Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Computerized system free essay sample
A library is a bunch of sources, resources, and services, and the structure in which it is housed; it is organized for use and maintained by a public body, an institution, or a private individual. In the more traditional sense, a library is a collection of books. It can mean the collection, the building or room that houses such a collection, or both. The term Libarary has itself acquired a secondary meaning; A collection of useful material for Library informs their users of what materials are available in their collections and how to access that information. Before the computer age, this was accomplished by the card catalog. a cabinet containing many drawers filled with index cards that identified the books and other materials. In a large library, the card catalog often filled a large room. The emergence of the Internet, however, has led to the adoption of electronic catalog databases (often referred to as ââ¬Å"web catsâ⬠or as online public access catalogs, OPACs), which allow users to search the libraryââ¬â¢s holdings from any location with internet access. This style of catalog maintenance is compatible with new types of libraries, such as digital libraries and distributed libraries, as well as older libraries that have been retrofitted. This proposed system is an offline access of library system or it doesnââ¬â¢t need to have an internet or web connection to run the program. It focuses on library transaction including borrowing of books, producing a library report in much accurate and easier way. In this system, the librarian doesnââ¬â¢t have to used a card catalog; all she has to do is search the specific name of the book, title of book, and/or author in the system, common use, and in this sense is used in fields such as computer science, mathematics, statistics, electronics and biology. This proposed Computerized Library System is recommended for St. Paul University at San Ildefonso. This proposed computerized library system is design to help students, teachers, abd other personnel. For the school, it will help to have a secure assurance of borrowing books from the library and can easily detect the borrowed books. For the Librarian, do not need to consume or use up more time to handle or manage data and to produce a report on library manually. The personnel can organized and find the books easily. For the student, it will borrow books in much easier way. It does not have to fill-up again the library card. A proposed computerized library system is much better than the present library system which is in manual form. The proposed system is not intended to changed all the principle details and methods of borrowing books from the library but rather to improve it in much accurate and reliable form. Statement of the Problem The general problem of the how St. Paul University at San Ildefonso can put up a computerized library system in doing transactions with their clienteles. Specifically, it seeks to answer the following questions: 1. ) What are the problems and difficulties do encounter by the user in managing their present system? 2. ) What are the problems do the students, librarian, teachers and other personnel encountered in handling records and files? 3. ) What are the advantages of the proposed computerized Library system compared to the present Library system? How comparable the present system to proposed system in terms of the following: a. File Transaction b. Manage Data c. Produce Report d. Time and Effort Objectives of the Study General Objective The objective of the study is to develop a computerized library system for St. Paul University at San Ildefonso. Specific Objectives To be specific, it attempted to satisfy the following objectives: to improve the library system that helps the librarian, students, professors, other personnel in the college, and other concerned people in terms of borrowing books, Transaction, Managing Data, Saving Records, Produce Reports, and the Time and Effort. To design a system that will lessen the time and effort of the student in their transaction. To quickly search the book needed by the student of the library. To print out reports immediately. Scope and Delimitation of the Study This study is intended for St. Paul University at San Ildefonso. The proponent noticed that the Library of Montessori Professional College is not updated compared to other school in terms of system which is still in manual management. Then the proponent wants to conduct and germinate the Manual Library System into Computerized Library System to improve the transaction inside the Library. The study is focusing only to improve the library system that helps the librarian, students, teachers, other personnel in the school, and other concerned people in terms of borrowing books, transaction, managing data, saving records, produce reports, and the time and effort. The system is LAN-based that enables the librarian to share the records of the student such as the borrowing books, returning books, search books, and prescriptions of the librarian. The studentââ¬â¢s personal information/data may be stored upon the request of authorized librarian. The assigned librarians are the only one who can share any of the records/data of the students. The system is not capable of sharing its data from other databases. The system will be developed using the Microsoft Visual Basic 6. 0. Significance of the study In this study there are many persons who will be benefited. The school, Librarian, Students, Teachers, Researchers, and other concerned persons. School will help to have a secure assurance of borrowing from the library and can easily detect the borrowed books. Librarian doesnââ¬â¢t need to consume more time to handle or manage data and to produce a report on library manually. The personnel can organized and find the books easily. Student can borrow books in much easier way. It doesnââ¬â¢t have to fill-up again the library card every time they want to borrow books. Teachers can easily borrow their needed books for their class. Proponent will use to find the information needed in their study regarding about computerized library system that they can use for their future references. Definition of Terms Computerized To equips with or automates by computers. Computerized Library System A computerized library system for an institution keeps track of all books and periodicals in the library and their check-out status. Checkout and return are automated through a bar code reader (an external device). The library system also interfaces with an external relational database which stores information about the library users (students, faculty, and staff), including whether they have any library items checked out. . Library users can access the catalog and recall books and periodicals. Library employees have the same access as well as additional capabilities (e. g. , listing the status of an item). Data Factual information or information for computer processing, distinct pieces of information usually formatted in a special way. All software is divided into two general categories: data and programs Programs Are collections of instructions for manipulating data. Data can exist in a variety of forms as numbers or text on pieces of paper, as bits and by test stored in electronic memory, or as facts stored in a persons mind. Database A set ofà data that has a regular structure and that is organized in such a way that a computer can easily find the desired information. LAN (Local Area Network) This serves a local area (typically the area of a floor of a building, but in some cases spanning a distance of several kilometres). Records Data, details, documents, file, information, or reports. In the structure of a database, the part consisting of several uniquely named components called data fields. Several data records make up a data file and several data files make up a database. CHAPTER II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE Foreign According to Robson (2001),à usability is a key requirement for users, says Elisabeth Robson, Product manager for Online Computer Library Center. The catalogue has become a way to pull together disparate resources, including commercial resources and web links. Management systems also allow circulation, including check in/check outland enable libraries to purchase materials and track where they are. According to Chad (2009), consulting is at a major point of change in the wider information economy within which library systems form part of a larger whole. He was writing in a briefing paper about the study in library management systems. This study examined the systems used in higher-education libraries across the UK and came up with some significant observations and recommendations. It noted that the LMS market in UK higher education is already mature and that four main vendors (ExLibris, Innovative , Sirsi Dynix and Talis) have almost 90 per cent of the market. This market maturity means, according to the study authors, that the benefits to libraries of changing LMS provider are limited. Library users expect to find everything together says Stephen Abram, vice president for innovation at Sirsi Dynix, the leading provider of software solutions and associated services for libraries. According to her traditionally, the library management system or integrated library system (ILS) was responsible for running libraries efficiently and effectively. Over the last few years, the role of the ILS has been expanding from meeting library needs to delivering user experience. Local According to Eden (2011), views that most libraries are forced to work with fewer staff because of the having a more improved and modernized system for their library. According also to the study, the library administration need to emphasize to their staffà that the organization has a vested interest in providing them with the tools and training they need to assist the organization in the new information marketplace. These may include search engines, circulation systems, and the online public access catalog . According to Lopez (2002), University of the Philippines Mindanao when UP in Mindanao accepted its first batch of students in 1996, the Main Library collection was integrated with the core collection of the School of Management (SOM) Library at the Stanfilco Bldg. , Ladislawa Avenue, Buhangin, Davao City. The Filipiniana and General References were housed together with the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) collection in Room 2 of the Philippine Coconut Authority. In the Second Semester AY 1996-1997,the CAS Library moved to its main campus in Bago Oshiro. Upon the recognition of UPin Mindanao by the Board of Regents (BOR) as a constituent unit (CU) of the UP System, the CAS was split into two (2), namely: College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) and the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM). The Main Library transferred to the newly renovated building where the main collection was set-up beside the books of the CHSS and the CSM. In July 2002, the library established the Library Educational Media and Information Technology Office (LEMITO). The LEMITO handles the audio-visual services, internet and the connectivity of the library. It currently holds office at the Elias B. Lopez Hall Dormitory. CHAPTER III CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK Conceptual Model of the Study A Computerized Library System identifies the modern process of technology, on how it works quickly for the students/librarian. Based on the objectives of the study and aforementioned theories and concepts derived from the review of related literature and studies, the following conceptual model of study was developed. The conceptual model of study is best illustrated on the paradigm of the input box; it deals on knowledge requirements, Users Needs, Existing Applications, Development Tools and Techniques, Technical Literature, Results of users survey, expert advice, software, requirements, hardware requirements. It deals on the perceptions towards the existing manual system and the proposed Computerized Library System as to accuracy, user friendliness, security and speed of data and information. The third part tells the operation, process and testing. The last parts discuss the evaluation procedure. Project Development The Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a conceptual model used in project management that describes the stages involved in an information system development project from an initial feasibility study through maintenance of the completed application. Various SDLC methodologies have been developed to guide the processes involved including the waterfall model (the original SDLC method), rapid application development (RAD), joint application development (JAD), the fountain model and the spiral model. Mostly, several models are combined into some sort ofà hybrid methodology. Documentation is crucial regardless of the type of model chosen or devised for any application, and is usually done in parallel with the development process. Some methods work better for specific types of projects, but in the final analysis, the most important factor for the success of a project may be how closely particular plan was followed. Figure 2. Waterfall Model Planning In planning, the proponent conducted an interview to the client to gather some information about on how the librarian manage the books, borrowed books, returned books, all record of the student. It is observed that the librarian writes the records manually of every student who borrowed or returned the Books. The student uses the form given by the librarian. Analysis Based on the proposed Computerized Library System is designed purely from the users viewpoint without considering the constraints of hardware (such as computers). In addition, system structures required to achieve such designs are clarified. After checking requirement specifications included in the basic plan, the overview of the project is represented by the use of diagrams so that the processing and flows of data can be easily understood. Designing The software design specifically targeted to librarian of the researchers used a user-friendly design to attract the user to use the new automated system. Here the system was designed purely from the users viewpoint without considering the constraints ofà hardware (such as computers). In addition, system structures required to achieve such designs are clarified. After checking the requirement specifications included in the planning, the overview of the system represented by the use of diagrams so that the processed of data can be easily understood. Based on the representations, the division into sub-systems and input/output designing was performed. The entire project was divided into a number of modules on a functional basis, and each module wasà further divided into smaller units. The designing of the code, such as the determination of a coding system, was conducted. In addition, relationships between the data wereà analyzed. Software Development / Coding In the development of the system, the researchers made used of Microsoft Visual Basic 6. 0 for encoding source code of the system, in order to be accurate and fast acquisition of data/information. Testing The researchersà installed the new System. The proponent encountered problems while processing it for the first time but after several weeks the system has been successful and introduced it to the respondents. Operating The researchers were responsible for conducting an operation test. The proponent conductedà a test under the actual operation conditions, and verifiedà that the system satisfies the required specifications. Because this test was intended to have a developed system accepted by the user, it was called an approval test or an acceptance test. The researchers conducted an operation test by running a program on a machine being used for actual operations. Maintenance The researchers conducted maintenance in software to correct faults, to maintain performance or other attributes. The proponentââ¬â¢s common perception ofà maintenance merely involves fixing detects. The proponentââ¬â¢s maintenance management system allows segment chiefs to plan maintenance work on fixed assets, such as equipment, machinery and property. Analytical Tools The researchers presented the analytical tools used in the system which are: IPO (Input-Process-Output), VTOC (Visual Table of Contents) and Context Diagram. In order to determine whether standard questionnaire does play an important role in conducting Computerized Library System survey, a total of 50 respondents were asked to participate. To achieve pertinent information, certain inclusion criteria were imposed. The participants qualified for sample selection must be the students and all the users who will be using the library. This qualification ensured that the participants understand the nature of personality questionnaire and its use for employment, making the survey items easy for them to accomplish. These respondents where ask on the problems they have encountered in visiting and using the library. And also there were ask to answer the questions given, based on their observation inside the library. Table 1. Distribution of Respondents Respondents Frequency Students 49 Teacher 0 Librarian 1 Total 50 Evaluation Procedure Data Instrument. Based on the related literature and studies reviewed, the researcher uses a standard questionnaire to assess the performance of the program. The questionnaire will be distributed to the respondents. The evaluation instrument is based on the characteristics and sub-characteristics provided by ISO/IEC 9126. ISO/IEC 9126suggests only five software metrics (Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair and Poor). Table 2. Numerical Scale Scale Interpretation 4. 51 to 5. 00 Excellent 3. 51 to 4. 50 Very Good 2. 51 to 3. 50 Good 1. 51 to 2. 50 Fair 1. 00 to 1. 50 Poor Statistical Treatment The data obtained from the respondents were tabulated systematically in order to obtain accurate information related to each element of the target population. Frequency Distribution The arrangement of the values that one or more variables take in a sample. Each entry in the table contains the frequency or count of the occurrences ofà values within a particular group or interval, and in this way, the table summarizes the distribution of values in the sample. Percentage Distribution Display of data that shows the percentage of items that falls above or below certain values. To calculate the percentage distribution, divide the class frequency by the total number of items grouped and multiply by 100. Arithmetic Weighted Mean These were utilized to determine the weight of the individual option as to levels of efficiency of both existing procedures and the proposed automated system in terms of Security of data and information, Speed of processing, Accuracy of data and Information, User Friendliness and the alleviation of procedures in accomplishing tasks. ISO/IEC 9126 Data Instrument. Product quality is a standard for the evaluation ofà quality. The fundamental objective of this standard is to address some of the well known human biases that can adversely affect the delivery and perception of a software development project. These biases include changing priorities after the start of a project or not having any clear definitions of success. By clarifying, then agreeing on the project priorities and subsequently converting abstract priorities(compliance) to measurable values (output data can be validated against schema X with zero intervention), ISO/IEC 9126 tries to develop a common understanding of the projects objectives and goals. Economic Feasibility For any system if the expected benefits equal or exceed the expected costs, the system can be judged to be economically feasible. In economic feasibility, cost benefit analysis is done in which expected costs and benefits are evaluated. Economic analysis is used for evaluating the effectiveness of the proposed system. In economic feasibility, the most important is cost as the name suggests, it is an analysis of the costs to be incurred in the system and benefits derivable out of the system. Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) estimates and totals up the equivalent money value of the benefits and costs to the community of projects to establish whether they are worthwhile.
Friday, May 1, 2020
Theories of Moral Standing
Question: Discuss the moral standing of each of the individual as in Jessica, Marco, Aunt Maria and Dr. Wilson? Answer: The case suggests the moral standing of each of the individual as in Jessica, Marco, Aunt Maria and Dr. Wilson. The moral stand point of each can be judged from a Theoretical perspective: Jessica: The pregnant woman who had the fetus inside her and when she hears about the news of abnormality the rationality of having a deformed baby kicks in. The theory of Kants Categorical Imperative is use here (Jaworska Tannenbaum, 2013). The rationality in use is the sake of the baby who on birth is not assured to have a normal life so this is acting as the morale agent too for her in choosing the right state for her child and her future with Marcos. Marco: The husband and the father to the child is guided by the Benthams Principles of Greatest Happiness Principles which makes him reject the rationality and focus upon the condition of Jessica where he feels the news would affect there well being. He takes time to seek for a more suitable moment to disclose the news which for him is to give his wife more time to think and recover. Again, Wetlesens theory of moral standing is also observed when the husband actually decides to follows the wifes will of choice and independence of making her own decisions about aborting or keeping the baby. This gives the standing of Marcos as a standing of lowest possible negative impact on both the future and well being of there family by letting the wife consider the best option (Hancock, 2013). Aunt Maria: The lady shows the cause of Religion to suggest the family to keep the baby. This behavior has a Parentelism effect playing inside her which makes her interfere with the well being of others irrespective of their own personal choices. The theory suggests that the parentalism claims that the interference would do well for other, upon whose judgment the interference is being made, and it would be a better off decision. In the case, Aunt Marias case is that of interference into the well being of the couple making points of spirituality over rationality (Dworkin, 2002). Dr. Wilson: The stand point of Dr. Wilson in the case is best elaborated by the Kants theory which suggests that the actions are morally right in virtue of their motives. Thus the duty of the Doctor is having inclination over the consequence and interest of others. The relevance of the information is to the mother in the case, from the doctors perspectives (Loyno.edu, 2014). Thus the doctor kept his duty over the husbands intentions or the Aunts spiritual concerns. For the researcher the perspective of the Doctor is the most rational standing as the need to communicate the necessary information to the patient was chosen over other obligations. This is to give the patient all needed information and keep them aware so that the individual patient can take the decision. The pregnancy and the well being of the child is the concern for Jessica over the Aunt or Marcos, therefore the most rational approach in the case can be ascribed to the Doctors moral stand point. References Dworkin, G. (2002). Paternalism. Plato.stanford.edu. Retrieved 27 May 2015, from https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/paternalism/ Hancock, S. (2013). Theories of Moral Standing. Academia.edu. Retrieved 27 May 2015, from https://www.academia.edu/393647/Theories_of_Moral_Standing Jaworska, A., Tannenbaum, J. (2013). The Grounds of Moral Status. Plato.stanford.edu. Retrieved 27 May 2015, from https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/grounds-moral-status/ Loyno.edu,. (2014). Kant's Theory. Retrieved 27 May 2015, from https://www.loyno.edu/~folse/Kant.html#2
Monday, April 13, 2020
How to Write Your Own Essay For Free
How to Write Your Own Essay For FreeFree sample essays can help you get an idea of what it would take to write your own essay. I have written several free sample essays and some of them were written from a professional perspective, but others were written from a beginner's perspective.Some of the websites that offer sample essays are on an old school model where they have past assignments and lessons. There is not much of a difference when it comes to writing a lesson plan or a prompt. You simply go online, type in your name, and fill out a form.Another benefit of using a free sample essay is that you are able to write and revise the sample for many times before you submit it. This is a big time saver. I did this with several of my essays.Finally, you do not need to be an expert writer in order to write a sample essay for yourself. You will find many people who are experts in their field and are willing to help you improve your writing.Some websites are known for providing excellent guidance on how to create an essay that is both engaging and interesting. They will provide you with a writing sample or two that are very easy to read. It may seem like they are copying each other's work, but they are actually giving you a good start.Writing sample essays can be a good practice tool for you. The goal is to have a piece of material that you can use as you continue to develop your own style and voice. Most websites offer free samples that you can read and implement into your own style.I would recommend that you have your own voice as you learn more about writing. In order to do this, I encourage you to follow the guidelines that are offered by these sites. Even if you don't have any writing experience, you can still follow the suggestions that are offered.
Saturday, March 21, 2020
The Application of Global Strategic Management model to Problems that Starbucks faces in Australia
Executive Summary This report will put in place an operational strategy for the turnaround of the Starbucks Australia segment after a widespread closure of stores. The report analyses the competitive environment of the company and come up with the possible solutions to the problems of Starbucks Australia.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Application of Global Strategic Management model to Problems that Starbucks faces in Australia specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The report will also address the long term survival strategy for the Starbucks Australia so as to meet it meet its global market leadership and great customer experience targets. All the proposed solutions in this report will be in line with overall global management strategy for Starbucks Corporation. Global Coffee Industry The global coffee industry has been experiencing crisis of low coffee prices and generally low profitability in the who le value chain. This has led to coffee farmers mostly small scale entrepreneurs in central and South America to incur losses yet they are supposed to be breaking-even. The evident lesser process of coffee were as a result of high supply of coffee in the market. With this excess supply, quality of the green coffee went down. This not only posed problems to the producers but also industry players including Starbucks Corporation which is a global leader. With cheap and low quality coffee in the market, competitors of Starbucks capitalized on this so that in the long run there were low sales on Starbucks stores. Several challenges also accompanied this internal coffee crisis; consumers felt that they had less significant benefits in the whole coffee value chain. This structural problem needed the whole industry players to put together an industry strategy to check on the glut and increased quantity of defective coffee in the market. Starbucks Growth strategies Starbucks being the worlds ââ¬â¢ premier roaster and retailer of coffee has had a long term strategy of being the global leader in the coffee industry. The companyââ¬â¢sââ¬â¢ growth strategy has enabled the company to spread to over 50 countries as indicated in their 2009 financial report. The company has achieved this position as a global leader and respected coffee brands through their good business plan of the store level efficiency, being innovative in their products, strategic channels of distribution, great customer experience in the retail stores and building of strategic linkages through licensing of different stores and joint ventures.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Starbucks corporation actually appreciated the strategic management strategies for increasing the shareholders value though, like any other multinational it has experienced different challenges in several locati ons which in the past has even worsen to an extend of downsizing by closure of several stores both in the US and international markets including Australia. Downsizing in a corporation is a strategic move usually designed to add value to the shareholders in the long run but mostly viewed by the customers and the other industry players as failure of an institution. With the aggressive global expansion strategy and the concept of market blanketing, Starbucks was bound to meet different challenges as much as it gained in other geographical locations. Challenges facing Starbucks globally Global expansion on its owned posed challenges relating to the political and legal factors, economic trends in different states, competition from local firms, consumer preferences, technological challenges and social-cultural issues. Starbucks like any other commercial corporation also do have an overriding goal of adding stockholders value through remaining profitable. This brings the strategic decision making accuracy into focus. All strategic decisions are arrived at after a rigorous process of evaluation of internal and external environment with all strengths and weaknesses having been taken into consideration. The company strategy is mainly to take advantage of its strengths and be cautious on its weaknesses hence it usually draws a road map unto the companyââ¬â¢s future position. Starbuck in their strategic endeavor of being a global leader in the roasted coffee market has faced lots of challenges especially in being compliant to different political and legal environments. This is a challenge which has been achieved through their concept of strategic alliances through joint ventures and licensing of various global distributors. The Starbucks concept of serving high quality coffee products has given the company the image of serving the economically stable members of the society. This means that with high quality at stake, the company will lock themselves out of mass market where all products are served. The economic abilities of different countries has made Starbucks to be limited by the economic situations in different locations since some in some countries like in developing nations spending $5 on a cup of coffee is impossible. This has limited their growth strategy.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Application of Global Strategic Management model to Problems that Starbucks faces in Australia specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Different social-cultural background globally has been a challenge Starbucks has been facing. Different cultures have their favorite foods and drinks this puts Starbucks coffee including their concept of great store experience face a challenge of irrelevance and resistance. Starbucks challenges in Australia Starbucks Australia is one of the leading global segments. The Australian Starbucks has experience lots of challenges which lead to a closure of several retails stores. An analysis of the cause of the closures revealed several challenges regarding the locations of the different stores, unprofitability and low demand among other reasons. The following are some of the critical challenges facing Starbucks Australia; Poor marketing The Starbucks Australia did not do a lot of commercials and expected to ride on their fame on the US markets consequently leaving this critical business responsibility. Selling the high quality aspect of their coffee could have been very easy but forgoing such important strategic responsibility was a failure on the segments management. Without aggressive marketing apart from the branding aspect, Starbucks just left the market to their competitors including Gloria coffee, Melbourne and Espresso. Also poor location of Starbucks stores contributed to their poor marking strategy. Most stores were located in non strategic areas with low number of potential customers. This is another factor which greatl y contributed to the unprofitability of this stores hence had to be closed. Employee Motivation Starbucks Corporation worldwide had been known to be one of the good employers but the Australian segment has issues with poor staff remunerations consequently experiencing a less motivated workforce. Maintaining a highly skilled human resource gives a competitive edge to an institution. With a scenario of having expatriatesââ¬â¢ performing an initial local operational market penetration strategy without prior market experience in Australia while the local management is later employed with low pay, the company is bound to face lots staff turnover. Pricing policy The Starbucks pricing policy should have been restructured to suite Australian market. The Starbucks prices of the different coffee products were perceived too high and products were only purchased for leisure treat and not as a necessity drink. The pricing concept should have been made even very local backed up by an aggressiv e marketing.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Coffee products The Starbucks products were perceived as international and this gave the local market an illusion that the products were not theirs hence unnecessary. Starbucks though with a very nice corporate social responsibility did not build attachment with the local community. Rapid expansion With expansion as their corporate strategy Starbuck Australia should have had a localized approach which would have allowed for a market testing. It was not necessary for more than fifty stores to be closed yet the local management should have known that a particular number of stores could have been optimum for the Australian market. Uncontrolled expansion always can cause erosion of the shareholders funds which makes the overall objective of expansion a futile exercise. Recommended strategy for Australia The Starbucks Australiaââ¬â¢s challenges are all strategic management problems with little business policy problems. Strategic managements entails decisions which are unstructured and affecting the going concern aspects of the business entity (Choo, 2002). It is the role of the top management to make decision after assessing their internal environment and also the external environment which is usually to some extent very unpredictable. According to Harley (2004) strategic management decisions for global corporations will always aim at maximizing the profitability consequently the shareholders value. These decisions will always include expansions and where necessary downsizing of operations. Starbucks Australia segment would scale up its operations again if proper marketing, strategic alliances, proper analysis of the industrial and general environment for the corporation is done Australia. The following proposed solutions based on portersââ¬â¢ competitive forces model would most likely work for Starbucks Australia. Marketing For the case of Starbucks Australia, it is a common fact that Starbucks marketing concept of blanketing a location did not work for the Australian segment showing that some unique Australian marketing is required. The blanketing marketing idea has been the key to market penetration by Starbuck especially in the US market but it is always good to appreciate that different environments require different solutions. For the Australian segment it will be a nice idea if Starbuck will give it a try to the concept of commercial advertising since most of its competitors have been doing the same. Australian awareness of the Starbucks products should be increased through a more effective promotion, advertising and marketing. Marketing through networking and customer experiences will only be supportive for the case of Australian segment unlike the US segment. Starbuck marketing should be as creative as ever, localizing its brand does not necessary mean losing the original brand concept. Even a localized packaging concept should be able to allow them a market penetration opportunity. Strategic Alliances Starbucks has been enteri ng into strategic alliances in other countries. For the case of Australia, it will be much strategic to do the same. There are a lot of local coffee stores and firms which Starbuck can make a joint venture offer or a takeover bid where necessary. This will make the competitors strategic partners of Starbucks. Trading under a locally registered wholly owned subsidiary for Starbuck not only can allow a local attachment and market but it also spreads the business risks for the corporation. With the culture of Australian having more attachments to their own cultures, foods and enterprises coupled with the human tendencies of ââ¬Ëappreciating their ownââ¬â¢, it will be necessary that Starbucks should have any form of strategic alliance with a local firm. Financial Aspects Most of Starbucks stores closed in Australia have not been able to break-even in the business showing that costs management might also have contributed to the loss making scenario. Starbucks Australia should also have a management change so as to align the financial management and cost control with the corporate Strategy of expansion. The financial management aspect will enable Starbucks Australia an opportunity to develop a product mix that will allow the company experience increased sales with a low cost production. Financial management Strategy is always underlying every corporate strategy hence for an efficient and successful project implementation, it necessary to ensure that the companyââ¬â¢s financial management strategy and team is in place (Vernon, 2008). This team should have the relevant capacity and experience in the market segment where the project will be implemented. Industry environment This is the environment under which Starbucks Corporation operates globally and even locally in Australia. This environment will constitute; suppliers, competitors, substitute products and new entrants. Portersââ¬â¢ competitive forces model is founded on the view of the firm within its i ndustrial environment. Competitive forces faced by firms include; supplier bargaining power, customer bargaining power, substituteââ¬â¢s threats, and fresh entrants threats (Mellahi, 2000). Starbucks Australia has faces almost all of these competitive forces in their Australian market hence necessary actions are required to counter. With these forces resulting in the downsizing of Starbucks Australiaââ¬â¢s Segment, the following remedial actions will be necessary; Bargaining power of suppliers Starbucks supply chain globally is well established and efficient. Failure to for a corporation like Starbuck to maintain on its quality standards and fair pricing of its coffee will allow competitors an upper hand in the market. Starbucks Australia should consider an option for local suppliers so as to reduce on their costs of importing from the US. It will be much cheaper if Starbucks can be strategic and negotiate with a local coffee supplier for branding in Australia. It should also used technology to build a value chain relationship with local suppliers. This will give an upper hand in the competition and can even play a role as a major distributor other than retailing after all its major objective is profitability. With the global presence of Starbuck, building proper linkages with supplier can in fact give them strategic advantage in the coffee business. Since the retail business has faced enough challenges, Starbuck should give it a try to compete at the distribution line, a higher level competition. Bargaining power of customers Customers are very critical for the success of any corporate business. They are the greatest test of products quality. With no grouping of customers to fight for their interest, they will only express themselves in terms of low and high demand (Slack, 2009). If the customers demand for a product is high it indicates high quality and a very fair price. For the low demand of Starbucks products the pricing and preferences qualities ha ve been the most contributing factors. Starbucks should therefore head the customersââ¬â¢ feedback and try to meet their needs hence they got no business being in the market. Substitutes and other products Substitute products in the Starbucks Australia segment posed a major threat to the Starbucks brand in Australia. Even though known to be an international brand with high quality, Starbucks products couldnââ¬â¢t compete effectively to beat Gloria and Melbourne coffee brand. It is now necessary that Starbucks if it still requires regaining the Australian market should engage in an innovative product differentiation exercise. It should be able to penetrate the market with wide ranging products in varying prices. This product mix should be able to cover the whole market clusters from the low income to the high end market. Substitutes of Starbucks products mainly tea and cocoa are not their main threat but their impact should only be checked through rigorous marketing and promoti ons. Competitorsââ¬â¢ actions With the entrance of Starbucks in to the Australian market, its competitors definitely didnââ¬â¢t like it. The competition for customers has gone up and to some extend Starbucks is giving in some market share to its competitors. Starbucks has faced a serious price challenge where it has been perceived as dealing with overpriced products. Though this branding is relevant to the high end market usually other potential customers would be denied a chance to be part of the clientele. Starbucks should be able to practice price and product differentiation or develop innovative products to fit to the low end market. It is necessary that Starbucks should develop products that are low cost that are able to compete effectively in the local market. These products should have an image of being locally processed products and it should actually have an Australian concept in its processing. With the local sourcing of inputs and low cost local concept products by a local brand or firm, I do believe that Starbucks will successfully beat competition in Australia and definitely achieve its global expansion strategy With the firm grip on the worldwide industry, Starbucks should be able to be much profitable and competitors will not benefit from the economies of scale. The Gloria jean coffee, Espresso and local Melbourne coffee will be local and small scale but they are taking a share of the coffee market in Australia consequently Starbucks should be careful of their actions. Starbucks policy on great customer experience should be used in this market so as to retain customers. New entrants The coffee industry is very competitive and lucrative therefore new investors into the industry are bound to get in. Starbucks Australia needs to be maintaining their market share and profitability. In order for this threat to be countered, Starbucks should therefore maintain high level customer retention and high quality products. General Environment This is a n environment which is outside the industry. This will include the Political, population, social, global and economic environment. Starbuck Australia is affected by the Australian government corporate tax rates and other regulations but the major challenge of the institution has not been political. Starbucks Australia should take advantage of the high percentage of the young population since most coffee consumers are the youth. The demographic spread initially did not favor the initial locations of the Starbucks stores therefore various stores had to be closed due to low population in their customer catchment area. Population spread therefore is a necessary consideration in the location establishment of the Australian Starbucks stores. The social tie between the Starbucks products and the local community is a necessary. This is because the Australians perception of Starbucks as a foreign coffee brand should be curtailed so as to improve on their demand. The economic environment is o ne challenge that usually poses threat to demand of industrial products but for our case this challenge is not the cause of Starbucks Australiaââ¬â¢s problems. Conclusion Starbucks Corporation Australia has downsized because of a wrong market penetration strategy coupled with operational inefficiencies. With a clear global corporate strategy of being the market leader, store level operational efficiency and great customer experience which could not work for Starbucks Australia. This calls for a more localized operational strategy which will include effective marketing and promotion plans, proper financial management strategy, product differentiation and necessary supply chain management. Global strategy needs leverage on cutting edge technology, compliance to the regulatory authorities and employee welfare among other issues so as to have successful execution. Starbucks Australia can turn around and this turn around need not be based on blanketing marketing strategy but a relevan t Australian segment operational strategy. References Choo, W., Bontis, N., 2002. The Strategic Management of Intellectual Capital And Organizational Knowledge. 1st ed. London: Oxford University Press. Harley, W., 2004. Global strategic management. 1st ed. Texas: Wiley. Mellahi, K., 2000. Strategic management: an introduction to business and corporate strategy. 2nd ed. New York: Pearson Education. Slack, N., 2009. Operations and process management: principles and practice for strategic impact. 2nd ed. California: Prentice Hall. Vernon, H., 2008. Global strategic management: the essentials. 2nd ed. Texas: Wiley. This research paper on The Application of Global Strategic Management model to Problems that Starbucks faces in Australia was written and submitted by user Haiden Y. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.
Thursday, March 5, 2020
Architect William Holabird and the First Skyscrapers
Architect William Holabird and the First Skyscrapers Architect William Holabird (born September 11, 1854 in Amenia Union, New York), along with his partner Martin Roche (1853-1927), forged Americas early skyscrapers and launched an architectural style known as the Chicago School. The architectural firms of Holabird and Roche, Burnham and Root, and Adler and Sullivan were some of the most influential teams in American architectural history and modern design. William Holabird began his education at the West Point Military Academy, but after two years he moved to Chicago and worked as a draftsman for William Le Baron Jenney, who is often called Father of the Skyscraper. Holabird founded his own practice in 1880, and formed a partnership with Martin Roche in 1881. The Chicago School style featured many innovations. The Chicago window created the effect that the buildings were composed of glass. Each large pane of glass was flanked by narrow windows that could be opened. Many of the first skyscrapers were built in Chicago, Illinois after the Great Fire of 1871. In Chicago, Holabird and Roche designed the Tacoma Building (1888), the Pontiac Building (1891), the Old Colony Building (1893), the Marquette Building (1895), the LaSalle Hotel (1909), the Brooks Building (1910), the Palmer House (1923), and the Stevens Hotel (1927). Between 1889 and 1908 Holabird and Roche built a number of buildings at Fort Sheridan, Illinois - 66 buildings have been designated a National Historic Landmark District. In addition to their Chicago skyscrapers, Holabird and Roche became leading designers of large hotels in the midwest. The Plankinton Building in Milwaukee Wisconsin started off as a two-story building in 1916 and five more floors were added in 1924. The Plankinton, like other new tall buildings being built at the time, was steel frame with a facade of terra cotta.Ã After William Holabirds death on July 19, 1923, the firm was reorganized by his son. The new firm, Holabird Root, was highly influential in the 1920s. The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is proud to own and occupy the Marquette Building in Chicago. As a supporter of creativity, the Foundation is the perfect owner of a building steeped in history. Early skyscrapers from the Chicago School era are now over a century old, if they havent already been torn down. Holabird and Roche designed the original 1924 neoclassical style Soldier Field in Chicago, a national landmark stripped of its designation after a gut-wrenching 21st century renovation. Restoration and historic preservation are the price of caring for history.
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Business case Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words
Business case - Essay Example By ensuring that blind people are able to transact with the bank just like the other people, the bank will bridge the gap in between people who are physically impaired and the onesââ¬â¢ that are not. Consequently, it will enable the bank to broaden its customer base and improve its profitability. The purpose of this activity is to act ethically responsible and allow equal opportunities to the physically challenged people (ProTrain). It will help to bring such people into the mainstream of the population in terms of business transactions. Hence, it will be a source of business of the bank. Furthermore, it will help such people to avail the facilities of the bank to their own advantage. Since, there is a strong need in the market to cater to the blind customers the bank has decided to introduce a new system which will ease the process of banking for the blind people. Thus, it will ensure that both the people and the bank have mutual benefits. Previously the bank did not employ any special routines to cater to the blind people. The need was felt to facilitate these people and give them an opportunity to run their own accounts, manage their own funds and monitor their accountsââ¬â¢ progress by personally checking their bank statements and other details. Thus, a need arose for a special procedure that will be able to fulfill the needs of the blind customers. As a result the bank has decided to implement a system whereby all correspondence to the blind customers, i.e. their bank statements, terms and conditions statements, applications etc will be used using Braille. In the current business scenario blind people are not offered a self reliant solution for their banking needs. In order to conduct business they are usually assisted by someone and have to be explained whatever is being given to them. Therefore, without assistance it is impossible for the blind
Monday, February 3, 2020
Grading and Recommendation Assessment Assignment
Grading and Recommendation Assessment - Assignment Example This could be measured through the utilization of trial and error process wherein the practice is tried and tested as to how much it could attest to the needed specifications of a particular need to which the evidence based practice has been basically made for. After the trial and error procedure, the weaknesses and the strengths of the process shall be identified. Likely, the strengths would depend on how the stakeholders responded to the program or the process applied through the use of the evidence-based practice. If the participants responded well with lesser level of error occurrences, then the practice tried and tested could be noted to have a strong implicative effect on the things that it is supposed to have direct changes on. Meanwhile, even though it has been proven strong, it should still be measured and identified with the possible weaknesses it has. Through this, the specification of the needed advancement could still be recognized as part of its possible improvement in the future. If these procedures are specifically carried on, it could be expected that the upcoming GRADE system could be well assured to have a better effect in approving or disapproving evidenced based practices that are used for the specific
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