Strategic Manufacturing Management Questions and Answers :: Strategic Manufacturing Management Essays

Question 1: Hayes and Wheelright (1984) and Mintzberg (1987) spoke of strategy as a pattern of decisions. What do they mean by this? (5 Marks) Strategy is the pattern of decisions determining the organization’s objectives, purposes, or goals. It outlines the principal policies and plans for achieving those goals, and clearly defines the range of businesses the organization has to pursue. Strategy as a pattern of decisions also highlights the nature of human and economic organization it intends to be, and the nature of the economic and noneconomic contribution it intends to make towards its stakeholders, mainly, the shareholders, customers, employees, and communities[1]. Mintzberg (1987), characterizing ten ‘schools of thought’ in his consideration of strategy, has defined strategy as a pattern, a plan, a ploy, a position, and a perspective[2]. He has further classified different strategy making processes, specifying that a â€Å"realised strategy† is â€Å"emergent† and â€Å"deliberate† as shown in Figure 1-1. Moreover, Mintzberg discusses the difference between strategic thinking and strategic planning, highlighting that planning involves analysis and thinking involves synthesis, and the outcome of strategic thinking is an integrated perspective[3]. For strategies to be ploys or plans, they need to follow a specific stream of actions. Plans or ploys are â€Å"intended strategy† which are realized through patterns, as pointed out by Mintzberg. Figure 1-1 "Deliberate" and "emergent" strategy forming "realized" strategy[2] According to Hayes and Wheelright (1984) an implementation of strategy requires a structured integrative pattern of mutually supported decisions made over a period of time. Five characteristics that make up strategy are time, concentration of effort, impact, pattern of decision, and pervasiveness as stated by Hayes and Wheelwright. They also point out that effective operation strategies need to be consistent and contribute to competitive advantage. Consistency should prevail between operations strategy and business strategy, between operations strategy and the other functional strategies, and within different decision areas of operations strategy. In order to be able to positively contribute towards competitive advantage, the strategy should enable operations to set priorities right to enhance competitive advantage, clearly state the operations strategy for the rest of the organization to easily comprehend, accentuate opportunities where operations can complement business strategy, a nd ensure operating capabilities that may be required in the future. Hayes and Wheelwright (1984) have categorized different types of organizations based on their attitude towards operations in a four stage model. The four stages, as shown in table below are, Internally Neutral, Externally Neutral, Internally Supportive, and Externally Supportive, in the order[2].

Migrants Culture in Host Country

| Migrant’s culture in host country Culture is generally accepted way of doing activities in a society which includes beliefs, symbols, values, behaviour and social organization. Migrants adopt and mix with new culture since culture change in inevitable. There are certain arguments for maintaining one’s native culture in a new country. However, it is a defended that migrants should adopt the host country’s culture. This essay will consider the arguments for retaining or not retaining ones culture in the new country. To begin with, people have developed their own way of living in the country of origin and they are accustomed to doing activities in the local ways. One of habits is the cooking styles. Migrants are usually middle aged people who find it difficult to adopt new ways of cooking because they are used to and experience in their traditional ways. To mark the special events celebrated back at home, food is cooked as it is done at home country. For instance, cook islanders cook in earth oven which gives a sense of togetherness and feeling for there culture (Manderson, 1986). Therefore, the migrants continue with their traditional ways to keep the culture alive and enjoy the same taste as home country. However, it is not always possible to practise such cooking in foreign countries. Migrants usually rent a flat where ground is not always available. Place where it is vacant, it is prohibited to dig others compound. Lighting open fires in city area would create problems to residents, ringing of fire alarm and even pollution which is a major benchmark in urban centres. To add another point, the visitors more from the host country who will prefer food they are used to eating such as those prepared in grill and electric appliances. For example, to serve island food to European would be dishonour to their culture (Manderson, 1986). As a result, migrants strongly need to adapt to host cooking style to overcome such problem. Another cultural aspect which is argued on is traditional ceremonies and festival. The emigrants retain these practises as one need to perform a ritual (which includes births, deaths and marriage) in the traditional to fulfil the requirements. For example, Indian migrants celebrate Diwali (Hindu festival of lights) all over the world. . Constant practise of the ceremonies compel the dominant group to adopt the changes such as in case of Fiji where Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday is given a public holiday as the Muslims (a minority group in Fiji) brought the festival during indentured system. On the other hand, it is difficult to perform such religious activities since it may cause distraction to host people or its value is not recognised in the new society. For instance, holiday given in home country is not observed in the host country. Moreover, the resource (offerings and ornaments) are not available in the country of migration. For instance, Fiji Indians are not able to play with fire crackers because it is embargo goods (The Fiji Times, 1st November 2008, p. 1). Another example is that indigenous Fijians kill cattle during death ceremony at home, but in the most developed countries, animal can only be killed in abattoirs. Consequently, this hindrance prevents the migrants to practise their culture in other countries. These constraints compel them to follow the host culture. The next cultural feature which the migrants retain is the language. Migrants retain their language to maintain the identity of ethnicity and pass the language to younger generations. Knowing one’s own language, the person can read the religious scripts which are mostly written in vernacular. Words used in translation not always carry the same meaning as in the original writing. Maintaining the language enable the person to better communicate with people of home country. Thus, for these reasons the migrants preserve the native language. On the other side, it is very important for the person to understand the language of host culture to communicate and socialise with the people. Understanding the host language prevents communication breakdown between two groups of people. (Clifford, 1973). Situation where communication is a problem, the migrants will encounter culture shock and segregation in the society. Moreover, if person understand the host language, it would be easier to use the facilities such as railway timetables where directions are written in the host language. In conclusion, there are strong reasons as why to retain or why not to retain one’s culture in the host country. However, a person needs to change the traditional culture and adopt the new ways to be adopted in the new society. A changing culture will enable a person to overcome culture shock and segregation. It is strongly argued that a person should change the culture and adopt the new ways of living. Every culture is susceptible to change; therefore, a person should be flexible enough to adopt new ways.

Awareness Of Sensory Loss Essay

In sensory loss (touch, mobility, vision, hearing) this can have a negative impact to an individual like for example in mobility an individual can experience poor mobility, leaning to one side or difficulty with their coordination, the individual may have difficulty to feed or dress themselves, or may not be able to participate in an activity and in some circumstances an individual may not be able to manage/maintain their personal daily living. Another is eyesight or vision, an individual who suffers from this disability may have a very hard time communicating or even to express themselves to what they want to do and what their wishes are without the help of another person. This case is the same with an individual who is deaf or have limited hearing. see more:identify the main causes of sensory loss Sometimes when you suffer from these disabilities, people easily judge you in a way that they try to seclude you or belong you to have a below average intelligence and assume that you cannot do or think for yourself or think the same as other people which may cause further illnesses for the individual such as depression, anxiety and isolation. There can also be a positive impact of having these disabilities because help is always available, aids and benefits are available to support you, there are care systems in place that an individual may use to support them with day to day living and encourage the individual to have a positive outlook on life, helping the individual lead as much as an independent life as possible which in the long run will ensure the individual is happy and secure. 1.2 Some steps that can be taken to overcome the negative factors could be; With an individual with sight impairment ensure the individual has their glasses on if prescribed, ensure the glasses are clean and the individual is able see through them. Ensure the area is clear of any obstacles to prevent the individual from tripping over or bumping into things, if the environment remains the same and items are not moved the individual may find it easier to move around as they will be familiar with where things are and will be able to avoid them. An individual who has a hearing impairment may find it easier to hear you if they are taken in to a quiet and well lit environment  to talk, also ensure the individuals hearing aids are in and working and the volume is turned up to their liking. Always make the individual aware of different groups and organisations that can help them, ensure people include the individual when they can instead of talking over them or leaving them out of activities as if they are not there. If this does happen then challenge any discrimination and explain why it is wrong. 1.3 People placing limitations on an individual with sensory loss can be disabling, for example, believing that a blind/poor sighted individual can’t manage alone or can’t see what others are doing toward them or others, or that of a deaf/poor hearing individual are funny because of the way they talk or are mocked for continually asking for a person to repeat themselves. These attitudes and beliefs can prevent the person being including in society as an equal. This can then have a negative effect on the individual which can cause a chain reaction of mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety and isolation. 1.4 You can overcome disabling attitudes and beliefs in sensory loss by challenging discrimination immediately and explain why it’s wrong, model good practice. You can also get involved in social activities that promote positive attitudes. Outcome2 2.1 Sight loss – Always identify yourself to the individual and ensure you make it clear that you are speaking to them and not someone else, they can’t read your body language so you need to be clear about your meanings and directions etc. A noisy environment can make it difficult for them to concentrate on your voice so it may be better to try reduce background noise. Hearing loss – Be respectful to the individual when trying to get their attention e.g. use a light touch on the arm, bend down to the individuals level so they can see your face, if they lip read they will need to see your face to be able make out what you’re asking them, you need to speak clearly at a normal pace and tone, you may need to be patient and repeat things. Deaf blind – some of the above plus you need to know the levels of deafness and blindness and their preferred method of communication. 2.2 Individuals with sensory loss such as hearing or sight can benefit from different types of effective communication. Individuals with hearing loss may benefit from using sign language or pictures to communicate. Those with sight loss may benefit most from vocal communication and touch. 2.3 Information can be provided in many different ways to an individual with sensory loss listed below are a few examples of ways information can be passed on to the individual, Sensory loss –braille, tape recordings hearing loss – British sign language, Makaton, visual aids e.g. pictures, lip reading. Deaf/blindness -, Braille is a system of raised dots which can be read by touch. The Moon alphabet consists of embossed shapes which can be read by touch. Objects of Reference are objects that have special meanings assigned to them. They stand for something in the same way that words do. Outcome 3 3.1 The main cause of sensory loss is aging, as we age our senses become less and less. Sensory loss can also be caused by an illness such as dementia or by having an accident and sustaining injury. 3.2 Congenital sensory loss means the individual was born with it, whereas acquired sensory loss is when the sensory loss has developed as is the result of ageing, serious injury or illness with the individual. 3.3 The percentage of the general population having sensory loss is 45%, according to http://www.sense.org.uk/content/research-deafblindness Sense estimates that there are around 250,000 deafblind people in the UK. Outcome 4 4.1 These are a few of the many indicators and signs to identify sight loss, hearing loss and deaf/blindness. Sight loss †¢Increased sensitivity to light and glare †¢difficulty distinguishing colours †¢Clumsiness, bumping into things in familiar surroundings †¢difficulty distinguishing objects from one another †¢holding books/papers close to face †¢regular headaches/eyes hurting †¢reduced night vision †¢Trouble reading small print i.e. on medications †¢difficulty recognising faces of family and friends †¢squinting when watching the television †¢loss of interest in hobbies such as needlework Hearing loss †¢difficulty hearing clearly when in a group conversation or noisy room †¢Asking people to repeat themselves all the time †¢people appearing to mumble when they are talking normally †¢not hearing the telephone ring or the door bell †¢having to have the volume on high on the television or radio †¢hearing better in one ear compared to the other †¢Adult voices easier to understand than children’ †¢getting tired or stressed due to having to concentrate harder when listening Deaf and Blindness †¢to response to sound or light †¢sensitive to being touched †¢difficulty making sense of surroundings †¢Withdrawal and isolation †¢developmental delay †¢use of other senses, taste, smell and touch, to gain information †¢personalised methods of communication 4.2 When concerns are raised regarding sensory loss or changes, the first course of action should be to contact their g.p, eye specialists who after examination may refer them to a specialist at the hospital for further hearing and vision tests. Outcome 5 If you are concerned about sensory loss or you know someone who is you can  report this to your carers, seniors, mangers if in a care home setting. Regarding individuals living in their own home you can seek advice or report the problem to your local g.p, social worker or speak to family members. There is a website called sense you can look on for help and support regarding sensory loss and you’d like advice and information about the support and services available, you can call Sense on 0300 330 9256 or email: info@sense.org.uk.

Free Essays on Alcoholism in Young Adults

Alcoholism in young adults and alcohol abuse is a growing problem in our society. Daily, people are injured and killed in alcohol-related accidents and this has an effect on each and every person as a result of these occurrences. Whether we are personally involved or have directly suffered from the activities of someone who is under the influence of alcohol, we all suffer from the negative consequences of alcohol. Since we have those who choose to abuse these privileges we need to develop consequences for them. By learning what leads people to drink alcohol, and how this affects their lives, we can then determine what actions need to be taken to help remove ourselves from our ever-increasing attraction to alcohol. Because the abuse of alcohol often begins with adolescents and young adults, most research is based around them. At this particular time in life we hope to find out why these young adults choose to drink, and what motivates them to drink. Michael and Rebecca C. Windle, in their research, were able to show several reasons that provided incentives for adolescents to consume alcohol. Using a written survey, it was determined that the high-school students being studied used alcohol to cope with problems in their lives, including "task-oriented", "emotion-oriented", and "avoidance coping (Windle & Windle, 1996, p. 551)." The only major discrepancies in results between the sexes became obvious when it was shown by Windle and Windle that girls were more likely to use alcohol for avoidance and emotion-oriented coping than were boys, but the boys were more likely to have alcohol problems. Also found was that adolescents drank less often for social reasons than for the aforementioned coping reasons (Windle & Windle, 1996). However, coping motives were responsible for an increased consumption of alcohol. A surprising result of this study was that the students drank more frequently as a result of positive daily e... Free Essays on Alcoholism in Young Adults Free Essays on Alcoholism in Young Adults Alcoholism in young adults and alcohol abuse is a growing problem in our society. Daily, people are injured and killed in alcohol-related accidents and this has an effect on each and every person as a result of these occurrences. Whether we are personally involved or have directly suffered from the activities of someone who is under the influence of alcohol, we all suffer from the negative consequences of alcohol. Since we have those who choose to abuse these privileges we need to develop consequences for them. By learning what leads people to drink alcohol, and how this affects their lives, we can then determine what actions need to be taken to help remove ourselves from our ever-increasing attraction to alcohol. Because the abuse of alcohol often begins with adolescents and young adults, most research is based around them. At this particular time in life we hope to find out why these young adults choose to drink, and what motivates them to drink. Michael and Rebecca C. Windle, in their research, were able to show several reasons that provided incentives for adolescents to consume alcohol. Using a written survey, it was determined that the high-school students being studied used alcohol to cope with problems in their lives, including "task-oriented", "emotion-oriented", and "avoidance coping (Windle & Windle, 1996, p. 551)." The only major discrepancies in results between the sexes became obvious when it was shown by Windle and Windle that girls were more likely to use alcohol for avoidance and emotion-oriented coping than were boys, but the boys were more likely to have alcohol problems. Also found was that adolescents drank less often for social reasons than for the aforementioned coping reasons (Windle & Windle, 1996). However, coping motives were responsible for an increased consumption of alcohol. A surprising result of this study was that the students drank more frequently as a result of positive daily e...

The Revolutionary War Hero Ethan Allen

The Revolutionary War Hero Ethan Allen Ethan Allen was born in Litchfield, Connecticut in 1738. He fought in the American Revolutionary War. Allen was the leader of the Green Mountain Boys and along with Benedict Arnold captured Fort Ticonderoga from the British in 1775 in what was the first American victory of the war. After Allen’s attempts to have Vermont become a state failed, he then unsuccessfully petitioner to have Vermont become part of Canada. Vermont became a state two years after Allen’s death in 1789. Early Years Ethan Allen was born on January 21, 1738, to Joseph and Mary Baker Allen in Litchfield, Connecticut, Shortly after birth, the family moved to the neighboring town of Cornwall. Joseph wanted him to attend Yale University, but as the oldest of eight children, Ethan was forced to run the family property upon Josephs’ death in 1755.   Around 1760, Ethan made his first visit to the New Hampshire Grants, which is presently in the state of Vermont. At the time, he was serving in the Litchfield County militia fighting in the Seven Years’ War. In 1762, Ethan married Mary Brownson and they had five children.  After Mary’s death in 1783, Ethan married Frances Fanny Brush Buchanan in 1784 and they had three children. The beginning of the Green Mountain Boys Although Ethan served in the French and Indian War, he did not see any action.  After the war, Allen purchased land near the New Hampshire Grants in what is now Bennington, Vermont. Shortly after purchasing this land, a dispute arose between New York and New Hampshire over the land’s sovereign ownership. In 1770, in response to a New York Supreme Court ruling that the New Hampshire Grants were invalid, a militia named the â€Å"Green Mountain Boys† was formed in order to keep their land free and clear from the so-called â€Å"Yorkers†.  Allen was named as their leader and the Green Mountain Boys used intimidation and sometimes violence in order to force the Yorkers to leave. Role in the American Revolution At the onset of the Revolutionary War, the Green Mountain Boys immediately joined forces with the Continental Army. The Revolutionary War officially began on April 19, 1775, with the Battles of Lexington and Concord.  A major consequence of the â€Å"Battles† was the Siege of Boston whereby colonial militiamen surrounded the city in an attempt to keep the British Army from leaving Boston. After the siege began, Massachusetts military governor for the British, General Thomas Gage realized the importance of Fort Ticonderoga and sent a dispatch to General  Guy Carleton, Quebec’s governor, ordering him to send additional troops and munitions to Ticonderoga. Before the dispatch could reach Carleton in Quebec, the Green Mountain Boys led by Ethan and in a joint effort with Colonel Benedict Arnold were ready to attempt to overthrow the British at Ticonderoga.  At the break of dawn on May 10, 1775, the Continental Army won the first American victory of the young war when it crossed Lake Champlain and a force that numbered around one hundred militiamen overran the fort and captured the British forces while they slept. There was not a single soldier killed on either side nor were there any serious injuries during this battle. The following day, a group of the Green Mountain Boys led by Seth Warner took Crown Point, which was another British fort just a few miles north of Ticonderoga.   One major result of these battles was that colonial forces now had the artillery that they would need and use throughout the War. Ticonderoga’s location made the perfect staging ground for Continental Army to initiate their first campaign during the Revolutionary War – an invasion of into the British-held province of Quebec, Canada. Attempt to Overtake Fort St. John In May, Ethan led a detachment of 100 Boys to overtake Fort St. John.  The group was in four bateaux, but failed to take provisions and after two days without food, his men were extremely hungry. They came across on Lake St. John, and while Benedict Arnold provided the men food he also attempted to discourage Allen from his goal. However, he refused to heed the warning. When the group landed just above the fort, Allen learned that at least 200 British regulars were approaching. Being outnumbered, he led his men across the Richelieu River where his men spent the night. While Ethan and his men rested, the British began to fire artillery at them from across the river, causing the Boys to panic and return to Ticonderoga. Upon their return, Seth Warner replaced Ethan as the leader of the Green Mountain Boys due to their losing respect for Allen’s actions in trying to overtake Fort St. John. Campaign in Quebec Allen was able to convince Warner to allow him to stay on as a civilian scout as the Green Mountain Boys were participating in the campaign in Quebec. On September 24, Allen and about 100 men crossed the Saint Lawrence River, but the British had been alerted to their presence. In the ensuing  Battle of Longue-Pointe, he and about 30 of his men were captured. Allen was imprisoned in Cornwall, England for approximately two years and returned to the United States on May 6, 1778, as part of a prisoner exchange. Time After the War Upon his return, Allen settled in Vermont, a territory which had declared its independence from the United States as well as from Britain. He  took it upon himself to petition the Continental Congress to make Vermont the fourteenth U.S. state, but due to Vermont having disputes with surrounding states of over the rights to the territory, his attempt failed.  He then negotiated with Canadian governor Frederick Haldimand to become part of Canada but those attempts also failed. His  attempts to have Vermont become part of Canada which would have reunited the state with Great Britain, eroded the public’s confidence in his political and diplomatic capabilities. In 1787,  Ethan retired to his home in what is now Burlington, Vermont.  He died in Burlington on February 12, 1789. Two years later, Vermont joined the United States. Two of Ethan’s sons graduated from  West Point  and then serve in the  United States Army. His daughter  Fanny  converted to  Catholicism  and then she entered a convent. A grandson,  Ethan Allen Hitchcock, was a  Union Army  general in the  American Civil War.

Slavery Caused Freedom Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Slavery Caused Freedom - Essay Example In America's history, the events surrounding the story of Jamestown and Plymouth are among the most important. They involve the story of the English settlers who went on a voyage and landed the shores of America. These stories became the points of reference of the culture of America. Also, in the century-long gap between the stories of these two civilizations and the Declaration of Independence from England, that means that the original settlers already passed away, and there was no original settler to tell the story --- leaving everything to the latter generations of people who never actually witnessed the events themselves. Plymouth is actually considered as the origin of American democracy because the Pilgrims allowed objections in the midst of struggles between democracy and theocracy (Morgan 35). Jamestown, on the other hand, was founded on purely economic agenda, and it encouraged further colonization, because it showed the Englishmen that one can sustain a colony away from one 's original lands. The impact here is long decades of slavery for the African people. Also, for the Indian natives, it seemed to be the end of their culture. However, one also cannot deny that is during the Jamestown civilization that a more open social order started. The political, social and military history of colonial America affected the evolution in several ways. One way to analyze the political struggle towards independence is to look at the colonial settlement and political history of the USA.   This way, one can see what brought about the changes in the government that led things to where they are now. Foner even states: â€Å"eventually, they would be accorded the right to self-government, although no one could be sure how long this would take. In the meantime, 'empire' was another word for 'exploitation'†

Buddhism' s Success in China Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Buddhism' s Success in China - Essay Example To support this answer, this paper will compare and contrast Buddhism to Confucianism/Legalism and Daoism. Buddhism was originated in northern India, near the Himalayan Mountains, by Prince Gautama, during the sixth century B.C. Stearns summarized that the system advocated by the prince taught that enlightenment - and therefore contentment and peace in life - was achievable only through abstinence from things that promoted misery, such as sensations, perceptions, thinking, reasoning and desire for things which men find agreeable - anything that appealed to the delight of men (75-77). Because of this abstinence and its reflection on Buddhist priests and adherents, Buddhism at its early stages could be seen as emblematic of the simplicity of the Four Truths, and how each and every individual, from the lowly workers to the exalted royals, could hold to its precepts. According to Stearns, the 'Divine Sage' Confucius (Kong Fuzi) proposed a system of harmony and keeping to the Way as "a social and political ethos derived from idealized values of the past" (36). As a system it was rooted in morality and ethics, providing reason and regulations, down to the smallest measure of a 'gentleman's' conduct in a very systematic, measured and precise way. Comparing Confucianism to Buddhism puts two things into perspective: one, Confucianism focused on conduct and propriety, a worldlier set of functions, whereas Buddhism focused on abstaining from worldly matters in general. Two, Confucianism was seen as something of an appointment, an elevation to and reward of power above the rest, and therefore not suited to the common people. This level of classism was not apparent in Buddhism. Legalism The primary advocate of Legalism was Han Feizi, who advanced Confucianism into a more pragmatic viewpoint. As Stearns stated, "this harsh but effective solution for resolving the chaotic conditions that plagued the Zhou dynasty included the introduction of new managerial techniques, improved bureaucracy, enhanced communication, land reforms and standardization of weights, measures and coinage" (43). Legalism was a law-driven approach to government, and as such dealt mostly with an ancient notion of cause and effect and consequently dealing effectively with the criteria that drove and defined such polarities. Again, in the contrast of Legalism with Buddhism, we draw the conclusion that Legalism was a more restrictive approach to government, focusing on controlling and compelling the masses rather than catering to the individual's needs. Legalism can be equated to a top-down method, whereas Buddhism could be seen as a bottom-up method; individual contentment begets collective contentme nt, as opposed to informed manipulation by a few to drive the collective towards restrictive unity. Legalism was more a political system rather than a religious one. Daoism Like Confucianism, Daoism proposed adherence to a 'Way', holding a similarity to Confucianism in this. Proposed by