Steel over timber

A comparison between steel and timber structures is be done on the bases of   structural performance and cost effectiveness. Structural performance involves the durability; sustainability and fire resistance of the structures build from these materials. These are the main reasons for choosing either of the materials in the construction houses, house frames and other major constructions such as bridges. However, the combination of most of these factors makes the steel structures to be preferred over timber. Steelwork in construction of major structures is on the rise because the builders are becoming more attuned to the advantages associated with steel structures (International Conference on Advances in Steel Structures,et. al  2002). The versatility of steel as a building material affords the architects and constructors to achieve the best structural designs as compared to timber structures.  

To begin steel has a high strength to weight ratio than wood and its dead weight is moderately small. The ductility of enables the steel to undergo big plastic deformation before it fails thus offering a large strength reserve, an important feature that makes it possible for steel structures to resist shock loading like earthquakes or blasts. This also makes steel structures to be more durable than the wooden ones due to extra strength (Case, Chilver, & Ross, 1999). The durability of timber structures is lower since timber has properties that cannot protect it from the harsh weather. Moreover, when steel structures are coated with paints, corrosion is reduced greatly while timber is affected by termites which make it very weak. The strength in steal can also be explained in terms of higher limit of yield strength. The steal material can be extending to a great length before strain hardening occurs (Yadav & Garg, 2015). The stiffness of the steel structures when subjected to a lot of tension is very high which makes it a priority in the constructions of large projects such as bridges (Parke, Nigel, & Institution of Civil Engineers, 2008).  

Comparing material strength (Parke, Nigel, & Institution of Civil Engineers, 2008)

In addition, the performance of steel in vibration in most building structures is very high.  The systems of steel construction normally meet the desired criteria for vibration performance without having to be modified .For applications that are more sensitive to vibration such as floors of operating theatres, the advantages of steel are normally captured after additional stiffening is applied to the steel frames. This in case there is a need for the steel frame to meet the criteria for acceptability. Even after the additional stiffening has been added to the frames, steel remain to be the best solution due to its light weight and cost effectiveness (Case, Chilver, & Ross, 1999). Thus, steel performs better in the construction of such structures as compared to timber that cannot withstand as much compression and tension. Timber has lower limits of yield strength which means that timber structures cannot withstand too much compression as compared to steel structures. The fragility of timber is higher as compared to the fabricated steel which means that steel would be preferred over timber in the construction of massive structures that are required to hold much weight (Muttoni, 2011).

Steel is a better material than timber when it comes to residential constructions and their designs. Among the many opportunities provided by steel is the ability afforded to builders where they can span larger distances when using ceiling joists of steel that those that are wooden. This allows the builders to have expanded options so that they can create new spaces while using the building products made of steel (Chini &Gupta 1997).  Construction with wooden materials does not provide builders with such broad options and alternatives.  Moreover, buildings that are steel-framed can easily serve the requirements of acoustic performance, especially for the residential structures than the timber framed ones. This is possible if careful detailing is done for the walls, finishes on the floor, flanking and services penetrations so as to provide for reliable and proven acoustic performance (Chini &Gupta 1997). Similarly, for the external walls that where thermal and acoustic performances are required to be provided, a construction of infill that is steel-framed will work as the best solution. The provision of insulation is done within the frame which offers great thermal properties.  The infill solutions also give a robust wall that has no gaps left between the main structure and the wall. This is a problem that can occur in case the walls are made of wooden blocks. Furthermore, the erection of steel structures can be done faster than wooden structures (Chini &Gupta 1997). This can be attributed to the accuracy and predictability of steel components which speeds up the construction process and also provide for follow-on trades. This gives time savings in the construction or build program than construction of wooden structures that requires a lot of modification for the timber to be used. The speed of putting up structures is a major criterion that makes allows steel to be selected of timber. The short periods of construction leads to a lot of savings in the preliminaries at the site, reduced charges on applicable interest and also makes it possible for returns on investments to be realized earlier (Dubina & Ungureanu, 2006).  

Moreover, steel metal can be used in combination with many other materials in the building of structures such as buildings or bridges. The structures of composite steel-concrete are widely used in the construction of such structures (Oehlers, & Bradford, 1999). Unlike wood, steel can be used together with concrete to take advantage of the best attributes of these materials which in turn make the construction to be very economical and efficient. The connection of steel and concrete allows the transfer of strengths to the members of the composite a behavior that is quite different from other materials. More specifically the connection transfers the forces in the concrete to the steel and vice versa in order to avert a case of separation of the two materials. In many of the modern buildings’ flooring systems, steel that is cold-formed is used with concrete slabs. Here, steel acts as an integral formwork for the concrete material enabling the achievement of a composite action. These composite are becoming more useful in the construction of high-rise buildings because they allow for more strength for supporting other building materials. On the other hand, timber rarely allows for the combination with other building materials to provide enough supportive frameworks for such buildings or other structures like bridges (Yadav & Garg, 2015). Otherwise, timber can be used to make structures without combining with other materials.

Besides, products of steel can be recycled without losing or degrading any of the prosperities inherent to it. This means that steel as a building material is very efficiency in managing environment degradation. The energy required for manufacturing the steel products has decreased considerably. Thus, when steel is evaluated against various issues sensitive to the environment, it is very preferable as compared to timber. Moreover, the raw materials required to manufacture steel exist in plenty since iron is an abundant mineral (Chini &Gupta 1997). Even though timber is renewable, it cannot be more sustainable than steel.

References

Muttoni, A. (2011). The art of structures: Introduction to the functioning of structures in architecture. Abingdon, Oxford, UK: EPFL Press/Routledge.19-24

Parke, G., Nigel, H., & Institution of Civil Engineers (Great Britain). (2008). ICE manual of bridge engineering. London: Thomas Telford.

Chini, A., Gupta K. (1997).A Comparison between Steel and Wood Residential

Framing Systems. Journal of Construction Education. University of Florida

Gainesville, FL. Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 133 – 145

International Conference on Advances in Steel Structures, Chan, S. L., Teng, J. G., Chung, K. F., Hong Kong Polytechnic University., Hong Kong Institution of Engineers., & Hong Kong Institute of Steel Construction. (2002). Advances in steel structures: Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Advances in Steel Structures, 9-11 December 2002, Hong Kong, China. Amsterdam: Elsevier.963

Oehlers, D. J., & Bradford, M. A. (1999). Elementary behaviour of composite steel and concrete structural members. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann. 19-20

Case, J., Chilver, H. C., & Ross, C. T. F. (1999). Strength of materials and structures. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann. 268-270

Dubina, D., Ungureanu V.,(2006).Steel - A New and Traditional Material for Building. Proceedings of the International Conference in Metal Structures 2006. 149.

 Yadav , S. Garg, V.(2015).Advantage of Steel Diagrid Building Over Conventional Building. International Journal of Civil and Structural Engineering Research. Vol. 3.1.400-404

GIGO

Garbage in, garbage out is a concept which holds that the quality of input determines the quality of output in a system. Thus, information provided by such a system and any decisions made on the basis he information are incorrect. The development of financial models involves making assumptions which are also based on the availed financial information. Therefore, the accuracy of the financial models will be only as good as the various assumptions used in creating them. For a person who is developing the model, they should be very careful with the GIGO concept.  There may be a lot of damages when liabilities or assets are priced incorrectly due erroneous calculation of inputs used for the valuation model. Assumptions that are flawed such as overestimation will result to garbage in and the results will be unrealistic models (garbage out) (Rezaee, 2007).

Posts audits allows the comparison of the actual results with the one that have been predicted in the analysis of the original capital budgeting. The general purpose of this feedback process is to improve operations and thus forecasting. It allows the confirmation of the information used in the forecasting against the actual one that is in the budget. This makes it possible to determine the reason for any discrepancies. This ensures that the forecasting capacity of the organization is improved significantly by use of the correct informational input (Rezaee, 2007). The incentive compensation plans can be used to communicate the importance of transparency and simplicity in the representing the correct information. Such plans should aim at rewarding the employees based on the outcome of the forecast that was done using the financial information they availed. This will make the employees be aware of the repercussions of using wrong information in financial forecasting (Rezaee, 2007). Tools that can be used to reduce GIGO include batch input and online input. Batch input allows business data entry to be done on a certain time schedule while Online input that allow information to be immediately validated (Shelly & Rosenblatt, 2010).

References

Rezaee, Z. (2007). Corporate governance post-Sarbanes-Oxley: Regulations, requirements, and integrated processes. Hoboken, N.J: John Wiley & Sons.164-167

Shelly, G. B., & Rosenblatt, H. J. (2010). Systems analysis and design. Boston, Mass: Thomson Course Technology.362

Culture and employees selection assessment

Ensuring that the employee’s culture does not have any negative impact on the results of any assessment in a global operation. This is key to ensure that there is no individual whose potential is intimidated because of culture. As a manger it is right to ensure that before any step towards the assessment is taken I would begin with workshops and trainings. This would help in equipping the employees with ways to make healthy adjustments and acquire high critical thinking which would make sure that the individual’s culture doesn’t negatively impact the selection assessment (Browaeys, & Price, 2008).

I believe strongly that cooperate culture and teamwork can be shaped by putting in place working and effective training programs. This will also call for having well equipped and skilled training staffs to help improve the employees in all aspects. Also encouragements like having rewards for those who really show and are actively portraying the teamwork behavior in them (Browaeys, & Price, 2008). Promotions would also work where those employed individuals who demonstrate success within the culture are given the opportunities to hold greater responsibilities. This will encourage more of them to seek improvement to get awards.

The human resource management body also has a part in this as one of the areas it covers. In this case there is much details which goes deep to classification of employees which is important. This includes of categories like parent country, host country and the third country national (Michael, 2012). There is also more emphasis placed in choosing the right candidate to carry out a certain task in the company. This is balancing between sensitivity to practices of local labor and consistency of internal cooperate. This is all additional to what already exists in what have been learnt for the whole week, which is key in ensuring appropriateness in choosing and getting the right personnel to work in a certain docket.

This week a better understanding of what global selection is and how it should be done to yield maximum was highlighted. This is especially on major issues like selection across cultures and how to manage cultural issues in assessment centres (Michael, 2012). There was also focus on the issues associated with creating a selection system where strong social network is key to be considered. This is also where need for cross-cultural skills was emphasized due to the way the workplaces are becoming diverse. This studies are key and in what is expected of managers in the field for optimum outcomes from all employees found fit in different dockets.  

References

Top of Form

Browaeys, M.-J., & Price, R. (2008). Understanding cross-cultural management. Harlow, England: Financial Times/Prentice Hall.

Michael, M. H,. (2012). Handbook of research in International Human Resource Management.

Bottom of Form

Delta Airlines

Competitor Analysis

In order for a company to be able to beat its competitors, it needs to analyse the strategies used by its competitors thus being able to perform its objectives in a very unique way (Rapajic, 2009). Competitor analysis is a very essential tool and it has two principle activities which are: gaining information concerning significant competitors and utilizing that information in order to predict the behaviour of the competitor (Hax, 2010). The following are the things that the company should be looking for from its competitors: current strategy of the competitor, the objectives of the competitor, the assumptions of the competitor, the resources and capabilities of the competitor, and the response profile of the competitor (Warkentin, 2015). Through competitor analysis, the company can be able to discover the weaknesses of its competitors and thus being able to perfect its services hence emerging as the winner. Moreover the company can be able to predict the future trends of its competitors and thus being able to prepare for such trends earlier enough.

Delta Airlines has three main competitors which are: American Airlines Group, Southwest Airlines and United Continental Holdings (Rapajic, 2009). Due to the stiff competition that the company faces, up to May in the year 2015, it had a market share of $34.4 billion and its sales had reached $40.32 billion, thus becoming the best performer in the airline industry for a period of 5 years.

Resources

                Delta Airlines has different resources which help it to be able to beat other companies in the competitive market. These resources include: technical resources, financial resources, physical resources and Organizational resources (Warkentin, 2015). The company’s technical resource is the use of the new technology, thus making the services provided by the company to be smooth and efficient.

Technical Resources

Delta Airline introduced a $50 million investment on technology in order to safeguard passengers’ luggage.  The company holds over 120 million bags every year, and this investment is aimed at reducing loss of bags by passengers while at the airport. Delta Airlines will therefore be tracking passengers’ bags using Radio Frequency Identification, (RFID) (Warkentin, 2015). The RFID chips will be mounted on the bag tags thus the movement of the bags will be monitored. Moreover, the chips will help in updating real time location of the bags and hence lost bags can be easily traced. The RFID is also passenger friendly since it will allow the passengers to monitor the movement of their bags using an application on their phones (Hax, 2010). Delta Airlines will therefore be able to cater for bag problems in the company since it costs the company $100 in case a passenger losses his or her bag while at the airport.

Financial Resources

                Delta Airlines as of 2015, received a net income of $1.22 billion, compared to $1.48 in the year 2014. This has been attributed by the fall in the earnings per share which reduced from $1.83 to $1.49 due to the change in the market trends. The company’s generated a revenue of $10.5 which is less compared to the previous year which was $10.7 billion (Warkentin, 2015). This fall has also been attributed to changing in the market trends and stiff competition from other airline companies in the world. Currency pressure in the world has also been a problem which has led to the drop in the profits realized. Recently the company offered more seats to passengers at a cheaper price in order to be able to cater for the currency pressure in the world. Despite of the change in market trends, currency pressure in the world and increase in fuel prices, the company was able to avoid any losses. This therefore led to the realization of low profits by the company in the year 2015.

The company which serves approximately 180 million customers each and every year, was named by Fortune magazine to be among top 50 most admired companies in the world (Rapajic, 2009). The company also has the best travel network in the world and it was ranked as the number one in the field of airline industries all over the world (Hax, 2010). The company offers high quality customer services and its prices are fair compared to other airline companies in the world.

Physical Resources

                Delta Airlines owns the best aeroplanes ranging from Boeing 747 to Boeing 777. These aeroplanes are designed to carry passengers and luggage. The aeroplanes are fitted with good very comfortable seats and its staff is passenger friendly (Warkentin, 2015). Moreover, the company transports cargo to different parts of the world and in case of any losses, the company will be held liable. Passengers are offered with a large baggage space and thus they can be able to carry luggage of up to 30 kilograms.

Organizational Resources

                Delta Airlines merged with Northwest airlines which was a way of increasing profits and reducing costs. The company was however later faced with financial challenges due to a drop in business demand. The company was however been able to recover this problem and this was after the collapse of fuel prices in the world (Warkentin, 2015). This saw the company saving lots of money and increasing its profits. The company was therefore able to realize $1.2 billion from fuel prices hence it was able to increase profits and cover financial problems that it had earlier experienced (Rapajic, 2009). The human resource management of the company makes sure passengers are taken good care of, and this is usually done through allowing passengers to rate their flight attendants (Hax, 2010). The employees in the company therefore do their best thus making Delta Airlines to remain as the leading company in the field of airlines.

Capabilities

                Delta Airline has different capabilities which can enable the company to take over the international market for a long period of time (Hax, 2010). These capabilities gyrate around service production and quality management. The company has the capacity to provide its clients with the best services due to the strategies that it has put in place (Warkentin, 2015). Moreover, the management of the company has the required finances to be able to cater or any problems associated with poor services delivery. Therefore, the company is able to retain its position as the market leader in the whole world.

                The management of the company has the capability of entering into another business in order to safeguard the company in case of poor performance in the market. Moreover, the management can also adopt outsourcing which is a method that would see the company reducing costs and increasing profits (Hax, 2010).

Core Competencies

                The strategies put in place and the resources that Delta Airline has put it in the front line thus, it is able to beat its competitors (Warkentin, 2015). The company has future plans which cannot be compared to that of its competitors, this is so because it invests in projects which are going to affect the company positively. Delta Airlines has been in market for almost 80 years and this acts as an advantage since the company has been able to understand the changes in the market. The company has therefore been able to put measures in place thus safeguarding t from experiencing any losses.

Reference

In Warkentin, M., & Decision Science Institute,. (2015). Trends and research in the decision sciences: Best papers from the 2014 annual conference.

Hax, A. C. (2010). The delta model: Reinventing your business strategy. New York: Springer.

Rapajic, J. (2009). Beyond airline disruptions. Farnham, England: Ashgate.

Question 1:

            Technical training is used to enhance skills that are specifically practical knowledge while management training enhances skills that are generally required by all businesses for example how to lead. Technical training sharpens skills that apply to specific job requirements while management training entails the general ability to perform competently within an organization. Technical training has a certain aim and linear while management is subjective in nature.

Question 2:

            Organizations would use technical training to enable their employees to understand the most up-to-date tools and technologies which are essential in keeping the company competitive.  In molding a good business administrator also technical skills that are gained through technical training are essential hence this may make a corporation to use technical training (Combs & Davis 2010).

Question 3:

            By ensuring the training is in identification and setting of organization objectives as also planning, designing and preparation of the program me. Guarantee that there is provision of agreed training programmed and its completion as stipulated (Deb 2006).

Question 4:

            On- the-Job training permits employees to be trained by in fact performing a precise task. The employee performs the work while they continue learning the essential details of the task from the experienced individuals. The advantages of this method are that there is instant positive response on performance and also quick remediation if assignment under standard. Job rotation also enables employees to learn how work on different jobs over time. The recruits take turns to do different jobs in the corporation hence working on a variety of dissimilar tasks that are not linked to the field of their work. The rewards of these are that it decreases worker monotony, enhance skills and also brings new opportunity for the recruits (Deb 2006).

            Job mentoring employees, it provides them a skillful trainer to direct their learning practice. This mentors provide advice and instructions hence the trainees learn the job firsthand. The rewards of these are mentors are accessible to offer guidance and the individual experience grows with the corporation (Deb 2006).

                                                            Question: 5

            Organization takes to note the reaction of the participants towards management training. The changes of their knowledge and skills, attitude regarding the specific subject and also transform in job performance. These are mainly used to look at the effectiveness of the training (Deb 2006). 

References

Combs, W. L., & Davis, B. M. (2010). Demystifying Technical Training: Partnership, Strategy, and Execution. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons.

Top of Form

Deb, T. (2006). Strategic approach to human resource management: Concept, tools and   application. New Delhi: Atlantic.

Bottom of Form

Organizational Culture

Organizational culture can be delineated as the set of standards and rules that act as a guiding principle to the employees particularly on their interpersonal conduct. Generally, organizational culture can be divided into three major levels which include organizational facilities, values, and presumptions. Precisely, organizational facilities include furnishings and offices whereas values include vision, mission, philosophy, strategies and goals. According to Reiman and Oedwald (2002), organizational culture cannot be solely used to measure the performance of an organization citing from the fact that it is not the only variable in the organization that affect performance.

Leadership 

Leadership as defined by different authors involves predicting future changes and motivating the followers towards the change in order to achieve a certain specified goal within the specific time frame. Therefore, the leader shares the vision of the organization with the followers and fosters them towards achieving the vision in future. Typically, most leaders tend to change the culture of the organization in order to align it with the vision set. This means that one can predict the effectiveness of a leader through the successfulness of the organization. According to Kouzes and Posner (2007), effective leaders implement the process, develop a vision, execute a strategy, motivate the followers and foster followers to act. 

Leadership and Organizational Culture

It is factual that leadership is more essential than the organizational culture. However, it is noteworthy that leadership is a component of culture in an organization as it is ideal in shaping the values that translate to strong organizational culture. Precisely, leadership focuses on the basic components that determine the culture of an organization. For instance, advancing the values and motivating the followers to adhere to those values develops the culture of the organization. Thus, leadership connects to organizational culture which connects to the organizational performance. This means that leadership failure reflects a failing organizational culture.  

Reference

Reiman, T. & Oedewald, P. (2002). The assessment of organizational culture: A methodological study, Espoo 2002. VTT Tiedotteita – Research Notes 2140.

Kouzes, J.M., and Posner, B.Z., (2007). Leadership practices inventing (4th ed). San Fancisco: Jossey.

Delta Airlines

Industry Environment Analysis (5 Forces)

Threat of New Entrants

Due to high rate of barriers to entry, there is a minimal threat of new entrants in Delta Airlines. The government regulations  which are  provided by organizations  such as Department of Transportation are copious and complex and also the operating costs in airline industry is high and this hinders the threat of  new entrance (Ireland et al, 2012). Civil Aviation Requirement has regulatory requirements which cause restrictions to entrance in new markets. For example, the domestic scheduled operators must have an equity requirement of INR 200 and five aircraft and many firms cannot meet the requirement capital needed (Ireland et al, 2012).  Other restrictions are provided by FDI and firms are unable to acquire high-cost capital, access to technology and expertise. On operating cost, a huge capital is required and also strong customer base in order to make profit. Due to huge amount of money in Airline tickets, customers avoid using unknown firms and so they stick on firms which they trust for safety issues.  The entry of new entrants is also lowered due to the high requirement of plane experience which needs at least a one year license. According to market research, airline industries in 21^st century has less than one-third of market share. This means that for many years there have been less growth and entrance of airline industries in the market (Ireland et al, 2012). In addition, Airline industry controls the economies of scale efficiencies and this hinders the entrance of threats.  New entrants meet challenges   based on distributing channels. Some of the airlines have hubs and high volume and this makes it hard for new entrance to have effective management in airports.  Due to excess capacity which provides empty seats helps the airline industry to have many booking customers and this hinders the establishment of new entrance.

Power of Suppliers

In Delta Airline, airplane manufactures are the main suppliers. Boeing and Airbus are the key manufactures and there is input standardization in the industry. The high bargaining power is as a result of low forward integration as many suppliers are unable to afford the high capital required in research and production (Hill & Jones, 2010).  The planes are almost the same and so the difference only occurs in amenities. It is not possible for Delta airline to switch suppliers since they usually form a long term contract, credit term and loan agreements for acquiring products of high capital.  Due to the high amount of capital and experience needed in the manufacturing industry, only few suppliers can manage to enter into the industry. Suppliers in airline industry have low bargaining power as they are provided with income by the airline firms. The power of suppliers is high as they take part almost 92% in the Delta airlines market (Hill & Jones, 2010).  Due to higher power, there is less industry intensification and lack of rivalry. However, as the external environment is required for labor, fuel and aircraft manufactures, there will be an adjustment in power of suppliers. For example, there is a fluctuation of fuel in the global market caused by geopolitical factors. This makes the Delta airline to hedge fuel in order to reduce cost and avoid market fluctuation. Labor also causes costly demands in Delta airlines due to unionization in airlines. However, the power of supplier will become weak due to the various competitors such as Comac of China, United Aircraft who are entering in commercial aircraft suppliers (Hill & Jones, 2010).

Power of Buyers

The bargaining power of buyers is high and this is due to the low switching costs. Consumers often choose a flight from a various selection of airlines and the price is sensitive due to consumer’s perspective. The emergence of trip-booking websites has made customers to compare rates and to choose the cheap airline (Hill & Jones, 2010). Delta airlines perform a market research in third-party platforms and offers low prices. The company also strengthens the rapport with credit card firms and provides their customers with reward programs.  Customers have travel options for long-haul distances and they may be willing to use airlines for that matter. The high bargaining power is also led by low substitute threat.  There are few substitutes and consumers often use the airline for faster transportation. To maintain the high power of bargaining, Delta uses some strategies in booking and it makes itself unique from other competitors through silent auction program (Hill & Jones, 2010). Delta also ensures that passengers book the later flights and smaller airline faces challenges as Delta has uses mergers and acquisition.

Product substitutes

Technological advances have brought in new efficient transportation method which has led to greater threats.  Due to high prices of fuels, Delta airline has raised its transport cost and this had provided other options for customers’ transport. Delta airlines face challenges in substitute threats which occur in different form. For example, train automotive is a strategic substitute although automobiles are overlooked in longer destinations (Belobaba et al, 2016). Due to the technological advancement, the substitute products become threatening in terms of money savers, productivity among other factors.  Substitutes in Delta airlines become a real threat due to the low cost and this is increasing the switching rate from one means of transport to another.  Even though the substitute with lower cost uses a long  travel time, customers opts to use the lower time with low cost  so save money in  poor economic periods (Belobaba et al, 2016).

Intensity of Rivalry

Competitive rivalry in Delta airlines is high due to the fact that many planes fly from the same airports for the same prices and to the same places. There is no quite difference in amenities offered and also all airlines have the same seats.  Example of Delta airline competitors are JetBlue and United.  Competitions are high because customers have no option in terms of travel experience as all airlines have the same expertise level (Belobaba et al, 2016). However, Delta uses strategic ways to deal with its competitors such as performing marketing campaigns on brand awareness. It is not possible for customers to make any difference between airline carriers as industries are stagnant.  The competitors in airline industry stay for a long time with fixed cost and this makes the industries to keep on competing. Thus, Delta puts effort in finding unique traits which will improve the services and this will help to take advantage (Belobaba et al, 2016).

SWOT Analysis:

Opportunities

Delta airlines Inc. is very well known for its customer satisfaction and on-time performance.  The company is well positioned to enjoy benefits of the economic outlook in America.  Due to the company’s operational metric and a strong balance sheet, it will have a strong upside within the next few years. There is a high demand   of the jet in the airline market and this means that the Delta airline has the opportunity to expand its operations and increase it revenue.  The rate of customers who will access their services will increase in a high rate due its low price and quality branding.  According to the CNN survey, there will be an increase of air traffic by 50% and this means that the low price will help the company to get many customers (Cento, 2009).  Since the company has online services, it will have opportunity to catch more customers online and this means that the company is growing in a remarkable rate and this will help to maintain its competitive advantage and profitability.  Delta airline also have a travel agency which provides customers with travel services and business and this will increase the income level. Due to the   reduction of oil price, the company will not count losses but rather it will be in a position to increase its operating margins.  As a result of operating cash flow, the company will achieve its 2016 target of $5B net debt (Cento, 2009).  Due to the competition reduction caused by industrial consolidation, the company will be able to raise its load and yield factors and both factors will positively affect the capacity management. Delta airlines are well known for offering overhaul and maintenance and this shows that the company will capitalize on American airline industry and expand its opportunities in worldwide markets.

Threats

After September 11 attacks, the company was highly affected in terms of security expenses and from that incidence the company has not yet recovered and so it fears security issues. There is a threat in low oil prices which give rise to expansion of discount carriers and this in turn will affect the company’s profitability and margins as well. Due to the low-prices, Discount carriers such as Spirit Airlines have shown efforts of offering low operating costs thereby affecting the company’s capacity expansion (Cento, 2009). Discount carriers competitors will enjoy the benefit of market share and they will integrate in the international market. The discount carriers will select routes and offer “no frills” with low cost.  Not only will the discount carriers threaten the Delta’s marker share but it will also threaten its margins. The labor cost will have a negative impact as a result of pilot shortages and this in turn will affect the company’s management goal.  The international route of the company will also be affected by the competition of US dollar by subsidized carriers (Cento, 2009).

Strength

Delta airline is the largest airline globally with 10hubs in U.S major cities such as New York, Detroit among others.  The company is well known for its capability to expand its hubs globally.  According to the statistics, Delta airline is the only company which has many aircrafts   and only 1 accident has been experienced since 1996. The company has 449 airplanes with series named Boeing 737, 777 among other series (Cento, 2009).  Delta airlines is the only company which makes a  high gross revenue and this is a result of its quality services to customers and high level of expertise. For example,   in December 2007, the company had managed to correct $19,154 million and as compared with previous years 2006, the revenue had raised up by 9.3% (Cento, 2009).  Other strength with this company is that it started a private business known as Song Airlines in 2003. The purpose of the private business was to minimize the competition growth and reduce the fuel prices.  The company is also part of Skyteam alliance which helps it to unite with other airline companies in market sharing, networking among other areas.

Weaknesses

 On 2015, Delta airlines faced financial issues which were caused by bankruptcy.  The bankruptcy has impacted its logistic activities and has caused many company layoffs. The company spent millions of dollars for team-building and the financial problems also affected the company management (Cento, 2009).  Due to the company infallibility, there was rise of undisciplined pursuit which made the company to meet a distinct denial from other airline companies. For many years, the company has misused its valuable time while trying to cope with U.S competitors such as Southwest.  The websites in Canada Regional Jets shows Delta connections websites and omits the carry-on luggage and this mean that customers will have to check other things in regular baggage (Cento, 2009). Despite the effort of the company in starting Delta express, there was no succession due to high fares and perception problems from Delta’s image.

Reference

Ireland, R. D., Hoskisson, R. E., & Hitt, M. A. (2012). Understanding business strategy: Concepts plus. Mason,

OH: South-Western Cengage Learning.

Hill, C. W. L., & Jones, G. R. (2010). Strategic management theory: An integrated approach. Boston, MA:

Houghton Mifflin.

In Belobaba, P., In Odoni, A. R., & In Barnhart, C. (2016). The global airline industry.

Cento, A. (2009). The airline industry: Challenges in the 21st century. (Airline industry.) Heidelberg: Physica-

Verl.

Supply chain management

Introduction

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the effectiveness of the main flows in the management of supply chain, the make process and forecasting of the supply chain in Jebsen and Jensen (SEA) Ltd. This includes the effectiveness in information flow, product or material flow, cash flow and the return flow in the company distribution. The report also analyses the effectiveness of the process of material planning and production planning, and a review of the different models of forecasting. The report then contain recommendations for the improvement of the supply chain and best model of forecasting for the company.

Overview of the company

Jebsen and Jensen (SEA) ltd. is a manufacturing and engineering company that also deals with the distribution of products and has its headquarters in Singapore and has operations in the regional areas of the ASEAN countries. It was incorporated in Malaysia and Singapore in the year 1963. It manufactures imported technology cables and tailor it to the need of the market,  design and make equipment that are used in industries such as extraction of edible oil , oil refining , modification of fats , Biodiesel and Oleo chemicals (Jebsen & Jensen ,2011) . The company’s objective is to always design solutions that ensure optimisation of resource utilisation, creation of efficient processes that will consider effect of the plant on environment and people. The goal of the company is to be the leader in provision of high quality products in and services whose dedication is to fulfil its customer needs while maintaining professionalism and integrity (Anthea, 2011). The primary market for the company is the South East Asia, where it also has 40 subsidiaries that are based in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam. The firm’s main competitors include Samsung Total Petrochemicals, Mitsubishi, and Bourage. The firm aims at maintaining a growth sustaining level of profitability that also ensures adequate return to its shareholders.

Efficiency in information, product, cash and return flows

The supply chain management involve the oversight of information, products and finances and any return to a manufacturer, as these aspects move in a certain process from the manufacturer to the customers. The process involves the integration and coordination of these flows within the organisation and among other organisations (Taylor, 1997). The ultimate goal of the supply chain management of Jebsen & Jensen Company is to achieve effectiveness in minimising the inventory since the products are availed while needed. Product flow consist of movement of various goods to the customer which must involve the various distribution channels such as retailers and wholesalers, or delivering direct to the client or service need or customer returns (Eyob,& Tetteh, 2012). The flow of information involves transmitting various orders and keeping an update of delivery status.  The flow of finances involve payment schedules, credit terms, and title and consignment ownership (Sweeney, 2006). The Jebsen & Jensen Company distribute life science and chemical ingredients for many manufacturing and industrial application. The supply chain is that the company’s 300 customer service and sales staff  help in the connection of technology for over 100 suppliers who are also the company’s partners to the many customer’s across the ASEAN market. The process also update the partners and customers continuously with market trends and intelligence.  The distribution network, ensures that the customers are provided with products in the demanded quantity and size, while assortment is done in due time and in defined place and thus ensuring low cost in the process. Each locational change of finished products or change in related information in this logistic chain connected with managing handles on space and time (Ramachandra,2010).

The company’s flow is enabled by regionally integrated and locally present distribution partner who are assisted by technical sales in the region and a well-defined distribution network that covers the whole of South East Asia. This helps the company to supply more than 100,000 tonnes of industrial chemicals and ingredients and other many other large appliances in the regions it covers. The network is necessitated by the flow of information about the orders needed by the customers back into the manufacturing units especially for the technological appliances and plants. The company is thus able to design them to meet the customer need in time. Such flow enables the company to provide shorter lead times and attractive terms of credit.  The flows are very effective since the company utilises the SAP infrastructure in provision of real-time data which keeps the supply chain managers responsive and thus provide high valued insights to customers.  An organisation should focus on implementing a supply chain strategy of management that will ensure that its operations will remain effective under a competitive market conditions (Sweeney, 2006). Jebsen & Jensen company observes this by focusing on the returns from customers which are mostly related to need for extend services such installation of plants.

To further improve the supply chain management, I recommend that the company employ the process of optimising the EBITDA (Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) process. The process ensures the maximisation of cash flow through redesigning of information, developing better forecasts through proper systems of inventory management, enhancing instructions on product use and apply optimal just-in-sequences model to focus on demand. All these will play a big role in variable cost reduction.

                                            Product flow                                            

                       Jebsen & Jensen CO.                                                                                        Customer

                                          Information flow

                                           Cash flow

Figure 1. The manufacture - customer relation – supply chain

Production planning/scheduling process and materials requirement planning process

Supply chain is an integrated and flexible network of manufacturers, distributors and suppliers and process through which raw materials are obtained, processed to add value and delivered as finished products to customers (Basu & Wright, 2010). In order for Jebsen & Jensen Company to achieve optimum performance, its functions of supply chain must be integrated. Production planning is a process that has a main goal of maintaining the flow in the manufacturing process and it covers all the aspects of operations from the activities of the workforce to the delivery or distribution of the products. Material requirements planning refers to a production planning and inventory control system that is normally adopted in the manufacturing process  and it aims at ensuring that materials  necessary for productions are available and products are delivered or distributed to the customers (Basu & Wright, 2010).

In the supply chain, Jebsen & Jensen is the main leader in the East South Asia region, any fault in the production planning process and material requirements can have a negative impact on its distribution system which will give its competitors an upper hand. The company’s material planning system acts as the major driver and source of information for more planning of material requirements and production schedules. The company’s system of material requirement process is normally time phased and ensures priority planning and its effectiveness stems from application of information technology in calculating the materials required. It also schedules the supply of products in order to meet demand in the manufacturing plants and across all the products. Information technology is very important component that assist in designing and implementation of the process and systems for material requirement planning since it provides relevant information about the needs for manufacturing (Kallrath & Maindl, 2006). These needs are closely linked with customer demands and thus the need for the systems and process to provide adequate information about the inventory levels. The company deals with a wide range of products and due to its large market it replenishes its inventory quite often per each year of operations and thus the planning process uses the information on inventory to determine the material to be ordered and at what time. The process of material planning assist the company production planning since the manufacturing process of plants involves a combination of various parts into a single product which is then stocked to meet the demand of the customer.

I therefore recommend that these process should be operated with inclusion of an information system that will ensure that there are adequate control methods. These control methods are important because the supply chain is a process that encounters a lot of uncertainties which are inherent in the internal process but more so in the external distribution efforts (Kerber, & Dreckshage, 2016). The information system will ensure the flow of information is smooth so that in the end, the production planning process and material requirement planning process will be integrated fully (Ross, 2016). Furthermore, if both planning processes are integrated with an advance information system at the operational level, an intra- organisation focus may be achieved since Jebsen & Jensen has many subsidiaries that need the same high notch distribution process.

Forecasting models

There are two types of forecasting models that can be used in the supply chain management which include the qualitative and qualitative forecasting methods. The methods of qualitative forecasting are basically subjective since they rely on human experience and expertise and related judgement. These forecasting methods are appropriate mostly when there is availability of little historical data as applies in forecasting of demand for new commodities or sales estimation (Shah, 2009). The models uses various subjective inputs such as the executive opinions, consumer surveys, opinion from the outsiders, estimations of the sale force or the opinion from the staffs and their managers. The qualitative models include the market research, Delphi, judgmental and the analogy of the life cycle .The judgements method involve opinions of the various individuals which are induced and feedback is controlled to achieve a consensus. The forecasts are then encoded using the determined parameters which are systematically updated as sales data more so about new products is availed. (Tayur, Ganeshan & Magazine, 1999). The Delphi model use the expert’s opinions to forecast on demand where an expert makes prediction on the basis of available data. Market research consist of estimation of the market size on the base of new ideas or products of a few selected clients. The analogy of the life cycle involve introducing the product, growth of market, maturity through to its decline. A diffusion model can be used basing it on past experience of similar products and market size and then estimate a product’s life cycle distribution demand (Datta, Granger, Graham, Sagar, Doody & Slone 2008).

 Quantitative forecasting involves the model of time series that utilises historical data and make an assumption that the future will resemble the past and the causal model that portrays what causes the demand and how the cause relates to other variables (Murty, 2006. Even in the application of the best model of forecasting some part of demand will not be forecasted and the forecasting model will be judged by predicting the extent to which it can predict the future demand.  I therefore recommend that Jebsen & Jensen Company should use times series model to forecast in supply chain management since it is can be useful in identification of seasonal variations which will in turn help in in the planning process at various times of the year. Though complicated it is quite accurate over the short run (Murty, 2006). This is possible in the Asian market that is stable. The model also includes various market variables in estimations.

Conclusion

An effective flow of information, products and cash flow in supply chain management plays a big role in minimization of inventories of materials and finished products, the reduction of space required for the purpose of logistics issues and thus optimization of the whole logistics process. An integrated supply chain process ensures that material requirement and production process planning that utilises an information technology system enables the company to maintain an effective flow of all the elements of supply chain. The information system ensures a smooth information flow which is the mainstay in the supply management since all other aspects of depend on how well the information is shared between the company, supply partners and thus satisfaction of customers’ needs is achieved. The choice of an effective forecasting model will ensure that the processes of production planning and material requirement planning are optimised to reduce on any shortage in material requirement, excess inventory in the warehouses and timely delivery of finished products is made to customers. This has a final effect of minimising cost and maximizing on profits in a competitively changing market. These observations align with objectives of Jebsen & Jensen Company which aims at ensuring optimisation of resource utilization and its overall goal of being the leader in provision of high quality products.

References

Jebsen & Jensen (2011). About us.  Retrieved from: http://www.jjsea.com/doc/AboutUs

Anthea, H. (2011). JJ-Muntons is ready for Business. Retrieved from: http://www.jjsea.com/PageDisplay.aspx?aid=2929658A-7046-4164-84BE-B1E74589DCB3&action=ShowNewsDetail&id=bc6bbc53-6835-4228-b927-7c8c177a990a

Ramachandra, M. (2010). Web-based supply chain management and digital signal processing: Methods for effective information administration and transmission. Hershey, PA: Business Science Reference.11-12

Sweeney, E. (2006). Managing Information Flows: the Key to Effective Supply Chain Integration. Logistics Solutions, the Journal of the National Institute for Transport and Logistics, Vol. 9, No. 3, pp. 18-21,

Taylor, D. H. (1997). Global cases in logistics and supply chain management. London [u.a.: Thomson.

Eyob, E., & Tetteh, E. (2012). Customer-oriented global supply chains: Concepts for effective management. Hershey, PA: Information Science Reference.79

Ross, D. (2016).Introduction to e-Supply Chain Management: Engaging Technology to Build Market-Winning Business Partnerships. CRC Press. 2011

Kallrath, J., & Maindl, T. I. (2006). Real optimization with SAP APO. Berlin: Springer.6-7

Basu, J.  Wright, N. (2010).Total Supply Chain Management. Routledge.317.

 Kerber, B.  Dreckshage,  B. (2016).Lean Supply Chain Management Essentials: A Framework for Materials Managers. CRC Press. 58.

Tayur, S., Ganeshan, R., & Magazine, M. (1999). Quantitative models for supply chain management. New York: Springer Science.419-425

Shah, J. (2009). Supply chain management: Text and cases. Upper Saddle River, N.J: Pearson Education. 173

 Eastham, J. Sharples, L., Ball, S. (2007).Food Supply Chain Management. Routledge.162-164.

 Datta, S. Granger, C., Graham, D.,   Sagar, N., Doody, P., Slone R., (2008). Forecasting and Risk Analysis in Supply Chain Management. Retrieved from: https://dspace.mit.edu/bitstream/handle/1721.1/43943/gar/202008_december.pdf?sequence=1

Murty, K. (2006).Forecasting for Supply Chain and Portfolio Management. Retrieved from: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.78.2717&rep=rep1&type=pdf

Felda Group Company

Transportation and Distribution Management

Felda Group Company

Introduction

Report overview

            This report will base its argument on the efficiency of three elements of carriage that involves incoterms choice consideration, carrier assortment criteria and transporter relationship management. Supply chain management is one of the important aspects in Felda Group Company that needs to be managed well so as to ensure that all the operations that involve the transportation in the company are effective. This paper will therefore analyze the effectiveness of the transportation ability, transportation objectives of the organization and some of the recommendations that can be implemented in the company so as to enhance continual improvement and development.

            Company background

            Felda Group Company is one of the global largest companies that is involved in the production of the crude palm oil and operates the oil palm plantation. The company is incorporated in Malaysia and is a private company and it primarily operates under the profit-making division of Federal Land Development Authority (Hai 2002). The business’s vision is to be the prominent worldwide expanded cohesive agri-business and its aim is to globally set a pace as they lead in creating value through the human capital. Also their mission is to champion in their locally invested culture and to build an integrated value chain as well as cultivating diversification in products and in geography.

 Their values are respect, partnership, integrity, dynamism and enthusiasm. Their operations are in more than ten states across Asia, Europe and also ion North America (Belai et al 2011).

Their strategy is to continually improve on their operations such as the reduction in cost in their operations so as to offer services and quality products that will enable them to be competent among their competitors. Competition is one of the great challenges that they are facing as they are trying to become the largest plantation corporation worldwide hence they have to continually improve on their strategies so as to be able to compete effectively with their competitors (Ramasamy et al 2005).

Carrier Selection Criteria

            Transportation is one of the key elements for the felda group company as it enhances the supply of goods to their customers and hence a proper and efficient transportation strategy is quite relevant as it requires a clear articulation of the targeted consumer segments suppliers and carriers (Lawrence 2005). There are several different modes of carriage that are used in the transportation of products as they are being moved from one place to another. All these modes are quite relevant as they have unique qualities and also some unique setbacks (Meixell et al 2008).

            Currently the Felda group company uses the road and sea mode of carriage and this selection of the carrier are dependent on the urgency of the delivery and the consumers’ requirements. The arrangement and the control of the tank farm management is part of the felda group company’s services.  There is the easy access to the raw materials from the multiple processing companies that are strategically located in Malaysia and Indonesia.

 However, the products that are manufactured by the company are relatively bulky hence the modes of transportation that are frequently used include the shipping and road transportation (Meixell et al 2008).

            Shipping is basically used in the transportation of the company’s products to longer distances that is the distant customers (Kapoor et al 2003). This carriage mode of transportation is essential as it enables the transportation of the products using containers that are different in size hence meeting the varying customers’ specification. However, the delivery leads time is quite longer than the other modes and the transportation cost is comparatively low as compared to the other means of transportation. This mode also includes the use of better packaging requirements that prevent the destruction of the goods (Meixell et al 2008). Hemat Marine Company has an experience in the formation of a shipping company with the Felda Company through a joint venture. Trucking is also another frequently used mode of transportation as it involves the transportation of goods to shorter distances for instance the delivery of products locally that is within Malaysia (Kapoor et al 2003). This allows the door to door services within the business as the trucks and Lorries are able to make several stop overs to make deliveries to their customers. This selection of carriage has a lower transit time as compared to the other modes and is highly flexible in relation to transport job and the altered plans (Lambert et al 2001).

            It is therefore recommended that the company ought to find more trucks and ships with more containers that would enhance the company to transfer their palm crude oil products all over the world without restrictions. This will enable them to expand their company as the supply chain will be diversified to m any regions (Mentzer et al 2000). The company will also be able to deliver goods at an appropriate time to the customers basing on the customers specification and thus satisfying the needs of the customers (Global value chains 2011).

Incoterms Selection Consideration

            Incoterms refers to the international Commercial Terms. These terms are primarily recognized as internationally accepted standard trade terms that are used in the sale agreements. There are different incoterms that deals with three aspects that is who is responsible for making the payments of the insurance, tax and duties  for the transportation facilities, who is responsible for the transportation  services as included in the price and where should the products be picked from to their destination (Besson et al 2015).

            The company uses the Ex works incoterm where  they make the goods available to the consumers at their destinations while the company and the consumer are both responsible for the risks, the transportation costs as well as taxes and duties and they mainly use this term in their process of quoting their price. They also use the free carrier term where the company gives the products which are cleared for exportation to the consumer’s carrier at a stated location. The consumer is responsible for the delivery of the goods from the specified locality to the actual final destination (Besson et al 2015). The company uses this incoterm in cases where the containers are being transported using more than one, mode of transportation.

            The carriage paid to incoterm is used by the company as they pay the transportation fee for the delivery of the goods to the specified destination. The responsibility is then shifted to the consumer the moment the products are passed to the first carrier.

The company also implements the use of the carriage and insurance paid where they are responsible for the payment of the insurance and the transportation fee to the customers’ specified destination where the responsibility is transferred from the company to the customer (Besson et al 2015).

 This is commonly used in the company as it is involved in the transportation by use of containers by more than one mode of transportation. Cost insurance and freight where the company is responsible for payment of insurance and the cost of transporting the goods to the stated port. They are also responsible for the risks that are involved in loading of the goods onto the ship.

            It is therefore recommended that the company should actually implement the incoterms that favors the customers so as to meet their goal of customer centric system. This therefore calls for the company to take full responsibility on the cost of insurance, taxes and duties and carriage and this will help attract more customers into the business (Christopher et al 2016). For instance the company needs to re-modify the FOB term that states that the customers should be fully responsible for the risks and all the costs. The company should also focus on computerizing all their export and import operations as this will help in making the supply of products in and out of the company efficient and fast. This will also reduce the number of human resource that would be required in monitoring of the palm oil to be exported (Besson et al 2015).

            Carrier Relationship Management

            In most cases most of the companies use third party to outsource for the delivery facilities. Outsourcing transportation therefore involves the use of a common carrier rather than using the company’s own private taskforce. This may also include use of the goods in transit forwarder instead of the in-house group for the purpose of exporting of products (Moreira et al 2015).

            Felda Company is one of the organizations which use the outsourcing facilities so as to outsource for the transportation of their products since there is no separate internal logistic department. It is through this outsourcing transportation system to the third party logistic company that the company is able to be at peace with the gas prices, truck size, truck maintenance, purchasing of new vehicles or trucks. Moreover, the freight documentation is not necessarily required to be prepared by the company. There are numerous strengths that accrue from this kind of business such as the increase in the opportunities where the company is able to receive more discounts. The company is also able to make changes and improve on the logistics services without the current challenges. The company is also able to increase the customers’ satisfaction through the delivery of the goods to the customers’ doorstep. The company is also able to share risks with the service provider hence in case of any loss or damage of the goods the company will not undergo too much loss (Turner 2011).

            Felda Company should have a long term agreement with the third party logistics organization so as to allow more shipment of bulky as well as heavy items to other nations. Through the establishment of the long-term relationship with the carriers, the company will be able to get more discounts for the delivery charges. For instance, the joint venture shipping corporation owns some handy size tankers and bulkers that play a route from the Malaysian as well as the rest of the Asian ports that are geographically located in the Middle East, Far East and also in the European Union Ports (Kok et al 2003). The outbound cargo from the Malaysian port transports palm oils from the felda company in Malaysia. The merchandising team in the company therefore arranges for regular shipping programs through the use of bulk vessels and tankers that are used to deliver the bulk oils to their customers located in China, India, Africa, USA and Middle East.

There is also the use of pipelines that are responsible for the transportation of the felda company products through the deep water jetty that is located at the Kuatan port whose coverage is RM35 MIL. It will also be easy to communicate for the planning of the delivery services (Moreira et al 2015).  The company will also be in a position to have the knowledge on how well to handle the products for loading and offloading due to the value of the products and their heavy and bulky nature.

             The company should therefore base their selection of the third party company on the service proficiency, global accessibility, flexibility for the urgent products, financial status to determine whether the company can meet the long-term relationship, favorable cost and short delivery time. This will, enhance the signing of a good contract and a good relationship with the carriers (Moreira et al 2015). The use of the information technology in the supply chain process is recommended due to the globalization in the world and in doing this the company will be able to globalize its supply (Kamarulzaman 2002).

Conclusion

            It is quite clear that transportation is a serious issue to logistics and in the supply chain management effectiveness. It influences throughout the main issues of logistics efficiency and the worldwide supply chain. Hence to attain the dynamic requirements of the supply chain the company must have a dynamic plan. It is also essential to be responsive both in terms of services to customers and to the cost demands of the company’s customers.

The success of the company also relies on the strategies that are used in the company as the sale of the produced goods and the acquiring of the raw materials depends, on the efficiency of the company’s supply chain management. Felda Company has thus proved to be a company that has a good and effective supply chain management through their transportation management department that is responsible for the distribution of the palm crude oils in the company.  The selection and the carrier management being part of the sub-division of the supply chain management needs to be organized effectively so as to enhance the success of the supply chain.

References

            Belai, A., Boakye, D., Vrakas, J., & Wasswa, H. (2011). The Malaysian Palm Oil Cluster Final Report. Microeconomics of Competitiveness, 22.

            Besson, J., Mitasiunas, A., & Ragaisis, S. (2015). Export Process Capability Assessment Model. Applied Computer Systems, 17(1), 60-67.

Christopher, M. (2016). Logistics & supply chain management. Pearson Higher Ed.

            Global value chains. Linking local producers from developing countries to international markets. (2011). Amsterdam: Amsterdam University Press.

Hai, T. C. (2002). The palm oil industry in Malaysia. WWF, Malaysia.

            Kamarulzaman, N. H. (2002). The Use of Information Technology in Managing The Supply Chain of Malaysian Palm Oil Industry: The Case of FELDA (Doctoral dissertation, Universiti Putra Malaysia).

            Kapoor, S. K., & Kansal, P. (2003). Basics of distribution management: A logistical approach. New Delhi: Prentice-Hall of India.

            Kok, C. S., & Hong, Y. S. (2013). Liberalization of Legal Services-Embracing a World of Opportunities in the Asean Region. US-China L. Rev., 10, 141.

            Lambert, D. M., & Cooper, M. C. (2000). Issues in supply chain management. Industrial marketing management, 29(1), 65-83.

            Lawrence, F. B., Gunasekaran, S., Krishnadevarajan, P., & NAW Institute for Distribution Excellence. (2009). Optimizing distributor profitability: Best practices to a stronger bottom line. Washington, D.C.?: NAW Institute for Distribution Excellence.

            Meixell, M. J., & Norbis, M. (2008). A review of the transportation mode choice and carrier selection literature. The International Journal of Logistics Management, 19(2), 183-211.

            Mentzer, J. T., DeWitt, W., Keebler, J. S., Min, S., Nix, N. W., Smith, C. D., & Zacharia, Z. G. (2001). Defining supply chain management. Journal of Business logistics, 22(2), 1-25.

            Moreira, M. R., Andrade, S. R., & Sousa, P. S. (2015). International Outsourcing: a process approach to the apparel industry. Revista Brasileira de Gestão de Negócios, 17(58), 1444.

            Ramasamy, B., Ong, D., & Yeung, M. C. (2005). Firm size, ownership and performance in the Malaysian palm oil industry. Asian Academy of Management Journal of Accounting and Finance, 1(1), 81-104.

            Turner, R. W. (2011). Supply management and procurement: From the basics to best-in-class. Fort Lauderdale, FL: J. Ross Pub.

            Strategy and Competitive Advantage

David Kryscinski. Introduction to Strategic Management. 2015. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD7WSLeQtVw

            I learnt that a corporate strategy must have a purpose and direction.  This must therefore involve the tactics of the developed strategy, goals, objectives as well as the general description (Kryscinski, 3:00).  The main goal of a strategy must always be aimed at winning through achieving the stated objectives.  A strategy must hold the capability of outweighing the challenging to be effective.

A G, Lafley. Defines Effective Business Strategy. 2013. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlurK3LeTpg

            Effective are the choices that are developed in the market to win with the specific consumer groups.  Business strategies should therefore be clearly stated.  An effective strategy should be directed to the ma market place by defining how to grow the market segment and how the expectations of the consumers can be achieved (Lafley, 2:05).  A successful strategy must therefore be capable of increasing the market segment.

Berg, Robynne.7 Steps to Successful Strategy and Implementation. 2011. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkesApAMSQk

            The first step of developing an effective strategy is examination the organization performance. Examine the risks that may be involved.  Next the opportunities ad trends in the market should be analyzed (Robynne, 2:45). Vision creation and direction is crucial in setting goals and reducing confusion.  Formulation is the most important step in strategy development and implementation.

Ram Charan. Strategy Execution Expert. 2010. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTlScWuurvs

            Any strategy must be evaluated in order to assess the associated benefits towards the business. The goal of the strategy must be well established in order to achieve any aim. This helps in developing expectations that must be met for the strategy to be successful (Charan, 1:05). Develop ideas, select the best ideas and then execute based on the opportunities related to each idea.

Quadric, Tube. Building Strategic Differentiation. 2012. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1xUaL6iYSc

            Differentiation is associated in branding effectiveness. Differentiation must be strategically developed as the benefits of each differentiation are different.  Differentiation must be based on customer relation development and management as well as quality improvement.  Strategic differentiation is crucial in driving the market sales and performance trucking (Quadric, 6:07).

Virtual-strategist. How to Develop Competitive Advantage. 2008. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9O2oPbT3fs

Competitive advantage is the strategy that answers the questions related on the capabilities of the corporation.  Competitive advantage is made up of the corporations capabilities and why the hold the capabilities over the others (Virtual-strategist, 5:09).  Competitive advantage can therefore be achieved by utilizing the strengths of the corporation in gaining greater opportunities ad trends.

Rita, McGrath. The End of Competitive Advantage. 2013. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iK0P6tb4Qs

            If a competitive advantage cannot be sustained this therefore implies that it is the end of opportunities and market trends (McGrath, 1:06).  Therefore in order for a competitive advantage to be effective it must be sustainable by utilizing the capabilities of the organization.

Jonas, Fasth. Mintzberg on Strategy. 2016. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vpvU5fIyOA

Managing is a practice that does not change because it is the managing content that is changed.  Most strategies emerge during the experience of solving managing issues and they are not basically successful because they are planned (Fasth, 2:16).

Stefano, Messori. Strategy Formation Process: Deliberate or Emergent? 2016. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKFIhVMnsss

            Strategic formation is emergent. This is because it is the capability of the corporation management to be able to establish opportunities as well as market trends which would help in gaining a competitive advantage. Strategic formation is mainly based on control and not mainly on planning (Messori, 4:08).

1. 
   Who do you think should be hired?
   I think Layla qualifies for the job since she did best in the interview plus the bank has to practicing the affirmative action in the hiring process. Interview is one of the major processes to consider while hiring employees. In every interview there is no perfect answer but it can be a fantastic help to the interviewee like Layla where she was perfect despite the undergraduate situation. Perfection in any job interview encourages the interviewer with much confidence in you thus, granites one of achieving the entrepreneurial dream. Layla’s personality is found in the interview thus, it is one of the most important in every business new hire. The America Bank majors on the academic qualifications however, in Layla the employer should understand that right skills might seem essential but the fact is, skills can be acquired though personalities cannot (STILL 56).
2. 2. If The American Bank used affirmative action, who should be hired?  Why?

The American Bank should hire Layla who is a female while using the confirmatory feat for the bank to have equal numbers of male and female employees given that 80% are men. Hiring Layla will be the best affirmative action the bank will take because the method is impartial thus; it is premeditated to provide entrée as well as equal prospects to the minority. In our case The American Bank considers most of their employees to be male thus discerning the female gender. The bank opts to understand that it is easy to hire a new candidate in consideration of their physical advent but the most important thing is to cogitate how perfect they can perform the job plus how they fit in other ways (Krook, Mona & Sarah 140).

3. If The American Bank used equal opportunity, who should be hired?  Why?
   

Layla and Manson are the individuals for the job while equality and miscellany is used and by this everybody’s right will be fostered. The bank has previously not considered gender equality since it has only 20% of women thereby; Layla being considered among the best interviewee must be the first option. Their aim of equal opportunities in any business is to accomplish broadly equal outcomes for both the male and female and the only way in achieving this is hiring while avoiding gender discrimination. It is genuine that the kind of individual hired depends on the culture of the organization as well as the job however, in our case the bank can hire from either gender and for a person like Layla she has the kind of dexterity as well as temperament required (STILL 116).

4. Layla has withdrawn her application because she got another job.  Now only Marjorie and Mason are potential employees.  If The American Bank had a quota policy of having 40% female employees by the next year, who should be hired.  Why?
   

Marjorine is the only left option for the bank to hire considering the 40% quota policy. It would be unfair if the bank considered hiring Mason since it already have 80% male workforces thus, be against the 40% quota policy. Achieving the 40% policy does not only major on the masculinity equality because it is right but also encouraging workers on doing the right thing. In the hiring process the bank should do away with Mason for it to reach it policy thereby, Majrjorine is the only possibility. The American Bank opts to understand that women have risen adequately in the financial sector despite, a believe that they have got lower access in the financial sector (Arthur 134).

5. All three applicants are still contenders.  If The American Bank had a goal policy of having 40% female employees by the next year, who should be    hired?  Why?

Layla and Manason qualify for the job despite Layla being an undergraduate. However, the bank opts to be looking for a female employee in order to attain the 40%policy on female employment by next year. Layla is the female worker the bank should consider with the job considering her performance in the interview (Krook, Mona & Sarah 143).

Work Cited

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Arthur, Diane. Recruiting, Interviewing, Selecting & Orienting New Employees. New York: American Management Association, 2012. Print.

STILL, D. J. (2014). High impact hiring: how to interview and select outstanding employees. Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Management Development Systems.

Krook, Mona L, and Sarah Childs. Women, Gender, and Politics: A Reader. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2010. Print.

Information system for the Beale and Cole Company

Many companies have adopted the management information system (MSI) which is a computerized database from which all the information concerning a company is processed to support the management and organization of the recurrent activities in a company. MIS usually provide efficiency and easiness when the need for making strategic decision making arises (Griffiths, 2011). In this regard, Beale and Cole has been marked as one of the companies that have experienced the highest levels of growth in its business because of embracing the management information system. A number of positive changes such as the replacement of old accounting system with a new one, implementation of the new business systems and other changes have been reached successfully. Despite various challenges such as sustaining the competitive and sustaining the rapid growth, Beale and Cole have now supported itself fully through the integration of the MIS. The company got into a coalition with the University of Plymouth and formed partnership with an aim of supporting the MIS system in 2003. The main objective of the coalition was to establish and sustain integrated business which would in turn streamline all the management operations (Griffiths, 2011).

Initially, Beale and Cole was experiencing lack of uniformity and integration that really became a concern. The company used bespoke systems which used the manual system of traditional document control process which was complicated and tiresome and time consuming. In order to eradicate various enhancements had to be made. They include the establishment of timesheets which played a very important role in reducing payment errors, eliminated duplication and saved time for the staff members approximately half a day per week. The Beale and Cole Company also improved the telephony system and also changed the supplier and this enhancement also saved time and expenditure in a considerable amount (Griffiths, 2011).

The company also made standardization for various forms and procedures in between various sites. This reduced the chances of making errors when keying in business details as well as the elimination of duplication. Another significant move was seen when the company started to implement for a suitable filing structure that enhanced the ease of accessibility and the archiving capabilities. Lastly, the company managed to design and develop a website which is currently a professional image. The website has highlighted the various areas of specification and how projects are being executed in the Beale and Cole Company (Griffiths, 2011).  The website has been a great boost in marketing and opening doors for further developments and has played a major role in integrating the business. The integration step-up of the Beale and Cole Company has placed it on a higher competitive platform which is marketed through various ways. First, the information systems have streamlined the communication system which is the major link to the customers (Griffiths, 2011). The company has managed to establish excellent customer relations. The new system has also improved the various controls of tactical and strategic planning including the documentation of systems using the ISO standards. In addition, the system enhancement has become a turnover through which business growth has been realized hence increasing the profitability of the business (Griffiths, 2011).

The implementation of business plans is basically the decision making process after which the business is seen moving. Plan implementation being a vital aspect of any business success, the management and information system has been confirmed to the fundamental facet of business especially in the trending world. Consequently, business good decisions results from a good management of information systems. The Beale and Cole Company had prefigured this secret and hence it was ready to introduce the adjustments in the information systems. The various plans that Beale and Cole Company made in order to succeed are worth analyzing because any standard business could apply and succeed. First, the management made plans of how the company shall effectively and efficiently make use of its resources. The company went further and dug dipper into understanding its full capabilities and the standards it was in the sector of management information technology systems. The other implementation plan was to identify and map out a recommendation list that of the nature of the proposed new IT systems which included the internal skills development, the hardware and the software. This plan was able to weigh and review the current business capabilities and the quality of scalability.  In this regard, the Beale and Cole Company made plans of how the new system would function (Griffiths, 2011).  

The Beale and Cole Company utilized every resource to ensure that the company’s value has grown. First the company used the MIS to increase the sales which were a turn over for the growth of the business. This was through the company’s website where sales and marketing was intensively done and more customers accessed the company’s products online. The company also used the information system to improve the business’ integration. This boosted the efficacy of communication especially that which was done between the operational sites of the business. Communication to the customers was also integrated and a streamline flow of information played a significant role (Griffiths, 2011). On the same note, the company used the timesheets to improve how the information was managed throughout the operational implementation of the company’s strategic plan. The Beale and Cole Company further used the information systems in building the companies competitive potential which has actually helped it to grow in its market and enjoy all the competitive advantages that accompany good management information systems. Finally, the company used the MIS to create opportunities for future training and further expansion of the company. Through the development of the new database register for the form, the company has streamlined the flow o data both internally and externally.

The Beale and Cole Company is currently using the enterprise resource planning type which involves the integration of the software applications for various operations in the company. The enterprise is focusing more on integrating the software modules including sales and quality management of the products of the company (Griffiths, 2011).

The Beale and Cole Company paused to reflect of the future of the business where they came up with a strategic plan and operational plans. The plans were presentment in form of objectives. First, the company planned to document the ISO standards after which dissemination would occur throughout the company. The company also planned to re-design the business processes and how the new system would be seamlessly implemented. In addition, the management of the company had also planned to assess the new information system by reviewing the output of the company (Griffiths, 2011).

Reference

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Griffiths, P. (2011). Strategy-technology alignment: Deriving business value from ict projects. Place of publication not identified: Academic Pub.

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