Most important inventions Essay

One of the most prominent features of the present century is the progress of science and its effects on almost every aspect of social life. Nowadays, more and more new things invented to make our life more comfortable and convenient. It is difficult for us to point out which inventions changed human’s life the most, but in my opinion the three most remarkable inventions changed the world the most are the creations of electricity, aircraft and computer. Firstly, electricity actually becomes necessary in human beings’ life, it has contributed much in manufacturing, curing and operating machines. If the power of electricity had never been existed we wouldn’t have even a fraction of what we have in the world today. No electricity also means that there is no TV’s, no computers, no air conditioning†¦ Indeed, we cannot even imagine how we would live in absence of electricity in modern times. In addition, many diseases are treated by electric treatment today. Surgeons will not be able to carry on their instruments and machines without electricity. For example, X-ray machine which enables the doctor to take the photograph of the internal parts of the body can be operated only with its help. This is an industrial era. Many big and heavy machines are used to generate foods, goods, clothes†¦.Nonetheless, such machines works only with the help of electricity. In some progressive countries, like Japan, electric power is used in almost all the factories, a power cut in one day could lead to the deadlock. For this reason, electric power is really useful in production as well as the growth of industries. The second invention I believe that it has great impacts on our social life is the creation of computer. It would actually be difficult to say when the first computer was made but Charles Babbage was the first one to conceptualize it. He called it ‘The Analytical Engine’ though he never could build it. In fact, computer is the extremely important Invention because it helps us to display and save information; this invention is also applied in almost all fields. In olden times, storing information had many  disadvantages. You had to write information on the papers and then store them a certain place. As a matter of fact, the data could be lost after a long time due to old paper, wood-borer †¦. However, today it becomes easier and more convenient with computer. You just type the information you need, save it and it is done. You do not need many shelves to save data anymore. On the other hand, you can edit them as you like and you can save them as many files as you want. PC actually is utilized in almost all fields such as studying, working and entertaining. For instance, people can use computer for presentation, planning a project, playing videogames, watching TV and listening to music. The last but not least is the invention of aircraft. All of us cannot deny the creation of aircraft has changed the way of our traveling. The airplane is not only one of the greatest inventions in the 20th century, but also one of the most wonderful scientific creations of the human history at large. This mean of transport made it possible for people to work in places miles away. The existing of aircraft has turned long and exhausting journeys into a trip completed within hours. Also, the people from divergent parts of the world could travel from one region to the other quickly, thereby exchanging different aspects in social and cultural experiences. It is one of the crucial factors that help business expand to global market. Furthermore, children can attend school in distant countries. In the past, this was impossible. Hence, the children of today are better educated than those of the past. Thanks to the creation of aircraft, human beings became more dynamic, they are able to do business in foreign lands and visit various countries all over the world. Scientific inventions have made this world worth living. They help our life become more comfortable and convenient. And three of the inventions modifying deeply the way we live are the creations of electricity, computer and aircraft. We can sure that these changes will not stop there, these inventions have just built the foundation for the future scientists to create more and more inventions, and we cannot ima gine how our life would change in the next few years.

Analysis on Successful and Failed Company

Analysis on Failed Company 1. Kodak Kodak founded in 1880 by George Eastman. Eastman Kodak, the 131-year-old film pioneer that has been struggling for years to adapt to an increasingly digital world, filed for bankruptcy protection on January 2012. (Merced, January 2012) Example: In 1996, Kodak introduces Advantix Preview film and camera system, which Kodak spent more than $500M to develop and launch. One of the key features of the Advantix system was that it allowed users to preview their shots and indicate how many prints they wanted.The Advantix Preview could do that because it was a digital camera. Yet it still used film and emphasized print because Kodak was in the photo film, chemical and paper business. Advantix flopped. (Mui, 2012). Reasons of Failure: Kodak’s strategic failure was the direct cause of Kodak’s decades-long decline as digital photography destroyed its film-based business model. Kodak’s missed opportunities in digital photography. Kodak mana gement’s inability to see digital photography as a disruptive technology, even as its researchers extended the boundaries of the technology, would continue for decades.George Eastman, who twice adopted disruptive photographic technology, Kodak’s management in the 80’s and 90’s were unwilling to consider digital as a replacement for film. The transformation from analog cameras to digital camera was failed. This limited them to a fundamentally flawed path. They cannot compete with the gradual rise of the mobile phone camera ( Apple iPhone, Samsung) and others strong competitors ( Nikon, Olympus, Canon). Kodak mistakes that people, in after the picture will continue to print it out, but this kind of thing more and more impossible.From this perspective, photo sharing more for communication, rather than personal memories. 2. Pets. com (internet and new technology failure) Launched in August 1998, Pets. com was created to sell pets food and accessories via the internet. Users of the site could browse through different categories, choose products they like and have them conveniently delivered to their home. On 7 November 2000 Pets. com announced that it could no longer continue as a business, and as such became the first US dot. com on the stock market to close. Pets. com folded after having burned through $300 million in less than two years.Over 300 people lost their jobs and the site was shut down. In a statement made to the press on that same day, CEO Julie Wainwright explained the situation. ‘It is well known that this is a very, very difficult environment for business-to-consumer Internet companies,’ she said. Reasons of Failure: Perhaps the main problem was that Internet users weren’t ready to order their pet food online. After all, dog food is dog food, and there clearly weren’t enough people searching for rare pet items that they wouldn’t be able to find in their hometown.In 1998, people will rathe r driving down to the shops and getting the pet food and accessories on the spot, rather than wait a few days delivery period. The strategy of offering extreme discounts clearly wasn’t working. According to Dan Janal, author of Branding the Net, the cost per customer acquisition for Pets. com was about US $80. He said ‘There’s no way you make that back when you sell a product with a paper-thin margin†¦ ’ But its discount policy wasn’t Pets. com’s only problem.It had also introduced free shipping – which was proving increasingly expensive for the company to sustain, especially when customers were ordering very little. One of its major mistakes was the excessive spending on marketing and advertising. During its lifetime Pets. com spent more than $70 million on marketing and an average of $400 to acquire each new customer (Bucholtz, 2000). Pets. com advertised more heavily than any other online pet e-tailer. Pets. com spent too much money on building awareness, and too little time questioning whether its Web site was a viable business in the long term. 3. Tesco in Japan Japan is the smallest of Tesco's 13 international businesses, consisting of 129 stores in greater Tokyo and making less than ? 500m in annual sales, according to analysts' estimates. According to Guardian News (August 31, 2011) noted that Tesco has decided to sell its Japanese business after eight years there. On June 18, 2012 Tesco sell half its operations in the country to Japanese retailer Aeon Corp. for a nominal sum, the first of a two-stage exit. The two companies will form a joint venture, with Tesco investing some 0 million pounds (($63 million) to finance further fund restructuring. After that, Tesco will have no further financial exposure to the Japanese business. Reasons of Failure: †¢Lackluster economic growth In the almost decade-long period (it entered in 2003 through acquisition of local player C Two-Network) it was operating in the market, the retailer never seemed able to gain scale and traction in a notoriously difficult retail sector. In 2011, Tesco Japan made trading losses of ? 35m. †¢Wrong partner In Japan, C Two-Network at the time of acquisition had 78 stores and annual revenues of less than $0. 5 bn.By any stretch of the imagination it was not a major player in the Japanese retail sector. Plus, some of its stores required plenty of investment. †¢Tough competition Tesco’s competitors had been operating before the entry of Tesco and had built strong market dominance. Launching Tesco Express seemed a logical move given the existing store portfolio and the format’s success elsewhere. However, it faced stiff competition from local c-store giants such as 7-Eleven, LAWSON, FamilyMart and Ministop. In addition, these players have also expanded into residential price-focused supermarkets – LAWSON STORE 100.Beside this, rivals such as Seven & I and AEON have really investe d in improving their own ranges in recent years. ? 4. Harley Davidson Harley Davidson (H-D), the American motorcycle manufacturer has a loyal brand following not only in the U. S. but also in many countries across the globe. It also introduced a range of accessories to match the bike. A chain of retail shops sold H-D branded merchandise like T-shirts, jackets, caps, gloves, helmets key chains, socks, ornaments etc. Reasons of failure: A brand over-extension In the 1990s, it extended the brand too far and moves into inappropriate categories.The company introduced products like ties, infant clothes, wine coolers, aftershave and perfumes. Even the loyal fans did not like the idea, as it did not resonate with the tough brand identity. However, Perfumes and wine coolers were eroding the mystery of the H-D brand. After strong criticism from the loyal customers, the company pulled of many inappropriate products. H-D had learnt a branding lesson. More products did not mean more revenue and overextending the brand meant a short-term focus. The company has now admitted its mistake, and stopped producing perfumes and other inappropriate products. . Pan Am Pan American World Airways was one of the most famous brands of airline on the planet in the 1980s. Pan American World Airways known as Pan Am was the principal and largest international air carrier in the United States from 1927 until it ceased operations on December 4, 1991. Reason of failure: †¢Tragedy – terrorist attack In 1988, disaster struck. A Pan Am plane (flight 103) on route from London to New York disappeared from radar somewhere above Scotland. Later it emerged that a bomb had gone off in the cargo area, causing aircraft to break in two.In total, 270 people were killed, including 11 on the ground. This horrible nature of the tragedy make Pan Am name was tarnished and could never recover. Despite the company’s constant promises of commitment to increasing its airline’s security, the public was simply not willing to fly with Pan Am due to decline in confidence. ? 6. Kellogg’s in India Kellogg offered Corn Flakes, Wheat flakes, Basmati rice flakes (ready to eat cereals) in India. Despite offering good quality and being supported by the technical, managerial and financial resources of its patent, Kellogg’s product failed in the Indian market.In April 1995, a 25% decline in sales happened in India. Reasons of failure: †¢Over confidence and ignorance of cultural aspects Kellogg’s believed that it is going to introduce the new breakfast products, heavily on the quality of crispy flakes. But pouring hot milk on the flakes made them soggy. Also Kellogg in its advertising campaigns hinted that the Indian breakfast was not nutrition and that Indian breakfast was not good for health. This deeply hurt the sentiments of the home maker. Once the home maker’s ego was hurt they psychologically turned themselves against the concept of corn flak e based breakfast. Lack of understanding Indian consumer’s behavior and habits India is a country that has a history that comprises of traditional practices, which also include the regular and long followed eating habits. Kellogg’s failure was the fact that the taste of its products did not suit Indian breakfast habit. †¢Premium pricing policy Another reason for the low demand was deemed to be the premium pricing adopted by the company. The prices of its products were too much than the nearest competitors like Mohan’s Cornflakes. ? Analysis on Successful Company 7. Starbucks in ChinaHoward Schultz, the CEO of Starbucks announced that China will become its largest market outside the United States. It has opened over 500 outlets in the country, which are more profitable per outlet than in the U. S. China will soon become the biggest market outside the United States for Starbucks. The keys to Starbucks were to: †¢Create products tailored to China’s unique cultural tastes Instead of trying to force onto the market the same products that work in the U. S, Starbucks developed flavors (e. g. green tea-flavored coffee drinks) that appeal to local tastes.Rather than pushing take-out orders, which account for the majority of American sales, Starbucks adapted to local consumer wants and promoted dine-in service. †¢Position its brand as â€Å"aspirational† to allow higher product pricing. The average coffee sold in China is far more expensive than in the U. S. Carrying a Starbucks cup is seen as a status symbol, a way to demonstrate sophistication and the capability to afford a personal luxury for the up-and-coming middle class in China. Starbuck's high pricing strategy of specialty drinks allows it to have its Chinese outlets be more profitable per store in China despite the lower sales volume.Overall in Asia, its operating margins are 34. 6% in 2011 versus 21. 8% in the United States. †¢Differentiate itself from its competitors Starbucks build-in spacious, comfortable air-conditioned or heated stores attracting professionals for business meetings. Starbucks former strategy was centred in offering a high quality product to a narrow consumer segment (coffee lovers). By offering high quality, these lead customers to have a lower sensitiveness on price, opportunity for higher margins, and an increase of customer loyalty. ? 8. Subway The main reason for their success is they are going with the right trends.Since people now are more concern on healthy lifestyle, food with less calories and more nutritional food. Subway constant expansion has turned us from choosing McDonald to ‘Eat Fresh’ value meal. At the end of 2010, Subway had 33,749 restaurants worldwide, in comparison to McDonald’s which had 32,737, the BBC reports. A major promoter of the Subway brand, and a huge boost to the company’s image, has been Jared Fogel, the young man who decided to go on a diet that simpl y consisted of Subway sandwiches. He was hundreds of pounds overweight, and successfully lost this weight on his Subway diet.Subway achieved its rapid growth, in part, by opening outlets in non-traditional locations around the world. It had very strategic in planning its locations. These include a car showroom in California, an appliance store in Brazil, a ferry terminal in Seattle, a riverboat in Germany, a zoo in Taiwan, a Goodwill store in South Carolina, a high school in Detroit and even a church in New York, according to the Wall Street Journal. The Subway Restaurants are pretty small; this mean their cost are very low and can fit basically anywhere. Another great idea Subway had was to introduce the 5 dollar foot long.As money becomes tighter and tighter, consumers didn’t want to waste money on lunch. For 5 dollars, you can get a decent amount of their subs. The nice, round price that can be paid with one bill has led to a song and tons of sales. 9. Blackberry in Indone sia Compared to all countries in Southeast Asia, Indonesia does have the largest number of BlackBerry users. The BlackBerry came to Indonesia in 2004, when Research In Motion (RIM) formed a partnership with local telecommunications company PT Indosat. There are about three million BlackBerry subscribers in Indonesia. Atika Shubert , 2009). Blackberry discovers the habits of the users in Indonesia. Indonesians love to use their phones to type and chat. People from all walks of life here like to form online communities and share information, especially on their BBM profiles which is ideal for this type of social engagement. So they come out with the phone that with keyboards and touch screen function. The iPhone's touch screen has less appeal in this respect. Another reason is price. Blackberry phones cost about $500 when sold new, compared to an iPhone that costs around $900.But if bought on Indonesia's â€Å"gray market† — in order words, smuggled in tax free — then a BlackBerry can be purchased for around $300. That caters not just to Indonesia's high-end businessmen but also to the country's growing and fashion-conscious middle class. (Atika Shubert , 2009). Another reason is accessibility. Indonesia's Internet infrastructure is expensive and not always reliable. Getting a home broadband connection can cost as much as $100 a month. For many Indonesians, it's easier, and cheaper, to get a web-enabled phone. (Atika Shubert , 2009). 10. Tesco in South KoreaTesco had been evolving itself, adjusting to the local market. It even change the name itself from Tesco to Home plus. When grocery chain Tesco wanted to expand their market share in South Korea without increasing the number of stores. They came up with a brilliant idea. Due to the people in South Korea work long hours and less leisure time. Also increase populations possess smart phones. They thought of an efficient way to sell their products. The Korean subsidiary Home Plus put up billb oards in subway stations with their range of products, accompanied by QR, or Quick Response codes.All people had to do now is scan the QR codes with their cell phone and the groceries were delivered to their doorsteps. The South Korean market remains Tesco’s largest international business with sales of ? 4. 5bn and profits of almost ? 300m. (ReWiring Businees, 2011). According to Tesco’s Business Review in Asia, their Home plus concept is delivering remarkable results with sales growth of 33% and profits went up to over 50% in South Korea. They otherwise continue to make good progression with establishing a strong brand in Asian markets. List of referencesAtika Shubert (December 28, 2009). CNN tech: BlackBerry boom in Indonesia. Available from the world web: http://articles. cnn. com/2009-12-28/tech/indonesia. blackberry_1_blackberry-phones-iphone-mobile-phone? _s=PM:TECH Brand Failure (November 14, 2006). Internet and new technology failures: Pets. com. Available from the world web: http://brandfailures. blogspot. com/2006/11/internet-and-new-technology-failures. html Casestudyinc. com (Mar 12, 2012). A brand extension mistake by Harley Davidson . Available from the world web: http://www. casestudyinc. om/harley-davidson-brand-extension-failure Gray, Paul (December 23, 2009). Pets. com – A Classic Example of Product Development Failure. Available from the world web: http://www. brainmates. com. au/brainrants/pets-com-%E2%80%93-a-classic-example-of-product-development-failure Merced, Michael J. De La (January 19, 2012). New York Times: Eastman Kodak Files for Bankruptcy. Available from the world web: http://dealbook. nytimes. com/2012/01/19/eastman-kodak-files-for-bankruptcy/ ReWiring Business (July 4, 2011). Tesco goes virtual again – Application of few success factors in South Korean retail business.Available from the world web: http://www. rewiringbusiness. co. uk/tesco-goes-virtual-again-%E2%80%93-application-of-few-success-fact ors-in-south-korean-retail-business/ Mui, Chunka (January 19, 2012). How Kodak Failed. Available from the world web: http://www. forbes. com/sites/chunkamui/2012/01/18/how-kodak-failed/3/ USA Today ( Feb 10, 2012). Rein, Shaun, CNBC. com Contributor: Why Starbucks succeeds in China and others haven't. Available from the world web: http://www. usatoday. com/money/industries/food/story/2012-02-12/cnbc-starbucks-secrets-of-china-success/53040820/1

Student Essay

In both â€Å"Hard Choices† and â€Å"Initiation into Adulthood† we are giving a look at three different stories, everyone who is approach to adulthood is filled with growing pains, and stretching out of our comfort zones, and the decisions that make us who we are. Each of the Essays looks at them differently. What made one better than the other? We learn that getting and keeping the reader's attention Is very important. The author of â€Å"Hard Choices† let us know what we are going to be reading about fast. In the essay â€Å"Hard Choices† we are given a clear Introduction and thesis statement.Telling us that we are looking at an overview of different stories, not Just a story written about children's choices or their passage to adulthood can help us to understand what we are reading. By letting us know right away what the essay Is looking at makes It easier to read. Furthermore, â€Å"Hard Choices† did a good Job comparing the three stones. Not o nly holding our attention with clear overviews that were Interesting but also a paragraph at the end comparing them all. Then closing with a conclusion that was short and to the point will help with understanding.In tot essays we get a comparison of the 3 stories in the conclusion, there are still some points that left me looking for clarity, after reading â€Å"Initiation into Adulthood† In the â€Å"Hard Choices† They not only looked at each story it addresses a total comparison taking the comparison further. One weakness that I saw in the essay â€Å"Hard Choices was the way two of the paragraphs started, â€Å"Like† and â€Å"Likewise† are so similar that is almost repetitive. There are other words that could have replaced one of them. Starting each of the paragraphs differently would make for better reading.Although the word choice was great the start of each of the paragraphs was repetitive. On a whole the essay â€Å"Hard Choices was well written and superb at keeping our attention altering the way each paragraph was started would have made it more enjoyable. Looking at â€Å"Initiation into Adulthood† the start was misleading; don't wait till the thesis statement to let us know the essay is a comparison of stories. When first reading â€Å"Initiation into Adulthood† it appeared as though this paper would be talking about how we all become adults and grow to have our own say in the life e live.This can be miss-leading and loose some reader at that point. Also, being more concise and interesting in your disruptions of each story will help to keep each reader reading, looking for more. We were told what happened in the story but the reader's attention may or may not be held if they are not a little more Involved. â€Å"Initiation into Adulthood† was written using proper grammar and conveyed the correct Information. Summing it all up, Writing a paper comparing the works of others can be helpful and also hu rtful at the same time.The approach best taken loud be one that holds a reader's attention telling us as we go the highlights and comparisons, Including the good and bad. But then at the end answers any questions that might be out there unanswered and still needing more Information Student Essay By Tweets We learn that getting and keeping the reader's attention is very important. The the essay â€Å"Hard Choices† we are given a clear introduction and thesis statement. Understand what we are reading. By letting us know right away what the essay is looking at makes it easier to read.Furthermore, â€Å"Hard Choices† did a good Job impairing the three stories. Not only holding our attention with clear overviews that were interesting but also a paragraph at the end comparing them all. Then closing some points that left me looking for clarity, after reading â€Å"Initiation into Adulthood†. Reader's attention may or may not be held if they are not a little more involv ed. Correct information. Summing it all up, Writing a paper comparing the works of comparisons, including the good and bad. But then at the end answers any questions that might be out there unanswered and still needing more information

The New Professional Discipline of Ethnography Essay

The New Professional Discipline of Ethnography - Essay Example The idea is to come up with a scientific description of the people being studied and give any outside observers a very good idea of how a society had developed over generations, creating its own culture. Ethnography used to be a sub-specialty of anthropology which in turn is the study or the science of the origins, biological characteristics, cultural development and the social customs or beliefs of mankind. However, ethnography is a much more narrowly-focused study of unique cultures and is now recognized as a separate discipline by itself. The aims of ethnography are to come up with interesting or unusual explanations of some observed behaviors and phenomena among the people being studied. It is an intensive type of fieldwork that requires immersion in the culture or society that is studied, by spending weeks, months or even years among the people. This paper discusses the rationale for the study of the Nuer people of Africa, a primitive society but which has endured over the years, in ways similar to biblical tribes. Some theoretical questions that can be asked for this particular study are what are the benefits, insights or expectations of studying these people who seem to belong to the early era of human history? Is a study like this not a waste of time, when it seems to be going backward instead of forward? The Nuer people consists of several tribes, numbering close to 900,000 persons living in the areas of South Sudan and western parts of Ethiopia. Their main source of livelihood is cattle raising, although they rarely eat beef except on some special occasions but maintain cattle herds chiefly as a milk source for them. The word Nuer means â€Å"original people† and they belong to the same ethnic group as the Dinka and Atwot (the two other main tribes living in this region) which speak the same uniform Nilotic language, with no discernible or observable dialects. The reason why they own cattle is largely cultural, in the sense it determines the political  hierarchy or social standing of Nuer men, based on the quantity and quality of the cattle herd he has.

Public Opinion & Responding to Crisis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Public Opinion & Responding to Crisis - Essay Example These stakeholders can present diverse sources of ideas and opinions that can improve the quality of analysis and problem solving processes. 2. What is a command center and where should it be located? A command center is a place where emergency management team members convene to make decisions during times of crisis and to communicate with others. It is a place where people know who the responders are and what they have to do during times of crisis. It should be located at a room, where there is access to communication lines, such as a telephone or wireless internet. There should also be a secondary command center, in case the primary one is damaged. The secondary command center should be far away from the primary one, so that damage in one school area cannot affect the secondary command center too. 3. Detail information first responders should receive prior to any crisis. First responders should receive detain information about the resources of the school, resources of the community, contact information of different community and public agencies in all kinds of crises, contact information of students and parents, and information about the communication system during times of crises. They should know where all phones are located and what to do when primary communications are all down. First responders should know where command centers are and who its primary members are, as well as their contact numbers. a. Do you think the parents are being unreasonable? The parents are not being unreasonable, because they are thinking only of the welfare of their children. They are also paranoid already and lack trust in the public and school officials. They need something tangible to hold on to, even when their demands may border lack of justifications. They also need to establish communication lines that will help them make better decisions and to earn their trust. b. What is your personal

Managing Financial Resources on Tesco and Sainsbury Essay

Managing Financial Resources on Tesco and Sainsbury - Essay Example Both the companies Tesco and Sainsbury are a retail giant multi-chain retail stores. Both the companies are companies have achieved profitability in the financial year 2013. Looking at the financial statement both the companies are in the relatively safe position in terms of profitability. On the overall Sainsbury has a better profitability margin than Tesco. With regards to the Liquidity ratio both the company are in a similar position. Both the companies should look at improving their financial performance to improve their return to the shareholders. Tesco PLC is a multinational grocery store located in Cheshunt, United Kingdom. It is presently the second largest retailer in the world in terms of revenues. It has its presence in 14 countries across Europe, Asia and North America. Tesco was originally a grocery retailer and has diversified geographically into many areas like books, clothing, retailing, furniture, electronics, petrol and software. It also has its presence in telecoms , financial services and internet services, music downloads and DVD rental. This report will take a look at the financial performances of the two companies; discuss possible users of such analysis and what they can do with this information. Discussion Profitability ratios Three profitability ratio for Sainsbury and Tesco are shown below Profitability Ratio for the year ended 2013 Sainsbury Tesco Gross profit margin 0.05 0.06 Net Profit margin 0.03 0.02 Return on Equity 0.11 0.08 Gross Profit margin is used to measure the financial health of a company. It reveals the amount of money which is left over after deducting the cost of goods sold from the revenues. It is the source of paying for additional expenses and future savings. It indicates the manufacturing efficiency of the production process for the company. A high gross profit margin signifies that a company can make profit while keeping the overhead cost in control. A low margin indicates that a company is not able to control it s production cost. Retail Industry average of Gross profit margin is around 10%. But for both the companies it is below the industry standard. For Sainsbury it is 5% and for Tesco it is 6%. For both the company the cost of sales is high as percentage of its sales. For Sainsbury the cost of goods sold comprises of 95% of the sales figure and for Tesco it is 94%. Both the company must try to reduce its operating cost to improve its efficiency. There are ways to improve the gross profit margin. The company should look to optimise its price structure and should not look at discounting their prices. The company should try to sell goods at higher margins. The company should try to improve the inventory systems like less theft, stock obsolescence. Net Profit Margin The Net profit margin is how much dollar is earned by the company ultimately for each dollar of sales achieved by them. Similar to gross profit margin, their ratio shows the efficiency of the company. This ratio shows the compan y’s pricing policies and how efficient the company is in running its operation. Retail Industry average of Net Profit margin is 10%. For both the companies the ratio is well below the industry average. For both the companies the Net profit margin is nearly the same. They must try to improve their ratio so that the efficiency increases. The companies should try to increase their volume of goods sold. They should aim to decrease their purchase cost, increase their conversion rate of raw materials, and sell goods at higher margins. Return on Equity Return on Equity is another measure of efficiency of the management in generating the returns for the capital invested by the shareholders. The higher is the ratio the better it is for the shareholders to invest their money into the company. In retail industries companies require huge capital to invest in their business. Hence the companies should generate high returns. The industry average of ROE is 15%. Both the companies are both b elow their standard figure. ROE of Sainsbury is higher than that of Tesco. This shows that

Business Management 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Business Management 2 - Essay Example Considerably, this also includes how leadership style and management skills affect the successful implementation of the four functions of management. In business, Planning, Organizing, Leading, and Controlling, are the four managerial functions vital to the success of every management vision. Management process is a system where the four managerial functions are sought to be very critical; that if one function ceases to be useful, success is difficult to attain (Rothbauer-Wanish, 2009). However, the functionality of the four managerial components is also affected by the type of leadership and the managerial skills the managers possess and exhibit. Planning. The successful execution of the four managerial functions leads to the success of a company. Planning, the fundamental function of management is where business goals and objectives are stated for future operations. It includes the basics of business planning—the business’ objectives and goals—and strategic planning, which includes â€Å"internal and external environmental analyses †¦ and the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis† (Erven, 1999). Furthermore, planning also includes concerns regarding the kind of environment the company is operating (Barnett, 2010). One international company that had successfully executed the planning function of management is Toyota Motors Corporation. Planning, in Toyota, is done prior to the environmental conservation initiative of the company, which is reflected in its statement of corporate responsibility (Toyota, n.d.a). In fact, its motors are designed to foster environmental conservation and sustainable development as well (Toyota, n.d.b). Organizing. Another managerial function important in any organization is organizing. According to Management Study Guide (1998-2009), organizing refers to the coordinating of the different business resources to

The Merger of Granda and Compass Research Proposal

The Merger of Granda and Compass - Research Proposal Example The success/failure of the merger will be analysed according to the Economies of scale: "This refers to the fact that the combined company can often reduce duplicate departments or operations, lowering the costs of the company relative to theoretically the same revenue stream, thus increasing profit."2 Many authors have dealt with the issue of clarity and understandability of the topic of mergers. Most of the research studies are aimed at studying the factors, which motivate the management of the companies to undertake the decision of merger and the benefits or the losses The study of mergers and acquisitions focuses on understanding what motivates managers to engage in this type of activity and the impact that mergers and acquisitions have on shareholder returns. Mostly the main aim of the companies for mergers could be empire building through growth in size, sales, and assets. 3 Mostly the motivation for the merger involve the increase in the market gains, the competitive advantage in shape of technological advancement, and the increase in the strength of the companies. In some cases the HR practices also improves as the result of these mergers. Efficiency improvements can be gained from synergy of target and bidding firms due to economies of scale and use of excess capacity. Recent studies stated that value creation couldn't be achieved in case of horizontal merger. 4 5 6 The entity formed by the merger of Granada and Compass, "Granada Compass", was 66.25% owned by Granada shareholders and 33.75% by those of Compass. The merger proposal said that prior to the IPO, Granada Media was expected to be capitalised with no net debt. At the end of March 2000, Granada's net debt was 1.9bn and Compass's was 1.1bn. In a joint statement Granada and Compass said that they expect their combined businesses to be "better placed to exploit the significant growth opportunities in each of its core markets and to benefit from the combination of its complementary businesses." 7 On the other hand the horizontal merger of Bell south and AT&T is expected to provide both the companies with the following advantages. Cross selling: Through the merger the companies become enable to sell their products to the customers of the other company. The natural combination of two will improve the services provided to the customers. Financial Benefits: The merger of both the companies will lead to a "financial benefits for stockholders of both companies; an expected net present value of $18 billion in synergies resulting from a more than $2 billion annual run rate in synergies expected in 2008, growing to $3 billion in 2010." 8 On the other hand the expected merger will lead to "accrete AT&T adjusted earnings per share in 2008, double-digit adjusted EPS growth in each of next three years (earnings adjusted for merger integration costs and amortisation of intangibles) and significant growth in free cash flow after dividends in 2007 and 2008". 9 Geographical or other diversification: Another advantage

Investment Options Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Investment Options - Research Paper Example Individuals or firms who speculate in futures contracts by buying to profit from a price increase or selling to profit from a price decrease are aptly termed as speculators. Suffice it to say that speculators put their money at risk in the hope of profiting from an anticipated price change. Buying futures contracts with the hope of later being able to sell them at a higher price is known as "going long." Conversely, selling futures contracts with the hope of being able to buy back identical and offsetting futures contracts at a lower price is known as "going short." An arbitrageur is a type of investor, actually a type of speculator, who attempts to profit from price inefficiencies in the market by making simultaneous tradesthat offset each other andcapture risk-free profits.An arbitrageur would, for example, seek out price discrepancies between stocks listed on more than one exchange, buy the undervalued shares on the one exchange while short selling the same number of overvalued shares on the other exchange, thus capturing risk-free profits as the prices on thetwoexchanges converge. Arbitrageurs are typically very experienced investors since arbitrage opportunities are difficult to find and require relativelyfast trading. The three amigos were certainly not hedgers as they were not concerned about protecting the interest of Getty Oil. They were, in fact, keen on making a quick buck out of buying shares of Getty Oil (which were very cheap) and selling them at a higher price when the takeover battle commences. In this regard, they can be considered as speculators as they are buying the shares in the hope of higher selling prices in the future. However, because the three amigos were taking advantage of the price inefficiency of Getty Oil which was at 30$ instead of having risen to $50 to 60, they are arbitrageurs. They were so keen in capturing risk free profits or at least an investment with very little risk. 2. Describe step-by-step their strategy. What were the major assumptions of their strategy They were relying on what type of investors to move in what way The strategy of the three amigos is to find a stock price which carried with it minimal or no risks (i.e. stock price would not go down in the future). They were looking for a company that was not closely observed by stock traders and which was very likely to have stock prices going up thereby making them earn profits in a very short period. The major assumption that the three amigos made was that Getty Oil's stock price was not likely to go down and the conditions were ripe for an increase. They arrived at this by considering that Getty Oil was selling only at a low multiple of its cash flow and had assets that can be easily valued and liquidated. Getty Oil also had assets in the right place and had proven reserves. The political, economic and oil industry's environment also showed that is highly probable that oil players will be at the winning edge in the future. The only reason that Getty Oil stock price hasn't risen yet despite all the positive factors was that the shareholders were segmented which was causing inefficiency in grabbing the opportunity. With an imminent takeover, Getty Oil will soon take advantage of the positive fact

Sustainable Competitive Advantage Essay Example for Free

Sustainable Competitive Advantage Essay A sustainable competitive advantage occurs when an organization acquires or develops an attribute or combination of attributes that allows it to outperform its competitors. These attributes can include access to natural resources or access to highly trained and skilled personnel human resources. It is an advantage (over the competition), and must have some life; the competition must not be able to do it right away, or it is not sustainable. It is an advantage that is not easily copied and, thus, can be maintained over a long period of time. Competitive advantage is a key determinant of superior performance, and ensures survival and prominent placing in the market. Superior performance is the ultimate, desired goal of a firm; competitive advantage becomes the foundation. It gives firms the ability to stay ahead of present or potential competition and ensure market leadership. Resource-Based View of the firm. In 1991, Jay Barney established four criteria that determine a firms competitive capabilities in the marketplace. These four criteria for judging a firms resources are: 1. Are they valuable? (Do they enable a firm to devise strategies that improve efficiency or effectiveness?) 2. Are they rare? (If many other firms possess it, then it is not rare.) 3. Are they imperfectly imitable (because of unique historical conditions, causally ambiguous, and/or are socially complex)? 4. Are they non-substitutable? (If a ready substitute can be found, then this condition is not met?) When all four of these criteria are met, then a firm can be said to have a sustainable competitive advantage. In other words, the firm will have an advantage in the marketplace which will last until the criteria are no longer met completely. As a result, the firm will be able to earn higher profits than other firms with which it competes. Developing Sustainable Competitive Advantages 1. Customer Loyalty: Customers must be committed to buying merchandise and services from a particular retailer. This can be accomplished through retail branding, positioning, and loyalty programs. A loyalty program is like a Target card. Now, when the customer uses the card as a credit card, Target can track all of their transactions and store it in their data warehouse, which keeps track of the customer’s needs and wants outside of Target. This will entice Target to offer products that they do not have in stock. Target tracks all sales done on their cards. So, Target can track customers who use their card at other retailers and compete by providing that merchandise as well. 2. Location: Location is a critical factor in a consumers selection of a store. Starbucks coffee (shown here Figure 1) is an example. They will conquer one area of a city at a time and then expand in the region. They open stores close to one another to let the storefront promote the company; they do little media advertising due to their location strategy. 3. Distribution and Information Systems: Walmart has killed this part of the retailing strategy. Retailers try to have the most effective and efficient way to get their products at a cheap price and sell them for a reasonable price. Distributing is extremely expensive and timely. 4. Unique Merchandise: Private label brands are products developed and marketed by a retailer and available only from the retailer. For example, if you want Craftsman tools, you must go to Sears to purchase them. 5. Vendor Relations: Developing strong relations with vendors may gain exclusive rights to sell merchandise to a specific region and receive popular merchandise in short supply. 6. Customer Service: This takes time to establish but once its established, it will be hard for a competitor to a develop a comparable reputation. 7. Multiple Source Advantage: Having an advantage over multiple sources is important. For example, McDonalds is known for fast, clean, and hot food. They have cheap meals, nice facilities, and good customer service with a strong reputation for always providing fast, hot food

The Potassium Atom Philosophy Essay

The Potassium Atom Philosophy Essay The Potassium atom is a member of the group one family of alkali metals. Due to the fact that group one metals have only one electron in their outer shell, means that potassium is an extremely reactive and electropositive element. A gentleman named Sir Humphrey Davy was the first to isolate this element in the year 1807 through the electrolysis of immensely dry molten caustic potash, otherwise known as Potassium Hydroxide (KOH). Its named after the the old Dutch word potaschen meaning potash. Its symbol on the periodic table is the letter K which stands for the Latin word kalium also meaning pot ash. When calculating the electron number of Potassium, we can refer to its atomic number on the periodic table as shown in the following diagram: http://exchangedownloads.smarttech.com/public/content/e4/e4296d16-d0f9-4787-bb8a-0695e616c828/previews/small/0001.png Atomic number Graphic taken from exchange.smarttech.com The atomic number will always display the figure of positively charged protons in an atom. The number of protons within the nucleus of an atom will always attract an equal number of negatively charged electrons. Potassium has an atomic number of 19 which means it has 19 protons that are attracting 19 negatively charged electrons in its neutral state. Strontium ion The Strontium atom which has lost 2 electrons is known as a Strontium ion. Strontium is a member of the group 2 alkaline earth metals. Having only two electrons in its outer shell, Strontium is highly reactive like all other group 2 metals. This element was discovered in Scotland by a gentleman named Adair Crawford in the year 1790 as the mineral strontianite. It was given its name after the Scottish village Strontian in which it was found in. However, in the year 1808, Sir Humphrey Davy was first to isolate Strontium on its own through the process of electrolysis. This comprised a mixture of mercuric oxide (HgO) and strontium chloride (SrCl2). When calculating the electron number of the Strontium ion, we can refer to the atomic number of the Strontium atom as shown on the periodic table. Atomic numberhttp://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTh8Q_XgZHS23iyIAsk1w9tJ-oRnslYnF6uVBLk2hNksebU7BKY Graphic taken from www.glogster.comglogster.com glogster.com We can see from the diagram above that the atomic number of Strontium is 38. This represents 38 positively charged protons in the nucleus that are attracting 38 negatively charged electrons in its neutral state. Strontium has 2 valence electrons in its outermost shell. The Strontium ion has a 2+ charge (Sr2+) which means it has lost two of its valence electrons. It is much easier for Strontium to lose these 2 electrons in order to achieve a noble gas state than it would be for it to gain 6 electrons to get an octet configuration. By subtracting 2 electrons from the electron number of Strontium (38), we are now able to calculate the Strontium ion as having an electron number of 36. Francium atom The Francium atom was discovered in France by a lady named Marguerite Pere in the year 1939 who named the element after her country. The element is extremely radioactive and is a member of the Group 1 alkali metals, having only one valence electron in its outer shell. Francium (Fr) is a positively charged element and is willing to lose its outermost electron to achieve its noble gas state, otherwise known as a cation. Atomic numberhttps://www.store.acs.org/eweb/images/ACSStore/PT6498_thumb.jpg Graphic taken from www.store.acs.org By referring to the periodic table, one is able to see that a neutrally charged Francium atom (Fr) has an atomic number of 87. This means that it has 87 positively charged protons in the nucleus which will attract 87 negatively charged electrons. Bromide ion The Bromine atom which has gained an electron is known as a Bromine ion. It was discovered in France by a gentleman named Antoine J Balard in the year 1826. Bromine has a particularly unpleasant smell and was therefore named after the Greek word bromos meaning stench. It is a member of the group 17 family of Halogens which are incredibly reactive, non-metal elements. Bromine, including all other elements in this group, will borrow an electron to complete its octet configuration. Atomic number Atomic numberhttp://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS8QR1k8J5qhYBNWA25hCmFuCcgoWd-FetYIcmXlaFV1J8v7qz6FCLyBA We can see from the diagram above that the atomic number of a neutrally charged Bromine atom is 35. This shows that there are 35 positively charged protons inside the nucleus which will therefore attract 35 negatively charged electrons. Bromine has 7 valence electrons in its outermost shell. This gives the Bromide ion a -1 charge (Br -1) because it has only needed to gain 1 valence electron to get an octet configuration. It is easier for Bromine to gain one electron in order to achieve a noble gas state than it would be for it to lose 7 electrons to achieve the same result. This is why Bromine is considered to be an anion. If we add the extra one electron gained by Bromine, to its electron number of 35, we will then have the electron number for the Bromide ion which will be 36. . The Mass Spectrometer is a device designed especially to separate ions via a mass to charge ratio. It deflects and detects ions and can record their intensities. A typical device is comprised of three main parts. These parts are the ion source, a mass analyser and a detector. Once the molecule within a sample has been broken down into a gaseous state, the atoms of the sample go through a further 4 main stages. These stages are called ionisation ( the production of positively charged ions), acceleration (positively charged ions accelerated by an electric field), deflection (positively charged ions are deflected in proportion to their mass/charge ratio) and finally the detection stage (positive ions of a particular mass/charge ratio are detected). 1.2 EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF ATOMIC ORBITAL, AND DESCRIBE THE DISTRIBUTION, SHAPES AND RELATIVE ENERGY OF ELECTRON ORBITALS WITHIN THE FIRST FOUR SHELLS. Explain what you understand by the term atomic orbital. Describe the distribution, shapes and relative energy of atomic orbitals found within the first four shells in terms of the s, p, d and f orbitals An atomic orbital refers to the region of space where there is a high probability of finding an electron. It describes the movement of a single electron or a pair of electrons within the atom. Each atom is comprised of its main electron shells (hydrogen having only one main electron shell). These shells are known as quantum levels and can be broken down into sub energy level shells. The sub energy level shells can then be broken down into orbitals. Each main quantum level (identified as the K, L, M, N shells), consists of one or more sub shells. The K quantum level has only one Sub shell (S sub shell). The L quantum level has two sub shells (S and P sub shells). The M quantum level has three sub shells (S, P and D sub shells) and the N quantum level has 4 subshells (S, P, D and F sub shells). Each electron has a negative charge which means that they repel one another. Due to this repulsion, energy from these electrons is then separated into different orbitals found around the nucleus. An atomic orbital can hold up to 2 electrons with opposing spins. The S sub shell has 1 orbital and can hold up to 2 electrons. The P sub shell has 3 orbitals and can hold up to 6 electrons. The D sub shell has 5 orbitals and can hold up to 10 electrons and the F sub shell has 7 orbitals, holding up to 14 electrons. Electrons can behave as a particle and as a wave and this makes it impossible to accurately determine a pathway for an electron orbital. Werner Heisenberg was a theoretical physicist who developed The Heisenberg uncertainty principle in 1927. The Uncertainty Principle was to describe the impossibility of knowing both the position of an electron and the velocity of an electron simultaneously. Louis de Broglie was a French physicist who thought that anything which had a mass will also behave like a wave. However, it didnt seem as though objects with mass such as basket balls and people, actually had any wave properties at all. This is because the wave property is inversely proportional to the mass, so an object with a very tiny mass like an electron will have a very significant wave property. In 1927 an Austrian physicist name Erwin Schrodinger defined what an electron was doing inside of an atom based on it being a wave and not as a particle. He formulated The Schrà ¶dinger equation (H Ã‚ ¹ = E Ã‚ ¹). The equation allowed one to obtain a set of mathematical equations known as wave functions ( Ã‚ ¹) and by knowing these wave functions; one could describe the probable location and velocity of an electron at a certain energy level within the atom. From the equation, four quantum numbers were derived. These numbers are used to pin point the probable location of an electron and describe the orbital it is occupying. It is rather like a postal code, even though it doesnt give its precise location, it does provide one with an electrons general location in space. The 4 quantum numbers correspond to the principle quantum level number (n) which can be any integer from 1-7, the subshell quantum number (l) which can be any integer from 0 to n-1, the orbital quantum number (ml) which has integral values between 1, 0, -1 and the electron spin quantum number (ms) which has two possible values of +1/2 and -1/2. By referring to these 4 numbers, one can predict the dista nce the electron is from the nucleus, the shape of the orbital, the position of the orbital and the spin of the electron. S orbital Graphic used from angelfire.com B C AThe diagram on the left displays the S orbital occupying the first 3 energy levels. Each main energy level has an S orbital. Diagram a is the 1s orbital. The number 1 informs us that the orbital is in the energy level closest to the nucleus. Diagram b is the 2s orbital. This orbital is in the second energy level. Diagram c is the 3s orbital and is in the third energy level. The s describes the orbitals shape, with all S orbitals having a spherically symmetric (non directional) shape around the nucleus. The 2s and 3s electrons have a higher energy than the 1s electrons. This means that the 2s and 3s electrons are on average, further away from the nucleus and this increases the size of the orbital making the 2s and 3s orbitals larger than the 1s orbital. The corresponding (l) value of the S orbital is 0 which means that the value of (ml) is also 0. http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTTNiJ4lHuR9TGSUhTt1dd1JKleilD3u2hiHKkrJZ7sTKQVPM3A1To8hEn8FA P orbital Graphic used from chemtube3d.com The P orbitals appear different to S orbitals and this is because they follow a certain direction, unlike the non-directional (spherical) S orbital. The P orbital appears on the second energy level also with the 2s orbital and can inhabit 6 electrons whilst the 2s orbital is only able to inhabit 2 electrons. There are three 2p orbitals which are all oriented perpendicular to one another. These orbitals are given the symbols px, py and pz to correspond to their position on the x, y, z axis. A P orbital consists of 2 lobes which can inhabit 2 electrons. However, once each P orbital has a single electron, then they will start to form pairs and fill each orbital with 2 electrons. As the energy levels increase, the P orbitals will get bigger in size (2p, 3p, 4p) which means that the space where the electron is likely to be found is a further distance away from the nucleus. The P orbital has an (l) value of 1 and an (ml) value of -1, 0, +1 because there are three possible orientations of t he orbital in 3d space.http://www.chemtube3d.com/images/porbitals.png D orbital Graphic used from angelfire.com http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTN3yvcX0Bp8llWJ80LaCj1mXYKffA_yQ_1UPwKpCEPLy38DAy92paVouDU Presented in the diagram on the left are five D orbitals on an x, y, z axis. The D orbitals (dyz, dxy, dz2, dxz, dx-y2) exist at the third energy level also with the 3s orbital and the 3px, 3py, 3pz orbitals. Each individual D orbital has a different orientation in 3 dimensional space and can inhibit up to 2 electrons, which is a total of 10 electrons between them. The surface of the D orbital and all of the space within it constitutes the space in which one is most likely to find the electron. The D orbital has an (l) value of 2 and as there are five different possible orientations of this orbital in 3d space, it has an (ml) value of -2, -1, 0, +1, +2. F orbitals Graphic used from angelfire.com There are seven F orbitals that exist on the fourth energy level as well as the 4s orbital, the 4px, 4py, 4pz orbitals and the 4dyz, 4dxy, 4dz2, 4dxz, 4dx-y2 orbitals. Each individual F orbital can hold up to 2 electrons which is a total of 14 electrons between them. If we were to plot the positions of the electron within the F orbital in all of the different locations it was found, we would start to form a 3 dimensional map of the places that the electron has travelled in. These 3 dimensional maps are described in the diagrams shown on the right hand side. Each of these shapes represent where the electron is most likely to be found 90% of the time. The F orbital has an (l) value of 3 and as http://www.angelfire.com/falcon2/dirgni/f.gif There are seven different possible orientations of this orbital in 3d space, It has an (ml) value of -3, -2, -1, 0, +1, +2, +3. 1.3 APPLY THE AUFBAU PRINCIPLE, HUNDS RULE AND PAULI PRINCIPLE TO THE WRITING OF THE FULL ELECTRONIC CONFIGURATIONS FOR ANY ELEMENT WITH AN ATOMIC NUMBER BETWEEN 1 AND 36 Describe what you understand by the Aufbau Principle, Hunds Rule and Pauli Principle. In terms of the above, show the full electronic configuration of any element with an atomic number between 12 and 36 When it comes to filling electron energy diagrams, one has to obey three different rules. These rules are known as The Aufbau Principle, Hunds Rules and the Pauli Exclusion Principle. The Aufbau Principle explains that orbitals of lowest energy are filled first from the bottom and then upwards. Hands rule principle states that if we were to have multiple orbitals of the same energy, then one should place an orbital in each before they double up. The Pauli Principle states that no two electrons in an atom have the same four quantum numbers. All three rules are explained in further detail below. Aufbau Principle The Aufbau Principle was founded by two physicists named Neils Bohr and Wolfgang Pauli in the 1920s. The name originates from a German expression, meaning to build out. The principle describes the way electrons are added to an atom or a molecule and shows that orbitals of a lower energy are filled before orbitals of a higher energy. It shows us that an orbital can only inhibit 2 electrons at most with no two electrons having the same four quantum numbers within an atom. Pauli Exclusion Principle The Pauli Exclusion Principle was formulated by a Gentleman named Wolfgang Pauli in the year 1925. Fermions are any particles such as electrons, protons and neutrons which have an odd half spin. The Pauli Exclusion Principle explains that no two fermions can occupy the same quantum state. However, Bosons which are particles that have an integer spin (0,1,2,3..) and carry force, do not obey the Pauli Exclusion Principle. Test results described fermions as being repelled by the Pauli Exclusion Principle when the temperature dropped whilst Boson particles were not repelled. The Principle explains why electrons are kept increasingly further away from the nucleus when quantum states fill up, balanced by the attractive electric force between the electron and the positively charged nucleus. It has been discovered that some stars are held up by degenerate pressure which resulted from the Pauli Exclusion Principle. Hunds Rules The Hunds Rules were a set of formulated rules developed by a German Physicist named Friedrich Hund in 1927. The Hunds rule of maximum multiplicity explains the particular order that electrons fill subshells. The Rule says that the electron will inhibit orbitals of an equal energy level in order to create the largest multitude of orbitals having an electron within them. It clearly states that when one is to fill up a subshell, they should start by putting electrons in the individual orbitals of 2p (such as 2px then 2py, then 2pz) instead of filling each orbital up with two electrons before continuing on to the next orbital of the axis. Simply, the orbitals of a subshell must be occupied singly and with parallel spins before they occupy in pairs. The Hunds rule teaches that the greater the total spin state of the electron will result in making the atom a lot more stable, manifested most commonly in a lower energy state. This is due to the fact that it forces the unpaired electrons to inhibit in different spatial orbitals. Below is the a diagram showing the application of the three rules (Aufbau Principle, PEP, Hunds Rule) when building the electron configuration for Sulphur (S) in group 6 on the periodic table. 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p4http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/9436/electronicconfigurationvv8.jpg 3P 3S 2P Above is a diagram of the Bohr model of sulphur atom taken from mugging-chocobos.blogspot.com In the diagram above, we can see that all 3 rules have been applied. The Aufbau principle (building from the bottom upwards), the Pauli Exclusion Principle (2 electrons with opposing spin within each orbital) and the Hunds Rule (each individual electron will inhibit a spatial orbital separate from one another before pairing up in the same orbital). 1S 2S

Mechanised Forces In Asymmetrical Forms Of Warfare History Essay

Mechanised Forces In Asymmetrical Forms Of Warfare History Essay Oxford Dictionary defines Asymmetry as lack of symmetry while others define it as not balanced or regularly arranged on opposite sides ie lacking equality and balance. Asymmetry is evident when two adversaries differ in availability of resources or technology, leading to an imbalance. Many authors use this term in the same breath as guerilla warfare, terrorism and/or insurgency which to an extent are actually tactics which address the disadvantage occurring due to asymmetry. Any imbalance between two belligerents would force the one who is weaker to resort to alternate tactics and concepts in order to negate the conventional, organisational or technological superiority of the stronger of the two. The conflict thus breaks away from military boundaries and now encompasses other environments, typically physical, where now it may involve civilians. More often than not, the winnings accrue from winning over the people and their minds and by moulding opinions in own favour. Thus the tactic s employed to achieve symmetry by the weaker actor do not follow set rules or positions and attempt to undermine the strength of the stronger adversary by exploiting his weakness and impacting him psychologically more than physically. Asymmetric warfare is considered as a subset of the Fourth Generation Warfare and can take on any form including information operations, guerilla warfare, urban operations or low intensity conflict; all unorthodox, irregular form of operations only to achieve symmetry. The Indian States and mostly the Indian Armys experience in combating this form of warfare is unique. Starting with the North-East insurgency, the IPKF imbroglio, ongoing low intensity conflict (LIC) in Jammu Kashmir and the developing Left Wing extremism, our experience is tremendous. Having said so, it must be admitted that in all this, the employment of mechanised forces has been restricted, except during the IPKF operations. Hence, the question of its relevance in such operations is bound to arise in our context. Relevance of Mechanised Forces in Forms of Asymmetrical Warfare Conventionally, the impact of mechanised force is synonymous with mobility, firepower and shock action. However, its employment in forms of asymmetrical warfare is under debate. Indian experience has not found much use of the mechanised elements except when absolutely necessary viz operations in Sri Lanka, Kashmir (Sopore) and Punjab (Golden Temple). This is more so drawn from the fact that utilisation of mechanised elements during internal security tasks raises the psychological level of conflict and draws un-necessary attention, both media and global. Further, impact of heavy armour and threat of collateral damage is inherent in employment of mechanised forces and hence its usage is deliberately restricted internally. Evidently, the utility of mechanised forces in their present form is limited in Internal Security tasks. However, contingencies for the employment of mechanised forces by the Indian Army do exist and shall become a reality in the near future as the country finds itself a footing as a regional and economic superpower amongst the comity of nations which would thrust upon her enhanced international commitments and responsibilities. India would need to demonstrate its will and capability to employ and deploy its military component beyond its national borders and in increasing numbers. Some of these contingencies could be:- United Nations mandated peacekeeping or peace-enforcement missions. Even today mechanised sub-units are operating as part of brigade groups in UN Peace-keeping duties. Out of Area Operations (OOAO). The main concept of OOAO envisages carrying out operations outside national boundaries either unilaterally or multilaterally towards fulfillment of military or political objectives. However, the obligations to undertake OOAO in the developing global environment would include maintaining regional stability and ensuring own national interests, wherein there may be occasions for military deployment in regional nations, independently or as part of regional alliance. As part of International Force in counter terrorist and counter insurgent operations. Examples of utilization of mechanised forces abound outside especially the operations of Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), US Army in Iraq, Russians in Chechnya, etc. even our own experience and lessons learnt whilst employing mechanised forces as part of IPKF in Sri Lanka are valuable. A SWOT analysis of the characteristics of a mechanised force would allow us to arrive at the best method of employment and thus the tactics required to be followed. (PHOTO SWOT ANALYSIS) While there is no denying the fact that one of the major characteristics of armour ie mobility is severely hampered in such operations, the exploitation of the other characteristics offset this disadvantage. Firepower. The target acquisition and engagement ability of the armour allows it to deliver precision fire even in restricted terrain. This obviates the need of Air Support and thus avoids collateral damage. The availability of secondary armament in the form of a machine gun is a major advantage. Shock Action. The physical presence and arrival of armoured forces in the area of operations is a symbol of power and destructive capability. The physical presence of armoured troops provides a deterrent effect and lends to strike fear in opponents not similarly equipped. Armour Protection. This characteristic plays a major role in LIC operations and MOUT (Military Operations in Urban Terrain) wherein the small arms fire is negated effectively. However, weapons of the adversary may also include rocket propelled grenades (RPGs) and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) which can be offset by additional protective systems like the explosive reactive armour (ERA) and operating techniques viz combined arms team. Flexibility. LICO and MOUT will involve small team operations with decentralized control. The tank or Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) are most suitable weapon platforms for leading such operations due to their inherent flexibility through communications and advanced battlefield management systems (BMS). History has been replete with examples of mechanised employment in asymmetrical forms of warfare. Recent instances are the Russians in Chechnya, the Israeli experiences and the extensive use of mechanised units in Iraq. Let us very briefly analyse some of these experiences which may suggest the relevance of mechanised forces in such operations or otherwise. Russians in Chechnya Russian invasion of Chechnya in December 1994 was a classical example of an asymmetrical battle in urban terrain between a conventional superpower versus the unorganized but highly motivated Chechen fighters. After failing to topple the anti-Russian regime in Chechnya through covert means, the Russians launched a major conventional effort to oust Djokar Dudayev, the renegade former Soviet Air Force officer who headed that separatist movement. While the Russian mechanised formations initially had some success driving the Chechens from the open areas of northern Chechnya, their lack of a plan for the operations in the city of Grozny, led the Russians to adopt the strategy of driving an armoured column into the center of town and capture the main administrative buildings, on the assumption that serious resistance would then cease. The Russians suffered numerous casualties and were forced to withdraw. The resulting military disaster has become a classic case study of the folly of using m assed armour without organizing combines arms teams, in an urban terrain. The Israeli Experience In response to the Hamas suicide bombing in Netanya, the Israelis launched OPERATION DEFENSIVE SHIELD (Intifada-II for the Palestinians) aimed to eliminating the safe havens of Hamas fighters in the refugee Camps. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) attack on the Jenin Camp gives us major lessons in employment of mechanised forces in urban terrain while countering asymmetrical tactics. IDF used its mechanised forces in conjunction with infantry and Special Forces troops in combined arms teams. This allowed them to exploit the firepower, protection and shock effect of the armoured sub-units. Mechanised columns were used to isolate the Camp initially and then as part of combined arms teams, they were utilised to invest and further assist the infantry in clearing the Camp. Lessons learnt by the Israelis make the tanks relevant in such operations albeit with certain modifications to the tactics and organisation. US Army in Iraq The extensive use of tanks by the US Army in its counter insurgency operations in Iraq firms in the relevance of mechanised units, especially in urban terrain. The US Army, after initial setbacks, changed tactics and started employing mutually supporting combined arms teams of tanks and infantry. The vulnerability of the armoured columns to insurgent tactics in urban terrain was offset by use of infantry in close support. Tanks were preferred over Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) due to the low survivability of the latter and the fact that risk of carrying troops in an APC was not worth the loss of lives. Commanders consider the intimidation and firepower of the Abrams a crucial tool for putting down the insurgents. When the Marines crushed insurgent-held Fallujah, they brought in two extra brigades of M1 Abrams tanks. The precision firepower, armour protection and ability to operate in small teams independently gave the commanders on ground the flexibility and reduced casualties a nd collateral damage. (Photo : Abrams tank upgrade for urban operations) Its a dirty, close fight, says an article in  Armor, the US Armys official magazine of tank warfare, by a group of officers led by Maj. Gen. Peter Chiarelli of the 1st Cavalry Division. Be wary of eliminating or reducing heavy armor as the Army modernizes, the officers warn, arguing it is crucial against insurgents crude but effective weapons. The M1 tank is still the platform of choice, says Colonel Russ Gold, a former commander in Iraq and chief of staff at the U.S. Armys Armor Center in Fort Knox, Primarily it was the shock effect, and it provided a lot of protection. Before OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM, the Army had one vision for the future: the notion that a lighter, more mobile force would make armor obsolete. Now, the Army is recognizing that the tanks must be upgraded, he says, so that their armor can be used even more effectively, especially in the cities. IPKF in Sri Lanka Not much has been written or analysed with regards to the employment of mechanised forces by the IPKF but the operations of the one armoured regiment that was employed is a pointer to certain tactical lessons for the future. In asymmetrical forms of warfare and especially in urban terrain, the primacy of infantry is established but the commanders generally have a tendency to restrict the use of armour as part of road opening or operating base security. Generally the trend in IPKF operations was to break down the tank troops into individual weapon platforms with them being placed in support of the infantry coy / platoon. This led to enhanced casualties due to the inadequate knowledge of Infantry Company / platoon commanders on employment of tanks and also enhanced the vulnerability of tanks. Another lesson was the vulnerability of a tank to the threat of IEDs and chemical energy weapon systems. (Photo : T-72s damaged in IED blasts in IPKF) Tactics of Employment Tactics vary constantly with the situation especially when facing asymmetric challenges. Particularly, the urban terrain does force change in tactics and method of employment of mechanised units. Some of these have been discussed below. Employment of mechanised forces in isolation would be a retrograde step. The success of the mechanised units as part of an integrated task force or combat team is obvious. A combined arms team consisting of elements of armour, infantry and engineers is a potent force for such operations. They are mutually supporting and can exploit the characteristics of each other. Command and control of ibid combined arms teams needs to be dwelled upon. The command of such teams must be bestowed upon the one most capable to exercise operational control over the others. It shall be extremely difficult for the infantry commander to exercise control over the armoured troop and the Engineers detachment and hence, the obvious choice is the armoured troop leader due to his effectiveness in controlling his troop as well as the Engineer detachment while the infantry provides the close-in protection and clearing tasks. Needless to say, communications and infantry-tank cooperation would require tremendous coordination. For effective mutual support, the US Army utilized the box or the diamond formation wherein several Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) were grouped together. Tactics employed was to position vehicles at the four points of the formation and advance using slow, coordinated forward movements allowing time to scan the areas that may be dominated by the enemy. When movement was halted, the AFVs took up positions on crossroads in order to provide better observation and coverage. At the Combat Group level, dispersion was maintained by employing several box formations moving in parallel through blocks or streets and coordinating their advance and firing sectors in order to reduce the chances of fratricide. This also enhanced the lateral security of the columns. Organisational changes may have to be resorted to in order to enhance the survivability in such asymmetrical conflicts. We presently follow the traditional four troops with each being a three tank troop while the squadron headquarters is equipped with two tanks. It may be prudent to re-organise the combat team prior to deployment in such operations, to only three troops in a squadron with each troop being a four tank troop. The second tank in the squadron headquarters be replaced with an ICV with command, control, communications, computers and intelligence (C4I systems) on board. A four tank troop has major advantages as the troop now can operate in two tank sections with inherent mutual support. This would also confirm to the recommended formation of employment. In Iraq, the increasing demand for armoured units establishes the relevance and importance of mechanised units in asymmetrical conflicts especially fighting in built up areas (FIBUA), or as US Army would put it, MOUT. Another relevant thought process is the coercive impact of armoured units in such operations whereby, the armoured forces have been used as a visible symbol of power threatening the psychological domain of the adversary and impacting his morale. Conclusion The Indian Armys experience in asymmetrical forms of warfare is well known albeit more infantry oriented being related to internal security. Our infantry units are now adept and do adapt accordingly. However, the mechanised forces have remained under utilized except for their employment during IPKF operations and as part of UN peace keeping duties. As evident, the mechanised forces have a major role to play in asymmetrical conflicts and MOUT and the experience of other armies, especially the Israelis and the US Army, has been encouraging. There is a need to study their operations and gain from their experience, in order to prepare ourselves and our troops for such asymmetrical conflicts in the future. Even in conventional warfare there may be a need to re-invigorate the FIBUA technique of fighting, going by the fact that in developed terrain there may be a need to capture certain built up areas.

Canadas Diverse History :: Canadian Canada History

Canada's Diverse History This essay analyzes the diversity of Canada's history, geography, climate, economy, cultures and government. Did you know it is the largest country in the world now that U.S.S.R broke up. Specifically, Canada is 9,922,330 square km. Did you know that Canada used to be named "Kanata"? Yes, Kanata is an Indian word meaning village. It was not until July 1,1867 that Kanata was renamed Canada. Canada was originally discovered by Jacques Cartier an explorer from France who sailed down the St.Lawrence in 1534. Cartier we believe was the first to set foot on Canadian soil. He marked his presence with a flag claiming it his land. Over the years, Canada has developed into the home of the largest free-standing structure in the world. Canada,(a great tourist attraction)is also home of the largest water fall in the world. Our farmland unlike a lot of others has a variety of climate. The warmer summer climate ranges from +10 - +30 and the cooler climate ranges from anywhere to -10 - -30. Despite the changes in temperature, Canada's precipitation is very light. Our home is enclosed by the United States of south, the Pacific ocean and Alaska on the west side, the Atlantic ocean on the east side and the Arctic up north. One of the dominant reasons Canada is so well populated is due to the fact of our financial status. At this present time, the economy is not doing too well, but who's is? Canada is highly industrialised by manufacturing Automobiles, food, liquor and tobacco. We as a Unified country accept other cultures and religions. Canada has about every nationality possible and together they form a great home. Despite the many cultures, Canada's main languages are english and french. Canada is a democracy. This means the government is elected by all t ople.

J.B.Priestley’s play, An Inspector Calls :: English Literature

AN INSPECTOR CALLS COMPARE THE LIVES OF EVA SIMTH AND SHEILA BIRLING â€Å"Property is that old fashioned way of thinking of a country as a thing and a collection of things on that thing.† This quote is taken directly from J.B.Priestleys late night post scripts on BBC radio in 1940, which were banned for being to critical of the governments actions, and can be used to sum up the capitalist view perfectly. I think this quote is made from the point of view of a capitalist who believes that the old-fashioned belief is to think of property as belonging the country and its people however the new belief, his belief, is that property can belong to individual people and not to the state or its people at all, and when a person owns his own property he can run it any way he sees fit. This is a belief which Priestly continually criticizes throughout his play. An Inspector Calls was written in 1945, the year the Second World War ended, but was set in 1911. The social climate of both years was of great unrest as was many areas of industry in Britain and many strikes took place all over the country much like the strike which took place in Mr. Birling’s factory. Priestley set the play in 1911 because of the onset of the First World War and he would be able to write the play with the advantage of hindsight, he could also make Mr. Birling look bad with his portentous beliefs and his promises of no war. He may have also set the play in 1911 because at this time he was 18 years old, working as a junior clerk in a wool firm and was about to gain his first insight into the differences between the social classes. The people he met at this age encouraged him to take part in their political arguments and discussions which were soon to influence his opinions and frame the values he was to later write about. These also led to him eventually attending university already politically aware at the age of 25. By writing the play 35 years after it was set, Priestley gave his audiences the advantage of hindsight. He wanted to do something about the injustices of society, and because only the middle and upper classes could afford to go to the theatre, his audiences were exactly the kind of people he was attacking. They were witnessing their own lives on stage and for them it may not have been a very pleasant thing to see. I believe that at the time only the middle and upper classes

John Irving, a prayer for owen meany Essay

In the first chapter of A Prayer for Owen Meany, John Irving displays an expansive, articulate style that relies heavily on rich descriptions to create detailed portraits of the New England of his youth, especially the title character who inspires him to believe in God and Christ. Irving’s language throughout the chapter is articulate and his sentences long, perhaps to accommodate his rather abundant, detailed descriptions; it is almost oratorical without being florid or long-winded, reflecting the fact that the narrator is descended from a prominent New England family (including the Puritan minister for whom he is named). He also relies heavily on memories, moving from his recollections of Owen to broader discussions of his own family and hometown, creating a context for the subsequent action and thus giving his memories a deeper meaning. In addition, Irving uses Owen as a symbol of Christ-like divinity – the boy is something of a martyr for his suffering (indeed, he never tells on his peers for their abuses), and yet he takes away the narrator’s mother, however unintentionally, by hitting the foul ball that kills the narrator’s mother (hence the chapter’s title, â€Å"The Foul Ball†). Irving avoids sounding childish by using articulate adult language, but he conveys a child’s point of view by speaking in a matter-of-fact way about how he and his peers picked on the frail, undersized Owen. He conveys no immediate judgments or apologies for his actions (indeed, as a child he feels no shame for it), and he does not analyze his motivations. For example, when Owen offers a surprisingly mature complaint about church services, the narrator says, â€Å"To these complaints, and others like them, I could respond only by picking up Owen Meany and holding him above my head† (Irving 23), showing how other children are unable to comprehend Owen. He also implies adults’ stupidity by mentioning his oblivious Sunday school teacher and how the police chief and coach quarrel over the ball after his mother’s death. The author wants the reader to understand his world (hence the detailed discussions of his town, family, and relationship with Owen) and especially Owen’s complex role in it. Though he mentions his Christianity at the very start, the narrator does not preach or scold the reader, admitting that he is a rather lazy Christian but also making clear that he feels deeply indebted to him (despite Owen’s role in his mother’s death) and makes the reader feel sympathy for the victimized Owen. Irving’s language is richly descriptive without becoming tedious, and he recalls Owen’s characteristics humorously, especially his diminutive size and high-strangled voice (Owen’s words always appear in capitals). Irving communicates respect for Christianity, but not for the ritual or doctrine – he admits his laziness and calls his approach â€Å"a church-rummage faith† (Irving 2). Instead, he believes in the divine power channeled through Owen, whose intelligence and deep understanding of God set him apart from his peers. Irving implies that both the narrator and New England, despite their Puritan past, find religion uninspiring until Owen appears, and that Owen has vastly more potential to influence events than is shown in the first chapter. More explicitly, he evokes New England’s provincial values, especially the split between insiders (the descendants of Puritans, like the narrator) and outsiders (later arrivals, like Owen’s Irish-Catholic family), and Irving contrasts the region’s harsh religious past with the narrator’s spiritual barrenness, for which Owen ultimately becomes a remedy. In the book’s first chapter, Irving shows the reader a rich picture of his characters’ world, creating the context in which the narrator’s transition from nonbeliever to Christian occurs. He presents Owen in a sympathetic light, as a wise yet victimized figure whose suffering and kindness bring enlightenment into a milieu that needs it. Irving, John. A Prayer for Owen Meany. New York: Ballantine, 1989.

Business studies-intrapreneurship case study Essay

Intrapreneurship Case Study of the Sony Corporation, according to Ken Kutaragi PlayStation Intrapreneur The story of the Intrapreneurial (corporate entrepreneurial) corporate struggles, determination and the ultimate creation of the very successful Sony PlayStation by persistent and driven intrapreneur Ken Kutaragi, who’s international Intrapreneurial Success story has now become one of the most celebrated in business history. Intrapreneurship has been successfully utilized by corporations, partnerships, and non-profit firms in the US, Europe, Asia, and Africa. The underlying concept and idea of Intrapreneurship or Corporate Entrepreneurship had been present in corporations in the United States, Japan, and all around the world, for many decades, even before the term was used in the mid 1980’s in the mainstream media. Howard Edward Haller’s University Master’s Thesis was published back in 1982. Haller’s Thesis was the first academic case study of Int rapreneurship or corporate entrepreneurship. The intrapreneurial success of PR1ME Leasing helped the small growing OTC listed parent corporation (PR1ME Computer) to grow rapidly with strong sales and profits. PR1ME Computer Inc. was OTC listed and becoming NYSE listed n 4 years after launching the very successful Intrapreneurship adventure, PR1ME Leasing. The terms and basic concepts of â€Å"intrapreneur† or â€Å"Intrapreneurship† have existed and been effectively utilized in corporations for decades before the popular media put Intrapreneurship in mainstream media. On February 4, 1985 TIME Magazine’s article, â€Å"Here come the Intrapreneurs† discussed the Intrapreneurial spirit including the creation of Apple, and Saturn within General Motors, as well as Intrapreneurship ventures at AT&T, Data General, DuPont, and Texas Instruments. Steve Jobs, Apple’s Chairman then and now, used the word â€Å"intrapreneurship† in a Newsweek magazine article, September 30, 1985, in which Chairman Job’s shared: â€Å"The Macintosh team was what is commonly known as intrapreneurship-only a few years before the term was coined – a group of people going in essence back to the garage, but in a large company.† Now for the history of successful product creation and international marketing l aunch of Sony intrapreneurial creation, by intrapreneur Ken Kutaragi, of their very success intrapreneur success with PlayStation. Ken Kutaragi, who was educated as an electrical engineer, joined Sony Corporation in Japan in 1975, at the age of 25. Ken Kutaragi was working in the sound labs at Sony  Corporation when he bought his young daughter a Nintendo game console. Ken observed his daughter playing with the new Nintendo game but he was displeased with the quality of the sound of the Nintendo game. Because of his training and experience in electronics Ken concluded that a digital chip, dedicated solely to sound, would significantly improve the quality of the Nintendo gaming system. Because the Sony Corporation was not involved in computer games, Ken Kutaragi negotiated to keep his job at Sony, while working as an outside consultant (entrepreneur) for Nintendo on their computer gaming devices. Ken developed the â€Å"SPC7000† for the next generation of Nintendo games/machines. After Ken’s success as a consultant to Nintendo the senior executives at Sony Corporation threatened to fire him after they discovered his sideline project with Nintendo. Fortunately for Ken, he had the strong support of Norio Ohga, the Chief Executive Officer of Sony Corporation. Chairman Ohga personally recognized the value of Ken’s creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and innovation, so he encouraged Kutaragi’s efforts. Then with the Sony Corporation CEO’s support (and begrudgingly the rest of Sony’s senior management’s blessing) Kutaragi continued to work as a part-time consultant to Nintendo. Ken successfully developed a CD-ROM-based system for Nintendo. Then in a life changing twist of fate Nintendo elected not to go forward with the CD-ROM system. Ken Kutaragi saw the market and business opportunity of computer gaming systems for Sony. With his Intrapreneurial spirit, Ken pressed hard to convince the Sony Corporation to enter the electronic gaming business. While most of Sony’s senior management did not consider Ken’s computer gaming device more than a toy and not worthwhile for Sony, Chairman Ohga took a major chance and backed Kutaragi’s plan. Ken was persistent and he went on to lead the effort to help Sony develop its own gaming system, which became the blockbuster product success â€Å"PlayStation†. Ken Kutaragi has been often been referred to as â€Å"The Father of the PlayStation,† was well as all related Sony products, including Sony PlayStation 2, Sony PlayStation Portable, and the current Sony PlayStation 3. Ken Kutaragi has the heart and sole of an Intrapreneur or Corporate Entrepreneur. He fought against corporate â€Å"neasayers† within Sony’s management ranks and Ken literally laid his job on the line at Sony to press for the creation of the computer ga ming product within Sony. Ken is created with saying, â€Å"I wanted to prove that even  regular company employees said no, [and] especially regular company employees could build a venture of this scale with superb technology, superb concepts, and superb colleagues.† Sony’s â€Å"System G† 3-D technology, aka Sony PlayStation, was released in 1994. It immediately outsold Nintendo’s Super NES to quickly become the world’s top home-gaming platform. Ken’s group within Sony did not rest on its significant laurels, Kutaragi and Sony took another major financial gamble on PlayStation 2. Sony backed Ken’s corporate entrepreneurial (Intrapreneurial) venture by investing $2.5 billion into the PlayStation start-up, and has gone on to build over 70% of the home-video-game-console international market share. Sony’s PlayStation product line has become the leading video-game platform. The financial payback to Sony has been astronomical. At of the end 1997, Sony’s PlayStation annual sales had grown to $7 Billion, in only first four years of the PlayStation product line existence. Ken’s Intrapreneurial (or corporate entrepreneurial) success has been called one of the greatest new business creations and launches in business history. Since the 1994 PlayStation’s launch, this new Sony product line outperformed both the Sega Enterprises and Nintendo gaming machines. The Sony PlayStation has taken the clear market share of game consoles, with PlayStation sales of more than 70 million units in the late 1990’s. At that time, one in four Unit ed States households owned a Sony PlayStation product. The financial success of the Sony PlayStation was so impressive that by 1998, the PlayStation was providing 40 percent of Sony Corporation’s operating profits. The strong profits from the Sony PlayStation line still accounts for about one quarter of the overall Sony Corporation’s profits. Kutaragi was soon rewarded for his significant success as an intrapreneur within Sony. Ken was promoted to be the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sony Computer Entertainment (SCEI), the video game division of Sony Corporation. As Chairman and CEO, Kutaragi built Sony Computer Entertainment group into a major profit center for the Sony Corporation. In late 1996, Ken was replaced as President of Sony Computer Entertainment and was promoted to Chairman of Sony Computer Entertainment. That was only a temporary situation as Ken retired from that position in 1997 and became the honorary Chairman of SCEI. Who are the main characters? What are the issues? What are the lessons learn from this CASE?

Management Yesterday and Today

8th edition Steven P. harles Renard C Robbins Mary Coulter LEARNING OUTLINE Follow this Learning Outline as you read and study this chapter. o? Historical Background of Management †¢? Scientific Management o? General Administrative Theorists o? Quantitative Approach to Management †¢? Toward Understanding Organizational Behavior o? The Systems Approach o? The Contingency Approach 2–2 Historical Background of Management †¢? Ancient Management O Egypt (pyramids) and China (Great Wall) O Venetians (floating warship assembly lines) †¢? Adam Smith O Published â€Å"The Wealth of Nations† in 1776 v Advocated he division of labor (job specialization) to increase the productivity of workers †¢? Industrial Revolution O Substituted machine power for human labor O Created large organizations in need of management 2–3 Development of Major Management Theories Exhibit 2. 1 2–4 Major Approaches to Management †¢? Scientific Management †¢? General Administrative Theory †¢? Quantitative Management †¢? Organizational Behavior †¢? Systems Approach †¢? Contingency Approach †¢? 2–5 Scientific Management †¢? Fredrick Winslow Taylor O The â€Å"father† of scientific management O Published Principles of Scientific Management (1911) v Associated essay: Scientific Management Theory in HealthcareThe theory of scientific management –? Using scientific methods to define the â€Å"one best way† for a job to be done: †¢? Putting the right person on the job with the correct tools and equipment. †¢? Having a standardized method of doing the job. †¢? Providing an economic incentive to the worker. 2–6 Taylor’s Four Principles of Management 1.? Develop a science for each element of an individual’s work, which will replace the old rule-of-thumb method. 2.? Scientifically select and then train, teach, and develop the worker. 3.? Heartily cooperate with the workers so as to ensure that all work is done n accordance with the principles of the science that has been developed. 4.? Divide work and responsibility almost equally between management and workers. Exhibit 2. 2 2–7 Scientific Management (cont’d) †¢? Frank and Lillian Gilbreth O Focused on increasing work er productivity through the reduction of wasted motion O Developed the microchronometer to time worker motions and optimize performance †¢? How Do Today’s Managers Use Scientific Management? O Use time and motion studies to increase productivity O Hire the best qualified employees O Design incentive systems based on output 2–8General Administrative Theorists †¢? Henri Fayol O Believed that the practice of management was distinct from other organizational functions O Developed fourteen principles of management that applied to all organizational situations †¢? Max Weber O Developed a theory of authority based on an ideal type of organization (bureaucracy) v Emphasized rationality, predictability, impersonality, technical competence, and authoritarianism 2–9 Fayol’s 14 Principles of Management 1.? Division of work. 7.? Remuneration. 2.? Authority. 8.? Centralization. 3.? Discipline. 9.? Scalar chain. 4.? Unity of command. 10.? Order. 5.?Unity of direction. 11.? Equity. 6.? Subordination of individual interest to the interests of the organization. 12.? Stability of tenure of personnel. 13.? Initiative. 14.? Esprit de corps. Exhibit 2. 3 2–10 Weber’s Ideal Bureaucracy Exhibit 2. 4 2–11 Quantitative Approach to Management †¢? Quantitative Approach O Also called operations research or management science O Evolved from mathematical and statistical methods developed to solve WWII military logistics and quality control problems O Focuses on improving managerial decision making by applying: v Statistics, optimization models, information models, and omputer simulations 2–12 Understanding Organizational Behavior †¢? Organizational Behavior (OB) O The study of the actions of people at work; people are the most important asset of an organization †¢? Early OB Advocates O Robert Owen O Hugo Munsterberg O Mary Parker Follett O Chester Barnard 2–13 Early Advocates of OB Exhibit 2. 5 2â⠂¬â€œ14 The Hawthorne Studies †¢? A series of productivity experiments conducted at Western Electric from 1927 to 1932. †¢? Experimental findings O Productivity unexpectedly increased under imposed adverse working conditions. O The effect of incentive plans was less than expected. ? Research conclusion O Social norms, group standards and attitudes more strongly influence individual output and work behavior than do monetary incentives. 2–15 The Systems Approach †¢? System Defined O A set of interrelated and interdependent parts arranged in a manner that produces a unified whole. †¢? Basic Types of Systems O Closed systems v Are not influenced by and do not interact with their environment (all system input and output is internal). O Open systems v Dynamically interact to their environments by taking in inputs and transforming them into outputs that are istributed into their environments. 2–16 The Organization as an Open System Exhibit 2. 6 2–17 The Contingency Approach †¢? Contingency Approach Defined O Also sometimes called the situational approach. O There is no one universally applicable set of management principles (rules) by which to manage organizations. O Organizations are individually different, face different situations (contingency variables), and require different ways of managing. 2–18 Popular Contingency Variables †¢? Organization size †¢? Routineness of task technology †¢? Environmental uncertainty †¢? Individual differences Exhibit 2. 7 2–19