Examination topic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 6000 words

Examination topic - Essay Example The idea that informed the process of European integration was to establish institutional framework of shared sovereignty within EU economy. The eventual aim of the integration process is to foster economic integration which will ultimately form a framework for political integration at a later stage. European integration is informed by the regional integration theory whose greatest proponent was Stanley Hoffman (Cini, 2006, p. 19). According to Hoffman, regional integration theory asserts that national governments (which are sovereign) should control the speed and level of integration in the region that they exist in. This is evident in the European Union integration where the national governments are playing active role in controlling the speed and level of European integration. Hoffman argues that this theory requires any amplification of power at â€Å"supranational† be a result of member states’ direct decision. European integration was formed on the basis of region al integration theory which believes that integration which is driven by national governments are based on the economic and political issues that affect individual member states at a given period of time (Wiener and Diez, 2009, p. 33). ... He goes further and states that the existence of control usually allows the member states to make decision on the nature and extent of the cooperation between them without undermining directly their sovereignty. From this definition it can be deduced, therefore, that inter-governmentalism is a concept that treats national governments as primary actors in the process of integration. The proponents of inter-governmentalism see the integration terms and the rules that guide the process, as well as its institutions as a reflection of the relative bargaining power of different national governments who â€Å"pool† its efficiency and effectiveness without abnegating their sovereignty (Sweet and Sandholts, 2007, p. 298). Based on the concept of intergovernmentalism, the European Union has assigned implementation and monitoring of intergovernmental agreements responsibilities to international courts and secretariats as a way of locking each national government into integration commitme nt. This aspect is informed by the logic that through international courts and secretariats, national governments will be made to be the promulgators, initiators, mediators, promoters, and legislators of broadening and deepening of the European integration (Cini, 2006, p. 89). EU laws are divided into three interdependent forms of legislation: primary legislation which are produced through direct negotiations between national governments; secondary legislation which is based on the EU treaties and often take the dimension of decisions, recommendations, directives, or regulations; and the Council of the European Union which is the main body of legislation and

Marketing Plan Critique Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Marketing Plan Critique - Essay Example However, these marketing plans have some shortcomings that should be identified and corrected if greater success is to be achieved. This essay is a critique of some marketing plans of Colgate-Palmolive Company. It seeks to provide some recommendations that address the solutions to the issues identified. The Marketing Plan of this company is structured to focus on promoting the brand in overseas market as well as ensuring product differentiation and positioning in order to best serve its customers and at the same time beat both its local and regional competitors. To meet these objectives, the company has used the technique of market segmentation in which it has sectioned its products as oral, personal care and household items. Although the company has made efforts to diversify, its major competitors such as Unilever have trimmed their products much more giving them greater advantages over Colgate. Consequently, Colgate has sought to promote its brand through advertisements. Unfortunately, the company does not do these adverts in local languages, unlike its competitors. Advertising in local languages makes the companies identify themselves with the target audiences (Cadogan, 2009, p. 112). Its geographic segmentation strategy in which it has sought to extend its operations to more th an two hundred nations has not been so beneficial because it has adopted a style in which it restricts sales of the same commodity in every country. Every country has a distinct product. This creates a gap as most customers are cut off from accessing products they could have seen or heard of in other countries. Colgate-Palmolive is a distinct profit-making organization that has got most of its plans and strategies right except a few that needs to be reconsidered. With such an incredible market share in top economies, the company can achieve more than what it has if the following recommendations are taken into consideration. First, the company should

Supplay chain management Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Supplay chain management - Research Paper Example Any business that fails to do so is prone to failure and its survival as a going concern is in doubt. To attain the three main objectives of a business, the business needs to attain sufficient revenue and resources in the form of fixed assets and working capital (Muller, 2003: 1). Working capital include the resources used in the trading activities of a business. Working capital is important because it is the resource base that is used to attract more profits through trade. It is through profitability that a business can earn liquid resources to fund its existence. On the other hand, there is the need growth and expansion, which is characterized by the holding up of wealth in fixed assets. This is also a vital part of the growth of an organization because holding more assets enables a business to expand appropriately and remain a stronger going concern. This means that fixed assets are essential and necessary for the expansion and promotion of business. However, locking up too much o f your capital in fixed assets leads to over-capitalization and this leads to a situation where there will be limited working capital for trading purposes (Chakraborty, 2003: 2). On the other extreme, holding too much working capital leads to over-trading which stands in the way of growth and survival of the business. There is therefore the need for businesses to draw a balance between the extent of locking up capital in assets and in trading activities. Inventory or stocks is an important element of business because in most production entities, inventory represents over 50% of the cost of production (Bragg, 2004: 1). This therefore means that inventory is a major factor that determines the nature, existence and operations of a business. The elements of inventory costs include cost of purchase, cost of storage, labor to receive, checking quantity, retrieval, selection, packing, shipping and accounting for it (Muller, 20030 p2). These costs sum up to very high amounts that are materi al in the financial statements of the business. Inventory is vital in the cost structure of businesses. This is because it can be a point for the lock up of immense working capital which can affect trading as well as the capitalization of the the business. Inventory therefore has to be monitored regularly and closely to ensure that it does not become an avenue for the inefficient use of a business' wealth. The inventory must therefore be monitored and managed through various units of an organization like purchasing, production planning, inventory control, receipt and storage and distribution of inventory. (Bose, 2006: 31). This is done by the use of various techniques and skills in managing the purchase and movement of stocks. Bose (2006: 31) argues that some techniques can be used by managers to ensure the efficient use of resources for the monitoring and control of the inflow and dispatch of stocks as a component of supply chain management. These techniques include Just-in-Time (J IT), Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) and Re-order Point/Point of Safety Stock. These techniques help managers to take decisions that help the management of organizations to ensure that the right levels of stocks are kept at any given point in time to ensure that production goes on without the lock up of capital. On the other hand, it enables the management to order for stocks at the right time to ensure that there are no stock-outs which leads to idle time in businesses. Re-order Point The re-order point concept

Project Management for Construction Assignment

Project Management for Construction - Assignment Example As per my observations, I have proposed a number of actions that could be taken by the company in the near future. The findings of my analysis are explained one by one. The project as per contract No.205 is for a total sum of 10,000,000 and has been prepared under the JCT 98 format. Initially, the company had calculated the internal budget for the project and had projected it at 9,500,000, out of which 750,000 was allocated for package contracts. the project is still ongoing and has been facing some problems of late, which will be discussed in the forthcoming paragraphs. From the existing financial records, the total cost of the project incurred by the company has so far been close to 6,750,000, out of which 6,200,000 was spent on paying the package contractors and suppliers. However, the amount that has been obtained from the client since the commencement of the project has been to the tune of only 5,850,000, which means that the company has spent an extra amount of 900,000 on this project. In fact, it can be seen that the spending of the company has been more directed towards the package contracts and has in fact been more than the income that has been obtained from this project so far. This suggests that the company has not been efficient enough in monitoring the deficit, which has resulted in an extra investment of nearly a million pounds into the project that is yet to be cleared by the client. Apart from this, I have calculated the ... Apart from this, I have calculated the retention ratio at 10%, which is usually deemed quite less, especially for bigger projects such as these. At present, the company owes around 300,000 to the package contractors, out of which around 100,000 meant for a contractor has become insolvent. This leaves the existing dues to the package contractors at 200,000. I would like to note here that the situation on the part of the client has not been encouraging in terms of their financial performance during the past year. The shares of Rus Ting plc have not been performing well and their value has dropped by as much as half of their value. The poor performance of the client can be further reflected by the fact that they are yet to pay their certified installment due last month. To make matters worse, bad weather over the past few months has been constantly hampering the smooth flow of work at the construction site. The major concern of the company at the present moment is with regards to the time of completion of the project. By taking various factors into account, it has been estimated that the project would be completed three weeks behind schedule. Under such a situation, the company would have to pay up to 90,000 under Liquidated and ascertained damages to the client. Thus, it can be seen that apart from the outstanding costs that have been incurred by the company, another danger still looms large if no immediate steps are taken to bring about a change in the company's strategy and practices.Apart from these problems that the project is facing at the moment, there have been various other problems that have been hampering the progress of the project from time to time.

Rice with chicken Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Rice with chicken - Essay Example The following ingredients are required: one cup of rice, chicken pieces, one onion, one tomato, a teaspoonful of garlic and ginger paste, chopped parsley, salt, coriander, rosemary, squeezed lemon juice, paprika and black pepper. First, ensure that the chicken pieces are diced to appropriate sizes and chunks. This will ensure that the process of cooking accords them the chance to cook evenly. Secondly, ensure that the pan contains some oil that will be allowed to heat. The chopped onions, crushed garlic and ginger paste should be added to the oil and fried until golden brown. The chopped tomato and parsley all chopped should be added to the pan next. This will be allowed to blend into the onions, garlic and ginger paste that are already cooking. The chicken pieces should be dropped into the paste and stirred to ensure that the paste mixes into them (Renfrew 33). Next, the black pepper and paprika are added, followed by some water and salt. The pan should be covered to ensure that the chicken adequately cooks. It is imperative to allocate the chicken meal twenty minutes to cook. Meanwhile, heat two cups of water in a pan. Allow the water to heat as the rice drains after washing. Add a tea spoon of salt and crushed rosemary into the water. Set the washed rice into the mixture, stir and then allow cooking for seven to ten minutes. After the rice is set, ensure that the chicken is adequately mixed with the rice, and then squeeze the lemon juice into the mixture. The meal is ready for serving (Renfrew 48). In conclusion, serve the rice and chicken in desirable amounts. Ensure that the meal is served while still hot so as to bring out its true taste. This meal can be served with drinks such as soda and fruit juices. The meal can also be accompanied by vegetable or fruit

Important reflections about higher education in marketing Essay

Important reflections about higher education in marketing - Essay Example So, if the young Arabs are not well versed in marketing, they cannot contribute any significant change and cannot bring any economic development to their homeland. Although there is a growing trend of use of application of marketing, especially in the UAE, many people in these states are not well aware of the importance and its application in their particular environment. Considering the importance of marketing on the one hand and the lack of proper awareness among the native people, on the other hand, the advocates of marketing studies have been split into two groups. The one group believes that the marketing concept is not applicable in Arabian countries due to the fact that in these countries marketing principles cannot be applied as the supply of goods and services here is much greater than demand. Their argument against marketing principle application is based on the assumption that the marketing concept has been essentially a tool of developed countries, a means by which the pr oducts of buyers’ market economies are marketed. Thus, they further argue that marketing is not a discipline of globally accepted principles that may be applied to a subset of national economies. However, although they advocate marketing research and studies in order to apply its principles in the local market to boost its economy, they show their concern for the lack of adequate marketing knowledge and the shortage of marketing expertise which are the significant barriers to the applicability of the discipline.... he assumption that the marketing concept has been essentially a tool of developed countries, a means by which the products of buyers' market economies are marketed. Thus, they further argue that marketing is not a discipline of globally accepted principles that may be applied to a subset of national economies (Bartels, 1983). Although, the logic offered by this group appeals to some extent and people who are already reluctant for marketing studies take it for granted, there is the other group who favor marketing studies and application in these states. However, although they advocate marketing research and studies in order to apply its principles in the local market to boost its economy, they show their concern for the lack of adequate marketing knowledge and shortage of marketing expertise which are the significant barriers to the applicability of the discipline (Kaynak and Hudanah, 1987). The opinion of this group strongly convince us because the one main problem in economic development of the United Arab Emirates is that unfortunately there has been very little attention placed to study the marketing principles and investigate the shortcomings and opportunities of local market. Indeed it can be said that marketing as carried out in UAE with an emphasis on inducing new needs and wants, may not be of pri me concern in the development of our economy because the marketing concept is more than a quest for new needs and wants. It is basically a framework of analyses, tools and skills which provides executives with the ability to match organizational resources and competences to the needs of society (Maholtra, 1986). Thus, from the above arguments given for and against of marketing, it can be concluded that the marketing discipline can be effectively employed in order

Using Structure,Outcome, and Process in Evaluating Quality Medical Care Essay Example for Free

Using Structure,Outcome, and Process in Evaluating Quality Medical Care Essay Abstract   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Structure, process, and outcome are the common indicators used in evaluating the quality of medical care.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This paper will delve on the meaning of structure, process, and outcome indicators as they relate to the assessment of quality medical care. Using Structure,Outcome, and Process in Evaluating Quality Medical Care   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Healthcare personnel and medical facilities are constantly demanded to provide a report about the outcome of their admission of treatment. Governments get in touch with hospitals to provide an accounting of their results so that they could come up with new health care structure, as well as to serve as a back-up for the establishment of new regulations in medical systems. Insurance companies show greater interest in the outcome of medical treatments in order that they can deliver cost-effective care and benchmarking (Van der Ent, 6-7). Providing quality assessment of medical care is important because financial departments of health care providers usually it helps them come up with an affordable price in terms of medical care. Newspapers and magazines usually compare the performance of hospitals as far as the safety and satisfaction of their patients are concerned. For patients, they have the right to be informed about which facility or doctor provides quality medical care (Van der Ent, 6-7). At present, there are various systems in place used in assessing the quality of medical care. In the United Kingdom, for example, the salary of general practitioners are based on how they performed in the Quality and Outcomes Framework 1. In order to be successful, the hospital or medical facility should establish a set of indicators (Van der Ent, 6-7). Structure, Process, and Outcome As Indicators Of Quality Medical Care   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The structure of the medical care serves as the background in the delivery of medical care to the patient. In administering cystic fibrosis, does the delivery of quality medical care involve other practitioners such as a pulmonist, physiotherapist, dietician, and social worker? (Van der Ent, 6-7)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Process indicators, on the other hand, has something to do with how medical care is organized. This means that every procedure requires protocols and guidelines. For example, what is the usual protocol in measuring lung function? How are patients infected by staphylococcus aureus segregated from other patients? (Van der Ent, 6-7)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Outcome indicators, meanwhile, is concerned with the result of medical care. It has something to do with statistics such as mortality rate, percentage of complications, number of patients who recover, and so on. The outcome of medical care usually helps in the determining whether care is insufficient as well as in pointing out the reason for the failure of medical care. In most healthcare systems, the basic requirement are the structure and process indicator instead of the outcome(Van der Ent, 6-7). The Advantage of Using Outcome In Assessing Quality Medical Care   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The outcome of medical care is most often used as the indicator of quality health care. Its reliability as a determinant of quality care cannot be doubted. Aside from that, it more or less provides an accurate assessment of medical care (Donabien, 691-729).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   However, there are some factors that limits the use of outcomes as an indicator of quality medical care. One of these factors is whether or not the outcome is indeed the relevant indicator. There are instances when outcomes becomes irrelevant especially in cases when the survival of the patient will not be critical but will cause them to be paralyzed or bring about serious complications (Donabien, 691-729). References C.K. van der Ent(2008). Quality Assessment: Is The Truth in the Outcome? European Respiratory Journal, 31, 6-7 Donabien, A(2005). Evaluating The Quality of Medical Care. The Milbank Quarterly, 83, 691 729