Thursday, December 26, 2019

Causes Of Global Poverty - 1031 Words

A large percentage of the world’s population is affected by poverty, out of that percentage over three billion people live on less then $2.50 a day(cite) John Kenneth Galbraith says that, People are poverty stricken when their income, even if adequate for survival, falls markedly behind that of their community. CITE THIS What is poverty? Poverty is defined in Websters Dictionary as a lack of money or material possessions(cite) Behind the scene of poverty, there is hunger, lack of shelter, being sick and not being able to seek for healthcare. People living in poverty face many challenges such as, poor nutrition, poor education system, and inadequate housing. Global Poverty is caused by many factors, which include, but are not†¦show more content†¦In South Asia particularly southern and western India are considered to be areas where the worst chronic poverty occurs with over capacity of human population putting countries in jeopardy. These countries are not able to escape poverty as it occurs as a cycle from countries within and has been for decades. Food, housing, and water are not the only basic needs that lack in poverty; there is a basic set of systems that form the normal civilization in developed countries more than in developing countries. From research that’s been shown, in developing countries they lack education, healthcare, and political system to build the community together. To countries where every day struggles turn into a hunger game, getting education was the only escape for the children but sometimes the struggle hinders so deep it winds down at the bottom of the priority list. Education creates hope for the children and provides them with basic skills of how to read, communicate, write, and expose them to unknown materials outside of their world. As important as education is around the world, in a particular part of the world education families cannot afford a proper education due to lack of a families income. Majority of families who are not able to afford education would send their children out to work by the time they are able to walk and talk. In some areas whereShow MoreRelatedPoverty: Causes of a Global Phenomenon776 Words   |  3 Pages Poverty: Causes of a global phenomenon Overall, world poverty rates continue to stagnate, despite much-heralded growth in China and India. Today the annual median per capita income in developing countries is $3,000, a figure that indicates only modest progress since 1975, when the median income level was about $2,500. Over this same time period, median per capita income in developed countries increased from about $15,000 to more than $25,000 (Poverty reduction and growth: Virtuous and viciousRead MoreAnalyse the Causes of Poverty in the World and Evaluate Attempts to Address It on a Global Scale1391 Words   |  6 PagesAnalyse the Causes of Poverty in the World and Evaluate Attempts to Address it on a Global Scale Poverty is the state of being extremely poor and being inferior in quality. Nearly half of the world’s population, nearly 3 billion people, live on less than two dollars a day and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the poorest 48 nations is less than the wealth of the world’s three richest people combined. Poverty can be caused by many issues particularly social and economic reasons. There haveRead MoreThe Effects Of Food Security On A Global Level1132 Words   |  5 PagesIn trying to answer the question, can poverty be eliminated, there are many different ways to address the subject of poverty. For purposes of this research, poverty is going to be looked at from the perspective of food security on a global level. ARS Food Security Research: USDA ARS. (2016) states that food security is defined as when all people at all times have access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life. Food security includes the physical and economic ac cessRead MoreExtreme Poverty : Chronic Poverty Essay1613 Words   |  7 PagesExtreme Poverty Nathan Larson Northcentral Technical College â€Æ' Introduction ïÆ'Ëœ What is Extreme Poverty? What if you had a chance to save a person? Most would react quickly if given the chance to save another life especially a child’s life. In fact, it is estimated that 16,000 under the age of five die every day due to causes associated with extreme poverty. That is nearly 750 children an hour. The causes of the deaths include insufficient nutrition, lack of access to clean water, no health careRead MoreWhich Do You Think Would Help The Citizens Of The WorldS Poorest Nations More, Increasing Foreign Aid Or Removing All The Agricultural Tariffs And Subsidies?1069 Words   |  4 Pagestariffs and subsidies? The latter would help them more. Heres why, in researching global poverty one can come across startling statistics, e.g. almost half the people in the world live on less than $2.50 a day (Shah, 2011), 1 out of every 2 children live in poverty (Shah, 2010); speaking of children, 1 child will die every 4 seconds due to poverty, easily preventable diseases and illnesses, and other related causes (Shah, 2010), the GDP of the 41 Heavily Indebted Poor Countries is less than the wealthRead MoreThe Causes of World Hunger1658 Words   |  7 PagesThe causes of world hunger are at once intimidatingly complex and stunningly simple, depending on the underlying ideological assumptions which inform ones approach to the problem. For the uninformed, the cause of world hunger might seem to be quite obvious, because the concept of hunger is ostensibly simple; being hungry means a lack of food, so world hunger must be caused either by a lack of food on a global scale or overpopulation. Put another way, the easy answer to the question of world hungerRead MoreEssay about How World Poverty is Changing the Human Race609 Words   |  3 PagesPoverty is an epidemic which has created a huge dent to human race. More than 50% of the world population lives on less than $2.50 a day. People can’t provide even one proper meal to their children. The income differentials are w idening across the globe. What are we doing to reduce this widening? What are we doing to eliminate this menace of poverty? Why can’t we produce enough food for everyone? Why can’t everyone have a proper shelter? Is it the greed in us, the cause for it? Why can’t weRead MorePoverty As A Social Problem1739 Words   |  7 Pages Poverty as a Social Problem Magdalena Brania Mrs. Kropf May 27, 2015 Poverty is inscribed in the history of the world, but it is not inherent fate of every human being. It is also not related to the human nature, which does not mean that it can not be due to its nature. All communities experience it, with a greater or lesser extent way causing psychological and sociological conflicts. Society who have to deal with poverty is not only from undeveloped countries, but also developedRead MoreThe World Poverty Runs Rampant1454 Words   |  6 Pagesscary basement locked in darkness. Yet, poverty remains abstract, unknown, and even unfathomable to most. Across the world poverty runs rampant as 3 billion people live on less than $2.50 per day and more than 1.3 billion live in extreme poverty on less than $1.50 per day. These are not abstracts, but facts so let me repeat myself, 1.3 billion people, part of the human race whose DNA contain the same sequences as everyone on this planet live in extreme poverty; where food, medical treatment, and cleanRead MoreP overty and Diseases in Sub-Saharan African Countries: Local and Global Solutions1225 Words   |  5 PagesPoverty causes diseases, and diseases result in poverty; a satanic circle where once someone got in, s/he would be captured as a prisoner. There is an Arabic expression that states, if the cause is known, the surprise is blown. If we get to know the various causes of poverty, we can take a long stride towards reducing tropical diseases that are prevalent in many poor countries. Things would look clearer if causal mechanisms behind the persistent increase of poverty in those countries were known

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

The Key Resources, Capabilities, And Core Competencies Of...

Choose a Multinational firm of your choice and Identify and critically analyse the key resources, capabilities, and core competencies of the firm. How difficult is it for competitors to emulate your organization’s resources, capabilities, and core competencies? A multinational firm generally refers as multinational enterprise. Multinational enterprise are organizations, typically large international companies that own business in multiple countries or regions other than the home country. (Roger Sugden, 2000) Those companies have offices, factories or branches in different countries or regions. There is usually a headquarters to coordinate global management. Apple Inc. has succeeded in creating great value in the highly competitive PC industry through innovation and forging to differentiate their products from the industry’s biggest competitors considerably by selecting from these competitions focus on quality, design, and superior customer service. However, although Apple has created itself an advantage in living inside the industry and other external factors that constitute a formidable challenge, the PC market is becoming increasingly commoditized, resulting in between rivals in the high competitive industry. In accordance with brilliant strategic practitioner Steve Jobs, Apple’s key resources and capabilities are the industry- leading design team, talented software and hardware engineers. By a fairly research and development (RD) budget, Apple can support theirShow MoreRelatedIs Innovation A Competitive Advantage?993 Words   |  4 Pagesothers ought to emulate for they recognize that to do business, as Peter Drucker prompt in an exceedingly recent Harvard Business review article, â€Å"Every firm—not simply businesses—needs one core competence: innovation.† Innovation offers the companies a competitive advantage. Presently and within the future, more than any time in history, the key to competitive advantage is innovation. However innovation will facilitate businesses meet all of their strategic challenges, not simply competition; toRead MoreCore Competencies and Competitive Advantages1680 Words   |  7 PagesCore Competencies A core competency is a concept in management theory originally advocated by CK Prahalad, and Gary Hamel, two business book writers. In their view a core competency is a specific factor that a business sees as being central to the way it, or its employees, works. It fulfills three key criteria: 1. It is not easy for competitors to imitate. 2. It can be re-used widely for many products and markets. 3. It must contribute to the end consumers experienced benefits. C.K. Prahalad andRead MoreConcept Of Sustainable Competitive Advantage1610 Words   |  7 Pagesrelation to Core Competencies, Resources, and Capabilities Word Count: [ ] This article explains the concept of sustainable competitive advantage, the relationship between strategic management and the four specific factors in relation to core competencies, resources and capabilities. It encompasses the Issues relating to competitive performance, and a critical view on how acknowledgement of these issues enables managers to gain an edge over other competing firms. According to Resource based approachRead MoreCompetitive Advantage By Michael Porter975 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"Competitive advantage grows out of value a firm is able to create for its buyers that exceeds the firm s cost of creating it.† (Porter, 1985) The concept provided a new paradigm for looking at the role of competition in firm’s success or failure in the long term. The succinct definition encapsulates number of related concepts that help firms identify and analyze their competitive advantage. In normal parlance, competitive advantage is described as the advantage a firm ha s that helps it get ahead of competitorsRead MoreHow Does the Development of Core Competencies Provide Both Advantages and Disadvantages for an Organisation?1642 Words   |  7 Pagesdevelopment of core competencies provide both advantages and disadvantages for an organisation? What steps can managers take to prevent core competencies becoming core rigidities?† In today’s world competition among firms becomes globalized and more intense. In order to become superiorly competitive, companies should enhance its competencies in a way that will allow them to achieve dominant position in a market. One way of accomplishing it is by development of core competencies. Competencies are consideredRead MoreWal Mart s Core Competencies Essay1649 Words   |  7 Pagesrecognises the importance of Resource Based View (RBV) in strategic management. This paper attempts to identify Wal-Mart’s core competencies, applying RBV literature such as VRIO framework with supporting evidence from â€Å"Wal-Mart Stores in 2003† case study. RBV suggests that each firm acquires a collection of capabilities, which can be mobilised by strategists to gain competitive advantage (McGee et al., 2005). In other words, a firm can be viewed as a bundle of resources, which are the drivers of strategyRead MoreDoes Sustainable Competitive Advantage Exists? Essay1 502 Words   |  7 Pagesboth short-term and long-term SCA through use of specific examples. A summary of key issues and findings will provide the basis for developing logical conclusions and implications for businesses. Findings In relation to marketing, â€Å"competition is the process by which independent sellers vie with each other for customers in a market† (Weitz, 1985) and due to all products and services having potential substitutes firms will constantly be confronted with competition while making their offering (WeitzRead MoreSwot Analysis : Toyota Company1298 Words   |  6 Pagesstrong concentrate on innovative work, extensive production and distribution system, serving around the world and strong revenues and profits. Weaknesses Weaknesses of Toyota Company are product recalls could influence brand picture, declining deals in key geographic sections, poor allocation of assets when contrasted with associates, Toyota has low return on equity (ROE) and return on assets (ROA) compared to its peer companies. Opportunities The opportunities of Toyota Company are growing worldwideRead MoreCore Competence for Sustainable Competitive Advantage5043 Words   |  21 Pages49, NO. 1, FEBRUARY 2002 Core Competence for Sustainable Competitive Advantage: A Structured Methodology for Identifying Core Competence Khalid Hafeez, YanBing Zhang, and Naila Malak Abstract—Core competencies are the crown jewels of a company and, therefore, should be carefully nurtured and developed. Companies can determine their future business directions based on the strengths of competencies. However, because generalized terms such as resource, asset, capability, and competence are not clearlyRead MoreStarbucks Tangible Assets1698 Words   |  7 Pagestext, the resource-based view emphasizes the internal capabilities of the organization in formulating strategy to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage. The resources are divided into different categories. The first category is the tangible resources. These are the physical assets that an organization possesses. They include human resources, physical resources and financial resources. There are also intangible resources, which range from the intellectual resources of the firm to its reputation

Monday, December 9, 2019

Logistics Management Pertaining to Samsung

Question: Describe about the Logistics Management for Pertaining to Samsung. Answer: Introduction: Report outline and purpose: The current report focuses towards analysing the logistical management pertaining to Samsung. The core functional area of Samsung has been thoroughly evaluated using logistical theories followed by gathering insights into it. The primary purpose of the report is to review the core functional and operational areas of the company. Moreover, analysis of the efficiency of prevailing order processing mechanism in Samsung has been undertaken in conjugation with prevalent theories regarding logistics management. This is to be followed by dissemination of inventory management policies concerning the company and evaluating the degree of affirmation that such processes have with academic models and theories regarding inventory management. Background of Samsung: Samsung Electronics is engaged in manufacturing and providing mobile devices and electronic appliances on a worldwide basis with consumer base in nearly every economy of the world. The company is headquartered in Suwon, South Korea and is considered the second most valuable technology company in the world in terms of revenue and market capitalization (Samsung Electronics, 2016). The logistics pertaining to the company is of the largest in the world with manufacturing and assembly plants located over 82 countries. The company has accelerated its degree of diversification in the consumer electronics market. Thereby, despite being the market leader in the mobile and smart phone market, it has considerable market shares in electronic gadgets and appliances. The company is renowned for its innovativeness and the quantum of emphasis it puts upon providing consumers with cutting edge technology at affordable price. The company primarily targets young professionals through product innovativeness and attractive product designs (Samsung Electronics, 2016). The positioning of the company has been made in the consumer electronics market in a manner that the marketing strategy and taglines of the marketing and promotional campaigns varies on a product-to-product basis. Moreover, the company does not target specific market segments but to primarily cater to the technologically well-informed high-income group along with upper-middle income groups. Analysis on functional areas using logistics theories: Christopher, Magrill Wills (2013) stated that the correlation and co-ordination between the production process and that of its logistics management results in driving the revenue generation capability. The inbound logistics pertaining to Samsung tends to have a direct effect upon the production of the company. Moreover, in terms of value chain analysis, it can be construed that production process is of utmost relevance as the largest contributor in creating value pertaining to the product. The logistics management process pertaining to large-scale manufacturing firms undertake a context based approach for resolving issues pertaining to logistics. Moreover, Bowersox, Carter Monczka (2013) stated that for mitigating the degree of complexity pertaining to the production processes, it is pertinent that the supply chain management (SCM) process is merged or aligned to that of the product process. In case of Samsung, the mobile division is subjected to numerous set of allotments pertaining to the different models. Each set of production is customized to take into account the prospective demand for the product and the degree of complexity that relates to the production of that product. The production run is short owing to the dynamism of the electronic industry and the overall production costs are kept low through minimising of overhead costs. In case of accounting, logistics management is complemented by the different set of accounting frameworks that synthesises the data pertaining to supply chain. For instance, in case of inventory management, use of Last in First out (LIFO) and First in First out (FIFO) facilitates in determination of the inventory turnovers. Moreover, in case of deriving upon the number of batches that are to be ordered in case of inbound logistics, Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) is relevant (Rushton, Croucher Baker, 2014). In the case of Samsung, the sales forecasts pertaining to the sales of its different products are utilised for determination of the EOQ and the inventory turnovers in each of its inbound and outbound logistics are evaluated using accounting methods. The assimilation of the marketing plan with that of the logistical management results towards facilitating in framing and implementation of tactical plan, which is consumer centric. The marketing plan pertaining to Samsung is intertwined with that of its logistics management (Samsung Electronics, 2016). This is done so that when the marketing of a certain product is made the logistics concerning the product is fine-tuned for the prospective increase in the demand of the product. The promotion pertaining to Samsungs products is comprised of pull strategy. Thereby, the logistics requires ensuring that the demands of the retailers are met appropriately. Moreover, it is pertinent to note that the logistics shall comprise of providing products to retailers. Marketing of logistics using the 4Ps: Price- The price drivers needs to be recognized in the marketing logistics. The logistical cost structure and the discount for volume impacts the price that the customers will pay for the services and goods. The other factors driving cost is the carrier pricing that is the shipping cost which is based on the weight, size and distance where the items would be shipped. Product- The goal regarding the product aspect of marketing of logistics is about the on time delivery, filing the order and zero damage and precise invoicing. The packaging should be such that there is no damage. The product proliferation is attributable to the mass customization which helps in providing the product with personalized designs at affordable price. The display and promotional packs contribute to the product proliferation which increases costs. Promotion- The logistics follows the pull and push promotional strategies in order to get the product to its target market. The products are placed in front of the consumers using the push strategy and pull strategy is intended to stimulate the demand and motivate the customers to seek the specific product. The logistics of Samsung make use of pull strategy. Place- The logistics must be executed in a way that the customers and the location of the warehouse and factory impacts the logistics operation by reducing or increasing the costs. The operation of the logistics either through the retail or wholesale determines the price. Analysis of order processing system: Vlad Pavel (2016) mentions that for company with large set of clients the initial processing system shall be required to facilitate the ordering of all types of product that the company is offering. Thereby, in the context of Samsung, the ordering mechanism is kept simple for arriving at the figures pertaining to inbound logistics. The quantum of inbound logistics are computed after taking into account the forecasted demand for a particular product that is arrived at through the data analytics by Samsung. The company places a buy now button at its website for facilitating ease of transactions. The processing of an order at Samsung entails selecting of the type of devices that the consumers require ordering. Further, apart from a separate portal for facilitating placing of an order, Samsung provides a toll free number so that consumer can directly have a telephonic conversation with the executive of Samsung (Samsung Electronics, 2016). Moreover, such executives have trained at assisting clients for making up their decisions pertaining to which product and at what quantity are to be provided. The consumers pertaining to the product are provided an online cart in which they can gather all the products that they are seeking and a final checkout button have been placed at the side of the order button. Through the checkout button, the payment gateway can be accessed that facilitates in making online payment. Figure 1: Order Processing System (Source: Bowersox, Carter Monczka, 2013) In terms of orders that are primarily tax exempt, the proceedings of such orders cannot be made online and the customer care service executives at Samsung Electronics always validate such transactions. The payments of the order are made through utilising Visa, MasterCard and American Express amongst others online fund transfer mechanisms. The company has a policy of not charging its consumers prior to shipping of the logistics. The clients location plays a significant role in terms of order processing. The placed orders are the placed onto assembly factories. The inventories from inbound logistics are deployed for assembling for the order and the production process takes into account the order quantity and runs its processes accordingly. The finished batch of products are then shifted to warehouse wherefrom outbound logistics are prepared. In terms of facilities regarding tracking of an order, the clients are able to track their shipments through the different stages and distribution hubs that their ordered product goes through. Moreover, such tracking facilitates in real time evaluation of the logistical processes that each order is going through. The initial processing of order is done within a 48 hours period and thereby Samsung does not delay in face-lifting streamlined order processing. The company further provides clients towards opening an account at Samsung.com. The account acts as a vantage point through which the clients are notified regarding the status of their shipments (Samsung Electronics, 2016). Moreover, the summary of their billings, online receipts of bill payment as well as displays of notification are also made through the individual accounts. In case of damaged product or delivery of wrong product, the company provides cash back or replacement offers and has a separate logistics functions that tak es into account the inbound logistics. The probable recommendation pertaining to Samsungs logistical mechanism is to note the fact that company requires opening up a web-chat service for its clients. Moreover, the clarity as regards to Samsungs order requires to be enhanced through using data analytics. The toll free number that the company provides remains inadequate for communication and Samsung needs to come up better set of communication mediums for handling the client grievances. Analysis of inventory management: Ellram, La Londe Weber (2013) stated that inventory management tend to play a significant role in facilitating production processes and minimising obsolescence. Moreover, Myerson, P. (2012) stated that inventory management pertaining to a manufacturing firm displays the companys ability to organise its supplies along with sorting out its outbound products. In case of Samsung, it can be construed that the companys inventory management is highly complex in nature owing to the number of product that the company deals with. Moreover, the variations pertaining to each product such the different models of smartphones offered by Samsung, LCDs will different sizes and resolution makes it even complex for the company for tracking and maintaining of inventories. The demand for Samsungs products is significant as compared to other electronic brands sans Apple Corporation. The high demand is reciprocated through large inventory turnover and thereby Samsung maintains over 80 manufacturing hubs a round the globe for meeting the demand for their products (Samsung Electronics, 2016). The reorder point is determined through the forecasts pertaining to a certain device based upon its promotional campaign and initial response to the product by its consumer. Thereby, economic order quantity (EOQ) is derived through using the forecasted demand. A safety stock of over 5% is to be kept for meeting the demand for the product in case the production is disrupted or demand for the product has grown exponentially. The inventory levels pertaining to each manufacturing hub are under constant monitoring in order to mitigate any issues arising out of shortage, production issues or assemblage disruptions. The organization has the inventory policy system of fixed order quantity and this helps in keeping the stock level at fairly stable level. In order to achieve the desired level of inventory, the orders are placed for the quantities that can vary with the number of order received. This makes the management of the inventory and helps in monitoring and replenishing the stock. Rushton, Croucher Baker (2014) mentioned in the context of inventory management, the relevance of aligning the stock levels with that of the demand for the product is essential so as to prevent any forms of consumer grievances. Since the re-order quantity is not the optimum forecast mechanism, thereby the EOQ is revised periodically for adjusting the reorder quantity in accordance with the present scenario of demand. Moreover, on occasions, the inventory levels may go down below the safety stock levels, this is owing to the thriving demand that the product displays and when such demand is unanticipated. In such occasions, the reorder quantity varies to take into consideration the replenishment of safety stock along with the inventory assimilated through sales forecasts. The reviewing of inventory are done each day from real time tracking since the inventory turnover of Samsung is unmatched by many consumer electronics manufacturer. Conclusion: Logistics management plays a significant role towards enhancement of growth prospects for each manufacturing firm. This is owing to the fact that inventory management policies that takes into account prospective demand for the product and thereby maintains inventory based upon it mitigates over or under stocking. The amalgamation of marketing policy and logistics management is relevant owing to the fact that such assimilation may result in development of tactical plans pertaining to the product. Moreover, accounting plays a significant role towards ensuring that the databases pertaining to inventory management are assimilated and maintained. Moreover, the primary framework for inventory management has arisen out of accounting and thereby the role of accounting remains intertwined with inventory management. Samsung essentially processes an order within 48 hours. The customers are provided with an official account and through which they can facilitate the tracking of orders. Samsung ke eps a detailed tracking of each order that has been placed from the initial order processing to the outbound logistics from the manufacturing hub for ensuring that each order is processed in due time. The safety stock is kept at around 5% margin as can be gauged by the electronic industry standards coupled with the fact that Samsung inventory turnover is high. The computations pertaining to reorder quantity or EOQ are revised on a periodical basis in order to ensure that the stock levels reflect the current demand for Samsungs product. References and Bibliography: Bowersox, D. J., Carter, P. L., Monczka, R. M. (2013). Materials logistics management.International Journal of Physical Distribution Logistics Management. Christopher, M. (2016).Logistics supply chain management. Pearson Higher Ed. Christopher, M., Peck, H. (2012).Marketing logistics. Routledge. Christopher, M., Magrill, L., Wills, G. (2013). Educational development for marketing logistics.International Journal of Physical Distribution Logistics Management. de Souza, C. D. R., Mrcio de Almeida, D. A. (2013). Value chain analysis applied to the scrap tire reverse logistics chain: An applied study of co-processing in the cement industry.Resources, Conservation and Recycling,78, 15-25. Ellram, L. M., La Londe, B. J., Weber, M. M. (2013). Retail logistics.International Journal of Physical Distribution Logistics Management. Fleischmann, B., van Nunen, J. A., Speranza, M. G., Sthly, P. (Eds.). (2012).Advances in distribution logistics(Vol. 460). Springer Science Business Media. Hollensen, S. (2015).Marketing management: A relationship approach. Pearson Education. Holweg, M., Helo, P. (2014). Defining value chain architectures: Linking strategic value creation to operational supply chain design.International Journal of Production Economics,147, 230-238. Leong, G. K., Tan, K. C., Wisner, J. D. (2012). Principles of supply chain management: A balanced approach. LU, C., YANG, L., ZHANG, L., CHEN, Y. Y., Xin, J. H. (2013). Calculation and Control of Enterprise Implicit Logistics Cost.Logistics Engineering and Management,7, 017. Myerson, P. (2012).Lean supply chain and logistics management. McGraw Hill Professional. Pal, R., Hemil, J., Paras, M. K., Sandberg, E. (2016). Creating value through reverse logistics in a multi-echelon used clothing chain. In21st International Symposium on Logistics (ISL 2016)(pp. 419-429). Rushton, A., Croucher, P., Baker, P. (2014).The handbook of logistics and distribution management: Understanding the supply chain. Kogan Page Publishers. Rushton, A., Croucher, P., Baker, P. (2014).The handbook of logistics and distribution management: Understanding the supply chain. Kogan Page Publishers. Samsung Electronics (2016). Samsung Electronics. Retrieved 4 December 2016, from https://www.samsung.com/us/support Vlad, F., Pavel, C. (2016). THE ORGANIZATION OF LOGISTICS FUNCTIONS IN INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES.Quaestus, (9), 82. Zhu, G., Zhu, Z. F., Zhao, J., Zhu, Y. Q. (2015). Creative Distribution Mode Design of Terminal Logistics Based on New Technological Environment. InAdvanced Materials Research(Vol. 1073, pp. 2390-2397). Trans Tech Publications.

Monday, December 2, 2019

Robert Browning Essay Example

Robert Browning Essay Robert browning was a poet writing from 1812 to 1889. In his poem, My Last Duchess, there is a story of love and loss told to us by a single narrator, the Duke. This dramatic monologue talks of the marriage of Alfonzo Duke of Ferrara and the fourteen year old daughter of the Medici household, in Italy, 1558. We obtain a direct insight in to the thoughts of our monologist, regarding his relationship with the girl in question, as he tells his story to whom we later come to assume is the envoy acting on behalf of a Count, in whos daughter the Duke has shown an interest.The Duke first introduces us to the lady in question in his referral to her as My last Duchess. Immediately we learn that the Duchess may no longer be his Duchess, for reason unknown at this point in the poem. We can also gather that the Duke views the lady as a possession, indicative in his speaking of, My last Duchess, followed with, painted on the wall. I feel that to paint someone is to capture and keep them as a memo ry, or to freeze them as an object, in the sense that you can transform a person in to a muse at which to look at, in to a thing of pure aesthetic beauty, without the portrayal of possible protest or strife that may be present in true life. I believe the latter thought to be very relevant in the Dukes way of thinking regarding his wife.For as we read on it becomes clear that the Duke has quite a collection of artwork; possibly a materialistic nature and a love of collecting both art and beauty. I believe that his view of women is as an aesthetic bonus to adorn his life, and it is interesting that he seems more inclined to have beauty hanging on his walls than on his arm. Already, at only line 1 we have gathered an image of the Duke as a possessive and materialistic character. To enhance the suggestion of the Duke as a character interested in beauty, we are aware of the girl being only fourteen years old. The Duke was known to be older than her, introducing the idea of corruption of innocence, alongside that of purity and beauty associated with a young girl.Taking this idea of purity to later on in the poem, finds the Duke describing the Duchess to the second party, Twas not her husbands presence only, called that spot Of joy into the Duchesss cheek. This can be interpreted in different ways; as indication that this Duchess was flirtatious in nature and possibly provocative in behaviour, or that in her innocence she became shy in other company and in response to compliment, blushed, and it was not a spot of joy as described by the Duke, but more a blush of embarrassment. Although it is clear that the Duke believes her to have been flirtatious with other men. He tries to depict this by saying she had a heart too soon made glad. The phrase Too easily impressed introduces also the idea of the young Duchesss naivety, which supports the idea that she was not flirtatious, simply young and un used to flattery. In adding this new information to the characteristics we h ave already gathered, the Duke appears to be a jealous man, and I find the way he speaks holds a sarcastic and patronising air. For example, A heart how shall I say? I imagine to be said in such a way where sarcasm is emphasised.In line 19 we hear the first mention of death up until this point in the poem, Half flush that dies along the throat. I find this line rather sinister, and unnecessary in this context. Although the Duke is quoting the man that painted his wife, Fra Pandolf, I took this quote as the Dukes version of the painters words, as opposed to the original dialect. Though we are not aware of his wifes fate at this point in the poem, I feel that this mention of death can be closely linked to the way in which Porphyria was killed in Brownings poem, Porphyrias lover. The men in the poems are both relatively similar jealous characters, one of which kills his lover Porphyria by strangling her, using her hair. And all her hair In one yellow string I wound Three times her lit tle throat around, And strangled her.The reference to death and the throat in this poem, My last Duchess, seem remarkably indicative of similar murder, and possibly the Duke cannot keep this murder entirely quiet, so is voicing it subtly through the words of another so as not to arouse suspicion. In addition to the already given evidence of the Dukes materialistic nature, at line 33 we hear him say, As if she ranked my gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name with anybodys gift. He is obviously shocked that the Duchess sees his nine hundred year old name to be of little value, equal to that of gifts she received from others, and feels that she undervalued him. This portrays the Duchess to be far less materialistic than the Duke, although this may be due to her young age. Browning also uses the idea of class to create separation between the lovers, in Porphyrias Lover, as he does here with the mention of the Dukes high social status. In Porphyrias lover, Browning gives the implication t hat Porphyria is of higher class than her lover, through the idea of dress, i.e. Withdrew the dripping cloak hair fall, creating an even more defined difference by creating the idea that Porphyria has been to a social dinner before returning to lover, Nor could tonights gay feast restrain.The Duke is honest at one particular point in the poem, (lines 35-39), when he says to the envoy, Even had you skill in speech the mark. Here he is saying that he did not have the lingual skills to voice his disgust to her or to say that he found her behaviour difficult, but even if he had been able to do so, he had decided not to stoop, or to relent, thus making it unlikely that there would have been change in the final outcome of their relationship. The Duke makes regular referral to his wifes behaviour with other men, Oh sir, she smiled, no doubt, Wheneer I passed her; but who passed without Much the same smile, implying that yes, his wife did smile at him, but she smiled at everyone in the same manner. This clearly annoyed the Duke and caused him to feel resentful towards the Duchess.It is here, at line 45 in the poem that we learn a little bit more as to where his wife is now. This grew; I gave commands; then all smiles stopped together. There she stands As if alive. We now know for definite that the Duchess is dead, and we are also given hints that it may have been so on the Dukes commands, although this particular line is an ellipsis so we are never given the guarantee that the Duchess was killed by her lover, as we are in Porphyrias lover, I wound three times her little throat around, And strangled her. The Duke goes on to say how she stands as if she were alive, obviously referring to the painting that is still in front of them. His speech does not sound grieved, and he is talking to a character that may help him in his search for a new wife, although we have no indication as to how long it has been since the death of his last Duchess. Having made the Duchesss appare nt flaws obvious to those listening, in talking about her flirtatious nature and implied infidelity, the Duke sounds almost proud to have her in a painting, i.e. Willt thou please sit and look at her? More proud, in fact, than he portrays himself to have been when she was alive. It seems that in her death he feels relieved to finally have the control he wanted over her, but could never get whilst she was alive. Through having the Duchess painted, the Duke has been able to keep her aesthetic beauty which pleased him and rid himself of her personality which he obviously found trying.In the closing lines of the poem, (lines 47-56), the Duke talks to the envoy of the Count in a controlling and dominant way, Willt please you rise? Well meet the company below. Finalising our image of the Duke as a character; possessive, materialistic, jealous and controlling. He goes on to talk of the Counts daughter, confirming his interest in her, and showing that there is definite method in his madness a potential prosperous marriage. Talking of this girl he says, Though his fair daughters self, as I avowed At starting, is my object. The monologists desperation for control is demonstrative in the very last lines, when he says Notice Neptune, though, Taming a sea-horse, thought a rarity Which Claus of Innsbruck cast in bronze for me! Neptune is the well known God of the seas, an idol of great power, and possessor of nature, represented through the sea-horse in this context. The Duke wants to dominate everything small and beautiful- both characteristics that he finds in women, he craves masculine domination over the females in his life. I also found the quote about cast in bronze interesting, as this is good supporting evidence for my theory regarding the Dukes desire to capture and keep things of aesthetic beauty, or to freeze them as an object.This poem is written in a way that portrays the monologists state of mind. The use of caesura in the poem demonstrates the Dukes nervous and unsure thought pattern, particularly right at the beginning of the poem where perhaps he is not entirely confident in his speech, for example, And seemed as they would ask me, if they durst. This broken speech seems particularly prominent when he is talking directly of the Duchess, from lines 31 to 46 when he is talking of her quite intimately, and of her death, indicative of foul play as he becomes more nervous. I do not feel it can be due to grief he feels in talking of her. Immediately when he ceases to talk about her and begins to talk of the Counts daughter, the use of enjambment is more common, as in lines 49 to 51, The Count your Masters known munificence is ample warrant that no just pretence Of mine for dowry will be disallowed. This fluent speech in indicative of the calmer state of mind the Duke is in when not talking of his last Duchess. Browning uses Iambic pentameter throughout his poem, along with rhyming couplets, for example, The Count your masters known munific ence Is ample warrant that no just pretence.The mixture of written technique used throughout this dramatic monologue adds irony to the poem, in that the Duke seems to be controlling and craves masculinity, but the caesura used is representative of the anxiety he feels whilst talking about the deceased Duchess, though we presume he was mentally fit to kill her. The poem presents the monologist as a possessive and jealous man who craves control, although I feel that because the Duke is talking to an individual whom he hopes will help him in his pursuit of this next wife, the information he is giving may be a clean version of the true sequence of events that have been manipulated to ensure he does not come off badly. This idea is supported by his constant referral to her flirtatious behaviour, though I find it hard to believe a girl between the ages of fourteen and seventeen, (her age of death), would flirt in such a provocative way in which she was described. As a Duke he would not wa nt to risk his reputation or his chance of attaining what he has been aspiring for a new wife, as whom he has chosen the daughter of the Count of Tyrell. A marriage that would prove prosperous in both his reputation and affluence.