Wawa Inc. Research Paper

On the scale of company sizes In this country, Way falls somewhere In the middle. Initiating leadership in the convenience store industry in the Delaware Valley, while at the same time providing the employees with small-company personal immunization. The company hopes to maintain this relationship with the employees In the future, even though the recent strike hurt the morale among the delivery personnel. The organizational structure begins with the president, Richard Wood. There are six vice-presidents in the company, each serving an important function.The segments of the company are broken down to the following levels, with the vice-president for each level controlling It: Law & Human Resources, Marketing, Store Operations, Real Estate, Finance, and Distribution. As you can see, the real state segment is heavily weighted in the corporate structure. The reasoning behind this strategy is that the company is expanding at the rate of three to four stores per month. Devoting resources t o real estate includes the locating, purchasing, developing, and operating the new store until sufficient management can be established. I have witnessed two new examples of this strategy this semester.I have observed the demolition process of a store, and the construction of three stores, and the renovation of one! These experiences have taught me the process template hat Way uses to build every one of its new stores. With such stress being focused in this area, you can Imagine that the employees involved in the new construction process know exactly how to open a store, from the purchase of the land, to the grand opening day! The other segments of the company mentioned follow the same format as most companies of today. Story ‘Offs successful company, serving the convenience needs of the greater Delaware Valley with pride since 1964.Through the strong respect from customers, Way has achieved a dramatic increase in sales in the past five years. With the introduction of ewe â₠¬Å"superstores†, the future looks extremely bright for the company. Haw's branding strategy of its own products has achieved national recognition. From the dairy products that it has manufactured since the early sass's, to the new Way Bakery, which is destined to be a phenomenal success in the years to come because of its versatility in creating exciting new products, Way is planning on leaving the twentieth century with a bang!The following is a short history of how the company has become as successful as it is today. Way, Inc. Did not begin as a food business, as many people may believe. Instead, the company began operations in the textile industry as early as 1803. By 1865, the company, dubbed as The Melville Manufacturing Company, was incorporated and was operating mills quite successfully in several states, with sales offices throughout the country, but headquarters always remaining in Melville, New Jersey.In 1902, George Wood, who was the owner of Melville, New Jersey, w hich was a bustling town thanks to his family-owned textile business, opened a small milk plant in Way, Pennsylvania, which specialized in processing, and the home delivery of â€Å"certified† milk. Since bastardization had not yet been discovered, consumers relied heavily on the quality of Haw's milk for years. The Wood family summer home, called Red Roof, became the office center for the dairy farm. As the textile industry began to fade in the sass's, the Wood family considered enlarging the small dairy business to serve a larger area, covering the Philadelphia metropolis.Their dairy business began to thrive, Just as the textile industry collapsed due to lower prices for labor overseas. The original mill remains in Melville today, however, and is currently occupied by Wheaton Plastics, Inc. In 1998, Way manufactured more than 92 million quarts of their own dairy products, Juices, and teas. Customer service is the pillar, which keeps Way standing tall as the leading convenie nce store company in the greater Delaware Valley. While there are many factors which go into the way that Way addresses the issue of customer service, there are four that have stood out since the opening of the first store in the sass's.Greeting, understanding, directing, and retaining are the four key factors that go into the customer interaction model, which is learned during the training of every new associate in the company. Since delighting the customer is such an important part of Haw's success, the company has worked to a great extent in creating a product line that is extremely effective in today's volatile marketplace. The Way label has been synonymous to people in the Delaware Valley for years in the dairy industry. Way also sells its own brand of delicious coffee, of which over 100 million cups were sold in 1998.Also, Way built over 24 million hoagies in 1998. Realizing this pattern, the marketing department in the past five years, has recognized this occurrence of brand loyalty by introducing several new products into the stores with the Way brand name attached to them. These products are breakfast â€Å"Sizzle† sandwiches, Waybill, and extremely successful, since consumers have developed a brand loyalty to Haw's high quality products. In the more recent months, the company has been suffering from the results of two key problems. First, the strike in October 1999 forced the company to a screeching halt, adversely affecting sales in every store.While an agreement was reached in less than three weeks, the effects are still being felt. Sales have still not ounces back to what they were, and plans to build a new headquarters are on hold. Second, there has been tremendous public scrutiny of an advertising promotion for cigarettes in the Delaware valley. This promotion does not include a surgeon generals warning on the advertisement, and it has been questioned if advertising for cigarettes through a convenience store is even legal. This problem, a long with the recent strike is nearly enough to change customers' minds when they decide to make a purchase.In the future, the company will have to not make any mistakes with advertising, and should steer clear of any type of controversial advertising. In the years to come, Haw's history of excellence and innovation will continue to be a major part of the Delaware valley, and quite possibly, the entire country!! POLICY There are hundreds of pages of policies that all employees have access to on the computer in every store and regional office. While some companies hide this information from the employees, Way encourages all employees to review the information at their leisure.Some examples of what is in the corporate policy would e information regarding political contributions, employment procedures (hiring and termination), changing from part time to full time employment, retirement, and policy regarding the emigration law. It was especially interesting to find that I was entitled t o 15 vacation days since changing to full time in July. Since I have been with Way for nearly seven years, I had accumulated the extra vacation days that are only good if you change to full time. I was able to find this information while viewing some of the policy during my internship.The corporate policies of Way ensure that sugarless of what the situation may be, there are rules that govern which process is necessary to take action. The corporate headquarters is very strict concerning the rules of the company, and enforcement is always carried out, no matter who the person in question may be. JOB DESCRIPTION My Job title at Way has been Customer Service Leader since July 1999. I was promoted at my request after carefully planning my senior year at Rowan. I realized that I would be able to handle 36 hours per week and have plenty of time for class also. This is because I have no social life.I feel that there will be plenty of time for that in the future! Basically, I run the store when the manager is not present from Thursday to Sunday every week. I perform cash functions, delegate all responsibilities to my co-workers, and myself and most important of all, wait on customers!! During the semester, I have participated in advertising in the Melville stores, and when necessary, I have created signs for hurricanes and other adverse weather in our area. In short, I really enjoy my Job, and I look forward to the opening off new superstore down the street from our present location.This will all take place in July 2000, and I am hoping to be a manager in training at the new store, having finished college. If everything goes as planned, I will have a career full of Primarily during my internship, I saw countless marketing concepts at work that I have learned in the past, in a real company setting. However, I will focus on the use of the â€Å"four up's†, relationship marketing, total quality management, and brand loyalty. For price, I have been exposed to the p rocess of changing the prices on the different items that we sell. During the strike, I saw the prices of many items skyrocket, while there fell.The products that Way offers all have one thing in common, they are essential items necessary to run a household, or a spontaneous item that someone wishes to have. New products introduced usually fit these criteria. Promotion is a key element in the company. Unfortunately, the company has focused a lot of attention to the promotion of Marlboro cigarettes, which may adversely affect other sales of merchandise negatively. While the company is attracting smokers, the ads have been detracting the non-smokers. Some non-smoking customers have dubbed Way a cigarette-friendly' company.This semester has been an interesting one when it comes to place. The delivery of all Way products and supplies was halted due to the strike. This created a distribution crisis, because the delivery system that has worked so well was now out of commission for three w eeks. Outside contractors had to be brought in to deliver the goods to the stores. It would have been a lot easier to simply settle with the drivers instead of start a nasty battle that created bad press, and angry drivers. Regarding relationship marketing, Way operates its stores on the Renville that the customer will return, time and time again.Therefore, in order to provide this high level of quality, Way strives to ensure that every customer is treated with the utmost of respect at all times, regardless of how indignant they may be. The most essential part of relationship marketing that Way engages in is customer service. All associates are trained to be polite, whatever the situation is. Being quick, while also being friendly is a difficult thing to do, but once the balance between the two has been achieved, the customers really appreciate it. Also, ordering properly is obviously important.If a store is out of stock on items, this leads to a disgruntled customer. Total quality management is constantly used with many products. One example would be the Washbowl program. The product has been changed three times since introduction. The changes have been made due to customer feedback through the use of surveys. Way is constantly receiving feedback from customers on every product that it produces. With the assurance of quality, the company has thrived with its own product line, ranging from milk products to breakfast sandwiches. Coupled along with TTS, brand loyalty is very important to the company.Through the constant innovation of its products, Way hopes to create a brand loyalty with the customers. This is extremely important to Way, unlike an electronics store or department store, which carries several brands. Way needs to constantly monitor the marketplace, to seek out the strongest performing products that people will buy. Since the store is small, we only carry one brand of everything we sell, so it is important that we sell the most popular brand of dry dog food, aluminum foil, toothpaste, etc†¦ Selling popular products is something that sets Way apart from its competitors. During the semester, I would say that I have never had more opportunities to meet key people. This has helped me gain the exposure to the key management of the headquarters as I was promised, I was still able to meet many of the to-management of the company, since the regional office is two blocks from our store. I will be visiting the headquarters in the next few weeks. I feel that I have performed my Job to the adequacy that it demands. While balancing school with work can be stressful, I was able to orchestrate my schedule to accommodate both successfully.I am looking forward to the months to come, with the construction of our new store, and the opportunities that await! Working at my store has exposed me to the hiring and firing of people, dealing with customer issues face to face instead of passing the issue on to the manager. I have had to balance th e tedious position of what percent of the time I need to spend with the customers, while also getting my Jobs done for the evening. My manager has worked with me regarding the flexibility of my schedule, even though I am sure e will be very happy when I am finished college!Working with my co-workers has been a rewarding experience as well. I could never begin to do everything myself, and I feel that the help I have received from a few key employees over this semester has been tremendous. Over the next few months, I plan to create more advertising material for our store, and others. With the winter season arriving, I am ready for the annual creation of signs warning customers that they need to prepare for a winter storm. All in all, the experience this semester has been very rewarding, thanks to the help of everyone that I work with at Way!

Succubus Revealed Chapter 19

And so began my day in court. Despite Hannibal's call for order, it was obvious that everyone was still fixated on Roman's presence. I'd known nephilim were despised among greater immortals, but it wasn't until today that the full scope of it hit me. It shed new light on why Roman and his kind were often so obsessed with getting back at the powers that be. I wondered if it was good to have some of the attention taken off me or if I'd just doomed myself further by association. â€Å"So,† said Judge Hannibal. â€Å"You've got some kind of gripe with your contract. Join the club.† Low chuckles from the demonic spectators rumbled around the room. Roman cleared his throat, silencing the chuckles. â€Å"Your honor, we have more than a ‘gripe.' We have evidence that Hell not only violated her contract but also drew up another under false pretenses.† â€Å"That's absurd,† said Marcel. â€Å"We can't examine everyone in the world's contract. If someone else has a problem, they can have their own trial.† â€Å"The other contract is for a human who's still alive,† said Roman. â€Å"He's in no position to file a claim, and his was tied in to the paperwork that brought hers to court.† Hannibal waved his hands dismissively. â€Å"Well, we haven't even proved there's anything wrong with hers, so let's settle that before we start doing favors for others.† â€Å"Can we see her contract?† asked Roman. â€Å"Doris?† Hannibal glanced over at the woman with the laptop. She produced a heavy, metal box from underneath her desk with what appeared to be a numeric lock. After first consulting her laptop, she punched in a long series of digits. Smoke seeped out of the edges of the box. A moment later, she opened it up and produced a long, ornate scroll. She glanced at the judge. â€Å"Copies?† â€Å"Yes, please,† he told her. Doris repeated the procedure a couple more times, and I leaned toward Roman. â€Å"How does this work?† I whispered. â€Å"Isn't there some kind of order? Doesn't the prosecution go first?† â€Å"Maybe in an American court of law,† he whispered back. â€Å"Here? Everyone just gets out their argument when they can, and it's up to the judge to keep order.† It surprised me. Considering the obsession with details around here, I would've expected a certain amount of painstaking procedure. Then again, a survival-of-the-fittest method of pushing your case wasn't that out of line with Hell's ideologies either. Scrolls were obtained for the judge and lawyers. Even though it was a copy, I was still a bit daunted when Roman spread the scroll out before us on the table. This was it, the contract that had bound my immortal soul. One small decision with centuries of consequences. It was written in English, and I supposed Doris's magic scroll copy box must have the powers of translation since the original had been in Greek. â€Å"May I direct your attention to section 3A,† said Roman loudly. In a softer voice, he added to me, â€Å"The rest is pretty much standard Hell legalese.† It was true. The scroll was so big, we couldn't open it in its entirety. From what I could see, most of it was a painfully detailed description of what it meant to serve as a succubus and give Hell the lease on your soul. In their defense, there wasn't much they'd left out. I hadn't read the full contract at the time. Niphon had summarized the high points for me, but it was impossible to say they didn't let you know what you were in for. Fortunately, those technicalities weren't our concern today. Roman read aloud: â€Å"In exchange for ownership of the aforementioned soul (see sections 1B, 4A, 4B, 5B part 1, 5B part 2, and appendix 574.3) and services detailed below (see sections 3A, 3B, 6A-F, 12C) as performed by the contractee (henceforth called ‘the Damned'), the almighty Kingdom of Hell and its representatives do agree to the following: 1. Granting to the Damned of succubus powers described in sections 7.1A and 7.3A. 2. All mortals who were acquainted with the Damned in her human life shall have all knowledge of her erased from their memories, never to be regained, in accordance with standard memory loss procedures (see appendix 23).† Roman looked up at the judge when he finished reading. â€Å"Now,† said Roman. â€Å"I can read appendix 23 if you want, but the point is that Hell did not honor part of their agreement. Someone she knew when she was human – a mortal – remembered her.† â€Å"Why wasn't this raised back then?† asked Hannibal. â€Å"Because it happened a couple months ago,† said Roman. â€Å"The person in question is someone with a reincarnation contract who was alive then and today.† â€Å"If this person was reincarnated, then the point's irrelevant,† said Marcel. â€Å"It's not technically the same person anymore. Therefore, the contract stands.† â€Å"Not according to addendum 764 of the Treatise on Humanity ,† said Roman. â€Å"According to it, all individuals – humans and lesser immortals – are defined by their souls. No matter what shape that being takes, the soul remains constant, as does the individual's identity. I'm sure Doris can produce a copy if we need it.† Doris looked at Hannibal expectantly. â€Å"Don't bother,† he said. â€Å"I'm familiar with the Treatise. Okay. Operating under the assumption that souls are constant and individuals are defined by their souls, what proof do you have that this reincarnated individual remembered the petitioner here?† I expected Roman to say something and then realized he was waiting on me. It was still hard to wrap my head around the idea of everyone just jumping forward and speaking. â€Å"He called me by my name, your honor,† I said. â€Å"My first human name from the fifth century. The one he knew me as back then.† â€Å"Had he ever heard it before – in this lifetime?† prompted Roman. â€Å"No,† I said. â€Å"Did anyone witness this?† asked Marcel. â€Å"No,† I said. â€Å"I see,† he said, managing to make me feel very small with those two words. His tone implied that it was a miracle we'd even made it this far on such flimsy evidence. â€Å"It's okay,† said Roman. â€Å"Because we have more. This same reincarnated subject revealed under hypnosis remembering her in several other lives.† â€Å"Are there witnesses to that?† asked Hannibal. â€Å"We both witnessed it,† said Roman. â€Å"As well as an imp employed in Seattle. Hugh Mitchell. He was the one who actually performed the hypnosis, if you wanted to summon him.† I tensed. Hugh was certainly an airtight witness – seeing as he wasn't the petitioner in this case or a creature despised by both Heaven and Hell – but my earlier apprehension for him returned. I didn't know if he could get in trouble for providing key evidence. â€Å"We don't need him,† said Marcel. â€Å"You and he witnessed the same thing?† I nodded. Marcel glanced over at the jury. â€Å"You can tell if she's lying. Is she telling the truth?† Six heads nodded. I was surprised I hadn't thought of this earlier. Angels could tell if mortals and lesser immortals were telling the truth. That was handy in a trial like this. I was also surprised Marcel was helping me out like this. â€Å"There you have it,† he said. â€Å"She thinks she heard the subject remembering her under hypnosis. We can assume this imp would believe it as well.† â€Å"Hey,† I argued. â€Å"There's no ‘thinks' about it. He did remember me.† Marcel shrugged. â€Å"If you say so. We can only take your word for it and what you think you heard. There's no objective evidence to show that he remembered, therefore calling our part of the bargain into dispute.† â€Å"Oh, we can find the evidence,† said Roman. â€Å"The subject in question is also under contract. And the very nature of his contract contradicts hers. Can you bring it up, Doris?† Hannibal nodded his consent, and she turned to her laptop. â€Å"Name?† â€Å"Kyriakos,† I said, trying not to stumble over the word. â€Å"That's what it was in the fifth century, at least. In Cyprus. Today he's Seth Mortensen.† The judge arched an eyebrow. â€Å"I like his books. Didn't realize he was one of ours.† â€Å"Well, he's not yet,† I muttered. Doris meanwhile was typing away on her laptop, putting in the appropriate criteria. She must have found the right case number because she soon turned to the smoking metal box and produced three more scrolls. The copies were distributed, and a strange feeling crept over my skin as Roman opened this one, stranger even than when we'd viewed my own. Here it was. Seth's contract. Kyriakos's contract. It had existed unbeknownst to me all these years, subtly influencing my life. It had been made because of me. Roman again jumped to section 2, which was apparently consistent across contracts as far as what â€Å"the Damned† received. † ‘The Damned shall be granted a total of ten human lives, of which one has already taken place. The subsequent nine reincarnations shall occur in such times and places that he may be in proximity to the lover he believes is missing from his first life, in the hopes of reconciliation. Upon completion of the tenth life, the Damned's soul will become the property of Hell, in accordance with sections 8D, 9A, and 9B.' â€Å" Roman fell silent, a frown on his face. I too felt dismayed but didn't think we shared the same reasons. Without Seth confirming anything, we'd been unsure if his soul was damned or not, regardless of his success in finding me. I'd half hoped that Hell had given him some fairy-tale challenge, that if he could find and reunite with me, his soul would be restored to him. That apparently wasn't true. Hell had only offered him the chance to be with me. They'd given him no more than that. If we made amends, his soul belonged to them, the same as if we didn't. Our romantic outcome made no difference. I wondered if he had bargained for more or had been so desperate and grateful for the chance to simply be with me again that he hadn't even asked for more. Marcel smiled. â€Å"I see Letha mentioned nowhere in here. There was no violation of the terms of her contract.† â€Å"But obviously someone knew,† said Roman. â€Å"You must have a record of all of his lives. He's encountered her in each one of them. So someone, somewhere made sure that part of the contract was fulfilled – his reunion with the missing ‘lover' from his first life. Her. Whom he was supposed to forget, per the terms of her contract. They contradict each other.† Roman spoke confidently, laying his points out reasonably, but I could sense the uneasiness within him. I knew what the hanging point was – the same point Marcel had promptly jumped on. I wasn't cited by name here. Somewhere, there had to be a record of it if Hell had managed to let Seth be reborn near me each time, but we didn't know what that was. Hell certainly wasn't going to help us find it. â€Å"It could be a coincidence,† said Marcel. â€Å"Maybe he met someone else in his first life whom he fell in love with, someone whom he lost young and continued to seek in the following centuries.† â€Å"Someone else who was immortal and would be alive for the next fifteen hundred years?† asked Roman. â€Å"That's an awfully big coincidence.† Marcel looked smug. â€Å"Be that as it may, Letha is not mentioned anywhere in his contract. Everything's circumstantial at best, with no proof that Hell entered into this under false pretenses.† A thought suddenly occurred to me, and I began attempting to unroll the scroll, seeking a very specific piece of information. There were so many sections, subsections, articles, and clauses, however, that I couldn't make any sense of it. â€Å"Who drafted this?† I asked Roman. â€Å"Shouldn't whoever brokered the deal be listed?† â€Å"Section 27E,† said Roman automatically. I paused to give him an incredulous glance. â€Å"How do you know that?† â€Å"What do you think I've been doing for the last week?† he asked, by way of answer. He helped me find the appropriate section, and I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw the name I'd been hoping for. Just to be sure, I found the matching section in my own contract. Roman, spying what I had, immediately ran with it. â€Å"Your honor, these contracts were brokered by the same imp. Niphon. He had to have known they conflicted with each other. He had to have known that Letha was the lover Kyriakos was seeking.† â€Å"He didn't ‘have to have known' anything,† countered Marcel. â€Å"It could be a coincidence.† â€Å"Well, let's get him in here and find out,† said Roman. Hannibal considered this for several seconds. I got the distinct impression that he most definitely did not want to summon Niphon, but some of the angels in the jury were regarding him expectantly. If this were truly a fair trial, with evidence laid neatly out, then there was no reason not to bring in a key witness like Niphon. â€Å"Very well,† said Hannibal. He looked over to the guy in the nice suit, the one who'd opened proceedings. I'd taken him for some kind of classy bailiff. â€Å"Go get him. We'll call a ten-minute recess while you do.† Hannibal banged his gavel, and conversation buzzed as the bailiff hurried out of the room. I leaned toward Roman. â€Å"Niphon knows. He has to know. Did I ever tell you the full story of when he came to visit last year?† Roman had heard some of it but was very eager for a recap as I told the tale again. Niphon had shown up, ostensibly to deliver Tawny as our newest succubus. During his stay, however, he'd caused no end of trouble for me and Seth. He'd tried to drive a wedge between us, and indeed, some of his actions were what had led Seth to believe a breakup was better for us in the long run. Niphon had also tried to broker a contract with Seth in order for us to be together without the harmful succubus effects that occurred during sex. The cost would have been Seth's soul, of course. I paused, thinking that over. â€Å"I understand the rest . . . him wanting to keep us apart. Hugh had said it was the sign of an imp trying to cover for some mistake – and this is a pretty big one. It makes sense he'd want to split us up and avoid discovery of the conflict. But why bother to make another deal if Seth's soul was already under contract?† Roman's eyes were alight with thought. â€Å"Because he could've done an amendment to the old contract and cleaned up the contradiction. Seth's soul would have been resecured.† We had no time to analyze it further because the recess soon ended. Hannibal brought things to order and the bailiff returned – with Niphon. My stomach twisted at the sight of him, just as it had last time. Niphon always put me in mind of a weasel. He wore a gray suit, looking business-ready like all imps did, but had heavily pomade-slicked hair that took away some of his credibility. He had thin lips, small eyes, and an olive complexion. He also looked like he'd bolt if given half the chance. The screwup he'd tried to conceal was now being laid out. His escort led him to a witness stand near the bench. Niphon gingerly sat down, sweating visibly. I'd worried about Hugh being dragged into this, fearful of the consequences he'd face. Niphon was probably afraid of the same thing: being punished for helping my case. The difference was that Hugh would at least take some satisfaction out of assisting me. Niphon had no gain in any of this. â€Å"State your name please,† said Hannibal. The imp licked his lips. â€Å"Niphon, your honor. At your service.† â€Å"You brokered these two contracts?† asked Hannibal, indicating the scrolls Doris had just placed on the witness stand. Niphon made a great show of studying them. â€Å"I suppose so, your honor. My name's on them, but it's been such a long time. Makes it easy to forget.† I scoffed. â€Å"You seemed to remember last year when you were scrambling to cover your ass.† â€Å"Let's keep this civilized and fair,† said Hannibal mildly. Really? I was the one being chastised for civility and fairness? â€Å"Did you know when you drew up Kyriakos's contract that Letha was the one he was seeking?† asked Roman. Seeing Niphon squirm, Roman added, â€Å"And be careful about saying you ‘don't remember.' The angels in the esteemed jury will know you're lying.† Niphon swallowed and cast an anxious look at the jury box before returning his gaze to Roman. â€Å"I . . . yes. I knew.† â€Å"And since you'd drawn up Letha's contract, you knew that her terms required all those who knew her as a human to forget her. The fact that he was seeking her at all was a sign her contract had been broken. You weren't able to keep him in a state of forgetfulness.† Niphon made a face. â€Å"He didn't mention her by name. He only remembered that she was gone.† Roman smacked my contract hard. â€Å"The contract doesn't specify to what degree she can be forgotten, just that she is. Period.† Sweat was practically pouring off Niphon in buckets now. He jerked one of the scrolls toward him and scanned it with his twitchy eyes. † ‘All mortals who were acquainted with the Damned in her human life shall have all knowledge of her erased from their memories. . . .' † He glanced up. â€Å"This is a translation. I think the original Greek makes it clearer that only those from her human life forget her. Therefore, if he remembered her afterward, there would be no violation. Can we get a Greek copy in here?† â€Å"It wouldn't matter,† said Roman. â€Å"Even if it does say that. We've already established that a soul defines a person's identity across lives. Even now, he's still technically someone from her human life, and he remembered. You were unable to uphold the contract.† â€Å"That's hardly my fault!† Niphon exclaimed. It was unclear now if he was speaking to Roman and me or to superiors in the audience. â€Å"I made the arrangements for standard memory loss with her contract. I don't know why it didn't work. Yes, I knew he was her husband when I set up his contract, but I didn't think of this in terms of contract violation. I was just securing another soul.† Marcel addressed the jury. â€Å"Is he telling the truth? He made the second contract out of ignorance and not malicious intent? By which I mean, no more malicious intent than is normally called for in these situations.† Some of the angels nodded, looking reluctant to do so. â€Å"It doesn't matter if it was in ignorance,† said Roman. â€Å"That's never an excuse for breaking the law. You messed up, and in doing so, you've invalidated both contracts.† â€Å"Come now,† said Marcel. â€Å"It's not as though either of the Damned were that wronged. This technicality aside, she really was wiped from the memories of all she knew. And he got nine more lives. Nine more lives! We all know how rare reincarnation deals are. He got exactly what he asked for. He was even reunited with her. Hell has fulfilled these contracts as nobly as possible, and you can't hold everyone responsible for one underling's mishap that no one else even knew about.† â€Å"Oh,† said Roman, a predatory note in his voice. â€Å"I think others knew about the glitch. Others in much higher positions. Your honor, may I call another witness?† â€Å"Who?† asked Hannibal. â€Å"My father,† said Roman. â€Å"Jerome, Archdemon of Seattle.† There was a collective gasp among some, but whether that was from Roman acknowledging Jerome as his father or simply the summoning of such a high-ranking witness, I couldn't say. Hannibal nodded. â€Å"Granted. Niphon, you may step down. Jerome, please join us up here.† Niphon couldn't get out of there fast enough. He practically barreled into Jerome when they passed in the aisle. For his part, Jerome was sauntering along casually, as though all of this were beneath him and it was a great concession on his part to even show. He sat down, crossing his hands neatly in front of him and affecting a bored look. â€Å"Jerome,† said Roman. â€Å"Isn't it true you knew about the connection between Seth and Georgina? Er, Kyriakos and Letha?† Jerome shrugged one shoulder. â€Å"I knew they were both contracted souls.† It was an answer worthy of an angel. Some of the truth, but not all of the truth. I half hoped some angel would call him on it until an unfortunate fact hit me. Demons could lie without detection. There was no way to prove he was telling the truth or not. â€Å"Did you know the terms of her contract?† asked Roman. â€Å"Of course,† said Jerome. â€Å"I do for all my employees.† â€Å"So you knew that the contract allowed her to be wiped from the minds of all those who knew her when she was human.† â€Å"Yes,† said Jerome. â€Å"And you knew that Seth was once her husband, with a contract that involved her.† â€Å"No,† said Jerome flatly. â€Å"I most certainly did not.† A lie, a lie, I thought. But there was no way to prove it. â€Å"If that's so,† said Roman, â€Å"then why did you use Seth Mortensen to help retrieve Georgina when she was captured by Oneroi last year?† â€Å"I don't remember the specifics of that incident,† said Jerome delicately. â€Å"Well,† said Roman, â€Å"if you need your memory refreshed, there's an angel here who witnessed it all who can give us a recap. One I'm sure the jury won't question.† Jerome's features went perfectly still as Roman's trap sprang open around him. Jerome might be immune to angelic truth detection, but anything Carter swore to seeing Jerome do or know would be held as gospel. Carter couldn't lie. If he said Jerome had used Seth to rescue me, then everyone would believe it, regardless if Jerome continued to deny it. Seeing the futility of more cover-up, Jerome came clean. â€Å"Oh,† he said. â€Å"Those Oneroi.† â€Å"You used a human psychic to help retrieve her,† said Roman. â€Å"He had the power and the ritual but no way to actually find her in the void where the Oneroi were holding her. You suggested using Seth as a way to find her soul, and it worked. Why? How did you know that?† Jerome shrugged. â€Å"They were always mooning over each other. I figured if ever there was any merit in that true love nonsense, then we could use it to help us.† â€Å"That's not what Mei said.† I took advantage of the conversational nature of the proceedings, my mind spinning with a long-lost memory. â€Å"Mei said it defied the odds and that no matter how in love we were, it shouldn't have worked.† Jerome's dark gaze flicked to something behind me, and I was guessing Mei was now enjoying the full force of his glare. â€Å"Georgina was trapped in the vastness of the dream world,† added in Roman. â€Å"One soul lost among dreams. For someone else to reach her and call her back required a staggering connection, two souls with a tie that's bound them through time.† â€Å"Please don't get sentimental,† said Jerome. â€Å"It's nauseating.† Roman shook his head. â€Å"I'm stating facts. Everyone here knows it's true. Their souls had to have been bound for him to get to her, and you knew it, which is why you suggested using Seth. You knew about the contracts and their history. This wasn't one small error confined to a bumbling inferior. You knew about it. And you knew there was a problem.† â€Å"Which is why you had Erik killed and initiated a transfer for me!† I exclaimed. Seeing Jerome sitting there so coolly, so uncaring . . . it drove home the truth. He had known all along what was transpiring with Seth and me, and what it meant. I'd never thought Jerome and I were friends, but it was startling to really accept just how much he'd been working against me in order to further Hell's goals. â€Å"Oh, Georgie,† he said. â€Å"Always you and the melodrama.† â€Å"It's not! We can get proof – â€Å" Roman put his hand on mine. â€Å"Not easily,† he murmured. â€Å"There'll be no paper trail, I guarantee it. And it's not relevant to this case right now.† I thought about kind, generous Erik, bleeding to death before my eyes. â€Å"It's relevant to me.† Jerome let out a long-suffering sigh. â€Å"Is there anything else? Can I return to my seat, please?† The judge glanced between Roman and Marcel. Both men shook their heads. When Jerome was gone, Roman pushed the case. â€Å"Your honor, esteemed jury . . . we've provided more than enough evidence to show that her contract was not fulfilled. Through whatever mishaps, those from her human life did not stop remembering her. Per article 7.51.2 of the Soul Chronicles, Georgina's contract is invalidated. She's entitled to her soul back and the remainder of this life, free of Hell's employment, per the section on damages and reparations in article 8.2.0. Likewise, Seth Mortensen's contract is also invalidated because it was made under false pretenses. The imp who drew it up knew that it violated hers and knew that the very conditions of Seth's – finding her and making amends – included a degree of remembering. It's impossible for his to exist without contradicting hers. He too is entitled to the restoration of his soul.† â€Å"Your honor – † began Marcel. Judge Hannibal held up his hand. â€Å"Silence. I'll make you a deal.† There was a restless shifting in the courtroom, an undercurrent of excitement. Demons loved deals and bargains. â€Å"Go on,† said Roman. â€Å"I'm willing to dismiss the case without a jury vote and grant that Letha's contract wasn't honored. I'm willing to give her all of the restorations outlined in article 8.2.0.† Gasps surrounded us. My eyes widened, and I turned to Roman questioningly. Was it as easy as that? I didn't know all the details of 8.2.0, but by my understanding, if the contract was invalidated, I could return to Earth and live out the rest of my days as a human. In possession of my soul. It seemed too good to be true. â€Å"However,† continued Hannibal, â€Å"I don't see enough evidence to support the releasing of this second soul. Your argument for it will be thrown out for being groundless.† â€Å"But it isn't!† I cried. â€Å"If we don't accept, then what?† asked Roman. Hannibal shrugged. â€Å"Then the jury can vote on the question of both contracts.† Roman nodded thoughtfully. â€Å"Can I have a moment to confer with my, um, client?† â€Å"Sure.† Hannibal banged the gavel. â€Å"Five-minute recess.† The spectators didn't need to be told twice. This was huge. A soul getting released was not something that happened every day, nor was a deal like we were being offered. â€Å"What's the catch here?† I asked Roman softly. He narrowed his eyes. â€Å"Well, I think Hannibal thinks he's in danger of losing two souls and is trying cut his losses. Your evidence is pretty solid. Seth's is too, though not quite as good – especially without Seth actually here. Still, Hannibal would rather let you go easily and ensure that he still keeps one soul in this mess.† â€Å"But if the evidence is there, then we should let it go to the jury. You just said it's solid for Seth too.† â€Å"It is,† agreed Roman. â€Å"But here's the thing that Hugh told me about these juries. All contract disputes are judged by half angels and half demons – for the sake of fairness. The angels will honestly vote with what they feel to be right. If the evidence was flimsy, they'd vote against you. It's not worth it to them to get a soul free if the conditions aren't honorable. The demons have no such morals. Jerome and Niphon could both openly confess to a conspiracy of conflicting contracts, and every demon on that jury would still vote against you.† â€Å"That's not fair,† I said. â€Å"Georgina,† he said simply. â€Å"We're in Hell.† â€Å"So what happens if it's split? Do they go by the same hung jury procedures we know?† â€Å"A tie-breaking vote is produced. A thirteenth angel or demon is called at random, who then casts the deciding vote. If it comes down to that, then your chances simply fall to a 50-50 luck of the draw.† â€Å"Hence the bargain,† I murmured. â€Å"If I abandon Seth's soul, I'm guaranteed my freedom.† Roman nodded. â€Å"And if you don't, you may be consigning both of you to Hell.†

The Third and Final Continent Essay

Joel Wilson Wilson1 Ms. Lewis English 112 (3) 17 October 2012 Critical Response Throughout â€Å"The Third and final continent† by Jhumpa Lahiri, arranged marriage can be the best thing that can happen to some people, but sometimes in another case it might not be the best idea, in the â€Å"The third and final continent, the arranged marriage was a good idea because at the end they fall in love with each other and make a good family after all.The man might not be thinking about getting married because he will be preoccupied by other thing like getting a job or taking of he’s mother and maybe little brothers. â€Å"It was a duty expected of me† (Lahiri, P. 181) He did what he’s family wanted him to do, or maybe the woman’s family might be concern about the daughter getting married, â€Å" †¦Had begun to fear that she would never marry†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Lahiri, P. 181) The narrator did what he’s family’s wanted him to do, not only be cause it’s a family duty, but the wife’s family has begun to worry about her getting married.Arranged marriage can make a happy family just as normal marriages, the narrator and he’s wife live a happy life after getting adapter to each other’s presence. The arranged marriage in â€Å"The third and final continent† was a successful, they even â€Å"†¦ had a son who attend Harvard University† (Lahiri, P. 197) arranged marriages are not the worst thing that can happen it just need to people to love each other and get adapter to the new situation.

Prepare a report for a company of your choice for the next one and Assignment

Prepare a report for a company of your choice for the next one and three years . The plan should include the following sections - Assignment Example The Mercedes Benz is too expensive to buy in the current economic conditions. The technological outlook of the industry is challenging while, the buyer power is also higher. Additionally, suppliers are executing their substantial level on companies and the barriers of entry and exit are also believed to be substantially powerful. The modifying economic conditions of the world are warranting the companies to balance out differentiation and cost effectiveness so that Mercedes can be sold in emergent markets of the world. A Business Plan for Mercedes Benz: A Changing Paradigm Introduction The Mercedes is considered one of the most expensive brands in the modern array of cars and vehicles. The company is historically targeting elite class of the world in order to generate sales for the past number of decades. However, the economic recession and depression in advanced parts of the world has seriously influenced the business of the featured company. The focal shift in the direction of emer ging market also caused the sales of the product to drop significantly. The developing regions of the globe do not have sufficient buying power needed to purchase luxurious rides in which the company specializes. However, a strategic modification is required in order to cater changing consumer preferences and behaviors in the global arena of the commerce (Kotler, Keller, Brady, Goodman, & Hensen, 2009). The company needs to develop a strategy to disseminate the benefit of long term belief that Mercedes is a brand that is reserved for an elite class of the world. Nevertheless, the per capita income in all over the globe is declining and the sense of harmony and equality is going to prevail in a few years from now. The idea of economic supremacy is going to be word of past in the future. The product with the brand name of Mercedes has finally lost its appeal because nowadays nobody is fortunate enough to afford it to say the least. The subunits of the companies that were hugely lucrat ive in the past were recently closed down as a response of insufficient demand (Baker & Hart, 2007). The latest closure took place in the English economy because the demand was not enough to house a local production unit. The changing economic paradigm has forced the people of all nations to become price sensitive as the level of disposable income is declining in all regions (Lindstrom, 2008). Vision and Mission Statement of the Company â€Å"A pioneering spirit and power of innovation for sustainable mobility. For almost 125 years we have been developing answers to the automotive challenges of the respective eras. As the inventors of the automobile, we are equally committed to protection of the climate and the environment and to the safety of our vehicles and accident prevention. Our customers - and all other road users - throughout the world can put their trust in this commitment† (Hashmi & Biesebroeck, 2013). The vision statement of the company is always considered as an a ttempt to talk to the future and give a direction to the company. The vision statement in every case must define the core values of the company for that it stands. Secondly, it is of great importance to keep on modifying the statement according to the changing environment of the industry. The featured

Money Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Money Management - Essay Example Investing with exchange traded funds ETFs is an easy way to ensure diversification in any portfolio involving stock, bonds and commodities without having to invest in the individual shares, bonds and commodities themselves. They enable investors to access sectors that would not be available to individual investors (Morningstar 2014b). This takes some of the hassle out of investing. I am very adventurous and I tend to have a liking for the sea. Therefore, my aim is to own a yacht within the next seven (7) years. In order to achieve this specific goal I will be making some medium to long term investments so that I can make a substantial deposit on a new yacht in five (5) to seven (7) years time. The yacht is expected to cost in the range of  £300,000 to  £500,000 by the time I get to the point where I am able to make a substantial down payment. My risk tolerance is medium and so I am willing to take a moderate level of risk in order to achieve a favourable return on my investment. Costa (2011) indicates that the returns that I would achieve are proportional to the risk taken and so I expect moderate returns. My risk profile is consistent with a balanced profile. A balanced allocation has between 0% and 25% cash; 40% to 70% bonds; and 30% to 60% stocks (Costa 2011). This portfolio is characterised by limited risk; however, it can still obtain good returns because of the proportion of stocks that it contains. It is also consistent with the time horizon that I have in mind, which is five to seven years. I have a total of  £50,000 to invest and this will be invested in accordance with the guidelines provided in relation to a balanced risk profile (See Costa 2011). However, I would also like to include a commodity related ETF involving physical gold which is one of the best ways of maintaining asset value. The majority of my investment will take place through the use of exchange traded funds (ETFs). An ETF is an investment

Agile Software Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Agile Software Development - Essay Example This research will begin with the definition of agile development as a unique way in which IT projects and management teams are organized and managed for effective and efficient software development. Agile software development is a combination of various methodologies in software development which are based on incremental and iterative approaches in software development. These approaches involve software development process which is characterized by a collaboration of teams in the evolution of software from the requirements and the attainment of a solution to the problem. Â  The teams within the agile software development process are usually, cross functional and self-organizing. Agile software development serves to promote adaptability in software planning, efficiency in the evolution of software during its development and effectiveness and speed in delivery of complete and functional software. The iterative approach to agile software development is the most significant aspect of t he process as it prepares the organization for a flexible and often rapid process of change so that their response to the new software is also fast. The agile software development process provides a framework in which the whole software development process and the cycle are designed in a manner which makes it as interactive as possible. Extreme Programming (XP), Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM), Feature-Driven Development (FDD), Scrum, Lean Development, and Crystal are the most common agile software development methodologies. Â  ... 2010, p. 126). Extreme Programming (XP), Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM), Feature-Driven Development (FDD), Scrum, Lean Development and Crystal are the most common agile software development methodologies. The agile software development process unites the various methodologies of software development into common goals, vision and values. Evolution of Agile Development In 2001 a group of IT and software development experts came together to find a solution to the frequent failure of the traditional software development projects which was caused by poor management of the processes and activities of software development within organizations, companies and public agencies. The group decided to share ideas so that they would come up with a better approach to software development. This group came up with the Agile Manifesto from which the agile software development concept is derived. The Agile Manifesto describes core values that the group who proposed it considered the most sign ificant and relevant in the contemporary software development processes and management (Lee and Xia, 2010, p. 87). Agile software development combines the various development methodologies and approaches in an iterative and developmental process which involves continuous feedback which promotes the development of a refined software system and its efficient delivery to the customer (Mishra and Mishra, 2011, p. 54). The processes of the agile software development include planning, testing, integration and evolution of the software in a continuous process. The evolution of the agile software development processes from the traditional approaches is demonstrated by the fact that the agile software development processes are lightweight and thus adaptable and thus efficiency and

History 3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

History 3 - Essay Example America aimed at the reconstitution of society by means of eradicating the existent monarchial society and its basics, which included the robust aspects of kinship, patriarchy, patronage, domination and so on. The eradication was to be accompanied by the substitution of the eradicated aspects with the elements of love, respect, consent, and equality. The dynamic target set by the American Revolution was the establishment of a moral government whose spillover effects would seep around the globe. The primal task of Americans was to introduce the idea of equality with respect to labor. In this respect the statement of Woods bears special significance, and it can be referred to as follows: â€Å"Perhaps nothing separated early-nineteenth-century Americans more from Europeans than their attitude toward labor and their egalitarian sense that everyone must participate in it† (qtd. in Launius). Divergence between these two revolutions can be related to their political extravaganza. The American political elites were highly experienced in their practical political experiences, and the leaders suggested more moral sophistication. In contrast with this, the authority of the then French government trickled down from the court and at the juncture when the French revolutionaries rose to power was driven by their speculations, and in this case the statement of Alexander Hamilton can be mentioned: I dread the reveries of your Philosophic politicians (qtd. in Brookhiser). The value placed on the national unity can be said to have varied, and with rigorous experimentation they built the government divided into the Republicans and Democrats. In this respect the statement of Governor Morris can be mentioned: â€Å"will act as an outward conscience, and prevent the abuse of power† (Brookhiser). In contrast, the French, who were uncertain about themselves, opted for a unitary state and that of a community of feeling. The National

Chapter 8 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Chapter 8 - Assignment Example They still stay at home because they can be easily being managed in the home environment. This is also called the day treatment (Simpson, 2004). This is a resource-intense high level of care, for those patients with high levels of addiction who need 24 hours of care because of their mental health, addictive behavior, and medical needs. This is to make recovery possible and take less time. They may be unable to avoid substance abuse due to the home environment or psychiatric (Simpson, 2004). This program includes the residents and staff and all members of the community and teaches social responsibilities and coping skill. A case manager’s role is to ensure that an individual reaches his optimum level of wellness and functionality within his environment. They assess the needs of patients and family and coordinate care services. This includes counseling, education, rehabilitation, nutrition and transportation. Case managers also to ensure that provision of care is in the most comprehensive and cost-effective manner for the individual family and his insurance providers (Zehner, 2012). They monitor the continuity of care and serve as an advocate for the individual. A counselor serves as a therapist to family groups, individuals, and couples. Counselors do not plan and coordinate care but are part of the care plan for those seeing a case manager. They do not treat mental illness or provide medication but provide advice and tools for coping with certain situations, for example, health challenges, disabilities, and relationships (Zehner, 2012). A national review of state alcohol and drug treatment programs and certification standards for substance abuse counselors and preventive professionals. The standards used are the client’s rights, governance of the program, and payment to the program, environmental sanitation, statistical reporting, client’s case reports and quality of care reviews (Zehner,

Business Ethics when Marketing to Children Research Paper

Business Ethics when Marketing to Children - Research Paper Example It will also examine reasons why marketers aim at children and why children are easily lured into some advertisements (Hadjiphani, et al, 2008). Smith (2010) indicates that ethics in marketing applies to diverse fields such as in advertising, pricing and promotion. Numerous analysts and marketers agree that children are marketers best friend. In the year 2007, Media Channel underlined the fact that in the United States, approximately two billion dollars was spent on promotions to children. Another disclosure from the study is that children really affect the items their parents buy. Despite all this, possible revenues that children can provide to manufacturers and their marketers, there are vital ethical matters that arise. Clay (2000) argues that advertising is an enormous, multi-million dollar project that is having a huge influence on child growth and development. The complete volume of advertising is increasing speedily and invading fresh areas of childhood like schools. The consequence is an outbreak of worldly standards among children and a narcissistic injuring of the children. Psychologists are providing information to marketers that they are using to raise profits rather than help children. Smith (2010) agrees that some businesses have become dishonorable for the use of psychologists in their advertising and promotion campaigns. Usually what such companies do is that when attempting to create a marketing strategy, they engage psychologist to advice them about approaches that they can use to manipulate children. Psychologists help marketers to generate operations that openly aim at children and those ones that effortlessly influence their options since they understand the way a childs mind work s. Akhtar (2009) asserts that Children are likely to be more susceptible to psychological enticements and strong images since their awareness about products, the media, and selling

Directional style Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Directional style - Essay Example This turned away, for example, neorealism of the 40, where the world was shown as it was, without manipulation. In many films of Alfred Hitchcock we may notice something in common, which makes these movies together, making them look alike, to distinguish from the films of other directors and, thus, allow us to speak about the auteurs style of Hitchcock. Hitchcock Style manifested in the fact that in his motion pictures are often repeated certain plot motifs, method of presentation the audience, the technique of shooting, type of actors and so on. Some films of Hitchcock (especially early ones) are out of the general track - so they can be called unusual, in style, in contrast to the typical, "real" films of Hitchcock. From his first film Hitchcock had already demonstrated the ability to transfer all the details of the plot with the help of purely cinematic techniques. For example, in the film "The Tenant" is a scene in which the hostess points out that her new lodger nervously walks to his room on the second floor and it is suspicious. Hitchcock shoots the landlady, gazing somewhere upstairs. Then he shows us hanging on the ceiling chandelier, swinging from side to side. Then he inserts a frame in which the ceiling is made of glass and through it can be seen the pacing from one side to the tenant. With this ingenious receiving the viewer sees that is a heroine of the

College Learning Experience Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

College Learning Experience - Essay Example Having spent a couple of months in the university, I am confident to say that the experience has already altered my outlook in life and has somehow enriched my maturity. Through my interaction with my classmates and professors, I am now more receptive of the various ideas presented in the classroom and have also learned to distinguish those which are helpful and those which are of less significance. Armed with the little knowledge and skill I have learned so far, I am more determined to finish college and pursue a degree in nursing. The decision to take up nursing is based on my assessment of strength in biological sciences and my desire of sharing my innate passion of enlightening and caring for people. With a higher level of maturity, interest in learning, and time management skill, the first semester proves to be fruitful indicated not only be the higher grades that I am earning but by my social and moral growth.

EU Subsisdies Order Essay Example for Free

EU Subsisdies Order Essay 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Introduction The European Union introduced the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in the 1950s, which was aimed at encouraging better productivity in the food chain to ensure that consumers had a stable supply of affordable food and that the EU had a viable agricultural sector. This was essential in post WW2 Western Europe, where societies had been damaged by years of war and the agricultural sector crippled. The CAP in the pre 1990s period offered subsidies and guaranteed prices to farmers by having the EU buy agricultural products whenever the prices fell below specified support levels, in order to provide a production incentive for food products. This policy was backed by tariffs which offset the difference between European and world agricultural prices in order to prevent the CAP from drawing in large quantities of imports. Furthermore, financial assistance for farming investment was provided to facilitate the restructuring of farming, ensuring that farms developed in size, management and technology, improving efficiency and productivity. (Leguen de Lacroix, 2004) Krugman writes that since the 1970s, the support prices set by the European Union was so high that Europe which would have been an importer of most agricultural products under free trade, was producing more agricultural products than consumers were willing to buy. This resulted in the EU being obligated to buy and store huge quantities of food, and at the 1985, European nations had stored 780,000 tons of beef, 1.2 million tons of butter and 12 million tons of wheat. This forced the EU to adopt a policy of subsidizing agricultural imports to dispose of this surplus stock and production, in order to avoid unlimited growth in stockpiles. (Krugman and Obstfeld, 2006) He further records the CAP as costing European taxpayers a staggering $50 billion in 2002, which does not include the indirect costs to food consumers as a result of higher prices. Government subsidies to European farmers were also equal to about 36 percent of the value of farm output, twice the U.S figure. The EU (European Trade) Commission announced that it would be phasing-out all export subsidies currently granted to exporters in the European Union in 18 December 2005. In this paper, the possible effects of this phasing out of export subsidies will be discussed and analyzed, together with the policy implications and appropriate policy changes that should be made along with the phasing out of export subsidies. A Theory of Export Subsidies Here a theory of export subsidies will be discussed within the field of international economics, in order to analyze the effects of export subsidies in theory on trade and economies, as well as to construct a framework from which the phasing out of the EU export subsidies can be discussed. The application of an export subsidy is just like any other subsidy – the exporters receive a higher price (by the amount of the subsidy) than what is actually paid by the foreign purchaser. Given this price obtainable for the exported good, producer of the export good in question will not sell in the domestic market at any lower price, so, assuming that consumers are prevented from buying from foreign suppliers at lower world prices, the domestic price facing both producers and consumers is driven up by the subsidy. This tells us that the prices faced by the consumer of agricultural products within the European Union are artificially inflated through the use of export subsidies. The application of export subsidies to large and small countries is different in theory. We consider the EU to be a â€Å"large country† with the power to influence world prices (of the export good). In this case, the increase brought about by the subsidy results in a fall in the world price of the export good – which results in a deterioration in the EU’s terms of trade. In the exporting country, consumers are hurt due to the raise in prices, producers gain, and the government loses because it must expend money on the subsidy. Hence an export subsidy must always reduce economic welfare, and will do so to a larger extent the larger is the country since this will result in a greater adverse terms of trade effect. Removal of the EU Export Subsidy One of the main criticisms of the EU CAP is the charge of â€Å"dumping†, or the exporting of goods at prices far below the cost of production, which Oxfarm claims depresses and destabilizes markets for non-subsiding exporters, especially those in the developing world. It suggests that the EU export subsidies should be removed so that such practices would not be so prevalent. However, the EU export subsidies cannot be eliminated without changing agricultural policies which encourage and boost production. Removal of export subsidies without agricultural policy reform would cause a build up of unmanageable stocks of beef, coarse grains and dairy products, which is costly to the Government. The Government would also incur huge losses if these stocks had to be disposed of on the domestic market. Therefore the removal of export subsidies would have to be accompanied by agricultural reform, which could take many forms. An example would be the implementation of production control through strict production quotas to eliminate surplus production due to the export subsidy, stricter than those that already exist through the CAP. Another policy option would be to reduce support prices. The effects of this would be to increase domestic consumption due to the reduced prices consumer have to pay in the domestic market, as well as a reduction in domestic agricultural production due to the lower price producers receive. Hence the need for export subsidies would diminish, as the potential for a build up of agricultural stock would be reduced. According to a study by Stout, Leetmaa and Normile, the elimination of EU support prices, with tariffs to protect agricultural products against import competition remaining in place, the largest impact within the EU would take place in the diary, coarse grain and beef markets. This is expected since these sectors are where the highest levels of price support are found, and for these agricultural products, as domestic prices fall, production and hence exports decline subsequently. This reduction in EU exports would have the effect of driving up world prices, increasing convergence between previously-distorted EU prices and world prices. The same study referenced above also studied the scenario in which the tariffs which protects the agricultural markets from import competition are eliminated. Such a policy initiative would allow the EU to import agricultural commodities at the world prices, in turn driving down the domestic EU prices of commodities, which are currently protected by heavy tariffs. The impact of tariff elimination would be felt the hardest in the markets where import tariffs are the highest, for example, the sugar, dairy, beef, corn and rice markets. According to another study by the OECD, the elimination of export subsidies has major consequences for much of the EU dairy and livestock product markets. As analyzed previously, the removal of export subsidies would lead to falling domestic prices, production and hence exports, as well as higher domestic consumption of these commodities. The study by OECD also documents that unsubsidized exports rise to replace the subsidized exports, as EU domestic price falls and the world price increases. The OECD writes that the consequence of export subsidy elimination for a commodity is an increase in the world price of the same commodity, as pointed out earlier. Here the OECD carries out a more exhaustive study into this effect, concluding that the magnitude of this effect on world prices depends on the importance of subsidized exports relative to the total volume of trade, and might be offset by cross-commodity effects. There effects are illustrated in the diagram below: The OECD also notes that EU meat exports are small relative to world totals and that not all of its export are subsidized. However the EU dairy product export market is a different story, compromising a much larger share of world markets, with most exports being subsidized. Hence the largest impacts would be felt in the diary markets, with world dairy prices increasing as subsidized exports are eliminated. Finally, the OECD recommends that the appropriate policy response together with an export subsidy elimination, which has the fewest market distorting consequences, is to completely abandon price supports, making use of export subsidy eliminations as an opportunity to accomplish such an aim. This is in agreement with the findings by Stout, Leetmaa and Normile. References Leguen de Lacroix, Eugene, ‘The Common Agricultural Policy Explained’, European Communities, October 2004 OECD, ‘A Forward-Looking Analysis of Export Subsidies in Agriculture’, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Oxfarm Briefing Paper, ‘Stop the Dumping : How EU agricultural subsidies are damaging livelihoods in the developing world.’, Oxfarm International Stout, Jim., Leetmaa, Susan. And Normile, Mary Anne. ‘Evaluating EU Agricultural Policy Reform Using the EU WTO Model’, Economic Research Service, USDA, Washington, DC

Understanding Research Philosophy Why Is It Important Sociology Essay

Understanding Research Philosophy Why Is It Important Sociology Essay Many of us believe that research is always related to activities that are hidden and mostly strictly confidential from our knowledge and in our daily life (Altinay and Paraskevas, 2006). In addition, majority of us also believed that these activities are held in laboratories, in some aspect this is partly correct, in a sense that the research done by people in laboratories follows certain scientific strategies and methodologies. However, there are also a growing number of individuals such as business managers, marketers, academics and students who at the present time conduct a thorough research outside laboratories in order to develop and produce knowledge relevant to the business world or any particular interest. With this regard, the difference between the researchers are in their research approaches, strategies and philosophies. These differences are their perception of how the knowledge can be created and constructed in a rigorous and meaningful way in order to answer a research problem. (Altinay and Paraskevas 2008:69). Research philosophy is defined as the development of knowledge and the nature of knowledge (Saunders, et al., 2009). The meaning might sound rather profound, however, the author further explained that the basic meaning of the definition is precisely the exact thing every researcher is doing when he or she is conducting a research and that is the will to develop knowledge in a particular field. According to Crossan (2003) on paper about Research Philosophy: Towards and Understanding, (Crossan 2003), there are several reasons on why researchers needs to understand philosophical issues before embarking themselves in a particular field. Easterby-Smith, et al. (2002), identifies three reasons on why there is significance on understanding philosophies in reference to research methodology. The first reason the author added is that by understanding research philosophy the researcher may refine and clarify the research method to be used in their study and consequently help the researchers to gather their evidence and to answer their research questions. Secondly, the knowledge of research philosophy will enable to assist the researchers with different types of methodologies and as such avoiding inappropriate and unrelated works. Lastly, by understanding the basic meaning of research philosophy and understanding its advantages and benefits, it helps the researcher to be more creative and exploratory in their method of research. Saunders, et al. (2009) added, that in research philosophy each researcher follows important views on how they perceived the world. Furthermore, this views and assumptions will greatly affect the research strategy and methodology a researcher chooses as part of its approach. Research methods can be described and classified into different levels (Clark, 1998). In addition, Saunders, et al. (2009) also pointed out that the levels of research methods a researcher should adopt will contain his or her views about the world. These views will actually support the researchers judgment on which research method the researcher should choose as a part of its strategy (Saunders, et al., 2009). In the social science world however, there is an ongoing debate to which is the most appropriate standpoint from the views of positivism and the non-positivism/ interpretativism (Saunders, et al., 2009). According to Saunders, et al. (2009), if a researcher reflects the philosophy or the views of positivism, then most probably the researcher will take on the philosophical instance of natural scientist. Positivism according to Veal (2006) is a framework of research similar to the views and assumptions adopted by natural scientist, in which the researchers view the people and its behaviour as phenomena to be studied, using facts and observations as its strategy to explain the phenomena. Saunders, et al., (2009) also added that positivism views mostly prefer working in an observable social reality and will have an end product research similar to those produced by a natural scientist. Furthermore, researcher with positivism views will only observe a phenomenon which is observable and will end up producing credible data. In addition, the author also argued that one of the essential elements of a positivist approach is that the views of the researcher are not influenced on value of judgements. Interpretivism on the other hand, strongly believes that it is imperative for a researcher to understand the factors and differences between humans in our role as social actors (Saunders, et al., 2009). To clarify, the author further discussed that these belief is plainly to emphasise the difference between conducting research among people rather than materials or object. Saunders, et al.( 2009) also argued that the complexity of the position of interpretivism comes from two intellectual traditions namely; phenomenology and symbolic interactionism. To explain, the author identifies phenomenology as referring to the way the human beings make sense to the world and the surrounding, while the symbolic interactionism, the human being are in the continual process of interpreting the surrounding social world. In social world, Smith (1998) argued that positivism is most probably the most important attempt in order to have authoritative knowledge. The author also added that the positive approach to social sciences is more of a scientific method because a researcher with positivism philosophy will always assume that everything and every phenomenon can be studied as hard facts and as such establish scientific laws. Although, for some researchers they believe that it is imperative to use the traditional approach of research such as the naturalist or scientific method in order to explain phenomena or any occurrence in the physical and life science (Remenyi, et al., 1998). The author also argued that many scholars however, have proven a point that this is not entirely appropriate to study human beings or the organisations they have created. This point was clearly illustrated on Carr 1967 (cited in, Remenyi et al., 1998:94). I do not wish to suggest that the interference of the social scientist or of the historian can match that of physical scientist in precision, or that their inferiority in this respect is due merely to the greater backwardness of the social sciences. The Human being is on any view the most complex entity known to us, and the study of his behaviour may well involve differences in kind from those confronting the physical scientists. With this regard, many would argue that the study of phenomenology or sometimes called non-positivism is more appropriate method or strategy in order to study peoples behaviour and their organisation (Remenyi, et al, 1998). The author further argued that researchers that has phenomenological views does not deny the importance and relevance of positivism in the study of physical life and sciences, after all, if not because of positivism there will be no enlightenment to the development material reality of the twentieth-century, such as heart transplant and space travels. However, despite the importance of the positivism views, they have poor insights when explaining, why people hate their jobs and most of the time complains about everything, why customer service is normally poor, or why is it that most of employees are motivated with achievement and some are not (Remenyi, et al., 1998). Research Approach According to Saunders, et al. (2009) research approaches are mainly based on the research philosophies, whereby the deductive approach is commonly used by researchers with traditional natural scientific views (positivism), while inductive approach is usually based on phenomenology (interpretivism). Sometimes these research paradigms or approaches are used together in research to explain better an occurrence or phenomena (Gilner, et al., 20000). Furthermore, a deductive approach is an extremely influential and intellectual approach, in which conceptual and theoretical framework is developed and tested using empirical observation (Hussey and Hussey, 1997). An inductive research on the other hand is an approach whereby, the theory is developed from observing an empirical reality, which is typically oppose the deductive method (Hussey and Hussey,1997). Research Strategies Selecting an appropriate research strategy is key to ensuring that research questions are addressed in a way which has value and is congruent with the overall topic, questions and purpose of research (Palliative Medicine 2004; 18:677-684).In relation to, Saunders, et al. (2009) added that most of the research strategies belongs to deductive approach. The author also argued that even it is imperative to allocate strategies, it is important to remember that there is no superior or inferior type of strategy, all strategies are important to every researcher; however, their use will entirely depend on the field of study the researcher will embark on. According to Robson (1993) there are three traditional research strategies, namely; Experiment, Survey and Case Studies. However, Saunders, et al., (2009) added that research strategies should not be restricted on one strategy per study; it is also possible that survey strategy can be as part of case study. Apart from the relation of experiment to natural and social sciences, Saunders, et al. (2009) also defines experiment as, the study of casual links between an independent and dependent variable. Therefore, experiments are commonly use as a basis of explanatory research in answering the questions how and why. Survey is a popular strategy in conducting a research, as it allows a large amount collection of data from a chosen sample (Saunders, et al., 2009). Additionally, the author also pointed out that survey is essential in the collection of quantitative data whereby the researcher can analyse the data quantitatively by using inferential statistics. The last on the tradition research strategies according to Saunders, et al. (2009), is the case study; the author identifies this research method as commonly used in social sciences in order to have a more in-depth study of a particular individual or a group for that matter. Approach for this Study In the past, many scholars and researchers considered positivism as the correct scientific paradigm to the study of marketing (Carson, et al., 2001). This argument has also been supported by European Journal of Marketing, 28 (3) 1994, whereby the author suggested that the researchers needs to rethink the marketing research methods and answer questions such as, why do qualitative studies lack of acceptance in marketing? (Hunt,1994:13-25). According to (Carson, et al., 2001), after the aggressive and long time debate about the relevance of the approaches of scientific theories on the marketing study (see for example the European Journal of Marketing, 28 (3) 1994), the author considers the qualitative research method in the perspective of marketing as a suitable research approach for this study. In addition, Carson, et al. (2001) also discussed that interpretivsim is more suitable in the study of marketing as its approach to is in a more personal level in answering the problems in social field such as understanding the reality. Furthermore, the author also identified its position to marketing research as skewed toward interpretive end of the spectrum. (See figure 1) SPECTRUM.jpg Figure 1. The authors position to marketing research (Adapted from Carson, et al. (2009:14) In terms or research strategy, Bonoma (1985) argued that case study is a popular method amongst many marketers. In addition, the author defines case study as a well-suited approach to marketing, moreover, the pattern of case study strategy in the field of marketing is highly recognise as means to generate exploratory insights.

Procurement Strategy in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Procurement Strategy in the Pharmaceutical Industry Procurement is an important function to ensure meets its organizational goals. While Procurement is a support function for the organization, it is nevertheless a core function and critical to enhancing programme/project delivery. Procurement is a part of the process of achieving development project outcomes. Therefore all procurement activities are framed in the context of programmes and projects. So the Procurement is a managerial discipline in this function need to acquire and enhance certain managerial skills, tools, and including procurement risk management, procurement strategies development and procurement planning. Therefore the main benefits approach of procurement risk assessment, procurement strategies development and procurement planning serve as a bridge to cover the gap between programme and operations. They are also critical to programme delivery. Benefits of this approach include Best value for money, timely procurement; avoid unnecessary and unjustifiable emergencies, better allocation of existing resources, sufficient time to fully explore alternative procurement approaches, possibility to aggregate demand. So in Procurement successful criteria is that Joint Planning between programme and procurement in the early stages, Good flow of communication, understanding of the procurement requirements, understanding of the market and associated risks, live process with structured revisions and feedback mechanisms. In perception of researcher the procurement planning programme is very essential for fulfilment requirement of production demand and achieving goals for marketing and save the risk and shortage of availability of quality products production and marketing respectively. So the procurement development should be improving gradually with the strategies. Construct Definition Procurement: responsible for acquiring the goods and services necessary for the company. Sometimes organized as: Procurement is the acquisition of goods and/or services at the best possible total cost of ownership, in the right quality and quantity, at the right time, in the right place and from the right source for the direct benefit or use of corporations, individuals, or even governments, generally via a contract, or it can be the same way selection for human resource. Simple procurement may involve nothing more than repeat purchasing. Complex procurement could involve finding long term partners or even co-destiny suppliers that might fundamentally commit one organization to another. Procurement can refer to buying, outsourcing, etc of any resources. (www.wikipedia.com) Procurement Strategy: determines the company needs and plans for acquiring the necessary raw materials and services for the company. Procurement strategy is a identification of need, defining of specification, defining contractual terms, sourcing the market, supplier appraisal, inviting quotes/tenders, analysing quotes/tenders, Negotiation where applicable, contract award/order placement, receive, evaluation of suppler, review of supplier performance, payment , vender rating two way feedback . (www.brentwood.com) Background Information In any organization, procurement strategies playing a vital role. Without procurement not only fulfils the requirement but also stop the production plan of any organization. So, the procurement structure is very important in any organization. So we study the pharmaceutical industry and its procedure of procurement. Different companies have different mode of procurement procedures. In this procurement procedure, the pharmaceutical companies receive the services or goods in raw shapes through supply chain system like import and local procurement system. Researcher is a Senior Procurement Officer in Star Laboratories (PVT) LTD. Lahore which is handling all Local Raw Materials, Packing Materials, Miscellaneous Items and any other special assignment of high management. Therefore we discuss the little introduction of Star Laboratories (PVT.) LTD. Star Laboratories was registered in Lahore in 1960 as a partnership concern being a very small unit. Star Laboratories (Pvt.) Ltd. having a very large unit with a covered area of 86061 stf having an authorized capital of Rs.30 million and paid up capital of Rs.20 million. Star Labs growth has been unprecedented. 1978 a Milestone when Star Labs was incorporated as a limited company emerged in the national streamline of growing pharmaceutical industry of the country and this achievement is still maintained in improving quality stability and reliability of veterinary and human products. Stars greatest asset is its human resource with present strength of more than 700 employees. Star believes that they have achieved this landmark with the loyalty honesty and hard work of their human resource. A new era started in 1970 when Star started and multiplying their veterinary products by a margin to multinational with the aim and target to provide our 80% population of rural area the veterinary products for livestock development at a low and reasonable price for the prosperity and ease of our poor country competing the multinational. Star is the market leader in Veterinary medicines producing almost complete range of veterinary products. A break through came in 1995 when Star was shifted to the new modem well equipped pharmaceutical plant at 23-Km, Multan road, Lahore with a refreshing aim of serving nationally and acting globally. Professionals from the field of pharmacy business administration carry out manufacturing at Star in accordance with the rule of Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) following international standards of quality management systems. From incoming raw and packing material, to in-process control till the finished goods, Quality Control Department intervenes at every stage to check the standard and the methodology of manufacturing. Stars reputation over a reasonable span of 44 years has opened new horizons for its veterinary products in global connection for exports to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Sudan, U.A.E, Ethiopia, Lebanon, Kenya, Yemen, Mauritius, Mauritania, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Guyana and Somalia. Research Question or Problem Statement or Objectives Research Questions RQ1: How to decrease the issues, cost and save wastage of time of procurement structure? RQ2: How to improve in time delivery of quality Product and remove barriers structure and to develop standard by procurement strategies? RQ3: How to reduce the supply chain problems and enhancing the Source of suppliers for acquiring quality product with standard? Research Objectives To enhance the quality production of product, reduce the cost and improves the structure of procurement with strategic mode continuously. To mitigate shortage of quality goods or services and rejection. To compare past and present procedure and findings of other companies rule and development of procurement strategies. Scope and Limitations of Study Proposed study will be conducted in Star Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd with population of 700 employees a sample 120 employee for sales and marketing sector will be chooseed on the basis of convenient sampling. There could be following limitation of the study that can be observed during interviews and questionnaires sessions. Data will be collected only from procurement department and Production. Researcher role in Star Laboratories may subject to limitation. No body can receive the data form import department due to some limitations. Respondents are from procurement department because every body spend of their time in their work and may not give the information about work. In procurement department very difficult to manage rejected products cause wastage of time and delay in production. Researcher biasness is of most important nature for researcher the respondents State of mind equally important When researcher receives the data from many respondents may be not educated so that cause of difficulties If we receive the information from the procurement department the limitations imposed by account department so that information con not received. Chapter 2 Review of Related Literature Procurement is the process of acquiring goods, works and services covering both acquisitions from third parties and from in-house providers. The process spans the whole cycle from identification of needs, through to the end of a services contract or the end of the useful life of the asset. It involves options appraisal and the critical make or buy decision. This strategy provides the framework for the management of procurement activity within the Council to ensure it is taken forward in the most cost effective and efficient manner to deliver value for money. (www.harrogateboroughcouncil.com) Sustainable procurement is the process of integrating these environmental, social, and economic factors into purchasing decisions. This Strategy provides a blueprint to implement sustainable procurement at the City of Portland and Multnomah County. It will move local government beyond the current state of ad hoc, often contradictory, inconsistently applied policies. It will move local government toward purchasing decisions that promote the long-term interests of the community. (www.portlandonline.com) Procurement Strategies is the important in every organization because without purchasing goods respondents can not run the production. So, the Procurement procedure is playing an important role in the industry. In this function, managerial discipline is that need to acquire goods or services, enhance managerial skills, knowledge about procurement and tools. The process of procurement is that firstly requisition prepares on demand of the Stores, Productions and quality control department. After the requisition receiving the procurement department take quotation from the specific suppliers on demand but specific work caring on order making and inventory system. So the major function of procurement department making the planning, programming and developing the procedure by strategic manners. The aim of this theoretical study is to create a general framework for procurement strategy formulation and, in particular, present how to create and implement a procurement strategy. The framework suggested in this study will result from a study of various approaches discussed in the literature. The traditional perspective, as presented in the competitive strategy literature, finds the buyer-supplier relationship in terms of both parties competing with each other. The new approaches such as JIT, partnership sourcing and lean purchasing present quite a different perspective in terms of partnership. The central theme of this study is that, to be successful, the procurement management should use both approach. (Veli-Matti Virolainen, July 1999) As companies attempt to shed old habits and begin to view procurement as a strategic resource from which a competitive advantage can be gained, there is a great deal of corporate baggage that must be shed. More importantly, there is a new mindset that must be instilled both in procurement and across the firm. Strategic supply symbolizes the importance of enterprise wide thinking where functional units inside the firm and key suppliers from the firms supply chain all work in concert to bring value to the marketplace. This paper presents data from the US and the UK that helps us better understand and address issues that are key to managing across independent supply chain partners. We also address some of the barriers to implementing such a supply strategy. These barriers exist inside the firm as well as between the firms at its key suppliers. Whilst we acknowledge that progress is being made, however the data suggest that the journey is far from over. (Paul D Cousinsa and Robert Spekma nb, January 2003) As more evidence indicates that a corporation is very much defined by its purchases and benefited by its close partnership with the suppliers, the sourcing decision becomes increasingly important in the firms growth and profit. This paper synthesizes the available sourcing alternatives into four categories, namely multiple sourcing, single sourcing, single/dual hybrid or network sourcing, and global sourcing, and provides a comprehensive review of these purchasing methods based on extensive literature. Besides the discussion of the pros and cons, the paper focuses on the underlying factors that determine the preference and suitability of each sourcing option. In addition, with the note that numerous companies are switching to do business on a global basis, we attempt to use China as an example to examine global sourcing from the standpoints of both buyer and supplier. (Amy Zhaohui Zeng, 2000) Global procurement is not a simple or easy solution to a companys sourcing needs. With new markets and changing competitors challenging established business, global sourcing is now offering an opportunity for organizations to meet these challenges on a global basis. Discusses the varied interpretations and significance of global sourcing as an ingredient of success, emphasizing the link between world-class production/quality, marketing and procurement. From these discussions and empirical evidence, provides a matrix of management choices to facilitate the selection of worldwide sourcing strategies most appropriate to corporate goals. (Shan Rajagopal, Kenneth N. Bernard, 1994) Industrial procurement is arguably that part of strategy which should have a customer focus. The recent attention to such strategies in a variety of commercial and government contexts, has grown much faster than detailed understanding of how sourcing decisions are made and their implications for organisations. This paper provides an overview of empirical research into sourcing decisions made in organisations. (Michael Quayle, May 2000) Chapter 3 Methods and Procedures Research Methodology Researcher receives previous data which contains on Quantitative research and Qualitative. In my opinion which receive current data Quantitative (Survey based), Qualitative (Interviews), to explore the procurement strategies in selected Star Laboratories (Pvt.) Ltd The researcher will conduct the proposed study using a questionnaire for collection of a primary data. The secondary data will be collected from research articles, different web sites etc. Current Quantitative Research Survey Instrument Copy of the survey instrument is attached (see appendix). Sampling Techniques A non probability convenience sampling technique will be used for selection of the sample from the target population of Star Laboratories (Pvt.) Ltd Sample Size Respondent of my study will be about 120 Respondents. This study of procurement strategies based on managers, officers, production pharmacists, store incharges, marketing sales officers who are working in the Star Laboratories (Pvt.) Ltd. Data Collection Procurement strategies data will be collected through interview survey, telephonic conversation and the questionnaire. This data will be distributed by the researcher himself. Data will be collected from different people who based on procurement strategies and the respondents will be contacted personally. The respondents will work at different departments and convenience sampling method will be used in this study of procurement strategies. Chapter 4 Data Analysis and Representation Data Analysis Data will be analysed by using Microsoft Excel to apply specific formulas and find mean, standard deviation, variance etc. Chapter 5 Findings, Conclusions and Recommendations Details of findings recommendations and conclusions will be explained in this chapter. References (Availableunderhttp://wbro.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/13/2/249), page accessed February 18, 2010 (www.harrogateboroughcouncil.com), Procurement Strategy, Delivery of fast glass public services, 2009 2012 March/April 2009. (www.portlandonline.com), Document Prepared by the Sustainable Procurement Steering Committee March 20, 2002 (www.saworks.com), Procurement definitions: www.saworks.sa.gov.au/LinkClick.aspx page accessed February 8, 2010 Amy Zhaohui Zeng, A synthetic study of sourcing strategies, Industrial Management Data Systems, MCB UP Ltd, Year: 2000 Volume: 100 Page: 219 226 Gadde, L.-E., Hakansson, H. (1994), The changing role of purchasing: reconsidering three strategic issues, European Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management, Vol. 1 No.1, pp.27-35 Leenders, M. (1998), The problem with purchasing savings, Proceedings of 2nd Worldwide Symposium, London, pp.343. Lian, P.C.S., Laing, A.W. (2004), Public sector purchasing of health services: a comparison with private sector purchasing, Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management, Vol. 10 No.6, pp.247-56. Michael Quayle, A School of Business, Management and Technology, Procurement; Sourcing; Decisions, University College Suffolk (Ipswich) Rope Walk Ipswich, IP4 1LT UK, May 2000 Moran, J., Avergun, A. (1997), Creating lasting change, The TQM Magazine, Vol. 9 No.2, pp.146-51. Murray, J. (1999), Local government demands more from purchasing, European Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management, Vol. 5 No.1, pp.33-42. Paul D Cousinsa, Robert Spekmanb, B Darden Graduate Business School, University of Virginia, Strategic supply; Relationship management; Value; Performance measurement, Volume 9, January 2003, Pages 19-29 Shan Rajagopal, Kenneth N. Bernard, Global Procurement: Motivations and Strategy ,Marketing Intelligence Planning, MCB UP Ltd, Year: 1994 Volume: 12 Page: 4 17 Veli-Matti Virolainen, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Purchasing; Procurement; Procurement strategies; Buyer-supplier relationship, Volumes 56-57, 20 July 1999, Pages 677-688 www.Wiipedia.com. Procurement definition: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Procurement, page accessed February 8, 2010 www.wiktionary.com Procurement definition: en. wiktionary.org/wiki/Procurement, page accessed February 8, 2010