Social And Economic Trends Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Social And Economic Trends - Assignment Example Cultural self-awareness has multiple definitions that are coined from the words culture, self, and awareness. The National Center for Cultural Competence defines cultural awareness as the â€Å"cognizant, observant, and conscious† sensitivity to the differences and similarities that exist between different cultures. Lum supports this definition in his perspective that recognizes â€Å"cognitive and sensory† knowledge of the relationship between self and culture. These perspectives integrate to the definition that cultural self-awareness is an individual’s knowledge of own culture and the interaction of the culture and other cultures to influence aspects of life. Different definitions also exist for cultural intelligence. Ang and Dyne define the concept as the potential to operate and manage self in a multi-cultural set up (2008, p. 3). This is consistent with Bertagni, La Rosa, and Salvetti’s definition of the capacity to integrate one’s self in int erpersonal situations in which cultural contexts are influential (2010, p. 80). Cultural intelligence has three dimensions that develop its relationship with cultural self-awareness. The cultural self-awareness that defines knowledge of an individual’s culture and that of other cultures, therefore, is therefore important to the emotional dimension of cultural intelligence because it forms a basis for influencing a person’s attitude than eventually determine ability to manage factors in a cultural context.

Mountain Dew Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Mountain Dew - Essay Example It has gained the position of No. 1 competitor of Coke, which stands for kinship and a brand that nation cares for. Come year 2000 and Pepsi Co, along with BBDO, its advertising agency for decades are facing a challenge to change it advertising strategy to suit the market needs. Close rivals in CSD and non CSD segment are increasing their advertising bumdgets, which Pepsi Co. is reluctant to. Extreme sports and alternative sports have been over used and left with less fizz to be continued as an advertising strategy. The decision becomes even more crucial in light of decreasing sales of Pepsi and Diet Pepsi, partly due to increase in prices of 5% across market segment and partly due to the increasing awareness of the consumer base of what marketing strategies are and why brands are popular. On the other side, functional drinks market is fast picking up with brands like Redbull creating a niche for itself. The board of senior members of Pepsi Co and BBDO are brooding over the decision of selecting and producing adverts which will convey that idea of Mountain Dew standing for an Exhilarating experience without overexposing extreme sports. SWOT Before analyzing the situation in deep it is important to keep in mind what Mountain dew as a brand and as a product stands for. Following is the SWOT for Mountain Dew which will be considered while making the final decisions Strengths ïÆ'Ëœ Mountain Dew is a product offered by Pepsi Co., a company with very strong market presence and very high brand value ïÆ'Ëœ Brand can be identified with terms like ‘advernturous’, ‘exciting’ ,‘cool’, ‘Daring’, ‘Courageous’ due to which it has a niche in the market segment of 18 – 29 year olds... s The teen KPIs are encouraging & an opportunity to create a better brand awareness exists It’s a product in flavored drink segment which is growing unlike the CSD cola market Threats Other companies have used the Extreme sports as a communication medium and increasing their budgets for advertising and communication Introduction of functional and non CSD drinks which today’s consumer is drifting to provide its health benefits and current ethos Other copy cat flavored drinks More stress on the managerial judgment for selecting the best communication strategy rather than relying on hard data. Though it has worked in part, this decision might or might not lead to desired results and is risky. Issues 1) Eight years of exploiting the theme of Extreme sports has left it with no juice. Other companies have started to exploit it, even those who are not in the beverages industry like GE, Mars and FedEX. Mountain due is also in need of broadening its consumer base from 18 - 29 ye ars olds to overlap with 20 – 39 year olds. It needs a more generic appeal and hence use of extreme sports is questionable 2) Pepsi Co. since ages have believed in keeping the content right rather than flooding the media with its ads. They believe in game of content rather than volume. This means Mountain Dew has a limited budget to spend on its media communications as compared to nearest competitors who are ramping up their spends on the same. 3) When Mountain Dew was bought in 1964 by Pepsi Co. it had its own niche of ‘flavored’ soft drink. Today not only has it lost its niche, but also is facing competition from non CSD drinks like Getorage and functional highly caffeinated and sugary drinks like Redbull. It is hence crucial to take this brand to a next level by broadening the target market

Violent video games Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Violent video games - Essay Example a popular source of entertainment for many members of society, some critics have raised concerns over their effects on the behavior of their enthusiasts. More especially, they note that violent video games lead members of society to be violent in behavior. This paper will analyze the extent to which violent video games cause their enthusiasts to behave violently. Many video games have scenes that depict violence or aggression as noted by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (2014). For a video game to be categorized as violent, it probably falls under the category teen, mature, or adults only. Under the teen (13+) category, the content descriptors for include: talks on alcohol, comic mischief, and language that is a bit harsh (Hughs 2007). Examples of games under this category are The Sims 2 Kitchen & Bath Interior Design Stuff. Under mature category, the rating takes into consideration the presence or absence of suggestive themes, blood, language that’s strong, violence, harsh humor (Hughs 2007). One example of a video game that falls under the mature category is Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. In the adult category, content descriptors include blood and gored blood scenes, intense violence, nakedness, strong language, strong sexual content, and use of illicit drugs. One video game that falls under this category is Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (Hughs 2007). Whatever the category, a video game is considered to be violent in nature if it generally features violence, strong language, and weapons. Weapons used in some violent videos include chainsaws, machine guns, machetes, and grenades that make the killing bloodier (Ferguson & Garza 2011). Some violent video games are event characterized by gang warfare that include killing of police and pedestrians, shooting while driving, and racial factors where white heroes kill back victims as noted by Ferguson and Garza (2011). Some of these have the player advance by the making their killing most horrific.

Mountain Dew Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Mountain Dew - Essay Example It has gained the position of No. 1 competitor of Coke, which stands for kinship and a brand that nation cares for. Come year 2000 and Pepsi Co, along with BBDO, its advertising agency for decades are facing a challenge to change it advertising strategy to suit the market needs. Close rivals in CSD and non CSD segment are increasing their advertising bumdgets, which Pepsi Co. is reluctant to. Extreme sports and alternative sports have been over used and left with less fizz to be continued as an advertising strategy. The decision becomes even more crucial in light of decreasing sales of Pepsi and Diet Pepsi, partly due to increase in prices of 5% across market segment and partly due to the increasing awareness of the consumer base of what marketing strategies are and why brands are popular. On the other side, functional drinks market is fast picking up with brands like Redbull creating a niche for itself. The board of senior members of Pepsi Co and BBDO are brooding over the decision of selecting and producing adverts which will convey that idea of Mountain Dew standing for an Exhilarating experience without overexposing extreme sports. SWOT Before analyzing the situation in deep it is important to keep in mind what Mountain dew as a brand and as a product stands for. Following is the SWOT for Mountain Dew which will be considered while making the final decisions Strengths ïÆ'Ëœ Mountain Dew is a product offered by Pepsi Co., a company with very strong market presence and very high brand value ïÆ'Ëœ Brand can be identified with terms like ‘advernturous’, ‘exciting’ ,‘cool’, ‘Daring’, ‘Courageous’ due to which it has a niche in the market segment of 18 – 29 year olds... s The teen KPIs are encouraging & an opportunity to create a better brand awareness exists It’s a product in flavored drink segment which is growing unlike the CSD cola market Threats Other companies have used the Extreme sports as a communication medium and increasing their budgets for advertising and communication Introduction of functional and non CSD drinks which today’s consumer is drifting to provide its health benefits and current ethos Other copy cat flavored drinks More stress on the managerial judgment for selecting the best communication strategy rather than relying on hard data. Though it has worked in part, this decision might or might not lead to desired results and is risky. Issues 1) Eight years of exploiting the theme of Extreme sports has left it with no juice. Other companies have started to exploit it, even those who are not in the beverages industry like GE, Mars and FedEX. Mountain due is also in need of broadening its consumer base from 18 - 29 ye ars olds to overlap with 20 – 39 year olds. It needs a more generic appeal and hence use of extreme sports is questionable 2) Pepsi Co. since ages have believed in keeping the content right rather than flooding the media with its ads. They believe in game of content rather than volume. This means Mountain Dew has a limited budget to spend on its media communications as compared to nearest competitors who are ramping up their spends on the same. 3) When Mountain Dew was bought in 1964 by Pepsi Co. it had its own niche of ‘flavored’ soft drink. Today not only has it lost its niche, but also is facing competition from non CSD drinks like Getorage and functional highly caffeinated and sugary drinks like Redbull. It is hence crucial to take this brand to a next level by broadening the target market

Cassava Starch Essay Example for Free

Cassava Starch Essay Cassava (Manihot esculenta), also called manioc, tapioca or yuca, is one of the most important food crops in the humid tropics, being particularly suited to conditions of low nutrient availability and able to survive drought (Burrell, 2003). The plant grows to a height of 1 to 3 m and several roots may be found on each plant. Although cassava leaves are sometimes consumed, the major harvested organ is the tuber, which is actually a swollen root. The plant is propagated mostly from stem cuttings. A major limitation of cassava production is the rapid post harvest deterioration of its roots which usually prevents their storage in the fresh state for more than a few days (Okezie and Kosikowski, 1982). Cassava ranks very high among crops that convert the greatest amount of solar energy into soluble carbohydrates per unit of area. Among the starchy staples, cassava gives a carbohydrate production which is about 40% higher than rice and 25% more than maize, with the result that cassava is the cheapest source of calories for both human nutrition and animal feeding. A typical composition of the cassava root is moisture (70%), starch (24%), fiber (2%), protein (1%) and other substances including minerals (3%) Compared to other crops, cassava excels under suboptimal conditions, offering the possibility of using marginal land to increase total agricultural production (Cock, 1982). Plant breeders, agronomists and recently molecular biologists have made substantial improvements in cassava yields during the last two decades. While, genetic characterization and mapping has revealed some insights into the molecular nature of cassava (Tonukari et al. 1997; Fregene et al. 003) Plastics are synthetic substances produced by chemical reactions. Almost all plastics are made from petroleum, except a few experimental resins derived from corn and other organic substances. Plastic has many properties which has made it a raw material of choice for Manufactures of plastic Bags and packing materials. Cost of production, lightweight, strength, easy process of manufac ture, and availability are few of the properties. Man has simply not put the plastic to the right use/ or using it without taking proper care of other related norms of usage. The hazards plastics pose are numerous. The land gets littered by plastic bag garbage presenting an ugly and unhygienic seen. The Throw away culture results in these bags finding their way in to the city drainage system, the resulting blockage cases inconvenience, difficult in maintaining the drainage with increased cost, creates unhygienic environment resulting in health hazard and spreading of water borne diseases. This littering also reduces rate of rain water percolating, resulting in lowering of already low water levels in our cities. The soil fertility deteriorates as the plastic bags form parts of manure remain in the soil for years. People need alternative and effective components of plastic that is safe and biodegradable which will not harm and pollute the earth. Significance: This study is important to be able to help Mother Earth in reducing its pollutants and toxic or harmful wastes. Through this study, the researchers will be able to help other people, the animals and the environment. The researchers would like to stop plastic pollution and be part of the solution. Plastic bags and bottles, like all forms of plastic, create significant environmental and economic burdens. They consume growing amounts of energy and other natural resources, degrading the environment in numerous ways. In addition to using up fossil fuels and other resources, plastic products create litter, hurt marine life, and threaten the basis of life on earth. There is over 45 million tons of plastics per year and nearly every piece of plastic ever made still exists today because of its long-life properties. Biodegradable plastics could be an effective solution to all of these problems. Biodegradable plastics are a much better choice than non biodegradable plastics because they are friendlier to the earth and the environment. Biodegradable plastics break down faster, can be recycled easier and are non-toxic. With these characteristics of biodegradable plastics, we could help save lives and the environment as well and reduce the threat plastics give to marine life. Plastic, the wonder material that we use for everything, is perhaps the most harmful of this trash because it does not readily break down in nature but if it is biodegradable, these plastics break down faster so they have a much shorter effect on the earth, and they will degrade completely. Normal plastics are manufactured using oil, and this process is very harmful to the environment by polluting the air and environment, but this is not the case with green biodegradable plastics. Using biodegradable plastics will minimize the effects that these products have on the earth, and help eliminate their waste much faster. Review of Related Literature: In the past few decades, there has been a marked advance in the development of biodegradable plastics from renewable resources, especially for those derived from starch-based materials. The goal of this development is to obtain biodegradable plastics that perform as well as traditional plastics when in use and which completely biodegrade at disposal. Several starch-based plastics have been introduced into the market, and are used in some applications now. Starch foam is one of the major starch-based packaging materials. It is produced by extrusion or compression/explosion technology. This product has been developed as a replacement for polystyrene which is used to produce loose-fillers and other expanded items. Another type of starch-based plastics is produced by blending or mixing starch with synthetic polyester. For this type of biodegradable plastics, granular starch can be directly blended with polymer, or its granular structure can be destructurized before being incorporated into the polymer matrix. The type of starch and synthetic polymer as well as their relative proportions in the blends influence the properties of the resulting plastics. The last group of starch-based plastics is polyesters that are produced from starch. The major starch-derived polyesters in the market now are polylactic acid and polyhydroxyalkanoate. Experimental studies have demonstrated that cassava starch could be used for making various types of packaging products. As a major source of starch in tropical and subtropical regions, cassava is a promising raw material for the development of biodegradable plastics in these areas. Research has been done on HYPERLINK http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Biodegradable _blank o Biodegradablebiodegradable plastics that break down with exposure to sunlight (e. g. , HYPERLINK http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Ultra-violet_radiation _blank o Ultra-violet radiationultra-violet radiation), water or dampness, bacteria, enzymes, wind abrasion and some instances rodent pest or insect attack are also included as forms of HYPERLINK http://en. ikipedia. org/wiki/Biodegradation _blank o Biodegradationbiodegradation or HYPERLINK http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Environmental_degradation _blank o Environmental degradationenvironmental degradation. It is clear some of these modes of degradation will only work if the plastic is exposed at the surface, while other modes will only be effective if certain conditions exist in landfill or composting systems. HYPERLINK http://en. wikipedia. rg/wiki/Starch _blank o StarchStarch powder has been mixed with plastic as a filler to allow it to degrade more easily, but it still does not lead to complete breakdown of the plastic. Some researchers have actually HYPERLINK http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Genetic_engineering _blank o Genetic engineeringgenetically engineered bacteria that synthesize a completely biodegradable plastic, but this material, such as HYPERLINK http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Biopol _blank o BiopolBiopol, is expensive at present. The diversity and ubiquity of plastic products substantially testify to the versatility of the special class of engineering materials known as polymers. However, the non-biodegradability of these petrochemical-based materials has been a source of environmental concerns and hence, the driving force in the search for ‘green’ alternatives for which starch remains the frontliner. Starch is a natural biopolymer consisting predominantly of two polymer types of glucose namely amylose and amylopectin. The advantages of starch for plastic production include its renewability, good oxygen barrier in the dry state, abundance, low cost and biodegradability. The longstanding quest of developing starch-based biodegradable plastics has witnessed the use of different starches in many forms such as native granular starch, modified starch, plasticized starch and in blends with many synthetic polymers, both biodegradable and non-biodegradable, for the purpose of achieving cost effectiveness and biodegradation respectively. In this regard, starch has been used as fillers in starch-filled polymer blends, thermoplastic starch (TPS) (produced from the combination of starch, plasticizer and thermomechanical energy), in the production of foamed starch and biodegradable synthetic polymer like polylactic acid (PLA) with varying results. However, most starch-based composites exhibit poor material properties such as tensile strength, yield strength, stiffness and elongation at break, and also poor moisture stability. This therefore warranted scientific inquiries towards improving the properties of these promising starch-based biocomposites through starch modification, use of compatibilizers and reinforcements (both organic and inorganic), processing conditions, all in the hope of realizing renewable biodegradable substitutes for the conventional plastics. Definition of Terms Biodegradable able to decompose naturally: made of substances that will decay relatively quickly as a result of the action of bacteria and break down into elements such as carbon that are recycled naturally Starch – a white, granular or powdery, odorless, tasteless and complex carbohydrate found chiefly in seeds, fruits, tubers, roots and stem pith of plants, notably in corn, potatoes, wheat, and rice; an important foodstuff and used otherwise especially in adhesives and as fillers and stiffeners for paper and textiles. Plastics – the word plastic is derived from the words plasticus (Latin for â€Å"capable of molding†) and plastikos (Greek â€Å"to mold,† or â€Å"fit for molding†). Plastics are polymeric, moldable and synthetic materials which are derived from fossil fuels, such as oil, coal or natural gas. Plastics consist of organic (carbon-containing) long molecular chains that give them many of their unique properties. They can be made hard, flexible, strong, transparent, light and elastic. * Polymer – long-chain molecules that repeat their structures over and over * Polyethylene Bags the bags that you will see commonly used, such as plastic grocery bags, are made from petroleum byproducts, which is the root of most all of the environmental problems that they are the source of. Not only do they take substantially longer to break down or degrade, but as they do they release highly toxic chemicals. Resin – It is a hydrocarbon secretion of many HYPERLINK http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Plant o Plantplants, particularly coniferous trees. It is valued for its chemical constituents and uses, such as varnishes and HYPERLINK http://en. wikipedia. rg/wiki/Adhesive o Adhesiveadhesives, as an important source of raw materials for organic synthesis, or for incense and perfume. * Polymer Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide (MEKP) The most popular type of hardener because of its economy and ease of use. * Polyester Resin Polyester resins are the most commonly used matrix in the marine and composite industry. These resins are styrene-based, flammable and cata lyzed when combined with Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide(MEKP). Polyester resins are unsaturated resins formed by the reaction of dibasic organic acids and polyhydric alcohols. Premix Polyester Resin R10-60 – It is a fast gel premix polyester resin used for wood, kapiz, and other lamination with cellophane, â€Å"Lumirror† or â€Å"Mylar† films. It is also used to make decorative jewels and flowers from ceramic molds, to make small coatings from polyethylene amp; silicone rubber molds, and to cast on intrinsic molds such as steel or bass frames. * Plastic Resin Glue – Plastic resins are made by heating hydrocarbons in what is known as the cracking process. The goal here is to break down the larger molecules into ethylene, propylene, and other types of hydrocarbons. The amount of ethylene produced depends on the cracking temperature. Once the cracking process has been completed, the compounds are formed into chains that are known as polymers. Different polymers are combined to make plastic resins that have the characteristics needed for different applications Methodology: A. Materials 2 Cassava Tubers 180 ml of Premix Polyester Resin 300 ml of Polymer MEKP Hardener 100 grams Petroleum Jelly 3 old shirts Measuring cup Grater Plastic Spoon Knife 3 Plastic Containers Chopping board B. Procedure Gather the Cassava Tubers. Ground and squeeze it to extract the starch. Get hold of 240 grams of the starch and divide it into 3 equal parts: 80 grams in trial 1, trial 2 and trial 3. Place 60 ml of the plastic resin glue (Premix Polyester Resin) with 50 grams of flour catalyst for T1, 75 grams for T2 and 125 grams in T3. Mix and stir the components and pour it in the shirt with Petroleum Jelly and let it dry under the sun. To test its capacity to carry weight, use the plastic to carry objects. For its ability to hold water, put water inside the plastic. To test its tensile and bending properties, stretch the plastic as far as you can. Repeat steps 5-7 using T2 and T3.

Pepsi Operations Management Problems

Pepsi Operations Management Problems Operations management is considered as an important division of study equally in the corporate world in addition to in academics. Reference to academics, operations management, is a central part of in the curriculum of management studies. In the other words, it could be seen as the theoretical base that a particular manager or else an executive desires to deal with the issues of the company are taught in the curriculum. The subject; Operations management is again a key part in an organization or business (Sweet, Franklyn H. 1964, pp 89-90). A full-blown department or section of the organization is allocated to take care of this need of the organization or business. Additionally to this, concern is kept that the issues that the organizations face in the subject of operations department or section is resolved at the earliest, as a result that the production and as well as quality of the products that go out of the company does not obstruct the development and image of the organization or business. Operations management studies the internal working and work process of a company. Indeed it could be said that the planning, producing and making of the products of the organization or business is smoothen by a range of processes of the operations department or section of any organization or business (Sweet, Franklyn H. 1964, pp 89-90). The technical aspects of an organization or business are looked after of by the operations management of that organization. Indeed every single one of organizations and firms has operations management officers and full-blown departments to take care of this aspect of the company. Thus, an organization or business tends to take up the marketing strategies that make an important part of the operations management. Scholars and market analysts are already having conducted bundle of studies and researches in operations management field and have established that the principles and theories of operations management and strategies are well-match ed in any organization or business and in any sector (Ackoff, R., Rivett, P. (1963), pp. 45-77). In the 18th century, it could be seen the introduction of the operations management theory. Later on also in the entire of Industrial Revolution, a variety of new theories of operations management and other ideals were used. These ideas allow to a huge increase in the business of organizations or businesses and all at once ensure that the a variety of approaches developed as a part of the operations management theories were utilized by the organization. Out of a lot of sub theories and approaches that were made as part of operations management are; Waltham-Lowell system, Assembly line practice, etc. As well as this, the scientific management and the development of the theories and principles of the operations management systems make certain that these help the organization leads success and flourish (Ackoff and Rivett, 1963). One of such organization found in the United Kingdom that is one of the well known brands in terms of taste and quality and many moreà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦This organization was suffered huge losses due to miss-management and issues in the operations management section. The company is the renowned beverage maker Pepsi Company. This is a world renowned name in the field of carbonated beverage industries. Pepsi advanced to be one of the most recent kinds of confectioneries (O Sullivan, N., Wong, P. (1991), pp.139-55). Pepsi Company is today identified as one of the most trusted brands, due to the strategic planning and management and marketing strategies that it has been utilizing since long ago. As a result, it could be said that the operations department of Pepsi Company has to play a key role in the establishment of the Pepsi brand as one of the most adamantine names in this sector. On the other hand, even such a well-defined operations department of Pepsi Company was unable to handle the q uality of the Cadbury products (Sweet, Franklyn H. 1964, pp 89-90). There was news in the many of Medias that the Pepsi Cola was contaminated with pesticides. This rumor spread out everywhere in the world like a wildfire. This carelessness by the operations department of Pepsi Company exaggerated the organization in terms of money value and as well as in terms of loss of brand trust and brand name (Peters, T. and Waterman, R. 1982, pp. 12-23). This to be sure came as a distress to the whole nation as nobody has expected that yet the highly trusted brands like Pepsi can have never faced such as issue. All the world was sensitized at this, as this played as a chance for other competitive brands to build solid place in the market and as well as for new brands to panic. Therefore this dilemma of the Pepsi Company and it become more aware of the significant of quality and a better operations management department or section (Sweet, Franklyn H. 1964, pp 89-90). An brief explanation of the process at issue in the Pepsi group and the process map Even though the finding of pesticide residuals in the Pepsi Cola was world news and it was in progress being forbidden in most of the places. All stock of Pepsi Cola was in custody. Those in the factories were stopped from coming out of the company (Sweet, Franklyn H. 1964, pp 89-90). This made question for the already on hand operations management procedures that would be utilized and prominent in the Cola industry. This also insisted on the management of Pepsi Cola to consider of the processes which already existed in the company. As well the quality assurances of the processes in addition to the legitimacy of these processes were under issue and evaluated. Pepsi Cola has at all times levied importance in the maintenance and updating of the quality processes that were already existing in the organization. The quality processes that were being utilized were under strict monitoring and test out. While this problem relating to the quality of Pepsi Cola came up, after that an indicatio n of the process map started taking shape (Chaffee, 1985). The range of processes that already existed in the organization is given below: Manufacturing of soft drink: In the beginning the ingredients necessary for making the soft drink are prepared to be available. These ingredients are consisted with vanilla beans, flavor oils, kola nuts and sweeteners. Strict care was paid that these items are best in the quality and that the water utilized in it are distilled and free of all impurities (Chaffee, 1985). Transferring to the packaging house: subsequent to the soft drink is all set; there are taken to the packaging places in cans (Chaffee, 1985). Special attention is also taken in carrying on these steps, as not any chemicals are mixed with the soft drink. So that the amount of soda in soft drink is not changed. As well as this, the greatest technology is utilized at this stage to make sure that the quality remains unchanged as that are while in manufacturing (Chaffee, 1985). Packaging: This is the third step that also requires best care of maintaining the quality of the soft drink. It is made sure that the sealing of the Pepsi Cola cans are such that they are air tight and there is not any chance of leakage. As well as this, the cartons, caps and the CO2 used to carbonate soft drinks are in the optimum quantity. Special care is put in carbonating the drink as the actual quality if the soft drink depends on the carbonating. Special equipment and tools are brought in use to take out the cans. Pepsi Storage: highest care is also put in the storage of the cans. As it was believed that while under the store, the cans were run over by rats and other small insects. This might be caused a variety of diseases to the people. It is ensure that the cans are packaged properly and machines do the shifting and storing of the cans before they are sent to the retailers and stores (Peters and Waterman, 1982) Analysis of the Problem It is easy to analysis of the problems, if the problems are listed or displayed in such a manner that they can be easily read, then the can be easily studied (Peters and Waterman, 1982). Therefore, high care would be taken that the analysis of the problems is easy. The various measures that require to be taken to solve the problem. This systematic resolving of problems is very important so that the problems are first broken down in to smaller sections so that their root causes can be traced (Hamel and Prahalad, 1994). Ideas Generation Ideas generation is very important to resolve the problem. As an example, the processes that are to be taken for the modification of the problems are first break down and then the ideas are generated as part of the tea or at personal levels that would help in the resolving of the issues. Such thinking is results in cropping up of excellent and effective ideas so that the problems are addressed in a improved way and the root causes of the problems are identified. Ideas testing Generation of ideas in important but the process does not end there. After the listing and jotting down of the ideas, they are tested whether the ideas can prove helpful in solving the problems. In addition to that, the stages in which the ideas are to be used also differed and so they should not be implemented without testing the (Peters and Waterman, 1982). Thus, the effectiveness of these ideas is first tested and then depending on the results, they are finally implemented. The testing of ideas is more like a pilot survey that is made because the actual implementation of the ideas. This helps in gauging the effects of the implementation of the ideas in solving the problems beforehand (Hamel and Prahalad, 1994). Without testing of ideas, it is not generally used directly in any organization. Implementing Ideas Testing the ideas give an idea of the kind of feedback that will be generated after the ideas are actually implemented. Thus after this pilot study the results is first analyzed and if the results are as desired, the ideas are implemented (Peters, T. and Waterman, R. 1982, pp. 12-23). After the implementation of the ideas, it is clear that the operations program can now be tacked such that the organization does not face similar problems again in future. Checking the Results This is the last and the finals stage of the implementation of the TQM techniques. Although the ideas were first tested for their potential results and the implemented, a check is always required at the final stage. Thus, even after the implementation of the ideas to solve the operational problems, a check is required to gauge the results of the implementation of the ideas. After getting the results after implementing the ideas, an assessment or evaluation of the results is done. This gives a feedback of the effectiveness of the ideas and helps decide whether the ideas are needed for the future processes or not. Fish bone theory Developing the fish bone theory and the fish bone diagram was done by Kaoru Ishikawa. It is seen that because this theory was developed by her, the theory was also known as Ishikawa diagram. The root of this theory is that problems need to analyze by jotting down the problems on a sheet of paper and then relating it to the cause and the effect (Heskett, 1989). This theory was later in used by various disciplined and branches of academic studied. The fish bone diagram now forms an important part of management studies and ensures that the problems that an organization faces is first jotted down and then analyzed. This gives the problems a pictorial looks and thus ensures an easy and clear understanding of the problems. This diagram when seen after the completion gives an impression of being drawn on the model of a fish. In fact the diagram is of the shape of a fish. A spine of the fish is drawn and this the plane in which the problems are written extending towards the outer sides. The problems are jotted along the sides giving an impression that these are the bones of the fish (Peters, and Waterman, 1982). This pictorial representation makes the understanding of the problems easy. In addition, while listing the problems they are started form the grassroots level and decided into various categories. For example, the various categories of the organization that might be responsible for the operation problems cropping up in the organization are decided and then the problems that can be placed in these areas are listed. This gives a clear impression of the problems and when this is presented before the higher management, it become easy for them to link the cause and effect and then work towards solving the problem. In addition to this another important reason because of which the fish bone theory acts as an important tool in the analysis of the operations problems is that it divided the problems into smaller sub sections. This makes the problem seem easy as when a problem is bigger no way to break that down is found. However, when the problems got broken into smaller parts they seem easy. In addition to this, the linking of the problem to the cause an effect also makes the problems easy to identify. Another pertinent reason that recommends the use of the fish bone theory is that it is generally made in a group. Thus it cats as a medium through which various ideas and knowledge of different people are channelized into one single chart (Peters and Waterman, 1982). Thus the chart itself is very informative as the opinion of people from different experiences and history A comparison of the theory with the actual practice in the Pepsi Company It was seen that the fish bone diagram and the TQM techniques gave an idea of the various problems that Pepsi faced. In addition to this, the Fish bone diagram also listed the various strategies tat are already part of the Pepsi group. These theories hint that the operational department of Pepsi had taken up strict measures for maintaining the quality of the products of Pepsi. However, it is seen that there still were loop hole in these processes because of which there were issues in the quality of the Pepsi Company. The various loopholes in the processes that were although defined in the guideline and quality assurance of the Pepsi Company but were not followed in practice are given below: 1. Although various hi tech machines were used for the purification of the water that us being used in the production of Pepsi, there was issues in the quality of the water. When an investigation committee was set up to discuss the reason that led to the finding of pesticides in the packaged cans of Pepsi, it was found put that the ground water was found to be contaminated (Kearney, 1992). Various water purifiers are available in the Pepsi Company and they boost of use of high boiling canisters that free the water. In fact the quality process of Pepsi says that not filtered but distilled water is used for preparing the soft drink. Had this process be really followed in reality Pepsi would have not suffered huge losses and spoiled the name and reputation of the organization. Thus it was seen that purification of water was one miss match where Pepsi did not keep up the quality assurance stages that was streamlines in its work plan (Kearney,1992). 2. It has been defined in the work plan of the organization that the store and the factory where the soft drink has to be manufactured are free from all types of temperature and humidity issues. In fact, the organization showed that various new and improved storage canisters and rooms have been specifically designed so that the soft drink after manufacturing is placed in better stores before they are packaged. However, this process was not maintained properly and it was later inferred that the machines and storage room that were made were not of the required quality. This made the soft drink being alter in their chemical composition in the high temperature differences in various countries. Thus, owing to theism there were chemical reactions and microbes were able to breed in them and thus contaminate this (Kearney, 1992). 3. Although the Pepsi Company says that they have hygienic and special ceils to store the soft drink for long time till they are finally packaged and delivered, they did not take proper measures to make this practically happen. It was seen that after the Pepsi was manufactured they not stored in hygienic and cold storages. This change in temperature and the unhygienic conditions of the theories led to the contamination of Pepsi. 4. Although Pepsi boost of having a very well trained staff, they failed to provide proper quality management training to their staff and employees. Owing to this they were unaware of ensuring that none of the variation in temperature level, etc should be done as it drastically affects the quality of the drinks (Kearney, 1992). The employees and crew of the Pepsi Company being unaware, ignorant and negligent of these issues ended up in contaminating the drink. Consideration of its impact on quality and/or customer focus These problems definitely had a greater impact on the organization. Pepsi was a bigger name in the beverage industry and none of the companies were as popular as it is and give it tough competition. However, with the spread of the new of the Pepsi drink containing pesticides, this acted as a major loss to the organization. Pepsi was banned in all colleges and school on the United Kingdom. In addition to this, various factories of Pepsi were seized and the drink that was already prepared was seized. This new also spread in other parts of the world. In fact all countries stopped the selling of the Pepsi. In addition this affect in the business, the customers also got sensitized by this new. They themselves became much aware of the contamination and abstained from drinking this drink (Kearney, 1992). They also barred their friends and children from having this drink. This indeed acted as a great set back to the Pepsi Company and destroyed its business. In addition to that the trust that it had managed to create among the people was lost. Even till date many people avoid drinking the Pepsi products as the shock that they got regarding its contamination is not out of their minds still. Recommendations After studying and analyzing the principles in the operational management department of Pepsi co, one of clear of the problems that the organization was facing and the reasons that led to these problems were identified. Thus, the various recommendations that can be given to the Pepsi co group are as follows: 1. It can be inferred that most of the problems that cropped up regarding the quality of the products is due to the negligence of the employees. It was seen that the staff and crew that were part of the manufacturing department were not well trained and well skilled. Owing to this they did not understand the importance of maintaining accurate temperature and pressure. They did nit understand that minor changes in the level of temperature and pressure while purifying the water etc can lead to drastic disasters as it happen in the case of Pepsi. Thus Pepsi must ensure that all their staff is properly trained before they become part of the manufacturing and operational team of the company (Kearney, 1992). 2. The company should also understand that when the product that they are producing are consumable items special care is taken that they are hygienic and do not cause any health hazards. This is because a slight negligence on the part of the company may lead to severe results on the health problem and thus in turn may be disastrous to the life of the company and they may even end up losing their license. Thus, Pepsi should ensure that the machines that they are using in the production and purifying of water should be the best of quality. More and more high quality machines need to be brought to test the presence of microbes and other such organization and at the lowest possible level (Chaffee, 1985). 3. Quality assurance is an important part of the operational management department in Pepsi. This department has to take up the responsibility of ensuring that the products of the organization are best of the quality and that they are passed through various rounds of quality checks such that the products that finally pass out of the organization are best of the quality (Chaffee, 1985). 4. The management also has to be sensitized towards this cause. They have to ensure that the work process of the organization needs to be changed as there are loopholes in the process. And the loop holes are such that they resulted in blunders foe the organization, Thus, the management needs to incorporate more levels of quality checks and ensure that there is strictly monitoring at all levels. Conclusion Thus, it is seen that Pepsi faced several problems due to the negligence by the operational management department. In addition to this there were various other problems that led to such huge loss of eh organization (Chaffee, 1985). However with various theories and approaches of the management of the organization, the main problems that the organization faced were identified. In addition to the identification, the methods and theories that need to be used in order to rectify these problems are highlighted. It is through the use of these theories that Pepsi was able to regain its lost trust and business.

The Coward Revealed in Arthur Millers Death of a Salesman :: Death Salesman essays

The Coward Revealed in Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the play Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller, the main character, Willy Loman, is a struggling salesman. Willy Loman is a complex character who confuses illusion with reality. In a way, Willy has two personalities in this play. The one we see in the present action is a tired man in his sixties. The other Willy is the one we see in flashbacks. He is young and confident. In Act Two, Scene Fourteen, Willy’s son Biff tells him that he loves him. Willy can tell that Biff is not just saying this out of pity because Biff is sobbing. In a flashback, Willy speaks to his dead brother Ben. Ben keeps saying "Time, William, Time", reminding him that suicide is closing in. Ben also tells Willy that he should come to the jungle. In this scene, the jungle represents opportunities for success. The reason that Ben tells Willy to come to the jungle, is that when in the jungle, Willy can get the diamonds. The diamonds represent the insurance money that the family will get from Willy’s accident. Therefore, Ben is saying that the only way Willy can get twenty thousand dollars in insurance money is to kill himself, or symbolically Ben is saying that the only way to get the diamonds is to enter the jungle. Willy also talks to Ben how great Biff would do with all of that money. Willy thinks one more time about Biff and how he was a great football player. This shows that Willy still thinks of Biff as a football hero, which is one of the reasons Willy thinks Biff is so magnificent. As Willy is finishing up his thoughts, his wife, Linda, is calling him to come up to bed. After this happens, the sound of a speeding car is heard driving off into the night. In the same scene, Willy’s wife Linda has come to make a peace with their two sons, Biff and Happy. Linda also suspects that Willy may kill himself. She made a big mistake by leaving the disturbed Willy alone. The rubber tubing that Linda found on the heater foreshadows Willy’s suicide. Linda doesn’t want Willy to kill himself, but believes that she cannot interfere with his business. I believe that Willy’s suicide was an escape from shame. He couldn’t keep living his life as a lie.