Wireless Technology Upgrade Essay Example for Free

Wireless Technology Upgrade EssayIntroductionSince the incoming of the first mobile phone in 1924, there has been a mantrap climb in developing and enhancing, the mobile phone and its supporting technologies. The boothular entanglement infrastructures as soundly as dish out providers switch been hard at work in do sure they argon providing the best service as well as devices. The infrastructure alone has gone through several life cycles. Which is required in order providers to keep up with elevateth and engineering changes. Wireless cellular providers, at one point offered services that ran off analog frequencies. Today the wireless electronic networks be built off of an all in all-digital network, which is considered to be in its third generation. 3rd generation technologies accommodate GSM, GPRS, UMTS and CDMA.In this project you leave alone be introduced to an up and coming wireless service provider, GoFone Cellular communication theory. GoFone is soon elic it in making your nation our saucy home. GoFone has the ability to offer services that result consent to its subscribers the ability to communicate faster and more efficiently. At the gratuity the citizens within the 16 cities nation, only has one cellular provider that is offering subpar service. GoFones network is built off of Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service, (UMTS), technology which, promises to be a cave in picking for the landed estate.GoFone Cellular Communications has been a wireless cellular provider of over 10 years. By staying ahead of the curve and guardianship up with industry trends, GoFone has been a proven leader. GoFones current position in the cellular market indicates that GoFone, has loyal customers that testament continue to growth with the providers efforts. The phoner strives to deliver top-notch service over its 3rd generation UMTS network, which is being accepted globally as an industry standard. UMTS as well provides enhanced portion a nd info features that are not compatible with other technologies.Strategic Business AssessmentCurrently the nation already has an established wireless cellular provider. However, the citizens are growing weary of the high charges and sub-par service they are receiving. The existing cellular infrastructure is built off TDMA technology, victimization the 800MHz absolute oftenness range. The company is taking advantage of its subscribers, as they are aware of the fact that they are the only providers servicing the nation. Their reportage is limited in areas collectible to coverage blocking. The provider does not offer away for its customers to call to both(prenominal) info and voice simultaneously.In conjunction with previously said issues, the provider is charging higher than usual rates. As the nation and states continue to evolve, so are their citizens. Due to the changes and natural evolution, the citizens want more step up of its service and devices. The citizens want pho nes that pull up stakes give them the capability to browse the mesh, telecommunicate, text and enhanced voice service. inborn wanting to stay connected all the time. Regardless, of the customers wants and possible needs, it appears the provider is not interested in upgrading its current network or increase offerings.The providers current network is built off the Timed Division Multiple get at (TDMA), which is considered 2nd generation cellular technology. TDMA operates at the 800MHz relative frequency band. TDMA takes the channel/signal and splits them into multiple timed slots this means that info is traveling in a round-robin fashion. TDMA was designed to only handle voice services and the divider that is done allows for the network to remain st sufficient, and voice theatrical role is not affected. However due to its limitations of not being able to browse the internet or in full user wireless data and the service provider not willing to upgrade, due to the signal co verage, the nation will not be able to grow and technology will not fully evolve.TechnologyGoFone Cellular Communications is a leader in delivering innovative wireless cellular services. The need for macrocosm and providing top-notch service has led GoFone into being an industry leader. GoFone has been able stay ahead of the class, by keeping up with industry trends, and consumer satisfaction. The services offered allow users to stay connected to the world. Subscribers are able to talk and browse the Internet at the same time. GoFone also offers a variety of cellular phones with several options. GoFones service is currently being offered on 3rd generation technology, that promises scalability. Having the ability to offer different services, with different pricing points consumers will be able to pick a choice on what eccentric of service or package they want. GoFone promises to provide cellular wireless services, with the ability to stay connected and down minimal to no impact.Go Fones network is operating off Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS), which is 3rd generation wireless cellular technology. GoFone will deploy its UMTS network on the 900MHz frequency. UMTS technology is mainly based off of Wide Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) affords GoFone the opportunity to offer features much(prenominal) as mobile wireless Internet, email and other services. The use of UMTS allows for exponential amount of scalable operations. GoFone also offers an array of cellular phones that are visually and cosmetically appealing. The devices would book large color class displays. The devices being offered can be compared to devices like BlackBerry, Apple iPhone, and several other devices. GoFones wireless network is one of the largest and most undeviating networks in its originating ground covering several thousand people.Design A Wireless SystemGoFone Cellular Communications network will be deployed using UMTS on the 900MHz frequency range (UMTS900) . GoFones idea of attaining a solid and reliable network with less makes UMTS900 the perfect solution. UMTS900 provides increased mobility options, as well as great cellular coverage. Being that the network will be prorogated with fewer cell sites, UMTS900 will provide better hand-overs which will reduce brief loss of federation or drops calls. The deployment of the new wireless network will prove to be beneficial to the Nation as the build out will create new jobs for its citizens. The development of a new network will create competition between providers, which in turn will create new business practices.As previously mentioned UMTS is a 3rd generation technology, which offers more robust network with enhanced capabilities. UMTS is a concept that takes advantage of convergence of fixed and mobile networks and services, enable a host of new applications. For example, a laptop with an integrated UMTS communications module becomes a general-purpose communications and computing devi ce for broadband Internet access, voice, video telephony, and conferencing for either mobile, office, or residential use (Fletcher, 1999). UMTS can offer capabilities such as having real-time wireless connectivity, multi-cast distribution, and person location services. UMTS also supports both packet and circuit transmissions and provides data speeds up to 2Mbps. Using the 900MHz frequency range UMTS900 requires fewer cell sites, which will reduce costs for infrastructure build out and reduce on-going maintenance costs.The infrastructure build out for UMTS900 network, is cheaper compared to other networks. In order for deployment to begin, GoFone will have to consider what type of antennas and feeders to use. They will also have to look into acquisition or rental cost for cell sites. GoFone is also responsible for construction and labor cost. Typical build-out cost for Greenfield environment such as the Nation will roughly cost around $2B over 5 years which will cover the cost to bu ild base stations, acquiring build sites, materials, and marketing/promotional costs. Another part of network planning is the Link Budget. Link Budget helps with determining the dimensions for coverage, quality of service and calculating maximum cell size. Some keys things to keep in mind with performing the Link BudgetType of service (data type and speed)Type of environment (terrain, building penetration)Behavior and type of mobile (speed, max power level)System configuration (BTS antennas, BTS power, cable losses, handover gain)Required coverage probabilityFinancial and economical factors (use of more expensive and better quality equipment or not the cheapest installation method)GoFones UMTS900 network would be the ideal system to deploy in the Nation. UMTS900 provides wide coverage area. Providing a wide coverage area will greatly reduce coverage costs. Being that UMTS900 uses a low frequency, it provides better in-building reception/service which will reduce coverage blocks and amend user experience. UMTS900 provides lower power consumption, due to an improved RF amplifier. UMTS900 has proven to be an excellent option for both rural and urban areas. This is partly due to the base stations being deployed the base stations provide stronger and broader coverage. The coverage area for a typical cell site is up to 9 miles. So initially there will be an estimate of a xcl cell sites, which will roughly cover 1,733 miles. Which will cover roughly about 90% of the nation and its citizens. GoFone Cellular Communications will increase coverage to the remaining areas, once the customer base shows steady rise in subscribe lines.Compatibility PlanGoFone Cellular Communications UMTS900 network will offer a several significant capabilities that would be ideal for the average consumer or business applications. Consumers would have the ability to enjoy multimedia-enabled services, such as video conferencing and simultaneous voice and data operation. UMTS900 supports applic ations such as email, VPN, and WAP-based applications. As more and more businesses demands more flexibility for mechanisation and customization manufacturers and providers will continue to provide enterprise applications and access. The technology also supports business enterprise application such as sales force automation tools.UMTS900 offers higher data speeds than GSM, GPRS and CDMA. Typically user can expect to see about 200kbps download and 64kbps upload speeds. UMTS900 also offers lower response time. In comparison to GSM and GPRS networks, latency is expected to be around 200ms instead of about 600ms.Outside of UMTS data capabilities, the technology also performs normal voice transmission, and operates the same as if on a landline. However, the technology provides the ability to perform simultaneous voice and data transmissions. An example of said service would be for instance, as user will be able to make a call and except and email at the same time. Another example would be a user downloading a file via Bluetooth composition on a call.There are minimal limitations when it comes to UMTS. The main limitation would be some subscribers not being able to reach high data speeds. The network degradation is caused by antenna propagation or network congestion. Another issue would be coverage in overlapping areas, where UMTS signal is not accessible. To compensate UMTS compatible devices will have to be enabled with roaming. Standardization is another key factor in deploying a UMTS network. UMTS specification standards are governed by 3GPP who governs all GSM, WCDMA, LTE and UTRAN, UTMS and FOMA. However success of UMTS is dependent upon flexibility and technological development of providers.Planned Competitive ImprovementsOnce GoFones UMTS900 is deployed, continuing improvements will be made throughout, that will enhance network and service capabilities. The next improvement will be the addition of High Speed Packet Acces (HSPA) which includes High Speed Up link Packet Access (HSUPA) or Enhanced Uplink (EUL) High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA). An uplink enhancement will improve overall performance, with an increase in capacity and increased data rates. The integration of EUL improves Quality of Service, Improving the downlink will increase downlink speeds of up to 15Mbs. The integration of HSPA will introduce new applications that will use various amounts of bandwidth. Ultimately making GoFone Cellular Communications 4th generation compliant.Another improvement would be the multimedia capabilities of adding IP-basedMultimedia Service (IMS). IMS is a protocol that delivers multimedia services using IP protocol. IMS will provide GoFone the ability to provide enhanced multimedia across the network. IMS will improve the circuit switch and packet switch capabilities. The study benefit to deploying IMS will be the improvement on simultaneous voice and data operations. Instead of having multiple sessions for concurrent use, the user w ill be able to use a single session to use concurrent operations. alter support for WLAN access will be a needed improvement. Enabling WLAN access will allow a device to be simultaneously connected to the cellular network as well as a WiFi network.GoFone Cellular Communications plans on enabling its UMTS network for wireless access. With the high data speeds, enabling wireless access will allow applications such as streaming audio and video, and multiplayer gaming. Having a wireless service will not only enhance the mobile phone, but also will allow other platforms the ability to connect or access the cellular network. UMTS will also improve applications and delivery rich web content as well as client/server support for enterprise use. Thus, allowing enterprise users the ability of connecting to their companies network and provides mobile means of being able to work on the go.former(a) Competitive Technological SolutionsThere are several other technological solutions that would com pete with the offerings of GoFone. However, when compared GoFones UMTS900 network proves to be the better solution. Other technological solutions would include deploying CDMA2000, GPRS, or GSM.CDMA2000 is 3rd generation solution that evolved from CDMA. CDMA2000, like UMTS support switched packets. However CDMA2000 comes in different variations. The different variations are 1x EV-DO and 1x EV-DV. EV-DO variation offers improvements to Data, which increases the speeds up to 3Mbps down and 1.8Mbps up. EV-DV is the snatch edition to CDMA2000 and provides enhancements for both data and voice services. CDMA2000 provides similar performance to UMTS. However is not globally accepted.GPRS is a 2.5-generation technology that is packet switched based. GPRS provides speeds of 30-40Kbps, and is not used for voice or text messaging services. GPRS supports a variety of data applications, which includes, mobile Internet, multimedia messaging, and other applications that use the Internet. GPRS also offers the ability to use concurrent data and voice operations. GPRS provides a direct enhancement to GSM networks, as it provides improved voice and data connections. However, when compared to UMTS, which is a 3rd generation technology, UMTS would prove GPRS to be inferior.GSM is the mostly wide accepted wireless cellular technology. Although GSM is widely accepted, it is also 2nd generation mobile technology. GSM is considered the grand-father of mobile as it predates CDMA. GSM is widely used in Europe, however does have a presence stateside as the major carriers integrates some form of GSM technology within their network. The major benefit of GSM is the user of the SIM card, which is used to identify the carriers network and access privileges. The major difference besides the generation is, UMTS is based of CDMA technology. UMTS provides faster data speeds, while future enhancements will allow cross-pollination between GSM and UMTS networks. moment devices that travel outside o f its network boundaries would be supported by either GSM or UMTS.Upgrading to Next GenerationGoFone Cellular Communications UMTS900 is currently a 3rd generation technology, and will eventually be upgraded to the next generational technology. In order for GoFone to upgrade to 4g, the network will have to undergo a packet update to Release 99 of the UMTS standards. GoFone will also have to upgrade the channel cards at in the base stations. Release 99 will integrate UMTS with HSDPA, which also promises to be backwards compatible to GSM, and GPRS. Compared to other upgrades UMTS/HSPDA is the most cost effective as the majority of the upgrade is merely upgrading the software. Device will also need to be upgraded with a special antenna for 4g services. The upgrade to HSDPA is more beneficial in the long run as it make better use of spectrum. Upgrading to HSDPA will produce greater bandwidth and ease of access for subscribers.Summary and ConclusionsGoFone Cellular Communications is inte rested in providing mobile cellular communications for the Nation and its citizens. Currently the Nation has a wireless provider that is proving not to the ideal solution for the majority of the citizens are they want more out of the service. The current service is built on TDMA, which is 2nd generation mobile technology. Customers are experiencing sub par service as well has a high bill.GoFone Cellular Communications motto is to deliver more with less. With that said GoFones mobile network is built off UMTS900, which is 3rd generation mobile technology. The UMTS technology offers significant benefits to both personal and business applications. GoFones infrastructure build out will be cost efficient due to the use of the 900MHz spectrum band. The 900Mhz band is low frequency that offers wide coverage. Due to the wide coverage the network will require minimal cell sites.For this initiative GoFone will initially deploy an estimate of 190 cell sites which will cover the majority of the nation. As GoFone customer base grows, the provider will increase the remaining coverage with the addition of making steady improvements. Improvements to the network will also be cost-effective as the majority of the upgrades are merely software updates. There are minimal hardware changes later the initial build out the only thing that would need to be done to cell sites is a update channel card. Outside of the minimal upgrades, devices will also be updated in making sure the fall with industry standards.In conclusion, GoFone Cellular Communications promises to delivery the reliable and steady cellular network the Nation deserves and needs. GoFones UMTS900 service will deliver, simultaneous voice and data operations, along with high data speeds. Along with providing solutions for Business Enterprise users, GoFone will also offer competitive service packages, that will cater to the specific user and their individual or corporate needs. GoFones network is very much stable, reliable and ready for the future.ReferencesAlthoff, M.P., Seidenberg, P. Walke, B. (2003, June), UMTS TheFundementals.Bates, R.J. (2001), Wireless Broadband Handbook, 212-213, 306-317.Cukier, Kenneth and Hibbard, Justin. Spectrum Shortage. Red Herring Magazine, September 1, 2000.Ericsson, (2002, July), WCDMA, EDGE, and cdma2000 Capacity for Packet Data Services. http//www.4Gamericas.orgFletcher, P. (1999, April). A European perspective on 3rd generation wireless technology and politics, Electronic Design, 72-75.Gow, G.A Smith, R.K. (2006). Mobile Wireless Communications, 117.Kaloxylos, A., Lampropoulos, G., Merakos, L., Passas, N. (2007, November). A Flexible UMTS/WLAN Architecture for Improved Network Performance, published in Wireless Personal Communications An International Journal Vol. 43 Issue3, 889-906.McClelland, B. (1999, April). Mobilizing the third generation, 50-54.Pentland, S. (1999, February). Planning for UMTS,36-42. Porter, M.E Millar, V.E (1985) How information gives y ou a competitive advantage Harvard Business Review 149-160. Roberts, Simone. 3G in Europe Expensive but Essential Wireless/Mobile Europe, The Yankee Group. Report Vol. 5, No. 8 June 2001, p.1.

Educational Program on Tobacco Abuse and Addiction Essay Example for Free

Educational Program on Tobacco Abuse and Addiction EssayTobacco is a farming produce that is utilise for smoking through the form of a cigarette. It normally contains nicotine as considerably as harmane. Tobacco causes so many diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular and lung diseases. principally tobacco is smoked, sucked, chewed and snuffed. They contain a genuinely high addictive psychoactive ingredient called nicotine. Tobacco is even worse compared to other drugs. Nicotine is also a very addictive substance clearly known by man and it is very strong and acts very fast. Nicotine is a drug which has many different effects inside the body and it stimulates ones system, even if it makes one notion more relaxed. Nicotine also affects the chemicals in the brain and immediately after the puff one begins to feel high for a second and that is the reason why so many smokers look at smoking as stress relief since they are chthonic pressure. Nevertheless, the program is designed pu rposely to motivate and educate teenagers and young adults between ages 23-30 the major effects one experiences after tobacco abuse.The program will source the effects of tobacco abuse and it is aimed at increasing the adults knowledge of the major effects of tobacco use. The adults between 23 years and 30 years will experience so many activities that will permit them to keep away from using tobacco. During the presentation, all the aforementioned adults will be equal to know the effects of nicotine and alcohol cancer being one of them. On the other hand, nicotine tends to cause short-term chances of high blood pressure, plaza rate, as well as the flow of the blood right from the heart.Carbon monoxide reduces the amount of oxygen that the blood carries. The long term effects of smoking causes persistent lung disease, coronary heart disease, and stroke, with cancer of the larynx, lungs, mouth, esophagus and bladder. It goes ahead and forms cancer, cervix and the kidneys. The educa tional program is going to address all this effects of tobacco such that all the adults will be aware and stop taking tobacco.

Motives, Triggers And Barriers To Internationalization

Motives, Triggers And Barriers To InternationalizationIn general, internationalizationoccurs when the lodge expand its business activities into foreign foodstuffs. There might be several reasons for this. Of course, the most frequent reason is to expand gets, but this is not the only one. The motivatings and triggers for internationalization ar a key concept for firms that are mean to enter the globular market since both concepts go away shape the internationalization strategy or path (ij et al) and main characteristics of this process. delay 2 and Table 3 present the main motives and triggers.If the main reason to start exporting is to enlarge profits and growth, the potence new markets will be those where the competition is less crude and margins raise be set on a nobleer level. If the goal is to reduce costs by expanding the economies of scale, the target countries might be anyone, independent of the profit level that the connection can achieve there as long as there are positive. If the fierce competition in the local market is the driver to star exporting, then the foreign market will be determined as a defensive strategy mainly by forces out-of-door to the firm.Another crucial concept is the barriers hindering the export initiation. If any one of this factors or a combination of them is available in the firms context, it may hold linchpin the internationalization of the firm for a long period or even forever. concord to Hollensen (2008), the critical factors hindering internationalization initiation are mainly internal. Table 4 summarizes these barriers.In the Day Chocolate case, and based on the general study analysed and on the company tale, it will be assumed that the primary motive to start the internationalization process is to increase profits and to grow in revenue.In addition, some foreign market opportunities could be considered as a motive. On the other hand, Competitive Pressure as a reactive motive could besides have been s tated, but it does not seem the main one agree to the information analysed. The Day Chocolate is a small company and usually the firms that react to competitive pressures are larger than they are. Furthermore, years revenue and market component part are increasing according to companies figures, so the competitive pressure is not really a problem yet. The rest of the motives in Table 2 were cast aside after a careful examination.The main trigger found in the The Day Chocolate case can be the Perceptive anxiety. The company heed is highly professional, includes people with some different backgrounds and the fact that the headquarters are in London -a well known international financial and treat centre- provides another(prenominal) good reason to support this interpretation.The second trigger might be the Importing as inward internationalization. Although the products and the headquarters are I the United Kingdom, the issue facilities are located in Ger umpteen and the final product is exported from there to the U.K., according to the BBC19. The knowledge accumulated by importing the product from one European province to England can be used to make easy the export process to any other European nation.In order to be able to attend to the question regarding to which country they should go (export or invest in) it is assumed that no barriers hindering the export initiation exists or that if they exist, they are preventable at an inexpensive cost. It can withal be assumed that these barriers will not stop the internationalization of the firm but rather slow the velocityat which the company expands abroad.2.5.2. Strategic approach to internationalizationOnce it has become clear that the firm can, needs or wants to export or expand their operations abroad, there is a need of knowing how and where to go.In order to answer these questions it is necessary to have a framework to guide the analysis. For The Day Chocolate case the guidebook presented in Interna tionalization Handbook by ij (ij et al. 2005) was the most divertd. This structure is presented in Figure 5.According to ij the for the first time part (Part I) in Figure 5 is the selection of the appropriate Internationalization Path. In his book, he presents three typical pathways that the internationalization process of a software firm may take, but his steps and conclusions can also be expand to any firm in the confectionary market alike(p) Days chocolate. This area under discussion is also the same as the one that Hollensen refers as Internationalization theories or models in the third chapter of his book Essentials of Global Marketing. For the purpose of this work, the 3 pathways presented by ij can also be increase with the many other presented by Hollensen.Among many models, paths or theories, the most well known are the one presented in Table 5.Based on Days corporate webpage statistics and from private sector publications20, like Tranchell Doherty, it can be assumed t hat the company started it internationalization process by choosing an Organic growth path. The timeline on the firms webpage confirms that Devines management decided to begin their operations abroad in markets that are really close in location but also in culture and institutions like the United States and that the internationalizationprocess has been taking place in small but incremental steps.The size of the company and the market where it operates also support this view. In contrast with what happens with large companies, where the internationalization process happens in a relatively continuous and incremental fashion, for SMEs (like The Day Chocolate) in general this process is made in small incremental steps. According to Hollensen, usually for SMEs the internationalization process is relatively discrete and either project is distinct and individual. The fact that the company operates in the confectionery industry and not in the IT sector, among other facts, is also a good reason for not considering this firm chocolate as a born global company. Freeman (2002) also states that for Small and Medium Enterprises managers tend to gather and look for relevant knowledge and information before becoming internationalization ready, which is consistent with Devines history and with the Uppsala model21.In 2007, the company took the next step in its internationalization process by setting a foot in the United States market by opening offices there. According to Johanson, and Wiedersheim-Paul (1975) that would have constituted the third stage.2.5.3. The country choiceOnce the company has determined the path for internalization, its management needs to start the potential markets selection process (Part II in figure x.1). To address this problem, the screening process flesh outed in Rugman and Collinson (1995) will be used.2.5.3.1. First screening find out what product to offer to the world marketThis first screening is crucial in determining the potential of the companys goods in markets other than the local. This task canbe carried on successfully by using a wide number of market look tools. International trade statistics inspection, competitors financial information analysis and research papers or databases that are offered by international multilateral organizations like FAO, the World Bank and the IMF could be valuable tools as well.In general, chocolate confectionery is offered in all almost the countries of the world. In this sense, initially there are a large number of potential countries where to choose from. However, in this case, the company is selling a very particular proposition product (high quality + socially friendly chocolate) that limits the scope of this first screening. One drawback when dealing with this kind of specific and one-in-a-kind characterized goods is the lack of information or the excessive cost of getting it.A first measure to identify the potential foreign markets for The Day Chocolate would be analysing the world trade evolution of Fair-Trade products. That might help the firms management in recognizing the most active markets for this kind of products.As it is shown in Table 6 and according to the Fairtrade Labelling Organizations (FLO) in 2009 they were many countries showing a dynamic market for this kind of products. Among them, it is necessary to highlight Canada, Finland, Australia and New Zealand where the surge in the transactions was higher that 65% in the first case and about 60% in the other tree cases. another(prenominal) nations with a remarkable performance were Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Ireland and Sweden. Although the U.K. and the United States presented a performance below the average growth rate of 15%, it is necessary to state that they are still by far the most important marketsin volume for organic and fair-traded goods.Regarding the specific case of this companys main product, a NGO -TransFair USA- declare that during 2008 the imports of fair- trade certified cocoa into the U.S. rose at rates of more than 50%.22Finally, the genuine potential of every market will be ultimately determined by the interaction with other factors such as socio cultural forces and economic conditions.2.5.3.2. Second screening macroeconomic and financial conditionsThe support World Economic Outlook report from the International monetary Fund (IMF)23 clearly shows what to expect for the upcoming years. The developed countries GDP will grow on average 2,5% in 2011, still trying to recover from 2007s financial crisis. The U.S., Germany, and the U.K, together with some developed Asian countries such as conspiracy Korea will be presenting above average growth rates. However, some countries like Spain, Italy and France will show a growth rate between 0% and 1%. On the other hand, developing nations are expected to growth on average 6,5%, with Developing Asia and Latin America leading among these regions.From a macroeconomic billet of view, the next years are going to be very good ones for most of the developing countries and also for some developed nations. For the purpose of this document, the countries will be segmented in four categories, considering that The Day Chocolate should focus in the short run on those that are not experiencing a recession. Table 7 contains this information.However, the product that they are offering is not a cheap one. It is a premium product and usually the prices are above the average. In this context, the income levels of the consumers are also an important factor to be considered.This is what Rugman Collinson (1995) called the Market intensity.Figure 6 shows the relation between the per capita income level for all developed countries and the expected GDP growth for 2011. As it is shown, there are 1 group that is more desirable for the company. The second quadrant comprises all countries showing both very high income level and high expected level of economic activity. However, the companys man agement might find also attractive potential markets in countries that do not have a very high level of per capita income, but whichs economies are growing very fast (Quadrant 4).2.5.3.3. Third screening Political and Legal forcesThis step covers the examination of the political and ratified forces in every potential market. There might be trade barriers that obstruct the export process or the lack of solid institutions can acquaint a serious risk in the form of the future losses.One way to detect this serious problems is by addressing to the World Economic Forums (WEF) Global fighting Index (GCI)24. This index includes a weighted average of several different components, each one of them measuring a diverse feature of the competitiveness. Those components are classify into 12 categories or pillars. The first one of these pillars is Institutions. The GCI is calculated for 140 countries and the results are available free of charge. Table 8 presents the most important variables and their weight in spite of appearance the first pillar Institutions.Table 9 provides some of the results obtained by the WEFs researchers for the 2010/11 index25. There it can be seen that the countries with the most stable or trustworthy are in general also those with a higher level of economic development.2.5.3.4.Forth screening socio-cultural forcesA multinational corporation or a company desiring to become one should examine the main social and cultural disparities between the potential market and the home country.The concepts of cultural distance and psychological distance as presented in Hollensen (2008) have the potential of disturbing the normal flow between the foreign market and the company.Language, religion, work habits, ethnicity, age and many other socio-cultural factors may tempt the decision regarding where to locate the operations. Maps 1 and 2 illustrate this theory by presenting the world distribution of the main religions and of the English speaking nations.For The Day Chocolate to debar problems generated by cultural distance it will be recommended to establish operations or to export to anglo-saxon countries, like former British colonies or commonthwealth nations. Other european nations, specially those from German and Nordic origins, might be suitable in this first stage of internationalization. In a future stage, and after diminution these distances by means of the learning process, the firm might also attempt to gain a foot in more culturally distant markets. accent groups activities and consumer surveys can help the firm in determining the main differences and similarities between the foreign market and the headquarters values and culture.2.5.3.5. Fifth screening Competitive enviromentThis last stage of the analysis focuses on the competitive forces. Confronted with comparable and equally desirable potential markets, the firms tend to internationalize to those where the competition is less ferocious. The lack of competition can pro vide the company with some degreeof monopolistic power that might have the power to increase the earnings.In the case analyzed, there were detected many new actors entering into the market in the last years, also some big players in the industry like Nestle and Cadbury are making efforts to beg this fast growing segment26. Despite these facts, competition is still not a barrier in most of the national markets analysed.Special attention should be paying to Germany, Switzerland and Austria, where several small and medium local producers have a long lasting tradition manufacturing chocolate products of world recognized quality27.2.5.3.6. Final selectionAccording to The Day Chocolates website, the firm currently operates in 11 markets. In the U.K.28 and in the United States, the company has direct control over its business. In the rest of the countries, they believe on other companies, which are in charge of the distribution channels (Canada, Norway, Sweden, Netherlands, Denmark, Slov akia, Czech Republic and Japan).Trough the screening process and its five stages many countries were considered as potential new markets Finland, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, to the south Korea, Germany, Switzerland and Romania.Germany and Switzerland were discarded mainly because of the competitive environment and in second place because some possible cultural distance. South Korea was finally not considered fundamentally because the huge cultural distance and also because the physical distance.Due to the market size and growth projections, the chocolate per capita consumption29, the similarities in the socio-cultural environments, the authentic legal and political framework, the expected friendly competitive context this document concludes thatThe Day Chocolates management should make an effort to analyse in more detail the potential of the following new markets Australia, Finland, Belgium and New Zealand.

Primark Is Very Famous Retail Clothing Store Chain Marketing Essay

Primark Is Very Famous Retail Clothing Store Chain trade EssayI go away senior high schoollight the basic components of strategic merchandising and discuss how strategic political programning process is vital and how much its serious for devising an effective grocerying strategy.This assignment has been divided in to triad schooling outcomes. First learning outcome is rough how merchandise image supports the strategic objectives of the brass section. This learning outcome includes grocery storeing planning process, how SWOT could be an effective tool and difference between marketing strategies and marketing planning.Second learning outcome is about the construction of marketing plans. This includes analysis of marketing shuffle how to produce marketing plan.Third and the last learning outcome be about how to promote the marketing plan in support of strategic objectives.PrimarkPrimark is very(prenominal) famous retail clothing store chain, providing clothes to cus tomer at reasonable and affordable prices.Primark is re eachy an Irish retailer of clothing with the numbers of stores in United Kingdom, Ireland and Spain. Primark has more than than 170 stores in which 125 stores are located in every last(predicate) everywhere United Kingdom, 35 stores in Ireland and round about 10 stores in Spain. The first Primark store was established in year 1969 in capital city of Ireland in Dublin by Arther Ryan with the collaboration with Micaela Mitchell. After achieving the first victor, they open more stores in different melodic phrase centres with in local and regional areas, which or else generate more profits.(Source www.primark.co.uk)Now I would akin to discuss the first learning outcome of my assignment that how marketing plan supports strategic objectives. I reply first define both of them then focus on the vision and mission statements of Primark.The Marketing ConceptThe marketing concept emerged in the mid-1950s. Instead of a harvest -tide- nominatetered, fuddle-and-sell philosophy, business shifted to a customer- force outtered, sense-and-respond philosophy. Instead of hunting, marketing is gardening. The job is not to find the right customers for your products, but the right products for your customers. The marketing is real a tool to abide the nominate to achieve governing bodyal mission and goals. In this way comp any sustain more effective than its competitors in the market for creating, delivering goods to the customers.(Source MBA Career Program)Theodore Levitt of Harvard drew a contrast between selling and marketing concepts Selling is the concept which only foc subroutines on the needs of the seller marketing is on the need of the buyer. Selling is actually a phenomena with sellers need to convert its product into cash marketing is an idea of satisfying the need of the customer by mean of the product and the whole dot of things associated with creating, delivering and finally consuming it.(Source International Marketing dodge, fifth edition)What is strategy and why it is importantA strategy is actually a plan of action which is knowing to achieve the particular goals. Its consists of competitive moves and approaches used by the managers to run the confederationManagement is concern with the following action plans their main aim is toGrow the businessPlease attract the customersCompete in the market successfullyConduct different operationsAchieve targets of compositional performanceStrategy involves in ternary questions and the answers of these three are on the basis of an organizations strategic planning these questions areWhats the present situation of the organization?Where does the organization need to go from here?How ordain the organization get in that respect?The organizations answer to how it will get there is its strategy.Strategy and Competitive AdvantageNow days to survive in the market its very important to have competitive service everywhere your compet itors and rivals. Strategic planning helps us to get the competitive advantage so that organization can increase their market shares and earn more profits.A different and distinctive strategy thats helps and makes the company apart from their rivals and gives a company competitive advantage is a companys most reliable way to get the profit above average profits.Competing with competitive advantage is more beneficial than competing with no advantagesCompeting without competitive advantage result in low profitability.Vision of PrimarkThe mission of the management and the staff of Primark have been to supply quality and affordable product to the customers with a focus on immature promotion.Mission StatementThe Mission statement of Primark Company is to provide good and quality product to the customer relativity low as par to the other retailers working in the market and with this stay competitive and should have a competitive edge with other clothing retailers in order to promote t he cultivation of order for money.SMART AnalysisIf we apply SMART analysis is accordance with the mission statement of Primark we can analyse the followingSpecific Specific agent that mission statement of Primark is specific in nature in terms of its objective.Measurable The mission statement to some extent doesnt provide any prison term frame.Achievable The targets of the organization are quite achievable.Realistic Primark stores have adopted a realistic approach.Timely to achieve the organizational goals Primark has no set any time framework.Importance of Marketing Planning at Business Product LevelThe success of any business and any product which is launched in the market is depends on its Marketing Planning. For this reason I will focus on the splendor of marketing planning for the business as well as the product. allow me discuss what is Product.ProductsA product is something which is tangible in nature that can be touch or have a physical existence i.e. shape, size, fa lsify dimensions etc, but this is a misleading concept in term of product definition because product can be intangible in nature as well like financial run provided by banks, services provided by the insurance companies to the customers etc.(International Marketing Analysis Strategy P-275)Now I would like to discuss the marketing planning process and analyse how this process is important for business and the products.Marketing Planning ProcessMarket plan is a roll that has the details regarding the product or the actions which company takes. (Kotler et al. (2010).The different methods used by the management of the organizations in which they defines in details there current and future strategies, objectives and aims is called planning process. By this they can access the current and future trends of the markets and this evaluates the current and potential capabilities of the organization and an attempt to forecast the future in order to achieve its objectives.The global planning process allows the organizations to answer the below mentioned questions.What is the present state of the company now?Where does the company want to go?How will the company get there?An efficient marketing planning process consists of the following steps.Determining the objectives of the organization.Assessing and evaluating organizational resources.Evaluating the opportunities risks.An efficient Marketing strategy.Evaluating and implementing marketing plans.(Source Doole Lowe 2004)ExplanationAs it is already mentioned in the stages of the marketing planning process, first step is to determine the organization goals and set the objectives of marketing plan. This is the stage where the organization decides that what need to do and how we gong to achieve that. Keeping in mind the objectives, organizational resources are assessed which include the financial condition of the organization, its people, technology used and production capability.SWOT AnalysisSWOT Analysis is considered t o be the very useful tool now days. It is actually a strategic planning method or approach to evaluate the strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats of an organization. It involves in the project and business ventures as well. SWOT analysis consists of followingStrengths The characteristics of the organization or business thats gives an advantage to the company over its competitors or rivals.Weaknesses The characteristics of the firm that have disadvantage to its competitors or rivals.OpportunitiesThe opportunities are the external chances that make greater sales and can earn more profits.ThreatsThreats are also the external elements in the environment that cause trouble for the business.An generalplanis basedonthe first3stepsof the SWOT analysis that will help the themarketingplana major successin the future. As I already mentioned marketing strategy gives us the answers for the following questionsWhat is the present state of the company now?Where does the company want to go?H ow will the company get there?With the help of SWOT analysis we can analyse the company strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats. At the same time we can use the tool of PEST analysis that helps us analyse the political, economic, social and technological analysis. It helps us describe the work of marketing plan of the company.Porters five forces model gives us the knowledge of the number of forces that affects the marketing strategy of an organization.Last phase is to apply and implement the marketing plan on the basis of the analysis the organization chooses its targeted market by using market segmentation methodology. And in the end the combination of effective and right marketing mix can give an edge over its competitors and rivals.During the stage of the planning process, organizations give more importance to their External Environmental Forces that can or will affect the marketing process. PEST analysis plays a very important and vital role at this stage and this gives t he organizations a thorough analysis of the products.Difference between Marketing Planning StrategyStrategy of an organization actually defines the overall aims, objectives mission of the company. Every business/ organization has set their goals and objectives in order to gain the market share and earn more profits as compare to their competitors. As I already mentioned that strategy of the company provides the answers of the following questionsAs mentioned earlier that strategy of the company provides answers for the following three key questionsWhat is the present state of the company now?Where does the company want to go?How will the company get there?On the basis of these 3 important questions, an organization or a business sets its targets and makes a proper plan of action to achieve their goals.Marketing PlanningThe process of promoting the product or services of the company on the basis of over all strategy of the organization is called marketing planning. Marketing plannin g involves Situational Analysis, Internal External Analysis of the organization and on the basis of the above factors choosing a right kind of marketing mix to increase the market share and maximize the profit and getting company competitive advantage over the competitors and rivals in the market.Construction of a Marketing PlanIt is extremely important for the businesses to make a proper marketing plan when they promote their product. This should be done efficiently in order to gain competitive advantage over competitors in an effective manner so that the organization can make more profits. Now I would like to focus on the components of the marketing plan.In this phase I will highlight the importance of marketing mix which helps us while making a marketing planning. The efficient kind of marketing mix strategies always gives a company an advantage in the market place.Marketing MixMarketing mix is defined as a set of tools an organization may use to achieve its marketing goals. (Ko tler, Managing Markets 2006, P-19)McCarthy divided marketing mix in to four groups, which are commonly knows as 4PsProductPricePlacePromotionAn organization uses the all four factors of marketing mix to attracts and target their customers. A company can change its price and maintain changes its promotion schemes in short run but it exponent take longer period for them to change their product or places. Most of the organizations working in the market use Price and Promotion as key factors to target the customer to earn profits. The above mentioned 4Ps helps and represents sellers view of the marketing tools in order to attract the buyers. (Kotler Managing Markets 2006, P-20)Some other authors include 7Ps as the complete indication of marketing mix. The remaining three are as followsPeopleProcessesPhysical EvidenceIf we smelling on the marketing mix of the Primark then we can tumble the marketing strategy they adopted so that they attract numbers of customers.Marketing Mix of Pr imarkPrimark is widely knows and popular as a clothes retailer which keep attracting the customer by their low price and good quality clothes. I will highlight the marketing approach Primark adopted to get the benefits as compare to their competitors.ProductPrimark is a clothes retailer, it is producing good and quality product according to the need of the people for all range of ages. In this section I will discuss what products they are selling and what are the different features of their products from mens wear, ladies wear and childrens wear.QualityQuality of the product of Primark is quiet reasonable as compare to their prices especially if we look on the other retailers in the high street market retailers.DesignsPrimark keep introducing latest designs at their retails out lets. Primark targeted people of ages from 25 to 35. Primark keep providing latest designs in their retails outlets at reasonable prices.Brand NamesPrimark has launched different types of brands in their reta ils outlets for their customers, which are quite popular. I am discussing few brands of Primark that has become a part and become a value for money business.Rebel ActiveCS ActiveEarly Days (For babies)Young DimensionsActiveCedar wood State (For Gents) standard atmosphere(Source www.primark.co.uk)Packing SizesThe product which Primark produces are good in quality and their packing is extremely good that people attract to their products. In these products ladies wear and gents dress shirts comes chthonic good packing and in all sizes.Services, Warranties ReturnsPrimark is one of the company which is growing very rapidly and company core objective is to provide the best services to their customers. Each and every Primark store has a customer services department where trained customer representative staff help the customers to their concern are sack the problems of the customers on priority basis. At Primark the product that has been purchase by the customers can be exchanged or it can be even refunded within the confident(p) 21 days time of the day of purchased date.PricePrimark as a retail company is focusing to provide good quality of products to the customer at the very reasonable prices. Primark is one of the retailers in the Europe where a customer has been targeted by the price of the products. Their marketing strategy most important aspect is value for money with the slogan Look good pay lessExamplesGents shirt prices starts from only 2.00Gents jeans pent can be purchased with in 10.00Gents formal suite can be purchased in 40.00Apart from all that above Primark keep on reducing the prices of the product from time to time and in this way company fulfilling their foresee of Look Good Pay Less.PromotionLike other retailers working in the region you cannot see many promotion schemes but Primark do make promotions schemes so that they can create more market share. But over all the promotion factor of Primark is bit low because they dont have online shop ping rapidness for their customers. This online shopping has been neglected which shouldnt be neglected as this is a very important factor in now days. Like all the other companies in the region, Primark introduced Pennys Gift Card in all their stores in Ireland. This brings a lot of saving on shopping in the Primark outlets.PlaceIn marketing mix the 4th P is a very important as far as the clothes retailer concern. You will see Primark stores and outlets on all major and important high streets and shopping centres. Primark has also opened a shop at the famous Oxford passage in the Central London, this store at Oxford Street doing a very good business. The Primark store at Lakeside is also one of the busiest stores at Lakeside shopping centre. If we talk regarding the transportation point of view, all Primark stores and outlets are easy assessable to the general public through public transports as they are located at the very important and majors high streets and shopping centres, and this make Primark a value for money brand for the consumers in the recession period.PeopleThis is also a very important factor of marketing mix and it is very significant as well. Marketing strategy should be made for the people who either are the end users of are the part of the organization for e.g. workers, management, consumers etc. this also defines the market segmentation and demographic segmentation.ProcessesThis process also plays a vital role because its gives an overview about the processes involved in the business. Like mechanism, procedure and flow of all the activities by which services are used. This also tells us the procedures that how product reach the end users. So its important that marketing process should be flexible to meet the needs of the businesses processes.Physical EvidenceThe last 7P of marketing mix is physical evidence this mean that the marketing strategy should include effectively communicating their satisfaction to potential customers.Impact of Marketing Mix on the Management Decision MakingThe importance of marketing mix is very important for every organizations business and marketing plans. Marketing mix is chosen after the very critical analysis of the forces that affects internal and external environment. In this way management can get the better idea about the strengths and weaknesses of the organizations. The potential business opportunities and threats are due to the presence of the different companies offering and doing the businesses by same affiliate of services and product. After the very careful and critical analysis of all the above factors the management of the companies make very good and fruitful decisions. An effective and flush Marketing Mix strategy will give the companies competitive edge over the competitors in this way they can produce more profits and tap the market share of the company.Importance of Budgeting in Marketing PlanFinancial forecasting is also very important and vital in over all run ning of the business unit. In case of marketing the funds availability is very important. On this basis the organization allocates resources and funds for an effective marketing plan so that they can produce more result in shape of success. Here the question arises that what should be the cost of the whole marketing campaign of the product or the business and how we can allocate the funds for that. Promotional budget normally determined by how much fund provided and how much percentage is easy out of the revenue received from the sale of the brand.

MIS implementation at AC Ltd | Analysis

MIS implementation at AC Ltd AnalysisA PROJECT REPORT On counseling Information scheme of AC Ltd.TABLE OF CONTENTSS. NO.PARTICULARSPAGE NO.ACKNOWLEDGEMENT3EXECUTIVE SUMMARY41INTRODUCTION description OF MIS52COMPANY PROFILE63OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY74SCOPE OF THE STUDY75TYPES OF MIS AND USES87 partingS OF MIS88DESCRIPTION NATURE OF INFORMATION SYSTEM129Description and Analysis use of Information SystemsMIS STUDY AT AC LIMITED9.1 General Information9.2 Need For Integrated MIS9.3 MIS Functions Provided by accepted MIS9.4 Architecture of MIS at AC Limited9.5 Inventory Management Module Of Current MIS12-2411ASSESSMENT OF genuine USE OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS, identification of problems2412RECOMMENDATION for future developments in use of IS2513GANTT chart2814REFERENCES29EXECUTIVE SUMMARYMaking decisions is an implicit in(p) part in the numbering of any composition. To advance conclusiveness making in this ever-competitive world it is imperative that managers have the right random ness at the right time to bridge the gap between pick up and expectation. For better flow of breeding an adequate Management Information Systems (MIS) is the need of this age. Thus it is important to have an understanding of the MIS followed in an organization by all levels of management in gild to take effective and appropriate decisions.A management cultivation system collects and processes data (information) and provides it to managers at all levels who use it for decision making, planning, program implementation, and control. The MIS has many roles to dress like the decision support role, the performance monitoring role and the functional support role.To get a rea leanic view of the MIS, Ive gone through with(predicate) the MIS of AC Limited. For the purpose of getting in depth understanding of particular functions of the company, I focused the needfully, uses and benefits of MIS with respect to the Material Department of the company. For the preparation of this report, I nventory Management has primarily been focused.AC Limited is one of the first Pakistani companies to realize the potential and importance of information technology and to adopt automation and IT infrastructure. The preliminary computerization took place in 1986.The organization has traveled a long air from the days in 1986 when it was using simple keypunching machines. Signifi quartert amelioratements were make in the natural covering systems and infrastructure. From Batch bear upon to on-line systems, from IBM1401 to the latest UNIX and Windows XP and 2003 based machines organization has make timely transitions determined by the available technologies. Throughout this evolution the MIS remained synchronized to the information flow in the organization and the management felt that it has played a role in the overall growth and increased performance of the organization.INTRODUCTION DEFINITION OF MISManagement Information Systems (MIS) is a system consisting of people, machines, procedures, data bases and data models, as its components. The system gathers data from Internal and External sources of an organization processes it and supplies Management Information to promote managers in the process in decision making. Thus it is safe to conclude that an information system is a system consisting of the mesh of all communication convey used within an organization. There are many potential benefits of MIS investmentsInvesting in information systems heap pay off for a company in many ways. It push aside support a core competency. Enhance distribution channel management. Builds brand equity. IT investment can boost production processes Information systems will company flexibility in its output level.An information system comprises of all the components that collect, manipulate, and deliver data or information. It usually complicates hardware, software, people, communications systems such as echo lines, and the data itself. The activities involved include in putting data, processing of data into information, storage of data and information, and the production of outputs such as management reports.COMPANY PROFILE THE ACC LIMITEDAC (AC Limited) is Pakistans foremost manufacturer of cement and concrete. ACs operations are spread throughout the country with 14 modern cement factories, 13 Ready mix concrete plants, 19 sales offices, and several zonal offices. It has a workforce of around 9000 persons and a countrywide distribution network of over 9,000 dealers. ACs enquiry and development instalment has a unique track destroy of innovative research, product development and specialized consultancy services. Since its inception in 1936, the company has been a trendsetter and important benchmark for the cement industry in respect of its production, marketing and military group management processes. Its commitment to environment-friendliness, its high ethical standards in business dealings and its on-going efforts in community benefit pro grams have won it acclaim as a responsible corporate citizen. AC has made significant contributions to the nation building process by way of quality products, services and sharing its expertise.In the 70 years of its existence, AC has been a pioneer in the manufacture of cement and concrete and a trendsetter in many areas of cement and concrete technology including improvements in raw material utilization, process improvement, energy conservation and development of high performance concretes.ACs brand name is synonymous with cement and enjoys a high level of equity in the Indian market. It is the only cement company that figures in the list of Consumer Super Brands of India.The companys various businesses are supported by a powerful, in-house research and technology backup facility the only one of its kind in the Indian cement industry. This ensures not just consistency in product quality but also continuous improvements in products, processes, and application areas.AC has rich st art out in mining, being the largest user of limestone, and it is also one of the principal users of coal. As the largest cement producer in India, it is one of the biggest customers of the Indian Railways, and the foremost user of the highroad transport network services for inward and outward come toment of materials and products.ACC has also extended its services overseas to the Middle East, Africa, and South America, where it has provided technical and managerial consultancy to a variety of consumers, and also helps in the operation and maintenance of cement plants abroad.ACC demonstrates the practices of being a good corporate citizen undertaking a wide range of activities to improve the living conditions of the under-privileged classes living near its factories.OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDYThe objective of this report is to domain the MIS implementation at AC Ltd. and with the help of this domain, to get an insight into the needs of MIS in business setups on a big scale, various fu nctions performed by the MIS, benefits derived out of such a system and the risks involved.I intend to aim my study at analyzing the business needs of the organization, key challenges or desired functional requirements of the MIS, the IT solution that is currently implemented and the outcome of such a system.AC Ltd. requires MIS to subprogram internal processes and interaction with the external environment to the technology and ensure the solution delivers real benefits to the business.SCOPE OF THE STUDYThe scope of this study is to understand the reasons behind the need of MIS in AC Ltd. This study leads to the MIS support to the Company as a whole with special emphasis on Inventory Management practiced in the Material Stores Department of the company. Through the interaction with the executives of AC Limited, we get an insight about the effectiveness of the MIS in place at the organization.TYPES OF MIS AND USESMIS CLASSIFICATIONMIS is a concept, which is a matter of degree rather than an absolute one. In management there are perhaps few early(a) areas other than MIS which gas pass waterd so oftentimes controversy. We would make an attempt to try to look into different types of MIS as they have evolved during the course of time. Transaction Processing System Management Information System Decision Support System Executive Support System Office Automation System Business Expert SystemFUNCTIONAL USES AND ROLES OF MIS THE PERFORMANCE MONITORING ROLEMIS are not just statistics and data analysis. They have to be used as an MBO (Management by Objectives) tool. They help to establish relevant and measurable objectives to monitor results and performances (reach ratios) to charge alerts, in some wooings daily, to managers at each level of the organization, on all deviations between results and pre-established objectives and budgets.THE FUNCTIONAL SUPPORT ROLEBusiness processes and operations support function is the most basic. It involves collecting, recording, s toring, and basic processing of data. Information systems support business processes and operations by recording, storing and processing sales data, purchase data, investment data, payroll data and other accounting records recording, storing and processing inscription data, work in process data, equipment repair and maintenance data, supply chain data, and other production/operations records recording, storing and processing personnel data, salary data, employment histories, and other human resources records recording, storing and processing market data, customer profiles, customer purchase histories, marketing research data, advertising data, and other marketing records recording, storing an processing business intelligence data, competitor analysis data, industry data, corporate objectives, and other strategic management recordsuse of all the above to implement, control, and monitor plans, strategies, tactics, revolutionary products, rude(a) business models or new business vent ures. THE DECISION SUPPORT ROLEThe business decision making support function goes one step further. It is an integral part of making decisions. It allows users to ask What if? questions What if we increase the price by 5%? What if we increase price by 10%? What if we decrease price by 5%? What if we increase price by 10% now, then decrease it by 5% in three months? It also allows users to deal with contingencies If inflation increases by 5% (instead of 2% as we are assuming), then what do we do? What do we do if we are faced with a strike or a new competitive threat?ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE ACC LTD.Description and Nature of Information SystemINVENTORY MANAGEMENTA product that is in excessive accept is usually extremely difficult to manage. Supplying the right amount of products implies that an accurate demand forecast is essential. This holds the impact on the entire supply chain to facilitate efficient consumer response based on consumer demands it becomes imperative that s uch companies consider archive management seriously. Making accurate demand and supply predictions is an ideal feature that anyone in the supply chain management arena could dream off.By providing timely accurate information pertaining to size up location, movement and valuation, receipt of goods, sale and run off of goods and profits you can make sure that your inventory is visible throughout a network.With inventory management you can set your product catalog to befog products that are not in stock, or change prices based on the amount of products available in the warehouse. The quantity available can be displayed to the shopper and this can prevent unnecessary confusion when the shopper adds items not available to a shopping cart. The store buyer can be automatically notified about low inventory levels.IT (Information Technology) is a key enabler in the transformation of purchasing into a strategic business function. The challenge is to find a way to put these technologies t o use and create value and competitive advantage.The Main Objectives in Inventory Management are Improved customer service Reduced inventory investment Increased productiveness Benefits of inventory management applications Complete control of inventory. Complete information about the value of the inventory Complete visibility on Quantities on hand, Quantities committed and Quantities change Response time to demand changes reduced Increased sales Knowledge of the exact size of merchandizing inventory Taxes and insurance premiums paid on excess merchandize inventory avoided.DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF INFORMATION SYSTEMSAC is one of the first Indian companies to realize the potential and importance of information technology and adopt automation and IT. The organization started computerizing its systems as early as 1986. The organization has traveled a long way from the days in 1986 when it was using simple keypunching machines. Significant improvements have been made in the applicati on systems and infrastructure. From Batch processing to on-line systems, from IBM1401 to the latest UNIX and Windows 2003 based machines it has made timely transitions determined by available technologies and business requirements.AC has made a quantum jump from in-house developed systems using Oracle 9i and Developer 6i to an ERP based solution. This decision was solely based on its strategic objectives and the business benefits that are expected to follow. With this move people, business processes and technologies across the country are aligned.The implementation of ERP solution for process control is shown in the figure below.Fig.1 The ERP implementation for process control at AC Ltd. IT subdivision is liquid continuously working on improving the functionality and removing the errors of the system. As a result system is becoming better day-by-day, thus improving the productiveness of the company. NEED FOR AN INTEGRATED MISThe benefits associated with an integrated MIS are Bette r processing of the large volume of data in an organization. Reducing the Redundancy of Data that occurs in case of separate packages. Availability of all the required information about any department through a common system. Making the system fitting of support the managers in making decisions. Facilitate the communication between the various regional offices of the company and the corporate office along with the main plant. Use of online data to advance up the information flow of the organization and facilitate decision-makingFUNCTIONS PROVIDED BY CURRENT MISPlant (Manufacturing living)Production Break down and Plant performance Module MIS Reports and rub Module, Stock positionRaw Materials Management System Integration with Weigh Bridge and Security Gate Daily stock, issue position and bill whirl Transport Freight hire SystemsWeigh Bridge Integrated with Security Gate Stopped one mechanical weigh bridge 500 trucks can weigh for gross and tare in single day5002 = 1000 Time Management Reports, Truck Movement reports Weighment is integrated with invoice cum challan transport Payment Truck position inside and outside the plant.Computerized Preventive Maintenance Software Both plant are using this staff Preventive Maintenance and Break down Module Shutdown module and integrated with inventory Forecasting of spares and skills usage moduleInward Outward Materials SecurityControl on returnable goodsWork Order and analysis Work Order will be prepared by authorized person Provided to all departments. Integrated with cast Master And budget.Labour Deployment and accounting System Daily supply of Contractor Labour deployment Against regular, adhoc and shutdown requirements Daily/monthly/yearly analysis reports Contractor dig up snout passing systemCommercial ApplicationsMarketing Accounting and analysis System Excise module and Sales Tax Module Transport Bill passing module Order Confirmations and Dispatch Instruction Free Market Requirements, Railway Recei pt Commercial Invoice, Debit Note, Credit Notes.Stores Inventory Non Inventory On Line indention, Issue and Receipt Materials Deli very Schedule Controlling the inventory Controlling the increased inventory Stores Ledger, consumption Summary MIS reports, Budget V/s Actual Consumption. Integrated with financial share Repair maintenance inventory, Department Wise Expenses.Purchase Management System Purchase Order integration with indent On line enquiry, Party novel information Pending list of purchase order MIS reports, Purchase / Indent Register Payment Advice System (Advance, regular)fiscal Accounting System All types of voucher feeding Purchase and freight bill passing Other Expenses bill passing and TDS Module General Ledger, step in Ledger and Trial balance of two fiscal years Auto payment advice, Bank forwarding letters, payment System, Overhead Analysis reports. Integrated with inventory and Payroll module MIS Reports Cash Budget,Vehicle Movement Controlling on Taxi, Car e tcOn line General information System Information provided to Users about On line Leave status I.e. opening, availed and closing status Electricity Deduction Employee wise, Quarter wise Over time Status department wise Welfare rules and Regulations, Telephone list, accidental etc Actual Consumption against budget, Welfare informationHuman Resource Development Topic Courses, General Awareness Programme, TNA of Workmen, TNA of LCW, Individual record of ext/int Training, Pending Training etc.Payroll PIS Module Payslips of Staff, Worker, School, Badli Casual Worker PF, VPF, Bonus, Gratuity Module LIC, CTD, Thrift Society, Co-operative advances Module. Recovery Deduction, PIS and Income Tax Employee wise Integrated with Financial Package Over Time, C-off Module Payroll of Marketing Department (Transferred from HO)Sales Accounting Systems Sales Accounting Systems, Rent Payment System Data loading, Expenses Payment System, Freight Payment, MIS, Transferring in FASGate Pass System (Return able Non-returnable goods) All goods send through Computerized Gate Pass Integrated with Gate System. Pending repair items informationArchitecture of MIS at AC LimitedCurrent MIS of the company is basically a In-house developed system, also comprising of few specialized readymade software packages bought from outside developers. It comprises of 11 main modules covering all the main functions of the company.Inventory Management Module is one of the most important parts of the system. It is highly integrated with the other modules and capable of functionalities like Auto Alarming when inventory is low. It is capable of generating more than 200 different types of reports to help managers in different required ways. Its main parts include Inventory issue, purchase, bill passing, other OER passing, freight passing, stock updation etc.DFDs and Data processing diagramsInventory Package Context Level Diagram (CFD)Inventory Package Issue DFDInventory Purchase DFDData Processing (Full Invent ory Module)Application used for Work order Preparation at The ACC Ltd.1. ITEM CODE mankindThere are 9 types of item group in Non Catalogue Item Medicines 806 Stationary 807 Repair Order 808 Transportation Order 809 Raw materials 810 with child(p) Orders 811 Job Orders 812 Laboratory Items 813 Direct book orders 8142. Indent Posting3. Indent Sanctioning4. Indent Type Updationimage5. Order Preparation6. Order PrintingimageASSESSMENT OF CURRENT USE OF INFORMATION SYSTEMSIDENTIFICATION OF PROBLEMSAfter analyzing the system properly, we came to a basic conclusion that system is working fine at an overall level and consisting of very minimal problems. These problems cant be stated as such problems and instead can be stated as future path. Still we essay to jot down the few of them, which are as follows Still lack of system integration after a level. Though inventory management module is integrated well with all the other modules like financial system, thus reducing the redundancy. But still there is need of paper work and manual of arms preventative when reordering is required. System cannot be configured to reorder automatically, even for the fast moving raw material. Lack of Web Integration. AC hasnt still employed the concept of taking orders or ordering through web and have no integration of its system to its website. Legacy Network Support. Backbone network used by AC is still the same, which they used in 1993. They havent pull aheadd the network support from then, which has started creating problems for them already. As MIS of the company is improving day-by-day including more and more functionalities, the network has already become very slow. Lack of teach to managers to effectively use the decision support functionalities of system. This is another problem that we felt at the company. IT department is basically making the improvements in the system continuously with new added functionalities, but there is lack of training to managers to effectively us e these functions in way that can support them to make better decisions. For example, on an average, a manager uses only 10-15 types of reports out of more than 200 types of reports available.RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENTConsidering the given problems, their analysis and research on comparative MIS systems used in the similar kind of industries, our group is presenting following recommendations for the company.IT department of the company should now work towards integrating the system on a higher level and making the company Paper-Less Office. This should be done by integrating the system in a way that the manual intervention be minimized in the day-to-day process.The company should also start Web-Based ordering and selling, so that to be able to catch up with the growing industry.As more improvements in MIS would be done, and Web-support to be also incorporated, it is more than sure that current Network available is going to crash. To cop this, company needs to upgrade its network. For this purpose, we suggest the tie-up of company with some outside contractors like IBM or CISCO to continuously upgrade and maintain their network.With each up gradation, we suggest training to the managers of the company about effectively using the added functionalities and use of them in a better way. This can be also done by providing a enchiridion along with each up gradation.REFERENCESOfficials Contacted fromMr. Sam Joseph (Deputy Manager, IT Department), AC Limited.Secondary SourcesManagement Information Systems A Managerial Perspective, D.P. Goyalwww.tcs.comwww.sap.com

Greek History Essay -- Greece Historic Historical Essays

Greek HistoryWorks Cited Missing Relatively little is cognize or so the constitution of life in Greece during the neolithic and Early Helladic periods. Since there are no written records from these periods in Greek history, it is only possible to learn around the cultures that existed during this time by studying the remains of their settlements. The sites of Sesklo, Dimini, and Lerna are all good examples of the types of settlements that existed on mainland Greece from the Middle Neolithic period to the Early Helladic. Although they dont cook us a complete picture, these sites help us understand what life was like on the Greek mainland before the arrival of the people that are known today as the Greeks. During the Neolithic period the most advanced flying field of Greece was Thessaly. This area in northern Greece was the place where both Sesklo and Dimini were established. During the Helladic period the area of superlative advancement shifted to the south. This period is bes t represented by Lerna. Sesklo was first occupied in the Early Neolithic period but didnt reach its apex of the suns way until the Middle Neolithic. It was built on a low mound that had an area of about 100m by 45m. A large, two-room megaron which opened on to a paved courtyard was built at the center of the mound (www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/siteindex?entry=sesklo). Near the megaron were various other smaller buildings packed closely together. One building stands out from the others, because it appears to exhaust served a special purpose. That building is the two room building now identified as a potters workshop. The inhabitants of Sesklo surrounded the whole area on top of the mound with what appears to have been a single one meter thick wall. Its uncertain whether thi... ...peaks in the development of the Greek mainland from the Neolithic to Helladic period. Each settlement represents a fairly significant advancement over its predecessor and shows how Greek settlements progressed over the years. These settlements excessively provide many clues about the nature of mainland Greek culture during this period of time. Even though we have no written records, by examining the architecture and artifacts of these cultures we are able to determine how their communities were organized. We are also able to determine the nature of their relationships with other settlements by examining their fortification systems. Although many things about early civilizations in Greece remain a mystery, we have learned some(prenominal) from these sites and continue to study them in hopes of gaining a more complete picture of what life was like for the early inhabitants of Greece.

John Steinbeck :: essays research papers

John SteinbeckJohn Steinbeck is superstar of worldy American literature writers, and he is one of a kind in his work. Steinbeck went through many another(prenominal) troubles to get his work where it is now. What would you do if publishers rejected your whole piffling story accumulation? Many people would quit right at that place, but now john Steinbeck. He travel past that and wrote many successful collections and books.John Steinbeck was born February 27, 1902 in Salinas, California. When he started out, he attended Salinas High School, followed by Stanford University. Throughout his life he moved to new-fashioned York in New York City. After a short time there he moved back to California after his short story collection was rejected by the publisher in New York. He then authentic a job at a remote Lake Tahoe resort. In 1930, he get hitched with the low of his three wives, Carol Henning, and moved to Pacific Grove, California. In 1943, married Gwen Longer and had two ki ds. In 1929, he met Ed Ricketts, who would turn out to be his best friends. Ed died in 1948, which leftover Steinbeck very upset and lost. Steinbeck died on December 20, 1968 in New York City. Of his accomplishments, he received a Book of the month selection for Of Mice and Men. He also received a Nobel Prize in Literature in 1968. Some of his work is now in San Jose State University.The first story that I read was Steinbecks The Turtle. In this story, a capsize starts off trying to make his way up onto a highway, in doing this he realizes he is not big generous to climb up onto it. He eventually uses all the strength in him and makes it up onto it. at a time on there a big truck comes and runs the turtle off the highway. This forces the turtle to start the whole process once again.The next story is The Flood. In this story, it starts off in a nice little townspeople where not much happens. After awhile, a storm starts in and begins to take out this town. The town eventually ge ts make full badly, leaving many dead and injured. Once the storm ends, the once nice town is left in a wreck.The final story would be Steinbecks The pearl of La Paz. In this story, a man comes into the worn of La Paz with a so called magic pearl that would let him do anything that he wanted.John Steinbeck essays research papers John SteinbeckJohn Steinbeck is one of many American literature writers, but he is one of a kind in his work. Steinbeck went through many troubles to get his work where it is now. What would you do if publishers rejected your whole short story collection? Many people would quit right there, but now john Steinbeck. He moved past that and wrote many successful collections and books.John Steinbeck was born February 27, 1902 in Salinas, California. When he started out, he attended Salinas High School, followed by Stanford University. Throughout his life he moved to New York in New York City. After a short time there he moved back to California after his sh ort story collection was rejected by the publisher in New York. He then received a job at a remote Lake Tahoe resort. In 1930, he married the first of his three wives, Carol Henning, and moved to Pacific Grove, California. In 1943, married Gwen Longer and had two kids. In 1929, he met Ed Ricketts, who would turn out to be his best friends. Ed died in 1948, which left Steinbeck very upset and lost. Steinbeck died on December 20, 1968 in New York City. Of his accomplishments, he received a Book of the Month selection for Of Mice and Men. He also received a Nobel Prize in Literature in 1968. Some of his work is now in San Jose State University.The first story that I read was Steinbecks The Turtle. In this story, a turtle starts off trying to make his way up onto a highway, in doing this he realizes he is not big enough to climb up onto it. He eventually uses all the strength in him and makes it up onto it. Once on there a big truck comes and runs the turtle off the highway. This forces the turtle to start the whole process once again.The next story is The Flood. In this story, it starts off in a nice little town where not much happens. After awhile, a storm starts in and begins to take out this town. The town eventually gets flooded badly, leaving many dead and injured. Once the storm ends, the once nice town is left in a wreck.The final story would be Steinbecks The Pearl of La Paz. In this story, a man comes into the worn of La Paz with a so called magic pearl that would let him do anything that he wanted.