Innovation and Business Growth Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Innovation and Business Growth - Essay Example Where do the other ideas or research efforts go They get into the vast Knowledge Management databases which is available to the organization as part of core business knowledge for future reference. All these products are a result of dollar intensive and highly sophisticated research which actually delves into the minds of end-consumers in a very concerted effort to focus the mind of the consumer on the company's products, services and processes. It was a quirk of an idea to increase the diameter of the tooth paste tube's nozzle by a millimeter in an effort to increase annual sales of tooth paste at Unilever. This of course caught like a wild fire and is much quoted as an example of business smartness and innovation. In this case, the above stated ides is t R & D for a global FMCG company. All it took the Australian phone company to reduce its bleed on local calls was introduction of a lead ring into the handsets of telephones. This lead ring fatigued the hands of the users who started disconnecting calls much earlier than the previous endless hours of conversation. A simple but a powerful idea directly impacted the network utilization as well as bottom lines of the Australian telephone network. That's R & D for a large telecom operator (Bono, 2003). There was this person who stuck post-it sheets with the names of the car owners on the insides of the fuel cap covers and this person spoke to each and every customer using their names. Sales increased dramatically. This person was trying to leverage customer experience at the gas station, researched to find out that people love to be addressed by their names. That's nothing but R & D for a micro enterprise (B, 2006). Xerox that spent billions of dollars in getting new products to the market place failed miserably and was bleeding at the point of machine replacements in 72 hours. As part of their service level agreement, Xerox innovated its post sales service delivery mechanism to come up with almost instantaneous resolution of over 98% of customer complaints thereby reducing the bleed due to machine replacement promise to almost nil. Today various Corporates are investing billions of dollars to leverage the R & D knowledge at the market place and this paper will specifically look at the innovations at Unilever - Unipath, Xerox - PARC and Ntt - MBD. A Product/Service - Its importance Most of the organizations, once having introduced a product / service into the market place, leverage of two different types of research. The first type of research is to find out what the consumer wants or even has in his mind. The second type of research is to how to move the current product line or introduce a new product line to meet those expectations in the mind of the consumer. It is more often in the second type of research work, which new product identification happens. Also it is in the second type of research that companies often file for patents; develop knowledge that may be leveraged in future. Marketing begins with the identification of consumer needs and wants, and culminates with successfully

Domestic Violence in New York City Research Paper

Domestic Violence in New York City - Research Paper Example Though the United States of America is a developed country where women’s freedom and equality is highly valued, the problem is rampant in this nation also. While the problem is highly significant as a social and legal issue, more important is its impact on the society as a challenging public health issue of far reaching consequences. The gravity of the problem can be understood from the fact that during 2005, â€Å"1,181 women† have been killed by an â€Å"intimate partner† and that females sustain â€Å"two million injuries from intimate partner violence each year† (The Facts on Domestic, Dating and Sexual Violence, 2009, p.1). Apart from the women who suffer due to the direct consequences of domestic violence, the children and other family members are also affected by domestic violence. However, most importantly, this menace is a serious public health problem which can have significant impacts on the community. The relevance of domestic violence as a maj or public health issue can be evidenced from the fact that females who become victims of this menace are â€Å"80 percent more likely† to suffer from a stroke and â€Å"70 percent more likely† to develop heart diseases (p.2). In addition, evidence also suggests that such women are more prone to diseases like asthma besides the possibility to â€Å"drink heavily† (p.2). In this context, it needs to be appreciated that healthcare costs can have a damaging effect not only on the family budget but also on community funding because when the government has to spend heavily on free medical services to those affected by domestic violence, the resources to be spent on developmental activities will be reduced. This becomes evident from the fact that New York State alone has spent â€Å"$227 million in 2005† on domestic violence, which could otherwise have been spent on developmental activities for the state (City Spending on Domestic Violence: A Review, 2007, p.1). In the specific context of the New York community, it transpires that as of 2005, nearly â€Å"13 percent of all murders† in this city are attributed to domestic violence and the total number of reported incidents comes to â€Å"226,000† (p.2). As stated before, the state spends a hefty sum on combating the problem and the expense primarily goes to â€Å"emergency social services† to females who fall victim to the menace, cost of law enforcement, preventive measures as well as other long term services (p.2). Healthcare is the most basic of the emergency social services provided to victims of domestic violence and community nurses have a key role to play in this effort. The service also needs to focus on preventing the recurrence of the incidence of domestic violence as well as â€Å"programs that assist victims† (p.2). Again, community health nurses have a significant role as a conduit between the healthcare systems and the victims or their families. Als o they can play a pivotal role in creating awareness about the problem within the community. Identifying potential families and providing counseling to them by the public healthcare nurses can go a long way in preventing recurrences. From the evidence emerging from various published materials, it transpires that domestic violence is a major public healthcare issue in the United States in general and New York State in particular. The problem not only costs heavy expenditure on an individual or family level but also places a hefty onus on the state as a result of which funding on developmental

Emerging Technologies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Emerging Technologies - Essay Example Every company and organization has become heavily dependent on the use of technology to run business activities. For example, use of computers networks and internet has become a common thing for every organization. In this report, we will discuss an innovative technology related to the field of computer science. The name of the technology is Cloud Management Information System (Cloud MIS). Cloud MIS service refers to the use of cloud computing services for managing information provided to the system by the companies using the service. Some of the main benefits that a company can get using Cloud MIS service include secure data management, improved efficiency, lower capital expenditure, no need of hiring IT professionals to manage the MIS, greater flexibility and storage, and lower operational expenditure. The concept of this technology was developed a couple of years ago but more and more developments are occurring in this technology making it more useful and reliable for companies an d organizations. Let us first have a look at basic workings of Management Information System and Cloud Computing in order to get a better understanding of the benefits that the merger of these technologies can provide to businesses. 2. Management Information System According to Oz (2009, p. 9) states, â€Å"Information is the lifeblood of any organization†. Without information, a company can never achieve its desired goals and objectives because information serves as the base for business progress. Management information system (MIS) refers to a system that manages the data and information of a company needed to perform different business activities. MIS makes use of information technology tools in processing of information and generation of reports (Earl 1996). It is a part of internal business control system which manages the documents, business strategies and policies, and information stored in it by the company (Martin 2010). According to Stahl (2008, p. 1), management in formation systems increase the efficiency of business processes, as well as improves coordination between people within organization. As Lauderdale (n.d., p. 1) states, â€Å"MIS allows managers to create reports about the company activities†. This statement shows that MIS can be used to generate reports about business activities, such as, financial reports, employee performance reports, and project related reports. According to Lucey (2005, p. 4), the main tasks of a management information system are to process collected data into information, as well as to send accurate and relevant information to the concerned people. As Burke (n.d., p. 1) states, â€Å"MIS, or management information systems, are used to manage the data created within the structure of a particular business†. MIS stores everything related to business which also include project deadlines and employees’ tasks regarding those projects. Using the information for the system, employees carry out the ir activities accordingly. According to Currie and Galliers (1999), MIS also helps employees in processing, analyzing, and disseminating the collected information. Another advantage of using MIS in companies is that it helps in setting and achieving both short-term and long-term strategic goals and objecti

IRS and UBS Case Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

IRS and UBS Case - Research Paper Example romised to back off of the demand of obtaining information about the remaining 42,000 accounts that were allegedly involved in illegal tax evasion activity. This settlement came following a case that was filed in the Southern Florida District court in America where the U.S government accused the United Bank Switzerland of aiding American citizens in illegal tax frauds. This case was filed by The Internal Revenue Service that claimed that UBS was helping its clients, an alleged 52,000 American citizens to escape from having to pay duly owed tax revenue to the IRS. This tax evasion probe let to a whirlwind case that was followed closely by a large number of people all over the world and brought to light the murky world of off-shore banking which has long been rumored to be a business which lets wealthy and the ultra-rich stash off their money in unknown overseas locations where they are virtually untraceable by tax-collectors and other government agencies. According to the United States law, a taxpayer who has a foreign account with more than $10,000 must file a Foreign Bank & Financial Account Report (FBAR) with the treasury by the 30th of June annually.(Gary S. Wolf Law Offices, 2009).These FBAR rules were established in 1970 as a part of the Bank Secrecy Act and since 2003, the Internal Revenue Service has been enforcing these laws. The IRS – a part of the Department of Treasury- received 322,000 FBAR’s in the year of 2007 and it still estimated that there were nearly 1 million overseas accounts held by American citizens out of which nearly 700,000 were undisclosed. The criminal penalties that can be issued for an undeclared foreign account and/or unreported income can be up to 24 years in jail. Filing false income tax returns and committing perjury in this case can result in a count of 1 felony and 3 misdemeanors against a person and can result in up to 14 years in jail and willful non-disclosure of a foreign account worth more than $10,000 can result in

An Approach to Productive Feedback for Teachers Essay

An Approach to Productive Feedback for Teachers - Essay Example First and foremost, Krissia Martinez started her article by presenting the struggle that teachers face, of which after an observation, became a required part of their evaluation systems in many states and districts. The author believes that there is a relationship between feedback and conversations, potentially the related coaching and teacher’s performance evaluations. In addition, the author believes that the relationship makes teachers weary and anxious, feeling threatened during classroom observations. Of course, anyone could feel the same if the observations are based on a certain area with no clear protocols, useful feedback or coaching ways with no helpful information and professional support (Martinez, 1). Also, Krissia Martinez explained the reasons that make teachers struggle during classroom observations. Then, she provides strategies to enhance the post-observation feedback conversation by The Carnegie Foundation, which is the key point of her article. The various strategies include an individual starting a conversation with a positive statement; good listening skills, addressing teacher’s concerns, co-developing next steps, and sequencing the conversation into a predictable format (Martinez,

Management and Administration Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Management and Administration - Case Study Example This essay will also elaborate more on the possible solutions available to solve each problem identified. Thorough explanations accompanying my recommendations will also be provided. Lack of trust within the management The Red Cross management and the subordinate staff relationship never had a strong foundation (Meyers & Young, 1996). This was due to the lack of communication and understanding among the entire staff. Consequently, every member of the staff was criticizing the management while the management criticized the junior staff. In addition to this, there were severe consequences for example some junior staff members were suspended without pay while others were relieved of their duties. Considering the factors that led to the management problem, there are various theories that different staff members have stated. The C.E.O of Red Cross known as Harold J. Becker was very uncomfortable at her position despite it being a prestigious position within the organization. Apparently, s he had decided to call it quits after she was attacked by critics within Red Cross. During the day in question, she was showing the jittery strain of the previous two months. She recalls the first time that she had commanded a huge disaster relief effort only to endure humiliation and rejection of every order she gave by the Red Cross’s 50 member board of governors. ... During these staff meetings, there should be an open forum where the people air their grievances, complaints and dissatisfaction. Afterwards, the board should hold a meeting for the purposes of sorting out the major problems aired out. Individually, the most damaging aspect as a result of mistrust is the psychological impact that produces paranoid thoughts. Recommendations The strategies recommended are several for instance developing other relationships hence gaining self empowerment. Other relationships to be developed are between the junior staff and senior staff for example the C.E.O did not have a working relationship with her junior staff hence the major reason why they were all criticizing her authority and leadership. Another recommendation is the creation of alternatives where individuals employ the principles of GRIT (Graduated and Reciprocated initiatives in Tension Reduction) (Fells, 2009). This is a strategy meant to reduce dysfunctional distrust in various levels of aut hority. Basically, GRIT consists of a series of steps meant to correct biased and distorted views, reduce tension cultivating an atmosphere of mutual trust. Resultively, this will enable a more co-operative approach enhancing effectiveness. GRIT framework once established distrust will subside as parties involved in arguments achieve a neutral ground. However, it is important to retain some retaliatory capacity. This is the ability to mount a defense should it become necessary and also build a reputation of trustworthiness through self defense by stating facts. Incompetency within the organization In a confidential memo sent to the board of governors by Healy, she had complained about the irregularities within Red Cross. She ultimately laid out the

Macroeconomics and Microeconomics - Microfinance Research Paper

Macroeconomics and Microeconomics - Microfinance - Research Paper Example The paper focuses on microfinance activities meeting the cause of women in the countries like Kenya, South Africa, and Ghana. Microfinance in Kenya ACCA (2011) states that the microfinance activities in Kenya got its foothold in '80s but it expanded rapidly after Microfinance Intermediaries Act came into force in the year 2006. The microfinance intermediaries (MFIs) operate under regulatory framework called Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). As per EIU, Kenya offers one of the best business environments for MFIs. Reece (2011) describes about the organizational power of women in Kenya who without enough government help are building financial resources and security for them. As such, only 20 percent of the population in Kenya is in the position to open a bank account or do any transaction with the banks. Rose Olouch, a village woman, is quite vocal in stating that Kenyan women are capable of empowering themselves. She leads the group of 20 women who among themselves save, loan and cont ribute towards group insurance fund to meet emergencies. Women dominate in decision making process with regard to village and home finances. Small savings and loan groups provide basic level of financing to the low-income groups. Such groups meet monthly to carry out essential activities maintaining a strict discipline in the gathering. The Women’s Enterprise Development Institute (WEDI) is the largest organization serving some 20,000 clients. The WEDI's operations are based on the managed-ASCA model. Women take loan from the ASCA. Each member contributes Ksh100 as monthly saving and they can withdraw it on notice. Members are eligible for the dividend at the end of the year. The ASCA does charge management fees depending upon the funds handled. At least 45% of WEDI groups operate in areas with population density of 200 persons per square km. Further, most of the WEDI groups operate in the areas where poverty incidence is between 20 and 40 percent of the population. Johnson, et al. argues that decentralized models have advantages in reaching poorer and remote areas. WEDI client portfolio includes women from the poorest strata of the society. WEDI’s clients are involved in the activities of farming and producing cash crops such as coffee, beans. They also run retail shops in and indulge into buying and selling of fruits and cereals. Usually, women clients save nearly Ksh 100 per month and take the benefit of small loans from WEDI. WEDI generates enough income from the loans offered so as to sustain its operational expenses (Johnson, Malkamak, and Wanjau, p.11) The Women’s Enterprise Development Company Ltd (WEDCO) is another NGO Microfinance institution operating in the Kenya. Women in rural areas are offered credits by them for their small business activities. WEDCO provides loans for varied purpose including school fees loans and to meet other contingencies. WEDCO serves approximately 12,000 clients in a large geographical area (Johnson, Malkamak, & Wanjau, p.10). Status of Microfinance in South Africa The Microfinance market in South Africa started in the '80s and then it was made up of NGOs and for-profit companies. Until at least 1994 microfinance market in South Africa had a few commercial and not-for-profit lenders but there after microfinance mark