Measure the warehouse efftiency Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Measure the warehouse efftiency - Essay Example MRP will provide you with the ability to be pro-active rather than re-active in the management of your inventory levels and material flow (Inventory Solutions Logistics Corp). has developed for production, inventory, staffing, etc. It sets the quantity of each end item to be completed in each week of a short-range planning horizon. A Master Production Schedule is the master of all schedules.It is a plan for future production of end items. The Master Production Schedule gives production, planning, purchasing, and top management the information needed to plan and control the manufacturing operation. The application ties overall business planning and forecasting to detail operations through the Master Production Schedule. A bill of materials or bill of material (abbreviated "BOM") describes a product in terms of its assemblies, sub-assemblies, and basic parts. Basically consisting of a list of parts, a BOM is an essential part of the design and manufacture of any product. top level, BOM describing a list of components and sub-assemblies. Take a PC, for example: the top level BOM might list the shipping box, manual, packaging, packaging labels and the actual PC. The BOM for the PC itself is referenced in the top level BOM and would contain its own list of sub-assemblies like power supply, motherboard, case, etc. This increasing levThis increasing level of detail continues for all sub-assemblies until it reaches its constituent parts (like resistors or processors), or modules that are out of the scope of the BOM (like the parts that make up a fan that is brought in as a module from another manufacturer). BOMs are important, since without a basic knowledge of how many parts a product needs, there is no way of knowing how many units of that part you need to buy. A bill of material can define products as they are designed, as they are manufactured, as they are ordered, as they are built, or as they are maintained. There are different types of bills of materials dependent upon the discipline that generates them and the purpose for which they are intended. It is important to ensure the type of bill of material that you have and its intended use prior to working with a bill of material. 3. Part Lead Times A lead time is the period of time between the initiation of any process of production and the completion of that process. Thus the lead time associated with ordering a new car from a manufacturer may be anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months. In industry, lead time reduction is an important part of lean manufacturing. An MRP calculates Lead time quite efficiently. The other functionalities include 1.

Motorcycle - Bajaj Auto Essay Example for Free

Motorcycle Bajaj Auto Essay The research project was undertaken to study the consumer preferences towards 150 cc motorcycles in Ludhiana city. Consumer is said to be the pivot around which the entire business activities revolve and thus it is necessary to know that how individuals make decisions. Primary data were collected from a sample of 120 respondents which was taken from the service centers of the motorcycle outlets. The factors leading to need arousal for 150 cc motorcycles were identified as availability of better pick up and elegant appearance. The main source of information about the motorcycle has been the media both print and electronic. The  decision to purchase a particular brand of motorcycle was mostly made by the customer himself. The important factors considered while purchasing a motorcycle were pick up, styling and fuel efficiency. Bajaj Pulsar provides highest satisfaction in case of pick up, comfort, after sales service and maintenance cost whereas TVS Apache provides highest satisfaction in case of appearance/design and mileage. 2 CERTIFICATE Certified that this project report â€Å"STUDY OF CONSUMER PREFERENCES TOWARDS 150CC MOTORCYCLES IN LUDHIANA CITY† is the bonafide work of â€Å" HARPINDER SINGH†. Who carried out the project work under my supervision. (Dr.MEENAL CHAUHAN) 3 CONTENTS Chapter Topic Page I INTRODUCTION 5 II REVIEW OF LITERATURE 13 III OBJECTIVES OF STUDY 17 IV RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 18 ANALYSIS FINDINGS LIMITATIONS 20 48 49 V SUMMARY 50 ANNEXURES 53 REFERNCES 56 4 CHAPTER -1 INTRODUCTION Customers today are more informed and demanding than ever. They know quality service, when they get it and they are not afraid of taking their business elsewhere if they don’t get it. Refusals to acknowledge this reality can spell failure/rejection by the one who holds the purse strings and the key to profits. Satisfaction of customer needs, in fact, provides a rationale for the firm’s  existence. Therefore customer behavior lies at the heart of modern marketing and its knowledge is vital for a firm’s existence, growth and success. An understanding of the motives underlying the consumer behaviour helps a firm to seek better and more effective way to satisfy customers. Consumer behaviour is the behaviour that a consumer displays in searching for; purchasing, using, evaluating and disposing of products and services that he expects will satisfy his needs. It helps marketers know that how an individual makes decision to spend his available resources (money, time, and effort) on consumption related items. However consumer behavior is a complex system where there is an interaction of various social, economic and psychological factors. All these factors affect the purchase decision of the buyer and his perception about different products. Purchase behaviour involves two types of purchases: trial purchases (the exploratory phase in which consumer attempts to evaluate a product through direct use) and repeat purchases which usually signify that the product meets with consumer’s approval and that the consumer is willing to use it again. Moreover, purchase behaviour incorporates all the activities that human being  indulges in his role of consumer, from the time when he feels a state of deprivation (need arousal) to that point of time when he obtains a means of need satisfaction 5 (purchase) and finally to the point of time when he has used this means for a suitability long period of time to judge the level of satisfaction it provides (post purchase evaluation). Satisfaction of consumer needs is one of the main objectives of manufacturers and marketers. The company that really understands how the customer responds to different product features, prices and advertising appeals has an enormous advantage over its competitors. In today’s era of competition, a stage has reached that it is necessary to know the perceptions, needs and preferences of the target market and to incorporate the desired features in the product to be sold to the consumer. Although, it is not easy to say which customer will go for which features of the product, yet marketers do make efforts to know the features for which most of the people of a particular segment of society look for. A successful marketer is the one who effectively develops and produces brands that are of value to the consumer and who effectively presents these products and brands to the consumer in an  appealing and persuasive way. The need to travel is as old as man himself. As the requirement for basic personal transportation came to the forefront, two wheelers came into picture. In the past, selling a scooter was not a problem for their manufactures. Consumer’s choice was limited and the demarcation clear, but as more and more companies jumped into fray and churned out quite a number of models, the consumer who till now didn’t have much of a choice, became demanding and knowledgeable. Thus it became necessary for the producers and sellers to understand the perception,  attitudes and preferences of their target markets and to load their scooters with features that added value to the product. Scooter as a product falls in the category of consumer durables i. e. it serves many uses, requires more personal selling, service and sellers guarantee as compared to consumer non-durables. In today’s society there is sufficient 6 disposable/discretionary income with large number of people to be in the market for a durable at one time or the other. Also, the consumer attitudes have changed and awareness has grown due to communication explosion. Today, two wheeler industry caters to the changing demands of the  consumers. The consumer’s decision to purchase or reject a product is the moment of final truth for the marketer. Consumer is hard to please and very discriminating. He is very judicious in making choices. The purchase of any product by him depends on the value of product to him. 1. 1 Two Wheeler Industry Automobile industry, as a whole contributes a significant chunk in the gross national income of the country. Faced with a public transport system, which is woefully inadequate, inefficient and undependable, the Indian customer is being increasingly forced to personal means of transportation. Private cars are ruled out for general public because of their high cost of operation and maintenance; bicycles have the disadvantage of being slow and having low load bearing capacity, hence two wheelers have been the choice of middle class families because of their comparatively low price, low running cost and easy parking ability. The two wheeler industry has shown a steep growth in the recent years, even The two wheelers have moved out of the realms of the college going student and entered the corporate offices also. With the ever-increasing prices of fuel, two wheelers offer a cheaper option than the four wheelers. The two wheelers have also emerged as a viable option to take pressure off the public transport system, which has been dwindling with every passing day. For ages Indian buyer had limited choice as one had to wait for several months to get a Bajaj scooter, however today the scenario has changed with over 50 models available to the Indian consumer. These models keep every need of the Indian consumer in mind. 7 Table1:MarketShares(09-10) Scooters % Market share Honda MSI 62. 8 TVS 28. 0 Bajaj 2. 5 Kinetic 6. 7 Motorcycles % Market share Hero Honda 45. 8 Bajaj 32. 4 TVS 14. 9 Yamaha 3. 8 Honda MSI 1. 8 LML Kinetic 0. 1 Royal Enfield 0. 4 Majestic Suzuki Motorcycle India 0. 7 Mopeds % Market share TVS 92. 6 Majestic 2. 0 Kinetic 5. 4 Source: Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) 1. 1. 1 Production of Two Wheelers The production of two wheelers has merely reflected the way the market has developed over the recent years. Here is a brief look about the production trend of two wheelers including scooters, motorcycles and mopeds in the country based on the data provided by Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). 8 Table 2: Productions of Two Wheelers (Figures in 000) Year Scooters Motorcycles Mopeds Total 2005-06 938 2906 427 4271 2006-07 848 3876 352 5076 2007-08 935 4355 332 5623 2008-09 987 5194 348 6530 2009-10 1020 6201 380 7601 Source: Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) (2009-10) Table 1. 2 shows that production for two wheelers have increased for the last five years. The two wheeler industry has experienced an accelerating thrust for the last 5 years. As table shows production of two wheelers which was 42. 71 lakhs in 2005-06 has increased to 76. 01 lakhs in 2009-10. 1. 2 THE MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY BOOM The Indian two wheeler industry has been undergoing a massive change. The population explosion, the transition from scooters to motorcycles, from 2-stroke engines to 4-stroke, from smaller engines to bigger ones everything seems to be happening at the same time. The growth of the segment has been significant in the last 10 years particularly when the consumer preference has shifted from scooters to motorcycles and from 2-stroke to 4-stroke engines. 9 All this has been an outcome of a steady rise in the level of individual income, a change in the mind-set brought about by the spread of education and pervasiveness of media, a growing need for personalized transport among the  members of all age-groups, etc. No more is a vehicle treated as just a commodity but has become an integral part of ones personality. It is then only natural that everything else associated with this industry should change too. The demand for motorcycles has been influenced by a number of factors over the past five years. The key demand drivers for the growth of the motorcycle industry are as follows:Inadequate public transportation system, especially in the semi-urban and rural areas; Increased availability of cheap consumer financing in the past 3-4 years; Increasing availability of fuel-efficient and low-maintenance models. Increasing urbanization, which creates a need for personal transportation Changes in the demographic profile; Difference between two wheeler and passenger car prices, which makes two wheelers the entry-level vehicle; Steady increase in per capita income over the past five years; and Increasing number of models with different features to satisfy diverse consumer needs. The Indian two wheeler industry has undergone a significant change over the past 10 years with the preference changing from scooters and mopeds to motorcycles. The scooters segment was the largest till FY1998, accounting for  around 42% of the two wheeler sales (motorcycles and mopeds accounted for 37% and 21 % of the market respectively, that year). However, the motorcycles segment that had witnessed high growth (since FY1994) became larger than the scooter 10 segment in terms of market share for the first time in FY1999. Between FY1996 and 9MFY2009, the motorcycles segment more than doubled its share of the two wheeler industry to 79% even as the market shares of scooters and mopeds stood lower at 16% and 5%, respectively. While scooter sales declined sharply by 28% in FY2005, motorcycle sales reported a healthy growth of 20%, indicating a clear  shift in consumer preference. This shift, which continues, has been prompted by two major factors: change in the countrys demographic profile, and technological advancements. In an effort to satisfy the distinct needs of consumers, producers are identifying emerging consumer preferences and developing new models. For instance, motorcycles with engine capacity over 150 cc, is a segment that has witnessed significant new product launches and hence, become more competitive. The indigenously launched Pulsar 150 had met with success on its launch and thereafter, a host of models have been launched in this segment by various players. While Bajaj Auto launched the Pulsar (150 and 180 cc) with digital twin spark technology (DTSi) that offers a powerful engine and fuel efficiency of 125 cc models, model launches by other players include LMLs Graptor/Beamer, HMSIs Unicorn besides the HHMLs CBZ (improved version launched in 2007-08) and TVS Fiero F2. The products in this segment cater for style conscious consumers. Quite a few players are developing models combining features such as higher engine capacity with optimum mix of power and performance, and superior styling. However, the extent of shift to these products would depend on the  positioning of such products in terms of price. 1. 3Need of the study 11 The study makes significant contributions to consumer preferences concerned with 150 cc motorcycles. Various attributes, affecting purchase of 150 cc motorcycles have been identified and the existing prominent brands of 150 cc motorcycles have been compared on the basis of various attributes. These findings will be useful for both students as well as teachers of the subject. The study will have great implications from marketer’s point of view in sales strategy formulation. Knowledge of the factors, considered important by the consumer would be helpful to the marketers for adopting more efficient manufacturing tools. | Analysis of the post purchase feelings of 150 cc motorcycles respondents and the interpretations thereof, together with the findings of the factors determining the brand preferences can be helpful to both manufacturers as well as dealers of 150 cc motorcycles thereby enabling them to meet the requirements of the market more effectively and efficiently. CHAPTER-2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE A brief review of the literature is of immense importance with respect to any research. It is essential for understanding the scope and spectrum of research  objectives. Various aspects of consumer preference like consumer satisfaction, impact of various attributes on purchase behavior, consumer perception, and consumer dissatisfaction are measured. 12 . Dhar and Sherman (1996) examined the effect of common and unique features in consumer choice. They said that consumer choice often involved a comparison among the available alternatives. It was proposed that attractiveness of the choice set could be enhanced or reduced by altering features, which appeared unique. Chernev (1997) examined the effect of common features on brand choice and moderating role of attribute importance. It was argued that when brand attributes differed in importance, common features were likely to enhance consumer preferences for the option with the best value on the most important attribute, thus further polarizing brands’ choice shares. In contrast when attributes were similar in importance, common features were likely to have an opposite effect, equalizing brand shares. Thus, when attributes had equal importance, adding a common feature to a pair of options leads to an equalization of choice shares, whereas, when attributes differed in importance, common features  enhanced the choice share of the option with the best value on the most important attribute, leading to a further polarization of brands’ choice shares. Dhar et al (1999) suggested that the construction of both similarity and preference judgments could be captured by a feature-matching model that allowed for shifts in the relative weights assigned to the various features of the alternatives being compared. An application of this model was that engaging in one comparative process (e. g. , similarity) can influence the relative weight assigned to the features that were considered in a second comparative judgment (e. g. , preference). The effect of engaging in an initial comparison task on subsequent 13 preference judgments was tested for stimulus-based choice sets. The results on choice deferral and choice satisfaction were consistent with the notion that engaging in similarity/dissimilarity comparisons altered the relative weight assigned to common and unique features for the two alternatives. Heilman et al (2000) examined how brand preferences and response to marketing activity evolved for consumers new to a market. They developed a theoretical framework that began with a consumer’s first-ever purchase in a  product category and described subsequent purchases as components of sequential stages. The theory was based on the notion that choices made by the consumer new to a market were driven by two competing forces: consumers’ desire to collect information about alternatives and their aversion to trying risky ones. The results showed the importance of accounting for product experience and learning when studying the dynamic choice processes of consumers new to a market. Ofir and Simonson (2001) in their study found that the customer evaluations of quality and satisfaction were critical inputs in development of marketing strategies. Given the increasingly common practice of asking such evaluations, buyers of products and services often knew in advance that they subsequently would be asked to provide their evaluations. In a series of field and laboratory studies, the author demonstrated that expecting to be evaluated leads to less favorable quality and satisfaction evaluations and reduces customer’s willingness to purchase and recommend the evaluated services. The negative bias of expected evaluations was observed when actual quality was either low or high, and it persisted even when buyers were told explicitly to consider both the positive  and negative aspects. Tamizhselvan and Vijayakumar (2002) analyzed the significance of personal characteristics of consumers in determining the brand preference for soft 14 drinks in Coimbatore district. The study also identified the factors considered important in buying behavior, the reasons of brand preferred by the consumers and the factors considered in the frequency of buying. It was concluded that the personal characteristics like sex, age, marital status, occupation, monthly income and expenditure, type of family and size of family had a significant influence on brand preference and buying behavior of the consumers. Bhattacharya and Sen (2003) tried to determine why and under what conditions consumers entered into strong, committed and meaningful relationships with certain companies, became champions of these companies and their products. The authors proposed that strong consumer-company relationships often resulted from consumers’ identification with those companies, which helped them to satisfy one or more important self-definitional needs. Aggarwal (2005) stated that when consumers formed relationships with brands, they use norms of interpersonal relationships as a guide in their brand assessments. Two relationship types were examined: exchange relationships in which benefits were given to others to get something back and communal relationships in which benefits were given to show concern for other’s needs. The conceptual model proposed that an adherence to or a violation of these relationship norms influenced the appraisal of the specific marketing action and also the overall brand evaluations. Erdem and Swait (2006) examined the role of brand credibility (trustworthiness and expertise) on brand choice and consideration across multiple product categories that vary in regard potential uncertainty about attributes and  associated information acquisition costs and perceived risks of consumption. It was found that brand credibility increased probability of inclusion of a brand in the consideration set, as well as brand choice conditional on consideration. It was also 15 found that although credibility impacts brand choice and consideration set formation more and through more constructs in contexts with high uncertainty and sensitivity to such uncertainty, credibility effects were present in all categories. Finally, the results indicated that trustworthiness, rather than expertise, affected consumer choice and brand consideration more. Simonson (2007) examined the basic assumptions underlying individual marketing and presented a process model of customers’ responses to customized offers. The model addressed (1) preference development (2) evaluation of customized offers (3) likelihood of purchasing the customized offers and (4) maintenance of relationships with one-to-one marketers. The analysis leaded to specific propositions regarding determinants of customers’ responses to customized offers. The author also discussed future research directions and managerial implications. It can be concluded that many studies have been done to study the various  factors related to impact of various attributes on purchase behavior, consumer perception, customer satisfaction and dissatisfaction, etc. A study is required to identify the attributes considered while purchasing and compare selected brands on basis of these attributes. CHAPTER-3 OBJECTIVES OF STUDY:- The present study aims at evaluating factors of 150 cc motorcycles affecting their purchase and on the basis of these factors to give suggestions to the brands to 16 improve the market share of their respective products. More specifically, objectives of study are: 1. To identify the attributes considered while purchasing the selected brands of  150 cc motorcycles. 2. To compare selected brands of 150 cc motorcycles on basis of attributes. 3. To study the consumer preferences towards the 150 cc Motor Cycles. 4. To study the factors that influences the purchase of 150 cc motorcycle. 5. To determine the need of purchase of 150 cc motorcycle CHAPTER 4 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY :- MATERIALS AND METHODS The present chapter describes the research methodology of the study. In order to satisfy the objectives, this chapter explains in detail the research methodology which is divided into five sections: Section 4. 1 deals with research framework; Section 4. 2 deals with population and sample selection; Section 4. 3 17 deals with data collection; Section 4. 4 deals with analysis of data and Section 4. 5 deals with limitations of the study. 4. 1 Research Framework The present study is based on the objectives of identifying the attributes considered while purchasing the selected brands of 150 cc motorcycles and to compare selected brands of 150 cc motorcycles on basis of these attributes in the city of Ludhiana. The study uses both primary and secondary information. The research design for the present study is descriptive. The motorcycles available for  the study are Bajaj Pulsar, Hero Honda CBZ, Honda Unicorn and TVS Apache. As it is clear from the objectives of the study, the study was divided into two parts i. e. to identify the attributes considered while purchasing the selected brands of 150 cc motorcycles and then to compare selected brands of 150 cc motorcycles on basis of these attributes. For both the objectives of the study, primary data was collected through a structured questionnaire. Then in order to arrive at the results proper statistical tools were used on the information collected from the respondents. 4. 2 Population and Sample Selection. ThepopulationofthestudyincludesthepersonsinLudhianacitywho owned a 150 cc motorcycle. For meeting the first objective, list of dealers dealing in 150 cc motorcycles in Ludhiana was prepared. Sample was collected in two stages. In the first stage, two dealers each of the four companies in the city were selected randomly from the available list of dealers for four companies. In the second stage of sample selection, service centers of each of the selected dealers 18 were visited. At each service center, 15 respondents were contacted. The sample size was 120. The following dealers were selected: 1. Bajaj Pulsar. ?Dada Bajaj, Savitiri Complex, Dholewal Chowk, Ludhiana ?Impact Bajaj, Sherpur Chowk, GT Road By Pass, Ludhiana 2. Hero Honda CBZ/Achiver ?Nihal Singh Motors, Ferozepur Road, Ludhiana ?Stan Wheels (P) Ltd. , G T Road, Near Sherpur Chowk, Ludhiana 3. TVS Apache ?Gulzar Trading Company, Dholewal, Ludhiana ?TVS Gulzar, Near Aarti Chowk, Ludhiana 4. Honda Unicorn ?Sarvpriya Autos Pvt. Ltd. , Ferozepur Road, Ludhiana ?Pioneer Honda, G T Road, Dholewal, Ludhiana 4. 3 Data Collection Keeping in view the objectives of this study, both primary and secondary data were required. A structured and non-disguised questionnaire was prepared for  collecting primary information from the customers. Questionnaire is shown in Annexure-I. Questions were asked relating to their income, occupation, about factors which were considered by the respondents while purchasing a motor bike, 19 about factors influencing them to purchase, rating of different brands of 150 cc motorcycles and satisfaction level from the various motorcycles. The questions asked were multiple choice and open ended. Five points scale was used. For classification of attributes the following points were used: most important (MI), important (I), neutral (N), unimportant (UI) and most unimportant (M. U. I). Secondary data was collected from various journals /magazines, websites and dealers regarding the market performance of these motorcycles. 4. 4 Data Analysis The data collected with the help of questionnaires were analyzed with the help of percentages, means, weighted mean scores etc. In order to find importance given to various attributes of a 150 cc motorcycles by the buyer at the time of purchase, weighted mean scores were calculated and each attribute was ranked on the basis of weighted mean scores. Mean score was calculated for the questions asked on a 5-point scale. In the  5-point scale the respondents were asked to indicate their degree of importance they showed for various attributes related to the 150 cc motorcycles from most important to most unimportant. Scores were assigned from 1 to 5 for the degree of importance (1 for most important, 2 for important, 3 for neutral, 4 for unimportant and 5 for most unimportant). Frequencies were multiplied with their respective weights and aggregate values were found out. Mean score was calculated using the formula: Mean score = ? wifn/n i = 1 to 5 n = 30 for each brand respondents 20 where, wi = Weight attached for degree of importance  fn = Associated frequency n = Number of respondents. If the mean score was more than the middle point of the scale, it was concluded that the respondents by and large tend to agree with the statement. 21 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION This chapter contains the results and discussion of the primary data collected from the respondents. The study is conducted to identify the attributes considered while purchasing the selected brands of 150 cc motorcycles and to compare selected brands of 150 cc motorcycles on basis of these attributes. This chapter is divided into four sections: Section 4. 4. 1 deals with demographic profile of the respondents; Section 4. 4. 2 deals with identification of the attributes considered while purchasing the selected brands of 150 cc motorcycles; Section 4. 4. 3 deals with Satisfaction from selected brands of 150 cc motorcycles on the basis of various attributes. 4. 4. 1 Demographic profile of the respondents The demographic profile of the respondents has been classified on the basis of age, occupation, education and family income. 4. 4. 1. 1 Classification on the basis of age Age of a person is considered as an important factor in decision making and choice made by the person. The respondents were classified into four different age groups. The age classification of the respondents is given in Table 4. 4. 1. 1 22 Table 4. 4. 1. 1: Age wise distribution of respondents Age Bajaj Pulsar Hero Honda CBZ TVS Apache Honda Unicorn Total Below 25 14 11 15 13 53 25-35 13 13 11 10 47 35-45 3 6 4 5 18 Above 45 0 0 0 2 2 Total 30 30 30 30 120 14 13 3 0 11 13 6 0 15 11 4 0 13 10 5 2 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 Bajaj Pulsar Hero Honda CBZ /Ach iever TVS Apache Honda Unicorn Age wise distribution of respondents Below 25 25-35 35-45 Above 45. ANALYSIS INTERPRETATION: On the overall most of the respondents i.e. 53 were below the age of 25 and about 47 in the age group of 25-35 and rest above 35. If we analyze for each motorcycle separately, it was seen that around 75% of motorcycle users in case of Bajaj Pulsar and Hero Honda CBZ and around 70% in case of Honda Unicorn and TVS Apache were below the age of 30 which eventually means that a major chunk of the motorcycle market includes youth only. 23 4. 4. 1. 2 Classification on the basis of occupation The respondents were surveyed about their occupation as it plays an important role in the purchase behaviour and affects consumer’s preferences. The  classification according to occupation is shown in Table 4. 4. 1. 2. Table 4. 4. 1. 2: Occupation wise distribution of respondents Occupation category Bajaj Pulsar Hero Honda CBZ TVS Apache Honda Unicorn Total Student 20 19 21 17 77 Business 6 6 6 7 25 Profession 3 4 3 6 16 Others 1 1 0 0 2 Total 30 30 30 30 120 ANALYSIS INTERPRETATION: 24 As regards the occupation profile of the 150 cc motorcycle owners, there was not much difference between the four motorcycles. The student community dominates in all the four brands (about 70%), while the ratio business to profession is around 2:1 on average. 4. 4. 1. 3 Classification on the basis of education level The educational qualification also effects the behavior of a person as it shows how informed a choice was made while buying something. Also it is generally assumed that qualification is directly related to the kind of job a person is engaged in. Therefore, the respondents were classified according to educational qualifications in Table 4. 4. 1. 3. Table 4. 4. 1. 3: Education wise distribution of respondents EDUCATION Bajaj Pulsar Hero Honda CBZ TVS Apache Honda Unicorn Total Under-Gradua te 16 20 18 15 69 Graduate 7 4 6 7 24 Post-graduate 4 2 3 4 13. Professional 3 4 3 4 14 TOTAL 30 30 30 30 120 25 16 7 4 3 20 4 2 4 18 6 3 3 15 7 4 4 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 Bajaj Pulsar Hero Honda CBZ/ Achiever TVS Apache Honda Unicorn Education wise distribution of respondents Under-Graduate Graduate Post-graduate Professional ANALYSIS INTERPRETATION: As regards to education characteristic, it is seen that most of the respondents are either undergraduates or graduates. This fact is in conjunction with the fact that a major chunk of 150 cc motorcycle owners belong to the age group of below 25 and are mostly students 4. 4. 1. 4. Classification on the basis of family income. One of the most important factors influencing the consumer preferences is the income of the respondents. The income determines the choice of a respondent particularly in brand selection and the brand personality that a person associates 26 with himself. The classification of respondents according to their family income is given in table 4. 4. 1. Table 4. 4. 1. 4: Income wise distribution of respondents Family Income Bajaj Pulsar Hero Honda CBZ TVS Apache Honda Unicorn TOTAL Below 1,50,000 3 2 2 3 10 1,50,000-2,00 ,000 9 9 10 8 36 2,00,000-2,50 ,000 14 13 10 13 50 Above 2,50,000 4 6 8 6 24 27 3 9. 14 4 2 9 13 6 2 10 10 8 3 8 13 6 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 Bajaj Pulsar Hero Honda CBZ/ Achiever TVS Apache Honda Unicorn Income wise distribution of respondents Below 1,50,000 1,50,000-2,00,000 2,00,000-2,50,000 Above 2,50,000 ANALYSIS INTERPRETATION: The maximum percentage of respondents (around 60%) are in the higher income groups i. e. above 2,00,000, about 30% of the respondents fall in 150000-200000, nearly 42% in 200000-250000 , and the highest income group above 2,50,000 accounts for about 1/5th of the respondents . 28 4. 4. 2 Identification of the attributes considered while purchasing the  selected brands of 150 cc motorcycles. This section deals with identification of the various factors, affecting preferences of the 150 cc motorcycle respondents. Preferences of respondents were identified by studying the various attributes of 150 cc motorcycle, which affected the purchase decision of the respondents and also by studying the post purchase satisfaction of the 150 cc motorcycle respondents. The decision to buy any product is influenced by a number of factors. The factors might be those, arousing need for the 150 cc motorcycle. Various influencers might have affected the purchase decision of resp.

We Must Change the American Health Care System :: Medical Care Insurance

We Must Change the American Health Care System I came to the United States sixteen years ago. Being a European, I have watched with great interest and disbelief about the ongoing disagreements regarding a socialized health care system, which President Bill Clinton has proposed. I am a native of Poland and experienced positive benefits of socialized medicine, so I can't understand why some people are so negative towards changes in the health care program. Are we really happy with our current medical insurance? I don't think so. Recent data from the Census Bureau show that "43.4 million people in the United States had no health insurance coverage" (Bennefield 1). Almost eleven million American children are uninsured as well. Adults and children don't have medical coverage because they can't afford it (1). People who do have some form of medical coverage are often unaware of the hidden costs dictated by the private insurance companies. In addition, do you recall how many times you have watched the news about people asking us for fin ancial support because they couldn't pay their medical bill? What is wrong with this picture? Why do we have to ask for charity versus having a better health system? I strongly believe that health care should be available to anyone, and especially in America, the richest country in the world. We all want good, affordable medical coverage, but we are not getting it. Therefore, we should change the current medical system by following the example of socialized medicine in Europe, by making changes in the insurance companies, and by making preventive medicine our priority. First of all, let me tell you what socialized medicine means. It is a public system of national health insurance where doctors are usually paid for their services by the government, and everyone is eligible for medical care without any preexisting condition. Most European countries have some form of socialized medicine. For example, in Poland the health care system is free. Employers pay 48% of a worker's monthly salary to cover not only medical care but the retirement program as well. The rest of the money for medical needs comes from the government's funds. My sister, who lives in Germany, told me that 13.1% of her monthly salary is deducted from her paycheck to cover the medical insurance. She said that she only pays about $5 for her prescriptions and about $15 per day for a hospital stay.

Cricket, A Civilized Game Essay -- essays research papers

Many different sports and games have been invented and started in England. Many of these are still played and remain very popular to the people of that country. The game of cricket is a very complicated sport to those who have never played with all of the rules and regulations but is one to be enjoyed by all. The exact measurements of the cricket playing field have not been officially agreed upon. The area is usually around 450 feet by 500 feet. When setting up the wicket, three stumps and driven into the ground. Each stump is about 31 inches along with one pointed end and one rounded end (Formals 24). Twenty-eight inches is left above the turf of the field. The three stumps are placed in a line with one another and the space between is just small enough to prevent a ball from passing through. When aligned they measure nine inches from the outside edges of the outer two stumps. On the rounded end of each stump is cut a half-inch groove in which the two remaining pieces of wood are pl aced (Formals 26). These two small, cylindral objects, called bails are what the bowler is intent on knocking off. After one wicket has been constructed, another is set up sixty-six feet away. Near each wicket a set of lines are drawn, these marks are the bowling and popping creases. Each wicket has its own bowling and popping crease. The bowling crease is drawn in the straight line with the three stumps measuring four feet on each side of the two end stumps. The second line, the popping crease,...

Analytical Psychology of Carl Jung Essay

Psychological Therapeutic System, more commonly known as, Analytical Psychology, was developed and founded by a Swiss psychiatrist, Carl Gustav Jung. Carl’s family was very involved with the Christian faith, when Carl had his â€Å"initiation† he didn’t have any moving feelings and that was said to be a main reason to why he chose to go on with his later work, he was trying to replace the faith that was missing from his life (Mitchell). Jung and Freud met up and began a six year long journey of research and work together until they split right before World War I in May 1914. Jung soon started his own research which became Analytical Psychology in response to Freud’s psychoanalysis. (Mitchell). â€Å"Jung taught that the psyche consists of various systems including the personal unconscious with its complexes and a collective unconscious with its archetypes,† (PsychoHeresy Awareness Ministries). Analytic psychology is the analysis of the human mind, psyche and the unconscious, as well as the conscious components of the mind. It is thought that man’s behavior and his conscious states can be explained only by unconscious sources of what motivates him. Jung believed that the mind could be divided into unconscious and conscious parts. The unconscious mind was made up of layers; the personal unconscious is the part of the unconscious mind where each person’s unique own experiences and that may not be consciously remembered are stored. Jung believed that the contents of each person’s personal unconscious are organized in terms of complexes, clusters of emotional unconscious thoughts. One may have a complex towards their mother or towards their partner. Jung referred to the second layer of unconsciousness as the collective unconscious. This level contains memories and behavioral predisposition’s that all people have inherited from common ancestors in the distant human past, providing us with essentially shared memories and tendencies. People across space and time tend to interpret and use experience in similar ways because of â€Å"archetypes†, inherited human tendencies to perceive and act in certain ways. During Analytic Therapy, Jung may use certain archetypes to explain a person’s unconscious thought that even affect their behavior. Jung believed that there are certain archetypes that are important in people’s lives. These archetypes are as follows. The persona archetype is the part of our personality that we show the world, the part that we are willing to share with others. The shadow archetype is the darker part of a person, the part that embraces what we view as frightening, hateful and even evil about ourselves – the part of us that we hide not only from others but also from ourselves. The anima is the feminine side of a males personality, which shows tenderness, caring, compassion and warmth to others, yet which is more irrational and based on emotions. The animus is the masculine side of a woman’s personality, the more rational and logical side of the woman. Jung posited that men often try to hide their anima both from others and from themselves because it goes against their idealized image of what men should be. According to Jung, these archetypes play a role in our interpersonal relationships. For example, the relationship between a man and a woman calls into play the archetypes in each individual’s collective unconscious. The anima helps the man to understand his female companion, just as the animus helps the woman to understand her male partners (PsychologyCampus. com, 2004). Jung distinguishes two differing attitudes to life, two ways of reacting to circumstances, which he finds so widespread that he could describe them as typical. The extraverted attitude, characterized by an outward personality, an interest in events, in people and things, a relationship with them, and a dependence on them. This type is motivated by outside factors and greatly influenced by the environment. The extraverted type is sociable and confident in unfamiliar surroundings. The introverted attitude, in contrast, is one of withdrawal of the personality and is concentrated upon personal factors, and their main influence is ‘inner needs’. When this attitude is habitual Jung speaks of an ‘introverted type’. This type lacks confidence in relation to people and things, tends to be unsociable, and prefers reflection to activity. This approach is especially helpful to clients that can remember their dreams and are either interested or troubled in them. They are often asked to keep a journal of their dreams and other impressions that they feel. When working with analytical psychology clients are expected to be as open, spontaneous, and self-observant as they can. Jungians will generally not use any formal assessment procedures while in therapy, and are not likely to diagnose problems. They take dreams very seriously and consider them central to establishing dialect between consciousness and unconsciousness. In a clinical setting, the helper will listen carefully to the client’s dreams and thoughts and intervene and identify important aspects that are noticed (Sommers-Flanagan, 2004). References Mitchell, G. (n. d. ). Carl jung & jungian analytical psychology. Retrieved from http://www. trans4mind. com/mind-development/jung. html PsychoHeresy Awareness Ministries, Initials. (n. d. ). Psychoheresy: c. g. jung’s legacy to the church. Retrieved from http://www. psychoheresy-aware. org/jungleg. html PsychologyCampus. com, Initials. (2004). Analytical psychology. Retrieved from http://www. psychologycampus. com/analytical-psychology. html Sommers-Flanagan, J & R. (2004). Counseling and psychotherapy theories in context and practice. Retrieved from http://books. google. ca/books? id=BpzrBuSe0ikC&pg=PA128&lpg=PA128&dq=case+example+analytical+psychology&source=bl&ots=ANhhYx5RIS&sig=NdjE_dCewzWNnrxc3dL0sB28ZUo&hl=en&ei=VNG0TITqJYGCsQPzkKjsCA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CCUQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q&f=falseÃ'Ž

Thesis Statement Writing Tips and Guides

Thesis Statement Writing Tips and Guides Useful Tips on Writing a Good Thesis Statement for an Essay What is a thesis statement? How should it look like? Newbies are sick and tired of answering those questions. A thesis statement is actually a movie trailer for your major work. It highlights the key ideas and aspects of the topic. Although it may seem easy to write, a thesis statement becomes a major challenge for 100% of students no matter how good they are at essay writing. Our tips will make the process simpler and less time-consuming. We do hope you will find them handy. The importance of thesis statement Here are the key points that describe the importance of the thesis statement: It showcases your ideas; It organizes the argument; It contains guidelines for the reader; It establishes claims for a dispute. Types of thesis statements All thesis statements can be divided into two main types: debatable and non-debatable. Make sure you clearly understand the difference before you use any of those types: The debatable thesis is a statement that considers opinion readers may agree or disagree; The non-debatable thesis is a statement that does not reserve any place for readers to debate. What is a proper length of a thesis statement? Avoid writing too long thesis statements. Most students get into a trap when writing huge papers. They think that the length of the thesis statement depends on the volume of a general paper. Well, it does not. The shorter and narrower your thesis, the better. Two or three sentences are more than enough to get your readers intrigued. The thesis should have a claim for a future dispute. Types of thesis statement claims Each claim refers to a particular type and category. They are as follows: Definition or common fact; Event and Result (cause and effect); Value of the category described; Policies and solutions. Include the claim depending on your readers’ type. The audience always matters when it comes to choosing the right claim for your thesis statement. Tips to build a thesis statement Follow our easy tips to construct a solid thesis statement that will grab readers’ attention: Explore and research the sources – you need to analyze all the information you generate from different sources. Compare and contrast all facts to establish your own opinion on the topic; Always make notes – write down everything that comes up to your head. Make sure you always hold a pen or pencil; Include your thesis in the introduction – a thesis statement should be the last part of the introductory paragraph; Provide counterarguments – a thesis statement should encourage your readers on further debates and discussions. Anticipating counterarguments will be a good idea. To know if your thesis is good, try to answer some of the following questions: Does it contain answers to the essay questions? Is the thesis statement specific? Does the major work support your thesis? If the answers are â€Å"Yes†, you have done a great job!

buy custom Masculine Heroes essay

buy custom Masculine Heroes essay Masculine heroes are credited in various American literatures as heroes who were brave and spoke their minds out freely without fear or conservation for the plight of the less fortunate and the oppressed in the society for instance in the poem song of myself by Walt Whitman I harbor for good or bad, I permit to speak at every hazard here the hero speaks against every injustice both moral and illegal without fear of the resulting consequences. The concept of frontiers and masculinity are linked on several occasions throughout American literature. Leaves of grass first published in 1855 is the recorded work of Walt Whitman (1819-1892) an American poet, who is widely regarded as a significant and influential American iconoclast in the 1980s. His single book; Leaves of grass is a collection of several poems; Song of Myself, When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd inclusive. The book is highly notable because of its constant praise of the natural and physical world and the role play of individual human beings in the world. It was controversial at its time because it recorded literature o praises and glory of senses such as homosexuality, which was considered an immoral and illegal act at the time. Whitman personalizes himself in almost all his entire poems; in his poem song of myself he takes the role play of a frontier to speak against injustice. Being masculine; a male he says he can speak against all evil without fear or bias I too am not a bit tamed, I too am untranslatable, I harbor for good or bad, I permit to speak at every hazard the author uses I to refers not only to him but the masculine fraternity, the author considers being masculine as an empowering aspect of speaking against injustice consequently being a masculine hero. James Fenimore Cooper, a prolific and inspirational American novelist, popularly known for his masterpiece romantic literature The Last of the Mohicans through his writings he aids in bringing the concept of frontiers and masculinity in American literature. In his 2nd publication the Pioneer which features frontiersmen such as Natty Bumppo; a leather-stocking in his mid-age, amongst others. The concept of masculine heroism is brought forward byy the fact that Natty Bumppo is a male activist who speaks against harsh treatment and killing of pigeons and the destruction of nature, in the literature. Nutty Bumppo only considers killing for a reason and with purpose None pretended to collect the game, which lay scattered over the fields in such profusion as to cover the very ground with the fluttering victims." (Cooper 339). Cooper sees no sense in killing without a purpose. He argues that the harsh treatment of Native Americans the pigeons by the white man is unjust and wrong. (Cooper 342) Nutty is a hero in the context as he speaks against injustice of the oppressed. In the Norton Anthology of American literature the book start off with the history of the first settlers in the America land and the beginning of the civil war, it includes the journals of Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Paine. All of which are male counterparts, the literature links masculine heroism and frontiers as it quotes the noble American heroes. The text also features the Declaration of independence quoting only the male counterpart that played role in the drafting of the independence treaty. Buy custom Masculine Heroes essay

Breaking the Lockjam and Buttoning Down the Hatches

Breaking the Lockjam and Buttoning Down the Hatches Breaking the Lockjam and Buttoning Down the Hatches Breaking the Lockjam and Buttoning Down the Hatches By Maeve Maddox The President has invited some factions to Washington to break the lockjam. The copywriter who came up with this statement confused two common English expressions used to convey a state of of inaction: deadlock and logjam. The term deadlock refers to a stoppage brought about by the opposition of two forces, neither of which will budge. The term logjam comes from the practice of floating newly-cut trees (logs) down a river. When several logs become so crowded they can no longer move, the result is a logjam. I understand such idiomatic confusion in the speech of someone speaking off the cuff. We all come out with mixed-up speech from time to time, especially when were surprised or nervous. My examples are not from people responding to impromptu interview questions. They come from newspaper stories and the words of professional announcers or scriptwriters. I see the tendency to conflate idioms in this way as a result of limited reading. Others may disagree, seeing it instead as innovation, the deliberate altering of old expressions to avoid clichà ©. It may be the lattersome of the time. Idioms are something that have to be absorbed from immersion in the language. My own language patterns were set when English teachers corrected their students grammar every time they opened their mouths, and assigned book reports and summer reading. Back then, movie and radio scripts were written by men and women who observed not only pronoun case, but the subjunctive mood of verbs! Somewhere theres a growing disconnect between the usual sources of idiomatic language and the people who write for the media. I think that it is a problem and that the solution is close reading of the best authors. Here are some more examples: They took it in good stride. The context was a news story about a group that was dealing with disappointment. The two expressions mingled here are to take something in stride and to take something in good part. Both have the sense of dealing with something without making a fuss. if other airlines join suit and raise their fares. This is from a news story. The altered expression is to follow suit. It is an expression taken from a card game. One player leads with a heart and the next one must follow suit by putting down another heart. guess well have to button down the hatches. This was spoken by a Fox anchorman talking about a coming storm in Florida. The expression is to batten down the hatches. It refers to the act of nailing lengths of wood (battens) across trapdoors in a ships deck so they wont open during a storm. We use it in the sense of securing things before a storm, either a real storm or a metaphorical one. The present participle form is battening. Deliberately altering a familiar idiom for effect is one thing. The result can be witty and entertaining. Mixing them up out of ignorance is something to be avoided. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Writing Basics category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Program vs. ProgrammeThe Difference Between "will" and "shall"20 Ways to Laugh

One of the major strengths of the culture metaphor rests in the fact Essay

One of the major strengths of the culture metaphor rests in the fact that it directs attention to the symbolicsignificance of even the most rational parts of organisational life [Gareth Morgan, 1986] - Essay Example It is in this uniqueness that the significance of organizational culture resides; in this formulation, â€Å"culture† contains the seeds of distinction that can differentiate a given organization from its competitors in the market, resulting in success or failure. Culture is not only the opposite of rationality; it transcends rationality and becomes the something extra that brings a necessary human element to organization, imbuing an abstract collective with identity, personality and â€Å"a face.† This opposition, and its transcendence, has been at the heart of all analyses of â€Å"culture† dating back to the early days of the discipline of Anthropology in which â€Å"other,† seemingly irrational foreign cultures were investigated by Western academics and researchers, whose goal was to discern the underlying and apparently unapparent rationality. In this original formulation, culture both obscures rationality and gives it its unique form; the same holds true for the analysis of business and organization. Organisational culture is both a product of formal organizational rules and structures, and also helps to produce the structures themselves, both formally and in their practical function. Like all cultures, organizational cultures have subcultures as well as practices and values that directly contradict the stated values and norms of a given organisaton. Both the relationships between organizational culture and the larger structure of an organization, as well as the relationship between formal â€Å"values† and the values as practiced by employees, managers or other organizational figures are best investigated through direct, analytical observation, an anthropological practices known as â€Å"ethnography.† An example of the relationship between organizational culture and formal structures as mutually reinforcing systems may

Effectiveness of Delegation Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Effectiveness of Delegation - Assignment Example Today’s environment is calling for a new dimension in delegation by emphasizing both horizontal and vertical delegation with much emphasis given to teamwork. Delegation must always be accompanied by effective coaching so that the delegates fully understand the task they are entrusted with to avoid any pitfalls which is likely to arise. Good communication is a prerequisite for effective delegation to take place and thus should be highly considered during the delegation process (Pratt, 1997). According to Klein et al. (2006), process of effective delegation is a beneficial process where both the manager, the employees and the organization benefits in the long run. The benefits the manager enjoys is so great since it makes the job easier and this frees him form various daunting tasks (Hackman, 1995). In addition, it also helps the manager to reduce stress and develop good rapport with the employees which is good for the success of an organization (Pratt, 1997). Delegation also en ables the manager to effectively groom his successor by assigning him the necessary task involved in such higher positions. Managers who do not delegate tasks derail their own advancement by not grooming someone to take their place when the need for promotion arises (Finch & Maddux, 2006). The employees equally benefit form the delegation process since it provides them with an avenue of professional growth and advancement at work place when they develop their skills properly (Johnson, 2000). In addition, it gives them a sense of achievement and personal satisfaction which leads to increased productivity at workplace and enhancing value to the organization (Lawson, 2007. This is achievable because they feel... The paper â€Å"Effectiveness of Delegation† dwells upon results of studies regarding delegation of duties in organizations. Research has shown that delegation has got both negative and positive outcomes and should thus be carefully applied in management to achieve positive outcomes.The process of delegation should be done very carefully so that it’s not seen as dumping of duties by the top management hence lowering the morale of the worker. Regardless of the size of the business, delegation is effective in all aspects of management hence inability to delegate may lead to ineffectiveness of an organization. Delegation must always be accompanied by effective coaching so that the delegates fully understand the task they are entrusted with to avoid any pitfalls which is likely to arise. Good communication is a prerequisite for effective delegation to take place and thus should be highly considered during the delegation process. The organization also benefits from delegatio n since it helps save money which would have been used to employ more staff thus straining the budget of the organization. Effective delegation involves encouraging creativity by welcoming new ideas form various individuals and this is important in the development of any organization. In effective delegation, the delegator surrenders the privileges he enjoys and accepts that the job will be done successfully by the delegate. Delegation is real and is happening in and in large scale in most organizations. The managers are required to understand the basic principles of delegation before initiating an effective delegation mechanism within an organization.

Finance accounting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Finance accounting - Essay Example Lastly, the reserves of the company is estimated and their modes of utilization so that the write-down of the company can be avoided. Impact of Australian Accounting Standards When the net realizable value for all of the subsequent period. Due to a certain circumstances the inventories of the company needs to be written down below the cost that no longer exists or with the evidence related to the net realizable value caused as a result of the changed economic circumstances (Walton & Aerts, 2006, p.120). This leads to the reversing of the write-down where the amount if restricted to original write-down, so much so, the new carrying amount of the company will be lower than the revised net realizable value along with its associated cost. With the selling of the inventories the carrying cost of the inventories is treated as the expense in the period in which the revenue is recognized. This result in the written down value of the inventory is considered as the cost or occurrence of losses . The concept of reversal write-down value generally occurs from the increase in the net realizable value of the concerned company; which is recognized as a fall in the amount of inventory as an expense in the period of reversal write-down occurrence (Johnston & Johnston, 2005, pp.62-63). Reversal write-down The concepts of the reversal write-down under the Australian Accounting Standards will have a great impact on the current situation of BHP Billiton’s US Shale Gas assets related to the financial statements of the company. The inventory cost of the company will reduce thus reducing the carrying cost of the Shale Gas assets to a remarkable extent. Thus the increase in the net realizable value of the company will be projected at a low rate than now. This in turn will lower the intrinsic value of the company resulting in the valuation of the company being similar to the market value of the company or lower than the market value. Hence the company will be in the condition to r evive of the present condition to a certain extent (Australian Government, 2009, p.17). Current and non-current assets and methods of valuation Yes, the current and non-current assets of the company, BHP Billiton’s have been valued in the financial statements of the company. The income and the deferred tax of the company accounted under the head of other assets of the company has taken the deductible temporary differences resulting in the deferred tax of the company amounting to US$3119 million as against US$2195 million in 2010. These amounts have not been recognized due to the probable future taxable profits as the deductible temporary differences do not expire under the tax legislation. The trade receivable of the company is the considered as the impaired assets of the company. All the financial assets of the company are computed at the fair value price under the consideration of payment and receipt. The fair value method is the not a completely independent process. It is based on the results of weighted average value of the items of the company. In spite of providing a balanced figure of valuation yet its limitation the valuation of the business model still persists. However, the fair value accounting process conveys important information related to

Organisational behiever design Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Organisational behiever design - Essay Example So lack of appropriate leadership was the main issue for the company facing so many crises. Following are the related four sub issues. One of the four sub issues was lack of motivation amongst employees. It is very important to keep the working environment challenging for the employees so that they are kept motivated. But again how challenging it should be so that it does not harm the productivity is again the leader’s responsibility. By the implication of the expectancy theory, the employees of the company could have been motivated. The theory relates to the determinants of the attitudes and behaviors at the workplace. There are three things that this theory explains that are valence, instrumentality and expectancy (Judge and Robbins, 2010). Valence is the measure of the attraction and the satisfaction associated with the predefined outcome for an individual. Instrumentality is the belief of the person regarding the relationship amongst performing the action and experiencing the outcome. Expectancy is the belief related to the link amongst the effort making and the good performance in true terms. So if the CEO at that time could have been able to use this theory then the results might not have got worse like in the decade of his leadership. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory is one other theory that applies in this case. The reason is that the new CEO failed to fulfill the two higher level needs of the employees of the company that are the esteem and self actualization, Esteem incorporates internal factors like self-respect, achievement and autonomy external factors like recognition. Self-actualization relates to things like achieving your potential, growth and self-fulfillment. The new CEO could not safeguard the higher order needs of the Maslow’s Hierarchy Need Theory. Another sub issue was lack of trust in the company amongst the CEO and all levels of employees. It is known that trust is an expectation that is positive that another does not and will not by words, decisions and actions act opportunistically. Trust is based on two things mainly that are familiarity and risk. Trust has a lot of dimensions mainly like integrity, competence, consistency, loyalty and openness etc. Integrity relates to things like truthfulness and honesty, competence means the interpersonal and technical knowledge and skills, consistency relates to predictability, good judgment and reliability under various situations, loyalty means the willingness to safeguard and protect face for any other person and openness relates to the reliance on someone else to provide you the truth in full. Basically there are three types of trusts that employees in any company can experience. One is deterrence or fear of punishment based trust, the other is identification or trust based on mutual understanding, appreciation for other people’s desires and wants, and the knowledge based or behavioral predictability based trust that roots back to the inter action history. At J.J. Meyers Company the basic issue was that the trust was deterrence based. It means that the employees feared punishment and were forced to trust the CEO whereas they dint not like his leadership style at all. One other issue was that the expectations of the employees were not being fulfilled as they were being in the previous times of success of the company. The culture, the leadership style, the communication, group dynamics are the things on which the perception of the worker is based and these are the things that direct the

Business strategy in financila services Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Business strategy in financila services - Essay Example A host of modern pharmaceutical companies all started out as Rhine-based family dyestuff and chemical companies e.g. Hoffman-La Roche, Sandoz, Ciba-Geigy (the product of a merger between Ciba and Geigy), and Novartis1 etc. Most are still going strong today2. Over time many of these chemical companies moved into the production of pharmaceuticals and other synthetic chemicals and they gradually evolved into global players. There are certain factors like the introduction of the penicillin during the late 1940s, its success and relative success of many other innovative drugs which actually institutionalized the efforts of research and development (R&D) in the pharmaceutical industry. The industry expanded rapidly in the sixties, benefiting from new discoveries and a lax regulatory environment. During this period healthcare spending boomed as global economies prospered. The industry witnessed major developments in the seventies with the introduction of tighter regulatory controls, especially with the introduction of regulations governing the manufacture of 'generics'3. The new regulations revoked permanent patents and established fixed periods on patent protection for branded products, a result of which the market for 'branded generics'4 emerged. PESTLE Analysis PESTLE analysis is a useful tool for understanding the "big picture" of the environment, in which you are operating, and the opportunities and threats that lie within it. By understanding the environment in which you operate (external to your company or department), you can take advantage of the opportunities and minimize the threats (RAPIDBI). Specifically the PEST or PESTLE analysis is a useful tool for understanding risks associated with market growth or decline, and as such the position, potential and direction for a business or organization. Technological advancements, tighter regulatory-compliance overheads, rafts of patent expiries and volatile investor confidence have made the modern pharmaceutical industry an increasingly tough and competitive environment. An analysis of the structure of the pharmaceutical industry using the PEST (political, economic, social and technological) model (Susanne, 2004) is given below. Increasing Political Attention Over the years, the pharmaceutical industry has witnessed increased political attention due to the increased recognition of the economic importance of healthcare as a component of social welfare. Political interest has also been generated because of the increasing social and financial burden of healthcare. Examples are the UK's National Health Service debate and Medicare in the US. Increased Economic Value During the year 2003, there were many high value mergers and acquisitions which were witnessed by the global pharmaceutical industry. With a projected stock value growth rate of 10.5% (2003-2010) and Health Care growth rate of 12.5% (2003-2010), the audited value of the global pharmaceutical market is estimated to reach a huge 500 billion dollars by 2004. Only information technology has a higher expected growth rate of 12.6%. Majority of

Organisational behiever design Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Organisational behiever design - Essay Example So lack of appropriate leadership was the main issue for the company facing so many crises. Following are the related four sub issues. One of the four sub issues was lack of motivation amongst employees. It is very important to keep the working environment challenging for the employees so that they are kept motivated. But again how challenging it should be so that it does not harm the productivity is again the leader’s responsibility. By the implication of the expectancy theory, the employees of the company could have been motivated. The theory relates to the determinants of the attitudes and behaviors at the workplace. There are three things that this theory explains that are valence, instrumentality and expectancy (Judge and Robbins, 2010). Valence is the measure of the attraction and the satisfaction associated with the predefined outcome for an individual. Instrumentality is the belief of the person regarding the relationship amongst performing the action and experiencing the outcome. Expectancy is the belief related to the link amongst the effort making and the good performance in true terms. So if the CEO at that time could have been able to use this theory then the results might not have got worse like in the decade of his leadership. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory is one other theory that applies in this case. The reason is that the new CEO failed to fulfill the two higher level needs of the employees of the company that are the esteem and self actualization, Esteem incorporates internal factors like self-respect, achievement and autonomy external factors like recognition. Self-actualization relates to things like achieving your potential, growth and self-fulfillment. The new CEO could not safeguard the higher order needs of the Maslow’s Hierarchy Need Theory. Another sub issue was lack of trust in the company amongst the CEO and all levels of employees. It is known that trust is an expectation that is positive that another does not and will not by words, decisions and actions act opportunistically. Trust is based on two things mainly that are familiarity and risk. Trust has a lot of dimensions mainly like integrity, competence, consistency, loyalty and openness etc. Integrity relates to things like truthfulness and honesty, competence means the interpersonal and technical knowledge and skills, consistency relates to predictability, good judgment and reliability under various situations, loyalty means the willingness to safeguard and protect face for any other person and openness relates to the reliance on someone else to provide you the truth in full. Basically there are three types of trusts that employees in any company can experience. One is deterrence or fear of punishment based trust, the other is identification or trust based on mutual understanding, appreciation for other people’s desires and wants, and the knowledge based or behavioral predictability based trust that roots back to the inter action history. At J.J. Meyers Company the basic issue was that the trust was deterrence based. It means that the employees feared punishment and were forced to trust the CEO whereas they dint not like his leadership style at all. One other issue was that the expectations of the employees were not being fulfilled as they were being in the previous times of success of the company. The culture, the leadership style, the communication, group dynamics are the things on which the perception of the worker is based and these are the things that direct the

Quality Management Plan for BookTek Media Inc Essay

Quality Management Plan for BookTek Media Inc - Essay Example 5). BookTek Media Inc can use the profile of its customers to come with an online system that conforms to the needs of the customers. This means the system should allow for key word searches in multiple word combinations. This will go a long way in taking care for unexpected key word searches that the customer may use while looking for a book. Apart from being active on a 24-hour basis, the company should ensure that the system is most accessible during the period when the customers are most active (Ludwig-Becker, 2008, p.10). Since BookTek has been having an almost perfect interaction with its customers, the online system must ensure this level of interaction is maintained. Thus, the ordering system will have an option where the customer can leave a message and that message will be responded to within a specified period depending on the agency of the message. BookTek should also consider using effective and informed purchasing decision-making through subject-specific acquisition pro files, digitized preview information and list of recommendations tailored to the requirements of the customer (Phillips, 2011, p. 11). The ordering system should allow the customers to have a look at the content pages of the material that they want to order. BookTek will also require an ordering system that seamlessly integrates and displays updated bibliographic metadata in real-time mode directly on the company’s website. Quality management in an online environment can be challenging especially where the company offering the services does not know the kind of customers that are going to require its products. The ordering system that BookTek is going to implement should thus allow for a multilingual catalogue search in specialist titles that must be finely differentiated using the sub-categories in subjects (Fox, 2009, p. 5). Therefore, to ensure quality of service delivery, the system that BookTek Media is going to implement must provide filters that distinguish the type of work available, media type, language, and the subject category. The ordering system for BookTek will need to provide mechanisms through which the company can communicate with the customer and vice versa (Scott, 2010, p. 24). Thus, BookTek Media must employ alerting services such as RSS feeds. Consequently, BookTek Media will use the customer feedback information as a yardstick in evaluating the success of its products to the customers and identify ways of improving the system. In order to remain competitive in the online book market, BookTek will require to integrate web interfaces in its ordering system that assist the customer service team to organize the selection of important criteria with a view of creating a personalized list of books and materials that are available in the store. For instance, the system may consider using web-based services like Web2Print expo facility that allows for a direct combination of books a specific bookseller or buyer (Mould, 2006, p. 3). The faci lity also should allow for automated delivery of information to the customer after subscription so that such customers remain informed about the new arrivals (Phillips, 2011, p. 14). Case Study 2 Demand for cash (D = $ 17,000 per day = $ 5,185,000 per year â€Å"305 working day†). Interest rate currently charged (CC = 9% â€Å"0.09†). Charges a loan origination fee (CO = $ 1200 Plus P1= 2.25%â€Å"0.0225†) If she take $500,000 or more the Bank will lower the loan origination fee from 2.25% to / P2=2% â€Å"0.02†). Loan takes (L= 15 day). Economic order quantity (EOQ): Q =  =  Q=$371,842.26 Loan amount per lone. No. of loans per year: Number of loans =  =  = 13.94 (14 Loans per year).

Brave New World Essay Example for Free

Brave New World Essay When we first got off the early rocket at the Savage Reservation, I was full of joy, excitement at the fact that I was finally going to see the Savage Reservation. I had heard lots of stories about the place and I was drawn in when the first story had started. What was more was that I was going with the man whom I was with at the time. It was a feeling I had never felt before in my life. I think the people here call it love. When we first arrived, we got given our soma rations- enough for 2 half-gramme tablets a day and we started following the directions of the Delta-Minuses. Seeing them there, mindlessly repeating the directions to us, made me sure that I definitely would not want to be a Delta-Minus or any class for that matter, Beta-Minus’ get the best of both worlds. We get very good jobs and Alpha’s are attracted to us. What could be better? The first message we heard from the Delta was that we were a good few miles away before we would even see the Savage. So we set off and progressed hill after hill, a tedious and laborious job. A few hours later, we finally arrived at the Savage Reservation at dusk. Nothing could have prepared us for what we saw at that moment. The building were no more than 2 stories high and most of them were huts. The place was full of dirt, with no Deltas or Epsilons to clean up the mess. There was no factories or hatcheries. We were told shortly after we arrived, that people had babies here. Not pre-designed babies but real life babies! Our stay was quite short-lived. We were only supposed to stay here for a month, my stay was much more long-lived. We decided to go out for a walk that day, through the forest, the only part with decent greenery. We soon got tired after the long walk, so we decided to lie down and rest, although we did not get much. We were awoken to the sound of thunder and lightning piercing our ear-drums. No amount of soma could have prepared us for what was to come. When we saw the lightning we ran as fast as we could, whilst hearing the screams and shouts from the locals. All Tomakin’s movements were a blur to me, for all I could think about was my feet and the fact that I needed to take soma. I think we were running for a long time when I started to feel tired and stopped running, going down to a normal walking pace, increasing the distance between Tomakin and I. To make matters worse, a bolt of lightning struck down right in the middle between us so I could not run back to him. I then fled as far as I could, away from the thunder. Away from the soma. Away from my life in the hatcheries. The social services then tried to look for me but at that point I was hidden away within the maze of the forest, hiding in a hut that I built. Therefore I was never found and was presumed dead. I will never forget that day. That day that Tomakin and I were split up forever.

The Abc Service Agency Tourism Essay

The Abc Service Agency Tourism Essay This plan was developed with broad involvement and guidance from the Board of Directors and staff. The Strategic Planning Committee included seven board members and four staff on the management team. This Committee including several past presidents of the board met twice to reflect on the mission, vision, core operating values and assumptions underlying the organizations approach to its work. These meetings set the stage for a work session of the full board during which the organizations strategic direction was defined. The staff helped coordinate the planning process and provided important support and analysis to complete this plan. The ABC Service Agency began in 1961 as a volunteer parent support group. Today the organization provides supports and services annually to nearly 2,000 children and adults with disabilities and their families, and is one of the countys largest employers. Its assistance is designed to support individuals and their families from birth through the senior years. The Agency services include residential services and support job placement and support, planned relief for the caregivers of children and adults with disabilities, social activities, and vocational training. The Agency also offers information and referral services, and works to educate community. 3 Direction and Results The Agency strategic direction and goals included in this plan are The Agencys response to its understanding of what its customers value most about the organization, and current opportunities and challenges for offering a high quality system of support in the community for people with disabilities. The five-year period of this strategic plan will be a time of assessing and deepening With a fresh perspective on its mission, understanding what it does well, and the environment in which it operates, The Agency will pursue the following strategic direction: 1. Agency will review and deepen its existing direct supports and services over time to ensure that they are state-of-the art for working effectively with children and adults with disabilities. 2. Agency will further assess consumer and community needs to identify gaps or needed shifts in service delivery. 3. Agency will take a leadership role in working with a range of providers to identify and meet the needs of children and adults with disabilities. 4. Agency will explore the feasibility of expanding the organizations visibility in the community and making greater use of volunteers. 5. The Agency will emphasize building its discretionary financial resources to invest in providing quality services. 4 Set goals The following goals for The Agency over the next five years are the organizations response to the important issues identified in the environmental scan that was completed as part of the strategic planning process. These goals provide a roadmap for fulfilling the strategic direction. 5 Delivery of services The Agency will provide model supports for people with disabilities and their families, either directly or through partnerships with or referrals to other service providers in the following areas: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ work week opportunities (e.g. employment and day supports) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Recreation and leisure activity à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Residential support (e.g. community living and participation) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Family support and education Note this is a sample plan and is not intended to refer to any particular organization. 6 Human Resources The Agency will develop a stable, highly qualified and motivated workforce that actively delivers the organizations mission. 7 Resource Development The Agency will be a highly visible, well-respected, non-profit organization that attracts increased numbers of volunteers and higher levels of contributions to support operations and the endowment fund. Successful implementation of this strategic plan will result in more quality supports and services delivered to consumers, The ultimate result It is about changing community conditions that make full community life possible for every person. 8 Organization of the Strategic Plan This plan has two purposes. First, it presents the most comprehensive compilation of the plan and its component parts. Second, it is a reference guide for strategic planning. At the beginning of each section a box includes a definition of the component part. There are a few footnotes with additional helpful tips about how The Agency can use the information in the plan. In the future 8.1 Company Vision Vision statement describes the organization in the somewhat distant future twenty to 30 years. Components of the vision statement may include: 1) how big is the reach or scope of the work? 2) What is the organization doing? What is its role? 3) What does the organization itself look like? 4) Who are biggest partners? 5) What are the major sources of funding? It may also include major external context or assumptions that will influence this vision. 9 20-Year Vision for the Agency 9.1 In The Context In the year 2025, greater acceptance and full inclusion by the community, improved services and support and more prevalent and helpful technology will add to the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities. At the same time, because of population growth, the aging of the population, and higher incidences of multiple diagnoses, the needs of people with disabilities and their families will remain extensive and varied. Finally, people with disabilities and their families will control more of the resources and decisions about who provides them with help and support. 10 Role and Program Services The Agency is the leader in identifying needs and bringing together all kinds of resources and services for all children and adults with disabilities and their families in the county to support full long-term community inclusion and participation. Specifically The Agency: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Leads a collaboration of providers and community organizations and programs à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Directly provides cutting-edge, model services that meet identified gaps à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Collaborates with and makes referrals to other high-quality service providers à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Leads many advocacy efforts to ensure services are provided either by The Agency or other providers. Note this is a sample plan and is not intended to refer to any particular organization. 11 Funding Sources While government contracts are still a significant source of funding, The Agency has a robust and innovative fundraising program earning resources from private sources including individuals and businesses. 12 Company Mission Achieving full community life for children and adults with disabilities one person at a time. The Agency introduces a new sharper mission statement in this strategic plan. This statement reflects two dimensions, they are: Achieving means insuring that individuals with disabilities have the right combination of support and opportunity to experience their own individual potential. Full community life means the opportunity for every individual with disabilities to actively participate with their family, friends, co-workers and other valued relationships in creating a life that is joyful and fulfilled. 13 Core Operating Values Core Operating Values are the fundamental values or ideals at the heart of the organization. They articulate ideals that the organization aspires to hold itself accountable for and offer guidance about how the organization behaves in carrying out its mission. The following core operating values influence the culture and public image of The Agency Caring Attitude The Agency demonstrates compassionate support and concern for people with disabilities and their families Note this is a sample plan and is not intended to refer to any particular organization. Responsiveness The Agency finds solutions that meet the needs and preferences of people with disabilities and their families through direct service or referrals to other providers. Respectfulness The Agency honours the choices of people with disabilities, encouraging each person to take control over his/her own life, and helps to shape these based on what is important to each consumer. Individualized Support -Agency knows that peoples needs vary significantly and can change over time; Diversity The Agency understands that people with disabilities are part of all races, ethnicities and religions; Integrity and Accountability The Agency has the highest level of integrity in its administrative, service, and outreach activities; we tie these activities directly to our mission, and we maintain and report our records accurately. State of the Art Practices -The Agency aims for excellent, high quality, state-of the-art approaches that people with disabilities and their families can always count on to be there. Partnerships The Agency works with a wide variety of partners and advocates for quality service by all partners. Advocacy The Agency educates the public and advocates for the long-term bests interests of people with disabilities and their families. Financial Sustainability The Agency believes its work as an advocate and service provider will be needed for many years into the future. 14 Underlying Service Assumptions This is a set of beliefs about the world that frame an organizations work. Directors and staff believe that the actions they will take will have the desired results. All of The Agencys services and the way it goes about its work are based on fundamental beliefs best way to support people with disabilities. The Agency believes: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ All people have equal rights. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ All people have strengths and assets. Note this is a sample plan and is not intended to refer to any particular organization. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ It is possible to make a positive difference in the lives of children and adults with disabilities. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ People thrive when they make their own choices and people with disabilities are capable of and have the right to make their own decisions; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ People with disabilities deserve the same opportunity to participate in their community. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Engaging and participating in community life has a positive impact on people with disabilities. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ People with disabilities are valuable members of their communities. Note this is a sample plan and is not intended to refer to any particular organization. 15 Summary of Most Important Points in the Environment An environmental scan, called the e-scan for short, is a process for discovering and documenting facts and trends in the operating environment of an organization that are likely to affect the organization in its future work. E-scan findings are used to orient strategic planning participants on the context in which the organizations mission is carried out. The e-scan can also include a summary of internal information about the organization and its history including who has been served, results it has achieved, its current structure, and financial data. It is often put in the framework of a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis Threats are external activities or trends that threaten the current and future success of the organization. Strengths The Agencys key strengths include the organizations demonstrated ability to provide high quality, necessary services, which help people with disabilities live a fuller life in the community. Staffs are committed, and the services and programs offered are monitored for quality. When there is a challenge, the organization meets it through innovation. The Agency has an excellent reputation and is looked to by other service providers as a leader. Weaknesses Some believe that The Agencys significant growth has led to challenges to human resources, difficulty with supervision, lack of structure for coordination among departments, and inconsistent administrative and clerical support. There is a perceived need for improved management practices, use of technology, and increased use of volunteers. Issues with the employment program were mentioned, including tracking, matching people to jobs, training, and finding more opportunities. Opportunities The opportunities considered most important included: Increasing community acceptance and opportunity for further inclusion through employment. There appears to be increased emphasis on inclusion at schools and increased openness by employers to hire people with disabilities. These changes make The Agencys philosophy more prevalent and may increase demand for its services and opportunities for employment and inclusion. Government Agency Waiver. Government will now provide the person with disabilities with a check to buy services. . Threats The threats considered most important included: Dependence on government funding. Funding, particularly the residential funding stream, doesnt keep up with needs. Implications: The Agency needs to assess the real demand for its services, increase private pay options, and be prepared to explore other opportunities for generating revenue. The question of what happens when private money is gone needs to be addressed. Other threats mentioned included: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The aging population, which means aging caregivers and aging people with disabilities. The improvements in medicine mean people are living longer. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ There are a lot of nonprofits in the county, and volunteers and donors may not be engaged forever with a single service provider. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Employment for persons with disabilities, especially in bad economic times, gets very difficult. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Rising housing prices make affordable housing increasingly difficult to find and maintain. 16 Strategic Direction The strategic direction is a succinct statement about the strategy or approach an organization will take toward its work over a specific period of time. The statement is based on a combination of both the current environment (the opportunities and threats facing the organization) and the mission and competencies of the organization. It is often a direct response to the strategic questions asked by an organization. Based on the Board of Directors understanding of The Agencys mission, primary customer, core values, and the opportunities and threats in the current environment, the next three to five years will be a time of assessing and deepening its approaches to its work. Concurrently, The Agency will take more of a leadership role in working with a broader array of community resources, and it will explore the feasibility of actively engaging volunteers. The Agency will review and deepen its existing direct supports and services over time to ensure that they are they are state-of-the art for working effectively with children and adults with disabilities. They will further assess consumer and community needs to identify gaps or opportunities for shifts in service delivery. 17 Goals Areas Goals and objectives set out the broad results that the organization hopes to achieve within a specific time period (goals) and statements of shorter term results and collections of activities (objectives) which if achieved will constitute and achievement of the goals. In order to pursue the strategic direction described above, The Agency will fulfil the following goals and objectives. Note this is a sample plan and is not intended to refer to any particular organization. 18 Delivery of Service The Agency will provide model supports for people with disabilities and their families, either directly or through partnerships with or referrals to other service providers in the following areas: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ work week opportunities (e.g. employment and day supports) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Recreation and leisure activity à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Residential support (e.g. community living and participation) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Family support and education 19 Main Objectives: A. Employment Support 1. More people with disabilities find and keep jobs in the community that pay a living wage and are satisfying. 2. The number of referrals for jobs and the amount of available training support increases. 3. There is an increase in the number of businesses in the county that employ people with disabilities. 4. Local public policy continues to create favourable conditions for supported employment. 1. Increase in the number of consumers in all programs over 5 years with disabilities who are using community resources in the county. 2. Consumers have greater choices and opportunities in social, recreational and civic activities in the community. 3. Consumers are more socially interactive and are better integrated into the community. Note this is a sample plan and is not intended to refer to any particular organization. C. Family Support and Education 1. More families with young children use The Agency as their go to resource for early information and guidance. 2. Consumers and their families have a structured approach for planning for all phases of life cycle transitions (e.g. children to youth, youth to young adulthood, adulthood to senior years, end of life). 19.1 Human Resources The Agency will develop a stable, highly qualified and motivated workforce that actively delivers the organizations mission. 19.2 Objectives: 1. The Agency improves its capacity to attract and retain qualified direct care staff. 2. All staff thoroughly understands the meaning of the mission and how their job contributes to achieving it. 3. A professional development program is implemented to strengthen and expand the supervisory and management capacity and opportunities among mid-level managers. 4. A professional development program is implemented to strengthen and expand the capacity of direct support staff to be community liaisons and successfully integrate the consumers they support into the community. 19.3 Resource Development The Agency will be a highly visible, well-respected nonprofits organization that attracts increased numbers of volunteers and higher levels of contributions to support operations and the endowment fund. 19.4 Objectives: A. Visibility 1. Update the communication plan to align with the strategic plan. 2. Use strategic communication to facilitate volunteer recruitment. B. Volunteers 1. Increase by 50% volunteers who are involved in all activities of The Agency. 2. Establish a volunteer development program, including selection, training, leadership development and recognition. 3. There is an increase in the number of family members and other volunteers who are actively involved in advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities. C. Fundraising 1. The Endowment Fund reaches $1 million in assets. 2. There is an increase by 25% in the amount of contributions that support the operating budget. 3. A maintenance fund is established and dollars are raised annually to sustain it. (Amount to be determined with additional research.) 20 Strategic Action Plan Focus by Year The following is a summary of the anticipated major focus of activities by goal (in addition to on-going operations) for The ABC Service Agency Board of Directors and Staff in each year of the strategic plan. 20.1 Year Summary of Activity 1 Service Delivery à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Shift from strategic planning to plan implementation à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Administrative department and staff reorganization; new Administration, Finance and Facilities Department Resource Development à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ New Development Specialist position à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Update the communication plan to align with the strategic plan 2 Service Delivery à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Fully develop capacity of the new administrative support team and strengthen program delivery with new practices using existing resources à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Program Directors working to strengthen program integration à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Employment support triage to strengthen training and placement à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Partnership with business in The County à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Increase advocacy efforts with HCPSS and DORS à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Work on communication skills to support people with disabilities accessing and using community resources à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Develop agency-wide interest inventory à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Pilot typical after work activities à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Reorganize family support for increased capacity for meeting needs of families with young children. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Management Team focus on best practices Human Resources à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Update training curriculum for direct support staff Note this is a sample plan and is not intended to refer to any particular organization. 20.2 Year Summary of Activity à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Creation of professional development program for direct support staff Resource Development à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Plan for expanded use of volunteers à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Establishment of Volunteer Leadership Development program à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Build capacity of resource development efforts including technology and tracking giving trends à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Information/funding raising breakfast events à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Begin seeking support for endowment fund à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Develop maintenance fund and secure initial funding 3 Service Delivery à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Continue work to strengthen service delivery à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Formalize system of professional development for direct support staff à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Implement processes for assessing satisfaction with employee supports and tracking participation with community resources and expanded family support and education support à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Expand internship initiative with businesses à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Community Access Specialist position à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Meet the Agency events for families children à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Strengthen supports and approaches for managing life cycle transitions Human Resources à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Implement new staff committee structure Resource Development à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Begin to implement volunteer services plan, including hiring a Volunteer Coordinator à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Implement a fall fundraising event 4 All Goals à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Develop expanded action plan Service Delivery à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Continue developing and stabilizing all new activities and initiatives Expand marketing for employment services to expand the number of people who are supported à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Dedicate portion of rolling access funds to support access to community resources à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Community Access Specialist focuses on relationship skill building for people with disabilities to further support community integration Human Resources à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Continue focus on staff development including developing a supervisory and management curriculum for mid-level staff Resource Development à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Continue to grow volunteer program à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Continue strengthening resource development efforts 5 All Goals à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Continue developing and stabilizing all new activities and initiatives; begin increasing numbers of consumers supported across program areas à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Take broad look at lessons learned in terms of successes and obstacles in implementing all new activities and initiatives à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Plan for new strategic plan