STRATEGY and OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

STRATEGY and OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT - Essay Example Each brand provides a unique blend of performance, reliability, and aesthetics to its customers. Some of its brands, such as the Vostro, Latitude, Precision, and N series are high end performance systems that are targeted towards small, medium, and large businesses. Other brands such as Inspiron, Studio, XPS, Alienware and Adamo cater to home users with different set of requirements. Apart from computers, Dell also manufactures electronic devices such as LCD monitors, keyboards, mice, USB drives, and so on, in support of its computer range. Dell has adopted a combination of Cost Leadership and Differentiation as its generic strategy. The world is becoming an increasingly technology dependent place. Companies throughout the world spend a great portion of their budgets towards Research and Development to offer the customers great value, at the lowest possible price. Dell has been pursuing the same objective as well. With its highly integrated network of suppliers and customers, Dell has been able to sell directly to customers, reducing cost through eliminating wholesalers and retailers from its business model. This had enabled Dell to provide customers with products at the lowest possible prices. However, cost cutting is not the only objective in Dell’s strategy mix. The company constantly strives to provide its customers with high quality, reliability, convenience of purchase, and outstanding after sales service (Treacy & Wiersema, 1993). All these factors, add some value to the customers and, when put together, enables Dell to differentiate its offerings from its long list of competitors. Through its streamlined processes, Dell manages to not only cut costs and charge less from the customers, but also provides them with differentiated, customized computer systems that only few competitors, today, have managed to deliver. All activities of Dell work in collaboration to facilitate its generic strategy. Through technological solutions, Dell

Can We Talk Essay Example for Free

Can We Talk Essay The article Can We Talk? Researcher Talks About the Role of Communication in Happy Marriages gives us results as related to couples in marriages. In todays society, many couples are too busy to stop, sit down, and have a meaningful conversation with their significant others. Terri Orbach, research scientist at the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan, has studied 373 married couples for more than 20 years. We will examine the findings and explore some of the roles of communication in happy marriages. After reading the text and the required article, I became more aware of what self-disclosure is and how it can affect relationships. Self-disclosure is defined as sharing aspects of yourself with other people. This can be a form of showing your true colors. Sharing areas of yourself that may have been misconceived, showing interest in others, and being more involved are ways that you can open up and form close bonds. In marriages, you assume that couples are already in-the-know about their mate. But this sometimes can be a part of a learning process in the relationship. I can relate to the article because I often find myself at a loss for words. I have been in a few relationships that were on different types of levels; professional, informal and social. Within each of these relationships, there were limited sharing on my part. I would agree that self-disclosure is important in a relationship because it allows you to recognize issues and feelings, and also can help you learn something about self that was unknown. Effective communication promotes a sense of trust, that holds marriages together. Orbach states that by using her 10-minute rule, couples have a good starting point to reconnect with each other. Just 10 minutes to talk about the interests of your mate, areas of conflict, or even about the job made many marriages happier. Because men and women express themselves differently, gender does have a role in communication in relationships. Many believe that some behaviors are masculine and others are feminine. It is often discouraged for men to cry, they are taught to be strong and heroic, while women are allowed to show emotions openly.

Asmaray Animations Process Analysis

Asmaray Animations Process Analysis Summary As your Business Analysts, we have collected the current processes within Asmaray Animations. By conducting a thorough analysis of your processes and identifying the actors involved. We have accumulated a detailed explanation through the representation of an IPO chart, expanded use case and a use case diagram. Task 1 The following IPO chart details the role of a Business Analyst (BA) at Asmaray Animations which in short, is the process of using the clients needs and concerns to work with animators to create a desired product, which is then delivered to the client. Starting the IPO process are the inputs. The inputs for this scenario are the clients, a functioning website and also animators. The website is an important input as it provides a gateway to lure potential clients and offer them a range of artwork where they can be inspired to create an animation. For the next step to take place the clients must provide the BA with their needs and concerns so that the Business can allocate a matching animator. This step relates to decision making as it involves the clients deciding what they want in their desired animation using chosen references on the website, communication between the client and business and is also about decision making as it is about creating a plan for the clients product. The processing step is where the inputs are transformed into outputs, what occurs in this step is the process of relaying the initial plan to the animator so they can create a prototype to be reviewed by the client. In some cases clients, can be ambiguous in expressing their needs and concerns, It is then the BAs job to make sense of this ambiguity and generate assumptions, this involves refining, polishing and adding on to the clients ideas to make the end product more desirable. This occurs when the client doesnt absolutely know what they want but only have on idea of it. In the end of both cases the BA works with the animator to create a prototype, if the client approves of the prototype then the prototype will be finished if not discussion between the client starts again. This step shows decision making in most of the processes; the BA decides on what to add on to the clients plan, discussions between the animator and BA on creating a prototype and the review of the prototype between the BA and client. The last stage of the IPO is the Outputs, if the client approved of the prototype in the previous step then the finalised product should be delivered to the client. This step is all about the client receiving their animation and payment going through. This step can be considered as the performance monitoring phrase as it is the end of the cycle and evaluation can take place. Every actor in this IPO can evaluate their performance whether it be the BA reviewing their management on the project or the animators evaluating their programming performance. The client can also send in a rating and review. Process of Client Transaction Inputs Process Output Clients Gathering the needs of clients. Completed animation packaged and sent to client A professional website that showcases the artwork of various artists and animators. Features in the website include: A scroller for potential clients to browse through multiple artwork, Links to artists biographies and descriptions of work, A communication feature that allows clients to engage with owners on possible animation projects. Refining and adding on to the wants of a client and to construct a plan that will address the needs and concerns of the client. If the client does not have an exact vision of what they want but only an idea of it.. The owner must work with the animators using the clients ideas and feedback to create a prototype of an animation that addresses the clients needs, which is then presented to them for approval. Client has received the animation and has possibly given the business a rating. Satisfied client. The clients ideas, needs, feedback and concerns. Relaying and sharing ideas to an animator to create a plan for the end product Sale made, Revenue received. Animators and open source software. Animators uses plan to create a prototype which is presented to the client, if approved then the prototype is made into the final animation product ready for delivery. Transaction finished. IPO Regarding the Completed Website Inputs (Website ideas) Process Output Blog Link to other pages Allow viewer to move around the website Show latest blog (daily update) Functioning homepage that allows the user to move freely through the Asmaray Animations Website Catalogue of curated works Create database that house work Sorting system (Defining) Webpage that allows users to search and view curated works Links to artists biographies Collate artists own websites Have a page that facilitates both artists biographies as well as work Exposure for artists Webpage that allows users to find info about artists and their work Link to descriptions of works Share page with biographies Registration page Require login and password Include human checker in order to verify userSend information to user database Registration page that is secure for the users, and is non-intrusive Collaborative space Site generated per user Allow larger bandwidth for user uploads File sharing software for ease of use Space that allows file sharing between the client and artists Payment page Allow server to communicate with PayPal. Encryption program for critical data. Functioning payment page and system The IPO chart above shows provides a broken-down look into the processes needed for the website that the company has envisioned. It utilises the inputs or ideas of Armasay Animations to have a framework of what the website needs to have and what are the expected end results a fully realised and functioning website that allows clients to browse and find artists and animators that are suitable for the job required. By focusing solely on the website, the IPO chart, it has more room to go into depth into certain functions of the website itself. As such the inputs as stated before are the ideas taken from the company all of which are what they want to see in their website. The processes outline what each aspect of the website needs and how it can be customised in such a way to bring a unique feeling to the companys website. For example, providing more depth into things like bandwidth allocation for some parts of the website as they need to hold embedded videos and images showcasing the artists work. The last stage is the outputs as such it would be the completed parts of the website, which in turn should be made in such a way where in the end everything links together, and should function as intended. The finished product can then be viewed by the client and give feedback on if it meets their expectations and if anything needs to be changed. Task 2 Use Case The following Use Case shows the process   of finalizing an animation project. Expanded Use Case Detailed Version: Name: Actors: Clients, Owners Artists (Initiators) Purposes: To finalise the clients animation through client feedback and the subsequent phases of the project being carried out by the owners and artists. Type: Abstract Importance: Primary Technical Difficulty: Medium Pre-conditions: Clients and artists have access to collaborative space Draft (Pilot Phase) is placed in the collaborative space. Advance of 15% for pilot phase has been paid by client. Advanced has been received by owners / business. Assumptions: Client is contented and happy with the pilot phase of the product. Cross-Reference: Client Registration Client Animation Order Designing Process Client Payment Of Project Actors Action System Response 1. Owners Artists commence the second phase of the project. 2. Artists involved, apply client feedback to the animation. 3. System recognises alterations on draft and saves all the changes. 4. System alerts client through an email notification, that changes have been made. 5. Clients leave a comment providing feedback on the draft. 6. System recognises notes or comments, left by the client. 7. System alerts artists about client feedback. 8. Artists apply required or final changes. 9. Artists proceeds to the final editing phase. 10. System recognises final editing phase and saves all of the changes. 11. Owners Artists uploads audio in .wav format into animation. 12. System applies audio into the animation and generates it into a final draft format. 13. System notifies clients that the final alterations have been made. 12. Clients notifies Owners that theyre happy with the final product. 14. System recognises Clients response. 15. System proceeds to packaging final product after confirmation of payment. Alternative Courses: 5. System sends another alert to client to confirm changes made to the Project. If no confirmation is received, system then ceases further project work until Client responds.   If client does not respond then within the required amount of time, project is then terminated. 8. If Clients are still not happy with the changes, System alerts the Artists again to make changes. 11. If Audio format isnt recognised, upload a asnd audio format instead. Uploading If uploading process was interrupted by an internet disruption (e.g. internet dying), restart the whole uploading process. If file cant be uploaded due to file size, import it through youtube or vimeo first then link it to the website. 12. If Clients are not happy with the final product, System proceeds to alerting Artists and go back the editing stage in the system. 15. If final payment is not received by Client, system, alerts Client again for payment to proceed. If no payment is processed system, then suspends Project. Use Case Diagram This following use case diagram illustrates the overall current process of developing the animation. This process involves both owners, artists and clients cooperation, as both have to not only communicate what is needed to be done but to also work collaboratively. After organising the needs and requirements, as well as the artists who is right for the job, the first phase of the project is started. Together clients and the artists work together in a collaborative space where clients can give feedback and artists can edit or change what is necessary. After the first phase is done, the clients have to pay 15% advanced before the artists proceed to the next stage. The following stage is just the same as before, working collaboratively to finish the project with the designs and audio approved by the clients. Once the final project is approved by the clients, a payment of the remaining 85% is made before the animation is packaged for the client. Task 3 Coordination of Group and Meetings Project Team Minutes Sprint 1 Project team Name: J.K.M.T Meeting date: 14/03/2017 Meeting place: RMIT building 80 Meeting chair: Mariana Minute taker: Mariana Present: All team members present Report on activities Went through the sprint and assigned tasks amongst team members. Mariana is first Scrum leader Group split up into groups to complete each task. Jake and Tim: Task 1 Kim and Mariana: Task 2 Discussed what each team would do Created a google drive and a Facebook page to share documents and correspond Started question list to send to owners in regards to Sprint 1 Teams started working on tasks Agreed to next meeting Booked study room for meeting 20/07/2017 Action list for Next week Action items Person responsible Each team work on task Send email to owners with questions (before Friday 17/03/2017) Attend meeting on 20/03 Email Clients about specifications of Sprint All team members Kim Project Team Minutes Sprint 1 Project team Name: J.K.M.T Meeting date: 20/03/2017 Meeting place: RMIT building 80.10.004 Meeting chair: Mariana Minute taker: Mariana Present: Kim, Mariana Report on activities Went through what each group did for each task Made recommendations and adjustments according to client specifications. Worked on USE CASE and made final editing Messaged other team members in regards to tasks that need to be completed Arranged a meeting for Tuesday 21/03/17 to finalized the Sprint   Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚   -Meeting in: 80.11.004 at 9:30am Action list for Next week Action items Person responsible Finalize sections of each task and upload to DRIVE Start final draft, logo and final touches on USE CASE Email Client in regards to questions about USE CASE Task 3 All team members Kim and Mariana Kim Mariana Project Team Minutes Sprint 1 Project team Name: J.K.M.T Meeting date: 21/03/2017 Meeting place: RMIT building 80.11.004 Meeting chair: Mariana Minute taker: Mariana Present: Kim, Mariana Report on activities Finalised Sprint to present to Client Action list for Next week Action items Person responsible Prepare for Sprint 2 Arrange meeting time in tutorial for next Sprint All team members Project Plan Task 1: describe 2-3 processes using IPO Select one process and outline its steps. Indicate the steps in which decision-making or performance-monitoring are taking place Jake and Tim 21/03/17 21/03/17 Task 2: Use Cases a. Describe an expanded use case for one of the Actors b. Draw a use case diagram for that Actor Kim and Mariana 21/03/2017 20/03/17 Task 3: Scrum Team management and coordination Final draft of sprint Mariana 21/03/17 21/03/17 Sprint 1

A Writers Choice Essay -- Writing Style Styles Essays

A Writer's Choice "The words we use to communicate our impressions cannot alone constitute a vocabulary sufficient to describe style, but they are part of one†¦" (Williams 18-19). This excerpt from Joseph M. Williams' Style Toward Clarity and Grace conveys a common theme in his book: Style is complex, and it is a matter of choice. Although writers across the nation may have been taught similar features of style and therefore produce similar products, they may choose to use or disregard those elements of style at will. Writing parallels many other versatile fields - such as art, music, and dance - with the notion that in order to break the rules, one must first understand them. A creator needs a foundation to build on; in writing and style, this foundation is a combination of accuracy, consistency, clarity, and concision. Accuracy is arguably a facet of style. With their list of commonly misused words and expressions in Elements of Style, Strunk and White stress the importance of using language correctly and even identify its relationship with style. "Many of the words and expressions listed here are not so much bad English as bad style, the commonplaces of careless writing" (39). The authors do acknowledge that there is no ultimate authority who deems which words must be used over others, but their matter-of-fact tone and occasional jabs at writers who misuse certain words seem to forecast misfortunes for those who do not follow a recommended word usage. Williams is less concerned about such strict guidelines because "not all of us will agree on what counts as correct" (170). He attributes some rules to folklore, some to special formality, and a lot to personal choice. However, he acknowledges that precision may be ne... ...ingway was a renowned author said to have a distinct style: short sentences and paragraphs that used simple vocabulary. He also tended to avoid putting commas in places where many writers and language experts - Strunk and White, for example - would deem them necessary. And he won a Pulitzer Prize. Despite their solid rules and guidelines, Strunk and White never impose their own definition of style. Williams doesn't either; he depicts it, however, not as one entity but a flexible, evolving collection of writing applications. One can conclude, then, that style ultimately comes down to the methods that writers define and use to create their end results. Works Cited Strunk, William, and White, E.B. The Elements of Style. Needham, NY: Allyn & Bacon, 2000, 1979. Williams, Joseph M. Style Toward Clarity and Grace. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1990.

Proposal and Restructuring of the Middle Management

We propose a restructuring at the middle management level that will allow an increase in budget funds for i. e. pay raises, faster decision making process, and overall increase in employee morale, which in most cases equals higher productivity. In this proposed structure there would be an increase in responsibility for the general manager, office manager, and supervisor. Create a faster decision-making rocess, and a better working environment. By dissolving the sales, and rental manager†s positions. It would free up excess of $ 70,000 per year and the staff would report to one manager. The office manager†s responsibilities would increase, and the staff would now consist of approximately six individuals. He would report directly to the general manager. By dissolving the operations manager†s position it would free excess of $ 45,000 per year. The supervisor would inherit his duties and responsibilities, which are almost identical without the expensive price tag, and his staff would consist of twelve technicians. He would report directly to the general manager. By restructuring in this manner, the decisions making process will become more fluid, overall responsibilities will and should be increased, and finally morale and productivity will increase. Which will benefit the company short and long term.

Lessons From Teaching Millennials

Their Comfort Zones and Ours Kenneth Stewart, one who professed at college and taught high school, wrote an article about his learning with teaching called â€Å"Lessons From Teaching Millennial†. In the article, he told us about his 2005-6 classes. He wanted to share his observations about their behavior, his teaching mistakes while working with them, and his beliefs about how we can best work with the current generation of college students. He believes that students should be both challenged and patiently taught while the teachers and students move outside their comfort zones.Stewart told us that when a big gap developed between his expectations of the students and theirs of themselves, he asked them their reactions to the course. Most of them agreed that the course was more demanding then they thought It would be even though he had the same standards he had asked of students he taught In the asses, ‘ass, and ‘ass. He noticed that they were less motivated and tho ught that he was responsible for their learning instead of themselves. For the next semester, he decided to move his expectations closer to what his students thought they would expect.He gave them ore options like whether they wanted to present their research to the entire faculty. He also agreed to the classes suggestion of written versions of his oral pre-exam reviews and the average grade on the tests climbed to mid-level Bi's. Stewart noticed that many students submitted brief drafts and rarely seemed to be proofread. He soon learned reviews helped them to memorize for exams but didn't cause thoughtful reading or understanding. At the end of the course, he concluded that moving the class closer to their comfort zone, was successful for their opinions of them and their grades, but they didn't really learn the content.When Stewart was focused so much on his students' actions and attitudes, he realized he presented an image of teaching that was incomplete. He was so distracted by t he classes issues that he lost touch of the less vocal students. He read a review from a female student that made him open his eyes and discover that he made many mistakes in planning the spring course and his instructional decisions. Stewart agreed to the fact that it was easier to describe his students' flaws than his own. The main mistake he made in the planning of his spring course was that he was attempting to gain back his self confidence as a teacher.He never considered that the reviews encouraged less understanding. He stated that he shortchanged the students who benefited more from challenging expectations. After considering both the students and his teaching, Stewart decided that it was important to find an appropriate balance between challenge and support which Is difficult when students demonstrate differences In academic talent, motivation, and readiness for university work. He said that we should acknowledge today's students need teachers who are apparent but all of th em need teachers who expect them to meet high standards.In conclusion, Stewart lives that it remains critical that we ask all students to meet standards worthy of a university degree? even if it means they must sometimes move outside their comfort zones and we must move outside ours. The course was more demanding then they thought it would be even though he had the same standards he had asked of students he taught in the asses, ‘ass, and ‘ass. Challenge and support which is difficult when students demonstrate differences in should acknowledge today's students need teachers who are apparent but all of them university degree– even if it means they must sometimes move outside their comfort