Lead Time Management in Garment Sector Essay Example

Lead Time Management in Garment Sector Essay European Journal of Scientific Research ISSN 1450-216X Vol. 33 No. 4 (2009), pp. 617-629  © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2009 http://www. eurojournals. com/ejsr. htm Lead Time Management in the Garment Sector of Bangladesh: An Avenues for Survival and Growth Nuruzzaman Department of Marketing, University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh Ahasanul Haque Department of business Administration, International Islamic University Malaysia, Box No. 10, 50728 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Abstract Bangladesh has emerged as an important supplier of quality readymade garments in the global market. The spectacular growth of garment sector in Bangladesh in recent years has dramatically changed the landscape of export composition of the country. Once heavily dependent on exports of primary products lead by Jute, the economy of Bangladesh is now experiencing almost 76% export contribution from readymade garments (RMG). The sector has now occupied an important place in Bangladesh national economy. Nevertheless, all is not well in this sector. It faces numerous challenges and it is now on the crossroad with the phasing out of quota system, GSP facilities and new provisions of WTO. In this study attempts have been made to find out the ways to face the competitive business environment by the efficient management process towards the lead time reduction. The main purpose of this article is to analyse the business process of the garment sector to find out it’s lead time minimization process. The study has been concluded by the development of a new diagram of business process with the outcome that the other management process in the supply chain is an important factor rather than process management in the lead time minimization process. We will write a custom essay sample on Lead Time Management in Garment Sector specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Lead Time Management in Garment Sector specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Lead Time Management in Garment Sector specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Keywords: RMG, Lead Time Minimisation, Management process, Supply Chain. Introduction The spectacular growth of garment sector in Bangladesh in recent years has dramatically changed the landscape of export composition of the country. Once heavily dependent on exports of primary products led by Jute, the economy of Bangladesh is now experiencing almost 76% (Nuruzzaman, 2005)export contribution from Readymade garments (RMG). The sector has now occupied an important place in our national economy. With the blessings of cheap labour, pressure for globalisation of production based on location economies as well as the favourable treatment from developed countries, Bangladesh and some other developing countries have gradually become the global players in international trade in RMG. However, the Multi-fibre Arrangement facility, which was extended to favour the least, developed countries in exporting garments and textile has phased out after 2005. Consequently, the beneficiaries of MFA, including Bangladesh are facing severe competition in the unprotected world market. At present, this sector is facing numerous challenges nationally and globally. Lead Time Management in the Garment Sector of Bangladesh: An Avenues for Survival and Growth 618 Bangladesh is one of the leading readymade garments exporters in the global market. The changing global environment in business and the development of GATT into WTO raises many important questions regarding increase in export in the Textile and garment sector for a developing country like Bangladesh. To survive in this sector Bangladesh must take immediate pragmatic policies enabling itself to compete more efficiently in the changing business environment through minimisation of lead time. In the beginning of 1990s, the lead time was 120-150 days (Azad, 2004) but in 2007, it was reduced to 30-50 days, i. e. at present it is 90-100 days (Khan, 2007). China requires only 30 days due to their textile and other backward linkage facilities as well as export friendly management and supporting policy. It is 45-60 days in India and Pakistan (Nuruzzaman, 2008). Therefore it appears that in the present situation Bangladesh RMG industry will not be able to compete successfully in the international market for the existence of unusually long lead time. This is specifically the main problem area of present research. To compete successfully in the fiercely competitive post-MFA global free trade market, the manufacturers must be adequately equipped with the latest knowledge of scientific management in minimizing lead time and other management deficiencies (Nuruzzaman, 2007). We have to give all out support o this sector and have to build up the backward linkage industry to reduce the dependence on imported raw materials and to minimize lead-time. Therefore, we need to find out some alternative supply mechanism to minimize lead-time. Here in this study steps also will be taken to focus on the lead-time management by presenting some successful and unsuccessful operations in the lead-time management process. The purpose of the present study is about analysing the existing situation specially the lead-time management in the RMG sector of Bangladesh. Theoretical Concepts RMG Business Structure Readymade garment is a labour intensive industry and relatively simple technology compared to other high-tech industries. The RMG manufacturing units are like tailor’s shop; getting order from the foreign buyers and then import raw materials specially fabrics from the foreign suppliers or sometimes buy from the local market as per order, then manufacture garments and supply those to the buyers (Munir, Q. and Salim, R. 2000). Figure 1: Business Structure of Bangladeshi RMG Industries Foreign buyers Supply of finished goods Local raw materials suppliers Collect raw materials Garments company (Manu facturer) Information flow Foreign raw materials suppliers Source: Nuruzzaman, 2007 In the RMG sector, the Manufacturer Raw materials Supplier relationship is different. In this industry the main raw materials are fabrics (Cloths) and few accessories are like button, collar etc. About 80% of the suppliers of accessories are local and accessories suppliers are not responsible to increase lead time. The lead time is getting higher due to import of fabrics mainly from China, Indonesia and India. The total average time to import fabrics from abroad is 50-65 days and this is the 19 Nuruzzaman and Ahasanul Haque main reason for long lead time (BGMEA research cell). In the process of import of fabrics from the foreign suppliers lies the main reason for long lead time. The process is visualised in fig. -2 below. Figure 2: Business structure and raw materials collection process Buying house Foreign buyers Local raw material suppliers Garments company (Manufacturer) For eign materials suppliers raw Problem area Order flow Collect raw materials Final product supply flow Information flow Source: Nuruzzaman, 2007 Lead Time Theory Todays customers around the globe demand product as they want it, when they want it, and at the best possible price. In todays highly competitive global marketplace they are placing greater value on quality and delivery time. Manufacturers similarly have begun to place more value on quality and delivery time and companies are trying to gain a competitive edge and improve profitability through cutting cost, increasing quality and improving delivery. However it is safe to say that the more competitive the industry, the more shortened lead times will help. In competitive industries, short lead time will differentiate a company from its competitors, leading to increase sales (Charies J. Murgiano, CPIM). Lead time is one of the main competitive factors among companies. The ability to deliver quickly influences export, sales and thereby revenue. The definition of lead-time can vary, depending on what part of the company is focused upon. It normally includes all activities from start to end. Leadtime begins with the first receipt of a customer order and ends with customer receipt of the product or service. Everything in between is the lead-time (2004, elsmar. com). Lead-time refers to the time lag between placing an order and receiving it (Li, 2000). In this study lead-time is defined as the time it takes from getting order from a customer and received the delivered product by that customer (Azad, 2004). At present, the average lead time is 90-120 days. It is sometimes 100-130 days. Total lead-time is made up of time devoted to processing orders, to procuring and manufacturing items, and to transporting items between the various stages of the supply chain. However, lead times can often be reduced if items are transported immediately after they are manufactured or arrive from suppliers (David Simchi et al. , 2000). Lead-time typically includes two components: Information lead times (i. e. , the time it takes to process an order) and Order lead times (i. e. , the time it takes to produce and ship the item). Information lead time can be reduced by using very sophisticated and modern communication system while Order lead time can be reduced through efficient supply chain management (Simchi-Levi, David, 2000) A researcher named Marc Smith explained lead time in two ways (www. lsmar. com, 2004). First, Customer lead time, which refers to the time span between customer ordering and customer receipt. Second, Manufacturing lead time, which refers to the time span from material availability at the first processing operation to completion at the last operation. In his paper Marc Smith developed theories for the reduction of lead time in the equip ment manufacturing company specially in vehicle manufacturing company. It is also applicable to the RMG sector. In the lead time reduction process, Lead Time Management in the Garment Sector of Bangladesh: An Avenues for Survival and Growth 20 identifying the beginning of the process and walking through the process is very important. In the RMG sector after order confirmation the process begins by sending information to the suppliers for raw materials (fabrics + accessories) and the process run through shipment of final product and received by the buyers. The whole of this process is comprised of the following steps order submission, scheduling sequencing, manufacturing and distribution. A manufacturer may be able to reduce lead time by taking some strategic measures in all of these four stages. From the above theory it is clear that the total lead time is customer lead time. Therefore we can write that; Customer lead time = [{Information lead time} + {Order lead time}] Total lead time = [{Information lead time} + {(manufacturing lead time) + (shipping time for import fabrics) + (Shipping time for export final product)} (Note that, Shipping time for import includes shipping time, unloading time and transport time from port to manufacturing point. Shipping time for export includes manufacturing time for final products and shipping time for export) Objective of the study The purpose of the present study is about analysing the present situation specially of the lead time management in the present business process of RMG export from Bangladesh. In view of the above purpose the specific objective of the study is to focus on reducing the lead time in relation to the business process and supply chain management. However the objectives of this study are; 1) To analyse the order lead time management process and 2) To develop a new business process to minimization of lead time Research Methodology The study is based absolutely on primary data. The primary data have been collected through free discussion and interviews with the key personnel of different company. Primary data have been collected from 50 Bangladeshi RMG units including 5 leading garment factories of Dhaka City on the basis of structured questionnaire designed in the light of the objective of the study. In this study the sample units have been selected randomly but 5 leading factories purposively. Interviews have been taken from Managing Directors, Managers and other officials of the merchandise department. Secondary data were also collected from some reports, articles, various stuffs that were provided by the companies. Collected literature, data and information have been analyzed in line with the objectives of the study. In this study conceptually developed some model, Lead time measurement equation have been used. As a real example, business process of a sample company has been discussed with the lead time measurement equation. Qualitative research method and various statistical tools like averages, percentages, growth rate etc. have been used in this study to interpret and analyze the collected data in the descriptive way. Findings and Analysis The RMG industry of Bangladesh still plays the role of tailor in the garments business. The required fabrics and limited accessories till now come from abroad. The industry is heavily dependent on imports and had to spend about 55-75 days to import fabrics from abroad (Nuruzzaman, 2007). This backdrop is the main reason for long lead time. Bangladesh garment export in volume is increasing @ 15-20 percent for the last 20 years, whereas Bangladesh RMG are depending only on Chittagong port (Nuruzzaman, 2007). The facilities of Chittagong port have not increased at the same rate. The containers kept stuck up in the port and 621 Nuruzzaman and Ahasanul Haque many containers remain jammed for 15-20 days, which is required to be released within three days. If the raw materials remain idle in the container at Chittagong port for 10-15 days, the garment industry would definitely face a serious negative impact (Kutubuddin Ahmed, 2002). According to an estimate, it takes about four days for goods to reach Chittagong from Singapore. But in a very sharp contrast, it takes about 18 to 19 days or nearly three weeks on average for the same goods to travel to the inland container depot (ICD) at Kamalapur in Dhaka. Besides the dilatory and cumbersome customs procedure and port operations also significantly delay the movement or release of goods. In Chittagong port it takes about 6 days to unload goods from a ship whereas for the same goods it takes just few hours in Singapore (M. Taheruddin,2004). About port management Mr. Anisul Haque, MD of Mohammadi group and former president of BGMEA stated,â€Å" Unfortunately we are spending 15-20 days to receive our fabrics from sea port to our factory and it is playing the main role to increase lead time†. Again to find out the probable causes of long lead time and for the empirical analysis 50 firms including 5 leading garments units have been chosen to collect primary data. They mentioned many causes behind this problem when interviews were taken but in the interview 100% i. e. f the 36 number respondents (Though 50 firms were chosen but 36 firms were interviewed successfully) put their comment on import dependency as a most important cause for increased lead time. Then 91. 66% i. e. 33 respondents on CBW, 75% i. e. 27 respondents on inefficient port management, 69. 44% i. e. 25 respondents on poor infrastructure and 41. 66% i. e. 15 respondents on communication system respectively. The same causes were ident ified in our analysis based on secondary data. This fact enhances the credibility of our findings. At the time of interview, the Managing Director of A. K. J. Fashions limited divided the lead time into three stages as it is illustrated in fig. -3. First stage, from P-Q (Fabrics suppliers – Sea port) the approximate lead time for the first stage is 40-55 days including the manufacturing time of fabrics, then from Q-R (Sea port Manufacturer) the approximate lead time for the second stage is 15-20 days and at last from RMG (Manufacturer Buyer) the approximate lead time for the last stage is 35-45 days. Figure 3: Basic Supply chain of Bangladeshi RMG Industries P Raw material Suppliers Source: Nuruzzaman, 2007 Q Sea Port R Manufacturers M Buyers The present estimated time from point Q to point R is unnecessary. Here the main task is unloading the container and carry it to the manufacturing point. The total procedure can be done by only 2 or 3 days through efficient management in port and good transportation system. But due to inefficiency of port management and poor transportation system it takes 15 to 20. From the above observation it is clear to us that, just for import of raw materials Bangladeshi manufacturers are forced to spend 55-75 days more. So import dependency for fabrics is the main reason of longer lead time. In the present analysis mainly the â€Å"Order lead time† (see the Lead time theory) will be considered and will be shown how can we reduce that time by an appropriate supply chain management. The manufacturers were asked a number of questions emphasizing this theme, how inefficient management in the chain can affect lead-time, and also what the consequences can be. In the interview when it was asked, all the manufacturers responded, order lead time is the main factor behind the lead time problem in the RMG sector. We can reduce maximum. 30 days by taking proper step in the supply chain. Most of the manufacturers responded that lead-time can be influenced if the buyer make contract with the raw material suppliers before giving final order to the manufacturers and if the government bodies take proper measures to increase efficiency at sea port. The Managing Director of Azmat Group stated, â€Å"We generally place order to the fabric suppliers after final contract Lead Time Management in the Garment Sector of Bangladesh: An Avenues for Survival and Growth 622 with the buyers and count 15-20 days to make fabrics. This manufacturing lead time can be reduced by the help of buyers or buying house. They can make ready their required fabrics at first and then they can make contract with us. As such we need not waste 15-20 days for the required fabrics. † Some manufacturers pointed out two main points responsible to increase lead time i. e. shipping time and unloading procedure at port. Some other manufacturers pointed out the poor infrastructure in railway and road transport to move their materials from port to manufacturers factory. They all believe that order lead-time can be reduced if government authorities take proper steps o increase the efficiency of the port and develop the rail and road transport. It seems that the respondents have different but almost same opinions on this issue. A manufacturer, K. M. Fashions Ltd. , expressed his opinion in a more logical way and stated, â€Å"To reduce lead-time effectively we have to reduce import dependency as soon as possible. Immediately we can reduce 30-40% lead time only by proper and efficient management in the supply c hain. † The largest RMG manufacturer Opex group responded, Lead time is generally 90-120 days for the woven garments. But immediately we can reduce 30% of lead time through proper management in supply chain during import of fabrics and 15% would be possible by only developing port facilities. If we develop our textile sector and procure fabrics from the local market we can reduce 60% of total lead time. For the knitwear garments we procure all raw materials from the local market so there is no lead time problem in the Knitwear garments sector. From the above discussion, it appears that the manufacturers of RMG sector mainly face order lead time problem and this problem occurred in the supply chain due to inefficient management. Time consumed in the first four steps in the supply chain is the basic reasons for increasing lead time. It is possible to reduce a major portion of order lead time by improving the other three areas namely, communication, port management and transport management in the supply chain. We can get a clear idea about lead time in the supply chain by considering the equation of lead time and put average estimated time collected from the interviews for each step. We know that; Total lead time = [{Information lead time}+ {(Order lead time)}] Or, = [{Information lead time} + {(time to manufacturing fabrics) + (time to shipment of fabrics)+(time to unloading fabrics and customs formalities at port) + (time to take fabrics from port to manufacturing point) + (time to sample approval and production of final product)+ Time to shipment or export of final products)}] Or, 120 = [{7} + {(15)+ (25)+(14)+(6) + (23)+(30)}] From the above equation, we can say that through the first four stages a manufacturer received fabrics from the suppliers after 60 days on average. Out of this the shipping time of 25 days is constant. There is no chance to reduce this shipping time but we can reduce the rest 35 days. There are two parties and various activities involved between suppliers and manufacturers in the supply chain. It can be seen in the fig. -4 broadly. The activities and time consumption area have been illustrated here through four boxes (A-D) or stages. Figure 4: Lead-time and fabrics importing process A B C D Manufacturin Suppliers Manufacturing g fabrics Shipping time (Receive order time shipment of fabrics) Unloading Manufacturer Unloading fabrics at sea s plant/ transportation time port warehouse Source: Nuruzzaman, 2007 623 Nuruzzaman and Ahasanul Haque After final contract with the buyers, manufacturers first place order to the foreign fabrics supplier (A). Then the supplier manufactures fabrics (B) and send fabrics by shipment. After a certain time the ship reaches at the port (C). Here after unloading and completing some custom formalities fabrics are sent through train or road transport to the manufacturers production-plant/warehouse (D). For this total process from A-D manufacturers need 55-75 days. At the time of import a proper management in the supply chain can reduce 30-35 days. The rest of the time of 25-35 days is needed only for shipment. It is known from the interview that most of the buyers have no regional offices in Dhaka. These are either in Bangkok or Singapore. One of the largest European garment sub-contractors based in Dhaka is Hennes Mauritaz (HM) from Sweden (Asia invest, p-11, Sector 4. ). The regional offices and the buyers resident in Dhaka can build a stock of the required quality of fabrics in advance before making final contract with the manufacturers. It will definitely reduce the manufacturing time. Again the proper and efficient management at port and good transportation system can reduce time to receive raw materials from port to manufacturing plants. But if we avoid fabric import altogether then we can reduce 55-75 days from the total lead time and we will be able to assure export of RMG products by 45-60 days regularly. Landmark group is a leading garment manufacturer in the knitwear sector of Bangladesh. It states, we do not face lead time problem for our RMG products. We generally take 45-60 days to export our product because we need not to spend any time to import raw materials. We procure all knit fabrics and accessories from the local market. Therefore in conclusion we can say that by efficient supply chain management we can reduce 29% of total lead time. But to survive in the competition we have to reduce lead time by minimum 50% and we can reduce 55-60% of total lead time by avoiding import and abolishing import dependency attitude. Analysis the lead time management of a model Company (Sharmin Group) The company’s some successful and unsuccessful business process with different buyers have been analysed here to have a clear idea about the way to minimisation of lead time. Generally, after getting final order, the company collects fabrics as per buyers direction from the foreign suppliers. After collection of fabrics they prepare sample as per design. Then after approval of the sample the company goes for mass production and shipment to the buyers. To complete the whole process the company generally takes about 90-120 days but sometimes for some buyers it takes about 110-140 days. There are also some buyers who complete the whole process by only 50-60 days. The company takes 45-50 days in all to approve the sample and finish the production following the sample approval process. We can see the sample approval flow chart in the fig. -1 of Appendix-1. Some buyers like BMB Apparels follows this sample approval flow chart, but most of the buyers even follow shorter processes. The interview was taken very closely with the Managing Director of Sharmin Group. At the time of interview he was found scared for the possible awful situation in the post MFA period. He stated, we have all but just for want of fabrics we are going to face stiff competition. What he said about the business operations of the company could be summerised as follows. After getting the final order, the company communicates with the suppliers through e-mail and over telephone. For this task the company spend few days. Mr. Hossain said that they were not worried about the information lead time. They generally take 5-7 days for this process. He said, â€Å"In the garment business suppliers are not permanent, we had to communicate with one or more suppliers for fabrics in time after getting final order. A good numbers of accessories are procured from the local market. So e-mail and telephonic communication are sufficient for the RMG companies. At the time of interview it was gathered that the company was facing problem mainly in the supply chain i. e. order lead time for importing fabrics. The company, Sharmin group also faces problem in the sample approval process. In the supply chain the company had to spend 45 days on an Lead Time Management in the Garment Sector of Bangladesh: An Avenues for Survival and Growth 624 average which is not negligible . Again, the sample approval process is also cumbersome. It takes enough time and thus contributes to increase lead time problem. Mr. Hossain expressed that the company could reduce a certain portion of lead time by taking some appropriate measures but 60% of lead time can be reduced by avoiding import dependency and by considering alternative source of fabrics supply. In Fig. -2 of appendix-1 the estimated time can be seen at different stages of the manufacturing process of Sharmin group. The estimated time was shown according to the information delivered by the Managing Director of Sharmin Group. Most of the buyers follow in this process to purchase garments from this company. At the time of our discussion on the present situation of the RMG business, Managing Director of this company told us that he was afraid for the post MFA period. The company was certainly going to lose its business due to long lead time in the post MFA period. He urged that immediately we should take some proper measures to reduce lead time. At the time of interview it has been informed that the company was doing business successfully with a European company where lead time was in between 45 to 60 days. It is the competitive lead time in the RMG sector of Bangladesh. In the figure-2 of Appendix-1 total business process of Sharmin group has been visualised through A-F stages. From this figure we can get clear information about the estimated time in six different stages like, A-B, B-C, C-D, D-E, E-F and from F to Buyers. The total lead time in this process for Sharmin group is 120-140. There is a buyer named BMB Apparels doing business with Sharmin. It strictly follows 100% of the sample approval flow chart the RMG business process like the figure-12 (see appendix-1). Therefore its average lead time is 130 days. But the other buyers like JC Penny, American Eagle do not maintain the sample approval flow chart of fig. -1(Appendix-1). They approve sample in a normal procedure and spend 5-10 days for approval. In this case they take help from local office or local agent. Therefore their average lead time is in between 90-120 days. At present the company is doing business successfully with Corona maintaining a minimum lead time. In this regard Mr. Hossain urged, â€Å"we have to consider this success story with the buyer like Corona and find ways and means to deliver garments product to the buyer by 45-60 days†. When asked for the reasons for the success in the business to the Managing Director, opined his success is mainly due to the procurement of fabrics from the local market. The buyer Corona at first makes their fabrics ready then contact with the manufacturer for order placement. The buyer takes just one or two days for sample approval. As a result the company is able to cut down the lead time by about 60-70 days. According to the figure-2 (Appendix-1), the average information lead time is 6 days and the average order lead time is 129 days for the Sharmin group. So reduction of order lead time is the crux of lead time problem. Out of 129 days, in the supply chain, total average lead time is 52 days. By taking some proper measures like making fabrics available in advance, developing inland transportation system, improving management efficiency at port etc. , it is possible to reduce about 23 days in B, C, D and E stages of supply chain. In the supply chain the rest of the time is for shipment. The company can cut down this time only by avoiding import. It is also possible to reduce 30 days in sample approval process by adopting normal sample approval process performed by other buyers or by encouraging the buyers to open a local office in Bangladesh. Considering the equation of lead time and putting value in that equation three types of buyer of this company can be analysed. First time we are considering BMB apparels from UK. We know that; Total lead time = [{Information lead time}+ {(Order lead time)}] Or, = [{Information lead time} + {(fabrics manufacturing time) + (fabrics shipment time)+ (unloading and transportation time) + (sample approval and production time of garments product)+ (shipment time for export of final products)}] = [{6}+ {(11) + (24) +(12)+(35+12)+(30)}] So, total average lead time = 130 days In this study for the BMB buyer, manufacturers order lead time is 124 days. In the supply chain the company spends totally (11+24+12) = 47 days for import of fabrics where 20 days can be saved. 625 Nuruzzaman and Ahasanul Haque Time for the last two stages is common for all manufacturers. Here manufacturer spends (47+30) = 67 days where maximum time is consumed by sample approval. The company spends about 35 days for sample approval process for this buyer. It is unusual. So here sample approval process is the main reason for increasing lead time. Secondly, the buyer JC Penny from USA has been considered. For this buyer, Total lead time = [{Information lead time}+ {(Order lead time)}] Or, = [{Information lead time} + {(time to manufacturing fabrics) + (time to shipment of fabrics)+(time to unloading fabrics and customs formalities at port) + (time to take fabrics from port to manufacturing point) + (time to sample approval and production of final product)+ shipment time to export of final products)}] = [{6} + {(12)+ (25)+(14)+(6) + (23)+(30)}] So, total average lead time = 116 days Now form the above calculation it is clear that doing business with the buyer JC Penny, USA, manufacturers order lead time is 110 days. In the supply chain the company spends totally (12+25+14+6) = 56 days for importing fabrics where about 24 days can be reduced. Times for the last two stages are common to all manufacturers. Here manufacturer spends (23+30) = 53 days. Where maximum 10 days is spent for sample approval. It is a normal process. So in the above calculations it has been observed that the four values as underlined above are the principal reasons for the increase of lead time. Thirdly has been considered the buyer of ‘Corona’ from Italy. For this buyer, Total lead time = [{Information lead time}+ {(Order lead time)}] Or, = [{Information lead time} + {(time to sample approval and production of final product)+ (shipment time to export of final products)}] = [{1}+ (17)+(30)}] So, total average lead time = 48 days. Here in this case the manufacturer does not have to import fabrics for Corona. The buyer himself supplies fabrics from their own textile mill located in Bangladesh. For this reason the order lead time is only 47 days. After getting order the company spends totally 48 days in the supply chain to export final products to the buyer. In this case as there is no need to import of fabrics the RMG company does not face any manufacturing lead time, transportation related problem and unloading related problem at port. Therefore the manufacturer does not have any problem in the supply chain. We know time required for the last two stages are common to all manufacturers. So there is no scope to reduce this time. Here buyer (Corona) communicates with the prospective manufacturer over telephone and takes the sample to the manufacturer physically and approves the sample within two/three days. For that reason information lead time and sample approval time are very minimal in the total lead time. From the above discussion and analysis of some buyer’s success and other failure in reducing lead time, one can draw a conclusion that if Sharmin group could avoid import and collect fabrics from the local market, the lead time would be between 45-60 days. It will be more competitive if the buyer would open a local office in Dhaka. This will minimise sample approval process. While integrating all the findings from the survey and the case study we can draw a conclusion that in the current RMG business manufacturers are facing lead time problem due to import dependency i. e. import of fabrics from foreign market. This problem is exacerbated due to inefficiency in the supply chain management. Lead time could be further reduced by taking some appropriate measures in manufacturing, unloading and transportation system but it does not help the manufacturer to be more competitive. If the manufacturers could find some alternative source of supply in the local market and collect fabrics locally. That will be more logical, appropriate and helpful in the direction of lead time reduction. Considering all the above analyses a new model of RMG business process has been proposed in fig. -7, which is expected to be helpful in reducing lead time. Lead Time Management in the Garment Sector of Bangladesh: An Avenues for Survival and Growth Figure 7: Proposed business process for RMG Industries in Bangladesh Buying house/ Buyers agent 626 Foreign buyers Local market Garments company (Manufacturer) Backward linkage industries Buyers own textile mills Order flow Collect raw materials Final product supply flow Information flow Conclusion The RMG sector of Bangladesh has entered in the quota free market after 2005. From that time this sector is in a very disadvantageous situation due to long lead time which has negative impact on export growth. Through analysis of empirical data it has been found that import dependency is the major bottleneck and it is the main factor for greater lead time. Just due to import of fabrics manufacturers are to count shipment time, unloading time, customs clearance time and transportation time from port to ICD( Inland container depot ) at Kamalapur, Dhaka. Import dependency arises out of the absence of sufficient backward linkage industry and for this reason a total additional 55-75 days are spent in the import process of fabrics by RMG sector of Bangladesh. As a result this sector is facing long lead time which is 90 to 130 days on the average. From the analysis it is clear that the impact of information lead time is very negligible on total lead time. It contributes only 6%. However, order lead-time has a great role to increase the lead time. By the analysis it was found that fabrics manufacturing time, shipping time, unloading time and transportation time are included in the order lead time. In conclusion considering the above analysis it has been found that import dependency is contributing 50% or more in the problem of long lead time and it is the main factor for the problem of long lead time in the RMG sector. Sample approval is another factor contributing for long lead time. The buyer from Italy for ‘Corona’ brand taking 48 days to complete all the process. It is the standard lead time to compete with the other manufacturer and exporter of the world. It becomes possible only for avoiding import of fabrics. For the buyer of Corona, manufacturer collects fabrics from the local market from their own textile. So, reduction of lead time is possible when the RMG sector ensure the availability of fabrics from the local market by developing backward linkage industry specially in the oven sector and by establishing textile mills by the buyer for their own consumption. 27 Nuruzzaman and Ahasanul Haque Azad, R. (2004), Readymade Garment Industry in Bangladesh: Competitiveness and sustainability, unpublished Ph. D. thesis, Dept. of Marketing, R. U. , Bangladesh. BGMEA research cell, BGMEA, BTMC Bhaban, 7-9, Kawranbazar, Dhaka. Charles J. Murgiano, CPIM, Short lead time=Tall profit, Wellesley: Waterloo Manufacturing Software, Advanced Planning and Sched uling Technology Paper, http://www. waterloosoftware. com/leadtime. html, Retrieve; December 10,2007. Cooke and Morgan (1998), The Association Economy, England; Oxford University Press. Gothenburg University website (2005), http://elsmar. com/Lead_Time/tsld006. htm, Retrieved on September, 2005. Khan, Shahiduzzaman (2007), â€Å"Apparel Industry faces daunting tasks ahead†, Editorial report, Financial Express, September 9, 2007. Kutubuddin Ahmed (2002), Impact of MFA phase out on the apparel industry of Bangladesh and remedial measures fir its survival, Bangladesh Apparel and Textile Exposition souvenir, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Li, J. Q. , Shaw, M. J. and Tan, G. W. , (2000) Evaluating Information Sharing in Two-level supply chain, management science, 1999. M. Taheruddin (2004), Problems and prospects of Garment Industry, The Daily Ittefaq, Wednesday, 23rd June, Dhaka, Bangladesh, P- 10 Munir Quddus, Salim Rashid (2000), Entrepreneurs and Economic development- The Remarkable Story of Garment Exports from Bangladesh, The University Press Limited, Dhaka, Bangladesh, P (23-80). Nuruzzaman, Md. (2008), â€Å"Lead time reduction and the application of Process Management- A study on selected RMG units in Bangladesh†, Journal of Business Research, Vol. 10, June 2008, P-63 Nuruzzaman Md. (2007), Developing Export of RMG products in Bangladesh: Analysing the lead time†, Management Trends, Vol. , No. 1, P- 1 Nuruzzaman, Md. (2005), â€Å" Development of Readymade Garment Business (RMG) in the process of Lead Time reduction- A study on Bangladeshi Readymade Garment Sector†, Draft Master Thesis, GBS, Gothenburg University, Sweden Schary, Philip B. (2000), Managing the global supply chain, Indian edition, Viva books private limited, Delhi. Simchi-Levi, David, Kaminsky, Philip. and Simchi-Levi, Edith (2000), Designing and Managing the supply chain, McGraw-Hill international edition, Singapore. References [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] 12] [13] [14] [15] Lead Time Management in the Garment Sector of Bangladesh: An Avenues for Survival and Growth Internet source: http://elsmar. com/Lead_Time/tsld006. htm Retrieved on July 2004. 628 Appendix-1 Figure 1: Sample Approval Flow Chart Proto type Sample Green Seal Sample This should be made in the correct weight of material or knit. Requested by the QA/ Buying Office when an order is placed. The quality assurance team will make comments regarding fit and size. Also 1 meter of the intended bulk base fabric must be submitted for UK fibre content testing. Along with the completed test report request from stating the tests proposed for the style. Please note green seals will not be approved without the completed test request form Red Seal Sample A full size set in the correct base quality fabric and trims, in any available colour are requested in accordance to the critical path,(with enough time for a second remake to be made if necessary) before production commences. No samples are to be sent in substitute base fabrics. A full size set is required for all styles, but not all colours. Photo Samples and Presentation Samples The above samples must be a good representation of production in bulk fabric with correct details and trims( including labels). We require 2 samples per colour/style. Sizes to be confirmed by buyer. Press Samples Press samples will be required for ceretain styles and must be a good representation of production in bulk fabric, with correct details and trims(including labels). Sizes to be confirmed by buyer. Gold Seal Samples One sample of each colour in each size must be sent to the quality assurance team for the attention of the relevant technilogist. A minimum of 3 working days must be allowed for approval prior to shipment/despatch from factory. i. e. If 6 sizes and 5 colours, one samples of each size in each colour, and two sizes in the same colour. These need to be correct for style, size specification, fabric colour, trimming qualities and colours. Made to the correct manufacturing standards on the correct machinery. Mock Shop Samples Four samples per colourway, correctly packaged will be required with the gold seal samples for mock shop purposes, the buyer will confirm these. No shipment can be made without a signed certificate of relese from both the inspection team and buyers quality assurance department Repeats There is no requirements to obtain green red sealing samples for repeat purchases. However gold seals are required. Contract Placed Green Seal Sample Test request form to be completed Red Seal Sample Photo Press Sample Presentation Sample Gold Seal Samples original test reports. Approved certificate of release to be obtained Mock Shop Samples if required Inspection Shipping Source: constructed for this study based on interview 29 Figure: 2 Nuruzzaman and Ahasanul Haque A Manufacturer communicates with the suppliers Information time, 5-7 days Suppliers (Receive order of fabrics) Manufacturing time, 10-12 days Manufacturing fabrics shipment Shipment time, 2225 days Unloading fabrics at sea port transport to the Manufacturing point Unloading transportation time, 10-14 days Sample making, approval production Sample approval production time, 45-50 days B C D E F Shipment to the buyers Shipment time, 28-32 days Final destination Source: Constructed for this study Based on Interview

The Tall Woman and Her Short Husband Essays

The Tall Woman and Her Short Husband Essays The Tall Woman and Her Short Husband Paper The Tall Woman and Her Short Husband Paper In section four we see the tailor and his wife swap lodgings with Mrs. Tall. We feel sympathy for her. The tailors wife does not feel guilt at all and assumes that Mrs. Tall will remarry. This makes us detest her even more. When Mr. Short returns both characters have changed, they have become even more contrasted. They both seemed shocked yet they know that their personality has not changed so they get back to their normal routine. They became inseparable again. This word tells us how together they are and how much they love each other. They were meant to be together. We feel even guiltier about how we laughed before but we are also relieved that they have been reunited. Disaster strikes again when Mrs. Tall has a stroke. She can hardly walk and is very weak. When they are walking around the gardens at Unity Mansions her short husband, by using a rope, helps he raise her left foot. It is described as pathetic. This word is there to arouse our sympathy and make us feel sorry for them. The residents of Unity Mansions nod at the couple now whenever they meet. This shows that they and also we should respect them for this pathetic yet impressive sight. In section five Mrs. Tall dies. Death and life were equally cruel to her, these words tell us that throughout her life everything was cruel and hard. We feel that it is unfair that she had to die after all she ahs been through. The short husband gets his job back and his pay. The tailors wife spotting a rich single man cannot wait to set him up with her niece. This shows us that she is hypocritical because she accused Mrs. Tall of marrying him for his money. When she arrives at the gatehouse she sees that Mr. Shorts face is black and she sees the photo of them in their wedding day on the wall. I think she has a strange feeling of guilt, she then retreats and does not mention her niece. Mr. Short never remarried but when it rained the author tells us that we can see him holding the umbrella up high. There is a big empty space under that umbrella a vacuum that nothing on earth can fill, this quote is the very last sentence of the story. It is very hard hitting and makes us think. Once again the author had shown us how he was devoted to her and she was to him. During the story the author manages to evoke many responses by showing and describing to us how the residents if Unity Mansions do and then we mimic their reactions. Through each stage of the story we react exactly the same as they do.

Agency And Liability In The B.C. Partnership Act †Free Samples

It can be stated that a relationship of agency is established between two people when one of the two acts as a principal and the other as the agent. The agent derives the authority to perform his function from the principal[1]. Such authority to be derived may be express or implied. In cases where the agent is involved in any wrongful act, it has been held that the principal is not required to expressly order his agent to commit such wrongful act. However the principal is held liable in some circumstances for the wrongful acts of his agent.   Vicarious liability in the context of a principal agent relationship is referred to as the liability imposed on the principal for the wrongful act committed by the agent of such principal[2]. It is to be mentioned that according to section 7 of the British Columbia Partnership Act that a firm or a company’s partner will be considered to be the agent of such firm or company when conducting business in the name of the firm or company. Further in accordance with section 7 it can be stated that any act of a partner of a firm which is done for the purpose of carrying on the business of the firm will be binding on all the partners. However there are two exceptions to the aforementioned rule as contained in section 7(2) which states â€Å"(a) the partner so acting has in fact no authority to act for the firm in the particular matter (b) the person with whom he or she is dealing either knows that the partner has no authority, or does not know or believe him or her to be a partner†. According to section 8 of the British Columbia Partnership Act any act done in the name of the firm with the intention to leally bind the firm by any authorized person will be legally binding upon the firm and all its partners. However as quoted in subsection 8(2) it can be said â€Å"This section does not affect any general rule of law relating to the execution of deeds or negotiable instruments.† Thus in light of the above provisions of the British Columbia Partnership act it can be stated that liability is imposed on the principal for the tortuous acts of the agent primarily for the following reasons[3]. Thus after analyzing the legal provisions of the principal agent relationships in accordance with the British Columbia Partnership Act it can be said that the all the partners of the firms act as agents of the firm while conducting business in the name of the firm. Therefore by the application of the principle of vicarious liability it is to be stated that the firm acts as the principal will therefore be liable for the acts of the partners. 'Partnership Act' (Bclaws.ca, 2018) accessed 25 February 2018 Chamallas, Martha. "Two Very Different Stories: Vicarious Liability Under Tort and Title VII Law."  Ohio St. LJ  75 (2014): 1315. Cole, Jeffrey. "Agency-Vicarious Liability-Abrogation of the Both Ways Rule."  DePaul Law Review  16.2 (2015): 478. West, Henry. "Vicarious Liability."  American Legal Encyclopedia  (2017).

What is the impact of culture on your professional practice Healthcare Essay

What is the impact of culture on your professional practice Healthcare - Essay Example One of the most significant factors that shape these features is the cultural differences. The culture a person has and embraces is usually shaped by their descent or origin. This unique feature makes them fit to be described descendants of a particular culture. A culture may be defined as a unique way of living embraced by a specific group of people. In some cases the culture is greatly associated with race. A race is defined as a group of people who share the same origin or come from a particular geographical location. Culture is also closely associated with ethnicity which is an association to a particular ethnic group based on cultural similarities. In the modern society circles, different cultures have migrated across the globe which creates cultural diversification in many societies. Cultural diversity refers to the incorporation of more than one culture in one society. The many cultures caused people to learn how to respect and incorporate other cultures in their societies. Th e medical decisions arrived at in an institution should be done with respect to the collaborative of the client or his significant other. The greater significance in culture diversities is the fact that organization and institution have to learn how to relate to the diversified society in terms of culture. McEwing & Richardson public institution have embraced organizational cultures that tend to cater for the different cultures that are present in the society.... tution to ensure that it incorporates tools that will be able to serve the society regardless of the culture diversification trend (Leninger, 2002; 98). Different cultures hold onto diversified health care beliefs. For instance Cambodians believe illnesses have spiritual causes (Dayer-Berenson, 2010; 225). Some cultures do not embrace the administering of the modern medicine. In some cases, some cultures require their own to cater to their medical needs. In an argument by Leninger & McFarland (2002; 111), one significant medical issue cultures disagree is on medical euthanasia. In most cultures that sacredly embrace religion, medical euthanasia is one service that can never be embraced (Nursing & Midwifery Council, 2008; 76). In reflecting on my own social and cultural background, my cultural setting does not embrace complicated healthcare beliefs. In my cultural setting, the versatility of our cultural beliefs does not have special recommendation from health care practitioners. Howe ver, specific persons hold specific beliefs that differ from the rest of the group. For instance, a person may hold on onto the belief that they cannot be attended by a practitioner of the opposite sex. In such a scenario, the healthcare institution should be able to respect that decision. Importance of culturally appropriate healthcare Cultural appropriateness is a compulsory requirement in healthcare institutions. In an argument by Holland & Hogg (2010; 154) considering the fact that immigration has become a significant activity across the globe, healthcare organizations must have necessary tools to ensure all cultural requirements are effectively addressed. One importance of this trend in health care institution is the promotion of social harmonious living. If every person in the society

Formal Strategic Planning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Formal Strategic Planning - Essay Example UK is an abbreviation for United Kingdom, Words in quote are exact words used by author. For a common man, the word "strategy" simply means being systematic. A tactic he will use to ensure his success or to his belief is the right way to prevail. If we are to really critically analyze the impact of formal SP to the business performance of Hospitality SME's and arrive into a realistic conclusion, we must clearly identify every aspect of SP and business operations of SME's. Strategic Planning definitions or implementation varies in the environment and business type. A more general and maybe the most practical interpretation of the term is concern with "long-term direction of the organization" (O'Regan et. al., 2002). It is where an organization defines the business they should to take on and match their business activities to the current situation while taking great consideration to the resources on hand .This method by and large helps to reduce the threats and take full advantage of opportunities. However, SP although a "long-term" plan may constantly change in order to survive and maintain equilibrium to the ever changing business environment. It should forestall and act in response to its varying dynamic operational environment (O'Regan et. al, 2002). It is then a competent and effective management tool to augment the company's ability or strength in relation to its business adversary. Strategic planning maybe categorized into two types, informal and formal. The informal type of SP, referring to Robinson and Pearce, 1983, along with several authors, is likely occurring in smaller firms than larger ones (Hannon et. al, 1997 p.105). They stress that it is the size of the business and the stage of development of that business influenced the nature of planning. In addition, smaller businesses tends to aim more and concentrate on the "process of planning" (Hannon et. al., 1997, p. 105) which is opposite to larger firms approach of identifying their goals and objectives. The author also added that informal planners in small firms undergoes some kind of "strategic decision-making" activity which is also similar to the strategies being perform by formal planners. They also believed that the activity or the process itself has more advantage to small firms than the production of written or formal outputs (Hannon et al., 1997, p.105). Formal planning according to Armstrong, ( 1992), as stated by Hannon et. al., (1997), is the setting up of clear goal and processes to realize a particular task. It is therefore worth considering that the statements provided points to informal planning as the type where smaller firms are focusing largely on the business operation process rather than "output" or goal of the process. Formal "strategic planning" according to Cox B., (2005) though, is a "top-down, vision-driven process" to develop an organization's future value. Although literatures do not mention a universal definition to separate or set a clear distinction between formal and informal SP, we may define informal planning as a less documented and unofficial but similarly effective and efficient type of SP. According to Needle D., (2000) referring to Hickson et. al. (1969), size is an important

The Use of X-Rays in Dentistry Essay Example for Free

The Use of X-Rays in Dentistry Essay Dentistry is increasingly becoming a major part of people lives in today’s society, being taken for granted and often little thought about. As technologies advance treatment becomes cheaper, quicker, and the outcome becomes more aesthetically pleasing and longer lasting. As braces, dentures, crowns, procedures and techniques change and improve at an alarming rate, one aspect has remained the same for a longer period of time. This is the use of X-Rays. X-Rays have been used in dentistry since the mid 1900’s, and continue to be used in the same way today. They are an effective way of finding and identifying various oral problems, allowing for early prognosis and prevention of more serious issues. How is an x-ray produced? Diagram showing a Dental x-ray tube. In a dental (and most other uses of x-rays including all medical uses) x-ray tube, x-rays are formed as electrons from a hot wire filament are accelerated onto a target anode. A high-voltage unit is used to set the anode at a large positive potential compared to the negatively charged filament. The electrons are pulled onto the anode at very high speeds and are suddenly decelerated on impact. As this impact occurs, some of the kinetic energy is converted into electromagnetic energy, as x-rays. This means that the anode therefore emits x-rays as a result of being smashed with high-energy electrons. The x-rays spread out from the focal spot, through the tube window and onto the region to be examined. How is an image formed? X-ray films that are used in dental radiography consist on an emulsion/gelatine mix containing chemicals that are sensitive to x-ray radiation. This is a silver halide either bromide or chloride. The emulsion/gelatine mix and their suspension is set onto a flexible, transparent tinted blue base. Emulsion is used in all types of analogue photography, but the type used in x-ray photography is of a different kind to that used in light photography. The emulsion is usually coated on both sides of the base in layers around 0. 1mm thick. As both sides of the base are coated, there is twice the amount of radiation sensitive silver halide, and so the speed at which an image is produced is increased significantly. Another way to increase the speed of producing an image would be to just have one side with a larger thickness of emulsion. This however would slow down the developing, fixing and drying stage, meaning taking x-rays would take an unreasonable amount of time. Some x-rays requiring more detail use film with emulsion on one side only. When x-rays, gamma rays, or light strike the grains of the sensitive silver halide in the emulsion, some of the halide (Br- or Cl-)  ions are released and captured by the silver (Ag+)ions. This chemical change is of such a small nature that it cannot be detected by ordinary physical methods and is called a latent (meaning hidden) image. However, the exposed grains are now more sensitive to the reduction process which happens during development of the film. When exposed to a chemical solution (the ‘developer’), and the reaction results in the formation of black, metallic silver. It is this silver, suspended in the emulsion-gelatine on both sides of the base that creates an image. Seeing things with X-Rays Different materials have different properties, including x-ray absorption ability. This is exactly the same with body parts, especially teeth. Radiation passes through skin the easiest, followed by the guns and soft tissue. These parts show up as the very darkest areas on an x-ray. Harder tissues absorb and black more radiation from hitting the film and so show up as much lighter areas. Metal implants, fillings and crowns (most artificial features) show up as the brightest white. The different depths of materials is also shown, nerve endings and dentine contours being visible on most developed films. This image shows that a root canal procedure has been successfully completed, meaning less time and money is wasted fixing procedures that have failed. Also visible is an amalgam filling (Brightest white) Measuring Radiation The Sievert The  sievert  (Sv) is the  International System of Units  (SI)  derived unit  of  equivalent radiation dose,  effective dose, and  committed dose. Quantities that are measured in sieverts are designed to represent the  stochastic  biological effects of  ionizing radiation. The sievert should not be used to express the unmodified  absorbed dose  of radiation energy, which is a clear physical quantity measured in  Grays. To enable consideration of biological effects, further calculations must be performed to convert absorbed dose into effective dose, the details of which depend on the biological context. This can be far more complicated than just multiplying by a weighting factor. The sievert is a fundamental part in  radiation dosimetry, and is named after  Rolf Maximilian Sievert, a  Swedish  medical physicist renowned for work on radiation dosage measurement and research into the biological effects of radiation. One sievert equals 100  rem, an older unit of measurement still used in many areas and by older generations of practitioners. One sievert carries with it a 5. 5% chance of eventually developing cancer. Doses greater than one sievert received over a short time period are likely to cause  radiation poisoning, possibly leading to death within weeks. This is a major risk considered in dental use as many doses of radiation could be received during a day in surgery.

Budgeting Essay -- Finances Accounting Budgets Essays

Budgeting Budgeting is the systematic method of allocating financial, physical, and human resources to achieve an organization’s strategic goals. Budgets are utilized by for-profit and non-profit organizations to monitor the progress towards the goals, assist in the control of spending, and help predict cash flow for the organization. The central challenge that budget developers encounter is predicting what the future holds for the internal business and external factors. Reading the future is something that can never be done with perfect precision. The fast pace of technological change, the complexities of global competition and world events make developing effective budgets both more difficult and more important. Important benefits of improving the budgeting process include better companywide understanding of strategic goals, more coordinated support for those goals, and an improved ability to respond quickly to competition. (Gruner & Jahr, 2003 Inc Magazine). Anyone familiar with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and practices will find most accounting for nonprofit activity to be very familiar. There are, however, some significant differences, which include:  « Accounting for Contributions  « Capitalizing and Depreciating Assets  « Use of Cash- and Modified Cash-Basis Accounting  « Functional Expense Classification The act of budgeting resources to meet or beat the goals of an organization is an art form in any type of business. â€Å"All business should prepare budgets,† (Hansen and Mowen, p. 282). The advantage to budgeting is that: 1. It forces to plan. 2. It provides information that can be used to improve decision making. 3. It provides a standard for performance evaluation. 4. It improves communication and coordination. If good budgeting is important for every successful business or organization, can we expect to have industry standard and general practices that are followed in every type of organization? Probable not, but certain standard can be expected, which is the direction of this term paper. Are there a difference or should there be a difference in the way a for-profit and a not-for-profit conduct their budgeting procedures. In both cases, they have income and expenses, employees and goals and objectives of the organization. The hypothesis is that there is no difference in the bu... ..., a wide variety of popular accounting software systems are available that have been designed to satisfy these needs. If the nonprofit organization uses an adequate accounting system, sets up its categories and classifications in line with the IRS reporting requirements, and assiduously labels all revenue and expenses appropriately, then completing the IRS annual report is a relatively painless matter. References Bangs Jr, David H and Pellecchia, Michael, August 15, 2000, Action Plan: Forecasting and Cash-Flow Budgeting retrieved from web site http://www.muridae.com/ nporegulation/accounting.html on February 27, 2003. Critical Issues in Financial Accounting Regulation for Nonprofit Organizations, Online Compendium of Federal and State Regulations for U.S. Nonprofit Organizations, retrieved from web site http://www.muridae.com/nporegulation/main.html on February 28, 2003 Gruner + Jahr, January 12, 2000, Best Practices: Developing Budgets, Inc Magazine, USA Publishing. Inc.com, retrieved from web site http://www.inc.com/articles/ finance/fin_manage/budget/16379.html on February 27th, 2003 Hansen & Mowen, Management Accounting, 6th edition, 2003, South Western

Food Predicament Essay

1. List three factors largely responsible for the significant increase in North American food production since the end of World War II. a. Population Growth b. Rising personal income 2. Describe the trends in world food production vis-a-vis population growth from 1950 to the present. There is more people to supply food than before. 3. To what extent does expanding the amount of land under cultivation offer hope for significantly increasing world food supply? Why? To permit unproductive lands to be farmed, making it possible to raise two to three crops a year on the same land. 4. List four reasons for the loss of currently productive agricultural land. a. erosion b. desertification c. salinization d. water-logging 5. What factors make it unlikely that ocean fish harvests can be increased substantially above present levels? Large predator fish, overexploitation by industrial fishing fleets has reduced stocks of some species. 6. List several changes in food-handling practices that poor countries could implement to prevent loss of harvested crops. Store grains in bins that may not be easily penetrated, have good refrigeration and have reliable transport for the food. 7. To what extent can â€Å"eating lower on the food chain† help to solve problems of world hunger? It will help until the population grows more and going vegetarian would not be possible. 8. Why are a number of relatively affluent countries purchasing farmland in other nations? What are the advantages and disadvantages of such purchases for the host country? Because of the productive soil their food will grow much better in each different region. Some advantages might be that they will have that food available for the consumers and some disadvantages might be that there is a climate change and loose the crop. B. Match the following deficiency diseases with the nutritional factor (shown below the table) whose absence provoked these conditions (you can use the factor or corresponding letter (a, b, †¦.): 1. childhood blindness 2. marasmus 3. anemia 4. kwashiorkor 5. mental retardation 6. pellagra 7. scurvy 8. rickets 9. beri-beri a. protein b. fiber c. vitamin A d. vitamin Bl (thiamine) e. vitamin C f. vitamin D g. vitamin E h. niacin i. iodine j. iron k. overall calorie/protein shortage C. True/False. Indicate T or F in the space before each numbered question. If the statement is false, revise it below in the box provided to make a correct statement; focus your response on the words in bold. 1. As incomes rise, food demand increases because more affluent people eat larger quantities of food. 2. It is estimated that approximately a billion people in the world today are undernourished. 3.Within families in poor societies, adolescent boys are the most likely to suffer from malnutrition. 4. Overpopulation is the major cause of chronic hunger problems in the developing world. 5. In societies where hunger is widespread, the rate of malnutrition among children and women is much higher than it is among men. 6. Malnutrition is most harmful when it occurs among children under 5. 7. The damaging effects of childhood malnutrition are reversible if the child receives an adequate diet when he/she becomes older. 8. Malnourished women are likely to give birth to underweight babies and to produce poor quality breast milk. 9. Marasmus is responsible for more childhood deaths in developing countries than any other single cause. 10. The most common nutritional deficiency disease worldwide is kwashiorkor. 11. A swollen belly, discoloration of the hair and skin, and stunted physical development are all classic symptoms of overall protein/calorie deprivation. 12. The world’s single most important cause of preventable brain damage and mental retardation is Vitamin A deficiency. 13. Aquaculrure offers greater hope for increasing the world’s fish harvest than does intensifying efforts in ocean fishing. 14. World livestock production, which rose steadily from 1950-1990, has subsequently leveled off because of falling market demand for meat. 15. Anemia is a leading cause of high female mortality rates and problem pregnancies in many poor countries. 16. Aquaculture supplies almost all of the tuna fish found in American supermarkets. 17. Biotechnology can help reduce farmers’ reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides and may make it possible to cultivate lands currently too dry or too saline for farming. 18. Among species commonly raised to supply animal protein for human consumption, fish are the most efficient energy converters, requiring just 2-3 pounds of feed to gain one pound of flesh. 19. In sub-Saharan Africa, grain production has remained stagnant at about one ton/ hectare since the early 1960s. 20. Significant increases in agricultural production achieved by technological breakthroughs such as the â€Å"miracle grains† or genetically modified crop and livestock varieties will ensure that all the world’s people enjoy an adequate diet.

Bank Failures over Last 25 Years Essay

The banks began to fail because of misappropriation of funds and loose lending practices to the majority of the US citizens living above their means. The government estimated 2,657 closures from bank failures from 1987 to 2012 (http://bankvibe. com). Currently, there is a total 7,074 FDIC insured banks (http://www. mybankertracker. com/banks). This caused was from credit stipulations were lowered to allow the subpar credit working Americans to obtain personal loans, car, homes or other amenities. Most banks were very stable but were not prepared for the financial bubble to burst in the distance near future. Moreover, in my experience with working for a few financial institutions, I observed the credit parameters amended to fit a customer’s financial state. These loans stipulations were as follows: no documentation, no income, no assets, or no verification job; underwriting went only off credit score in some cases. The small, mid-size, and corporate banks are all competing for the public’s business which caused disarray of bad banking decisions. Hence, the banks that failed from 1987 until present time in researching last 25 years; we don’t read much about these failures in our daily newspapers, simply just; there is an over abundant of banks failures every day and this has become very common (www. davemanuel. com/history-of-bank-failures-in-the-united-states. php) Nevertheless, these banking behaviors caused a massive failure of mortgage banks and commercial banks. This caused the government to become very involved when Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae were affected by these lending behaviors (Johnson, 2010, p. 4-28). My research will display the trend of failing banks over the last 25 years and data will give insight on the numbers of banks. The Federal Reserve had centralized banking responsibility to save the banks, they deemed too big to fail. The depositors decide to simultaneously withdraw their funds from banks, which resulted in a bank panic. If several banks experience these actions at same time, this throws the banks into a bank panic. The Feds loan the banks money at a discounted rate to sustain these indiscretions (Hubbard & O’brien, 2010, p. 37). Consequently, the US Congress started holding hearings, and questioning these huge corporate banks whose bonuses, incentives, and other loose business practices. These banks closed, sold, or merged with other banks to survive inevitable reality of failing (NAOAKI, 2011, p29). The investment banks were also involved in the buying and selling of bundled mortgages, investments, or other banking products to raise their capital. Lehman Brothers, Bear Stearns, and Countrywide were guilty of such practices as seen all over the TV national news. These companies have been either sold or closed down after the hearings on Capitol Hill. Currently, In order to resolve this crisis, banks have drastically changed their lending practice and the closure of failing banks has slowed down. Corporate banks were also beginning to receive stimulus funds to save them from failing. The government found themselves in a position of using the Feds to prevent catastrophic melt down of financial industry. The 12 districts are replenished to keep the general public getting loans; thus, keeping money in circulation (Hubbard & O’brien, 2010, p. 438). All banks did not take the stimulus funds, but devised a plan to prevent failure. Therefore, banks had to pay back the loans in the billions, but were not charged interest if they paid the funds back early. The small to mid-size banks were left to fail, because they were not too big to fail. A double standard was shown to small businesses the backbone of America (http://economics. bout. com/). A bank of ineffective practices has shown small mom and pop banks they should not try to compete with Corporate Banking in America. They are not going to be bailed out, and allowed to fail. These small or mid-size banks are microeconomics not in macroeconomics equation of America big businesses. In conclusion, the bank failures are significant to our economy tremendously regardless the size, from the housing market, investments, or checking/savings accounts. The Feds saved the banks worth saving to boost the economy and slow down inflation. Perhaps, further research conducted to answer the following questions, and ask the questions: Do you think if people were given the stimulus funds instead of the banking institutions? What kind of economic boost would banks have, if the citizens were given stimulus funds? How does the government determine who receives funds to survive a financial set back? Why are parts of corporate America deemed too big to fail?

Its Not The Ox-Bow Incidence

Its Not The Ox-Bow Incidence Its Not The Ox-Bow Incidence Its Not The Ox-Bow Incidence By Maeve Maddox Have you ever heard someone say: Ive experienced a couple of incidences like that now. The word wanted there is incidents, not incidences. Incidence is one of those words, like disinterested and percentile, that tends to crop up where it doesnt belong. Both incident and incidence derive from a medieval Latin word with the sense of to fall into, to fall upon, or happen to. Look up both words in the OED and you will find numerous meanings. All that need concern us here is the most common use of each word in modern English. The title of the movie, by the way, is The Ox-Bow Incident. As a noun incident means an occurrence or an event. It can be something trivial. That reminds me of an incident that occurred while I was walking the dog. Foreign travelers are warned against behavior that might provoke an incident. Here the meaning is an event that could lead to political difficulties between two governments. Incidence has a mathematical meaning. In geometry it means The situation of one locus with respect to another when they have a common point or points, but do not completely coincide; e.g. of a point to a line on which it lies, of a point or a line to a plane in which it lies, or of two intersecting lines to each other. Its a term used by airplane pilots: The pilot is able to increase or decrease the lift by altering the angle of incidence. Ibid., As the angle of incidence increases, the lift also increases and the aircraft is able to climb, but if the tilt is made too large the flow on the upper surface separates and eddies are formed. The most usual non-specialized meaning is Manner of falling upon or affecting in any way; the range or scope of a thing, the extent of its influence or effects. We can speak of the incidence of poverty in depressed areas of the country, or the incidence of disease in a given population. Best advice: Dont say incidence if all you mean is event, happening, or occurrence. Thats an incident. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:7 Examples of Passive Voice (And How To Fix Them)How to Punctuate Descriptions of ColorsCaptain vs. Master

Female desire in literature Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Female desire in literature - Essay Example The translucence of the veil that shrouds female sexuality in fiction today derives its quality from the courage of these pioneer ‘feminists.’ Many first works—especially when they are works of great power—have an autobiographical quality. Charlotte Brontà « appears to have recorded the truth of her own body and soul in Jane Eyre, her first published work. Jane Eyre is clear from the very beginning about one important thing—she will tell only the truth, whatever be the consequences. Given this, there is no way in which she can be selective about details such as which truths she will mention and which others she will conveniently forget or evade. Telling the truth means telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth about everything that needs to be told. Before she leaves her aunt’s house, Jane’s heart almost bursts with the desire to tell her aunt the truth of what she thought of her, and with exemplary courage for a ten-year-old girl she does exactly that. To her aunt’s indignant question of how she dared to speak thus, she replies: â€Å"How dare I, Mrs. Reed? How dare I? Because it is the TRUTH. . . . I will tell anybody who asks me questions, this exact tale. People think you a good woman, but you are bad, hard- hearted. YOU are deceitful!† The most significant thing about this episode relates to the feeling that overwhelmed Jane immediately after making this speech: â€Å"Ere I had finished this reply, my soul began to expand, to exult, with the strangest sense of freedom, of triumph, I ever felt.† She realized that the truth had set her free, and having once experienced this supremely beneficent consequence of the act, she can be counted on to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth about whatever she may need to tell. In this spirit Jane continues as a votary of the truth all her life. She tells the truth always, to every one: to Rochester in answer to his questions, and to the reader,

System Development of Disscusion Questions Assignment

System Development of Disscusion Questions - Assignment Example During system development, the members interact with users so that they can improve the system. The choice of criteria is entirely reliant on the user’s requirements in terms of system support. He gives a few requirements that have to be considered. Many users oftenly want to use different UML models in between modeling tools. In most instances, a mechanism is usually provided that ensures the language exchange that is structured by the MOF. The simplest way to do this is to determine the tasks performed by every actor. By doing so, actors are chosen in such a way that their behavior remains constant. In many cases, actors are comprised of humans, but in other cases, they consist of other systems as one’s system can interact with other systems such as a database system. In such an instance, choosing actors will based on their ability to function in such an interconnected system. Many users oftenly want to use different UML models in between modeling tools. How come it is not easy to apply multiple models of UML between tools of modeling? The reasons are technical in nature and one of them is the fact that XML attempts to solve tasks that are more complicated than simply exchanging the models of UML. In most instances, a mechanism is usually provided that ensures the language exchange that is structured by the MOF. The other reason is that the model does not have the required information to ensure a reliable communication network exchange among the modeling tools.