Seven Essay -- Film Movie Movies

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  For this report I choose the movie Seven. This movie was released back in 1995 and stars Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Gweneth Paltrow, R. Lee Ermey, John McGinley, and Kevin Spacy. Seven was directed by David Fincher and written by Andrew K. Walker.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The movie begins with the usual old cop, who is about to retire, and teams up with a young, ready to take on the world cop. The first act begins promisingly, with two cops being assigned to their first case together. One is white and the other is black and they have vastly different investigative styles. Each murder, being investigated by Lieutenant William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) and Detective David Mills (Brad Pitt), is based on one of the Seven Deadly Sins, which are Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Envy, Wrath, Pride and Lust. The detectives find an enormously fat man who is forced to eat himself to death-Gluttony. The detectives discover a high profile lawyer who is made to cut off a pound of flesh for Greed. They find hooker who has been killed by having sex with a man that we will just say?s wearing an apparatus on his body for Lust. A runway model is forced to choose death or disfigurement for Pride. Sloth was a man that had been tortured for a whole year. He had been barely kept alive and his hand had been cut off for his fingerprints. He is the only victim that does not die but is a complete vegetable in such a fragile state that he would be better off dead. For envy and wrath we will come back to in a bit. The kil...

The Structure of Possibility :: Philosophy Logic Papers

The Structure of Possibility I call attention to the following theses concerning possibility. 1) Anything that has become actual must have been possible in the period of time immediately preceding its actualization. 2) The logically possible is a conception, and conceptions exist within the mind. 3) The possible is not a mere name. 4) The possible is not a mental entity and that alone. 5) Every possibility, whether mental entity or not must be, or image, an ontological entity, real although not (yet) actual. 6) For all we know logical possibility is the sufficient condition of ontological possibility. 7) Philosophers who lack the category of ontological possibility nonetheless refer to it as an implicit, if hidden, feature of their systems. 8) In some part of the period of time preceding its actualization, an ontological possibility becomes a nascent actuality, and external consistency a necessary condition for nascency. 9) The rise or fall of energy level through directed energy vectors, on human and nonhuman l evels, is the third condition for the actualizing of possibilities, or for their failure to actualize. I call your attention to ten theses concerning possibility which seem to me to be defensible: (1) Anything that has become actual must have been possible in the period of time immediately preceding its actualization. (2) The logically possible is a conception, and conceptions exist within the mind. (3) The possible is not a mere name. (4) The possible is not a mental entity and that alone. (5) Every possibility, whether mental entity or not must be, or image, an ontological entity, real although not (yet) actual. (6) For all we know logical possibility is the sufficient condition of ontological possibility. (7) Philosophers who lack the category of ontological possibility nonetheless refer to it as an implicit, if hidden, feature of their systems. (8) In some part of the period of time preceding its actualization, an ontological possibility becomes a nascent actuality, and external consistency a necessary condition for nascency. (9) The rise or fall of energy level through directed energy vectors, on human and non-human levels, is the third condition for the actualizing of possibilities, or for their failure to actualize. (10) Ontological possibilities have the form of the future. I shall now comment on (1) through (6), and (10). (1) Unable to think of any conditions which would falsify, or even qualify, I take it to be necessarily true. For simplicity’s sake alone, I insist on the necessity of its possibility in an immediately preceding time, while not denying that it may also have been possible in a longer stretch of time prior to its having become actual.

Teenage Drunk Driving :: Free Essay Writer

"People need to be aware that what happened to me can happen to you. I had never thought about impaired driving as an issue in my youth, it wasn't a debate. Now I know. Life really is about choices." This quote was from Tom Boyle who killed Brian Colgan in a drunk driving accident in 1995. Tom Boyle states that life is about choices. This brings up the issue with Massachusetts wanting to place a "scarlet letter" (mark of shame) on the licenses of convicted drunk drivers. Placing the "scarlet letter" on the licenses of convicted drunk drivers is a senseable consequence. Being a senseable consequence it brings up the old saying "if you do it once you are bound to do it again", many statistics prove there are a great number of drunk drivers, and the "scarlet letter" will reduce the amount of drunk drivers on the road. When I was a child I dropped a rock on my sisters head not knowing any better, but after being disiplined for doing this I decided to go back and do it again. This is accountable for most drunk drivers we have today; like stated above, "if you do it once you will do it again." If someone is an alcoholic they are bound to keep drinking due to the fact it is a daily routine and they need medical help. Having the mark on the license will motivate the alcoholic to get help and give police and pedestrians warning of the individual. "Alcohol is the 2nd most addicting substance in the United States followed by marijuana", posted Time Magazine June 2001 Issue. Being the 2nd most addicting substance, it is hard not to drink and drive. Teenage Drunk Driving.com Statistics prove that on any given weekend evening, one in 10 drivers on America’s roads have been drinking. With this many people on the road drinking, it puts not just his/her life in danger, but puts our lives in danger as well. According to the latest drunkdrivers.com statistics, the prospect of you or someone in your family being involved in an alcohol-related motor vehicle accident is more than just very likely, it is a virtual certainty. In fact, in a family of five, the chance that someone in the family will find themselves in an alcohol-related motor vehicle crash in their lifetime, is an astounding 200 percent. Imagine, a 200 percent chance that you or someone in your family will either cause, or be an innocent victim to, a drunk driving accident.

Mrs. Mallard’s Heart Disease Essay

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   We are aware of different health problems, their causes and consequences. Mass media create favorable conditions in which we can find the required information and can be fully informed about our health. The information we get from television, newspapers, and online sources emphasizes the threat of heart diseases among women. We keep to the thought that heart diseases and strokes primarily hit men. Moreover, we cannot but admit that heart diseases are the major causes of human deaths. When reading the works of talented writers who lived earlier, we cannot but feel the impression of medical helplessness of that time. Many of us understand that the diseases described in earlier literary works are no longer threatening to the contemporary reader. Certainly, this does not mean that the discussed works lose their relevance, but modern state of medicine makes it possible to look at such works from a different angle. In The Story of an Hour, Kate Chopin has depicted a young lady with a heart disease; she died of heart attack caused by extremely powerful emotions. I am confident that our modern technologies and medicine could have helped Mrs. Mallard to avoid such tragic and evidently, too early death. Mrs. Mallard’s heart disease Kate Chopin was very distinct and explicit in her descriptions of Mrs. Mallard’s disease: â€Å"Now her bosom rose and fell tumultuously. She was beginning to recognize this thing that was approaching to possess her, and she was striving to beat it back with her will – as powerlessness as her two white slender hands would have been. When she abandoned herself a little whispered word escaped her slightly parted lips. She said it over and over under her breath: â€Å"free, free, free!† The vacant stare and the look of terror that had followed went from her eyes. They stayed keen and bright. Her pulses beat fast, and the coursing blood warmed and relaxed every inch of her body† (Chopin) Mrs. Mallard was young (Chopin). Her disease was well known and other family members were aware of her physical and emotional vulnerability. From the viewpoint of modern medicine and technology, Mrs. Mallard’s sister Josephine had been very cautious when she had to inform Mrs. Mallard of her husband’s death. At the moment of revelation, the words â€Å"free† uttered by Mrs. Mallard could either refer to her feelings towards her husband, or to the physical pain which was overwhelming and almost possessed her. Mrs. Mallard was afflicted with heart disease, and the coming doctors could only confirm she had died of heart disease. They were unable to do anything to save Mrs. Mallard or to prevent such tragic outcomes. In this context, the issue can be discussed from the two different viewpoints. First, modern technology and medicine would have saved Mrs. Mallard from death which has become the result of the heart attack: modern emergency rescue techniques and transportation make it possible to save a person’s life even in the most serious life-threatening condition. Second, modern technology and medicine would have prevented heart attacks and would guarantee Mrs. Mallard long, stable, and relatively healthy existence with minor limitations. She would have been able to live a long life if contemporary medicines and technologies had been available to her.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   â€Å"Women are at risk for heart disease and heart attacks, just like men. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death among women over 65. American women are 4 to 6 times more likely to die of heart disease than of breast cancer† (Family Doctor). The problem is that the majority of women still treats heart disease as the traditionally male problem, and does not realize the threats it creates to their health. As always, medical problems are easier to prevent than to treat. This is why it is critical that the patients are aware of their health problems and are involved into the process of continuous medical care, which will prevent serious health complications and will provide a person with a chance to live. In her story Kate Chopin makes the reader aware of the fact that Louise was sick; however, was Louise herself realizing the seriousness of her heart disease? Probably, she was not. It is clear that her sister was more realistic in terms of Mrs. Mallard’s disease, and even if Louise herself knew her health problems, she did not care much about them. This was the biggest mistake she could make towards her health.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     The internet and other sources of information offer sufficient information on the methods of treating heart disease and preventing heart attacks. From the viewpoint of the continuous medical care, Louise could take several easy steps to make her life easier. First she could control her blood pressure and the symptoms of heart disease (Wilansky & Willerson 54). The blood pressure control can take several forms, but in case with Mrs. Mallard she could keep to a healthy diet, minimize the salt intake, and address the doctor for medicines which would lower blood pressure. Modern technologies make it possible to measure the cholesterol level; this option would provide Mrs. Mallard with the full information about her diet, and possibly adjust it to her health needs. There is one more essential aspect in treating heart disease: patients should be constantly alert when it comes to changes in their health or their perceptions (Orth-Gomer & Chesney 98). Patients are not to neglect the chest pain: â€Å"be sure to contact your doctor immediately if you suffer from pain in your chest, shoulder, neck, or jaw. Also notify your doctor if you experience shortness of breath or nausea that comes on quickly. If you are having a heart attack, the faster you can get to a hospital, the less damage will happen to your heart† (Family Doctor). Modern technologies and transport help reach the patient in the remotest area and provide the best medical assistance while the patient is being taken to the hospital.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   To be objective, the discussed measures are also connected with significant constraints, and in order to guarantee the best health outcomes, Louise and her doctor would have taken these constraints into account. First of all, â€Å"women are more likely than men to have atypical heart attack symptoms such as neck and shoulder pain, abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue or shortness of breath† (Krantz & Mcceney 1013). It would be extremely difficult for Mrs. Mallard to identify the symptoms of a heart attack: it would practically impossible to visit the doctor each time she felt pain. However, we can conclude from the story that Louise was familiar with the symptoms of her heart disease; moreover, they were always similar or even the same. This is why it would be easy for her to prevent health complications in case she reported her pain and other symptoms in timely manner. The major threat heart disease creates for a woman is the threat of silent heart attacks, which are more probable among women, than men (Krantz & Mcceney 1015). As Louise felt the pain was coming and was embracing her chest, she could certainly prevent her heart attack.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Second, â€Å"women are less likely than men to have the typical findings on the ECG that are necessary to diagnose a heart attack quickly† (Orth-Gomer & Chesney 35). Yet, the mere awareness of the fact that the person has heart disease will lead medical professionals in the correct direction. They will know how to interpret the symptoms, and what to do to save the life of the patient. Women’s heart is unique both physiologically and emotionally, and even when it comes to science, medical specialists fail to explain the majority of the processes which take place in a woman’s heart. For example, â€Å"women are less likely to survive heart attacks than men. No one knows why. It may be that women don’t seek or receive treatment as soon as men, or it may be because women’s smaller hearts and blood vessels are more easily damaged† (Family Doctor). In any case, heart attack and heart disease is more threatening for a woman than it is for a man. This does not mean that for a woman to have sick heart means to be dead. On the contrary, numerous preventive measures are aimed at creating favorable conditions for those whose heart is vulnerable to emotions, stresses, physical exercises, and other related activities. If we take into account the extremely stressful situation in which Louise was, and neglect the reasons for which she had not addressed the doctors earlier in her life, she could have been saved. â€Å"Emergency percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) or coronary stenting for acute heart attack is as effective in women as in men; however, women may have slightly higher rate of procedure-related complications in their blood vessels (such as bleeding or clotting at the point of insertion of the PTCA catheter). This higher rate of complications has been attributed to women’s older age, smaller artery size, and greater severity of angina. The long-term outcome of angioplasty or stenting however, is similar in men and women, and should not be withheld due to gender.† (Consedine, Magai & Chin 215) Taking into account Mrs. Mallard’s young age, she could have avoided the majority of procedure-related complications and would evidently have survived her heart attack. It is doubtless that Louise would be able to live a long life. Modern technology and medicine would supply her with several options. First, she would be able to go through the extensive medical investigation to discover the causes, implications, and possible risks of her heart disease. To be aware means to be alive when it comes to treating heart diseases. The results of investigation would provide Louise with the knowledge about possible measures to prevent heart attack or other related complications of her heart disease. Second, such investigation and medical analysis would help Louise adjust her daily life to the needs of her sick heart, and avoid significant stresses which have led her to death. Any extreme emotion is the stress for a weak heart, no matter whether it is sadness or joy, and a sick person must control such emotions to prevent the negative health outcomes (Consedine, Magai & Chin 214). Mrs. Mallard would have had access to preventive therapeutic solutions, which modern medicine offers. Preventive measures would significantly decrease health risks for Louise. Third, modern medical science possesses profound knowledge about the mechanisms of heart diseases and heart attacks; contemporary surgeons have numerous instruments and techniques available to restore the sick heart, and to guarantee long and full life to the patient after a heart attack. When combined with modern means of transport and emergency rescue, these instruments become invaluable in saving the lives of those who have suffered acute heart attack.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Conclusion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In Kate Chopin’s story, Mrs. Mallard has died of heart attack, â€Å"of joy that kills† (Chopin). People may hold various opinions about her heart disease, but one thing is evident: Louise could have been saved in case she could use the modern achievements in medicine, technology, and science. Even if we assume that heart disease and heart attacks remain the major reasons of human deaths, more and more people are saved and receive timely medical assistance due to the latest advances in medical technology and science. Chopin has not presented us with all circumstances and objective conditions in which Louise’s disease had developed. The information in the story is sufficient to predict that the outcomes could have been much more favorable in case Mrs. Mallard could use telephone, transport, and medical equipment which are available to us. Heart diseases still create the majority of life-threatening complications, but the extensive scientific research has created vast opportunities for saving the lives of patients after a heart attack and other related health problems. The case of Mrs. Mallard was not connected with any other health complications: she was young, and her age would have made her recovery easier and faster. Female heart is extremely complex both physiologically and emotionally, but even such complications would not create serious obstacles against returning Louise to life. However, even if Louise had survived, no one knows how her family relations and continuous moral and emotional pressure would have impacted her future life. In certain conditions death can be viewed as savior. Works Cited Chopin, K. â€Å"The Story of an Hour.† 1894. Washington State University. 17 February 2008. http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~wldciv/world_civ_reader/world_civ_reader_2/chopin.html Consedine, N.S., Magai, C. & Chin, S. â€Å"Hostility and Anxiety Differentially Predict Cardiovascular Disease in Men and Women.† Sex Roles: A Journal of Research, 50 (2004): 214-18. Family Doctor. â€Å"Heart Disease and Heart Attacks: What Women Need to Know.† 2007. FamilyDoctor. Org. 17 February 2008. http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/heartdisease/risk/287.html Krantz, David S. & Mcceney, M. â€Å"Effects of Psychological and Social Factors on Organic Disease: A Critical Assessment of Research on Coronary Heart Disease.† Annual Review of Psychology (2002), pp. 1012-1024. Orth-Gomer, K. & Chesney, M. Women, Stress, and Heart Disease. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1998. Wilansky, S. & Willerson, J.T. Heart Disease in Women. Churchill Livingstone, 2002.

Animation Essay

MICHELLE LEE IAT 343 – D104 #301097226 ANIMATION ESSAY The two three-dimensional animated films that are chosen are Pocoyo animation shorts and a music video by Genki Rockets. I am using music video and short animation for comparison is because they are wonderful at sending messages within a short amount of duration. Also, I will be comparing the cinematic style and techniques of the animations. Pocoyo animations is originated in Spain and targeted towards pre-school children. Their videos often present a certain moral or â€Å"lesson† in them.In the animations, Pocoyo (the main character) and his friends often dance around and play. In an animation, physical actions and facial expressions brings audience into tense anticipation. The narrator talks throughout every episode and leads audience into the story. There are zero backdrops and environmental set design, which gives their targeted audience (pre-schoolers) a more room for endless imaginations on how the surroundin gs may look like depending their background. Hierarchical structures are within Pocoyo animation as some groups of 3D objects are more dominant than other ones.For example, some characters are smaller/further than other ones, and their body structures. This defines importance of the parentschildren relationships. Color creates mood; bright colors flatter children in a content way. The composition of each shot and scene help audience to understand the characters in the story and their actions; keep in mind that their targeted audience are preschoolers, therefore it is more about the storytelling, and compositions will not be complex. In this series, diverse camera views are being lacked.There is only one camera view throughout every episode. Therefore, emotions might not be able to present at its maximum potential. However, tilts and rolls is in there every now and then so it gives scene a stylized look that helps visualize the audience actions and scene tensions. Lighting is also on the minimal setting. It could be the sun being the infinite light, or in a room with fluorescent lights. The music video by Genki Rockets is called â€Å"make. believe†. Genki Rockets is a Japanese virtual band with non-existent musical band and a fictional ocalist. According to their webpage, the vocalist, Rumi who was born â€Å"in space† and has â€Å"never been to Earth†. Due to the fact that the vocalist claims to be from the future outerspace, most of their music videos are computer-generated. Various camera views are widely used and not only can those camera views deliver information, but also able to maximize the scene emotion. Backdrops are shown and surroundings are beautifully illustrated. Slow motion or sudden pause creates time being stopped and makes audience anticipate on the upcoming events.The vocalist (girl in the music video)’s facial expression remains straight for the majority of the video gives 1 MICHELLE LEE IAT 343 – D104 # 301097226 ANIMATION ESSAY the impression that she does not obtain human emotions and traits. Many 3D modeling were done in this video. Scenes like forest, outer-space, castle, desert, skyscrapers are implemented. Lightings play a heavy role in the music video, especially the lighting stimulations with ray-traced reflections, which create realism. Colored lightings always create dramatic in the video.Because of the band and background nature, this video especially captures audience who are interested in space. With both being animations, different mood is conveyed in both of them. Both are created to cater their targeted audience with different compositions. Each shot aids the views to expand their knowledge of the story and characters more. Therefore, both videos have same objective but different results. References: Kerlow, I. (2009). The Art of 3D Computer Animation and Effect. (4th ed).New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Lee KJ (2011). IAT 343 Animations Lecture Notes (Week1 â₠¬â€œ Week11). Zinkia Entertainment. (2011) Pocoyo. http://www. pocoyo. com/ Granada International. (2011) Pocoyo USA. POCOYO – WHALES BIRTHDAY. Youtube Video http://www. youtube. com/watch? v=gh0KClm8w2s Sony Records. (2011) Genki Rockets. http://www. genkirockets. com/en/ Sony Music Publishing. (2011) Akatoubutudan (2010). Genki Rockets – make. believe. Youtube Video http://www. youtube. com/watch? v=tRDo13wthew 2

Supply Chain Management system of ‘Aarong’ Essay

1. Introduction: In today’s competitive world of Business competitive advantage can be gain by proper information system and developing that information system. Aarong information system is a sign of the modern business organization of Bangladesh. Supply chain management is the streamlining of a business’ supply-side activities to maximize customer value and to gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Supply chain management (SCM) represents an effort by suppliers to develop and implement supply chains that are as efficient and economical as possible. Supply chains cover everything from production, to product development, to the information systems needed to direct these undertakings. 1.1. Background of the study: Aarong emanated from BRAC’s core mission of alleviating poverty and empowering people. In the 1970s, BRAC was examining any and all possibilities for alternative forms of productive livelihood, especially for women, and the proper commercialization of art and crafts turned out to be a promising option. In December 1978 when BRAC decided to open its own retail outlet under the brand name Aarong, meaning ‘village fair’, it broadened its arms to include other artisans and master craftsmen throughout Bangladesh who were involved in the making of handicrafts for generations, and were finding it extremely difficult to survive in the newly formed country. Ever since then Aarong has been helping to establish market linkages for rural artisans, revive crafts and interpret them for the contemporary marketplace. 1.2. Objective of the Study: The main objective of the report is to find out the supply chain management system of Aarong by using Management information system. The main objectives of these reports are, 1. To know Aarong’s information system 2. To know how they use MIS for supply chain management 3. To know the organizational structure of Aarong 4. To know the product promotion of Aarong 5. To know their office management 6. To know the communication structure of Aarong for the management of supply chain. 1.3. Limitation of the Study: In every research work there exist some limitations that the researcher faces while conducting different activities. In the process of research work, we also come across certain limitations that hampered the actual findings and analysis of our research work. Some of limitations can be identified are: 1. Employees of Aarong are usually busy with their daily work and activities, so it is quite impossible sometime to get time from them for getting information about our report. 2. Sometimes the authority does not provide their internal information which is very difficult to collect from any other sources. 3. This is quite difficult to collect all the data of supply chain management of Arong by using Management Information System. 2. Methodology of the study: Methodology is the life blood of a report. The methodology of these report’s are, 2.1. Data collection technique: 1. Questionnaire: A structured questionnaire was asked to the different people of different areas where the Aarongs super store is situated. 2. Observation: we were visited Aarong’s Mohammadpur Branch and observed their products prices and their shop’s environment. 3. Secondary information: secondary information has collected by reviewing websites, Journals and some other relevant documents. 2.2. Sources of Data Collection: 1. Primary Source: the primary information is gathered through informal interviews of the employees working over there under management level, their salesman who are directly involved with selling product and also observation while visiting the office premises. 2. Secondary Source: Secondary sources had also used to collect information. Secondary sources include: a. Features and articles published in newspapers and other journals. b. Visiting website of Aarong super store. 3. Current Scenario of Aarong: Today, Aarong’s reach has spread from where it started, Manikganj, to the rest of the country. From a single shop, Aarong has grown into one of Bangladesh’s biggest retail chains offering one-stop shopping experience through 10 stores spread across the major Metropolitan areas of the country – in Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna and Sylhet and one in London, UK. Aarong showcases over 100 product categories from clothing to household items, gifts and fashion accessories to children’s toys, ethnic wear to beautiful crafts, from silks, handloom cotton, Endi to Terracotta, bamboo, jute and much more. Aarong also plays the role of protector and promoter of traditional Bangladeshi products and designs. It houses an extensive design library where remnants of our rich craft heritage, such as Nakshikantha art and Jamdani patterns, have been widely researched and archived for present as well as future use. 3.1. Aarong’s Mission: Aarong’s mission is to help sustain rural craftsmanship and find a wider market for their product nationally and internationally. 3.2. Aarong’s Vision: Aarong has one outlet in London and exporting to other countries of North America, Europe and some Asian countries. Because of migrating Bangladeshis in those areas, they are targeting to make more franchising activities in those North American and European region. They basically are targeting those activities after fulfillment the customer demand in domestic market. 3.3. Products of Aarong: Some products picture is given below. 4. Aarong’s Supply Chain: Figure 1: Supply chain system of Aarong Aarong’s supply chain is the movement of materials as they flow from their source to the end customer. The whole supply chain of Aarong includes purchasing, manufacturing, warehousing, transportation, customer service;  demand planning, supply planning and Supply Chain management. It is made up of the employees, activities, information and resources involved in moving a product from Aarong’s supplier to its customer. 4.1. How Aarong’s Supply Chain Management System is build: Aarong’s supply chain management system is a group of things working together. Computers, fax machines, data storage system, operating personals, procedures for the employees and the most vital components of Aarong’s supply chain management system are its telecommunication system. Cell phones helped Aarong to create a communication network with every suppliers and transportation partners across the country. All this components work together to provide information to collect products, manage the suppliers, to provide services, create report etc. Different computer software’s are also used in the supply Chain management of Aarong but the main supply chain management software is developed by Aarong. This software is used for both supply chain planning and to help them to execute the supply chain steps. Aarong has hired trained professionals to operate its supply chain management system and keep updating. Aarong’s supply chain management system can be divided into two systems. Both of this system is vital for Aarong’s business. 1. Supply Chain Planning System and 2. Supply Chain Execution System. 4.2. Supply Chain Planning System: Aarong’s supply chain planning helps Aarong to create a model for its existing supply chain, its helps management to measure demand forecasts for different products and develop a way to find best source for meeting those demands and manufacturing plans. Aarong have turned to their customers for help. By communicating directly with customers about what they want and by getting their feedback on existing products, management are able to more accurately understand the needs and wants of their target audiences. With  this information, they can make a forecast that reflects customer reality. Furthermore, improved technology has of Aarong made it even easier to get their hands on customer feedback. The Website of Aarong for example, makes it possible for organization to communicate with customers in real-time, so they can then use the data immediately in their forecasts. Aarong has developed a central database for all the information and it gives access to suppliers and partners. These technology improvements along with real-time customer feedback have made it possible to more accurately predict revenue, profit, and sales in the near future. More accurate planning means that Aarong can work together with their vendors and distributors to outline a plan that makes sense based on those forecasts so that no one is put into a negative situation. Overall, supply chain planning is a critical component of Aarong’s supply chain management. Without accurate planning abilities, businesses end up cutting into their revenue unnecessarily and possibly putting vendors and distributors into difficult situations that may strain the supply chain relationships in the long run. 4.3. Supply Chain Execution System: Aarong’s supply chain execution system is mainly consists of its transportation partners. They manage the flow of products though distribution centers and warehouses to ensure the products are delivered to the right locations in the most efficient manner. Aarong track the physical status of goods, the Management of materials, warehouses, transportation operations and financial information involving all parties. 4.4. Aarong’s Supply Chain Management Process: 1. Planning: Aarong’s supply chain management planning starts at the top of the management. Management tries to balance out the demand and supply to meet Aarong’s sourcing, production, delivery and return requirements. 2. Sourcing: Aarong has large pool of sources to meets it supply. As the demand requires suppliers come up with raw materials and goods. Then it creates a product which we can exploit. 3. Making: Co-operatives comes up with final goods and they deliver them to  the final processing section of Aarong. The goods or products are ready to use for the customers. 4. Delivering: Aarong’s delivering process is managed by its own transportation. Aarong directly distributes its product to the consumers. Their job is to distribute shipments properly. â€Å"Just-in-time† is followed in delivery process. 5. Returning: Return process is consisting of product returns and post delivery customer support which is done by Aarong. Generally Aarong obtained their products to their consumers within 30days.Its also includes Aarong’s return process. 6. Logistics: Aarong’s top level management plans, supportive relation to their consumers and control of all other factors that have an impact on the supply chain. 4.5. Aarong’s Supply Chain Management Information Flow: Information flows from customers to Employee or from employees to operating personnel in the information system. Then information goes to the floor manager. Floor manager shows it to the consultants of Aarong. Consultant shows it to the top level management of Aarong. Top level orders its suppliers to modify, improve or create product to meet the customer demand. 4.6. Managerial Skills: Aarong has trained operating personnel for its accounting department and website. Operating personnel job is to maintain the information system and repair if any error ever occurs. Aarong’s operating personnel are highly qualified in their job sectors. Aarong’s information system is designed to be employee friendly. Employees do not have to know lot about technology to operate its regular applications. Its information system is very secure. Employees strictly follow all the principled rules. All customers’ orders, addresses or any kind of information is remaining private. Accuracy is practiced and monitored by operating personnel’s. Access of employee information is strictly forbidden. So Aarong has the ability to adjust  technology strategy alignment to accommodate the use of IT and manage business process. The Internet has emerged in the recent past as a dynamic medium for channeling transactions between customers and firms in virtual marketplace. In particular, the World Wide Web has emerged as a powerful new channel for supply chain, rendering many intermediaries obsolete, and drastically revamping the value chain. So Aarong has taken the opportunity to expand its business through net. Aarong’s employees can see as an asset for this kind of expansion. But in our country the growth in e-business seems slow although internet is challenging the traditional supply chain structures that firms have employed to get goods and services to market. Aarong has re-evaluated their value proposition to customers, and meet the challenges of more nimble rivals. Aarong seems to be one of the organization which is interested provide online based order and information system to its customer. So Aarong has a very dazzling managerial skill in internet based supply chain. 4.7. Aarong’s performance improvements by Supply Chain Management: 4.8. Competitive Advantage of Aarong’s Supply Chain Management System: Competitor analysis in marketing is an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of current and potential competitors. This analysis provides both an offensive and defensive strategic context through which to identify opportunities and threats. Competitor profiling coalesces all of the relevant sources of competitor analysis into one framework in the support of efficient and effective strategy formulation, implementation, monitoring and adjustment. Aarong has its own version of the competitive analysis and its function is clear: to line up your product with other products and show where yours falls short and where yours is superior. Each industry brings a different spin to this old favorite and user experience design has its own set of criteria by which to judge competitors. 5. Graphical Analysis: A structured questionnaire was asked to the different people of different areas where the Aarongs super store is situated. We surveyed this questionnaire of Aarongs employees and gather much information about supply  chain management. On this basis we made some graphical chart for showing some important issue. 5.1. Systems are currently used in Aarong: For the calculation see Table no: 2 at page 19 5.2. Facing the problems below when using these systems: For the calculation see Table no: 2 at page 19 5.3. Competitors Analysis of Aarong: Aarong has competitive advantage over its competitors on almost every factor. Only few companies have ability to chase some sort of advantage like Aarong. Such as qualities and innovativeness, Kay-Kraft and Anjan’s supplier, Rang’s color and Khubsoorti’s cost. Aarong has gain competitive advantage through its supply chain management system. Aarong has a vast network system with its thousands of suppliers and manufacturers which gave Aarong superior production and resource allocation power. Competitors do not have power that can match Aarong’s production capability so they are losing shelves. SCM keeps track of its supplier and its inventory properly so there less costly and hustle free for the employees. Performance of service has increased more than its competitors so there are more satisfied customers of Aarong. 6. Conclusion: There is a reason why Aarong is at the forefront of the urban fashion-scene. Their innovative clothing line fuses ethnic wear with global trends using traditional Bangladeshi materials. Aarong is a support enterprise of BRAC. A significant portion of their earnings are invested towards improving the socio-economic standards of disadvantaged artisans and underprivileged rural women of various communities. Aarong organizational vision will be achieved smoothly and that is the women will be empowered through â€Å"grass-root level women entrepreneur development† and this empowerment will change the overall scenario of economic condition. 7. Recommendations: With multiple stores in Dhaka, Aarong is a leader in superstore retail  organizations. The combination of quality and price under various brand name offers customers value for their money. We have examined and evaluated the operations of Aarong. We recommended the following in to order to ensure continued success for the future of all Marks and Spencer stores. 1. Find alternative sources to marks and Spencer stores abroad. 2. Increased marketing efforts.

The Leader as a Strategist Report

The Leader as a Strategist Report Holly A. Shones Argosy University Perspectives in Change Leadership B6027 A01 Dr. Karen Ivy April 22, 2012 In late 2009 Mayo Clinic (MC) updated the vision, mission and strategy of the institution to better align with the ever changing healthcare industry. The primary value at MC is â€Å"the needs of the patient come first†. The mission is â€Å"to inspire hope and contribute to health and well-being by providing the best care to every patient through integrated clinical practice, education and research†.The vision is â€Å"Mayo Clinic will provide an unparalleled experience as the most trusted partner for health care†. The four strategic requirements at MC are â€Å"solution and hope, trusted and affordable, knowledge to delivery, and transforming health care delivery† (Mayo, 2012a). According to Porter (1996) it can be useful for a company to look at the history of the business and implement the strategy of the past wit h a modern twist. An approach such as this can help to re-energize a company’s strategy and gain the commitment of the employees to carry out the strategies in their daily activities.The idea of â€Å"the needs of the patient come first† was originally attributed to Dr. William Mayo. By aligning the vision, mission and strategy of the institution around the value of the Mayo brothers, MC is able to inspire employees to work towards the goal of the mission statement. In the past MC relied on reputation and word of mouth to attract new patients. The patients had to travel to a physical location for a consultation and/or treatment. The institution did not advertise and was very low key.Only in the past several years has MC considered how to reach the large market population which is unable to access healthcare from MC with such a narrow view of the target market segment. The economic situation of the late 2000’s and the uncertainty of healthcare reimbursements has required MC to take a new look at possible patient populations in order to remain competitive in today’s market. The new motto at MC for targeting customers is â€Å"Mayo here, there and everywhere† (Mayo, 2008). MC is expanding its target market to include populations other than the core business of patients visiting the physical sites.MC is now expanding the target market to include people globally through partnerships in other countries including India, Sweden and the Czech Republic (Springer, 2011). The institution even has a space at the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN in order to reach more patients with health and wellness information (Adams, 2011). The healthcare industry is becoming increasingly more customer driven rather than physician driven. MC is starting to utilize the Internet to reach out everywhere to empower people to take control of their healthcare decisions.Patients are using the Internet to research medical issues. They want to be informed and understand the choices in their own healthcare plan. MC provides accurate information on diseases and possible treatments via the Internet. Another way MC has expanded beyond its physical walls is through a collaborative venture with an outside partner to create medical applications for cellular phones (Pesek, 2012). The institution is working on e-Consults and AskMayoExpert sites so physicians at other locations can tap into the knowledge of the MC team.The institution is expanding its sphere of knowledge through an affiliated practice network in several locations within the United States. The affiliated practice network allows other medical institutions within the network the ability to draw on MC’s knowledge. Through the creation of affiliated practice networks MC’s â€Å"new strategy is to extend the Mayo Clinic's geographic reach without building costly new facilities, spending money to acquire hospitals or consolidating with another health system† (Tockne ll, 2011) and at the same time meeting the needs of the patient here, there and everywhere.Another recent addition to MC is The Center for Social Media to bring to the forefront the importance of social media use in healthcare for this generation and the generations to come. With the new target market strategy MC will continue to grow and come closer to the vision of the institution. â€Å"Strategy is the creation of a unique and valuable position, involving a different set of activities† (Porter, 1996, p. 68). MC has delivered value to patients through its integrated approach to healthcare. The physicians are compensated a flat rate salary rather than compensated based on number of patients seen or procedures done.The physicians are able to fully focus on the patient’s medical issues during consultations without considering their own financial gain from the visit. Dr. William Mayo stated in a speech in 1910 â€Å"The best interest of the patient is the only interest to be considered† (Fox, 2010). This statement has been a cornerstone of the Mayo culture and work practice since its inception. Through the team based approach of Mayo’s model of care, MC is able to provide superior care compared to other institutions which do not have the team knowledge.Mayo is able to perform similar activities in different ways compared to other healthcare institutions due to the team based philosophy and the integrated approach to healthcare delivery. Porter (1996) considers this key to strategic positioning. MC’s sustainability is different from the competitors due to the reputation of the institution. MC is able to attract and retain a well qualified workforce in all areas. MC was rated as the third top hospital in the nation in 2011(U. S. News ; World Report, 2011).In addition, MC ranked 71 out of the top 100 companies to work for this year (CNNMoney, 2012). MC is able to build on the institutions past reputation to create their unique pos ition in the healthcare market. MC has implemented several new areas or themes to stay ahead of the competitors, also. MC is focused on innovation within healthcare with the creation of the Center for Innovation. To align with the four strategies, MC is investing in cutting edge research and continuing education. The institution recently created three new Centers.The Center for Regenerative Medicine which is focused on ways to healing damaged tissue and organs, the Center for the Science of Healthcare Delivery which is focused on using scientific method to bring efficiencies to medicine, and the Center for Individualized Medicine which is focused on â€Å"leveraging genetic knowledge to find treatments, identify risks, or determine the right drug or dosage for patients† (Discovery’s Edge, 2012). By remaining at the forefront of discovery and translational science MC is able to stay ahead of the competition.The investment into the innovative centers will be the conduit which will allow MC to be able to achieve the mission of providing the best care to every patient through integrated clinical practice, education and research. The strengths of MC as a formidable competitor are abundant, but there is always room for improvement. Dr. William Mayo stated â€Å"If we are satisfied, we are lost† (Mayo, 2011). Table 1 is a SWOT analysis of Mayo Clinic. One of the most important strengths for MC would be its reputation as a world class healthcare facility which helps to reinforce brand recognition.Our reputation has been built on the institution’s patient centered approach to healthcare, education, training and team environment. The institutional reputation has helped with recruitment of quality staff, also. In order to recruit and retain staff, MC offers many career development opportunities such as tuition assistance, continuing education classes and other seminars to increase staff satisfaction. Compensation trends for job classifications are monitored on a yearly basis and salaries are adjusted every year to stay competitive as a way to attract and retain quality employees. Mayo’s strong financial performance is another strength.MC had an operating margin of 6. 5 percent in 2010. In 2011 the operating margin increased to more than 7 percent (Mayo, 2012b). Since Mayo is a non-profit organization the profit is reinvested into the future of healthcare. MC announced the institution will reinvest $3. 5 billion on capital projects in the next five years which will be spent on information technology, equipment, facilities and other strategic investments (Snowbeck, 2012). With such a great financial performance, MC is able to act on opportunities such as telemedicine and cutting edge research to strengthen their position in the healthcare market.The use of electronic medical records (EMR) at MC is an important strength. It enhances the collaboration between teams by allowing any staff member who needs access to a pa tient’s medical record to have immediate access to the data. The EMR system increases efficiency and quality of care for the patient. SWOT Analysis STRENGTHS * Brand recognition * Reputation * Patient-centered approach * Strong financial performance * Quality of staff * Electronic medical record integration. Three shield concept – Practice, Research, Education * Senior leadership’s commitment to the vision and strategic plan| WEAKNESSES * Decision making process – execution of plans are slow * One Mayo concept slow to implementation * Quality differences perceived across campuses * Size of institution continues to grow increasing communication challenges * Geographical location| OPPORTUNITIES * Ability to be a leader in healthcare reform – influence government * Pioneer in healthcare delivery science * Innovation through new strategic initiatives * Telemedicine * Scientific advances with new technologies| THREATS * Healthcare reform/every changing political climate * Aging population * Increasing healthcare expense vs. diminishing healthcare reimbursements * Competitive market * Reliance on philanthropic gifts * Increased dissatisfaction in healthcare among the general population | Table 1 – Mayo Clinic SWOT Analysis Some of the weaknesses which MC faces are related to the size of the institution and the philosophy surrounding decision making. MC is a consensus led institution with many levels of oversight committees.Projects are vetted by many individuals within the organization before they are approved. Mayo thinks about their reputation and is risk adverse in many decisions made. As the institution continues to grow it is becoming more of a challenge to communicate throughout the organization in a personal way. MC continues to add small healthcare sites into the Mayo Clinic Health System. Leadership is working towards a one Mayo concept, but it is a slow process to integrate the newly acquired institutions within Ma yo. Each new site has different systems and processes which must be integrated into Mayo’s system. As Mayo expands its presence there is a perceived quality difference by other campuses.As an example, I am working on a project within the Institutional Review Board (IRB) to integrate four new Mayo Clinic health sites into the electronic system. The sites will be able to submit research protocol applications electronically at an enterprise level rather than each site approving their own research protocols. I have seen first-hand that staff at one location does not believe the quality of the review of the protocols at another site is sufficient. Attitudes such as this can lead to a breakdown of teamwork across the sites. The geographical location of MC can be seen as a weakness, also. The campuses are not located in large metropolitan locations. The weakness will decrease as the use of telemedicine increases. Exciting opportunities in healthcare are happening at MC.With the disc ussion of healthcare reform at the governmental level, MC has been tapped as a resource for discussion surrounding what healthcare should look like in the future. The institution can influence future governmental decisions on healthcare to spread the mission and vision of our institution. As MC continues to invest in the new strategic initiatives of healthcare delivery, regenerative medicine and individualized medicine the doors of opportunity to change health care delivery and increase translational science to practice in a shorter time than in the past. With new technologies healthcare is changing on a daily basis which allows for many new opportunities for discovery of better ways to meet the patient’s needs. Telemedicine is an area of great opportunity for Mayo, also.It could become a fast, efficient way to diagnose and treat patients which cannot physically travel to a MC campus. MC faces threats in the healthcare industry, though. The current state of healthcare reform is in flux. The political climate is continually changing. In addition, healthcare expenses continue to rise as reimbursements continue to decline. The payer mix is changing as the baby boomers are covered by Medicare. Medicare reimbursement is less than the other payers. As the population ages, revenue will decrease. The institution must discover new ways to increase efficiency and quality at the same time. Another financial weakness is the fact that a large portion of Mayo’s research funding comes from the National Institute of Health.As an employee in the research arena, I know the institution does not know what the next year’s governmental budget will be. Each year the selection of grant recipients grows more competitive with fewer grants awarded. Loss of the research funding would have a huge impact on the institution. Another threat is the reliance on philanthropic gifts to support Mayo’s mission. In 2011 $318 million was donated to support Mayo (Snowbeck, 2012). A poor economic climate can cause a decrease of benefactor gifts which would be a threat to the continued success of MC. Finally, the general dissatisfaction in healthcare among the general population could be perceived as a threat to the institution.MC must realize that healthcare can no longer be a physician driven business, but must become a customer driven business. The internal environment at MC is team based and focused on collaboration to accomplish our key value of â€Å"the needs of the patient come first†. MC is a physician led institution. The person in the CEO position must have an MD. The structure of the institution is team orientated. The Board of Trustees determines the direction of MC operations and strategic plan. The Board of Governors is the executive committee of the Board of Trustees. There are Management Teams throughout the institution to ensure the strategies and operation directive are effectively executed by all departments under Mayo leader ship.Executive Operations Committees direct the daily operations within the institution. These board and committees are part of Administration. The Management Teams and Executive Operations Committees are present for all three shields at MC. There are Chairs for each department within the three shields to help with the daily direction of operations. The direction of the institution comes from top leadership, but each department is given flexibility to determine the best way to accomplish the strategies set by the institution. To help reinforce the strategies, MC has adopted a project plan template which includes a section which requires the project group to think about how they will accomplish MC’s strategy with each project.Figure 1 is an example of the project charter (Mayo, n. d. ). Strategic Alignment| People| Processes| Create the healthcare workforce of the future that sustains Mayo’s values (People) D1. Improve staff’s ability to deliver high value care a . Facilities/Equipment b. Training/support for process changes * Implement individual provider scorecards including quality and cost metrics (outcomes, safety, service, cost, competence, adherence to standardized practice guidelines) * Invest in continuous staff development to improve staff satisfaction and retention * Increase diversity of staff and development of diverse staff * Improve leadership training and mentoring Increase the number and skill of physicians and clinical and basic scientists engaged in generating new knowledge * Increase our capacity and skill in comparative effectiveness and health care delivery research| Transform Mayo Clinic’s knowledge management and healthcare delivery process (Process) * Provide solutions and hope for patients a. Clinical Trials b. Implement Individualized Medicine into the practice c. Regenerative medicine d. Advance commercialization of research discoveries research discoveries * Standardize, improve effectiveness (outcomes, sa fety, service), and reduce cost a. Standardization b. Outcomes ; Safety c. Service d.Manage to Reimbursement * Explore new payment mechanisms * Generate, evaluate, integrate, and manage knowledge and information a. Information b. Knowledge c. Delivery * Create global value-adding relationships, alliances, and partnerships a. Patients and Consumers b. Providers C6. Increase our offerings for health and healthy living| Primary Operating Objective (Choose one from above, need sub-objective where applicable):| Secondary Operating Objective Optional (Choose one from above, need sub-objective where applicable):| Figure 1 – Project Charter Example In some ways MC is ahead of the curve by the use of systems to coordinate work throughout the organization. In other areas it is still a work in process.The EMR system is an excellent example of systems working to enhance communication, collaboration and coordinating between groups in the institution which aligns with the strategies of the institution. Finance has been working on a system to help with financial management forecasting and planning. The system is rather new and all of the functionality of the system is not being utilized at the current moment. The culture at Mayo is consensus and collaboration. The organizational culture is an enabler for the institution’s strategy in most cases. All employees are able to speak up and discover areas which need improvement. They are also given the chance to create solutions.MC works diligently to communicate the strategy to everyone. They create internal videos highlighting the vision, mission and strategies of the institution called â€Å"The Mayo Effect. There is a website dedicated to the subject. The culture at Mayo is everyone plays a part in the needs of the patient come first even if you do not have any patient contact. There is a sense of pride to be part of such a noble cause. Sometimes the culture can be a hindrance to the strategy, though. Innovation can be difficult at times in a consensus driven institution. By the time everyone agrees or accepts an idea, another group outside of Mayo could have run with the innovative idea.Another issue is the risk aversion created with consensus decision making. When you are risk averse, it is difficult to be innovative. Mayo incorporates Kouses and Posner’s five practices of exemplary leadership throughout the institution. The following summary highlights some of the ways Mayo has been able to model the way, inspire a shared vision, challenge the process, enable others to act and encourage the heart. Modeling the Way * Setting a positive example: The founders (Will and Charles Mayo) strong belief in helping individuals, researching for solutions, and educating future care givers. Later generations of healthcare individuals are also highlighted. Achieve small wins by creating opportunities: Staff, physicians, and administration are empowered to promote and/or implement cost saving ide as or patient centered healthcare improvements. * Stand up for what you believe in: Mayo’s Three Shields are displayed throughout the organization reminding employees of practice, research, and education. Inspiring a Shared Vision * Envision an uplifting future: Websites and media promote a patient advances, success stories, and innovation improvements. * Let others know how you feel: Patients, external/internal focus groups, and external organizations are regularly polled for feedback, which is used to improve the organization. Believe in the organization: â€Å"We can do anything we set our mind to† is often a common quote used by staff. Challenging the Process * Search for Opportunities: Teams of improvement agents are available to evaluate and act upon suggestions. * Experiment and Take Risks and Challenge the Status Quo: Funding a leading â€Å"Center of Innovation† * Adopt the â€Å"great idea† of others: Entire division devoted to quality improveme nts throughout the entire institution. Enabling Others to Act * Always say â€Å"we†: In publications, both print and electronic, â€Å"we† is commonly used. â€Å"One Mayo† philosophy. * Strengthen people by making them heroes: Mayo allows staff time off to volunteer.It is not uncommon to find physicians playing music for patients, management in blue jackets directing patients, or staff donating blood. * Value teamwork and trust: Consensus and collaboration are key words within the organization. Encouraging the Heart * Recognize individual contributions: Mayo recognizes volunteers and staff who go to extraordinary lengths to support patients or make a difference in healthcare delivery. * Celebrate team accomplishments: â€Å"Team excellence† awards are distributed and highlighted throughout the organization. * Motivate others: Management are encouraged to write â€Å"thank you† notes to staff and may include a small discretionary gift card as reco gnition. Overall, Mayo is taking great strides towards achieving some lofty strategic goals.As long as everyone continues to remember the patient’s needs come first when making decisions which will ultimately affect outcomes, Mayo will stay competitive in the healthcare industry while at the same time delivering the best healthcare outcomes to people throughout the world. References Adams, J. (2011, August 10). Mayo Clinic opening high-tech outpost at the Mall of America. Retrieved from http://www. startribune. com/business/127497038. html CNNMoney (2012). 100 Best Companies to Work For. Retrieved from http://money. cnn. com/magazines/fortune/best-companies/2012/full_list/ Discovery’s Edge (2012). Research Centers. Retrieved from http://discoverysedge. mayo. edu/de11-1-research-centers. cfm Fox, F. (2010, December 2). Clinic Guide. Retrieved from http://www. clinicguide. org/the-best-interest-of-the-patient-is-the-only-inter