Does culture play a significant role in Business Essay

Does culture play a significant role in Business - Essay Example He defines culture as the patterns of feeling, thinking as well as the acting programs of the human brain. Though definitions may be numerous, they get united at a certain point where they imply beliefs, patterns and human behaviors which are made and then transmitted. (Barger, 2007) This study is therefore, set out to discuss culture and more particularly in the context of business. To this, a vivid answer will be given in the pursuit of answering the thesis question, â€Å"Does culture play a significant role in business?† Culture is vital to economies, organizations and societies alike. This is since it ensures a competitive edge to all these stakeholders. Thus, no single business organization can sideline the significance of culture especially where the aspects in context make the management successful. The understanding of the role of culture has especially been of high importance where the given business desires to carry out international operations. Though, culture was a non-issue in business in the past, it has become a core factor in business focus. A major challenge befalls the management while building the synergy of both the cultural differences setting people apart and at the same time anchoring their competitive edge. To enhance change, it calls for the functioning of small work groups of persons with an influence, vision as well as determination. As a team, the individuals help in implementing and furthering the cultural competence in the workforce of a business in entirety. There are essential cultural variables, though. Firstly, there is self-awareness. There is need to concentrate upon the development of knowledge and self-awareness of a people’s preferences of culture. Here there is the importance of understanding one’s cultural attitudes, values and beliefs, how these aspects reflect in one’s behavior, how they impact on the

Identification of Activities Area of Coca-Cola Assignment

Identification of Activities Area of Coca-Cola - Assignment Example The Coca-Cola Company mainly operates through a global franchise based distribution system in which the company manufactures the drinks and the syrup concentrates and sells them through various bottlers across the world in their own exclusive regions. Also, the company owns a single anchor bottling company in North America known as Coca-Cola Refreshments. The current Chief Executive Officer of the company is Muhtar Kent. The stocks of the Coca-Cola Company are listed in reputed stock exchanges like the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and are major components of popular market indices like Standard & Poor 500, DJIA, the Russell 1000 Growth Stock Index and the Russell 1000 index. The Coca-Cola Company has strived to attain an adequate amount of sustainability in its operations across the world. However, the company has been involved in a number of lawsuits and criticisms related to many unethical practices and human rights violation over the years of its operations. The company has been alleged with discriminatory and monopolistic practices by many social activist groups, governments, and other stakeholder groups. The lawsuits filed against the Coca-Cola Company regarding these discriminatory and unethical practices have resulted in the company being forced to alter many of its business practices, indulge more into different kinds of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities and introduce new concepts and practices related to the business processes of the company across the world. There have been continuous criticisms against the relation of the Coca-Cola Company with the United States and Middle East foreign policies. A major area in which the Coca-Co la Company has faced severe allegations and criticisms is in its operations in the developed countries like India. The allegations like the presence of pesticide residues in the beverages manufactured by Coca-Cola and water wastage in the operations of the company led to the drop in sales of Coca-Cola products in India by more than 11%. The company has always faced a number of criticisms related to the environmental harms of its business activities.

Bunisness management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Bunisness management - Essay Example This change should come in different forms such as strategic, structural, cultural, process oriented and people oriented. The use of soft and hard approaches to change can be useful in this regard. As the power of the regional heads is one of the major obstacles in bringing change, Gerstner needs to define the company’s objectives and the relative course of action to meet the desired goals. On the other hand, he needs to empower the junior staff with decision making capabilities and innovation in order to create more value and discover more efficient ways of implementing the change process. A participative style of leadership would be appropriate to handle the current situation at IBM. This will allow the employees to analyze a given situation and come up with solutions regarding what to do and how to do it. Gerstner should critically understand and assess the culture and behaviours at each level of IBM. This will help in identifying the core values, attitudes, assumptions and perception of the employees that are essential for the successful change to occur. It will serve as a common baseline for developing the elements of change such as the new corporate strategy, infrastructure and programs to drive change. The implementation of the change process should be followed with the direction of business plans and tactics to meet the customer needs and competition. A continuous reassessment of the organization’s ability to move towards a new wave of transformation is necessary. Soft Approach with the employees: Coetsee (1999) states "any management's ability to achieve maximum benefits from change depends in part of how effectively they create and maintain a climate that minimizes resistant behavior and encourages acceptance and support" (p. 205). This means that Gerstner along with the management of IBM should choose the democratic leadership style as it offers a great deal of flexibility to handle a range of situations. In this way, ideas will move fr eely amongst the group and discussion will be relatively free-flowing. This will facilitate the conversation with the employees and will encourage them to share their ideas and synthesize the available information in the best possible way. It will capitalize their skills and talents by increasing their involvement in decision making activities coupled with new concepts and opinions. At present, the authoritarian atmosphere of the regional heads and other senior management uses the downward or vertical flow of communication to direct the managers and their subordinates. This is suitable in order to tackle such situations where the employees have less knowledge or have no sense of direction and close supervision is required. According to the present condition, Gerstner should restructure it as a flat organization. This will promote team spirit and better flow of communication among the employees. Change in the organizational culture: The culture of IBM is characterized with low tolera nce for change by the involvement of the higher authorities. The degree of formality is high and there are boundaries to separate the top from the ground. Thus, new activities and processes will be very difficult to implement if these characteristics don’t mesh with the culture. Gerstner must use a collective approach to define the ‘shared meaning or purpose’

Development of Hospitality Housekeeping Technology

Development of Hospitality Housekeeping Technology Chapter-1 Introduction Housekeeping: Housekeeping refers to the management of duties and chores concerned within the running of a social unit. its conjointly wont to talk to the money allotted for such use. By extension, associate degree workplace or organization, moreover because the maintenance of storage device systems. A housekeeper is a person used to manage a social unit, and therefore the domestic employees. in step with Mrs Beetons Book of social unit Management, the house servant is second in command within the house and except in massive institutions, wherever theres a house steward, the house servant should think about herself because the immediate representative of her mistress. (Anon., n.d.) Chapter-2 P.D.A Introduction: A personal digital assistant (PDA), conjointly called a palmtop laptop, or personal information assistant, could be a mobile device that functions as a private data manager. PDAs area unit for the most part thought-about obsolete with the widespread adoption of smartphones. Nearly all current PDAs have the power to attach to the web. A personal organizer has Associate in Nursing electronic visual show, sanctioning it to incorporate an internet browser, all current models even have audio capabilities sanctioning use as a transportable media player, and conjointly sanctioning most of them to be used as mobile phones. Most PDAs will access the web, intranets or extranets via Wi-Fi or Wireless Wide space Networks. Most PDAs use touchscreen technology. the primary personal organizer was discharged in 1984 by Psion, the Organizer II. Followed by Psions Series three, in 1991, that began to gibe the a lot of acquainted personal organizer vogue. It conjointly had a full keyboard . The term personal organizer was initial used on Gregorian calendar month seven, 1992 by Apple laptop chief operating officer John Sculley at the patron physical science Show in metropolis, Nevada, concerning the Apple Newton. In 1994, IBM introduced the primary personal organizer with full movable practicality, the IBM Simon, which might even be thought-about the primary smartphone. Then in 1996, Nokia introduced a personal organizer with full movable practicality, the 9000 soul, that became the worlds popular personal organizer. The soul spawned a brand new class of PDAs: the PDA phone, currently known as smartphone. Another early entrant during this market was Palm, with a line of personal organizer product that began in March 1996. (Anon., n.d.) Features of P.D.A: A typical electronic device includes a touchscreen for coming into knowledge, a memory card slot for knowledge storage, and IrDA, Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi. However, some PDAs might not have barely screen, mistreatment softkeys, a directional pad, and a numeric data input device or a thumb keyboard for input; this can be usually seen on telephones that square measure incidentally PDAs.In order to own the functions expected of a electronic device, a devices code usually includes a meeting calendar, a disruption list, Associate in Nursing address book for contacts, a calculator, and a few type of memoranda (or note) program. PDAs with wireless knowledge connections conjointly usually embrace Associate in Nursing email consumer and an online browser. (Anon., n.d.) P.D.A’s use in housekeeping: A personal digital assistant be use for alter sounds, buttons, tools and far additional. Use your personal digital assistant to suit your personal or business style. Store personal and business contacts. Record contact data into the address book, wherever its safely keep and simply accessible. Use cellular functions for causation and receiving calls or messages if your personal digital assistant may be a phone and organizer to Manage tasks. produce a To-do list thats displayed on your home page. Organize calendar for events, appointments or forthcoming tasks. Set a reminder alarm to present you a notice before forthcoming item.Calculate figures with the personal digital assistant calculator.Search the online. bestride the net to look pages or transfer information. Send or receive emails or text messages from cellular suppliers or instant courier services. Download and play music or videos. Take photos or record video. Type in Word to jot notes or w rite a document. Use surpass to create and write spreadsheets. Connect between your personal digital assistant and laptop or laptop computer to transfer information, save documents or synchronize all information. Chapter-3 Radio Frequency Identification Device. Uses of rfid in housekeeping: Hotels square measure still holding on to money-saving habits developed over the past few years, perpetually on the lookout for tactics to trim their budget whereas remaining effective. thats why the employment of radio-frequency identification microchips in edifice uniforms and linens square measure starting up as a money-saving investmentThe chips square measure designed to trace the movement of uniforms or linens to and from laundry areas so as to chop down on excess washes, continuation the lifetime of most materials. â€Å"The chips themselves outlive the clothes,† aforesaid William Beatty, linen manager for the Revel urban center. â€Å"One of the most important edges these chips offer USA is that it keeps our request straight. The previous system of exploitation bar codes and manually investigation linens is out.† (Anon., n.d.) Chapter-4 MICROFIBER Introduction:Microfiber or microfiber is fiber finer than one or one’s denier or decitex/thread. this is often 1/100th the diameter of a personalitys hair and 1/20th the diameter of a strand of silk. the foremost common varieties of microfibers are made of polyesters, polyamides (e.g., nylon, Kevlar, Nomex, trogamide), or a conjugation of polyester, polyamide, and polypropene (Prolen). Microfiber is employed to form mats, knits, and weaves for attire, upholstery, industrial filters, and cleansing product. The shape, size, and combos of artificial fibers ar chosen for specific characteristics, together with softness, toughness, absorption, water repellency, electrodynamics, and filtering capabilities. (Anon., n.d.) How microfibers help in cleaning: In cleansing product, microfiber are often 100 percent polyester, or a mix of polyester and polymeric amide (nylon). It are often each a woven product or a non woven product, the latter most frequently employed in restricted use or disposable cloths. In a number of the highest-quality materials for several cleansing applications, the fiber is split throughout the producing method to provide areas in every fiber. If one were to appear at a cross section of the many split microfiber material below extreme magnification, itd appear as if AN asterisk. it is the split fiber, and also the size of the individual filaments operating in conjunction with the areas between them that will the work. They develop and hold the mud and dirt, and absorb liquid.Unlike cotton, microfiber leaves no lint, the exception being some small suede blends, wherever the surface is automatically processed to provide a soft plush feel. (Anon., n.d.) Environmental and safety: Microfiber textiles tend to be ignitible if factory-made from hydrocarbons (polyester) or carbohydrates (cellulose) and emit deadly gases once burning, a lot of thus if aromatic (PET, PS, ABS) or treated with halogenated flame retarders and aromatic dyes.Their polyester and nylon stock square measure made up of petrochemicals, that dont seem to be a natural resource and dont seem to be perishable. However, if created out of plastic, theyre 100% reusable (Prolen).For most cleanup applications theyre designed for continual use instead of being discarded once use. (An exception is that the precise cleanup of optical parts wherever a wet material is drawn once across the thing and should not be used once more because the detritus collected and currently embedded within the material could scratch the optical surface.) In several house cleanup applications (washing floors, furniture, etc.) microfiber cleanup materials is used while not detergents or cleanup soluti ons which might preferably be required.There square measure environmental issues concerning this product coming into the oceanic organic phenomenon. However, no pesticides square measure used for manufacturing artificial fibres (in comparison to cotton). If these merchandise square measure manufactured from plastic yarn, the yarn is dope-dyed; i.e. no water is employed for colouring (as with cotton, wherever thousands of litres of water become contaminated) (Anon., n.d.) Chapter-5 Light and Climate Control Introduction: The system is integrated to the hotel’s management system permitting employees to examine the period standing of an area from occupancy to guest wants and requests. this permits employees to execute their tasks additional with efficiency.Within the space, a guest will show employees if the space must be created, if theres cleanup to be picked up, trigger associate alarm for emergencies or prefer ‘do not disturb’.Staff will monitor and management HVAC supported occupancy to scale back energy prices, attend to guest requests instantly for improved service, quick cool rooms for comfort once the guest checks in and monitor guest departure for cleanup service.In sensible terms, this suggests work doesn’t disturb guests and HVAC and lighting area unit neer wasting energy in unoccupied rooms.This clever system will mechanically switch all lighting, flip the climate system to a additional economic level and shut the blinds as before long because the g uest checks out. About light and climate control device: An possibility for mounting a multifunction electrical device outside the guest space is out there. this could be wont to notify edifice workers the space standing, as an example, â€Å"make up room†, â€Å"do not disturb† or â€Å"laundry pick-up required†. The multifunction electrical device may be used as a door bell. This door bell may be disabled if the guest has appointed the â€Å"do not disturb† operate of the system.Once within, the guest enters the space card key into the management systems card holder and this could then trigger multiple functions like open blinds, change thermostat to previous set level and switch on lighting. With the system able to perform multiple functions mechanically, the guest doesnt got to actively act with the system, because the system is interacting with them. This automation adds to guest comfort as they don’t got to operate multiple panels, setting the space to their f eeling.When the guest leaves the space taking the cardboard key with them, the space can mechanically perform a pack up sequence when a delay. at intervals the pack up sequence, the thermostat are set to a cost-effective mode, all lighting are changed, selected power points may be disabled, thus removing electronic devices on stand-by power and therefore the blinds may be closed insulating the space from potential activity.If the sleeping room incorporates a balcony door or window, the system may be set in order that if the guest opens either of those, then the air con system can mechanically switch or amendment to a desired mode. This energy saving feature will contribute to considerably reducing the price of running air con services unnecessarily. Motion detection at intervals the lavatory may be a helpful feature and prevents guests sorting out management panels within the dark. The operation of the detector may be obsessed on the time, permitting totally different functionalists between night and day. as an example, if occupancy is detected within the lavatory for the primary time throughout the night, the lighting can slowly work up to a coffee level, permitting guests to regulate. when no occupancy has been detected, the lighting can mechanically close up therein space. Chapter- 6 Mirror television Introduction: A Mirror TV or TV Mirror may be a tv device thats convertible to a mirror. Mirror TVs area unit typically used to avoid wasting area or conceal physical science in living areas like bedrooms and living rooms.Mirror TVs are often integrated into interior styles, together with sensible Homes and residential automation integration.The device consists of specially built mirror glass with AN digital display TV behind the reflected surface. The mirror is fastidiously polarized to permit a picture to transfer through the mirror,specified once the TV is off, the device seems like a mirror. Models embody High-Definition practicality, common with the digital display technology utilized in the screens. Some makers supply high-end input and output choices for entire-home A/V integration. (Anon., n.d.) (Anon., n.d.) The Mirror Barcelona: the mirror Barcelona is a hotel in Barcelona which is completely made up of mirrors which are televisions. It has 63 rooms and every room has Smart design rooms. TV LED (ultra-thin) 40 in room. TV LED (ultra-thin) 22 in W.C.Hairdryer Bed of 1.80 m Treca de Paris House Lighting scenes generation Room with alarm intrusion proximity card access control system Soundproofing of high quality Doors with automatic shelf system Automatic Do not disturb Independent efficient air-conditioning Free cable and wireless internet (50 Mb symmetric) (Anon., n.d.) Conclusion Hospitality may be a never ending business. It provides a wide scope of different opportunity in different fields. And the new upcoming trends are helping this industry develop and flourish. Cleanliness is just a part of housekeeping. The main objective of housekeeping is maintaining order and the new trends are helping the housekeeping department work efficiently and smoothly.

The Importance of History :: World History

The Importance of History Can anything worthwhile be gained from continued research into historical events? History seen as study of the past is an integral part of many education systems across the world. Many countries spend huge amounts of money and resources to uncover their past. Every year new and new historical sites are uncovered, excavations on those sites are conducted and the result are studied by archeologists throughout the world. But have we gained anything worthwhile from research into the past? The answer seems clear: Yes, we have. The Study of history especially into historical battles and wars is beneficial when not vital for the evolution of warfare in the modern world. Military strategists continually study wars such as the World Wars, the Napoleonic Conflicts and many modern wars. Tactics and strategies are analyzed and continuously refined, so as to improve their effectiveness and efficacy in future conflicts, without historical study into conflicts, advanced warfare tactics prevalent today would never have evolved from those primitive tactics man used to use in wars. Many countries nowadays are trying to acquire Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), as history has convincingly displayed their awesome destructive power, and their potential to deter aggressions and conflicts thrust upon on a country, like the Cold war remained 'cold' because both countries had WMD and were aware of the consequences if they were used. Another example were historical research is vital is the judicial system. History sets precedents of judicial cases, which are studied by judges to before they make decision in similar cases themselves. The effectiveness of certain punishments for offences is also evaluated through history. Thus we study history in order to learn from it, improve our past experiences and avoid repeating past mistakes. However this is not always the case. When World war one broke out in Europe, The Empires of Germany, Austro-Hungarian and the Ottoman, were fighting against the axis France, Britain, and Italy. The result of this conflict was total destruction for all of Europe. However just after 20 years, the same nations were getting closer to another military confrontation. Yet again the same nations were allowing Germany to rise militarily, yet again they failed to act soon enough, and yet again they found themselves in another conflict. Yet again the conflict brought total destruction for Europe. What went wrong here, why didn't the study of history prevent a cataclysm in Europe when just one had happened 2 or 3 decades ago?

On Sale at Old Navy Summary

When Cave states â€Å"Their low prices and hip-but-wholesome branding strategy are supposed to present a healthy alternative to the conspicuous consumption of a Calvin Klein,† (68) the connotation of the statement is negative because of the fact that simple, cheap-but-stylish stores like Old Navy are selling clothes to the middle class so they are able to feel special and in coordination with the world's genre of clothing. Cave almost defends the critics like Thomas Frank that have a problem with people that aren’t financially stable enough to go out and nonchalantly spend $500 on designer clothes labeled with tags of flamboyancy; so instead, they use their resources to buy articles of value and style. But Joel Reichart's statement that â€Å"They provide remarkable value,† (69) and â€Å"They're truly satisfying people's needs,† (69) gives the defendant side that in the jungle of popular culture, there is still room to let people of lesser income to insert stylish and attractive possessions in their lives in order to present their selves in a way that doesn’t allow profiling to be strictly based on clothes. In the world, people were, and still are, being judged greatly or lightly by materialistic ideas like what type of jeans they wore on a normal weekday. For example: if someone were to display their income through a nicer shirt than the person standing beside them, the chances of social success was generally greater. The sad but twisted perception of what is â€Å"hot†, â€Å"popular†, or â€Å"cool† that today's popular culture has relies on two things — how to show off and boast and the immorally laced idea of sexiness regarding age. But now that there are stores like Old Navy and Ikea, the thought of how â€Å"cool† someone is based on their appearance has almost vanished. People are starting to step into the realization that every outfit worn or every cool shirt advertised by movie stars or their favorite basketball player in the league will not be an attribute to success or reflect them as a person they are not. In the media world, style is what the actors want people to see them as (or in simpler terms: a mask). But, in the real world, style is simply what a person wants to wear. It is a decision. Decisions by others are worth complete and total respect no matter what the choice is.

Introduction and Motivation Essay

The following chapter provides the foundation for this thesis. It begins with a scope clarification including a definition of the Supply Chain 2020 research initiative, and this thesis’ position within that overall project. Additionally, this chapter discusses the motivation and methodology behind this paper as well as provides an outline for future chapters. The Supply Chain 2020 Project is a multi-year project initiated by the Center for Transportation & Logistics (CTL) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The major research goal for the Supply Chain 2020 Project is to identify the components that will constitute excellent supply chains in the year 2020. In identifying the strategies, processes, and metrics that will comprise excellent supply chains, Supply Chain 2020 hopes to assist companies in multiple industries in developing strategies to remain competitive in the future. The academic year 2004-2005 is Phase I of the Supply Chain 2020 Project. The scope of the initiative for Phase I is to identify and research excellent supply chains in the aerospace, apparel, automotive, communications, computer, consumer products, distribution, pharmaceutical, resources, and retail industries. Specifically, the scope of this thesis is the retail industry. We will focus on the strategies, operating models, network designs, and supply chain processes that constitute an excellent supply chain in the retail industry. In looking at the components listed above, the existing best practices will be analyzed with respect to how they support and promote the business strategy of the specific companies being analyzed.