An analysis of porters value chain - 1188 Words

To analyse the specific activities through which firms can gain a competitive advantage, it is useful to model the firm as a chain of value creating activities. For this purpose, Porter identified a range of interrelated generic activities common to a wide range of firms. The resulting model is known as the value chain. According to Porter (1985), Competitive Advantage arises out of the way firms organise and arrange discrete activities. Through using the Value Chain, the activities performed by a firm competing in a particular industry can be grouped into categories as shown in the model below: Upstream Activities Downstream Activities Porter distinguishes between primary activities and support activities. Primary activities are†¦show more content†¦As mentioned, gaining competitive advantage requires that a firms value chain be managed as a system rather than a collection of separate parts. Reconfiguring the value chain by relocation, reordering or even eliminating certain activities can often lead to a major improvement in competitive position. Upstream and Downstream A firms value chain links to the value chains of the upstream suppliers and downstream buyers. The result is a larger stream of activities known as the value system. The development of a firm specific competitive advantage not only depends on the firms value chain but also on the value system of which the firm is a part. In most industries, it is rather unusual that a single company performs all activities from product design, production of components, and final assembly to delivery to the final user by itself. Most often, organisations are elements of a value system or supply chain. Hence, value chain analysis should cover the whole value system in which the organization operates. Within the whole value system, there is only a certain value of profit margin available. This is the difference of the final price the customer pays and the sum of all costs incurred with the production and delivery of the product/service. It depends on the structure of the value system, how this margin spreads across the suppliers, producers, distributors, customers, and other elements of the value system. Each member of the system will use itsShow MoreRelatedPorter Value Chain Analysis882 Words   |  4 PagesPORTER S VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS The porter’s value chain is a model that helps to analyze specific activities through which firms can create value and competitive advantage. There are two activities in value chain which are: Primary activity – directly concern with creating and delivering a product. Support activities – not directly involved in production, may increase effectiveness or efficiency. PRIMARY ACTIVITIES | DESCRIPTION | Inbound Logistic | * Concerned with receivingRead MoreValue Chain Analysis By Michael Porter Essay2186 Words   |  9 PagesWhat is a Value Chain? A value chain is a set of activities that a firm operating in a specific industry performs in order to deliver a valuable product or service for the market. The concept comes from business management and was first described and popularized by Michael Porter in his 1985 best-seller, Competitive Advantage Value chain analysis is a strategic analytical and decision-support tool that highlights the bases where businesses can create value for their customers. The frameworkRead MoreAnalysis Of Michael Porter s Value Chain Essay1740 Words   |  7 PagesDuring 1985, Michael Porter, one of the most important American economists, introduced one of his most famous theories: â€Å"The Value Chain†. Through this model is possible to describe an organization like a set of processes. Precisely nine processes divided in five primary activities and four support activities that help the business to gain its competitive advantage. The primary activities are composed by â€Å"Inbound Logistics†, â€Å"Operations†, â€Å"Outbound Logistics†, â€Å"Marketing Sales† and â€Å"Service†, whileRead MoreAnalysis Of Porter s Value Chain1945 Words   |  8 Pagescreates value based on the projects that the organization completes for its clients. Not just completing project deliverables can be used to measure the customer’s satisfaction, but can also be used to increase the business generated by the customer by creating additional opportunities. When looking at the business value chain, the each one of the activities can be tied to the steps taken within a project. This paper was created comparing each primary and secondary activity using Porter’s Value ChainRead MoreAnalysis Of Porter s Value Chain Essay2126 Words   |  9 PagesFor supporting activities, Porter’s Value Chain includes four aspects that contribute to the internal analysis of the company. Procurement, otherwise known as purchasing, includes sourcing raw materials from wholesalers and suppliers, with whom we have long-term strategic relationships. We also source recycled material to create biodegradable containers and spray bottles, as a part of our commitment to the environment. Human resource management consists of a high level of commitment t o ethical andRead MoreMichael Porter s Value Chain Analysis1813 Words   |  8 Pagesprogress, gaining an advantage is an essential key element to the companies success. To distinguish these viable advantages, Michael Porter created value chain analysis, which views a firm as a series of business processes that each add value to the product or service (Baltzan). The value chain analysis is a valuable source for regulating the greatest possible value for consumers. This topic will be further discussed with two major leading companies, Amazon and EBay. The increase in ecommerce willRead MoreAnalyzing Porter s Five Forces And Value Chain Analysis Essay1809 Words   |  8 Pagesmaintain their Vision â€Å"to create a better everyday life for many people,† customer trust and love IKEA vision with their low-price. In this report, will be analyzing Porter’s five forces and value chain analysis. The two tools will enable readers to have a clear understanding on IKEA form int ernal value to external value, which included not limited to primary activity, secondary activity, internal power, external power and threat of substitution. Bygone through these points above, readers can identify andRead MoreA Critical Discussion Of Strategic Model Essay1599 Words   |  7 Pagescritical discussion of strategic model (Value chain analysis) Value Chain Analysis is a theory first given by Michel Porter. According to him it is a useful tool for working out how a company can create superior value for their customers. He also suggested that the more value a company can create, the more people will be prepared to pay a good price for their product or service. So every company should make some strategic decision how they can improve their value chain. For Banglalink it is very criticalRead MorePorter s Value Chain Of The Petroleum Sector1338 Words   |  6 PagesPorter’s Value Chain in the Petroleum Sector A value chain is a full range of activities, including design, production, marketing and distribution that businesses go through to bring a product or service from conception to delivery. The value chain analysis was popularized by Michael Porter in 1985. Porter investigated the sequence of activities that are required to bring a product or service from concept through different stages of production, distribution, and to the final customer. Porter wroteRead MoreHilti cut or Fasten?1339 Words   |  6 PagesThis case review was executed about a case study that was discussed in class on the operations of Hilti and its surroundings – Hilti is a global corporation based in Lichtenstein that is a market leader in drills, saws and fastening products. The analysis looks at the development of Hilti ever since it was founded, and the different strategies which have been implemented to get them to where they are now. For a company that has been very successful which is now going thr ough a period of recession

The Iliad And The Odyssey - 1730 Words

Homer had once said â€Å"In youth and beauty, wisdom is but rare!† a very relatable quote to the story of the Iliad. But who exactly is Homer? For starters, Homer was a poet who lived from 800 B.C.E and died in 701 B.C.E. He was from Greece, and to be specific he had lived somewhere along the coast of Asia Minor according to biography.com. Also, he is most famous for his epic poems which were The Iliad and The Odyssey. Now as for whether he truly existed or not is still quite a mystery. Some scholars â€Å"believe him to be one man; others think these iconic stories were created by a group. A variation on the group idea stems from the fact that storytelling was an oral tradition and Homer compiled the stories, and then recited them to memory† (biography.com, 2016). The story of The Iliad, however, was one filled with a lot of love, betrayal, and you guessed it –war. Part of the reason that this epic poem focused so much on these three topics is because in ancien t Greek dramas those topics had the ability to receive the most attention from its viewers. To begin with, a little background on the Iliad itself. The story was written over a span of 24 books total. It all begins during the middle of the Trojan War according to David Silverman. And in quick summarization, the Trojan War all began because Menelaus’s wife Helen was wooed by Paris of Troy into running away with him which ruined the alliance between Troy and Greece and beginning the war. So at the beginning of the Iliad KingShow MoreRelatedThe Iliad And The Odyssey1060 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"Hateful to me as the gates of Hades is that man who hides one thing in his heart and speaks another.† (The Iliad pg.405) The quote is relevant to the stories Homer created during the period of the Trojan War. Homer orally performed two of his best works The Iliad and The Odyssey. Homer’s stories are old and probably translated differently than their original telling. Homer’s The Iliad and The Odyssey still show the basic human emotions and are an inspi ration to other authors, poets, and oral presentersRead MoreThe Iliad and the Odyssey1510 Words   |  7 Pages The Iliad and the Odyssey are two classic stories told by Homer. Within these two stories the roles of the gods are very important to the story line and how they affect the characters throughout. In the Iliad, more gods are involved with the characters whereas in the Odyssey there are only two major gods that affect two major characters. The roles of the gods in the Iliad are through two different stances of immortal versus immortal and mortal versus immortal. The roles of the gods in the OdysseyRead MoreThe Iliad And The Odyssey1317 Words   |  6 PagesThroughout The Iliad and The Odyssey, both Achilles and Odysseus go through intense acts of heroism, internal and external hardships, and fluctuations in confidence. During the epic, The Odyssey, the main character, Odysseus, has to endure many hardships which show. He has to show tremendous amounts of heroism and confid ence just to keep his crew and himself alive. He has to rival and face many gods that despise him along with many humans. This theme can also be reflected from Homer’s The Iliad, where theRead MoreThe Iliad And The Odyssey1297 Words   |  6 Pages2. The Iliad and the Odyssey were written by a poet or poets known as Homer. They were stories written about heroes in Mycenaeans times. Homer focused on one important event to base the stories after, the Trojan War. The story was about Paris Prince of Troy, taking Helen of Sparta from her husband. A war started to get Helen back to her husband because her husbands honor was hurt. The story told in the Odyssey is one of the king of Ithaca trying to return to his wife and son after being gone forRead MoreThe Iliad And The Odyssey977 Words   |  4 Pagesplot or storyline, or the theme of the myth. Homer’s The Iliad and The Odyssey are two prime examples of this. Within both epics, the gods constantly intervene in the lives a nd situations of the characters, molding them to the desired outcome. Without the influence of the gods in either of the epics, however, the ending might have been very different. There was a great deal more divine intervention in The Iliad in comparison to The Odyssey, however, as there were more godly characters in that textRead MoreThe Odyssey And The Iliad1060 Words   |  5 PagesHomer was one of the first great authors in Western culture. He was known for creating the two Greek epics The Odyssey and The Iliad, which. The Odyssey tells of the ten-year journey by Odysseus to Ithica from Troy to be reunited with his beloved wife. The Odyssey was written in a with illustrative language. The Iliad was written in a. It depicted the end of the Trojan War and the siege of Troy. This event occurred centuries before Homer was assumed to have been born. Although both epics were writtenRead MoreThe Iliad And The Odyssey1657 Words   |  7 Pagesduring the Greek Dark Ages was Homer, who I believe was the most influential writer of his time, and a writer w ho had truly made an impact on the evolution of Greek Culture following the Dark Ages. Two of Homer’s most famous poems were the Iliad and the Odyssey, which were Ancient Greek epic poems which covered a couple of weeks during the Trojan War. Although there were plenty of influential authors inspired by the Trojan war, Homer was by far the most influential; Nevertheless, This paper arguesRead MoreIliad and Odyssey1825 Words   |  8 Pagesand cinema of a certain era. The epic poems, The Iliad and Odyssey, give scholars and historians an idea how the Ancient Greek lived their everyday lives. By reading the two novels, the reader is able to experience the three thousand years old society of Homer. The various similarities between our society and the societies depicted in the Iliad and the Odyssey are surprising profuse. To name a few: the superfluous violence in Iliad and Odyssey, the characterization of Odysseus, the obscureRead MoreThe Iliad And The Odyssey1498 Words à ‚  |  6 PagesAn Influential Poem The Iliad is a poem that provides important stories with insight into early human society. It was an ancient story written centuries ago about two civilizations that battled against each other. â€Å"The Iliad tells the story of the clash of two great civilizations, and the effects of war on both the winners and losers† (Homer 222). In addition to its influence on Greek poetry, the Iliad is a great Homeric epic that has long helped shape critical schools of thought. It is notRead MoreThe Iliad And The Odyssey Essay1270 Words   |  6 PagesAncient Greece, as found in the books of the Iliad and the Odyssey, is a place entranced in mystical beings, powerful gods and goddess, and heroic men. The role of women in society is greatly concentrated on their body with little regard to their soul and mind. However, in the Odyssey, it is Penelope’s soul and mind that are vital to the success of her husband’s nostos and the imperishable fame she will receive. Due to her husband’s long absence, Penelope is placed in a predicament in which she must

Job Analysis For Application Of Online Chat-Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss About The Job Analysis For Application Of Online Chat? Answer: Introduction Automation and technology are related to each other, which improves the quality of life and business performance. Mechanization and automation in the business reduce the workforce besides that it also reduces the working capacity of the human being (Frank et al. 2016). One of the examples of automation in business is the rise of chat bots that communicates with the clients in a business. This study deals with the effect of automation and mechanization on the business as well as human resource management. Discussion of how the field of HR is evolving Rapid use of technology reduces the work pressure of human being that also discards the necessity of the human being in the workplace (Morris et al. 2017). As for example use of chat, bots are a big approach to automation that decreases the workload as well as the responsibility of an HR. On the other hand, the emergence of artificial intelligence reduces the workforce of an HR as they complete their task through the technology. Changes occur in the HR technology that leads the HR to focus on the various fields in a business apart from the recruitment. Maintenance of the employee insurance is another part of HRM in the recent years. However, based on the market demand the role and skills of the HR are changing over the time to meet the business objectives. Challenges for the HR management that use robots in the organization Huge automation decreases the workforce of the human being as a result technology takes place of the human being in job sectors (Spinks et al. 2017). As a result, it becomes difficult for the HR to recruit people in an organization. There are fewer requirements for the full-time employment in an organization due to the rapid emergence of the automation and mechanization in the business sectors. As a result, people lose their interest to do work. Hence, such situation is difficult for an HR to manage the employees and to reduce the employee turnover. Use chat bots marketing the HR less functional as they have no need to communicate with their clients, which is done by such chat bots technology. Apart from this such automatic technology solves the query of the human being through communication, which is the main responsibility of HR. As a result is a big challenge for the HR to manage their responsibilities and existence in their professional career and Evaluation of the use of diaries Use of diaries is important for the employees those are attending calls in the banks call center (Pak et al. 2017). However, the job profile includes expertise that has good knowledge in handling the call and solving the issues of customers and clients. The applicant should have good communication and writing skill as they have to make a note in a diary according to the requirement of the clients, as well as they, have to put the customer's details in their diary. Applicant should be flexible and extrovert in nature as they have to communicate with the clients and o provide them assurance to solve their issue. Maintenance of diary will help this employee to make a tracker about their work and the customers details, which keeps a transparency in their work. Use of machine in job design Manual handing that means the use of diary in a call center may create the error in the work while the use of technology and automation process will make the work fast and error free (Wajcman 2017). As for example, an employee often fail to communicate with the clients and to solve their query in a call center, on the other hand, use of chat robots makes this process easier. Chat robot is a computer program that communicates with clients and resolves their queries through automation process. In order to make an effective communication and reduces the error in the work machine should be used in the call center instead of manual handling. Therefore, it also reduces the work pressure of the employee and makes the work faster as manual handling is a time-consuming process. Job description of a manager who uses the chat bots and humans for customer dealing The manager should have the good technical skill to utilize the effectiveness of the chat bots to communicate with the customers (Kaushik et al. 2017). Therefore, this manager should have good communication power to motivate the employees in their work to improve their performance. On the other hand, conversational skill and good writing are skill required to use the chat bots for dealing with clients. Conclusion Use chat bots in an organization allow the organization to build automatic communication with the clients. Chat bots is a computer program that communicates with the human being in business context. Hence, this type of automation in business reduces the workforce of the employees and employees require good technical skill to use the chat botst. References Frank, M.R., Sun, L., Cebrian, M., Youn, H. and Rahwan, I., 2017. Small cities face greater impact from automation.arXiv preprint arXiv:1705.05875. Kaushik, A.K., Goyal, A., Rohilla, P.K. and Acharya, V., 2017. accounting Impact on Indian Steel Industry.International Journal of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics,12(1), pp.13-20. Morris, K.C., Schlenoff, C. and Srinivasan, V., 2017. Guest Editorial A Remarkable Resurgence of Artificial Intelligence and Its Impact on Automation and Autonomy.IEEE Transactions on Automation Science and Engineering,14(2), pp.407-409. Pak, R., Rovira, E., McLaughlin, A.C. and Baldwin, N., 2017. Does the domain of technology impact user trust? Investigating trust in automation across different consumer-oriented domains in young adults, military, and older adults.Theoretical Issues in economics Science,18(3), pp.199-220. Spinks, J., Jackson, J., Kirkpatrick, C.M. and Wheeler, A.J., 2017. Disruptive innovation in community pharmacyImpact of automation on the pharmacist workforce.Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy,13(2), pp.394-397. Wajcman, J., 2017. Automation: is it really different this time?.The British Journal of management,68(1), pp.119-127.

Thalassemia Essay Example

Thalassemia Paper Beta Thalassemia Beta thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder characterized by the abnormal production of a blood protein called hemoglobin. This condition is caused by a mutation within the gene that is responsible for the healthy production of hemoglobin. In healthy people, hemoglobin carries oxygen to tissues and cells throughout the body. Patients with beta thalassemia do not have adequate levels of oxygen within the blood, which can cause anemia. There are two main types of beta thalassemia with symptoms that range from mild to severe. Beta-globin is produced by two genes, one gene from each parent. The severity of the condition correlates with the amount of normal beta-globin production. Beta Thalassemia Minor The individuals with thalassemia minor have only one copy of the beta thalassemia gene. These individuals are said to be heterozygous for beta thalassemia and will have mild anemia. This situation can vary closely resemble that with mild iron-deficiency anemia. However, people with thalassemia minor have a normal blood iron level. No treatment is necessary for thalassemia minor. In particular, iron is neither necessary nor advised. Beta Thalassemia Major The child born with thalassemia major has two genes for beta thalassemia and no normal beta chain gene. The child is homozygous for beta thalassemia. This causes a striking deficiency in beta chain production and in the production of HBA. The clinical picture associated with thalassemia major was first described in 1925 by the American pediatrician Thomas Cooley. Hense, the name Cooleys anemia in his honor. At birth the baby with thalassemia major seems entirely normal. Anemia begins to develop within the first months after birth. It becomes progressively more and more severe. We will write a custom essay sample on Thalassemia specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Thalassemia specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Thalassemia specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Chromosome location The gene controlling beta chain production is located on the short (p) arm of chromosome 11 at position 15. 5. More precisely, The HBB gene is located from base pair 5,203,271 to base pair 5,204,876 on chromosome 11. Characteristics of the Disease Beta thalassema major is characterized by severe anemia that can begin months after birth. In the United States and other developed countries, beta thalassemia is identified and treated early and effectively. In untreated, beta thalassemia major can lead to severe tiredness, jaundice, and growth and developmental delay. The body attempts to compensate by producing more blood cells in the bone marrow. However, this is ineffective without the needed genetic instructions to make enough functioning hemoglobin. Instead, obvious bone expansion and changes occur that cause characteristics facial and other changes in appearance, as well as increased risk of fractures. Severe anemia affects other organs in the body such as the heart, spleen, and liver. This can lead to heart failure and enlargement of the the liver and spleen. When untreated, beta thalassemia major generally results in childhood death, usually due to heart failure. Fortunately, in developed countries diagnosis is usually made early, often before symptoms have begun. This allows for treatment with blood transfusion therapy, which can prevent most of the complications of the severe anemia caused by beta thalassemia major. A compelet blood count will identify low levels of hemoglobin and other red blood cell abnormalities that are characterized with beta thalassemia. Since thalassemia trait can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from iron deficiency, tests to evaluate iron levels are important. A hemoglobin electrophoresis is a test that can help identify the types and quantities of hemoglobin made by an individual. This test uses an electric field applied across a slab of gel-like material. Hemoglobins migrate through this gel at various rates and to specific locations, depending on their size, shape, and electrical charge. In addition, isoelectric focusing and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) use similar principles to separate hemoglobins and can be used instead of or in various combination with hemoglobin electrophoresis to determine the types and quantities of hemoglobin present. Hemoglobin electrophoresis results are usually within the normal range for all types of alpha thalassemia. However, hemoglobin A2 levels and sometimes hemoglobin F levels are elevated when beta thalassemia disease or trait is present. Hemoglobin electrophoresis can also detect structurally abnormal hemoglobins that may be co-inherited with a thalassemia trait to cause thalassemia disease or other types of hemoglobin disease. Sometimes DNA testing is needed in addition to the screening tests. This can be performed to help confirm that diagnosis and establish the exact genetic type of thalassemia. Treatment or Management of the Condition The most common treatment of all major forms of thalassemia is red blood cell transfusions. These transfusions are necessary to provide the patient with a temporary supply of healthy red blood cells with normal hemoglobin capable of carrying the oxygen that the pateints body needs. While thalassemia patients were given infrequent transfusions in the past, clinical research led to a more frequent program of regular blood cell transfusions that greatly improved the patients quality of life. Today, most patients with a major form of thalassemia receive red blood cell transfusions every two to three weeks, amounting to as much as 52 pints of blood a year. Because there is no natural way to the body to eliminate iron, the iron in the transfused blood cells builds up in a condition known as iron overload and becomes toxic to tissues and organs, particularly the liver and heart. To help remove excess iron, patients undergo iron chelation therapy, in which a drug introduced into the body which binds with excess iron and removes it through the urine or stool. In 2005, FDA approved an oral chelator, Exjade. This is a pill which is dissolved in water or juice once a day. Molecular Genetics Beta thalassemia is caused by mutations in the HBB gene. More than 250 mutations in the HBB gene have been caused beta thalssemia. Most of the mutations involve a change in single DNA building block within or near the HBB gene. Other mutations insert or delete a small number of nucleotides in the HBB gene. HBB gene mutations that decrease beta-globin production result in a type of the condition called beta-plus thalssemia. Mutations that prevent cells from producing any beta-globin result in beta-zero thalssemia. Without proper amounts of beta-globin, sufficient hemoglobin cannot be formed. A lack of hemoglobin disrupts the normal development of red blood cells. A shortage of mature red blood cells prevents these cells from carrying and delivering enough oxygen to satisfy the body’s energy needs. A lack of oxygen in the body’s tissues can lead to poor growth, organ damage, and other health problems associated with beta thalassemia. Genetic Testing DNA analysis is available to investigate deletions and mutations in the beta-globin producing genes. Family studies can be done to evaluate carrier status and the types of mutations present in family members. DNA testing is not routinely done but can be used to help diagnosis thalassemia and to determine carrier status. Other relevant information Being a carrier of the disease may confer a degree of protection against malaria, as it is quite common among people of Italian and Greek origin, and also in some African and Indian regions. This probably by making the red blood cells more susceptible to the less lethal species Plasmodium vivax simultaneously making the hosts red blood cell environment unsuitable for the more lethal strain Plasmodium falciparum. This is believed to be a selective advantage for patients with the various thalassemia traits. More information can be found at: * Medline Plus * Genetics Home Reference * Cooleys Anemia Foundation References Beta Thalassemia. Genetics Home Reference. U. S. National Library of Medicine. July 2009. April 25, 2010. http://ghr. nlm. nih. gov/condition=betathalassemia Beta Thalassemia. Lucile Packard Childrens Hospital. 2010. April 25, 2010. http://www. lpch. org/DiseaseHealthInfo/HealthLibrary/hematology/thalbeta. html About Thalassemia. Cooleys Anemia Foundation. 2010. April 25, 2010. http://www. thalassemia. org/index. php? option=com_content;view=article;id=19;Itemid=27 Beta Thalassemias. US Department of Health ; Human Services. National Institute of Health. 2010. April 25, 2010. http://www. nhlbi. nih. gov/health/dci/Diseases/Thalassemia/Thalassemia_WhatIs. html Mormino, Vincenzo. Thalassemia in Sicily. Best of Sicily Magazine. 004. April 25, 2010. http://www. bestofsicily. com/mag/art133. htm Thalassemia. Prathama Blood Center. 2010. April 25, 2010. http://www. prathama. org/thalassimias. php Thalassemia. Disease Information. Iron Overload. 2010. April 25, 2010. http://www. ironoverloadme. com/hcp/disease_information/thalaseemia. html When Your Child Has Beta Thalassemia. Mount Nittany Medical Center. 2010. April 25, 2010. http://www. mount nittany. org/wellness-library/healthsheets/documents? ID=11943 Beta Thalassemia. Access DNA. 2010. April 25, 2010. http://www. accessdna. com/condition/Beta-Thalassemia/60

So You Want to Study Abroad (6 Things to Consider)

So You Want to Study Abroad (6 Things to Consider) So You Want to Study Abroad (6 Things to Consider) More and more people choose to study abroad these days. And why not? You get to travel, meet new people, learn about a different culture and earn a college degree at the same time! But studying abroad requires a bit of preparation, so make sure you’ve considered the following factors†¦ 1. Length of Placement Different placements are available depending on how long you want to spend studying abroad. This ranges from a few weeks or a single semester, to full degree programs for those who want to really throw themselves into an overseas experience! 2. Where to Go This is the big one! Where should you study? Some of the most common places for U.S. students to study are in Europe, but it’s possible to study almost anywhere in the world, with other popular destinations including Canada, Mexico, Japan, China and Australia. As well as your personal interest in wherever you decide to study, practical factors to consider include your familiarity with the language (both of the country and the language of instruction), the lifestyle and culture of the place where you’ll be studying, and the tuition and living costs involved. If you really cant decide, throw a dart at a world map and see where it sticks. [Image: Mason Vanks Maps/wikimedia] 3. The Program Once you know where you want to study and the length of placement you’d prefer, it’s time to start looking at different programs. If you’re simply studying abroad for part of your degree, your best option will usually be to apply for a program run by your college. If you want to study abroad for your entire degree, you’ll have to research your chosen destination and apply as an international student. 4. Funding If you have the money to pay for your studies already, you can skip this one. But many of us with dreams of studying abroad would appreciate a little financial help, so it’s worth researching whether funding is available. 5. Entry Requirements and Qualifications The application process for studying abroad differs from institution to institution, so make sure you check carefully and understand the requirements. This will include having the academic qualifications necessary to study your chosen course, as well as providing a resume, a letter of recommendation and possibly proof that you can speak the language of instruction. Some colleges and universities also set admissions tests. The most important thing is starting the application early enough, as that will give you enough time to organize everything before you’re due to begin your studies! 6. Travel Arrangements The final step, once you’ve been accepted on a course, is to organize the travel. And there’s lots to do before booking your flights, including sorting out a visa, making sure you have a valid passport and working out your living arrangements for once you arrive. As with the entry requirements, the key here is knowing what you need to do before travelling to the country where you’ll be studying, as well as leaving plenty of time to make the arrangements. And then its just a case of Bon voyage!

White Privilege and the Myth of Meritocracy-Diversity in Organizations Essay

White Privilege and the Myth of Meritocracy-Diversity in Organizations - Essay Example The discussion is also made in the additional contexts of the questions that are required to be answered relating to white privileges that have relevance with regard to organizational diversity; white privileges from the vantage point of non-white minority groups; how discrimination fosters white privileges and whites’ perception of their own capabilities and merits; the use of the terms qualified minorities, qualified whites, and qualified women; gender-based privileges; the relationship between wealth and privileges (Bell, 2011; pp. 223-256; McIntosh, 1990; McIntosh, 2009; McNamee and Miller, 2004; Unz, 2012). Discussion Whites here refer to the ethnic groups that fall under the umbrella of non-Hispanic white and have roots in Europe, or else are from North Africa or the Middle East. They include those who self-report being white, or else report themselves to be one or other of the following: Arab, Irish, Polish, Lebanese, Italian, German, or from the Near East. This is also the definition espoused by the US Census Bureau, and forms the basis of the definition for the paper (Bell, 2011, p. 225). By white privileges is meant those privileges that accrue to Whites in America by virtue of the social conventions that work on either positively discriminating whites based on their color to confer special work, consumption, and other social privileges, or to negatively discriminate against non-whites to effectively put whites in positions of economic, social and political power, and in other relevant aspects of social and cultural life in the country. The myth of meritocracy, meanwhile, posits that whites earned their privileges and positions of dominance and power, and that conversely other minority groups effectively have not earned power and therefore are unable to rise into similar positions as whites. The myth of meritocracy also exists as divisions in â€Å"earned† power and privileges along gender lines, with white women being in inferior positi ons at work for instance due to white males having earned their positions through the merits of their own work and capabilities. While there are parties that assert that reverse discrimination exist, and documented in the courts, the reality is that white privilege persists as a social force acting in ways that reinforce those privileges at the expense of women and minorities, even as whites themselves in significant numbers have historically worked for more egalitarian social arrangements among races, viewing diversity in organizations as sources of strength and advantage that lift all in turn (Bell, 2011; pp. 223-256). Answering the first question, McIntosh presents many of the subtle ways by which white privilege presents itself in daily life, and it is easy to imagine that in the context of organizational diversity, many of those presentations are relevant, especially with regard to not being racially profiled for a host of activities including participating in race-based discus sions and in discussions on promotions, and with regard to the impact of subtle segregation rules in the choice of housing for employees that may work against drives by organizations to foster greater racial diversity in its employee pools. In promotions discussions, if majority of upper management is white too, then ingrained social forces operating within an organization would work against greater ethnic diversity in the management ranks too, to cite another example (McIntosh, 2009; McIntosh, 1990). To answer question two, If I were a member of a minority ethnic group, the white privileges relating to natural social tendencies to promote and enhance the power of whites over

Analysis Samsung Electronics Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Analysis Samsung Electronics - Case Study Example The company became known for its relatively low-cost quality innovative product lines and was able to give stiff competition to electronic majors like Sony, Nokia, Phillips etc. by continuously coming up with ever new features in all its products. There were many factors that contributed towards company’s continued leadership position in the world market. The foremost was its business model that relied on speed based innovative products. The company focused on its strategy of developing research and engineering skills so that it could improve and improvise innovatively on the electrical and digital products of Sony, Phillips, Matsushita, and Nokia. Samsung’s ability to launch its own products with added features with a great speed was a huge success with the target population. Samsung had geared its teams of professionals to keep a strict watch on the people’s pulse and was, therefore, able to anticipate their demands and used to come up with new products and features that were envied by its rivals. Another vital feature of its business strategy was its focused approach towards R&D and utilizing his human resource as capital investment. His team was able to develop huge range within the same product because they were able to customize new products around their core design. He also introduced the concept of competing for product development teams which were located at diverse locations, thus promoting competition with the group for innovation. The merit-based promotion within the group ensured that the best got their dues. High potential employees were encouraged to MBA and Ph.D. in the foreign country on company’s expenses so that expert team could be indigenously developed and fostered for improved business performance.