Supply Chain Management Apple Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Supply Chain Management Apple - Essay Example This success could be due to the increasing amount of supply chain managers reporting to the CEO of a company rather than to the manufacturing department, a trend across businesses (Allen, 2010). It has been suggested that the supply chain for Apple involves ten steps in four different countries, which are Singapore, Taiwan, the US and China. Taiwan provides most of the manufacturing components for an iPhone (Apple’s biggest seller []), with six different elements being produced here – the digital camera modules, international circuitry, industrial connectors, silicon Bluetooth chipset, technology printed circuit boards and stainless metal casings (Lyons, 2010). This encourages us to believe that the supply chain manager believes that Taiwan is the cheapest and most efficient supplier of many of the components for the iPhone and other Apple products. It also means that there is a bottleneck for the supply chain, in that if there were to be any economic issues or disaste rs in Taiwan, then the supply chain for the iPhone would be severely disrupted and there would be problems in the supply of these products. Essentially, the supply chain manager at Apple feels that the benefits from producing many components in Taiwan (cost and efficiency) outweigh these dangers. China is the location in which all these components come together to be assembled, suggesting that the country has a very cheap labour rate compared with the US, and the shipping costs from this country are low enough for the cost of labour in this country for this to be the most efficient method. All of this information suggests that Apple uses a vertical integration system for their Supply Chain Management (Lyons, 2010). A vertical integration system is one where most of the hardware components of a product are bought from a variety of different manufacturers which are all owned and controlled by the central company – in this case Apple. This helps to avoid any hold-up from trying to integrate many different companies, and it also stops the different pieces of hardware being used by other companies, ensuring that the end product is something completely unique – again, something very important to Apple. The use of a manufacturer owned by the central company also ensures that the data chip, or processor, or other product, can be manufactured exactly according to company specifications, ensuring a greater specificity. This can be a response to the make-buy decision. The make-buy decision The make-buy decision is essentially a choice between outsourcing and manufacturing (Probert, 1997). It has been suggested that the decision is easy, and that a company should outsource any components that are not critical to the product’s success, do not require any specialised design or manufacturing elements, and are not core to the company’s future plans and central products (Burt & Burf, 2009). There are many other ways of making the decision, one of wh ich is known as the contribution-per-constraint module (CPCM) that relies on knowing and analysing the constraints of the component (Gardiner & Blackstone, 2007). In this case, the Supply Chain Management team at Apple have decided that it is best to make many of the components (or

Atomic bonb Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Atomic bonb - Essay Example They placed the onus on the prevention of apocalypse on mankind. This was then seen as a reclamation of agency on the part of a beleaguered species which felt that it was doomed as a result of the inexorable progress of science and technology. The world wars made it clear to man that science was something that could be used for causing unimaginable misery on mankind. The atomic bombs that were dropped in Hiroshima and Nagasaki proved to even those who were not directly affected by the destruction the power of such bombs. There was thus, a fear of atomic power as something that could trigger off apocalypse or the end of mankind as a species. This fear was then expressed through movies such as The Day the Earth Caught Fire and The Day the Earth Stood Still. These movies were made in the wake of the world wars and the effect of these wars and the incredible human loss that they caused can be seen in them. The Day the Earth Caught Fire was a movie that was released in 1961 and it was dir ected by Val Guest. The movie narrated the story of a possible apocalypse and how the human race attempts to avert this crisis. The movie makes it very clear that the reason for the crisis to have happened in the first place was a series of nuclear explosions that were conducted by the Soviet Union and The United States of America. These explosions are then said to have an effect that is catastrophic and the future of the whole of mankind is then in jeopardy. This ability of science to affect the whole of mankind is something that arises out of mankind’s recognition of itself as a singular entity. This recognition came about in a major way as a result of the world wars where the world was united in war, with the whole of humanity fighting on one side or the other. Humanity then was seen as a whole. This however, also meant that nothing could be completely local ever again. The atomic bomb and its ability to wipe out the whole of humanity in a single strike was something that created a great deal of fear amongst the people of the world for whom even the unity of humanity and its future lay in the answer to certain questions. These questions centred on how to use science and the way in which it would progress. This was then seen in movies that were a part of the genre of science fiction. Science fiction could then be employed to articulate the fears of an entire generation of people who had no say in their own future where it would be decided by the ruling class of politicians. The dehumanizing ability of the bomb, where millions of people would be wiped out without leaving traces of individuals was also something that the people of this era was extremely fearful of. The movie’s depiction of individual human beings can then be seen to be a consolation of the desire on the part of the audience for individuality (Guest). Another aspect of the movie is its focus on the Cold War. Released in 1961, the movie talks of the nuclear explosions that were con ducted by the Soviet Union and the United States of America. The tussle between these major powers led to countries becoming a part of one power bloc or the other. However, it also led to fear among mankind as to what the ultimate outcome of such rivalry would be. It is significant that the arms race that took place between these two powers is referred to in this movie. It is thus, again the fear of science and the pace of its progress that leads to fear amongst the masses. It is this fear that movies of the

Investment Portfolio Project Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Investment Portfolio Project - Assignment Example Some of the advantages I shall enjoy include dividends from the companies. Common stock will account for 20,000 because -: Source of income as dividends Growth potential if the company splits its common stock to satisfy a large part of their financial needs' 10,000 shall go into preferred stock as such shareholders receive dividends before common stockholders are paid any cash. This is especially so when corporations are experiencing financial problems. I wish to invest both in corporate and governments bonds. A bond is a written pledge to repay specified sum of money a government to corporate with interest. When I buy a bond I will be loaning a government or corporate money for a given period. The period may extend between 1-30 years. I have two options: to keep them till maturity or redeem them to another investor. Corporate bonds shall be in Celco Corporation, D&E Corporation, and Alexander & Baldwin. Choosing blue chip stocks is a safe investment that generally attracts conservative investors. Some of the respected companies incorporate America includes AT&T, general electric and Kellogg. I will carefully look out for leadership in industrial group, history of stable earnings and consistency in paying dividends. These corporate bonds shall take 20,000 i.e. AT&T (8%), General Electric (91%) and Kellogg (3%). The Equity stocks shall include Dow Chemicals, Myers Squibb and Royal Dutch/ shell in and equal ratio of the 20,000. The main object for such investing shall be income, getting higher dividends than average stocks. Incase of defensive stock that could be included on the portfolio then Proctor and Gamble, Kellogg shall be good bets. A consistent dividend payout even during...My understanding of different investments in relation to risk depicted by the table below. Buying stocks in a corporation listed in a stock exchange allows ownership and participation in the success of the corporations. I will get an opportunity to sell and repurchase at later date possible at high price therefore getting capital gains. I wish to invest both in corporate and governments bonds. A bond is a written pledge to repay specified sum of money a government to corporate with interest. When I buy a bond I will be loaning a government or corporate money for a given period. The period may extend between 1-30 years. Choosing blue chip stocks is a safe investment that generally attracts conservative investors. Some of the respected companies incorporate America includes AT&T, general electric and Kellogg. I will carefully look out for leadership in industrial group, history of stable earnings and consistency in paying dividends. These corporate bonds shall take 20,000 i.e. AT&T (8%), General Electric (91%) and Kellogg (3%). The Equity stocks shall include Dow Chemicals, Myers Squibb and Royal Dutch/ shell in and equal ratio of the 20,000. The main object for such investing shall be income, getting higher dividends than average stocks. Investing in mutual funds would also be another wise investment vehicle.

International Financial Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

International Financial Management - Essay Example To the common man trade is simply the exchange of goods and services between two individuals, groups, and organizations. When trade begins to happen across regional boundaries it is categorized as international trade. Modern day phenomenon such as advancement in technology and globalization have allowed for international trade to happen at a much faster rate over a much larger scale. For this trade to occur smoothly and in order to avoid confusion and chaos; regulation and systematic order are extremely important. For this reason regions join hands to make trade blocs and trade regions which not only allow for a more efficient process but help both the trader and the buyer. In this essay we will be discussing the role of two trading giants, Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries  (OPEC), and North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA); both of whose introduction caused dramatic changes to the way modern age trade is conducted. Before moving forth it is essential to differentiate between a trade region and a trade bloc. A trade region is essentially an agreement based on regional boundaries. Member countries join such a region based on their geographical location and hence enjoy many trade privileges. An example of a trade region is NAFTA where North American countries come together to form member states. A trade bloc maybe a trade region but it is not necessary since members are made not on geographical proximity but based on ownership of common assets. An example of a trade bloc is OPEC where countries exporting petroleum have come together to ease trade. OPEC was established when five countries (Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela) signed a trade agreement in Baghdad in September 1960. These five countries were then known as the founding members for this organization and were in later years joined by many more countries. Gabon and

Assess Kant's ethics of duty and freedom as a response to all previous Essay

Assess Kant's ethics of duty and freedom as a response to all previous ethical theories - Essay Example In his "Critique on Pure Reason" Kant portrays a view of rationalists such as Descartes as being overly concerned with divinity and divine intervention. He felt that the preoccupation with the role of God in the control of human thoughts, feelings and actions posed a very clear contradiction to the inherent will of man. He adamantly opposed the philosophy of Descartes in that he feels that Descartes reaffirmed his existence of God by alluding to the notion that conceptualizing something in one's mind actually makes it real. Essentially his fundamental problem was with the notion of "I think therefore I am" as proposed by Descartes. He argued that making a presumption that something exists and using that presumption as proof of the same bears no merit in arriving at the truth. Moreover, Kant objected to the passivity attributed to the human mind by the rationalists. His objection to the empiricist school of thought can be found in the fact that empiricists such as Locke portrayed an incomplete view of the mind and human motivation. He felt that the empiricist viewpoint was somewhat esoteric in nature in that it was effective in arriving at the notion that the mind was a "blank table" but it failed to expand on its implications. His main criticism could be found in the notion that empiricism often underestimated the role of reasoning in the construction of a knowledge base. He felt that empiricists viewed the mind as a passive entity while in Kant's view the mind was an active entity in which the individual plays a pivotal role in the way in which knowledge is produced. In so doing, perceptions are subject to the assessment of the individual knower and not the reverse as proposed by the empiricists. Kant was very ingenious in his use of the theories of his predecessors for arriving at a distinct theory of his own. He was able to utilize the notion of passivity of the mind in the formation of his clear and concise contradictory theory. According to Kant humans are autonomous beings and as such are capable of real self-governance. He feels that there ought not to be boundaries or limitations placed on the goodness of the human will and the real human freedom to choose. The human propensity to heteronymous influences from emotions and external norms makes them slaves to outside influences which will lead them to act immorally. Heteronomy in Kant's philosophy is the subjection to the imposition of moral choices that are exterior to the autonomy of the human will, for example in response to desires for some benefit, out of fear of unwanted repercussions to an action, or through the influence of others. A heteronymous will is constrained to act from subjective calculations or from rul es that have been set from outside and consequently lacks real freedom. An autonomous will chooses freely from pure principle on its own assessment of the objective goodness of an action that can be judged to qualify as a maxim for universal application. In his duty theory, Kant expresses the notion that there is an underlying moral law that all should adhere to and theorizes that the singular motivation for human actions should be duty and respect for the independent moral good. He maintains that the fundamental principle at the basis of all moral duties is a categorical imperative. He feels that this categorical imperative commands us to exercise our will in a particular way and can be formulated on three aspects. The

Company Audit for Darden Restaurants Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Company Audit for Darden Restaurants - Essay Example For example, the company takes advantage of the contemporary trends in demand towards national cuisine and healthy dining by introduction of the new brands and formats, e.g. Bahama Breeze and Seasons 52. It addresses the growing competition from the other established chain operators, as well as local restaurants, by constant improvement of the operational activities and emphasis on market research and product improvement. Darden Restaurants is a leader in the casual dining market. Its position, however, is constantly challenged by the two closest competitors, namely Applebee's International and Brinker International. Both operators have established position in the hospitality industry and currently operate big chains of company-owned restaurants under Applebee's brand (Applebee's International) and Rockfish, Chilli's, Romano Macaroni Grill, Maggiano's, On the Other Border Mexican Grill brands (Brinker International). The areas of strength include market share, financial position, and advertising. Darden Restaurants Company is leading with regard to the most influential factors, including product quality, management, and market share. However, the company can improve its standing in terms of global expansion, pricing strategy and gaining customer loyalty. The Internal Factors Evaluation Matrix (see below) was constructed to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the functional areas of the Darden Restaurants Company. The strengths and weaknesses are chosen based on how they affect the ability of the chain to take advantage of the external opportunities and limit or control the risks. Internal Factors Evaluation Matrix (IFE) Key Internal Factors Weight Rating Weighted Score Internal Strengths Financial position (revenues and net income) .15 4 .60 Steady growth for several years in revenues and EPS .10 4 .40 Marketing research .10 4 .40 Constant brand

MEDICINE MANAGEMENT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 1

MEDICINE MANAGEMENT - Essay Example This paper discusses medicine management of Salbutamol. It starts by examining the legal and ethical frameworks in medicine management and administration in the UK and how they impact medicine management practices; it then discusses safe ordering, receiving, storage, administration and disposal of Salbutamol nebules. The paper then discusses drug management and administration in Patient Group Directions (PGD), this is done by explaining the meaning of PGD and the legal framework that establishes it before exploring the possibility of Salbutamol nebules being included as one of the PGD medications. Finally the paper examines self medication and points out some of its advantages to the whole process medicine management and administration. The legislative framework for medicines management and administration in the UK includes a number of legislations relating to the prescription, supply, storage, and administration of drugs (NHS, 2011). All practitioners including nurses and pharmacists have to comply with these pieces of legislation for the safety of patients as well as for general ethical conduct in the practice of medicine (Grifith, 2009). The control of medicines in the UK is carried out mainly through the Medicines Act (1968) and other related legislation in the country and in Europe. According to NMC (2008) administration of medicines is a significantly important aspect of the professional contract of nurses. The Nursing and Midwifery Council takes recognition of the fact that medicines management is a flexible practice as opposed to being performed in strict compliance with the instructions of the medical practitioners prescribing the drugs. The body recognizes the importance of drug administration being pract iced through professional judgement and though on the part of practitioners (NMC, 2009). Medicines management and administration is one of the areas that are affected by frequent errors and it is well recognized