is that â€Å"Odyssey†, stylistically and conceptually, is much different from â€Å"Iliad†. First one is a high tragedy, its storyline based on the events of Trojan War. The style of this poem is very noble and there is no place for petty human weaknesses. The action takes place at the time when city of Troy was being besieged by Achaeans. Achaean leader Agamemnon takes Chrysies as his prize. She prays Apollo, who sends a plague on Achaeans. Achaean hero Achilles asks his mother sea-nymph Thetis to ask Zeus to punish Achaeans for being ignorant towards Achilles: â€Å"God of the silver bow, thy ear incline, Whose power encircles Cilla the divine; Whose sacred eye thy Tenedos surveys, And gilds fair Chrysa with distinguished rays! If, fired to vengeance at thy priest's request, Thy d... ...iter favors Aeneas. The God of Sea Neptune is also on the side of Aeneas, who’s able to safely reach the shores of Carthage, after storm dies down as a result of Neptune’s involvement. Among other Roman Gods that interact with Aeneas, we can name Mercury, Aeolus, Cupid, Allecto, Vulcan, Saturn and Minerva. The role of divine beings in all three poems can hardly be overestimated. What separates these poems from later Christian literature is the fact the Gods actively participate in people’s affairs and there is no judgment found on them†¦ Bibliography: 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Homer. â€Å"The Odyssey†. Translated by Fitzgerald, R. Garden City, NY, Anchor/Doubleday, 1961 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Homer. â€Å"The Iliad†. Translated by Lattimore, R. University of Chicago. 1951. 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Vergil. â€Å"Aeneid†. Translated by Williams. T. Boston. Houghton Mifflin Co. 1910. The Outline 1)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  P. 1, Short introduction of the topic. 2)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Pp. 1 – 2, Homer’s â€Å"Iliad† analysis. 3)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Pp. 2 – 3, Homer’s â€Å"Odyssey† analysis. 4)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Pp. 3 – 4, Virgil’s â€Å"Aeneid† analysis.

A case study of Amazon on its supply chain management Essay

INTRODUCTION Every company has their own supply chain in order to sort or produce goods. However, the company needs to manage supply chain to maximize its highest benefits. By having effective supply chain management, the company can ensure that the right product or service will be available at the time to the right place and at the right price (Kamal 2007). Amazon is one of the companies that have best supply chain practices in order to respond high level of responsiveness for the customers. Thereby, this paper explains about Amazon Company, analysis of Amazon’s supply chain, recommendations and barriers to implement will be discussed. Company background Amazon is an American commerce company based in Seattle, Washington, USA. The company used to be only a bookstore, but now it diversified into difference type of products. The goal of Amazon is to provide one stop shop experience where the customer can find everything on Amazon as earth’s biggest selection (Warman 2012). Amazon operates as a pure internet retailers that does not have retail store at all while the delivery will be done through Amazon’s networks of distribution centres. This operation makes the company is able to provide wider range of goods and lower cost of products with high quality. Moreover, it is also increase customer satisfaction as it supports customer convenience. An effective supply chain strategy makes the company is able to respond high level of responsiveness. Amazon balances between cost of distributions and level of services by having the efficient distribution centres and multi-tier inventory networks. However, there is a competition from substitution brands that provided the same service as Amazon, which are eBay and Walmart. Currently, eà ¸ ºBay is pushing shipping fee to the seller in order to reduce cost for the buyers while Walmart introduced free shipping to the customers but buyers have to pick up the item at the store (Amazon strategies 2010). ANALYSIS OF AMAZON SUPPLY CHAIN Most of the companies need successful supply chain management to create sustainable competitive advantages. There are various benefits from having an effective supply chain management such as inventory reduction, delivery service improvement and shorter product life cycles (Fawcett et al 2008). This part provides the scenario of Amazon’s supply chain strategy, how Amazon manages in wider context, factors influencing its supply chain, and strategic and operational implications will be evaluated. Supply chain strategy of Amazon Strategic fits According to Chopra and Meindl (2007), supply chain strategy and competitive strategy should have aligned goals. Amazon has identified their customers as highly responsiveness. In order to respond with high uncertainty demand and availability of products, the four main components drive the outcome of Amazon are having several distribution centres as a storage facilities, multi-tier inventory management, highly efficiency transportation and implement information systems to provide real time information within its supply chain. All of these factors explain how both strategies of Amazon are fit together and that makes Amazon’s supply chain successful. Inventory outsourcing The advantage of outsourcing is to help the company to focus on its core activities and cost savings (Bucki N.D.). Amazon is one of the companies that need to gain those benefits from inventory outsourcing. However, there is another side of outsourcing deals as well. Chandra (2008) argued that the company should not outsource even it was not their core activities when the demand level is increasing. The company is able to optimize the service if the stock is owned and managed efficiently. So Amazon decided to outsource only some part of its inventory in order to mitigate risks and optimize services. The products that are frequently purchased or popular were keeping and managing in-house while other products are stocked by distributors. The products will be shipped after Amazon has requested. The company acted as a trans-shipment centre (ICMR India 2003). It was a right decision for Amazon and the company is able to reduce the cost of holding large amount of  inventory while the cus tomer service is better as it shipped faster. Managing the supply chain with its wider context and organization context Price differentiated customers Dispatch and delivery options were used to divide customers into each category based on responsiveness because difference customers need difference service levels and difference prices. Amazon has provided many types of deliveries in difference costs such as free super saver delivery, one-day delivery, First-class delivery and etc (Amazon 2013). Each type of delivery reflects how fast the delivery is. It means if the customer needs very high responsiveness, get the products by tomorrow, the buyers are willing to pay more. So Amazon divided customer segments to match with its distribution systems and inventory strategy in order to control cost and service level. The company also received increased flexibility (Duran et al 2006). Moreover, there is a membership programme called Amazon prime. It provides unlimited one-day delivery for one year and it costs 49GBP. Once the buyers are member of prime, buyers will get discount if the buyers want to get express or evening delivery. The memb ers will also able to borrow kindle books for free (Amazon prime 2013). Push-pull strategy Amazon has started with pull systems. There is no inventory, no warehouse and no overhead. The company acts as a middleman who taking the orders and it will be filled by Ingram book group (Simchi-levi et al 2007). When the time has passed, the growth of the company has forced Amazon to hold some inventory in order to respond customer needs by having several distribution centres. So the strategy has changed to push-pull. The inventory is hold using a push strategy while orders are shipped using a pull strategy. The decoupling point of Amazon is distribution centres. However, some of slow items are still used pure pull strategy as there is no inventory. By having several distribution centres, the holding cost for Amazon is increased as well. Inventory segmentation The inventory network of Amazon is multi-tier inventory management. This will help the company plans and offers real time optimization service that  allows Amazon to have minimal amount of inventory needs to achieve its service level (One network N.D.). By having this network, Amazon is able to offer nearly unlimited selection. Nonetheless, the problem is each tier treats separately while not concerns about inventory of another echelon. Then bullwhip effect occurs which is inventory holding higher in each tier because there is no sharing information across the tier (Lee 2003). Amazon’s multi-tier inventory is composed of three tiers. The first tier is Amazon distribution centre. The inventory will be aggregated in distribution centres, which enables the company to hold fewer inventories. The second tier is wholesaler and partner DCs. If the products are not available from Amazon’s DC, the company will use IT systems to search for this product in partner inventories in order to assign which party will be responsible for this order. By doing this, the customer service will be high as there is no stock out experiences. Lastly, publishers, manufacturers, vendors and third-party sellers are included in third tiers. All these parties help the company to fulfill unlimited selection of goods offer in Amazon (Chiles and Dau 2005). Factors influencing Amazon’s supply chain configuration now and future Transportation Amazon provided many choices of delivery to balance cost of transportation and level of service. The company does not have large scale to contact full truckload. So the company provides free shipping in order to achieve longer lead-time of transportation. This will help company able to reduce cost and achieve economy of scale (Robinson 2010). However, the company is provided highly responsiveness options as well, which is cost company a lot. Even though the customers are willing to pay higher price to get the products faster, it should not cost anything from Amazon but it is not like that. Amazon cannot utilize its highest benefits of its transportation systems. That is why the company needs to design its supply chain networks to minimize the costs. Order sourcing The challenge of Amazon is to make decision which internal warehouse or  external partnership should be the one who responsible for this customer order. Once the order has been places via website, customer is expected to get products on time. Finding the lowest solution in short period of time is the hardest things when there are many items located in difference places and it needs to deliver in single delivery. So, the company decided to implement technology such as warehouse management systems to get real time and single view of inventory for effective sourcing (RedPrairie N.D.). Evaluate strategic and operational implications Supply chain network Amazon operates eight distribution centres within United Kingdom (UK), which are Rugeley, Hemel Hempstead, Marston gate, Doncaster, Petreborough, Dunfermline, Gourock and Swansea. Locations are selected base on distance to markets, Close to transportation mode such as Motorway and main rail link, Airport and river (Amazon Location 2013). According to Melendez (2013), several DC would help the company provides quicker deliver, lower transportation costs and easy access. Furthermore, sometimes transportation hubs, also known as injection points, were used to reduce the cost of transportation in high customer demand areas. The products will be shipped from DC to transportation hubs with full truckload. Then the inbound trucks will be unloaded the packages and load into outbound trucks which runs by a smaller carrier partners such as UPS, DPD and Hermes (Amazon Carriers 2013; Chiles and Dau 2005). Moreover, Amazon adopted drop shipment approach. The order will be picked, packed in Amazon package and delivered by supply chain partners, which are manufacturer, wholesaler and third parties. By doing this, the company is able to survive from its huge losses but it caused negative effects as well. It is about 33 percent of Amazon’s single orders are multiple products. Nonetheless, it needs to pool specific goods from difference location and ships the collective goods as one delivery, which takes time and causes a delay that leads to customer dissatisfied. (Pilai and Dutta 2004) Transportation The most difficult factor of transportation is to gain efficiency due to large numbers of small order from customers, so the company cannot gain advantage of the scale at all. Amazon used transportation hub to reduce the cost of transportation. The hub is acted as a cross docking to transfer goods to last-mile delivery. Amazon will aggregate the demand and ship it to transit hub together in order to achieve less than truckload or full truckload. Nevertheless, it needs to accumulate in term of region zone. So it takes longer time to complete this strategy. Hence, the company has introduced difference delivery option such as free super saver delivery in order to get longer lead times/ available to promise day. By doing this, Amazon is able to achieve economy of scale which is lower its cost and the customer satisfaction stays on acceptable level. However, sometimes goods are not available to the customer on time because the time spent on accumulate took longer than it should be and whe n the demand is high (Amazon 2013; Chiles and Dau 2005; Robinson 2010; Barzeski 2009). Technology As Amazon does not have a storefront, so it needs to provide the perfect visual store experience to compensate the touch of products. The company utilizes from its own technology innovations to differentiate itself from other e-commerce. The innovation includes A9 and one click ordering. The former aspect is a subsidiary company, which provides product search engines and search inside the books whereas the latter aspect is used to speed up ordering process, and introduce product recommendations, which determine customer interest from previous purchases (A9 2013; Curtis 2013). Amazon also needs an innovation to support back-end supply chain integration and execution. The company have advance warehouse management systems to support order sourcing, labour management, load balancing, process alternative and supplier collaboration. All these factors make an efficient process to support multi-tier inventory of Amazon (Chiles and Dau 2005). Besides, Amazon has been critiqued about unbearable working conditions, mandatory overtime and using human as a robot which is pushing workers to physical limit. Employees within its DC walked more than 15 miles a day to look for products and every move has checked by computers. Therefore, the company decided to use Kiva robot to deliver shelves stocked with  merchandise to DC workers instead of workers to walk around and find products. There are 1,400 kiva robots in three DC. By having these robots, Amazon can improve productivity and reduce cost up to 50 percent annually in area of warehouse efficiencies (Soper 2011; Kais er 2013). Nevertheless, this robot costs Amazon large amount of money. It is more cost effective if Amazon just hires human workers. Is it worthwhile to invest for? Wagstaff (2012) argued that the benefit of this investment for Amazon is outweighed. The company will have better publicity, improve reputation about ethical and avoid lawsuits. In addition, Amazon also launched prime air, also known as drones, which is able to delivery goods to customers within 30 minutes after buyers place the orders. The process of prime air starts from packages pass on a conveyor belt and drone will lift it off with the package and go straight to customer’s address. However, this innovation has not allowed to use nowadays. The fastest possible will be around 2015 (BBC 2013). RECOMMENDATIONS The problem is Amazon depends on courier such as UPS and FedEx too much in order to reduce the cost of transportation and make it efficient. Recently, this courier causes negative reputation for Amazon that cannot deliver the products on time when the demand is high and the customer satisfaction is decreased (Jayakumar 2013). Hence, the company should run its transportation with their private fleet in last-mile delivery because responsiveness is a crucial factor for Amazon. According to Hirsch (2010), the benefits from using private fleet is not only better customer service and greater visibility but also hold 100 % control of driver for safety, enhance branding and no driver shortage during high season/demand. Besides, private fleet will become a true competitive differentiate point as it is a connection point to customers (Schulz 2010). Furthermore, bullwhip effect is another issues. This issue happened because there is lacking of integration along the supply chain. The current stage of Amazon and its supply chain partner is cooperation. So the company should  raise the relationship to be coordination with its suppliers or become the best scenario which is collaboration. Besides, all companies along supply chain should share their information and communication in order to reduce barriers, reduce excess inventory and enhance business synergy (Cao and Zhang 2010). BARRIERS TO IMPLEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS As the writer’s recommendations, the obstacle to implement this suggestion are fluctuate demand and highly investment. Because of demand uncertainty, the company cannot know for sure what exactly amount of goods must be deliver for this area in this month. So the private fleet might not worth the cost of investment. Moreover, there is highly investment on private fleet. The cost of truck is expensive but it can be lease instead of buy to reduce the cost of maintenance as well. The cost of workers and training are another factors. The company needs to train driver to drive with manner. Lastly, the company needs to check on mile-drive and fuel every day in order to prevent fraud which takes time a lot. When the problem happened, the driver might have an excuse not to responsible for the problem. So many companies have decided to install GPS to track each driver but it costs large amount of money as well (Lynch 2007; Liccardi 2013). CONCLUSION Supply chain management plays a crucial role on Amazon’s successful. The company’s primary goal is to offer one stop service that customers can find everything on Amazon’s website and it will deliver it to buyer place within a promise time. In order to do this, the company needs to have cooperated with partner to do multi-tier inventory systems to provide nearly unlimited goods. Moreover, it needs an effective distribution networks to deliver merchandise to the customer on time. All of these are reflect the main strategy of Amazon to provide high responsiveness to the customers.