Monday, December 16, 2019
Engineering Free Essays
Roles Professionalism By Ezer Yeboah-Boateng 1Quote of the Week //** ? Working together for the common good of societyâ⬠¦ 2Outline ?Introduction ?Roles of Engineers ?Engineers the Environment ?Engineers as Professionals ?Engineers Today 3Books Resources ? Engineering Social Justice, by Donna Riley, 2008; Morgan Claypool Publishers. ? Bridging the Gap Between Engineering the Global World: A Case Study of the Coconut (Coir) Fiber Industry in Kerala, India, by Shobha K. Bhatia Jennifer L. We will write a custom essay sample on Engineering or any similar topic only for you Order Now Smith, 2008; Morgan Claypool Publishers. 45 Learning Outcomes To explain the various roles that engineers play in society; ? To appreciate the professionalism of engineers in contributing to society. ? To position engineers to be proactive in meeting societal needs. Introduction How do people perceive engineers? 6Introduction ? Whatever the popular perception of an engineer, this lesson will focus on different roles of, and played by, engineers. ? Not exactly life overwhelmed by: ? calculations, ? designs (structural, hydrological, chips, fuzzy systems control; cyber-security, etc. ), ? drawings, ? Analysis, ? supervision of construction etc. 7Introduction Life as an engineer is more than this, and sometime he plays roles which on first impression are not linked to their professional training. ? It is stressed that the training received as an engineer is part of the reasons which an engineer can display his versatility. The Engineer is versatile! 8Roles of Engineers Various roles played by engineers include: ? Managers ? Scientists ? Experts ? Politicians ? Academics ? Others 9Roles of Engineers Engineers as Managers ? Who is a manager? ? Someone who plans, organizes, coordinates, controls, executes, and achieves the objectives that are entrusted upon him. Career progression ? Are engineers good managers? ? E. g. Alfred Sloan of General Motors ââ¬â electrical engineer 10Roles of Engineers Engineers as Managers ? The management gurus: many of them were trained as engineers! ? Michael E Porter ââ¬â ââ¬Å"competitive advantageâ⬠ââ¬â aeronautical/mechanical engineer ? W. Edward Deming ââ¬â ââ¬Å"qualityâ⬠ââ¬â electrical engineer ? Joseph Juran ââ¬â ââ¬Å"qualityâ⬠ââ¬â electrical engineer ? Henry Mintzberg ââ¬â ââ¬Å"strategic managementâ⬠ââ¬â mechanical engineer ? Tom Peters ââ¬â ââ¬Å"Excellenceâ⬠ââ¬â civil engineer ? F. W. Taylor ââ¬â ââ¬Å"scientific managementâ⬠, ââ¬Å" time motion studyâ⬠ââ¬â mechanical engineer (? ) Henry Fayol ââ¬â ââ¬Å"Industrial managementâ⬠ââ¬â mining engineer ? Henry Gantt ââ¬â ââ¬Å"Gantt chartâ⬠ââ¬â mechanical engineer 11Roles of Engineers Engineers as Scientists ? Science and engineering are interlinked; it would not be wrong to say that engineering is applied science. (Science is the theoretical foundation of engineering? ) ? Paul Dirac ââ¬â 1933 Nobel Prize Winner in Physics ââ¬â trained as an electrical engineer 12Roles of Engineers Engineers as experts ? E. g. Giving expert opinions in court as to what could have been the cause(s) of the issues in dispute: Highland Tower tragedy, Dingo baby case; ? Melcom Achimota building disaster Forensic study 13Roles of Engineers Engineers as politicians ? Almost the entire Chinese leadership are engineers! ? Hu Jintao, fmr. Chinese Prez ââ¬â Hydraulic engineer ? Boris Yelsin, fmr. Russian President ââ¬â civil engineer ? Pro f. De Graft Johnson, fmr. V. P. , Ghana (1979-81) ââ¬â civil engineer ? Aliu Mahama, fmr. V. P. , Ghana (2001-09) ââ¬â building tech 14Roles of Engineers Engineers in Politics: Picture of the world politiciansâ⬠¦. 15Roles of Engineers Engineers as academics ? Need I say more? 16Roles of Engineers Others ? Engineers as salesmen ? Engineers as entrepreneurs ? Engineers as lawyers? Engineers as Reverends or Pastors ? Etc. 17Engineers the Environment ? Engineers donââ¬â¢t operate in a vacuum: ? They are part and parcel of the society; ? They exist to meet the needs of society; ? They harness the resources of society; ? The environment include: ? The economical and commercial environment ? The social environment ? The political environment: the globalized world ? The cultural environment ? The legal environment 18Engineers as Professionals ? What is the expectation and relationship of engineers vis-a-vis the society? ? The answer is the Professional Engineer! ? Who is a p rofessional? What is a ââ¬Å"professionâ⬠? 5 aspects: i. Nature of work: intellectual, mental vs. manual, specialized skills and knowledge ii. Moral aspect: this goes beyond general honesty, integrity, codes of conduct and ethics, ââ¬Å"self regulationâ⬠iii. Collective organization: professional association, entry and competence, ââ¬Å"accreditationâ⬠and ââ¬Å"recognitionâ⬠ââ¬â e. g. Ghana Act 819, 2011. iv. Status v. Impartiality and independence 19Engineers of Today ? Engineers owe responsibility to ? the general public: safety, environment ? direct consumers of the project ? fellow engineers ? clients e. g. government, industry ? Engineers owe duty to themselves ? which are inherent in their works and institution to which they belong ? legal requirements: professional negligence ? contractual duties ? ââ¬Å"the greater goodâ⬠20Engineers of Today ? Todayââ¬â¢s engineer must have exposure to other fields of knowledge and skills (besides his specialty) in order to be able to properly discharge his functions: ? communication and presentation skills: oral and written ? economics and finance ? law ? presentation of self! ? Paradigm shift: ? Engineers should not merely respond to need: ? They should create or anticipate the needs and be leaders of society. They should have foresights for ââ¬Å"unfulfilled needsâ⬠. 21Project Topics ? How can you apply the principles of Human Engineering to address the Cyber-crime menace in Ghana? ? OR ? How can Tertiary Students contribute to the Digital Inclusion in Ghana? ? 15 points ? Deadline: March 29, 2013 22Thank You All!!! ?Any comments contributions 23Roles Professionalism By Ezer Yeboah-Boateng 1Quote of the Week //** ? Working together for the common good of societyâ⬠¦ 2Outline ?Introduction ?Roles of Engineers ?Engineers the Environment ?Engineers as Professionals ?Engineers Today 3Books Resources Engineering Social Justice, by Donna Riley, 2008; Morgan Claypool Publishers. ? B ridging the Gap Between Engineering the Global World: A Case Study of the Coconut (Coir) Fiber Industry in Kerala, India, by Shobha K. Bhatia Jennifer L. Smith, 2008; Morgan Claypool Publishers. 45 Learning Outcomes ? To explain the various roles that engineers play in society; ? To appreciate the professionalism of engineers in contributing to society. ? To position engineers to be proactive in meeting societal needs. Introduction How do people perceive engineers? 6Introduction Whatever the popular perception of an engineer, this lesson will focus on different roles of, and played by, engineers. ? Not exactly life overwhelmed by: ? calculations, ? designs (structural, hydrological, chips, fuzzy systems control; cyber-security, etc. ), ? drawings, ? Analysis, ? supervision of construction etc. 7Introduction ? Life as an engineer is more than this, and sometime he plays roles which on first impression are not linked to their professional training. ? It is stressed that the traini ng received as an engineer is part of the reasons which an engineer can display his versatility. The Engineer is versatile! Roles of Engineers Various roles played by engineers include: ? Managers ? Scientists ? Experts ? Politicians ? Academics ? Others 9Roles of Engineers Engineers as Managers ? Who is a manager? ? Someone who plans, organizes, coordinates, controls, executes, and achieves the objectives that are entrusted upon him. ? Career progression ? Are engineers good managers? ? E. g. Alfred Sloan of General Motors ââ¬â electrical engineer 10Roles of Engineers Engineers as Managers ? The management gurus: many of them were trained as engineers! ? Michael E Porter ââ¬â ââ¬Å"competitive advantageâ⬠ââ¬â aeronautical/mechanical engineer ? W. Edward Deming ââ¬â ââ¬Å"qualityâ⬠ââ¬â electrical engineer ? Joseph Juran ââ¬â ââ¬Å"qualityâ⬠ââ¬â electrical engineer ? Henry Mintzberg ââ¬â ââ¬Å"strategic managementâ⬠ââ¬â mechanical engineer ? Tom Peters ââ¬â ââ¬Å"Excellenceâ⬠ââ¬â civil engineer ? F. W. Taylor ââ¬â ââ¬Å"scientific managementâ⬠, ââ¬Å"time motion studyâ⬠ââ¬â mechanical engineer (? ) ? Henry Fayol ââ¬â ââ¬Å"Industrial managementâ⬠ââ¬â mining engineer ? Henry Gantt ââ¬â ââ¬Å"Gantt chartâ⬠ââ¬â mechanical engineer 11Roles of Engineers Engineers as Scientists ? Science and engineering are interlinked; it would not be wrong to say that engineering is applied science. (Science is the theoretical foundation of engineering? ) Paul Dirac ââ¬â 1933 Nobel Prize Winner in Physics ââ¬â trained as an electrical engineer 12Roles of Engineers Engineers as experts ? E. g. Giving expert opinions in court as to w hat could have been the cause(s) of the issues in dispute: Highland Tower tragedy, Dingo baby case; ? Melcom Achimota building disaster ? Forensic study 13Roles of Engineers Engineers as politicians ? Almost the entire Chinese leadership are engineers! ? Hu Jintao, fmr. Chinese Prez ââ¬â Hydraulic engineer ? Boris Yelsin, fmr. Russian President ââ¬â civil engineer ? Prof. De Graft Johnson, fmr. V. P. , Ghana (1979-81) ââ¬â civil engineer ? Aliu Mahama, fmr. V. P. , Ghana (2001-09) ââ¬â building tech 14Roles of Engineers Engineers in Politics: Picture of the world politiciansâ⬠¦. 15Roles of Engineers Engineers as academics ? Need I say more? 16Roles of Engineers Others ? Engineers as salesmen ? Engineers as entrepreneurs ? Engineers as lawyers? ? Engineers as Reverends or Pastors ? Etc. 17Engineers the Environment ? Engineers donââ¬â¢t operate in a vacuum: ? They are part and parcel of the society; ? They exist to meet the needs of society; ? They harness the resources of society; ? The environment include: ? The economical and commercial environment ? The social environment The political environment: the globalized world ? The cultural environment ? The legal environment 18Engineers as Professionals ? What is the expectation and relationship of engineers vis-a-vis the society? ? The answer is the Professional Engineer! ? Who is a professional? What is a ââ¬Å"professionâ⬠? 5 aspects: i. Nature of work: intellectual, me ntal vs. manual, specialized skills and knowledge ii. Moral aspect: this goes beyond general honesty, integrity, codes of conduct and ethics, ââ¬Å"self regulationâ⬠iii. Collective organization: professional association, entry and competence, ââ¬Å"accreditationâ⬠and ââ¬Å"recognitionâ⬠ââ¬â e. . Ghana Act 819, 2011. iv. Status v. Impartiality and independence 19Engineers of Today ? Engineers owe responsibility to ? the general public: safety, environment ? direct consumers of the project ? fellow engineers ? clients e. g. government, industry ? Engineers owe duty ? to themselves ? which are inherent in their works and institution to which they belong ? legal requirements: professional negligence ? contractual duties ? ââ¬Å"the greater goodâ⬠20Engineers of Today ? Todayââ¬â¢s engineer must have exposure to other fields of knowledge and skills (besides his specialty) in order to be able to properly discharge is functions: ? communication and present ation skills: oral and written ? economics and finance ? law ? presentation of self! ? Paradigm shift: ? Engineers should not merely respond to need: ? They should create or anticipate the needs and be leaders of society. ? They should have foresights for ââ¬Å"unfulfilled needsâ⬠. 21Project Topics ? How can you apply the principles of Human Engineering to address the Cyber-crime menace in Ghana? ? OR ? How can Tertiary Students contribute to the Digital Inclusion in Ghana? ? 15 points ? Deadline: March 29, 2013 22Thank You All!!! ?Any comments contributions 23 How to cite Engineering, Essay examples
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Demographic Factors in Marketing free essay sample
Zumiez Bobbi Triolo BUS620: Managerial Marketing Instructor Susan Sasiadek 6/19/11 ââ¬Å"Zumiez is a mall based specialty apparel store founded by Tom Campion and Gary Haackenson in 1978â⬠(wikipedia. com, 2011). This store offers clothing and action sports gear for skaters, snowboarders and surfers, skateboarders and motocross racers. Zumiez corporate offices are in Everett, Washington, but there are currently 400 stores open in 37 states (zumiez. com, 2011).Looking at the demographic factors used in marketing Zumiez products, the stores products cater to men and women mostly between the ages of 12 and 24 who engage in the action sports lifestyle (zumiex. com, 2011). From a psychographic perspective, or psychological perspective of the potential customer, Zumiez has worked diligently to find those lifestyle interests that will entice the consumers and keep them coming back. Most of the Zumiez stores have couches and video games available for the customers while they are waiting for their products to be assembled or repaired.There is an ample supply of information on emerging trends and fashions, and because the stores are mall based, usually situated near a movie theatre, food court, or game store, they are able to attract that youthful population into the store, expanding their clientele base and increasing revenue (zumiez. com, 2011). Some of the other variables in psychographic segmentation include behavioral patterns, habits, opinions, perceptions of the selling company and hobbies (buzzle. com, 2011), all of which Zumiez appears to support in their marketing efforts.Looking at this company from a geographical marketing standpoint, positioning their stores inside mall locations is a huge geographic plus for attracting business. However, with 400 stores in 37 states, and the diverse products this company sells, they are able to make huge profits in any area or climate based on their product niche. Zumiez fiscal results show in the first quarter of 2011, their total net sales increased by 18. 8% from 89. 1 million in sales to 105. 9 million (ir. zumiez. com, 2011).In the month of May alone, which is the beginning of the second quarter, their total net sales for that 4 week period increased 49. 9%, brining in 30. 3 million dollars in sales (ir. zumiez, 2011). And in looking forward to the 2011 year, Zumiez has plans of opening 44 new stores nation wide with its first store opening in Canada. Zumiez products are not cheap. They do however, appear to be fair when compared to similar products in other non-specialty stores. They have though, been able to show great success utilizing differentiation and focus strategies in marketing. Differentiation strategy calls for the development of a product or service that offers unique attributes that are valued by customers and that customers perceive to be better than or different from the products of the competitionâ⬠(quick. com, 2011). Companies that succeed in differentiation strategies for marketing usually have a skilled and innovative product development team, a strong sales team, and a reputation for quality and innovation, all of which Zumiez has shown to embody in their company (quick. com, 2011).Focus strategies in marketing deal with that narrow market focus or niche, so to speak, that tailors a specific product or products strengths to the customers interests, hobbies, attitudes, etcâ⬠¦(quick. com, 011). Zumiez does not market their products with coupons, special sales days for specific purchases, or huge discounts when buying expensive items. Their products ââ¬Å"speak for themselvesâ⬠in the sense that they are high quality merchandise that consumers are willing to pay for at the given price. Can their products be easily imitatedâ⬠¦certainly, but would they be of the same quality is the real question.Sales promotion absorb almost 31% of most companies marketing budgets (Gelb, 2007). This is one reason Zumiez profit margin remains to high. They do not feel the need to waste money marketing a sales pitch to consumers when they know their products speak for themselves. Because Zumiez does not rely on discounting items to gain consumer loyalty, they create more of an emotional bond between the consumer and the purchased product, increasing the likelihood that consumer will return for future purchases (Gelb, 2007). In my opinion, Zumiez got it right from the start. There is little I would hange or add to their marketing strategies overall. I do see two changes that could be made that may increase their revenue further. First, I would expand on the ages Zumiez markets to. They cater to men and women between the ages of 12 and 24. I would expand on those ages and create gear an apparel for children starting at age 3 or 4, and adults into their 40ââ¬â¢s. I say this for a few reasons: one, many adults like to dress their children like themselves. How many parents go out and buy matching sneakers or hoodies for themselves and their sons or daughters. I know I do, and my son is 3 ?.Two, more children are getting sports specific at much younger ages, and children under the age of 12 are often seen on the products offered at Zumiez. Three, they say 40 is the new 30 and 30 is the new 20. Older adults are getting interested in action sports since the world has become so health and exercise minded. People are buying products from this store and they far surpass the ripe old age of 24. The second change I might suggest deals with geographic segmentation. In all of the Zumiez advertisements I have seen, they advertise all their major items or products offered.They may boost revenue further by advertising specific products based on geography. In California, there is little need for snowboards, but surfboards, skates and skateboards are a huge niche. Washington State and places that have high snow fall rates or remain much colder in temperature, would market the reverse. Finally, I would increase my marketing if in an area that offered a high number of indoor skate parks. This may also boost revenue, especially in areas that temperature remains an issue in.
Saturday, November 30, 2019
Vegetarianism Is A Good Idea For Anyone, Whether Young Or Old, Healthy
Vegetarianism is a good idea for anyone, whether young or old, healthy or sick. Reasons supporting vegetarianism are inarguable since becoming a vegetarian is scientifically proven to improve one's lifestyle in several different ways. First and most importantly to many, vegetarianism improves one's health tremendously. Secondly, it can improve or display one's spirituality and beliefs. Another reason for changing to a vegetarian lifestyle that most people don't know is for the ecology and our surroundings. All of the above reasons and many more show that vegetarianism is a wonderful enhancement to anyone's overall life. Health should be a considerable priority in every individual's life and vegetarians are proven to be healthier than carnivorous humans in various ways. First, medical studies show that a human being's body was not made to be carnivorous (for example; humans have no fang s or claws) and because are digestive system was not made to digest meat, a vegetarian diet is much easier and healthier for our bodies. Secondly, as known around the world, the most common cause of death is heart attack and the average man is at a 50% risk while a vegetarian man is at a 4% risk. Another fact most don't think about is that every one out of three chickens is infected with salmonella bacteria. Speaking of bacteria and disease, the U.S. Department of Agriculture implies that it protects meat-eaters through regular and thorough meat inspection while in reality, fewer than one out of every 250,000 slaughtered animals is tested for toxic chemical residues. As a matter of fact, breast milk of a meat-eating m other versus a non meat-eating mother is 35 times higher for contamination of milk due to pesticides found in meat. Vegetarianism also prevents cancer by 50%, and prevents heart disease, lowering blood pressure, gallstones, kidney stones, osteoporosis and can even reverses diabetes. Finally, maintaining a vegetarian diet will not only make you physically healthier but will improve your psychiatric health also. In fact, many psychiatrists recommend a vegetarian diet to those with violent anger problems. As provided above, becoming a vegetarian would improve anyone's health and give all nutrition needed including protein. Many vegetarians do what they do for spiritual reasons and all have much supporting logic behind all the spirituality. Others claim they are spiritual people who are compassionate but how can one who eats meat be so with the knowledge of the suffering animals whose pain are beyond calculation? If one has understanding from God, how can he/she nourish ones' self by the misery and death of other organisms made to live and be free? When a human kills an animal for food, he/she is neglecting his own hunger for justice. When a human claims to love God's creatures and then eats meat, he/she is inconsistent and a hypocrite. One should never accept characteristics such as injustice, inconsistency and hypocrisy while asserting spirituality. There is another beneficial reason for vegetarianism that most never have heard of or thought about. Our environment is affected in many ways by livestock and so on. In fact, every quarter pound of hamburger meat one eats destroys 55 square feet of rainforest, which is already being demolished in the first place. This is because many cattle eaten in the U.S. have been fattened up and raised in former rainforest that was converted to grazing ground. Actually, more than 50% of rainforest destruction has been from animal grazing. Other than the destruction of rain forest, more than half of all water supplies goes to livestock production. Vegetarianism could even improve our world by preventing hunger for 1,300,000,000 humans could be fed by the grain and soybeans fed to livestock each year. Not only does meat eating help destroy our bodies but the world around us. When it all comes down to it, being a vegetarian is a wonderful, spiritual, and helpful way of life and it could be to all. It could improve health, spirituality, and even the ecology. There are many more reasons supporting vegetarianism and one could always find some that are most important to them. Some think of vegetarianism as a punishment or restriction while true vegetarians and the ones who know most distinguish that it is a fantastic and quick way
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Correspondence Rule and Qunie-duhem theory essays
Correspondence Rule and Qunie-duhem theory essays A correspondence rule (c-rule) is when observational and theoretical terms are put together to form a specific definition. Science has evolved through this by positivists by combining theoretical and mathematical logic. The c-rule is the basis for all positivists. The bioconditional affect though is that which connects observations to theories through and if and only if stance. By using mathematical logic, positivists have concluded that there are 5 rules that are the essence of the c-rule. To start, one must have a quantifier(s) to state what the observational object is under scrutiny. Next the positivist would add mathematical logic to the equation through the use of symbols. The results are then determined as observational and/or theoretical terms, applying naturally to the laws of nature. The reasons behind this logic though are simple. Positivists wanted to discredit the fact that science and experimentation are subjective. By creating a standard way of testing and interpr eting results through mathematics, science now becomes universal and objective. People still try to discredit positivism though. They say that positivists use subjunctive mathematics rather objective mathematics. Through these accusations, positivists take a mighty blow and become nearly wholly discredited. By saying that positivists are subjunctive, one is saying that positivists add to the disorder of the experiment by using theory over fact. If a positivist came to me with an experiment on how to get better tire traction on a race track I, being a skeptic, could discredit him by saying that his logic falls on the theoretical side and is therefore subjunctive. Now to argue against me, the positivist would go out to the à ¼ mile strip and lessen the air pressure of his front tires, creating more tire to track surface area (assuming the car is FWD as well). He has now proved t ...
Friday, November 22, 2019
Top 3 Traits That Will Get You Hired
Top 3 Traits That Will Get You Hired No matter how perfect your resume, there are still several crucial X factors that any HR company will evaluate you for during an interview. Review these dynamic traits and think about how to incorporate them into the image you project on paper and in person! 1. AgilityThis isnââ¬â¢t talking about your ability to physically jump through hoops or walk balance beams; metaphorically, a company wants to see you can adapt your approach when necessary, recognize shifting dynamics, and possess intercultural skills that help you find common ground and collaborate with your colleagues.2. AttitudeVery few job postings outside of a zany start-up will list ââ¬Å"sense of humorâ⬠as a qualification, but equally few office environments can do without enthusiastic, entertaining employees. Come to work with a sense of fun, the enjoyment of a new challenge, and the intelligence to know you donââ¬â¢t have all the answers (but you do have a willingness to persist until you find them).3. Awar enessDonââ¬â¢t forget to research the company that youââ¬â¢re applying with- after the interview is not the time to google ââ¬Å"Company Name + New York Timesâ⬠and expect recent developments to do you any good. Be involved in the industry youââ¬â¢re trying to enter, even if itââ¬â¢s only as an informational resource on Twitter or LinkedIn. Show that you know what conversations are already in progress and how you fit in to them as an employee and an innovator!
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
How does preeclampsia develop and does it confer future cardiovascular Essay
How does preeclampsia develop and does it confer future cardiovascular risk - Essay Example The aim of the review is to arrive at the developmental causes of preeclampsia. Similarly, a large number of studies have reported linkages between preeclampsia and future cardiovascular disease. The evidence is suggestive, and a vast number of data produced is available on the subject. The present sysetmatic survey therefore focuses on an analysis of the literature with the objective of finding out conclusive evidence to establish that preeclampsia may pre-dispose to cardiovascular risk in the long term. The systematic review involved gathering of available data through an extensive search and reading, critically evaluating all the research in terms of its methodology and scope and also exploring and recommending future studies that could be more effective towards addressing the research questions. It was found that a number of factors, like obesity, hypertension, abnormal insulin resistance, inflammation, cardio-vascular risk factors (as measured by serum levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and blood pressure), increased Homocysteine, presence of periodontal disease among others, were observed in preeclamptic pregnancy. However, the systematic review could not establish if these factors had a causative relationship to preeclampsia or if these factors were the manifestation of some other factors that also cause preeclampsia. The review also evaluated available evidence on cardiovascular risks and preeclampsia history. It was found that cardiovascular risk indeed has a larger than normal odds of having a history of preeclamptic episode. Again, it was not proved if preeclampsia pre-disposes to increased cardiovascular risk, or if preeclampsia and cardiovascular disease have the same pathogenesis. Preeclampsia, Cardiovascular Disease,
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Control Mechanisms of Wal-Mart Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
Control Mechanisms of Wal-Mart - Case Study Example This made the role of middle men in supply chain activities, as an employee in Wal-mart. After that Wal-mart brought a far larger group of potential consumers within reach of the small commercial centers. This resulted in the control mechanism of building the efficient warehouses necessary for discount operations as part of transactional strategic investments. This can be termed as the control mechanism of buying products from producers directly as the warehousing involves storing the goods economically. (Nelson Lichtenstein, 2005) The control mechanisms that implement the aspects mentioned in part A can be divided into price, integration, contract and trust developed with communication. These involve internal audit, external audit, market control and financial control. The internal audit of the Wal-mart involves asset protection. The auditors concentrate on making inventory process efficient in and over the USA. The loss due to shrink, theft and any types of losses or damages are calculated and communicated to the store management to minimize the problems. There are 11 locations of internal audit in USA. (http://walmart.feedroom.com/fr_story=FEEDROOM119269&rf=rss) The external audit of Wal-mart is responsible for consolidated annual financial statements and so the external auditor. This financial reporting will be according to legally accepted accounting standards. The observation process involves the closed door meetings of the management with external auditors. The external auditors have reasonable independence on preparing the financial statements to make company's transactions transparent. The financial statements prepared by external auditors will be presented to shareholders. (Hector M, 2002) The market control mechanisms of Wal-mart involve the cost cuts and global supply chain. It controls the market by opening large scale supermarkets that sell at low cost and by partnering with local retailers. It establishes its presence in the large retail markets by opening stores that sell the products less than the prevailing prices. It concentrates on increasing profit and sales by decreasing the purchasing costs and profit percentage. In every location the gigantic stores of Wal-mart are a success. (http://i.walmart.com/maint/) The financial control of Wal-mart involves reducing organizational debt and in course of time making the organization debt free. This is possible by maintaining enough cash flows for short term debts and partnering with local partners to establish new stores in new locations that minimize the credit taken from financial organizations. (http://i.walmart.com/maint/) Part C The above mentioned execution of control mechanisms shows effect on planning, organizing, controlling and leading of Wal-mart in its activities. These activities are concentrated in enhancing the exploration of supply chain management by using information systems. This resulted in application of information systems to support supply chain management in order to strengthen the control mechanisms. In the course of implementation only the information systems are being reengineered but not the business processes. This means the business processes dictate the information systems to be used. The business processes are planned keeping in view satisfaction of end user and the relationship of retailer with supplier. By focusing on developing adaptive networks the customer
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