Operations Management Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Operations Management - Research Paper Example Batch production processing; â€Å"Involves the manufacture of medium size lots of the same product. The lots may be produced only once or they may be produced at regular intervals. Lot sizes and the frequency of production of a single item is tied up with the inventory control policies† (National Institute of Technology Calicut, n.d. pg. 3) which is very evident with Stickley Furniture’s leveled manufacturing process. Job-shop as a manufacturing system is also present in the company evident with the seven master cabinet makers that handle customized orders. The use of batch in the operation of production processing of Stickley Furniture is also evident with its manufacturing practice. It was cited in the problem that its production process â€Å"begin[s] with sawing operations where large boards received from luber mills are cut into smaller operation†. Then there are subsequent â€Å"Subsequent operations [that] provide additional cuts for specific jobs† (pg. 688). This subsequent operations involve â€Å"gluing some of the pieces together; they will end up as tops of tables, desks, dressers, or similar item. Large presses hold 20 to 30 glued sections at a time. Other piece that will become table or chair legs, chair backs or other items go through various shaping operations. Next comes a series of sanding operations .... some pieces may require drilling or mortising some items require carving, which involves highly skilled workers†. This clearly indicates that workers are divided into deparments to do certain jobs which is a characteristic of a batch production processing with sub assemblies of job-shop or customized functions. In this production set-up â€Å"each worker is responsible for cheking his her quality, as well as the quality of materials received from preceding operations, and to report any deficiencies† (pg. 688). 2. How does management keep track of job status and location during production? Furniture p arts which are still works in progress are being monitored through bar codes. After workers assemble the various components, either into subassemblies or sometimes directly to other components to obtain completed pieces, each item is stamped with the date of production,type of job and their location. Careful records are kept so that if a piece is ever returned for repairs, complete instructions are available to enable repair people to closely match the the original piece. When a particular operation is finished (such as sawing or sanding), the operator removes a bar code sticker and delivers it to the scheduling office where it is scanned into the computer, thereby enabling production control to keep track of progress on a job, and to know its location on the shop. 3. Suppose the company has just received an order for 40 mission oak dining room sets. Briefly list the the kinds of information the company will need to plan, schedule and process this job. First, per company’s le vel production policy, the inventory has first to be checked if there are any mission oak dining room set remaining. If there are, their numbers should be should be deducted from the intended number of production. The materials are then made availabe and prepared which in this case are mission oak lumbers. The mission oak boards are inspected and marked for knots locations and other possible defect that may be found on the board before feeding it into the saw. The saw has a computer-controlled â€Å"

Major Factors Influencing the Fast Moving Consumer Goods Dissertation

Major Factors Influencing the Fast Moving Consumer Goods - Dissertation Example According to the statistics, the country improved its net worth of FMCG from an initial $884 million in 2008 to $1 billion in 2011 (Iheduru, 2012). There is high competition in this sector, and this explains why majority of foreign-based firms have become interested in the Nigerian market. Many factors account for this scenario experienced in the Nigerian FMCG market. For example, strong economic growth, relatively political stability, and increased consumerism in the country can explain why FMCG market continues to expand in Nigeria. Nevertheless, the sector has not been immune to challenges, which tend to reverse the gains made in the sector. Some of the challenges arise from insecurity issues, political uncertainties in terms of post-election violence, infrastructural impediment, structural and regulatory bottlenecks, and distribution inefficiency (Iheduru, 2012). Therefore, it is in this state of lack of clarity that information has to be sought regarding Nigeria’s FMCG se ctor, and identify specific factors enhancing the growth of FMCG sector. FMCGs Industry Most literatures depict FMCGs industry to be concerned with production, distribution, and marketing of packaged products to diverse group of consumers. Various factors have been explored, which are perceived to have direct or indirect role in the development and sustenance of FMCG industry. Many of these factors can be categorized as both internal and external and have to do with general business environment (Paul, 2010). Therefore, some of the identified factors, which have made the industry blossom include the cost of operations estimated to be low, availability and utilization of efficient and effective distribution networks, the increasing competition in the sector that motivate many players, and the increasing number of people in different countries has also enhanced consumerism (Paul, 2010). These factors can be used to explain the Nigerian scenario, but other micro-aspects found in the country have to be investigated. In order to find out which specific factors have contribute d to progress of FMCGs industry in Nigeria, survey is conducted on a number of FMCGs in the country and analysis of generated resulted will be undertaken. The understanding is that, effective analysis of the results will clearly show which factors and to what level they have contributed to grow of FMCGs in Nigeria. How FMCGs companies in Nigeria try to build on their market share Increasing market share is one of the critical aspects players in the FMCGs industry try to achieve. Given that it was earlier identified that competition in FMCGs sector is increasing, the participants have innovated diverse methods and strategies to stay ahead of the rest. In other words, achieving competitive advantage and remaining in a win-win situation requires market participants (sellers) to identify the most appropriate and best strategies. For example, earlier studies that have been done have shown that, in order to create and increase market share, FMCGs firms adopt some of the following market s trategies. The firms innovate and market strong product brands as compared to their competitors (Gough 2004). Product brand is one of the most frequently and thoroughly used strategy by FMCGs firms to identify, penetrate, and control markets in different regions in which they operate. By owning and promoting strong brands, firms are able to resonate well with a particular market niche, which subsequently leads to increase in market share, a fact

Boiled Vulteres and God's Middle Finger Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Boiled Vulteres and God's Middle Finger - Essay Example Sierra Madre is a drug-driven location where security forces have little or no say. On the other hand, Fox’s reading is based in Christiania, a locale in Denmark. The events in Christiania are characterized by internal social conflicts within Christiania and stiff relations between the people of this Free Town and the Danish government. The two social settings presented in the two readings are far apart, but the unfolding events and the way of life in Sierra Madre and Christiania Free Town are relatively convergent. The two readings depict critical similarities amid their diversity and differences. Drug production, use and trafficking is a dominant undertaking presented by the two readings. Production of drugs that outside societies regard as illegal is rampant in both societies accounted for by Grant and Fox in their relative texts. In Sierra Madre, drugs constitute the primary source of income (Grant 9). Drug lords have dominated this practice, gaining the full support of th e society due to the economic benefits and social impacts that drugs have brought about in this region. Regulation of this practice is a difficult task due to the complexities of governance and law setting in Sierra Madre. In Christiania Free Town, drug production, sale and use are a social norm. This locale enjoys social autonomy, a scenario that is evidenced by Fox by quoting, â€Å"They called the eighty-five-acre district Christiania Free Town, drew up a constitution, printed their own currency, banished property ownership, legalized marijuana, and essentially seceded from Denmark† (Best American Series 233). The Christiania micro-nation’s practice of self-rule promotes the use and sale of drugs. As it appears, the social and economic pillar of this Free Town is based on drug production. The engagement of legal aspects in drug production provides a critical backup to a practice that highly exacerbates crime and related practices. Personally, the Christiania drug un dertakings are preferred. Although both Sierra Madre and Christiania Free Town are deeply rooted in drugs and related practices, the Christiania aspect is relatively organized in comparison to Christiania. The legal aspect of marijuana in Christiania captures personal interest because it is least expected that drug production could be legal in any given social setting. However, as Fox’s text points out, the autonomy enjoyed by Christiania people has integrated a legal drug (marijuana) into the society’s normal system. The social setup in both Sierra Madre and Christiania is characterized by similar aspects in relation to the way things are run in these two different societies. Sierra Madre is characterized by lawlessness, and antisocial behaviors are highly evident. Grant (43) says, â€Å"The rules of law and society have never taken hold in the Sierra Madre, which is home to bandits, drug smugglers, Mormons, cave-dwelling Tarahumara Indians, opium farmers, cowboys, a nd other assorted outcasts†. This locale lacks a straight form of governance, meaning that the society is self-ruled, based on aspects that can hardly constitute social behaviors, practices, morals or norms. Anarchism is evident due to the fact that any organized authority is highly opposed. The people seem to enjoy their own autonomy, with hardly any organized making efforts to reverse

Nike Inc. Company Profile Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Nike Inc. Company Profile - Research Paper Example In total Nike has over 300 stores worldwide excluding independent distributors, dealers and whole sellers. (Shareholders’ Report, 2010) Nike Incorporation popularly known as Nike is a USA based world’s largest manufacturing company, formed in 1968, of sports apparel, shoes and accessories having mammoth 67% share in international market. Indeed, the company has become a pioneer designer, producer and seller of, primarily, sportswear, equipment, bags, and athletic footwear products. The global player supplies it products in 180 nations having 323 stores outside USA and has been actively participating in promotion of sporting and leisure activities, since its very inception. Nike recorded phenomenal growth during 1970s and 1980s because of sound business strategies and practices of its major strategic planners. Indeed, the major reason behind Nike’s phenomenal success is focus on quality and excellent marketing that persuaded the customers to switch toward Nike’s premium brands. (Shareholders’ Report, 2010) Since, Nike has been operational in over 180 nations, it has employed highly educated, experienced and professional personnel who administer, manage and control entire production and supply chain. The Board consists of 10 independent Directors and ‘one outside director who is not independent’. The Chairman of company is Philip H. Knight, while Mark G. Parker enjoys the responsibility of President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Here is the list that includes names of all 13 top managers. (Shareholders’ Report, 2010) To become world’s leading supplier of sports apparel, equipment, shoes and related accessories by producing and selling top quality premium products across the globe. To value our customers so that they receive satisfaction from our want-satisfying optimal quality and durable branded

Community Counseling Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Community Counseling - Essay Example An important aspect of modern counseling philosophy is that the clients remain in control of their own treatment program. This is a recognition of the importance of cooperation in the counseling relationship and gives the client a sense of responsibility in there own lives. This freedom of choice for the client increases their stake in the interventions and the outcome. This puts the client in the driver's seat. The counselor does not dictate actions, but merely acts as a facilitator for change. The philosophy of counseling is client oriented, and the role of the counselor is to promote a since of wellness and show a commitment to improving the lives of their clients. The overriding principles that drive the counseling relationship are genuineness, respect, dignity, and client self-worth. This idea is open to all individuals regardless of ethnic, cultural, racial, sexual and special needs. Counseling emphasizes unconditional positive regard, respect, a safe and caring therapeutic relationship, individual strengths, and taking control over choices. Professional organizations set up accrediting agencies to promote, evaluate, audit, and certify institutions and programs that meet professionally recognized criteria. Programs that meet accreditation standards reassure the university faculty and students that they are being taught the skills that are needed to the current industry acceptable standards. This makes it easier for a student that goes through a CACREP program to be recognized as having the necessary skills and knowledge to pass a certification test. One of the benefits of this program is that you know that you would be going through a well-rounded educational experience. Another benefit is that the program is monitored and set up in a way that has a strategic plan that is oriented for the success of the students. Membership in a professional association and credentialing is an excellent method for the profession to remain ethical and well regulated. It is sometimes easy to forget our ethics and fail to act in the best interest of our clients. Personal gain, self-aggrandizement, and lack of ethical education can all contribute to problems of professionalism. While credentials are a necessary part of career advancement and certification, they should not be used as a substitute for competence and caring. In the counseling profession, the law will occasionally come into conflict with the code of ethics. This means that you may have to violate the law to remain true to your own sense of morality. The counselor must be able to justify their ethical decisions and be prepared to suffer any professional or legal consequences that may arise. Community Work Settings Community counselors work in settings that may range from individual sessions, families, groups, and communities. Community counselors can perform many tasks that include vocational, psychological, emotional, prevention, and intervention activities. Community counselors take a role as a community activist to promote positive social change within the society. Community counselors confront issues such as drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, and sexual abuse. This may occur in a hospital, community center, or a correctional facility. The value of early intervention has highlighted the importance of counseling moving into the school system. This would be

Short essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 7

Short - Essay Example The most commonly renowned African arts are figurines, vessels and statuettes. Sacred arts and ritual arts were adversely linked to elaborate and intricate beadwork of many African communities. An all-inclusive orality and musical performances, divinatory art, body art and style were additional ritual performances in African tradition. This paper describes sacred arts and ritual performances in African religion. Cherokee ritual ceremony was one of the African ceremonies, which were well organized and undertaken regularly. Cherokee ritual ceremony traces its roots from Algeria in the North America. Cherokee ceremonies were held with the cycles of mother earth. During the ceremony, positive attitudes were to be held to the later. It, therefore, emerged as a ceremony offering worshipping opportunities, socialization and bonding for the entire clan. Ceremonial instruments were used during these occasions such as drums, tuttle shells rattles and guard shell rattles. A sacred fire was an additional symbol for god’s existence during these ceremonies. Sacred rattles were a shambolic and symbolic representation of holiness. Currently, this ceremony is carried out by Afro-American based immigrants as well as the North African communities. Priesthood was a noble profession in the ancient African societies; in order to become a priest in the traditional African societies, the individuals had to be respectful, godly and an oratory individual who was able to convince the people to follow the gods were worshipping. Priests had to know all the social and cultural ways of his community. Priests had to woo a larger mass of their communities to become believers (Olupona 84). Lastly, priesthood was determined by faith of individuals. Those who were capable of strongly standing by the communities during times of dire need were automatically awarded priesthood positions. Being priestess in the African traditions was directly linked by the societal norms; women in most African

Diversification Strategies Southwest Airlines Assignment

Diversification Strategies Southwest Airlines - Assignment Example Corporate Culture The case study clearly indicates that Southwest Airlines’ corporate culture greatly differs from that of other airlines. As Bermont (2004, p. 101) points out, when other airlines focus on profit maximization, the Southwest Airlines specifically tries to provide its customers with funny flight experiences at affordable rates. Since the company prioritizes customer satisfaction, it provides passengers with several financial benefits that other competing airlines hesitate to offer. To illustrate, when other airlines began to charge for customers’ checked baggage, Southwest Airlines stood firmly against those kinds of additional charges. Instead of charging customers’ baggage, the firm integrated taglines saying ‘We Love Your Bags’ into its advertising campaigns (Boone & Kurtz, 2011, p. 237). These operational policies of the organization greatly impressed customers and, therefore, contributed to customer loyalty. The most distinguishin g feature of Southwest Airlines’ corporate culture is that it attaches specific importance to humor and energy from the time of its founder Herb Kelleher. The company management holds the view that if it can keep its employees happy, they, in turn, will ensure high quality services to their customers. According to the president Colleen Barrett, â€Å"Southwest likes to think of itself as a customer service organization that happens to fly airplanes†; and as per the company’s corporate culture, â€Å"servant’s heart† must be a necessary characteristic that every employee must possess (as cited in Boone & Kurtz, 2011, p. 237). The company management conducts group interviews to evaluate how their employees would interact with a customer. In contrast to other airlines, Southwest Airlines provides its employees with a common platform so as to express their opinions, attain education and training, and ultimately improve their performance. Thus the organ ization greatly fosters employee creativity. The Southwest management encourages its employees to be proactive and take decisions from the heart. As Southwest’s middle level managers, supervisors, and frontline employees are allowed to take decisions, passengers would not face any difficulty in obtaining timely and quality services. According to employees and passengers, a key factor that distinguishes Southwest’s corporate culture from others is that the organization holds a ‘heart’ (Boone & Kurtz, 2011, p. 238). How the Southwest’s Culture has benefited its Growth? While analyzing the company’s extensive corporate history, it is clear that the firm’s unique culture has benefited the airlines and its employees. High level customer loyalty, low cost, and employee empowerment are the major three ways that aided the organization and its employees. Firstly, strong customer loyalty helped the company to survive market difficulties includin g global financial recession of 2008. The case study clearly reflects that the company offers only reasonable fares to its customers and refuses to charge for additional services such as baggage. As Lovelock, Wirtz, and Chatterjee (2004) point out, Southwest’s convenient flight schedules are really helpful for passengers, because most of other airlines do not provide such flexible time schedules. Furthermore, the organization always strives to maintain cheerful services and a genuine interest in its passengers. Such positive