Alcoholic Beverage and Quantum Software Essay Example for Free

Alcoholic Beverage and Quantum Software Essay Quantum Software does indeed have a problem involving a disagreement in the appropriateness of a company sponsored social activity. This weekly gathering is offered by Quantum’s management as a reward for their productiveness displayed throughout the week. While the get-together appears to be very popular among employees and managers alike, there is at least one party (Bill, the corporate attorney) who voices objection to the weekly festivity (Brown Harvey, 1995). The problems can be defined in terms of macro; issues having to do with leadership, resources, and the surrounding infrastructure, and micro, which include internal issues such as employee training, empowerment and organizational processes. (Packard 2005). The macro issue is that there is a difference in opinion on whether or not the â€Å"beer bust† is an appropriate means of rewarding the company’s employees. Stan and Erin, the founders of Quantum Software, feel that this time is beneficial because it provides an opportunity to â€Å"encourage the team concept† (Brown Harvey, 1995). Bill however, after witnessing an employee stumbling as a result of his drinking, questions the company’s liability of providing alcohol during the workday. The micro issue, although not specifically stated in the study, is that coworkers are subject to seeing each other as well as members of management in an intoxicated state; creating a situation where professional integrity could be compromised. The cause for the conflict is the fact that the company is offering its employees alcohol during work hours, creating a situation where Quantum would be held liable should an accident occur at work or as the employees were leaving the office. Additional concerns are warranted in considering that not all employees (based on statistically studies of drinking in the workplace) will be included in an event where drinking alcohol is involved (NZMA, 2006). Additionally, studies show that organizations that encourage drinking at work have a higher rate of employees with drinking problems; which can greatly affect worker performance (National Institute On Alcohol Abuse And Alcoholism, 2006). Alternative opportunities should be offered to the employees that would achieve the goals that Stan and Erin have set of creating an atmosphere where workers can â€Å"blow off a little steam† without providing alcohol (Brown Harvey, 1995). Recognizing that the workers are adults and have the ability to make responsible decisions in regards to drinking, perhaps a social committee could provide an alternate experience to the â€Å"beer bust† that does not conflict with the interest of Quantum Software. There are two recommendations that I would offer to the management team of Quantum Software. First, the monies dedicated to offering the current â€Å"beer bust† should be redirected to an offering that includes all employees, including those that do not drink. This will provide an inclusive atmosphere where all employees can participate. Second, an off-property location should be established by a social committee (not management) where employees have the opportunity to â€Å"socialize over a beer without the pressure of work† (Brown Harvey, 1995). This way the employees are on their own time and are responsible for their own actions; relieving Quantum Software of any responsibility for its employee’s actions. References Brown, D. Harvey D. (2006). An experimental approach to organization and development. Upper Saddle River: Pearson National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2008). Alcohol and the workplace Retrieved March 23, 2008 from http://alcoholism. about. com/od/work/l/blnaa44. htm NZMA (2006). Alcohol consumption. Retrieved March 23, 2008 from http://www. nzma. org. nz/journal/116-1184/645/Figures%20and%20tables. pdf Packard,T. (1995). TQM and organizational change and development. Retrieved March 23, 2008 from http://www. improve. org/tqm. html#Exhibit%20I:%20A%20Force%20Field %20.

An Analysis Of Strategies Mcdonalds Marketing Essay

An Analysis Of Strategies Mcdonalds Marketing Essay The founder and the builder of McDonald Corporation is Raymond Krocand he developed and changed the American fast food restaurant industry by striking and controlling the hamburger, French fries and milkshake production. He assured customer that the French fries bought in Topeka and New York City would be the same by developing a sophisticated operating and delivery system. Reliability of operating and delivery system made McDonalds brand name. 1.1 McDonalds Vision McDonalds vision is to be the worlds best quick service restaurant experience. Being the best means providing outstanding quality, service, cleanliness and value so that we make every customer in every restaurant smile 1.2 McDonalds Objectives Sales Total revenue of the business earned by selling food and service Growth Provides a better or greater service by increasing the market share Profit Provide good sustainable profitable growth for its shareholders. Customer Satisfaction Friendly and fun environment for customers. McDonalds External Environment factors Environmental scanning is monitoring and evaluating of information from the external and internal environments to key people within the firm. When analyzing the external environment must consider the task environment as well. External environment could be categorizes as societal and task environment. Societal environment includes general forces that do not directly touch on the short-term activities but often influences its long-run decisions. Factors that affect the societal are economic, technological, political-legal and socio cultural. Task environment means a group of firms producing a similar product or service includes the stakeholders that have as interest over the activities of the company such as customers, suppliers, employees, pressure groups competitors etc. When analyzing McDonalds the external environment could be view as follows, 2.1 Economical Factors This includes GDP trends; interest rates, money supply, inflation rates, unemployment levels etc are some of them. If the interest rates were high, people would tend to save more and would affect the consumption income. When the disposable income is reduced demand for food items would reduce this in turn would affect McDonalds adversely .When the inflation rates are low the prices for products would reduce over time and would increase the demand for consumption goods 2.2 Political Legal Factors This would include environmental protection laws, tax laws, government subsidies, foreign trade regulations, stability of government etc. When the tax imposed on Eg. throughout the 1970s McDonalds became involved with a lot of charity word, further in 1974 they established a charity called Ronal McDonald House as temporary housing for the families of ill children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. 2.3 Technological Factors This involves spending on research and development, patent protection, new developments in technology, productivity improvements etc. Eg. McDonalds has added improvements for food processing such as filet o fish and burgers. 2.4 Sociocultural Factors This involves lifestyle changes, career expectations, consumer activism, growth rate of population, age distributions, regional shift in population etc. Eg. McDonalds caters its menu in different countries around the world and they cater specialized menus to suit different cultures such as in India non-vegetarian menu includes only chicken and fish and not beef as they consider cow as sacred. 2.5 Task Environment McDonalds task environment includes its suppliers of raw material such as meat items, customers, competitors such as Burger King, KFC, Juicy burger etc. Eg. McDonalds has created alliances with Disney, Coca-Cola etc to fight back the immense competition. When analyzing the industry of McDonalds it is vital that the most affected external factors are social, technology and economic and the affected factors under task are competitors and customers .This is due to the impact it has on the companys performance. Porters five forces 3.1 Rivalry Fast food restaurant chain is extremely competitive trade with numerous fast food businesses try to compete with each and improve their business being innovative and high in customer service. In view of the fact that McDonalds has outshined in this trade after establishment in 1940. However, McDonalds started with McCafe to being part of the competition. It was a great privilege to the company to being a major competitor in this sector. Another most important approach was bringing in the breakfast meal to contend existing business serving breakfast. Therefore, McDonalds should be advance and aware of customer taste and preferences to compete with this huge restaurant industry. 3.2 Barriers to entry Consequently, with this huge competition it is hard to get into this industry and establish a distinctive brand loyalty name as McDonalds. To get into the market there is a high research and development cost involved. Although, McDonalds has a huge reputable distinctiveness to make more difficult the new entrants to get into the market and accomplish the food chain industry with offering for a comparable price scale. 3.3 Threat of Substitutes Currently, we find many alternatives towards the food chain industry. Already there is wide range of commodities available for the customers either is substitute by McDonalds Burgers, Beverages, dairy products and many more. Eg: These substitute products may include products purchased from the local grocery store, food from sit-down restaurants, or delivery foods such as pizza 3.4 Bargaining Power of Suppliers Bargaining power of suppliers is very low within the restaurant industry on relative size and attentiveness of suppliers and the differentiation of the contribution supplied. However, if the main ingredient of the product is not available there is a high bargaining power of suppliers. 3.5 Bargaining Power Buyers It always allows customers to seek out for other competitors. In addition, fast food restaurant products buyers can always find alternative suppliers because their benchmarked, undifferentiated. Customers are unable to bargain as they always hold a fixed price. Therefore, there is a very low bargaining influence of buyers in the industry. Porters Value Chain Analysis of McDonalds McDonalds Support activities Margin Failed in India/ pulled out in USAProcurement: sought partners with expertise on down trade distribution. HRM specialists in RD and expertise in food formulation, education to raise Awareness of issues and raise demand Technology and development research and developments in quality assurance and packing was readdress to lower cost. Infrastructure: international organisation more than 50,000 employees works in more than 50 countries, company goal to developing low income products. McDonalds Primary Activities Inbound Logistics *Inbound goods to be used in products *information formed from nutritional studies Operations *RD in field research needs to end users. *Quality developed in collaboration with good supplies. Outbound Logistics *Lack of outbound failed in India Marketing and Sales Lack of understanding between the customers substitute products were easily launched in India. Margin Now outstanding in Singapore and Australia Services Provided by the companies enrolment standards SWOT Analysis 5.1 Strengths Generally, risk assortment factor is concerned with environment act. McDonalds logo is highly recognized worldwide McDonalds got branded menu items further promote products and services. Eg: Big Mac Chicken, Mc Nuggets It has a strong financial performance and a large market share by fast food sales as a property investor and from franchises of own restaurants. McDonalds owns the Ronald McDonalds House of childrens charity house. Precise food safety standards and McDonalds is very vigilant in this regard McDonalds was the first to provide customers about the food nurture Specialized training for managers at Hamburger University 5.2 Weaknesses Unhealthy food image and also yet to accomplish going on the trend of organic food Be deficient in new products Huge employee revenue More advertising on children Quality of the food is incompatible Compared to the other fast food chain order accuracy percentage is low 5.3 Opportunities Always easy to adopt the new product lines Low-cost menus are available to attract customers Easy diversification and acquisition to begin new franchises Franchising in other countries helps to raise the total revenue It can increase the locations with luxurious customer attractive places 5.4 Threats Weaker economy situations with bad impacts from recession though its diversified Health problems regarding quality of the food and healthier menu items Major problem of foreign currency fluctuations Diminish the market share with huge promotion investments McDonalds Existing Strategy McDonalds overall strategy can be view as plan to win; they are not focused on becoming the biggest fast food restaurant chain but the best fast food restaurant. They have customized their menus in different countries as part of their marketing strategy. For example in US they are more focused on breakfast, chicken, beverages and convenience in the outlets. McDonalds feels that by customizing the products and services to match different continents in the world would give them the competitive advantage over its rivals. McDonalds existing organisational strategy is to create better service restaurant operations, menu varieties, and better beverage choices such as hot beverages (hot chocolate, latte etc). Further, they have utilised the marketing mix in order to achieve the marketing strategy by operating the outlets for longer hours, offering everyday value meals and enhancing efficiency in drive-thru. In addition, they focused on becoming the lowest cost producer by minimising the waste; McDonalds reuse many of the disposable items to create higher value. Company focused on increasing profitability through minimising cost as per Porters generic strategies. McDonalds is famous for being differentiation focus as they offer customised products to its customers throughout the world. Recommended Porters Generic Strategies 7.1 Differentiation strategy Differentiation strategy core objective is to be a business oriented proactive market leader. This strategy explains continuously and slightly better prepared than the competitors to attract and force them for a competition. McDonalds have been rank as two in chain industry with a market share 33percent. When Burger King achieves 13 percent market share to stay on as a market leader in fast food industry McDonalds can implement and improve new ways of the ordinary process of the customer and technological development in their restaurants. On the other hand, McDonalds can also bring in new and superior products for customers to gratify their needs. McDonalds can take this strategy to enhance their customer service in a different approach. McDonalds new instructive modules and training process for to get better on poor quality features. 7.2 Cost Leadership strategy The principle of this strategy is always making it difficult for competitors to capture the market. This works well for the firms, which have already achieved business supremacy, while McDonalds is already the food chain leader to preserve and continue their position in the market industry need to select to new tactics using this strategy. Opening more stores around the world would able to increase the market growth and will facilitate to deject smaller companies to expand their market share. In addition, to remain cost competitive and technologically progressive McDonalds need to invest capital in Research and Development to support innovative technologies for their business. Conclusion McDonalds needs to increase its product line, by introducing more deserts and more items like Pizza McPuff. In addition, it should have prolonged quick supply in a clean friendly environment by reducing supply chain cost. McDonalds has the opportunity to improve and establish itself to shareholders, stakeholders and public with every issue challenge to retain and attract customers McDonalds is ready to develop their Happy meal choices and to serve finest coffees and other beverages along with introducing cakes, pastries in McCafees. McDonalds ought to supply extraordinary promos throughout festivals and need to increase space for sponsor college or company festivals and specially childrens birthday parties. In addition, a focal point of gifts for all generations such as kids, youth and adults. Subsequently, evaluating the marketing mix McDonalds achieved the think global, act local by combining the elements of globalization and internationalization.

The Role of Action in the Development of Ethical Certainties :: Psychology Psychological Essays

The Role of Action in the Development of Ethical Certainties In any conscient human action it is always given a motive which leads us to act with one orientation instead of another. This is what, in a certain sense, allows us to say that we choose what we want or what fulfils our expectations in terms of the limits of the given circumstances. There is always the search for a benefit related to what we consider preferable, and this is so called delimited by what it signifies for us. In the end, it has an origin that supports our elections, and give the basis to have reasons for justifying these elections. This line of reflection has to be of use not only to understand the meaning of our actions in order to satisfy our current necessities, but it can also help to clarify the scope and content of the ethical discourse. That is, we orient our behavior on the basis of certain convictions we take for granted, which, in principle, we cannot ignore if maybe we want to make decisions showing our ethical preferences. An exhaustive analysis of our behavior will have as a result a final point beyond which we cannot go. In a certain sense, we can give reasons for any of our acts, that is, we can justify why we act that way instead of another; we can explain the motives which, from the ethical point of view, lead us to orient our decisions in one sense or another. Nevertheless, if the analysis is rigorous enough, we will reach some propositions the justification of which will not be possible; rather, they are the foundations for any justification. To justify a decision means that one has reasons to specify why he/she did so. Why he/she preferred doing this instead of any other possibility. The end we reach in the analysis of our behavior is a sort of rocky floor beyond which it is senseless going on. This rocky floor is the basic certainties on which our conduct is structured and grounded. Then, we could ask ourselves about why we call them certainties. It is obvious that to act we need to assume — or take for granted — something to depart from. Their central character resides precisely in that we cannot negate such certainties we assume, given the peculiar relation of them with the rest of our behavior.

Essay --

This is the worst moment in my life yet, which I cannot forget. My story takes many turn; however, it is sad overall. My story similar with an episode of drama but it happened in real with me. After this incident, I hate to people and avoid always from strangers. My story disclose that how crimes are increasing in our society. After this incident my lifestyle has changed quietly. I learnt from the time because I was kidnapped in a strange way. It was unbelievable for me and I think that I was also a guilty person. In fact, I franked to everyone without know him. It was my interesting journey but there was some suspense and thrilling. My story show the mystery of social crimes from my personal narration. My story started from a local van. I could not forget this worst day of my life when I got a heavy loss; however, luckily God saved my life from enemies. Sometimes, I feel that how life is very tough and it is full of scales. I believe that life is not a bed of roses. I was 19 years old young boy but I was naughty instead of very polite in attitude and simple. I franked to everyone in very short time. Most of strangers become my friend. I trust on strangers without any fear. Most of my friends prevented me to be frank with anyone. This was the major reason of my worst incident of my life. The sun was sinking below the horizon and I decided to leave my city. I was ready to go to my cousin. Before sunset, my van was on the way and after 2 hours in the early night I had arrived there. In the van a young boy was impressed my new mobile Samsung glaxy3. It was the latest model of Samsung in the market. He became my friend in a few minutes. We were talking as we were friends from a long time ago. He was texting to someone but I did not a... ...ntage of my simplicity. I had to get loss but on the other hand they did not break the confidence on strangers only instead of they learned me that how strangers involved in social crimes. If I saw them today, I can recognize but I think that I was very young had no idea about typical life. I tasted a bitter taste of life in very early age. I think that life teaches us in different mood and style. Some learned from life with shocks and some were within passing the time. However, it was worst experience of my life because I lost my very precious gift. After, the incident, I started my new life with a new vision and thought. I also thanked to God for my new life and wisdom. Now, I do not make friends very early and especially avoid from the people those are accompanying with me for a little time. This incident told me that how should I tread with the life and society?

Stonehenge :: history

Stonehenge Stonehenge is not only the most famous stone circle in Britain, but also the best-known ancient monument in the World, with at least  ½ a million visitors each year. Located on Salisbury Plain, north of Salisbury, England, it is famous for the debate, mystery, and speculation surrounding it. Stonehenge was not built all in one single step, but rather in four separate stages, dating from approximately 3100BC to 1500BC. The modern visitor to Stonehenge is viewing the ruins of the final phase of construction site. The monument itself consists of four concentric ranges of stones. The oldest part, called Stonehenge I, consists of little more than a circular ditch dug in the chalky soil of the Salisbury Plain, with the soil taken from the ditch piled up to make an enbankment about 6 ft tall. This part of the monument is about 320 ft across. Inside this large circle are the things that we normally think of as Stonhenge proper; circles of stones that once stood upright, and the most photog enic, the large horseshoe arrangements of standing stones at the center. These last, the so-called trillithons, consist of upright stones supporting horizontal lintels, and the largest of them weigh in around 45 tons. These massive stones have been placed in unison with these circles to create Stonehenge and along with that bring about the curiosity of why one would build such a structure as that of Stonehenge. The location of Stonehenge was not simply a coincidental happening, for the latitude is very specific in its function. In the Northern Hemisphere there is only one latitude for which, at their extreme declinations, the sun and moon azimuths are separated by 90 º, and Stonehenge happens to be only a few miles from that latitude. At the latitude of Stonehenge, this axis crosses the midwinter sunset/midsummer sunrise axis at right angles. Every year on the first day of summer, the Sun rises at a point that is farther north than on any other day of the year. At the ruins of Stonehenge in England, this solstice sunrise appears on the horizon in direct alignment with the massive heel stone. This is the most outstanding feature of this ancient monument, built during the same era as the Great Pyramid of Egypt. There is little doubt that the builders of Stonehenge used it to mark this special day as the beginning of each year.

Army Essay

Accountability is defined as, â€Å"Obligation of an individual, firm, or institution to account for its activities, accept responsibility for them, and to disclose the results in a transparent manner. † The importance of accountability, are being on time and in the right uniform. The main reason we have formations and that we are trying to keep account of personnel to know where everybody is at, at all times. You need to know where your soldiers are at all times night and day because in the military things can happen at any time and if you didn’t know where they was you wouldn’t know of their wellbeing or even how to find out if they was alive or dead . The sad thing is people commit suicide all the time and if that happened to one of your soldiers you wouldn’t know, if they was always late you would probably think that they just over slept or just decided they didn’t feel like coming in that morning and it would be a day or two before anybody found out . I have learned in the past years that I have been in that being on time is the most important thing that you need to do. For one the accountability of personnel is major, it plays a big role in the deployment and the readiness of soldiers. I would have to say that I was wrong for not showing up at my appointed place of duty. But in all things that have been done I have seen that accountability is the most important asset here for work. In doing so it makes sure that everybody is on the same page at the same time in order to do that you have to follow orders that were given to you. I may have made mistakes but the army also teaches us that we are a family and if anything stick together and help the other person out if you see that there is something wrong or them not getting up for formations. Well it has been a hard time her e but in all aspect of things I have learned that the account of people is very high because if one person is gone it could mess up and crew or any team that plays a big role into this deployment. I never understood what the role was till my first deployment but you have to always be prepared for the worst in everything that you do. I have to realize that it’s not just me that’s here it’s a whole brigade that makes moves and make things happen. Like I know that I should have been on time and that I should have showed up. So yes I take the fault for that but I still see that in the long run we all have to stick together in order for things to happen in the right way. For me being late I will make sure for now on that I am not late to any place I need to be I will be up way before time. The Army is an institution that is very much like a human body, and the soldiers are the veins in that body. In order for the body to operate at maximum efficiency it needs all its veins to be pumping at full capacity. Accountability is also important for other reasons. Every soldier in the unit, after they complete their day’s work goes to do their personal activities. Some live off- post, some in the barracks, others elsewhere on post. Regardless of where the soldier lives, they are always at risk. These risks could be anything: they could be robbed at a gas station, beat up at a club, their house could catch fire, or they could get into a car accident. The dangers are endless, but that does not change the fact that each soldier is the responsibility of the First Sergeant and Commander in the unit and they are representatives of the Army. This is the reason behind accountability formations in the morning. Every soldier must report that they are safe and ready to continue working without any issues to prevent them from doing their duties. There are other reasons accountability is important such as if a soldier was to receive a red cross message you need to notify the soldier immediately and if you didn’t know where the soldier was this would be an impossible task and the message might never reach the soldier, or if there was a terrorist threat on fort Huachuca and every one needed to be on guard the soldier wouldn’t know and wouldn’t be there and would have major consequences to face when he finally showed up, if he ever shoes up. There are many reasons why accountability is important not only in the military but as a civilian too, for instance in the coal mines everyone has two tags with a number on it and before you go into the mine you hang one of the tags on a bored and keep one with you and when you come out you pick your tag up, they do this so if something would happen such as the mine would collapse they would know how many people are down there and who they are so they can conduct a search and rescue and notify the families of those workers. Not only the coal mines use accountability, every job uses it in one way or another like when you punch in on your time card, most people think this is just to accurately record the time you are working but if you think about it this is a form of accountability, being on time is a very important part of accountability because if you’re not on time you can be considered AWOL or your supervisor could think something bad has happened such as death or you suffered a erious injury. So therefore being accounted for is of utmost importance so that your supervisor doesn’t assume the worst and to let everyone know ha you present and able to perform the days duties.

No Lift Policy

The given scenario has provided a clear perspective to the correct attitude and compliance ability of the nurses to the ‘no lift’ policy of The Area of Health Services. The complaint has a certain gravity of issue to address but analyzing the situation further may lead to a conclusive approach whether the nurses have actually done the right thing or not. The ‘no lift’ policy was designed to prevent and reduce nurses' injuries when lifting or moving patients (Morieson, 2000). As stated in the complaint of the relative, Mrs. McDonald was forced to lift herself up in bed. This phrase may lead to a conclusion that the patient is actually capable of doing the act without any assistance from the nursing staff. She is at least aware of her capability to do a minimal procedure by herself. Although the core service for a nurse is to provide assistance, there are some restrictions that are implemented to benefit both the staff and the patient. Apparently, there is a motion on the nursing profession that provides a chance for the patients to be more independent. This will eventually permit the individual to carry his tasks for self fulfillment. The complaint also stated that the two nurses were negligent of the patient. This may seem to be the case for the relative but the staff actually had the good attitude of complying with the regulations of the ‘no lift’ policy. They have provided a rather complementary act by protecting their own health as well as giving opportunities for Mrs. McDonald to eventually start rehabilitating herself. As a matter of fact, if they had neglected the ‘no lift’ policy just to satisfy the relative’s impressions, they might have been subject to a very high risk of injury. This is one good example on how competent a nurse can be. A professional acts in accordance with own competency level and recognized standards of enrolled nursing practice (ANMC). There is another consideration that should be realized regarding the nurses’ manner in the situation. They have attempted to assist Mrs. McDonald in the most effective way by helping her climb up in bed without lifting her. The patient was able to receive sustainable assistance by guiding her body and gently holding her up to the correct position. This somehow shows that the nurses were still aware what was happening and that made them consider implementing the correct nursing practice enveloped in the nursing practice policy. In a bigger picture, the nurses did the most appropriate approach by not lifting Mrs. McDonald. They were just following a simple rule for the benefit of both parties involved, the patient and themselves. However, the submission of a complaint could have been avoided if there was a complete transparent communication between the nurse and the relative. As stated in the nurse code of ethics, the nurse has a responsibility to inform people about the nursing care that is available to them, and people are entitled morally to accept or reject such care (ANMC, 1993). In this case, it would have been ideal to inform the relative about the ‘no lift’ policy for mutual understanding. Moreover, the nurses should have at least questioned Mrs. McDonald if she actually is capable to lift herself independently. This affirmation may have provided a different perception on the side of the relative since it is the patient’s own judgment about her capability that is of great importance. The complete cooperation of Mrs. McDonald and the nurses should have been the most effective factor to avoid this kind of complaint scenario. References: ANMC. 1993. Code of Ethics for Nurses in Australia. Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council. Retrieved May 18, 2007 from http://www.anmc.org.au/docs/ANMC_Professional_Conduct.pdf. ANMC. National Competency Standards for the Enrolled Nurse. Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council. Retrieved May 18, 2007 from http://www.cshisc.com.au/docs/upload/ANMC%20competencies%20for%20the%20Enrolled%20Nurse.pdf. Morieson, B. 2000. Australian Nursing Federation. Retrieved May 18, 2007 from http://www.anfvic.asn.au/media_releases/010622.html.