Logistics management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Logistics management - Essay Example The rapid growth of technology has significantly changed the social, economic, and political aspects of life. The immense impact of technological advancements has made enterprises to embrace technologies in ways that enhance their competitive advantage. It has become apparent to enterprises that their survival in the knowledge-based economy greatly depends on how they improve their technological capability. In particular regard to logistics, firms have realized the essence of developing adequate methodologies so as to successfully adopt new technologies in this field, as well as integrating logistics into their corporate strategy for gaining more competitive advantage (Waters, 2007, p. 76). Since the conception of computerization, Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) have assumed supporting role for functions of the organizations. In recent years, logistics has changed with the growth and adoption in the use of ICT systems such as GIS, Warehouse Management System, Transpor t Management System, and GPS among others. The use of these ICT systems has considerably improved the way companies manage their supply chains. Major ICT systems have impacted on each of the logistics component (Sauvage, 2003, p. 237). It is against this background that this paper will seek to evaluate the key components of Logistics Management and discuss the major ICT systems in each component of logistics. In addition, the paper will provide a critical analysis of benefits and challenges in adopting and applying the technology in logistics. Components of Logistics Management It is important to point out that components of logistics management are aimed at achieving the following: satisfying customers’ needs; product selection; monitoring quality of services and goods; dealing with logistics information accordingly; inventory management; and forecasting and procurement (Grant, 2006, p. 24). Mainly, there are eight components of logistics management. i) Customer Order Proces sing This component is designed to facilitate customer satisfaction. It involves flow of the following actions: filling of the order form; making decisions on the specifications of particular product; making decision on the quality check list of the product; deciding on the delivery schedule and deciding on the delivery location of the goods. The flow of actions is highly customer-focused and aims at meeting all the requirements of the customer. This component takes into consideration several important factors. Firstly, it takes into account the cost of order processing and ensures that this type of cost is appropriate for both the customer and the logistic firm. The second factor that is considered is whether the logistic firm has the capacity to produce the required component (Langley, 2006, p. 42). The third factor that is considered under this component is the detailed list of specifications; the company should ensure that the component being processed for customer has met all t he specifications required by the customer. The component of customer order processing has adopted and used ICT systems to make its operations effective and efficient. The major ICT systems that has been adopted and used in this component are Electronic Data Interchange, Web Portal, and E-ERP. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is an ICT system that facilitates structured transmission of data by electronic means between organizations (Sauvage, 2003, p. 240). Logistics companies have used

Strategic Information Systems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Strategic Information Systems - Essay Example In the contemporary business setting, the ERP program is important as it can coordinate and organize all transactions taking place and the employee database and performance. Managing the work force especially in medium and large organizations is tasking and the introduction of ERP systems ensures follow up and implementation of polices where necessary (Axtell, 2001). Managing the organization in terms of the internal and external aspects becomes easier with an ideal ERP system. Apple Inc. has enjoyed improved and less hectic management processes that have enhanced good employer-employee relationships.  Another importance of the ERP systems in the contemporary organizations is that old systems of resource planning often wasted a lot of organization’s time and resources. This was due to the challenges of time, communication and coordination (Axtell, 2001). The long chain of communication lengthened the time taken to produce affective as compared to the modern ERPO systems. App le Inc. is a company that employed the ERP system to eliminate the unnecessary formalities that came in the way of ideal production and delivery. Recording of data in the company and retrieval of the same is now instant with employment of ERP systems that are powered by technology (Doloreux, 2010). Apple is proud of its association with the ERP idea that has enabled the company to soar to unprecedented heights through a wide market share and an improved brand image.Enterprise resource planning is described as computer based systems.

Information Managment Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Information Managment - Case Study Example However, these retailing powerhouses have weaker market presence in areas where Pamida is located thus creating a competitive, first entrant and first mover advantage for the company. (Porter, 1985) ShopKo has implemented a systems application called Markdown Optimizer in order to deal with pricing of a product according to season, store location, local tastes and past demand. The software analyzes historical pricing plus sales data in order to control and price product leftovers of individual stores. Pamida overhauled its inventory management systems in order to address product shortage from its different stores. It has implemented a full service distribution system in three warehouse locations. Initially, the company experienced setbacks and low earnings caused by the implementation of the new distribution system. This was due to a inappropriate allocation of resources where Pamida focused on new technology infrastructures and new merchandising software without modernizing their back-door operations. The warehouse management system was old, inflexible and outdated. The functionalities and features of the software were not anymore aligned to the new business strategy and it cannot cope up with the growth of the company's demand. The company normalized its distribution operations when it has utilized and employed a better and flexible distribution system software. Results and Business Benefits The ShopKo operations have benefited a lot from the new application. The Markdown Optimizer increased the gross margin and decreased its payroll costs from the previous year. Importantly, it has dramatically decreased the percentage of unsold goods at the end of each season. With these benefits, the net profit of ShopKo has increased. On the other hand, Pamida performed well by maintaining a high in-stock availability of merchandise through effective warehousing, efficient distribution and modernized information systems. At the end of 2001, Pamida has turned around its operational setbacks and implemented a functional full service distribution system.. They had become successful such that the company has decided to consolidate its distribution at two centers instead of three to further save on costs. Key Learnings Information systems strategies should be aligned with the business strategy of a company. It must not focus on modernization of infrastructures alone. It is important for IS to give value to the company and compliment the business goals. As part of strategic management, information system's role in the decision making process has become very important in the organization. It functions both as support and driver of corporate strategies.(Pearlson, 2001) An effective information system needs a valuable and useful symbiosis with the rest of the management structures in an organization.(Turban et al, 1999) Case 2: What Happened to Kmart Background Kmart was the largest discount chain in the retail industry. It was established in 1962 and has expanded to 63 stores at the end of 1963 through their introduction of discount stores.

Strategic Information Systems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Strategic Information Systems - Essay Example In the contemporary business setting, the ERP program is important as it can coordinate and organize all transactions taking place and the employee database and performance. Managing the work force especially in medium and large organizations is tasking and the introduction of ERP systems ensures follow up and implementation of polices where necessary (Axtell, 2001). Managing the organization in terms of the internal and external aspects becomes easier with an ideal ERP system. Apple Inc. has enjoyed improved and less hectic management processes that have enhanced good employer-employee relationships.  Another importance of the ERP systems in the contemporary organizations is that old systems of resource planning often wasted a lot of organization’s time and resources. This was due to the challenges of time, communication and coordination (Axtell, 2001). The long chain of communication lengthened the time taken to produce affective as compared to the modern ERPO systems. App le Inc. is a company that employed the ERP system to eliminate the unnecessary formalities that came in the way of ideal production and delivery. Recording of data in the company and retrieval of the same is now instant with employment of ERP systems that are powered by technology (Doloreux, 2010). Apple is proud of its association with the ERP idea that has enabled the company to soar to unprecedented heights through a wide market share and an improved brand image.Enterprise resource planning is described as computer based systems.

Jason Aldean Night Train Essay Example for Free

Jason Aldean Night Train Essay Jason Aldean is an American country music singer who since 2005, has recorded for Broken Bow Records. In his years as an artist he has released five albums and sixteen singles. His 2010 album My Kinda Party is certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). His 2005 self-titled debut, 2007 album Relentless and 2009 album Wide Open are all certified platinum. Of his singles, eight have reached the number one position on the Hot Country Songs charts: Why, Shes Country, Big Green Tractor, The Truth, Dont You Wanna Stay (a duet with Kelly Clarkson), Dirt Road Anthem, Fly Over States, and Take a Little Ride. Seven more have reached top ten on the same chart. Aldean’s latest album titled Night Train debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 charts and number two for the year. Shortly before the release of the album Billboard writer/ reviewer Ray Waddell did a detailed track-by-track review of the album. In this he talked about how originality, pace, musical skill, lyrics, overall impact and production played a part in each of the songs. Overall his review of the album Night Train and Jason Aldean as an artist was very detailed and applauded Aldean on his new album. Before Ray Waddell the reviewer of Jason Aldean’s Night Train album does a track-by-track review he does an overall review and quotes from both Aldean and his producer Michael Knock about the album. In this overall review Waddell talks about the type of music that the album has the instruments used and what as a whole the album has to offer the listeners and fans. The part that stands out most from the Billboard review and that really shines a light on Waddell’s feelings of the album is when Waddell says that â€Å"In the end, the two ended up with a record that stays true to Aldeans sound and still manages to move that sound forward sonically, vocally and lyrically.† (Waddell) This shows that not only what Jason wanted and tried to get out of and across with this album but also what the producer wanted from this album came true. Both men and the many men and women that they work with put in many hard long hours and in the end it paid off. From Waddell’s review fans can read that Jason Aldean has put out another successful album that is moving into the future in all aspects but is what the fans have grown to love and expect. The first seven tracks on the Night Train album are â€Å"This Nothin’ Town†, â€Å"When She Says Baby†, â€Å"Feel That Again†, â€Å"Wheels Rollin’†, â€Å"Talk†, â€Å"The Only Way I Know†, and â€Å"Take A Little Ride†. Each of these tracks bring something new to the stage but they also contain bits and pieces of the old and the things that work. In the first track â€Å"This Nothin’ Town† review Waddell points out that in the song Jason says â€Å"Theres something to be said when you hear a song for the first time, those visions pop into your head, and you can see it. This is one of those songs† (Aldean) Each of these songs has something special about it and in the review Weddell points out the strong points of each song. Some of the comments that he had about these songs included â€Å"Despite the ringing guitars and an arena-rock sound, this ones harkens back to 70s rock bands like Kansas or Journey, blended in with a prominent vocal by Aldean and a strong sense of melody, and A great intro leads to a power ballad that sequences perfectly on the record. Add a blistering guitar solo and Aldeans ownership of the vocal and this one sounds like a hit.† (Weddell) These along with the many others show that this album is really something special and not just another country music album. Weddell looks at every aspect of a song and critiques each of those aspects individually and all together so for this album to have done so well it is really an accomplishment on the part of Aldean and his production crew and band. The last eight tracks of the album are â€Å"I Don’t Do Lonely Well, â€Å"Night Train, 1994, Staring at the Sun, Drink One for Me, Black Tears, â€Å"Walking Away, and Water Tower. Just like the first seven Weddell gives high marks for these tracks. He talks about what each track contains both vocal and instrumental wise but also talks to and about Aldean about his reaction to these tracks and the process that he went through when creating them. Some of the many positive review points include â€Å" One of the albums standout tracks, this funky hick-hop blockbuster is a tribute to Joe Diffie and the 90s, and The albums most notable ballad and powerful vocal, with the great line, She gets under your skin like a tattoo, a wah-wah guitar solo, and nostalgic feel.† (Waddell) In the last eight tracks are some of the most notable and powerful songs and Waddell points this out to further signify that this album and its tracks are good and have put together work for Aldean and the country music industry. Some may say that this was just another typical Jason Aldean album and that he is just wasting time recording other people’s songs. It is through this review anyone can see that although he may not write the song he makes it his own through the way that he sings performs and records the song. It is apparent that each of the songs means something to him. Included in this review Aldean says that â€Å"Night Train was a perfect example of just how far things have come the last few years, going from a bus pulling a trailer to now like a freight train with bus and tractor trailers. The title, more than the song, sums up where were at right now.(Aldean) This is what make the album good and what proves that the review is positive and effective. It does not matter what everyone out there thinks it is what the fans and supporters think. Night Train is an effective album both in that it has true meaning and influence but also in that it effectively show that Jason Aldean along with cou ntry music are moving forward in all aspects of the music.

Kirkpatricks Theory of Change Management

Kirkpatricks Theory of Change Management According to (Kirkpatrick, 2001), the important element of a preforming well manager is handling with change. Running change combine theoretical in image with practical application to address the manager effective managing change with record interference. There are three element empathy, participation and communication are the approaches for managing change efficiently. In effective managing change Kirkpatrick describe that how the key and action is supportive for implementing new ideas policies and strategies for almost any kind of organization. According to (Rags dell, 2001)The main objective of every organizational change is to shift the organization from its existing position to an advantageous position, on the other hand the organization change can be achieve in different ways whichever through fundamental change or through incremental change. According to (Tushan et al, 1985) Dealing between two types of change by creation of punctual equilibrium model of organization change. According (Charles Handy, 1990), today change is pole apart because it is flashing. He thinks this kind of modern disorganized change calls for alternating positive impact thinking to compact with it. In case of curt house hotel the management needs to look after for the upcoming changes in the organization. As they are changing the property from 3 stars to 4 stars they need to look after on the three element of the change management. If the organization will give a look on these elements they will achieve the objective in next summers. Its a long term plan so that they have to think before and they need to use the management function. They will provide a quality service to Japanese delegates with no hassle. How to manage change effectively Kirkpatrick recommends a organized model for managing change. There are certain steps for managing change efficiently are as follows: Shaping the requirements and aspiration for a change Formulating an uncertain strategy. Investigating possible feedbacks. Creating an ultimate result. Creating a schedule. Making a plan for change. Executing the change. Individual reaction on managing change. (Bridges, 1986 et al), we can identify that how individual apply change by the use of various models to describe this occurrence by process. The most important objective of each and every skilled employee to understand the concept of change and how its effects on individual, and change is also give an advantage to the employee to accomplish the goals and objectives. Change affects the performance of an individual with an organization more efficiently. From here (Juck, 1990 et al), The set of approaches to change concerns the experience of individual in the managing process focus on the psychological adjustment that individual person of organization must make during organizational change. Kirkpatricks 3 elements of managing change (Kirkpatrick, 1985), the first things to managing change are believe that change is necessary; employee can be motivating in the company towards change by creating the realness for change. These are 3 methods for creating realness to change first one is sensitive people about the pressure of change, shows discrepancy between undesirable stale of affairs, and communicate positive realistic expectation for the advantage of change. (Kirkpatrick, 2001), three elements explore how employee thinks about change and how their motives, needs, and possibilities carried them until goal. The crucial ingredients of Kirkpatrick three elements of managing change is empathy which is really beneficial and use full for organization. The main thing of any organization is communication, which is called central of all the effective change. Communication is creating understanding between two or more people- is not complete definition of communication but the communication is treatment of listening and feed back is practical and cogent. Another and very important elements of change management are participation, which is perceived as a sough- after result of the empathy and communication. Empathy, 1st key (Robert bacal), the first elements of managing change is empathy, employee reaction to change are commonly not logical from and outsiders perspective. People reach according to their needs and want. People reaction to any change differs between person-to-person or even within one person. It refers to ability to walk in other persons shoes and more importantly, the emotional of individual faced with change. Knowing the employees understanding their concerns, and developing empathetic relation ship with the employees should be normal procedure of all managers. It is more critical during period of managing change. (Kirkpatrick, 2001), According to Kirkpatrick manager should put him self in the place of employee, which is, best way to realize the employees feeling and it is also better for manager to achieve the goal with the support of team. Empathy is also a good way to know the person individually. A better manager knows the individuals who will be affected by change. There are some steps by which a manager can know about the employees, first step is looking personal files, second step is asking questions from the employee and the next and last step is listening and observing. Empathy is no inherited trait; this is something that can be developed by gating to know the other person the better way to know the person individually to analyze of conversation with each of the staff members, which they resist of, accept a change. Empathy also helps to provide clues for the communication and participation. Participation, 2nd key. (Coch et al, 1948), Main action step in managing change is participation. Participation is the change tends to reduce resistance build on the change and motive people to make the change to work. Participation may also lead to obtaining new information from that participation, information that may enhance the effectiveness of the change or the future (Kirkpatrick, 2007), Participation is technique for use in conducting instructional meetings. It consists of participation of the part of learners under the guidance and control of the leaders. It only effectively used when experience have idea to contribute. The participation has its two basic approached first one is which one is most common form is to have discussion among the participation without any hesitation and leaders gives questions and problems to entire group. Employers answer it to the leader. Second approach is that group is divided into buzz group of 4 or 5 people so that each employee can participate actively. (Cynthia D.scott, 1995), people will more really accept change if they are involved in the process involvement means that they will have a role in defining how to meet a goal, or respond to a new situation. Communication, 3rd key (Robert bacal), communication play an essential role to the employees for effective change management in an organization. Managers need to have an effective communication between employees to make them realize how communication is important and it also create understanding in an organization. Managers need to look after on the employees whether they understand the importance of change management because its a two way method. (Kavanaugh and ninemier), the effective communication will build a better relationship among the staffs in the organization. It also improves productivity in an organization and it provides a growth to better levels of guest satisfaction. (Sir nick Scheele, 2007), systematic communication with the employees in an organization offer an important phase for creating support to feel part of the result.

The Reader Essay -- essays research papers

Memory is a powerful concept. Often when an individual undergoes a traumatic situation, the ramifications of these actions seep into an individual?fs psyche unknowingly. In effect this passes through memory and becomes sub-consciously buried within a person?fs behavioural patterns generally. The Reader by Bernhard Schlink explores the concept of a young mans subconscious desire for a woman whom he ?gcan?ft remember to forget?h (1Memento) as she is so deeply inlaid within his soul. Critically acclaimed as ?gA formally beautiful, disturbing, and finally morally devastating novel. From the first page?c [it] ensnares both heart and mind?h ( Los Angeles Times), the novel tells the story of a young boy, 15, Michael Berg, through his own interior narration. He finds himself emotionally and sexually attached to a woman of over twice his age, Hanna Schmitz. She then breaks his heart by deserting him. Michael is emotionally torn by this incident and consequently develops a subconscious obsession with her. Years after the mysterious disappearance of Hanna, Michael marries a woman named Gertrude. ?gGertrude was smart, efficient, and loyal?h (3p 171) yet she never fulfilled Michael in the same way as Hanna had previously. Unknowingly he drove her away through his constant comparisons and dissatisfaction that Gertrude could not be the woman he wanted. ?gI could never stop comparing the way it was with Gertrude and the way it had been with Hanna; again and again, Gertrude and I would hol...