...Intro * Capacitors increase in price – spending too much of their budget * Got a 60% reduction on more expensive parts * Accepted a higher cost on the lower price item * Considered the whole budget and not just one department’s Company background * Industrial heating company established 1949 * Specialized in knit and braided heating element * Base of most Swisher Systems products * Produces control devices and heating cable * Know to be the highest quality flexible heat supplier * Leader in the market of flexible heating systems * Holds various patents to hold market share * Competitive advantage stems from it’s high quality * Able to resist higher heat * More flexible Products * All products are solutions to industrial heating applications. * 50% standard orders / 50% custom orders * Variability is substantial between product lines * All products perform the same function * 8 essential product lines * Silicone heating blanket * Flexible heating tape * Cloth heating jacket – contributes largest part of revenue * Most expensive to produce * Hand labor and no machines * Custom designed – made to fit (added engineering cost) * Semiconductor, food processing, medical, and petrochemical industry. * Semiconductor – downturn and focus more on the rest! * Competitors offer lower prices but also lower quality ...
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...I. Company Background: Swisher Systems Corporation (SSC) is an industrial heating company which was established in 1949. SSC is an innovator of flexible heating products, especially with its knit and braided heating element. The heating element is multi-stranded resistance wire that is knit and braided with fibreglass and is the base technology for almost all SSC products. SSC is known in the industry as being the highest quality flexible heat supplier which produces control devices and heating cable. SSC’s competitive advantage is on the quality products which maintains higher and safer temperature that are more flexible than their competitors or other products in the market. II. Facts of the Case: A. Mike Watkins Director of Purchasing for Swisher Systems Corporation Solely responsible for purchasing all materials of SSC. Has various experiences in material management prior to SSC. Has more than thirty-five (35) years of industrial purchasing experience. B. Products at Swisher Systems All SSC products are solutions to industrial heating applications SSC manufactures fifty percent (50%) standard products and fifty percent (50%) custom orders. o The custom products can be applied to virtually all industries that require heating products. Industries like semi-conductors, food processing, medical, petrochemical and others. Biggest contributor of SSC’s sales is the cloth heating jacket, though expensive compared to its competitors. The...
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...for watching video? Can you identify any shortcomings of the device? 2. Compare the capabilities of the Kindle to the iPad. Which is a better device for reading books? Explain your answer. 3. Would you like to use an iPad or Kindle for the books you use in your college courses or read for pleasure instead of traditional print publications? Why or why not? II Porter’s competitive forces model helps companies develop competitive strategies using information systems. In this context answer the following questions: 1. Define Porter’s competitive forces model and explain how it works. 2. Describe what the competitive forces model explains about competitive advantage. 3. List and describe four competitive strategies enabled by information systems that firms can pursue. 4. Describe how information systems can support each of these competitive strategies and give examples. 5. Explain why aligning IT with business objectives is essential for strategic use of systems. III Discussion Questions 1. It has been said that there is no such thing as a sustainable competitive advantage. Do you agree? Why or why not? 2. It has been said that the advantage that leading-edge retailers such as Dell and Wal-Mart have over their competition isn’t technology; it’s their management. Do you agree? Why or why not? 3. What are some of the issues to consider in determining whether the Internet would provide your business with a...
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...Structural functional theory is when society is a complex system of interconnected and interrelated social structures each having a function and working together to promote social stability. One hundred million people shop at Wal-Mart every week. Wal-Mart is very convenient for people to shop at. Most people do not even have to shop at other stores because Wal-Mart has everything. It’s also convenient because it is right around the corner from a lot of customers houses; they don’t have to travel far to find a Wal-Mart store so they save gas. People already know that Wal-Mart has the lowest prices so they don’t have to search for stores with low prices. The items sold are good quality as well as cheap. What more could someone ask for. Wal-Mart is a world leader in logistics and promotes greater efficiency between its suppliers. Bob McAdam who is the Wal-Mart vice president states in the video, “We are raising the standard of living through lowering the cost of goods for people.” He is saying that Wal-Mart is good for Structural functional theory is when society is a complex system of interconnected and interrelated social structures each having a function and working together to promote social stability. One hundred million people shop at Wal-Mart every week. Wal-Mart is very convenient for people to shop at. Most people do not even have to shop at other stores because Wal-Mart has everything. It’s also convenient because it is right around the corner from a lot of customers houses;...
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...The systems approach Attempts to reconcile the classical approach (emphasised the technical requirements of the organisation and its needs) with the human relations approach (emphasised the psychological and social aspects, and the consideration of humans needs). The attention is focused on the total work organization and the interrelationship of structure and behavior, and the range of the variables within the organisation. The principal idea is that any part of an organisations activities affects all others parts. The business organisation is an open system, there is continual interaction with the broader external environment of which it is part. The systems approach views the organisation within its total environment and emphasies the importance of multiple channels of interaction. The systems approachs views the organisation as a whole and involves the study of the organisations in terms of the relationships between technical and social variables within the system. The contingency approach This approach explain that the most appropriate structure and system pf management is therefore dependent upon the contingencies of the situation for each particular organisation, this approach implies that the organisation theory shouldn’t seek to suggest one best way to structure or manage organisation but should provide insights into the situational and contextual factors which influence management decisions. Other approaches to the study of organisations: -The decision-making...
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...Chapter 1: Two Different Worldviews The Framework of Individual Psychology The Framework of Systemic Family Therapy Basic Concepts of Systems Theory and Cybernetics Family Therapy or Relationship Therapy? Summary Chapter 2: The Historical Perspective Planting the Seeds: The 1940s Cybernetics Development of Interdisciplinary Approaches Gregory Bateson Putting Down Roots: The 1950s Bateson (Continued) The Double-Bind Hypothesis Nathan Ackerman Murray Bowen Carl Whitaker Theodore Lidz Lyman Wynne Ivan Boszormenyi-Nagy John Elderkin Bell Christian F. Midelfort Overview of the 1950s The Plant Begins to Bud: The 1960s Paradigm Shift The MRI Salvador Minuchin Other Developments Blossom Time: The 1970s Psychodynamic Approaches Natural Systems Theory Experiential Approaches Structural Approaches Strategic Approaches Communication Approaches Behavioral Approaches Gregory Bateson Connecting and Integrating: The 1980s Other Voices The Limits of History Controversy, Conflict, and Beyond: The 1990s The Feminist Critique Family Therapy and Family Medicine Integration and Metaframeworks Managed Care The Twenty-First Century: Continuing Concerns and Emerging Trends Summary Chapter 3: The Paradigmatic Shift of Systems Theory A Cybernetic Epistemology Recursion Feedback Morphostasis/Morphogenesis Rules and Boundaries Openness/Closedness ...
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...first lectures of the course show an empirical and theoretical view of the major principles of the organizational design as well as the alternative design forms. The stakeholders, both insiders and outsiders, and their behavior or relations of cooperation and competition suppose an analysis need that provides them of a huge importance. I also realize about the importance of the agency theory and the problems and remedies caused, improving the importance of efficient corporate governance. This need of a good organization is solved by the systems theory, ”Organizations are systems of interdependent activities linking shifting coalitions of participants; the systems are embedded in – dependent on continuing exchange with and constituted by – the environments in which they operate”. (Scott, 1998:28). The systems which formed the organization have a common target and are classified in three levels based on their relevance. Both, stakeholders and systems, needs an analysis in order to get success in our procedures and adapt the venture structure to the different organizational designs provided in the lectures. After understanding these concepts, the lectures focused on the relation between the main management factors (Vision and mission) and the drivers analyzed, providing goals and strategies to the organization. As important as the creative process is the analysis to know the organizational boundaries, which let the organization look for available goals based on the efficiency and effectiveness...
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...for watching video? Can you identify any shortcomings of the device? 2. Compare the capabilities of the Kindle to the iPad. Which is a better device for reading books? Explain your answer. 3. Would you like to use an iPad or Kindle for the books you use in your college courses or read for pleasure instead of traditional print publications? Why or why not? II Porter’s competitive forces model helps companies develop competitive strategies using information systems. In this context answer the following questions: 1. Define Porter’s competitive forces model and explain how it works. 2. Describe what the competitive forces model explains about competitive advantage. 3. List and describe four competitive strategies enabled by information systems that firms can pursue. 4. Describe how information systems can support each of these competitive strategies and give examples. 5. Explain why aligning IT with business objectives is essential for strategic use of systems. III Discussion Questions 1. It has been said that there is no such thing as a sustainable competitive advantage. Do you agree? Why or why not? 2. It has been said that the advantage that leading-edge retailers such as Dell and Wal-Mart have over their competition isn’t technology; it’s their management. Do you agree? Why or why not? 3. What are some of the issues to consider in determining whether the Internet would provide your business with a...
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...Organizations as a system. A system is a whole made up of parts. Each part can affect the way other parts work and the way all parts work together will determine how well the system works. when can look at business organization as a system because it conforms to the system definition; it recognizes the interrelationships of people, processes, decisions and designs organizational structure in order to realize its projected economic goal. An organization with a good designed system will requires an understanding of how all the parts (for instance, HR department, production department, logistic department, finance department, sales department, marketing department, IT department …etc) fit together as a whole, an intimate understanding of the parts themselves for a better understanding of endogenous event and a full awareness of the organization’s environment including the other external systems to which it is connected to better prepare for exogenous changes. Some hypothetical problems that disrupt the balance of the an organization would be a coordination or communication issue between departments, for instance HR department not selecting adequate candidate for a specific job skill because it did not have all relevant information about the job, or for instance marketing department lunches a new product without integrating logistic department in the project which may cause delays of production and order fulfillment issues. Another issue that may disrupt the balance of the system is exogenous...
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...PubMed Abstract: Retroviral capsid proteins are conserved structurally but assemble into different morphologies. The mature human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) capsid is best described by a 'fullerene cone' model, in which hexamers of the capsid protein are linked to form a hexagonal surface lattice that is closed by incorporating 12 capsid-protein pentamers. HIV-1 capsid protein contains an amino-terminal domain (NTD) comprising seven α-helices and a β-hairpin, a carboxy-terminal domain (CTD) comprising four α-helices, and a flexible linker with a 310-helix connecting the two structural domains. Structures of the capsid-protein assembly units have been determined by X-ray crystallography; however, structural information regarding the assembled capsid and the contacts between the assembly units is incomplete. Here we report the cryo-electron microscopy structure of a tubular HIV-1 capsid-protein assembly at 8 Å resolution and the three-dimensional structure of a native HIV-1 core by cryo-electron tomography. The structure of the tubular assembly shows, at the three-fold interface, a three-helix bundle with critical hydrophobic interactions. Mutagenesis studies confirm that hydrophobic residues in the centre of the three-helix bundle are crucial for capsid assembly and stability, and for viral infectivity. The cryo-electron-microscopy structures enable modelling by large-scale molecular dynamics simulation, resulting in all-atom models for the hexamer-of-hexamer and pentamer-of-hexamer...
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...Manager, Telecoms & Broadcast Services * Managing existing clientele and building new potential customers in the assigned territory * Responsible for developing, positioning and selling the broadcast service across the region * Continually building and improving the broadband, multimedia and broadcast services thru innovative pre-sales and marketing activities. * Working closely with engineering and product team to improve delivery of Speedcast products and services. MEASAT Satellite Systems – Assistant Manager, Ground Engineering * To co-ordinate, monitor and perform all ground systems equipment and VAS maintenance and operations; * To perform anomaly / fault investigation and produce appropriate documentation / technical reports as directed; * To develop new testing procedure and suggest procedure enhancement for increase operating efficiency; * To participate in the procuring, commissioning and testing of new earth station or VAS systems. Be part of the...
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...well: This chapter involves review of previous studies and researches carried out which were found to be related to this presently. Detailed review of literature was carried out to cover the following study areas as shown: - Organizations - Management - Motivation (Reward) and its theories - Relevance of motivation (reward) on productivity. 2.2 ORGANIZATION Organization can be defined as two or more people who work together in structured way achieve a specific goal or goals. Organization can be defined form diverse perspectives. According to Scott (1981) these are there perspective for defining organization these are: 1. Organization as rational systems. 2. Organization as natural systems. 3. Organizations an open system. Organization as Rational Systems: The definition of Organizations as a rational system emphasizes two major characteristic of Organizations. a. Specification of goals b. Formalization of structure. According or Barnard (1938) “formal Organization is that kind of cooperation concision of men that are conscious l deliberate and purposeful Scott (1981). Defines an Organization as a collectively oriented to the pursuit of relatively specific goals an exhibiting a relatively highly formalized social...
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...Nakelya Moragne 03-18-2014 HRDV 5630 QE S2 2.) How does OD differ from a single-change technique such as management training? Answer: OD represents a systems approach that is concerned with the interrelationship of various divisions, departments, groups, and individuals as interdependent subsystems of the total organization. A single technique such as management training is aimed at changing individual behavior, whereas OD is focused on the larger goal of developing an organization-wide improvement in managerial style. OD uses many different techniques and no single technique represents the OD discipline. 5.) Explain three basic responses an individual may have to socialization. Socialization is the process that adapts employees to the organization’s culture. An individual may respond to the socialization in three basic ways. The notion of socialization has been primarily a result of the inequality that exist within the capital system, as a result of the relationship present between the capitalist and the workers strata of the society. Though the response of capitalism to socialization has traditionally been harsh claiming it to be against the right of ownership for which the capitalist system stands for, the response have been changing in its magnitude from time to time. In today’s world where we are witnessing such acute difference in the wealth distribution in different parts of the world. Individuals may be worried about how they’re going to interact with their...
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...outside of the suggested resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and similar Websites do not qualify as quality resources. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, your name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length. The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Design high-level logical system characteristics (user interface design, design of data and information requirements). Develop clear and concise business requirements documents and convert them into technical specifications. Use technology and information resources to research issues in...
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...A subsystem within a family consists of a smaller units that carry out specific functions and together make up a whole (pg. 23 abuse neglect). The subsystem within my family would be me, my husband, and our children. As parents we provided and taught our children; our beliefs, values, and culture. We instill in them the necessary resources to become productive independent strong members of society. Another subsystem would for me would be my siblings and cousins. They were my first peers and friends. This were I learned how to interact with my future friends and peers that I encounter from school; and within the neighborhood where I lived. Another subsystem would be my grandparents, they were patriarch and matriarch of the family. They were the foundation of my family. Their belief, values and culture were instilled in us. To my understand boundaries are a set of guide lines that are followed by society within a family. However boundaries are different with each culture. The boundaries within my immediate family would be my parents would make all the children leave the room when adults we’re present. Child were seen and not heard unless spoken to when adults were present. Another example would be when I set rues in my household for my children to follow when they were young, such as chores, curfews, and school work. Boundaries also define who can interact with whom and how (pg23 Abuse& Neglect). My mother and father taught us to respect all adults; and my parents did not stand...
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