REPORT ON FREIGHT TRAIN OPTIMIZATION AND SIMULATION Essay

REPORT ON FREIGHT TRAIN OPTIMIZATION AND SIMULATION - Essay Example This however, is rare as it presents challenges in terms of cost and implementation to the stakeholders. On the same note, the current train system is operating at its optimal with which come numerous challenges and safety concerns (Ballis et al, 2004). This calls for a more efficient and effecting freight train optimisation and simulation capable of mitigating the emerging concerns, and even proceed further to predict possible future concerns. Factors considered in the rail freight transport were crew scheduling and train scheduling. This is because, unlike passenger train schedules which can be planned and allocated a slot well in advance, Freight trains are dynamic and require a shorter planning period. Freight train systems vary depending on availability of goods and distance required to be covered. This paper provides an overview of freight transport and the possible effects optimization of the rail system will cause. Problem Statement In any environment and or country that have a considerable amount of shipment rail transport is always the centre of focus. Freight train has faced an increased attention due to problems related with road congestion and safety concerns. Furthermore, large container shipments are always a problem at major ports. A good organisation and prioritisation of freight flows and validating an expedition and efficient freight train systems will go a long way in ensuring speedy processing and clearing of these shipment containers. Motivation/Applications Railway transports system is uniquely designed to deliver efficiency and reliability as it allows for massive freight transport at low and affordable rates. This reliance and steady growth on rail transport however, cannot be fully matched by an equal growth pace of the rail system and network. The increased traffic therefore relies on a nearly out-dated system that requires urgent revision. The hampered growth pace is caused by several factors the most obvious being the high costs inv olved in such an investment (Rizzoli, 2002). Additionally, due to the bulk of both the locomotive trains and its related infrastructure, expansion space required is also a concern especially when it comes to residential and ragged terrain surroundings. Railway companies therefore, are left out with limited options the most significant of which is exploitation of the available resources. This can be done through the implementation of better systems that will facilitate better more efficient time management. Furthermore, additional test environments can be developed to study and understand the various challenges involved on the ground during freight train movement to mitigate risks involved. Objectives The objective of this report is to provide an in depth understanding of the freight train optimization and simulation system. Current conditions will be exploited with the objective of coming up with an optimal train scheduling and optimization technique under an array of realistic and probable conditions. These conditions include; infrastructure I place, optimal average speed done by each train, and the inflow of freight goods. In addition, this report seeks to alleviate the efficiency of freight train transportation by highlighting all the impacts it has on the transport system, and further proposing ways to better improve and handle safety measures already in place. These will

Common Traits of the Filipinos Essay Example for Free

Common Traits of the Filipinos Essay Common Traits It is difficult to define and ascertain the very core of what it is to be a Filipino. History tells us that the Filipinos as we know now had an untraceable origin. All that we can do now is to determine the common traits that are common to all of the Filipinos. Common traits among Filipinos can be traced throughout its existence, from the pre-colonial era up to the present era that we have now. There is something that is particularly common and at the same time unique from among all of us as oppose to different races from Asia. And from this point of view we can depart and establish in some commonalities what it is to be a Filipino which is unique in particular throughout Asia and in general throughout the world. A. Hospitality One of the common traits of a Filipino is the word Hospitality. Hospitality comes from the Latin word, â€Å"Hospes†meaning â€Å"Host†, â€Å"guest†, or â€Å"stranger†. Hospes is formed from hostis, which means â€Å"stranger† or â€Å"enemy† which is synonymous to hostility. In a nutshell, Hospitality means welcoming the guest, stranger, or even the enemy into your own house. According to Derrida there two(2) types of hospitality, the first one is Conditional Hospitality, and the second one is the Absolute Hospitality. In the vernacular language, Conditional Hospitality means, you welcome the stranger, guest, or even the hostile within the bounds of condition e. g like they should only sleep in the master bedroom and only sleep in the couch or sala, they cannot go into the bedroom or they should not touch anything. In other words, they are bound to certain restrictions. On the other hand, in contrast to Conditional Hospitality, Absolute hospitality is a form of welcoming the other with open arms up to the point of embracing the other unconditionally. Absolute hospitality knows no boundaries, in fact, welcoming the other might be dangerous because this other’s personality is unascertainable, maybe he is a convict or any other psychopath but absolute hospitality will welcome any other stranger that will knock into your own homes even if such stranger would kill you. And this Absolute hospitality is the kind of hospitality that is present and predominant among Filipinos, this is a kind of hospitality that is selfless at its purest up to the point of even sacrificing his own family just for the sake of the visitor or guest. And this was clearly depicted by the historian Teodoro A. Agoncillo when he wrote that: â€Å"Perhaps you happen to drop in at an unholy hour of the day or night. Sensing that you are hungry, he prepares the best food for you, ignoring the fact that there would not be enough for the next supper for his family. Meanwhile, he gives you something with which you could eat whiles away your time. You hear him or his wife puttering about the kitchen desperately hurrying up the preparation of the food in order not to keep you waiting. There is always a sense of urgency in his movements, for he does not want to inconvenience you. He makes you feel that he is honored by your invasion of his privacy at an unholy hour of the night. † This Absolute hospitality is the one that is being misunderstood by foreigners, especially by the Spanish colonizers, who thought that such trait is an embodiment of inferiority and obsequiousness. And only that such trait is also prone to abuses made up by the Foreign colonizers which proceeded to tell their hearers that they fell victims to the wiles of the Filipino women. B. Close Family ties The family is one of the oldest and most important social institutions on earth in it is the basic institution of the government, all starts from and within the family it is the primordial institution of our society. With this, it is noteworthy to mention Anthropologist Margaret Mead,she based her research and affirmed the centrality of the nuclear family in human society. She said: â€Å"As far back as our knowledge takes us, human beings have lived in families. We know of no period when this was not so. We know of no people who have succeeded for long in dissolving the family or displacing it†¦ Again and again, in spite of proposals for change and actual experiments, human societies have reaffirmed their dependence on the family as the basic unit of human living—the family of father, mother and children. ’’ In consonance with such research, one of the traits among Filipinos is its close family ties because even up to time immemorial Filipinos are still dependent and interdependent with their families, that even some are already at the age of 40 and having produced so many kids, his existence is still closely related to his Parents. Parents up to the end of the adolescent period of their sons or daughters still have the capacity to support and even provided sustenance to their own sons or daughters. Unlike in foreign countries, particularly in the U. S wherein the their sons or daughters have achieved the age of 18, they are already free to go out of the boundaries of their home and eventually establish a life outside the reach of their family, they can already rent their own apartment and have a job. Which is particularly remote to the traits of a Filipino, if such person was allowed by their parents to live in own life and establish his own stance then eventually such Family would be treated or lookup upon with unbecoming eyes, like such parents is not a worthy parent to father their own child. In Filipino Family, it ordinarily consist of the grandparents, the parents and the children. The Father is the head of the family, but while he rules, the mother governs. For it is the mother that reigns in the home, she is the educator, the financial officer, the accountant, the censor, the laundry woman, and the cook. But above the ruler and the governor are the grandparents, who opinions and decisions on all important matters are sought. Will a newborn child be baptized? The grandparents are consulted and what they say carries much weight. It is the grandparents that have the last word from every decision that the family would make, would they consult a doctor in case the child or sick? The answer depends on the grandparents since they would prefer a herbolario (herb doctor) It is in their experience that will go against any written knowledge that their sons and daughters have achieved, it is with experience that they will use to override you knowledge. And besides such characteristics, one of the predominant characters of the Family is its hierarchical status, since the Philippines is a predominantly catholic country, the impact of such religions echoes even up to the deepest depth of the Family which is embodied in its patriarchal stance. Every decision if you would not be consulted with the grandparent should be consulted with the Father, and nothing more nothing else. The mother may have to say many things, but if the head of the family started to talk then it is the end of the line for is words, would be the law and only the prevailing law of every family. C. Respect for the elders In addition to the power of the grandparents, every grandparents should be treated with respect in all kinds of behavior towards them. In casual conversation, the should be an additional words of respect like â€Å"po† and â€Å"opo. † It is unthinkable for a Filipino do utter words of ingratitude to their elderly. If in other country, they just call their elderly in their own names as oppose to the Filipinos which they approach their elderly in a courteous manner characterized by words of gratitude and respect. And the respect for the elderly includes respect for the elder sister and brother. It is the responsibility of the elder brother to perform the duties of the father and mother to the younger members of the family. One finds that among Filipino family the elder brother or sister sacrifice his career for the sake of the young ones who must have an education. Even after his marriage, the elder brother sets aside a small part of his salary for his younger brother and sisters. The latter, in turn, are expected to look up to their elder brother with awe and respect. Kissing the hands of the parents and old relatives or neighbors as a sign of respect is extended to the elder brother or sister. Among â€Å"old† and â€Å"respectable families,† even cousins kiss the hands of their elder cousins as a sign of respect. D. Fatalistic Filipinos are intrinsically fatalistic. Fatalism is defined as a doctrine that events are fixed in advance so that human beings are powerless to change them. In other words, everything is determined, it is a doctrine that amplifies the subjugation of all events or actions to fate. Philosophically, fatalism generally refer to these ideas, that humans are powerless to do anything other than we can actually do, e. g the power to influence the future which is very similar to pre-determinsm. An attitude of resignation in the face of some future event or events which are thought to be inevitable, that actions are free, but nevertheless work toward an inevitable end, and lastly that acceptance is appropriate, rather than against inevitability. These fatalism is best symbolized in the phrase â€Å"Bahalana,† a phrase that defies translation but which may be rendered loosely as â€Å"come what may. † Can you go through that wall of fire? Bahalana. Are you sure you can convince him to give up his plan of leaving home? Bahalana. There are dangers ahead, Bahalana. Such fatalism has bred in the Filipino a sense of resignation. It is tis that he faces disaster or tragedy with resignation. HE appears indifferent in the face of graft and corruption. He appears impassive in the face of personal misfortune. Yet this â€Å"Bahalana† attitude prevents him from being a crackpot. E. Loyalty As Joyce Mayanrd puts it, â€Å"A person who deserves my loyalty receives it. † Loyalty is defined as a faithfulness or devotion to a person, country, group or cause. For Josiah Joyce loyalty is the willing and practical and thoroughgoing devotion of a person to a cause. The cause has to be an objective one. It cannot be ones personal self. It is something external to oneself that one looks outward to the world to find, and that cannot be found within. It concerns not ones own person, but other people. The devotion is active, a surrendering of ones self-will to the cause, that one loves. Moreover, according to Royce, loyalty is social. Loyalty to a cause unites the many fellow-servants of that cause, binding them together in their service. That is why loyalty to a friend or benefactor is one trait that is very strong with every Filipino. Do him a little favor and he remembers you to the ends of his days. And such trait is best described and characterized as â€Å"utangnaloob. † For the Filipino, friendship is sacred and implies mutual help under any circumstances. A friend is expected to come to the aid not only of personal friend but also to the friend’s family. That is why when the Americans gave their help to oust the Japanese imperial army here in the Philippines, such help was inculcated to every minds of the Filipino people and throughout the history books, the such a friend help you in such detrimental situation. For the Filipino, it is hardly conceivable that the United States should turn out to be an ingrate, knowing that they stood by her in the darkest hour. Such attitude is beyond the comprehension of the Americans, for the latter understands of friendship is different from that of the Filipino. The American is ruthlessly businesslike and will not allow sentimentalism to stand in the way of fulfilling his destiny or objective. This â€Å"ruthlessness† the Filipino does not understand. Thus, it can be considered as a misplaced loyalty, which is an unreciprocated loyalty, because the Americans would only be loyal only to such an end that it will satisfy their desires and needs, and as long as they are being benefited with such they would not care if such things would be treated as sentimental as the Filipino’s see as it is. F. Tendency to be indolent For Luc de Clapiers â€Å"Indolence is the sleep of the mind. † It is a state where the body and mind of a person is idle. Nothing innovative to do nor to say. This trait is common to every Filipino, as Rizal explained, the Filipinos has this tendency to be indolent as the result of the tropical climate which makes even the Westerner indolent in these parts of the paradise. But aside from the warm climate, indolence may partly explained by the abundance with which Nature has endowed the country, a fact which makes the Filipino exert less effort in the belief that he does not have to work hard to make both ends meet. Then too because of the close family and personal ties, the Filipino is assured of three square meals every day if only e would have the nerve to go from one relative to another. He knows that no relative or friend would turn him out and so he imposes himself on his willing or unwilling victims. G. Jealousy For Lawrence Durrell, â€Å"it is not love that is blind, but jealousy. † One of the trait of a Filipino is the feeling of being jealous. For every Filipino does not look with favor on a woman who flirts with several men. To him the sweet heart’s or the wife’s eyes are meant only form him and for no other. Even his closest friend cannot kiss his wife with impunity on the pretext that it is a brotherly kiss. The Filipino, therefore, requires complete faith and loyalty of his wife or sweetheart. A deviation from this unwritten law oftentimes leads to a bloody mess. Among the many examples is when a Jealous husband stabs his wife and hacks his neighbor, It is in a fit of jealousy that a husband stabbed dead his wife then attack the woman’s alleged paramour in barangay Yati, Liloan, northern Cebu. Police said that the husband was furius when his 41 year old wife, admitted to him that she and a married neighbor in 39 years of age had a relationship. It was their daughter who told the police that she heard her mother shouting for help in the 1:30 a. m in that morning. The daughter ran to her parents room and saw her knife wielding father standing in front of her mother, who was lying bloodied on the top of the bed. Her mother died because of multiple stab wounds. It is not only this instance that the jealousy of a betrayed husband was actualize there are many instances wherein such things had happened, bloody killings, are often enough reported in the daily newspapers, and are frequent and usual upshot is jealousy, for to a Filipino blood is required to was the stain of his honor H. Camaraderie Pakikisama or camaraderie among other nation is also one of the best traits that Filipino possesses. The spirit of comradeship makes Filipinos trustworthy beings. The idea of bayanihan was established because of Filipino camaraderie. Filipino shows no elements of deceit, dishonesty and selfishness. Everybody is willing to help one another is the other is in need of help. I. Regionalism Regionalism is defined as a Political subdivision of an area into partially autonomous region, which characterize by loyalty to the interest of a particular region. A Feature of such is an expression, a pronunciation, or a custom, that is characteristic of a geographical area. It is also a quality in literature that is the product of fidelity to the habits, speech, manners, history, folklore, and beliefs of a particular geographical section. That is why a Filipino, does not think in terms of national boundaries but in regional oneness. This feeling is an extension of the closeness of family ties. Invariably, the Filipino believes that the person known to him, no matter how bad is btter than the one unknown to him no matter how. Good. Thus one finds college or university students calling a meeting of all those who come from the different parts of county. [ 2 ]. C. Lewis, Elementary Latin Dictionary (Oxford Univ. Press, 2000), p. 371. [ 3 ]. Who is derrida [ 4 ]. Teodoro A. Agocillo, History of the Filipino People eight edition, CE publishing Inc. ,2012, p. 6-7 [ 5 ]. Teodoro A. Agocillo, History of the Filipino People eight edition, p. 7 [ 6 ]. Editorial, Familiy Ties, Philippine Daily Inquirer, September 20, 2011 [ 7 ]. Teodoro A. Agocillo, History of the Filipino People eight edition, p. 7 [ 8 ]. Hugh Rice ,Fatalism. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved December 2, 2010 p. 71 [ 9 ]. Teodoro A. Agocillo, History of the Filipino People eight edition, p. 9-10 [ 10 ]. Martin, Mike W. ,Virtuous giving: philanthropy, voluntary service, and caring. Indiana University Press. p. 40. [ 11 ]. Teodoro A. Agocillo, History of the Filipino People eight edition, p. 10 [ 12 ]. Teodoro A. Agocillo, History of the Filipino People eight edition, p. 11 [ 13 ]. Teodoro A. Agocillo, History of the Filipino People eight edition, p. 12.

Affirmative Action Initiative in South Africa

Affirmative Action Initiative in South Africa Affirmative action is an initiative adopted by the South African government, which seeks to correct the imbalance of wealth and provide opportunities to the people who were adversely affected as a result of the apartheid regime. It has created a situation where organizations are required to meet specific employment targets for persons of colour in order to operate to the satisfaction of the state. As a result, these people are able to participate in the corporate environment at an accelerated rate. On the contrary, many white South Africans are finding it difficult to obtain their most select employment. The efficiency of affirmative action is best analyzed by assessing its objective of promoting black representation in the workplace and comparing it to empirical evidence. Figures provided by the government indicate that the unemployment rate has steadily declined annually since the inception of the study (September 2001). The September 2007 average unemployment rate of 23% is significantly lower than 29.4% in September 2001. This provides evidence that the policy is doing well to provide work to more South Africans. (www.statssa.gov.za/publications/P0210/P0210September2007.pdf) However, a more in-depth study reveals the change in unemployment rates amongst each population group. The best results have been for black people with a decline from approximately 35% (September 2001) to 26.8% (September 2007). The Indian people in the country also improved from approximately 19% to 10% over the same period. White and coloured unemployment rates have remained relatively static over this period at approximately 5% and 20% respectively. This bodes well for black and Indian people and is a strong indicator that affirmative action is achieving its goals. The policy seems to be failing in its attempt to compensate the coloured population. (www.statssa.gov.za/publications/P0210/P0210September2007.pdf) However, there are problems that are emerging from affirmative action that is having a detrimental effect on the performance on enterprises and the overall success of the economy. The instantaneous and rapid enactment of affirmative action has seen unqualified persons attaining important positions. Many of these people were/are incapable of fulfilling the roles they have been assigned. This has a negative impact on, firstly, the corporation employing these people as they incur costs without the required level of service from their employees. It also adversely affects the consumer, who is dependant upon those employed by organizations to make the best decisions in order to obtain maximum reward. A situation exists whereby unskilled employees are filling skilled positions. (www.sairr.org.za/press-office/institute-opinion) Another concern is that many white South Africans are leaving the country, resulting in a major shortage of fundamental skills. The South African Institute of Race Relations (SAIRR) revealed that between 1995 and 2005, one million white South Africans moved abroad. The lack of adequate services has left the country in desperate need of professionals. These people also served as mentors/teachers to inexperienced employees and accelerated their development in the organizations thus exacerbating the problem of their departure. (www.fin24.com/articles/default/display_article) Many contend that a weakness of the affirmative action policy is that it creates a minority of rich black people and does not help the rest (www.new.bbc.co.uk). The majority of the black population are unskilled workers without educations. These people are likely to struggle even with affirmative action in place as their employment options are limited to low income earning sectors due to educational and language problems. It is anticipated that the current generation of black children will reap the benefits of the policy. The government has put facilities in place to ensure these people are schooled and can attain funding for universities. These are the real beneficiaries of the system as their employment options are diverse. It would therefore seem that the efficiency of affirmative action should only be interpreted to a significant extent when the current black youth reaches adulthood. A contentious issue arises when deciphering whether affirmative action is fair. The reality is that apartheid deprived groups of basic needs such as education which hindered their development in the economy. It is necessary that policies are in place to accelerate their participation due to their unfortunate position. Therefore it seems fair that such policies are in place. The people of colour suffered through the white government. Many will never have a fair opportunity of creating a rich lifestyle for themselves. Affirmative action could be perceived to be unfair to the current and future white youth. These people are borne into a system whereby they are automatically limited in their options. The effective state of affairs is that many white people are paying the price for crimes for which they (the youth) did not commit and played no part. Although the task is more difficult, these people are still able to lead wealthy lifestyles in South Africa. One could engage the matter from another perspective with regards to ‘fairness’. Perhaps the current white generation are beneficiaries of the apartheid system. This is due to the fact that during that era, white people were able to acquire employment very easily which often paid high incomes. As a result, much of the white youth of South Africa have attended good schools and experienced financially stable upbringings. This has substantially increased their ability to attain a high level of education at universities leading to success in the working environment. Therefore, white people have an unfair advantage over others due to the inequalities of the past. It would therefore seem appropriate that this advantage were lessened, which is achieved through the affirmative action system. There is definite reason to believe that affirmative action has had a ‘demeaning’ effect on persons from all groups. On the one hand, many white people lose faith in their future as they get rejected by enterprises. This would likely result in a loss of confidence in not only the system but in themselves. White people would feel inadequate and begin to doubt their abilities. This presents a situation where affirmative action has impacted the self-esteem of individuals. Similar consequences could occur for persons of colour, although for different reasons. The fact that people are employed by organizations solely due to the colour of their skin may well have a negative psychological impact on these employees. They are made to feel undeserved of attaining their positions by much of the public through widespread publications in the media. At the same time, many of these employees are in fact incapable of performing the roles that they are required to do, exacerbating their feelings of unworthiness when asked to perform such functions. Therefore, the affirmative action policy is potentially depriving these people of natural emotions of success, especially feelings of self-pride or achievement in the workplace as well as a sense of belonging to their organizations. There is a key issue to analyze prior to assessing the overall accuracy of accusing affirmative action to be inefficient, unfair and demeaning. One needs to clarify the purpose of the policy which is best defined through court law, â€Å"The purpose of affirmative action is not to make identified victims (of past discrimination) whole, but rather to dismantle prior patterns of employment discrimination and to prevent discrimination in the future. Such relief is provided to the class as a whole rather than to individual members. No individual is entitled to relief and the beneficiaries need not show that they were victims of discrimination† (www.deneysreitz.co.za). The intentions of affirmative action are not to make white people worse off, but instead improve the economic position of other groups. There are no ideals in place that seek to harm or discriminate against white people. The other key question that must be asked is whether affirmative action is necessary for South Africa? The country suffers from widespread poverty, especially the black people. These people make up a majority of the population, yet they continuously struggle to assert themselves in the economy. There is an obvious need to alter the difficult living conditions of these people, both now and in the future. The long term solution to the survival and success of these groups is to get them involved actively. Affirmative action ensures that this occurs. The current ‘exodus’ of white people makes it even more important that persons of colour are learning the skills necessary to ensure South Africa is able to run effectively and experience adequate growth. Affirmative action cannot be perceived as unfair, it should rather be perceived as a necessary initiative for the benefit of the country as a whole. The white group should be willing to forfeit ‘absolute equality’ as a result of their past racism which greatly harmed and setback the country. However, as noted above, there are inefficiencies and demeaning repercussions that have emerged due to affirmative action. It is still too early to interpret overall efficiency. It would make sense to expect improvement in the future as more black children come through the educational system which creates a solid platform for their development and participation. It is clearly not a perfect method, but seems to be the best available solution to counter the current economic imbalance. References Statistics South Africa, Labour Force Survey, pg 11,24, September 2007, [Online],  Available: http://www.statssa.gov.za/publications/P0210/P0210September2007.pdf [2008, June 3]. Deneys/Reitz Attorneys, Affirmative Action Case Law Developments, Sheet Metal Workers Industrial Association v EEOC, 11 May 2004 [Online],  Available: http://www.deneysreitz.co.za/seminars/item/affirmative_action_case_law_developments,446.html [2008, June 3]. Vuyo Jack, Business Report: The Income Gap is Closing but not Fast Enough, 16 March 2008, [Online],  Available: http://www.busrep.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=2512fArticleId=4304342 [2008, June 3]. Peet van Aardt, FIN24.com: Million Whites leave SA –Study, 24 September 2006, [Online], Available: http://www.fin24.com/articles/default/display_article.aspx?Nav=nsArticleID=1518-25_2003186 [2008, June 4]. South African Institute of Race Relations : Signs that South Africa’s affirmative action debate is growing up, [Online], Available:  http://www.sairr.org.za/press-office/institute-opinion/signs-that-south-africa2019s-affirmative-action-debate-is-growing-up.html [2008, June 4]. BBC News: SA Poverty Gap Remains, 27 July 2000, [Online], Available:  http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/854306.stm [2008, June 4].

Essays --

This section of the paper incorporate the types of analyses, which are fundamental in the systems engineering approach in undertaking elaborate products, new systems and services. These analyses were comprised of feasibility studies, alternative analyses, and trade studies. The design team is able to acquire the desired information to select feasible approaches through investigating the requirements, by which through feasibility studies, they can uncover potential technical approaches and methods quantitatively and qualitatively to qualify feasibility. Alternative analyses allocates accurate methodologies and reasonable objectives, while trade studies allocates administrative processes in enhancing system configurations and the distribution of resources necessary for the system’s intended purpose, by which these approaches will respond and regulated based on stakeholder’s needs, input and the aspects of the system’s duration. Knowing the feasibility of the system will provide the advantage of ensuring the system’s configuration before its production to avoid assumptions and trouble i...

Final Paper

Cost is flexible in hosing the kind of product to sell in different country, so that those products can meet the right demand of the customers from that particular country. Going global is a big decision, so Cost must take close observations into many different countries and those markets before deciding the best country operate its business. Location is considered as one of the crucial factors that lead to a business's success. The business should consider any tangible or intangible costs, political or climate risks, and the proximity to suppliers.There are four methods to choose a location: factor rating, location break- even analysis, center of gravity, and transportation model. In this case, I feel like Cost has applied the center of gravity method, which means finding a location of the single distribution center serving several destinations. Cost is operating as a warehouse or retailer, so it definitely wants to find the location that is near to households and other types of bus inesses. In that way, it can act as the main source of distribution to other businesses.Besides carrying variety kinds of products, Cost also has great services in different areas. Some of them are auto program, health and dental plans, payroll services, boat and REV loans, mortgage purchase and refinancing, etc. These services are very benefiting for customers' daily life. With the hope of keep growing and improving, Cost really value customers' feedback on any kind of service that they provided. Cost always wants to bring the best services and high quality products to its customers.Cost truly value quality because it always wants to bring the best things its customers. Every product that is delivered to Cost warehouses needs to go through a quality checking yester. Everything includes groceries, appliances, automotive supplies, tires, toys, hardware, jewelry, electronics, books, clothes, health and beauty aids, tobacco, wines, furniture. Cost is known for carrying top quality nati onal and regional brands, with a hundred percent satisfaction guaranteed, at prices consistently below traditional wholesale or retail outlets.When having quality as the top thing in the list, Cost must ensure that it has an efficient inventory management system. Managing inventory is important because it keeps track of the number of inventory need of everyday, reduce the shrinkage, and avoid out of stock situation. Just-in-time (IT) is a Japanese term that describes the method of inventory control to help increase efficiency and reduce costs by receiving goods only as needed. The method requires the producers must be able to accurately forecast the demand. Cost is applying this very well.The inventory is well managed; out- of-stock and shrinkage has never a problem to Cost, because it acts as a store and also a warehouse; therefore it can hold the goods for long. Some businesses also choose Cost as their supplier, so they will buy in bulk at the rower price. Cost is not only good a t managing inventory, but it also has a great supply chain management strategy. What Cost does is sharing detailed inventory and sales data with its brand suppliers. These suppliers, in turn, are responsible for stocking the product on Cost's shelves.This helps to eliminate the potential for a bullwhip to develop as suppliers can make accurate orders to refill the stock. Cost is incentive to provide timely, accurate data to its suppliers and suppliers are persuaded to reorder appropriate quantities of Cost. Additionally, both companies benefit by avian a more reliable system to keep products on shelves for consumers. Every business needs an appropriate process design so that it can meet the customers' requirements within the cost constraints.Among the five transformational systems -? job shop, flow shop, product focused, main customization, and project focused, Cost belongs to the product focused system. This means there are more standardized products, with high volumes, but it shou ld keep a consistent quality, and emphasizes on low cost. Products and services play an important role in an organization, but we just never forget the workforce is also an essential factor. Human resources department (HER) is where the business recruiting and training its employees.In 2006, Cost had 71 ,OHO full-time employees and 56,000 part-time employees; and I believe these numbers have increased a lot since then. When hiring new employees, Cost should give some sort of job specialization to everyone, which describes the requirements of certain position that Cost is offering, and a little information on the salary. From that, the people who find he/she is fitting in certain qualifications will apply or the position. Cost is one of a few retailers that pay and treat well to its employees.According to Jim Senegal, â€Å"having a well-compensated workforce was very important to executing Cost's strategy successfully. † By providing many benefits to the employees, it also br ings Cost a significant advantage, because everyone knows that Cost pay the highest wage, and also a retailer that treats employees nicely and fairly. Besides paying high wages, Cost also provide many sources of motivation to its employees, such as awards ND bonuses; in order to make the job becomes more interesting, Cost should change its motivation regularly. Final Paper Cost is flexible in hosing the kind of product to sell in different country, so that those products can meet the right demand of the customers from that particular country. Going global is a big decision, so Cost must take close observations into many different countries and those markets before deciding the best country operate its business. Location is considered as one of the crucial factors that lead to a business's success. The business should consider any tangible or intangible costs, political or climate risks, and the proximity to suppliers.There are four methods to choose a location: factor rating, location break- even analysis, center of gravity, and transportation model. In this case, I feel like Cost has applied the center of gravity method, which means finding a location of the single distribution center serving several destinations. Cost is operating as a warehouse or retailer, so it definitely wants to find the location that is near to households and other types of bus inesses. In that way, it can act as the main source of distribution to other businesses.Besides carrying variety kinds of products, Cost also has great services in different areas. Some of them are auto program, health and dental plans, payroll services, boat and REV loans, mortgage purchase and refinancing, etc. These services are very benefiting for customers' daily life. With the hope of keep growing and improving, Cost really value customers' feedback on any kind of service that they provided. Cost always wants to bring the best services and high quality products to its customers.Cost truly value quality because it always wants to bring the best things its customers. Every product that is delivered to Cost warehouses needs to go through a quality checking yester. Everything includes groceries, appliances, automotive supplies, tires, toys, hardware, jewelry, electronics, books, clothes, health and beauty aids, tobacco, wines, furniture. Cost is known for carrying top quality nati onal and regional brands, with a hundred percent satisfaction guaranteed, at prices consistently below traditional wholesale or retail outlets.When having quality as the top thing in the list, Cost must ensure that it has an efficient inventory management system. Managing inventory is important because it keeps track of the number of inventory need of everyday, reduce the shrinkage, and avoid out of stock situation. Just-in-time (IT) is a Japanese term that describes the method of inventory control to help increase efficiency and reduce costs by receiving goods only as needed. The method requires the producers must be able to accurately forecast the demand. Cost is applying this very well.The inventory is well managed; out- of-stock and shrinkage has never a problem to Cost, because it acts as a store and also a warehouse; therefore it can hold the goods for long. Some businesses also choose Cost as their supplier, so they will buy in bulk at the rower price. Cost is not only good a t managing inventory, but it also has a great supply chain management strategy. What Cost does is sharing detailed inventory and sales data with its brand suppliers. These suppliers, in turn, are responsible for stocking the product on Cost's shelves.This helps to eliminate the potential for a bullwhip to develop as suppliers can make accurate orders to refill the stock. Cost is incentive to provide timely, accurate data to its suppliers and suppliers are persuaded to reorder appropriate quantities of Cost. Additionally, both companies benefit by avian a more reliable system to keep products on shelves for consumers. Every business needs an appropriate process design so that it can meet the customers' requirements within the cost constraints.Among the five transformational systems -? job shop, flow shop, product focused, main customization, and project focused, Cost belongs to the product focused system. This means there are more standardized products, with high volumes, but it shou ld keep a consistent quality, and emphasizes on low cost. Products and services play an important role in an organization, but we just never forget the workforce is also an essential factor. Human resources department (HER) is where the business recruiting and training its employees.In 2006, Cost had 71 ,OHO full-time employees and 56,000 part-time employees; and I believe these numbers have increased a lot since then. When hiring new employees, Cost should give some sort of job specialization to everyone, which describes the requirements of certain position that Cost is offering, and a little information on the salary. From that, the people who find he/she is fitting in certain qualifications will apply or the position. Cost is one of a few retailers that pay and treat well to its employees.According to Jim Senegal, â€Å"having a well-compensated workforce was very important to executing Cost's strategy successfully. † By providing many benefits to the employees, it also br ings Cost a significant advantage, because everyone knows that Cost pay the highest wage, and also a retailer that treats employees nicely and fairly. Besides paying high wages, Cost also provide many sources of motivation to its employees, such as awards ND bonuses; in order to make the job becomes more interesting, Cost should change its motivation regularly.

Impact of Media essays

Impact of Media essays A good indicator of human advancement is their ability to communicate. Thanks to technology, each year it gets easier to convey a message to another person. With this convenience comes not just communication of basic needs but more and more advertising for everything else. Needless to say, media is everywhere. It influences people in nearly every decision they make. Some say that this isn=t true and that people decide for themselves. It may all depend on the point of view. First of all, let it be said that media is everywhere. Newspapers, magazines, television, billboards, telemarketing, and the Internet. Example: John Doe leads a fairly normal life. Each morning he reads the paper to begin the day. The newspaper is filled with ads and also opinions. Each article may seem to be from an objective point of view but some personal views may come through. John Doe may or may not choose to be affected by it. Either way, it is still there and Mr. Doe may be subconsciously influenced. There is no way to avoid it. Even in TV programs or movies there is Ahidden@ advertising. A carefully angled shot shows the hero is drinking Coke and has been planned to catch the consumer=s eye. 1993 By the start of the year, 98% of U.S. households own at least one TV set, 64% have two or more sets. Companies will use innumerous ways to coerce the customer to consume their product. Association is a major one. Matching a song with a product can influence a consumer after the commercial is long over. Every time they hear the song, they will think of that product. Even colors in decorating can be planned to produce a response. Fast food places such as Burger King use warm colors like orange and brown. Coincidently, looking at those colors tends to increase appetite. People are influenced. In 1990, the Children=s Tele ...