Mark & Spencer Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Mark & Spencer - Essay Example In this respect, firstly the current objectives and strategy of the organization has been identified and based on which the future objectives and the ways in which they can be measured are prepared. While preparing this, the four perspectives of balanced scorecard has been taken into consideration. The objective mainly concentrates on gaining profitability in the business, increasing customer satisfaction and base, increasing the employee satisfaction and retention and finally creating values for the stakeholders. In order to achieve these objectives, the strategic map has been developed and recommendations have been made to the board of directors. Balanced scorecard has been proved to be the most efficient way in designing strategies, through which the organizational objectives can be achieved. At the same time this organizational objectives will be conveyed to the departmental level. The management can also use this in reviewing the strategies and making changes to them. Table of C ontents Executive Summary 2 1. Introduction 4 2. The vision and strategy 4 3. Balanced Score Card 6 3.1 Financial perspective 7 3.1.1 Objectives 8 3.1.2 Measures 9 3.2 Customer Perspective 9 3.2.1 Objectives 9 3.2.2 Measures 10 3.3 Internal business Perspectives 10 3.3.1 Objectives 11 3.3.2 Measures 11 3.4 Learning and Growth perspective 11 3.4.1 Objectives 11 3.4.2 Measures 12 4. Strategy Map 12 5. Recommendations 13 6. Use of Balanced Scorecards 14 Reference list 16 1. Introduction Balanced scorecard can be defined as the set of measures that has been selected carefully and derived from the strategy of the organization. The measures that are selected under the balanced scorecard are the tools via which the leaders can communicate with the external stakeholders and the employees regarding the performance and the outcome drivers through which the organization will succeed in achieving the strategic objectives and mission. In simple terms, balanced scorecard is a useful tool for thre e things like a strategic management system, a management system and a communication tool (Niven, 2011). Over 129 years, Marks and Spencer (M&S) has developed from a single market stall to a multi-channel retailer. The organization is now operating in more than 50 territories with over 82,000 people (Marks and Spencer plc, 2013a). The organization is true to the foundation values and offers the customers, products that are relevant to their choice and preferences. They aim to deliver excellent shopping experience to the customers. This study focus on using balanced scorecard for developing a strategic map for the organization. 2. The vision and strategy The vision of M&S is to expand their international presence and develop into a multi-channel retailer, so that they are accessible to a large number of customers present all around the world. In order to achieve this vision, the company has adopted a large number of activities and has been making good progress over the time. The stra tegies that they follow are discussed below: In order to increase their focus on the business of United Kingdom (UK), they have initiated activities like trusted food, perfectly edited, Cheshire Oak and concept of new home. Trusts are the most important aspect that is given importance by the customers while choosing a brand. The customers turn towards M&S because of their responsibly sourced and high quality food. In order to

Nitrogen Recovery in WasteWater Treatment Term Paper

Nitrogen Recovery in WasteWater Treatment - Term Paper Example Nitrogen in domestic wastewater consists of approximately 60 to 70 percent ammonia?nitrogen and 30 to 40 percent organic nitrogen (Tchobanoglous et al. 2003; Crites and Tchobanoglous 1998). Environmental Effects Health Effects from Drinking Groundwater Contaminated with Nitrates- Human health concerns from nitrates in groundwater used as a drinking water source primarily focus on methemoglobinemia, however some studies suggest that nitrates may increase the risk of birth defects and development of certain cancers in adults. Surface Water Pollution with Nitrogen- The harmful effects of eutrophication due to excessive nitrogen concentrations in the aquatic environment have been well documented. Algae and phytoplankton growth can be accelerated by higher concentrations of nutrients, leading to harmful algal blooms, hypoxia, and loss of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV). In addition to stimulating eutrophication, nitrogen in the form of ammonia can exert a direct demand on dissolved oxy gen (DO) and can be toxic to aquatic life. Even if a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) converts ammonia to nitrate by a biological nitrification process, the resultant nitrate can stimulate algae and phytoplankton growth. Removal of nitrogen from wastewater is a complex process, even for large wastewater treatment plants. Quality control of nitrogen removal processes from individual onsite wastewater systems is even more difficult to manage. Most of the nitrogen is released as nitrate (NO3-), which is highly mobile in the soil water. Wastewater treatment has generally been defined as containing one or more of the following four processes: (1) preliminary, (2) primary, (3) secondary, and (4) advanced (or tertiary) treatment. Preliminary treatment consists of grit removal, which removes dense inert particles, and screening to remove rags and other large debris. Primary treatment involves gravity settling tanks to remove settleable solids, including settleable organic solids. The perfo rmance of primary settling tanks can be enhanced by adding chemicals to capture and flocculate smaller solid particles for the precipitation and removal of phosphorus. Secondary treatment follows primary treatment in most plants and employs biological processes to remove colloidal and soluble organic matter. EPA classifies advanced treatment as â€Å"a level of treatment that is more stringent than secondary or produces a significant reduction in conventional, non?conventional, or toxic pollutants present in the wastewater† (U.S. Public Health Service and USEPA 2008). Effluent filtration and nutrient removal are the most common advanced treatment processes. Nitrogen Removal Processes The biological removal of nitrogen is carried out through a three-step process: (1) the conversion of ammonia from organic nitrogen by hydrolysis and microbial activities, called ammonification; (2) the aerobic conversion of ammonia to nitrate by reacting the ammonia with oxygen in a process call ed nitrification; and (3) the conversion of nitrate to nitrogen gas by reacting the nitrate with organic carbon under anoxic conditions in a process called denitrification. The nitrification process is accompanied by the destruction of alkalinity (e.g., bicarbonate, HCO3-, is neutralized to carbonic acid, H2CO3). Alkalinity is recovered as part of the denitrification process with the generation of hydroxide. The chemical equations involved in the biological conversion of nitrogen are as follows: 1. Formation of ammonia fro

The History of the Management in Business Essay

The History of the Management in Business - Essay Example Porter’s Five Force model is a set of analytic techniques to develop a strategy by looking at five competitive forces to position an organization and its activities so that its product or service is different and cannot be imitated by rivals or potential rivals. Of these, three forces are acting on Kao’s failure to grow its Western markets: bargaining power of buyers (Kao’s cheap image and reputation as a novice), threat of substitutes, and intensity of rivalry (competitors better at marketing high-end/high priced products). Porter then recommends that an organization choose one of three generic strategies – over-all cost leadership, differentiation, or focus – so it can compete and achieve sustainable profitability. How can we explain Kao’s success in cost leadership and differentiation? An explanation is its value chain, a framework introduced by Porter to analyze an organization’s internal capability to support and reinforce a chose n generic strategy. Kao’s internal capabilities and competencies (as we shall next see) helped it succeed in two generic strategies, although its failure to make buyers want its product means that it needs to make adjustments. Kao can satisfy the buyer’s bargaining power by improving its image through advertising and marketing, minimise the threat of substitutes by introducing quality but lower-priced products using its cost leadership and product differentiation advantages, and match the intensity of the rivalry.... buyers (Kao's cheap image and reputation as a novice), threat of substitutes (similar products familiar to the market), and intensity of rivalry (competitors better at marketing high-end/high priced products). Porter then recommends that an organisation choose one of three generic strategies - over-all cost leadership, differentiation, or focus - so it can compete and achieve sustainable profitability. How can we explain Kao's success in cost leadership and differentiation An explanation is its value chain, a framework introduced by Porter5 to analyse an organisation's internal capability to support and reinforce a chosen generic strategy. Kao's internal capabilities and competences (as we shall next see) helped it succeed in two generic strategies, although its failure to make buyers want its product means that it needs to make adjustments. Kao can satisfy the buyer's bargaining power by improving its image through advertising and marketing, minimise threat of substitutes by introdu cing quality but lower-priced products using its cost leadership and product differentiation advantages, and match the intensity of rivalry by deploying trained managers who know the culture to market products in the west. Using the so-called RBV (resource-based view) of strategy, which proposes that competitive advantage can stem from firm-specific skills and resources6, we see Kao as a collection7 of productive resources8 (brand name, quality products, employee loyalty), capabilities9 (unique combination of cross-functional business processes, Hansha information system, the way its workers interact, and how its management leads by example), and competences10 (intuitive learning environment and long-term focus). Kao must use these resources, capabilities, and competences in developing

Atheism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Atheism - Essay Example The paper mainly intends to focus on the nature of the universe and the relation between the supernatural and the scientific world. Despite of belonging to different religions, the four authors mentioned in the article, that the existence of God is merely a subject of just talking. It shows that they believe God does not exist in this world of science. On further note with respect to the article, it was revealed that, some think God is a creature like human beings while the other thinks God to be fictional. On contrary, few believe that, the existence of God would have been abolished, if did not have invented verbal language. Furthermore, the article reflects about history, which tends to reveal about theists and the atheists endures executed atrocities. Correspondingly, this article has provided valuable information with regard to the existence of God. In accordance with the article, existence of God is viewed as a system of symbol and purpose among others. Furthermore, this particu lar article has revealed, that view of the authors remain the same despite of their belonging to differentiated religion. THESIS STATEMENT Thesis Statement has intended to show the motive or the objectives of the article. The article has reviewed about the varying views of people regarding the organized religion and the existence of God. ... In the article the two of the authors i.e., Anthony Lowenstein and Jane Caro are atheists and are providing their views with regard to the existence of God. This particular assignment intends to study the utilities of Atheism in certain areas and how it can be used to relate with this assignment. A detailed study about the utilities of atheism has been revealed in this paper. There always exist some atheists in every religion as seen in the given article. They oppose the views of the theists in the community. These subjects have been tried to elaborated and described in the discussion related to this assignment. Various aspects about the belief in God and the religion have been the major objective of this assignment. DISCUSSION The prime important topic of the article is the debate on the organized religion and the existence of God. It has given various ideologies regarding the topic. In the given article it has been observed that some people believe, in the existence of God, while s ome people believe that God is an entity like human beings and some said that God is a fiction in any form. The participants of the debate gave a similar ideology of non- existence of God despite of belonging to different religion. The targeted audiences in the debate were the people who had visited the debate program. With reference to the given article, two of the authors believe that God does not exist as they consider themselves as atheists. While the others; Simon Smart, who is a Christian and Rachel Woodlock a Muslim, believes that there is existence of God. In this stand, they were termed as theists. Atheism is the lack of belief in God. In the article the two atheist authors have tried to compare God with many things as man like entity, a fiction or certain

International business strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

International business strategy - Essay Example As a direct result of this factor, businesses/organizations and entities rise or fall based upon the overall level of and effective culture that they are able to create within their respective divisions. Similarly, the external representation of culture is what impacts upon the consumers and in product/service users. As one can easily understand, and effective culture will create a positive feeling and likely generate a degree of returning consumers whereas negative aspects of culture will reduce overall sales and profitability and discourage repeat buyers of goods or services from integrating with a given company/organization within the future. As a means of understanding and defining the impact of culture plays upon a business entity, the following analysis will seek to understand the case of Shangri-La hotel group; an Asian hospitality chain that has sought to integrate its products and services into a more global market within the past several years. Firstly, due to the overall l evel of success that Shangri-La has been able to experience over the past several years, the reader/analyst can and should come to a unique understanding of the fact that the culture of this entity is ultimately a powerful positive motivator in determining the success that it has had in the past and will likely seek to continue to generate into the future. In short, it can be understood that the role of culture within Shangri-La holds a vitally important role in helping the firm to achieve the runaway success that it has within the broader markets of Asia. Before seeking to analyze the role in which culture has played in furthering and promoting the profitability and success of Shangri-La, this analysis will seek to briefly analyze and discuss some of the key cultural aspects that this author has selected to determine and define the level of service and success that of the far been realized. Although the following will not be an exhaustive list, it is the understanding of this parti cular analyst that these factors are of the utmost importance and have contributed greatly to the success and profitability that had been realized within the past several years. More importantly, as a result of a discussion and analysis of these factors, the reader can come to an understanding that in order for the firm to continue to display such a level of success and profitability, regardless of the particular market that they wish to integrate with, it is necessary for the business entity to continue to put forward these â€Å"best practices†. The term â€Å"Shangri-La† itself has come to mean a great many things throughout the world culture. However, the term is most basically understood as some type of ethereal paradise in which the eternal youth and happiness can be achieved. At an even more basic definition, within Asian cultures, Shangri-La means â€Å"eternal youth, peace, and tranquility†. Although will not be the purpose of this brief analysis to exp lain the means by which a name brand can promote a particular identity with regards to the consumer, as well as with regards to the derivation and promotion of a particular culture, these aspects must nonetheless be appreciated. In seeking to promote this idea of a paradise and tranquil place in which weary travelers can set their worries aside and enjoy and appreciate the solace that the hotel chain

UPenn Wharton Business School Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

UPenn Wharton Business School - Essay Example Most of the venture capitalist firms do not pick up people, meaning most of the graduates are either unemployed or searching, it depends on the on the approach one gives life. Personally, I want to be a venture capitalist in the Philadelphia region. Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country. On the other hand, I know that if a man begins in uncertainty, he will end in confusion, but if he is contented to begin in doubt, he shall end in uncertainty. An excellent manager is a person who is not worried about his own career but rather the careers of those who work for him. Career objectives: In order to use my networks for making deals and increasing my portfolio, I would like to go back to school and get an MBA degree that can be useful in my future profession. To be involved in seed investing and funding, I would like to create a venture capitalist firm to attract newer companies that have limited operating history and cannot raise capital in the pub lic markets. Thereby I can get significant control over the firm's decisions and business ownership. To create jobs: Job creation is another career objective that I have entertained for a long time. As a venture capitalist, I will be able to create jobs in the knowledge economy and within the region of Philadelphia. Becoming a venture capitalist will help me establish institutions that can systematically design networks for new companies in conjunction with the public sectors. A2. Challenging Interpersonal Relationship and Lesson Learnt from the Experience After finishing school, I realized there was no job opening; I had to look for a job in various companies. I had to juggle two jobs: during the day, I worked at a local agency as Strategic Planning Consultant (June 2011 – Sept 2011); at night, I worked at a casino to make ends meet. I could not afford my rent and pay my school fee, and then I realized that I could take on three jobs paid on an hourly basis. I stated entertaining thoughts of owning my own office, business, my own conveniences, as well as my own money. I genu inely wanted to control and be always on the loop. I wanted to determine the strategic fits that I could use to make money, but I feared committing crimes. Then I stated being smart going back to school, reading and helping people leverage their capabilities to gain strategic advantage in business proposals. People started coming to me for advice. Then I stopped working at Toan Phu Architect & Construction Co. after realizing that I could easily introduce newer methods of project financing through debt securities and stock issuance, and could easily communicate facts and establish high technology training programs to cut down construction time and overhead costs thereby maximizing profits. I wanted to have my own firm. Some of the strengths that I realized I had never exploited include the following features: I am smart and I have a head for mathematics. The experience of working in two venture capitalist firms was the eye opener. I realized that the venture capitalist is my calling . I would like to make money as a venture capitalist from the management fees (as a portion of the funds under management) and carry (portion of return on investment). Owning a venture capitalist firm is much easy as the utilities are easy to manage considering that the management fees is adequate for running the business; this may also be one of the reasons why the established venture capitalist firms do not employ people. To them, an employee is a cost centre, which they would have to pay from their earnings. Having worked in a venture capitalist firm, I realized that I

Exercise 3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Exercise 3 - Essay Example Google drive is a service where any type of document can be uploaded and composed. Files uploaded can only be edited after their conversion into Google Docs format. The name of the file remains the same both in the converted and the original format in the activity section, but the symbol on the left of the name helps determine whether the file is converted or not. It is recommendable not to check the box that asks for the conversion of image or pdf files because of the great possibility of occurrence of conversion issues. Once uploaded and clicked upon, files open in new tabs from where they can be read, edited, saved, and performed all other kinds of functions upon. The free version of Google Drive has established the limit of 5 GB for uploading documents. For storage beyond that, the account has to be purchased. Video 2 summary Part 2 of this video series is about creating documents within the Google Drive. Google Drive lets the users create documents that are similar to the format s they work with in the Microsoft Office. There are different programs that compare to different programs of the Microsoft Office e.g. Presentation in Google Drive is the equivalent of MS PowerPoint. Likewise, Spreadsheet in Google Docs has almost all of the features of MS Excel. The user can perform different sorts of functions on the data in Spreadsheet just like it is done in MS Excel. Google Docs have an Autosave feature that obviates the need to properly save the content written in the file all the time. Users must first title the documents to differentiate them from one another in the list. Most of the features of Google Docs are similar to those of Microsoft Office. Users can make a copy of the documents to be able to edit the documents even if the editing rights have not been granted to them by the sender of the documents. Users can revisit the older versions of the documents using the Revision History feature. This is a very powerful feature as a new revision history is cre ated every time a change is made to the document. The Form in the Google Docs is a very useful program to conduct surveys with. Everything ranging from making graphs to drawings, writing, and making presentations can be done using the programs of the Google Docs. Video 3 summary Part 3 of this video series is about sharing documents within the Google Drive. Sharing is of two types; sharing with a Google Docs’ user and sharing with a non-user of Google Docs. The way to share a document with a Google Docs’ user is to right-click anywhere on the row of the document, go to share, and then again share. The sender has the option of deciding whether the receiver can edit, comment, or just view the document. Once the document has been shared, its shared status is visible on the row next to where it is located. The powers given to the receiver to change the file in any way can be limited or increased anytime by the sender. To share a document with a non-user of Google Docs†™, the first step is to convert the document from Google Docs format to the original format. Once this is done, the rest of the process is the same as for the user of Google Docs’ except we go to â€Å"Email as attachment† instead of â€Å"share† in the third step. Any important updates about the document that the sender wants to share with the receivers can be sent as a message via â€Å"Email collaborators†. More than one file can also be shared with a group of people by creating a shared folder