Supply Chain sustainability & Humanitarian Logistis Case Study

Supply Chain sustainability & Humanitarian Logistis - Case Study Example Thus, this type of supply chain combines both forward and reverse logistics, and covers all the processes from the new product/service development to the point of origin for repairs, manufacture, returns, or recycling (Krajewski, Ritzman, & Malhotra 2010). Moreover, closed-loop supply chain implies sustainable distribution process as the customer sends the used product back to the manufacturer or seller, and thus closes the loop of distribution (Krajewski, Ritzman, & Malhotra 2010). Taking care of end-of-use items is viewed as a proven measure, which makes supply chain for environmentally friendly. Thus, closed-loop supply chain is categorized as sustainable supply chain almost by definition (Quariguasi Frota Neto et al 2010). A closed-loop supply chain is an integrated system, which supports environmental sustainability through maximization of value creation over the entire life cycle of a product followed by recovery of value at different stages and types of returns (Guide & Wassenhove 2009). Practically all phases of the closed-loop supply chain mitigate environmental footprint of manufacturing, usage, transportation, distribution, and end-of-life activities (Quariguasi Frota Neto et al 2010). The items, used in the production process of the closed-loop supply chain, are returned into the supply chain system and then are remanufactured, recovered or recycled (de Brito and Dekker, 2004). These activities help to extend the lifespan of the product and therefore, are sustainable (Quariguasi Frota Neto et al 2010). While extension of the lifespan of a particular item might not be always sustainable as old items might consume more energy than the new ones, the further recycling of these items helps to contr ibute to environment protection (Quariguasi Frota Neto et al 2010). By recycling end-of-life equipment the companies manage harmful substances (polychlorinated biphenyls, lead, etc.), and thus, keep environment cleaner and

Discuss a few instances of Symbolism in Gilman's Story Essay

Discuss a few instances of Symbolism in Gilman's Story - Essay Example The wallpaper in the room in which the narrator is staying is covered in yellow wallpaper, a color that she detests. This could symbolize that the author has a deep dislike for this ‘disease’ in the society of her era characterized by the oppression of the fairer sex by a patriarchal society. Her hatred for the wallpaper, its color and design is actually a hatred for how men in that era treated women because to the author, the yellow wallpaper with its â€Å"hideous color† and â€Å"torturing pattern† symbolizes exactly that. The windows in her room are another symbol, symbolizing opportunity and that the narrator keeps sitting in her room and looking through them symbolizes a desire to make use of that opportunity and acquire much wanted freedom from the current oppression they face, freedom for women to be recognized as equals to their male counterparts. Another instance is of the woman stuck inside the wallpaper that the author sees creeping around, this woman is actually a representation of the author/narrator herself. It shows us how the author perceives herself and her current role in life. She feels trapped much like the woman inside the wallpaper and she feels that she has to ‘creep’ around like the woman in the wallpaper because she wants her actions to go unnoticed by her husband. Another instance of symbolism in this story is when she talks about the pattern of the yellow wallpaper which initially doesn’t make any sense to her. The author says â€Å"I never saw a worse paper in my life,† (Gilman, Charlotte) which means that she dislikes the structure of dominance and restriction that the men had created over women in that era by refusing them status equal to that of men and by treating them like silly â€Å"little girls†. The pattern of the yellow wallpaper signifies the complex structures in her life that have bound her in her current subordinate role. The pattern sometimes feels like bars to her and she feels like she’s stuck behind them and trying to escape. There is also the issue of how her husband and brother treat the issue of her illness. They regard it as if it were but a silly whim and ignore any input from the author/narrator herself. This symbolizes how in the 1800s men thought that women were inferior to them and thus so were their opinions. The women were thus largely ignored and their thoughts and views given no real notice or importance. The author believes that some mentally stimulating activity would actually help her come out of her depression, but her husband and brother give her opinion no real thought and on the contrary forced her to undergo the ‘rest cure’ whereby she was to be confined to one room and allowed no activity that would mentally stimulate her. This in itself is another symbolism, where the author shows us through the dynamics of her relationship with her husband and his attitude towards her illness an opinions h ow he (he here stands for all the men in that era) has ‘confined’ her according to his will and it doesn’t really matter whether she concurs to his ways or not. What she thinks is of no consequence because she, as a female is inferior to her husband and thus her husband â€Å"must know better†. Not allowing her any activity also symbolizes that the men restricted women’

Reasons for a Softening Insurance Market Assignment - 1

Reasons for a Softening Insurance Market - Assignment Example It is evidently clear from the discussion that soft market conditions are likely to develop during periods of relatively low claim severity and frequency following hard market periods with opposite claim circumstances and re-insurers can command higher premium rates. During a soft market, a primary insurer such as Margin has more negotiating power in dealing with re-insurers than in a hard market. They can take advantage of this power by !) negotiating a premium reduction. 2) reduce their retention without an increase in cost or 3) obtain an increase in reinsurance covers at the same cost. Of the 3 alternatives, unless Margin feels they are already very well protected from catastrophic loss, option 1 should be the least favored one. Option 2 which I assume means keeping the same type of reinsurance but reducing their retention, I submit would be preferable because it would protect them better in case claims are more frequent and/or severe than anticipated. Option 3 I assume means con sidering also different types of reinsurance providing greater protection for the same cost. If so I think Margin should investigate this option. If they don’t already have stop-loss coverage for example perhaps this should be considered. As it protects their premium income if this can be obtained without additional cost. The bottom line for Margin is first of all for them to asses in a relatively worst-case scenario the number of claim costs it can safely bear without possibly going bankrupt, and then to consider the best type of reinsurance available for their portfolio, and cede beyond their retention to re-insurers at the lowest possible cost consistent with re-insurers’ good claim payment reputation and viability.

Case of Mohamad vs Rajoub Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Case of Mohamad vs Rajoub - Essay Example It is evident from the study that the case of Mohamad vs Rajoub was filed by the widow and children of Azzam Rahim , who was tortured brutally and murdered inside the custody of a Palestinian jail by the officials However the court dismissed the case filed by the accused family on the grounds that that the Torture victim protection act applies only to the natural persons which was later supported by the Supreme of the United States. Though the respondents in the case which included the three officers accepted their guilt but the court provided the decision on their favor considering the fact that Azzam Rahim was not a natural person. The case of Mohammad vs Rajoub was filed in the court with a purpose to investigate the fact that whether Torture victim Protection Act 1991was also applicable only to the natural persons or not. The case was under the jurisdiction of the district court of Colombia though it was later handled by the US Supreme Court. In the case the source of the crimina l was law comprised of the families of the victim and the three officials of the custody. Accomplice liability in legal term refers to the fact that an individual is held guilty for the commitment of the crime by other if the person intentionally is involved in the crime by his solicitation, or advice to commit the crime with the help of the physical conduct or his psychological influence. In the case referred the victim who was in custody was brutally beaten by the officials who caused him death. The three officers who were held as guilty were charged with the Accomplice liability considering the fact that all three were involved in the killing and must have provoked each other in beating the victim in custody which caused him death. It also conferred on the fact that the accomplice had the stake in the act of the principal. As in the case it was difficult to point out the principle accused as all three were equally responsible, so the accused were held guilty under the charge of a ccomplice liability (Rogers, n.d, p.1351). Criminal liability refers to the liability of the accused which arises on the event of breaking the law or committing a crime. In the case mentioned the respondents were held guilty and charged with criminal liability on the grounds that they violated the law and killed the convict in the prison. As a result of the offence they committed, they were sentenced to jail for 1-7 years, but they were not imposed with any other liability considering the fact that the victim was not a natural person. During the petition in the court the officials also accepted their act of violating the law of killing a person in jail. Difference between various elements of crime and the application in the case: The elements of crime which are considered in the paper are Actus Reus, Actus Menus and concurrence. In legal terms the, Actus Reus refers to the conduct of the accused and in order to declare the accused as criminal it is necessary to investigate the reaso n behind the act which causes the harm to the victim and the act must be a voluntary in nature . In the case of Mohammad vs Rajoub, it was found out that the officials in the custody had

Minority Corporate Leader Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Minority Corporate Leader - Assignment Example The paper further draws clarity from the way a leader deals with situations and various outcomes. Upon keen exploration of Sage, it is clear that leaders have to enhance teamwork and approach every situation with a clear and innovative mind. Minority Corporate Leader Leadership is an indulging role in any sector. Leaders have to be assertive and make decisions depending on prevailing situations. Apparently, many decisions are made depending on the situation at hand. Some decisions require harnessing information and discussing with relevant stakeholders parties. With such an approach, a leader is definitely going to arrive at the right decision (Armstrong, 2011). However, neglecting some of these aspects could lead to poor decision making. For example, when making a decision in the nursing sector, there is the need to incorporate all the concerned parties. This will ensure that decision implementation is smooth and all inclusive. Ola Sage is 45 years old and exhibits the desirable cha racteristics of a leader. She is married and lives in Silver Spring. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Strayer University and a master’s degree from George Mason University. She is currently the CEO of E-management, which is a federal Information Technology company. Since its inception, Sage has been skeptical about improving the performance of the company to greater heights. In the initial stages, the company was struggling to stay put in the market since it was not attracting a large number of people in demand for its services. She has struggled to develop the company to reach out to a larger market in offering its services. Previously, Sage had dreams of becoming a concert pianist. However, she decided to concentrate on offering IT services. This was a successful idea as she is currently one of the most respected IT experts. The first aspect that should be considered in a leader is the way a leader overcomes barriers. In any sector, there is a high probability that there will be barriers, challenges and setbacks. Ola Sage is a leader that accepts challenges while managing other people. She states that a challenge in a work place strengthens a leader. As such, she is decisive and makes the appropriate changes when there are challenges. For example, the technology sector is changing and improving with each passing day. As such, there is a need for a leader that will give a positive approach to these enhancements (Reese, 2003). This includes purchase of better and improved technology. This ensures the organization is prepared to face all the other challenges in the sector. Similarly, Sage ensures all the other workers are incorporated into finding solutions for the barriers of success. Apparently, she states that a leader has to be on the forefront in overcoming barriers. Such a leader is destined for greatness as all the barriers and challenges will be solved in the meanest time. As such, the organization will be on a gradual improvement. Team building is an important aspect in an organization. An organization that ensures the workers are working as a team is on the verge of making positive accrual with time. For example, all the leaders should work in unison with the other workers. Sage acknowledges that all leaders should enhance team work each and every time in an organization. She states that people should accept that they are not able to make accomplishments on their own. As such, they should decipher that every person

The differences between islamic banking and conventional Essay

The differences between islamic banking and conventional banking-system - Essay Example s that act as safe deposits of people’s savings without which they will have no place to save and will also face the risk of keeping all money at home. Banks also facilitate lending and people can borrow any amount of money they require in any convenient manner. Banks essentially act as intermediary between depositors who lend money to the band and borrowers to whom the banks lend money. The amount that banks pay to the depositors and the amount that they received from the borrowers are both called interest. Both depositors and borrowers can be individuals, families, organizations, governments and so on. Since at any point of time some depositors withdraw their money, many others do not. This provides the banks opportunity to convert short term deposits, which are their liabilities to long term loans which are their assets. The interests that banks pay to their borrowers are less than the interests that the banks pay to their depositors. This difference serves as income of ban ks all over the world. Although banks play a crucial role in the management of money from depositors and lending money to the needy, banks are also indispensable for national and international payments system. Banks also create money. Individuals, organizations or governments do not only need banks as safe custody of their money, but they all also need to circulate their funds like money getting transferred from â€Å"buyers to sellers or employers to employees or taxpayers to governments† (Gobat). In this case too banks play a prominent role. They handle payments like issuing personal cheques to making electronic payments of large amounts between banks. The payments system is a â€Å"complex network of local, national, and international banks and often involves government central banks and private clearing facilities that match up what banks owe each other† (Gobat). In today’s era of international trade, most payments are administered instantly. An efficiently managed system of payme nts is

Classical Approaches to Management Essay Example for Free

Classical Approaches to Management Essay Since the Industrial Revolution began over two hundred years ago, management practices have had to develop and become more clearly defined. The increasing mechanisation and automation that occurred changed how goods and services were produced dramatically. New theories and disciplines emerged at the beginning of the twentieth century as a response to these challenges facing management in a more industrialised age. These new ideas, known as The Classical Approaches to management became the essential building blocks of systems and techniques which help modern day managers effectively plan, organise and control their organisations in the most efficient manner possible. One of the first theories we will look at is was what is known as Scientific Management and was developed chiefly by Frederick Taylor (1856-1917). Taylor came from an engineering background and he highlighted the importance of finding the single best way to perform a particular task. He noted that by analysing every basic movement involved and timing each action in various different ways, you would soon find the quickest and easiest method as a result. As R.C.Appelby (1994) has argued; Taylor â€Å"codified and clearly stated practices which had been developing in many well-run factories†. This â€Å"Time study† approach was very important in helping manufacturing lines improve their productivity by cutting out inefficient, outdated methods of production. Currently, manufacturing industries incorporate methods engineering systems which developed from Taylors time study work to ensure the most efficient production process is in place. Total Quality Management is a modern management practice that relies on continually improving a company’s product or service. A Key factor in this is having a production process that works efficiently and reliably. Taylor also developed the â€Å"Exception Principle† which was to be used as a quality control measure on performance. This method works by detailing precisely the standard of performance to be achieved. The performance of all staff is monitored regularly. Any ineffective staff members that do not meet the standard set are taken note of, and adjustments can then be made to improve the quality of their work. The exception principle also works by identifying any employee who is greatly outperforming the standard set. This tracking of performance results also forms part of the Total Quality Management concept and Taylors work in this area can be seen as being significant in its development. Another key aspect of Taylor’s teachings,  which is still widely used in human resources departments today, was the scientific selection of staff. He asserted that employees should be recruited scientifically based on how their own education, skills and abilities matched the requirements of the job. Once the correct candidate had been hired, they should be given training to help them to perform their tasks to the highest standard possible. He recommended that any increased productivity from an employee should be rewarded financially too, thus incentivising the employee to work harder. These managerial practices are used in nearly all organisations where it has been recognised that an organisations workforce are its most important resource. The training and constant up skilling of the workforce is necessary to keep up with advances in technology and to give a company a competitive edge. Henri Fayol (1841-1925) also developed some theories on the importance of maintaining good relations between staff and management. In his work on what is known as Administrative management, Fayol developed 14 principles of management, one of whic h was â€Å"the stability of tenure â€Å". He recognised the importance of a low staff turnover to an organisations overall effectiveness. Modern management practice generally follows this principle today but also recognises the need to bring in fresh ideas and approaches from new staff to keep the right balance of experienced workers and enthusiastic new people. Another of Fayol s principles which is greatly in evidence today is that of â€Å"initiative†. He believed that employees should be encouraged to put forward their own ideas and be free to execute their tasks in ways they see best fit. This fosters an entrepreneurial environment in the workplace, where employees feel that their ideas are worthy and could form part of a new business plan. Modern IT companies like Google are using this classical approach which has greatly improved innovation and productivity from their employees which has resulted in huge success for the company. Interestingly, Google achieved number 4 on the prestigious Fortune 100 Best Compani es To Work For in 2011. H.L. Gantt(1861-1919) was a colleague of Taylor had some similar approaches. He agreed that management were obliged to provide proper training to its staff and that clearly defined tasks and goals would incentivise employees to perform well. Gantt developed charts for measuring the performance of various projects. These are known as Gantt Charts and are still used today by managers. It gives a quick overview as to how a project  is progressing in relation to its agreed timescale and general targets. A P.E.R.T analysis is another project control method which developed from Gantts bar chart. This Project Evaluation Review Technique works in a similar way to a bar chart, but it offers three possible outcomes of how each task will take in a given project, so as to be prepared for delays in the project or quicker than expected results. This method gives the manager more information to enable him to prepare for all eventualities. Human Resource management has developed into one of the more important areas of management practice. Employees are now regarded as an organisations key asset. R.C.Appleby has said managers must â€Å"know why employees act in the manner that they do†. This is necessary to know what motivates people and what changes could improve performance among a workforce. The Hawthorne Experiments that were conducted by Elton Mayo(1880-1949) and published in 1941 showed the results of phsychological experiments on workers at the Western Electric Company. The aim of the study was to establish the impact of different conditions of work on employee productivity. A group of workers were subjected to various working environment changes such as breaks, hours and managerial leadership.