Operations Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 7

Operations Management - Essay Example f operations, the realities brought about by globalization demand that the company adopt by integrating vertically in order to gain from economies of scale. Considering emerging issues, the main problem with Benetton is dealing with so many actors in its supply chain. These actors include specialized shops, distribution chains, and agents and all except the latter have no direct relationship with the company. in addition, the company to contend with competing with aggressive players in casual wear market and retaining its reputation in sports market. In order to overcome some of these problems, the company developed high tech production pole. This production unit consolidated production in order to realize economies of scale. Here, production of various product under the company has been brought together in order to benefit from the benefits of many units together. This strategy eliminated the problem of dealing with small production units scattered all over. Logistics of bringing raw materials and taking finished product to the market became easier. In order to benefit from the low cost of production in foreign countries, the company has take some of production work overseas just like competitors are doing. The cost of production on china and other countries on south, and south East Asia is low. Labor cost is an important cost driver in textile as they heavily use human labor. Labor in Europe is expensive and therefore relocating some of the most labor consuming aspect in the garment production is a smart move by the company. Another supply chain strategy adopted by the company is the move to integrate vertically. By doing this, the company now has substantial control of supply. Integrating vertically is a good move because ensures that supply of raw materials is guaranteed. In addition, the company has direct control on quality. This was not possible under the old system through which the company operated under. Traditionally, the company relied on direct

Housing & Habitability Swimming Pools Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Housing & Habitability Swimming Pools - Essay Example In a case where the lead-based paint has been chipping away for some time, there is already a risk of long-term exposure. However, both long-term and short-term exposure carries considerable health risks. Exposure to lead affects the brain, the central nervous system, and the blood cells. Exposure to high levels of lead can lead to convulsions, coma, and even death. Children and fetuses exposed to lead-based paint can experience delays in physical and mental development, lower IQ levels, shortened attention spans, and increased behavioral problems. In addition, children are more vulnerable as lead is easily absorbed into their bodies, and their developing tissues are more sensitive (EPA). In this situation, the children exposed to lead-based paint in this dwelling should have a blood test to determine their level of lead exposure, and the dwelling should be cleared of lead-based paint by professionals (EPA). The presence of cockroaches in this situation create an additional hazard to the occupants of the dwelling. The antigens released by cockroaches increase the risk to those who suffer from asthma. In addition, cockroaches are carriers of disease-causing germs (AFHH).

IKEA and India Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

IKEA and India - Assignment Example During 1960s-1970s, it became the prominent furniture manufacturer in Sweden. In the 1980’s, IKEA expands dramatically into new markets such as USA, Italy, France and the UK (Ikea, 2012). At present, Ikea has operations in more than 40 countries in the world. However, it has no business units in India at present even though India is one of the most rapidly developing economies in the world. Many people believe that India may become a superpower both in terms of economic growth as well as military power in near future itself. Moreover, it is often said that global wealth is currently shifting from less heavily populated American and European continents to the more heavily populated Asian continent because of the rapid growth witnessing in India and China like countries. Prominent international companies are currently competing each other in establishing business units in India like emerging markets. Under such circumstances, it is difficult for Ikea like MNC’s to avoid I ndia completely while formulating their international business strategies. This paper analyses the merits and demerits of India as a market for Ikea’s international business operations. Analysis and justification of Indian market Porter’s Five forces Model Michael Porter has identified five competitive forces which may affect the competitive power of an organization. They are; Threat of substitute products, Threat of new entrants, Intense rivalry among existing players, Bargaining power of suppliers and Bargaining power of Buyers (Porter’s Five Forces Model, 2009). The figure given below illustrates Porter’s five forces theory. (Porter’s Five Forces Model, 2009) Threat from new entrants is the first force in Porter’s five forces model. â€Å"Microeconomics teaches that profitable industries attract new competition until the downward pressure on prices has squeezed all the economic profit from the firms. New firms in an industry put downward pressure on prices, upward pressure on costs and an increased necessity for capital expenditures in order to compete† (Porter’s Five Forces- Threat of New Entrants, 2012). Furniture market in India is not much competitive because of the absence of prominent companies. In fact furniture manufacturing is a small scale industry in India and hence MNC’s like Ikea can easily overcome the resistance of small scale furniture manufacturers in India. In other words, Indian furniture industry is highly fragmented and Ikea can exploit such situation to their favor. Less threat from new entrants or competitors will help Ikea to increase their profits in Indian market. â€Å"Competitive rivalry will be high if there is little differentiation between the products sold between customers† (For Marketing Learners Globally, n. d). As mentioned earlier, Nokia may not face much competition in Indian market because of the absence of any furniture manufacturing MNC’s in Indian market. Small scale furniture manufacturers in India may not have the financial capabilities to compete with Ikea like big companies. â€Å"Supplier power exists when there are only few suppliers. It also exists when the switching cost becomes more for the organization to move from one supplier to another† (For Marketing Learners Globally, n.d). Availability of wood for manufacturing furniture is different at different locations in India. For example, India’s southernmost states such as Kerala have immense forest resources whereas North India has

The Definition of Labor Law Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Definition of Labor Law - Research Paper Example This will provide a general summary of what the readers should expect in the whole discussion; it will also allow the reader to have a picture of the research outline. This will provide a general summary of what the readers should expect in the whole discussion; it will also allow the reader to have a picture of the research outline. This section will basically provide a definition of terms such; definition of labor laws and specific areas of application in the labor dimension. It will also provide a general understanding of the importance of labor laws in various facets of employment. The purpose of this section is to provide brief information concerning the development of labor laws and what propagated the formulation of such laws. Additionally, the reader will also be able to know how labor laws apply to different countries in the contemporary society through this section. This will form the main focus of the research; it will provide a comprehensive discussion on the similarities between the labor laws in the United States of America and those within the Saudi Arabian State. A variety of examples of the labor laws in both the countries will be provided to enhance the readers understanding of the similarities. Additionally, it will provide in-text citations for each paragraph that explicates main ideas.b) The research conclusions will provide a summary of the discussion in relation to the writer’s perspective on various aspects of the discussion.