Video Club Database Project Essay Example

Video Club Database Project Essay Oceanic Video Club is a private business, run by its owner Mr. Michael Coleman. Oceanic is a video club which is in the selling of films. The owner Mr. Michael has built up a large customer base and this is increasing year by year. The business is going well as the amount of clients is increasing. As Mr. Michael hold a list of customers on a paper-based filling system, so Mr. Michael does not worry about the client as they are being informed automatically. Consequently, he has decided to make an investment on a comprehensive customer information system so that he can hold details on his customers, who have been purchasing films in the last few years and now. Also to take their opinions about the video club so that he can offer his customers a better service.. An interview with Mr. Michael was arranged. These included: We will write a custom essay sample on Video Club Database Project specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Video Club Database Project specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Video Club Database Project specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The objectives of the business. The precise objectives of the new system. The method currently used to record data. The information that needs to be kept on each customer. Any hardware or software constraints. The required output. The volume of data to be processed. The problems with the new and manual system. 1. How many employees do you have? 2. Do you sell on credit or cash? 3. Do you have any problems with debtors? 4. What are the expenses which you make each year? 5. What types of music do you sell? 6. Do you own or rent this place? 7. What problems do you get with the manual system? 8. How much money are you ready to invest in the computerization? An interview with Mr. Michael was arranged and a lists of topics for discussion drawn up prior to the interview. These included: Self: How many copies do you have in your stock? Mr. Michael: I have about 1500 copies. Self: Do you sell on credit or cash? Mr. Michael: I work with both systems. Self: Do you have any problems with debtors? Mr. Michael: Yes as it is usually the case everywhere. Self: What are the expenses which you make each year? Mr. Michael: When films are damaged I incurred a loss. Self: What types of films do you sells? Mr. Michael: I sell all types of films. Self: Do you own or rent this place? Mr. I own this place. Self: What problems do you get with the manual system? Mr. Michael It is time consuming to fill records on paper and sometimes important documents are loss. Self: How much are you ready to invest in the computerization? Mr. Michael would invest about Rs30 000 in the new system. Summary of the interview A lots of problems with the new system has been revealed during the interviews, and the new objectives recommended was done but it was time consuming to take data from the old paper-based system and put it in the new system as their was more than 300 regular customer in the old system and with 50 new customers being added every year. Problems to current system 1. Loss of records. Solution A. Use of a cupboard. Advantage All the records will be arranged in the cupboard drawers. Disadvantage It takes a lot of place Solution B. Used of a computerised database. Advantage Access to the information is rapid and there is less likelihood of the data becoming lost. Disadvantage Training is needed to use the system and this takes time and cost a lot of money. 2. Contacting customers about new items. Solution A. By sending letter to customers. The objectives may be stated in both quantitative and qualitative terms. 1. It should take less than 30 seconds to establish whether a customer is already on file and to fill in new films records. 2. It should be possible to go directly to the main menu screen to the entry of a transaction, without having to re-enter the customers name, etc 3. Data entry should be as fast and easy as possible, particularly as there are several hundred existing customers and music to be entered when the system is first installed. 4. It should take less than one minute to trace music for a customer. 5. The new system is required to provide the following information; a) A list of all available music. b) A list of all customers. 6. The main menu should be displayed automatically when the database is loaded, and the whole system should be menu-driven. The following is the data flow of the proposed system. The system to be developed is a customer information system, and is intended to enhance rather than replace the current system of recording music and customers records. If this proves successful, it will be possible at a future date to replace the current methods of recording records so that the details are typed directly into the computer and the required copies printed out. This could then be extended to link into a computerized accounts system. Software The customer has requested that the system be developed using Ms Access, so useless a good reason transpired for using an alternative program or package Ms Access will be the first choice of software. Hardware In order to run Ms Access and be able to perform a mail merge using word, a PC 486 or Pentium with a minimum of 8 MB, and preferably 16 MB, will be required. A fast processor such as a P4 will be needed if the system is not going to appear slow in switching between screens. Mr. Ah-Young is familiar with word and has a good keyboard skill, so should have no problem entering data and learning how to use the system. He would like to improve his knowledge of basic so that he can in the future perform new queries and reports as the need arises. A database package will be ideal for implementing the system for Power Music Shop, and as Mr. Ah-Young has requested that it should be done in Ms Access. This is the package that must be used. It would probably be possible to implement the system using Ms Access or another programming language but it would take longer time and would involve the owner having to buy more software which is not really necessary, as Ms Access has all the capabilities required. I already have some experience of Ms Access and it is available both at home and at college for development. Using this package it will be possible to * Set up the necessary tables and relationships. * Produced customized input screens, using Ms Access to automate data entry wherever possible and to perform various validations. * Use Ms Access modules to enable fast searches for a particular Customer and past stay. * Design reports as needed. The database contains two entities, which are CUSTOMER and MUSIC. Tables will be created for each of the entities. Tables will be created for each of these entities. The tables will contain the following data. Attribute Name Data type and length Validation Film code Text (4) Unique primary key Title Text (50) Actor Text (50) Actress Text (50) Type Text (20) Number of copies Numeric (2) Duration Text (6) Attribute Name Data type and length Validation Code Text (4) Unique primary key Name Text (20) Other Names Text (20) Date Of Birth Text (8) Sex Text (6) Address Text (50) Tel number Text (7) ID Card Number Text (16) Two data entry form are needed. This form will be used for several purposes so it needs facilities to * Check to see whether a Customer is already on the database. * Add a new Customer. * Look though all the existing records for the current Customer and bring up more details if necessary. The Customer details form will be as shown on the next page. This form will be used for several purposes so it needs facilities to * Check to see whether music is already on the database. * Add a new music * Look though all the existing records for the current music and bring up more details if necessary. The music details form will be as shown on the next page. Customer File FILM File The format of all the reports will be similar. The layout of the Customer report is shown below. The menu structure is as follows: A password will be attached to the database so that it is only accessible to someone who knows the password. Different access levels are not needed as Mr. Pascal is the only person who will be using the database. 9. Test Strategy The test strategy will include five different types of testing as described below: LOGICAL TESTING This will be used to test every aspect of each form, report and query as soon as it is implemented, using valid, invalid and extreme data. Test data will be added to test each code module and results compared with expected results. Sufficient data will be added to ensure that there is at least one customer in each category. The test data that will be added initially is shown in Appendix. Subsequent test will often involve adding new data, which will then be deleted when the test works satisfactorily. FUNCTIONAL TESTING Each menu item will be tested in turn to ensure that no function has been missed out. SYSTEM TESTING When the system is complete, the whole range of tests will be carried out again to ensure that no errors have been introduced. RECOVERY TESTING The computer will be re-booted while the database is open to ensure that data is not lost or corrupted in the event of a power of a power failure. ACCEPTANCE TESTING The user will then be involved and asked to test all the capabilities of the program to ensure that all request functions are presented and working in the manner expected. This testing may result in further refinements. SECTION 3 TESTING TEST PLAN Module: Password Menu TEST NO. TEST EXPECTED RESULT REMARKS 1 Insert correct password and click on Login Main Menu should appear on the screen. OK 2 Insert incorrect password and click on Login A message saying wrong password should appear on the screen. OK Module: Main Menu TEST NO. TEST EXPECTED RESULT REMARKS 1 Click on Customer File command button. Item File must appear on the screen. OK 2 Click on Film File command button. Customer File must appear on the screen. OK Module: Film File TEST NO. TEST EXPECTED RESULT REMARKS 1 Click on Add command button. Must be able to add a record. OK 2 Click on Save command button Must be able to save a record. OK 3 Click on Delete command button. Must be able to delete a record. OK 4 Click on Back to Main Menu command button. Main Menu must appear on the screen. OK Module: Customer File TEST NO. TEST EXPECTED RESULT REMARKS 1 Click on Add command button. Must be able to add a record. OK 2 Click on Save command button Must be able to save a record. OK 3 Click on Delete command button. Must be able to delete a record. OK 4 Click on Back to Main Menu command button. Main Menu must appear on the screen. OK SECTION 4 SYSTEM MAINTENANCE 1. SYSTEM OVERVIEW This Customer information system is designed to keep records of Customer profiles and their past purchases. It is designed to run alongside the current manual system of recording purchases, rather than replacing it. The computer will be in the reception and the owner can use it to check whether a customer who comes in is already on the database, or to check on past purchases. New data will be added to the database at a convenient time, possibly at the end of the week. The procedure that the user will fellow is described in the design section. 2. TABLES AND RELATIONSHIPS Tables and relationships were set up as specified in the design section. 3. FORMS The menu structure was set up as specified in the design section. Forms were used as follows: Main Menu This is specified as the start-up form and loads automatically when database is opened. All buttons either opening other form or reports, or quitting the database, were placed using wizards. Report Menu All buttons placed using wizards. Maximise macro runs on opening form. Input Forms The Customer details form has a combo box displaying Customer codes so that the user can look up the record for any Customer. The record source for this box is the database. 4. REPORTS These are as described in the user manual. All reports were created using wizards and then tailored to produce a more appropriate layout. SECTION 5 USER DOCUMENTATION Initial set up Password Menu The Password menu is automatically started when the database is loaded. The password is case sensitive but it will only accept OCEANIC. Main Menu The Main Menu will automatically appear when you enter the password. Film File Add a new record In order to add a new record, click on Add new and after adding all the information, click on Save Record. Viewing a record To view a record, find it using the Find record list box. Deleting a record To delete a record, first find it using the Find record list box, change the information and click on Delete record. View a report In order to view a report, click on Film Report. Customer File Add a new record In order to add a new record, click on Add new and after adding all the information, click on Save Record. Viewing a record To view a record, find it using the Find record list box. Deleting a record To delete a record, first find it using the Find record list box, change the information and click on Delete record. View a report In order to view a report, click on Customer Report. SECTION 6 APPRAISAL The system has been completed and installed on the users PC. It was completed in the manner originally designed and agreed with the user, and is straightforward to use. Referring to the original objectives listed in the Analysis section: 1. It should take less than 30 seconds to establish whether a film or a customer is already in the database. 2. It should be possible to go directly from the film files screen to the entry of a new film. 3. Data entry is as fast and easy as possible. 4. The new system provides the following information. a) List of all films. b) List of all customers. 5. The main menu should be displayed automatically when the program is loaded and the whole system should be menu driven 6. Mr. Pascal had some problems initially with data entry, confusing Items and customers, as this aspect works a little differently from the manual system. However he has now entered data for over 100 items and has no problems to report. 7. All reports are implemented as specified. 8. The menus work as planned. SECTION 7 APPENDIX Password Menu Private Sub Login_Click() On Error GoTo Err_Login_Click Dim stDocName As String Dim stLinkCriteria As String Text1.SetFocus If Text1.Text = OCEANIC Then stDocName = Mainmenu DoCmd.OpenForm stDocName, , , stLinkCriteria Else MsgBox (Wrong Password) End If Exit_Login_Click: Exit Sub Err_Login_Click: MsgBox Err.Description Resume Exit_Login_Click End Sub Private Sub Exit_Click() On Error GoTo Err_Exit_Click DoCmd.Close Exit_Exit_Click: Exit Sub Err_Exit_Click: MsgBox Err.Description Resume Exit_Exit_Click End Sub Main Menu Private Sub Exit_Click() On Error GoTo Err_Exit_Click DoCmd.Close Exit_Exit_Click: Exit Sub Err_Exit_Click: MsgBox Err.Description Resume Exit_Exit_Click End Sub FilmFile Private Sub Add_Record_Click() On Error GoTo Err_Add_Record_Click DoCmd.GoToRecord , , acNewRec Exit_Add_Record_Click: Exit Sub Err_Add_Record_Click: MsgBox Err.Description Resume Exit_Add_Record_Click End Sub Private Sub Delete_Record_Click() On Error GoTo Err_Delete_Record_Click DoCmd.DoMenuItem acFormBar, acEditMenu, 8, , acMenuVer70 DoCmd.DoMenuItem acFormBar, acEditMenu, 6, , acMenuVer70 Exit_Delete_Record_Click: Exit Sub Err_Delete_Record_Click: MsgBox Err.Description Resume Exit_Delete_Record_Click End Sub Private Sub Save_Record_Click() On Error GoTo Err_Save_Record_Click DoCmd.DoMenuItem acFormBar, acRecordsMenu, acSaveRecord, , acMenuVer70 Exit_Save_Record_Click: Exit Sub Err_Save_Record_Click: MsgBox Err.Description Resume Exit_Save_Record_Click End Sub Private Sub Film_Report_Click() On Error GoTo Err_Film_Report_Click Dim stDocName As String stDocName = Film Report DoCmd.OpenReport stDocName, acPreview Exit_Film_Report_Click: Exit Sub Err_Film_Report_Click: MsgBox Err.Description Resume Exit_Film_Report_Click End Sub Private Sub Back_Click() On Error GoTo Err_Back_Click Dim stDocName As String Dim stLinkCriteria As String stDocName = Main Menu DoCmd.OpenForm stDocName, , , stLinkCriteria Exit_Back_Click: Exit Sub Err_Back_Click: MsgBox Err.Description Resume Exit_Back_Click End Sub Customer File Private Sub Add_Record_Click() On Error GoTo Err_Add_Record_Click DoCmd.GoToRecord , , acNewRec Exit_Add_Record_Click: Exit Sub Err_Add_Record_Click: MsgBox Err.Description Resume Exit_Add_Record_Click End Sub Private Sub Delete_Record_Click() On Error GoTo Err_Delete_Record_Click DoCmd.DoMenuItem acFormBar, acEditMenu, 8, , acMenuVer70 DoCmd.DoMenuItem acFormBar, acEditMenu, 6, , acMenuVer70 Exit_Delete_Record_Click: Exit Sub Err_Delete_Record_Click: MsgBox Err.Description Resume Exit_Delete_Record_Click End Sub Private Sub Save_Record_Click() On Error GoTo Err_Save_Record_Click DoCmd.DoMenuItem acFormBar, acRecordsMenu, acSaveRecord, , acMenuVer70 Exit_Save_Record_Click: Exit Sub Err_Save_Record_Click: MsgBox Err.Description Resume Exit_Save_Record_Click End Sub Private Sub Customer_Report_Click() On Error GoTo Err_Customer_Report_Click Dim stDocName As String stDocName = Customer Report DoCmd.OpenReport stDocName, acPreview Exit_Customer_Report_Click: Exit Sub Err_Customer_Report_Click: MsgBox Err.Description Resume Exit_Customer_Report_Click End Sub Private Sub Back_Click() On Error GoTo Err_Back_Click Dim stDocName As String Dim stLinkCriteria As String stDocName = Main Menu DoCmd.OpenForm stDocName, , , stLinkCriteria Exit_Back_Click: Exit Sub Err_Back_Click: MsgBox Err.Description Resume Exit_Back_Click End Sub

Impact of Child Abuse essays

Impact of Child Abuse essays The impact of abuse reaches all levels of a childs emotions. The two most common emotions are confusion and guilt. Confusion is usually the initial reaction of the child. They will usually wonder what is going on or if this is right or wrong. For a young child these types of questions can be a huge burden on their physcological development. Once the abuse begins the victim experience a tremnedous conflict with their emotions. They feel pleasant due to the attention they are recieving from the parent, as well as the sensual pleasure. On the other hand they experience pain, guilt, and anger for what is being done to them. The questionif this is right or wrong is the greatest conflict within the childs mind. The abuse feels so wrong yet the abuser insits it's okay, taking advantage of the childs mistrust and naivety. Below are the thoughts of an abused victim as she thinks back to her abuse and questions her father. It is an example of this mistrust as well as the confusion which goes through a childs mind. "Since I was a little ten-year-old child, I had to deceive and hide from the world and my mother that my father took a sexual interest in me. Remember how you taught me that art of deceit? First you put me in a situation that had to be kept a secret then you pledged me to secrecy...As a ten- year-old child, what was I supposed to do? You are an intelligent man-you figure out the options available to a ten-year-old in that position." (Dolan 58) Guilt is also a huge emotional trip for the child. The abused will feel tremendous guilt for a numerous reasons: they feel they did nothing to stop the abuse therefore they are responsible and it should continue, they felt uncomfortable but the abuse was sometimes pleasureable, or they somehow deserved and/or caused the abuse. A victim will usually feel this way when their self-esteem has diminshed and they have no more answers for what is happenning. The following quote illustrates that...

Vertigo Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Vertigo - Essay Example This model covers the stages of coming together and the stages of moving apart. Looking at the film vertigo, the model of rational development can get applied to explain the film further and the communications that occur in the movie. It talks about how the characters in the film come together and eventually how they split. Vertigo is an American psychological thriller film produced in the year 1958. The film brings together certain genres such as drama, romance, mystery & suspense. It involves around the police detective, John "Scottie" Ferguson who gets released from service due to his acrophobia and vertigo conditions (Hitchcock Film). He gets a lifeline when his close friend Gavin Elster, hires him to spy on her wife Madeleine. Strange events occur and in the end he falls in love with Madeleine. The film brings out several tragedies towards the end and perceptions about the characters change due to the strange decisions they make (Hitchcock Film). The film is regarded as one of the best films of all time. This study involves the use of Mark Knapps model of relational development to explain the types of communications that occur within the movie. The first stage of the model is initiating. Here, the persons meet and they engage in small communication. In this case, we look at how Gavin meets Scottie, they engage in communication and Gavin tells him of the assignment. This stage leads to the next which is the experimenting stage. Here, the person has several questions on his mind regarding the information he received. Scottie tries to understand what Gavin wants from him and whether he can deliver. The two are looking to find a common ground amongst them regarding Gavin’s proposal to find out Madeleine’s activities. It leads to the next stage that is the intensifying stage. Here, Scottie and Gavin become very close, and they are now on the same page regarding the assignment. The fourth stage that occurs is the

Acute Care Services Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words - 1

Acute Care Services - Research Paper Example The hospital has a well-thought strategy for recruitment of nurses in the hospital. The strategy is a part of hospital’s overall staff recruitment policy which recognizes the importance of nurses in the quality healthcare provided by the hospital. The hospital recognizes recruitment as a basic function that holds key to proper functioning of the hospital in healthcare delivery. Therefore, recruitment is not an isolated but a central function that almost affects everything in the organization. The over-riding objective of the recruitment strategy is to attract competent and committed individuals who will make nursing a career and also stay for a long period in hospital service, in effect resolving the problem of frequent resignations leading to increased retention of nurses in ACUs of the hospital. Thus, recruitment of nurses for ACUs is based on an internal recruitment policy to recruit the best of qualified nurses and the strategy comprises the following strategic actions: Recruitment of nurses is an on-going biannual activity to fill available vacancies. Under this strategic mechanism, the required strength of 30 nurses for all ACUs should be maintained in any case so that the functioning of the hospital does not suffer. Under this approach applications are welcome from all interested qualifies nurses to register with the hospital database. The hospital conducts regular monthly reviews of all potential candidates fitting the requirements and invites them to the hospital for personal discussion.

Emerging Nokia Essay Example for Free

Emerging Nokia Essay 1. What strategy would you recommend for Nokia going forward? Please develop a complete strategy that addresses the following issues: Choice of scope: does it make sense for Nokia to be in both emerging and developed markets, or should they choose not to play in certain markets? How integrated should it be into manufacturing, services (apps), software development, sales, etc? Answer1: Choice of scope: With dwindling sales in developed countries like USA, UK, Germany, Russia and Italy and even in emerging markets like India, Indonesia and Brazil (as per Exhibit 1) despite previously having a stronghold, Nokia now had to decide if it should continue its focus on emerging markets or attempt to salvage the sales even in the developed markets. Status in developed markets: 1. The operators usually have more power but this was changing since the emergence of iPhone. It is a replacement market with users looking for up gradation 2. Competition- Growing competition from companies like Motorola, Samsung, LG and Sony Ericsson. The RIM‘s launch of Blackberry(2002) and Apple’s iPhone (2007) was a further set back 3. New Operating System- Emergence of new user friendly operating systems such as Google‘s Android and Microsoft’s Windows mobile further put Nokia on the back foot 4. Inability to understand demand- Nokia failed to identify the growing consumer need for touch screen phones 5. Target Nokia operated at all price points where as competitors like Apple (high-end segment) and Samsung( mid and high end segment) had a clearly drawn up strategy Slowdown in some emerging markets: 1. Reverse bundling allows the manufacturer to wield more power than the operator 2. There is lower cost of production which helps produce inspirational products at low rates 3. The growing competition from companies like Samsung that were offering the latest technology at competitive prices 4. Therefore, Nokia lost out on the middle and high segment but continued to grow in the low-end mobile segment as it had identified the gaps in emerging markets and customized services to suit the local consumers Nokia must recognize the difference in the different market  segments and take the challenges head on to be able to operate in both markets. It must clearly identify the segments it wants to operate in and also change its positioning based on the data below. Data from Exhibit 11: Percentage of phone sales by segment Emerging Markets Developed Countries Mid East AP w/o Japan Latin America E. Europe Japan W. Europe North America Basic 41% 43% 20% 34% 0% 4% 8% Enhanced 40% 44% 58% 45% 32% 29% 43% Smart Phones- E. level 10% 7% 12% 10% 6% 34% 8% Smart phone- Feature 10% 6% 9% 11% 62% 33% 41% Penetration 58% 45.50% 80.30% 127.50% 86.60% 122.90% 84.90% Nokia Market Share 61.40% 42.30% 32.80% 48% 0.30% 39.40% 7.20% In emerging markets, Nokia must focus on Basic and Enhanced phones, as that is the largest segment as the market is still evolving and low cost handsets coupled with customized services will help further grow its footprint. In developed countries, Nokia should look at development of high end- high technology driven models in the Smart Phones Entry Level and Feature segment. At the same time when it comes to Japan, Nokia should look to  divest as it is largely smartphone driven market and Nokia has very little market share and does not have the requisite technology to successfully compete in that segment yet. It is essential for Nokia to follow the innovations in developed countries especially USA and adapt them to developing markets if it wants to stand up against competition in both the markets. Mobile phone industry has followed the International Product Life Cycle but now they have reached a stage where different approach is required for innovation to take place in developed and developing markets to meet their specific needs. Another key thing that Nokia must do is to reconsider its Transnational Strategy and adopt a Multi-Domestic Strategy to be able to cater to the distinctive needs of both the developed and emerging markets and to be more locally responsive. Level of Integration: Manufacturing- It should continue to be highly integrated as that is its core competency and contributed to operating profits with a CAGR of 13%. It helps in cost control especially in price-sensitive emerging markets. Operating System- Low integration. The future of Symbian isn’t very bright as competitors like Android of Google and Apple already have a lot of applications to offer on their OS. hence, it must look to finding a partner for a better OS as has been shown by its adoption of windows OS. Service (Apps) Low integration. This can also be outsourced since it is not a core competency of Nokia and customer Value given to third party applications is on the rise (as per Exhibit 6) Sales and Distribution- Should be highly integrated as it has already developed a vast distribution and achieved great penetration in emerging markets which has been a source of higher margins by direct selling to consumers and is also a core competency. 2. What products should it offer smart phones, low end phones, etc? Source of advantage: what will be the distinctive competitive advantage that Nokia will offer? Choice of activities: what choices should Nokia make in all its key activities, and where will it locate those activities for eg., HR policies, manufacturing, RD, software development, sales and marketing, etc. What is the justification for your strategy recommendation? Answer2: Addressing the consumer needs should be the strategy for Nokia in both emerging and developed market. In the emerging markets where Nokia is already a leader, it should focus on catering to the growing bottom of the pyramid consumer. The biggest advantage that Nokia offers is its reach. It should focus on its complimentary telecom industry trend, specifically in India, telecom players are involved into price war and which gave customer a higher bargaining power to switch. In such case coming up with dual sim phone would cater to the primary need of market. The applications in the phone should be in sync with local leisure such as music, newspaper and such more. Instead charging user for Life tools, revenue generation should be from advertisers. Provide time bound high end test features in low end phone during successive OS updates; this will generate user awareness and need for high end smart phone. On the other hand, in developed markets, Nokia has lost its share to other players. Customer demands smartphones with high quality user interface experience and applications and data security (RIM’s competency), Nokia need to target it. Nokia’s target should be the esteem need of user. Developing an OVI ecosystem with third party app developers, advertisers through more free and few paid applications for users. This will give Nokia a distinct advantage in the market if acted as 1st mover. More investment and development for user data security will generate trust among the users. In the mobile phone industry, the product life cycle is very short. Every year a new product is available on the shelf. Hence responsiveness to the consumer’s need is a must. Nokia failed to do that this with the clamshell model in China. By the time it came out with the product, the trend for clamshell models had faded and Nokia lost out to competition. Key advantages of Nokia a. 3 distinct operating system platforms that can offer the base for wide range of products catering to all user segments. b. Longest and complex supply chain in the world. It has the most efficient sourcing, logistics, manufacturing, and distribution of any company in the world. c. Nokia offers the OVI Store: the second largest app store in the world which is growing 70% per month as per Tero Ojanpera, Nokia’s EVP for the Services. d. With the acquisition of Navteq Corporation, it has a strong presence in the GPS  world and provides a wide range of geographic image support covering almost more than 180+ countries. e. In India. Nokia has a strong hold of rural market with their distribution system handles by HCL Info systems. In Latin America, it has a dedicated team to manage the relationship with America Movil and Telefonica and to co-ordinate sales and services across the region. Choice of activities a. HR policies should be locally controlled by subsidiaries to keep local culture intact. b. Manufacturing should be done on a global scale to utilize cost and resource arbitrage. Core product RD should be centralized with satellite RD in each market to add local flavor to the product. c. Software development centers have to be installed in countries like India or Philippines to utilize local talent and expertise in software development. d. Sales and marketing should be again localized. Country specific distribution channel should be adopted.

Time Machine by H.G. Wells Essay -- Papers

Time Machine by H.G. Wells Works Cited Missing In 1895, Victorian Britain was very much Great Britain- 'the workshop of the world.' Since the Industrial Revolution technological advancement had changed the face of the country (shape, structure and appearance). Heavy industry demanded fossil fuels and therefore there was a heavy demand for mine workers. Growing transport demands led to new roads being built. Life in 802,701 seemed very different to that of 1895, it was a time of easy going and a very laid back time. Everything about this time was different ' The air was free from gnats, the earth from weeds or fungi; everywhere were fruits and sweet and delightful flowers; brilliant butterflies flew hither and thither.' There were two separate forms of life in this time; they were the Eloi and the Morlocks. The Eloi were the weaker of the two beings, and they were used as food for the Morlocks. H.G. Wells describes them in the book 'He was a slight creature- perhaps four feet high- clad in a purple tunic, girdled at the waist with a leather belt. Sandals or buskins- I could not clearly distinguish which- were on his feet; his legs were bare to the knees, and his head was bare. H.G.Wells was concerned that a two heir society was forming when he wrote this book, these two heirs were the ruling privileged clauses (The Haves) and the working class labourers (The Have Not's), so what Wells did was change the two round when he wrote this book, he made the Eloi, who had previously been the mine o... ... gone, in an instant.' The Time Machine is about a man who is a scientist and he wants to see what the future holds for humans, he builds a time machine. The time traveller stops off at various different points in the future but he ends up in the year 802,701 where he finds that the way of life is extremely different, he finds out that there is two distinct species, the Eloi and the Morlocks. He sees how the Eloi are treated as food for the Morlocks and how the Eloi have a life of luxury on the surface whereas the Morlocks are the hard workers working the machines underneath the ground. The time traveller is disgusted with what he sees and is devastated that this is how humans will live in the future, the time traveller stays and helps the Eloi defeat the Morlocks, as he doesn't like the way things work in this life.

Han Fei Tzu and The Art of Hotel Management

Around 280 B. C. the royal family of Han gave birth to one of the greatest philosophers of China, Han Fei Tzu. He studied under Sun Tzu, and in addition, from other philosophers such as the Taoist Legalist philosopher, Shen Tao, and a Legalist philosopher, Shen Pu-hai. Though Han Fei Tzu did not invent Legalism, he furnished the ideas to its perfection. His theories went against those of Confucius’s and other philosophers, focusing more on the practical level. Though ill fated to die in the hand of his own student, Li Ssu, Han Fei Tzu’s theories prove successful in uniting China and establishing the first emperor of China. Han Fei Tzu is a Legalist. His ideas of government establishment and function strove for those of extremes, of utmost reward and punishment. Han Fei Tzu focused on the art of distrust. His ideas parallel those of the modern world business, where the society is filled with darkness. Moreover, his establishment of the hierarchy of government equals those of modern corporations. The Chief Executive Officer oversees each and every order carried out, with specialists occupying different offices. Speaking of corporations, there is one industry that would draw Han Fei Tzu’s close attention. Not only does Han Fei Tzu’s theories apply in this particular business; furthermore, it actually functions in identical ways. In the hotel industry, the vital component not only lies in skills, capitals, or services. Hotel management, for the General Manager, focuses on the tactics of administration. The society within the hotel stands upon tied complications between individuals. Each and every member and staff deal not only with their duties. They face the challenge of cooperation and service. Thus, almost everyone in the hotel industry faces the challenge of socialization, on the materialistic level. People do not approach without purpose. ‘Deals’ and ‘transactions’ lie beneath every interaction. These deals and transactions may be job promotion, favors, etc. When there is no use for any additional help, people depart in their own ways. As one general manager describes, â€Å"I’d rather have a true enemy then all these false friends†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Putting Han Fei Tzu and the art of hotel management together provides the perfect combo. Han Fei Tzu’s â€Å"The Way of the Ruler† should work in harmony with the way of a General Manager. On the level of executive administration, Han Fei Tzu said, â€Å"The ruler [GM] must not reveal his desires; for if he reveals his desires his ministers will put on the mask that pleases him. He must not reveal his will; for if he does so his ministers will show a different face. † (P16) A GM, like the ruler, must not reveal his true self to his employees. By revealing the GM’s true self, he is also showing his weakness. Thus, his employees will be acknowledged of where to get at the GM. By this, the GM loses his control and power over his staff members, disabling the superiority over them. The skill to perfect the coverage of identity is trust. â€Å"It is hazardous,† Han Fei Tzu warns, â€Å"for the ruler of men to trust others, for he who trust others will be controlled by others. † (P84) When trusting others, one reveals his secrets to them. In turn, one day these secrets may backfire and injure the position of the GM. Thus, making sure to ignore trusting others is a fundamental for GMs to stay in control. In connection to trust is the way of assignment. How can the GM appoint positions if he ceases to trust anyone? This is done through the means of observation. Han Fei Tzu recommended, â€Å"if one were only to observe a man’s features and dress and listen to his speech, then even Confucius could not be certain what kind of person he is. But if one tries him out in government office and examines his achievements, then even a man of mediocre judgement can tell whether he is stupid or wise. † (P124) The result of the work is observed to judge a person. Intuitions and visuals are discarded. Rather, results are used to judge an individual and used to place him or her in the right office. Due to the fact that the world of hotel management lies in deep connection with socialization, the line between the manager and managed must be drawn. Henceforth, if the managed lacks the fear against the manager, the order of the hotel will be disrupted. Employees will act lazily and try to reduce their workload. Thus, to avoid laziness and enhance work efficiency, extreme measures of punishment must be carried out. â€Å"The enlightened ruler,† Han Fei Tzu describes, â€Å"controls his ministers by means of two handles alone. The two handles are punishment and favor. (P30) With extreme punishment, the GM sets an example of how misconduct will be treated, while encouraging hard work by means of reward. The usage of punishment and reward also allows greater control by the GM. Han Fei Tzu explains, â€Å"†¦the officials will turn their backs on law, seeking only to establish weighty personal connections and making light of public duty. † (P23) Through punishment and award, managers will be pulled away from attendance of establishing connections with higher executives, while focusing more on their duty. As mentioned above, the skill of socializing is so abused that hotel staffs solely rely upon connections to escape responsibility. Thus, they will learn that, though with connections, punishments will be carried out when duties are not fulfilled. Similarly, rewards will be given even there exists no connections, as long as the job is done right. Speaking of duties, the difference between executive officers and specialized staff must also be specified. â€Å"Appoint one man to each office. Let no one,† Han Fei Tzu suggests, â€Å"do as he pleases, and never permit men to change office or to hold two offices at the same time. (P39) A waiter is a waiter, and his duty is to serve the customer. Topping the waiters is the chief-waiter, who oversees the functioning of the restaurant. F/B (Food & Beverage) division manager sees to it that all the restaurants are providing the best service possible, keeping their customers content and jubilant. This is the distribution of responsibilities. To succeed in management, the GM must remember the words of Han Fei Tzu, where â€Å"the ministers name their proposals, the ruler holds fast to the name, and the ministers come forward with results. When names and results match, then superior and inferior will achieve harmony. † (P37) One’s own duty must be recognized, and regardless of the importance of the task, only by the fulfillment of every detail can a hotel function in its proper way. Moreover, â€Å"things have their proper place, talents their proper use. When all are in their proper place, then superior and inferior may be free from action. (P35)† Each member of the hotel secures their own position, making sure they have good ethics in their duties. One must not cross the lines of their responsibility, for it brings disorder and confusion to the hotel as a whole. Everyone minds their own task, and when appointed a certain position, they focus their energy to fulfill the requirements. Relating the bondage of duties and socialization of hotel members enter the competition for position. Every staff working in a hotel looks up to a higher level. They want to upgrade their status to increase their salary, to gain a better reputation, or other unspecific reasons. As a result, while everyone is socializing, treating each other in friendly matters, each one is in fact selfish. In reality, they fight over positions beneath the surface. Thus, a GM must â€Å"guard against danger, fear peril, make haste to designate your heir, and misfortune will have no means to arise. † As long as the GM announces the entitlement of certain positions, individuals will be aware of the occupied office, thus ceasing to plot for competitions. Even as the head of a hotel, the GM has to work in order to gain the ‘favor’ of his colleagues. Unlike the times of Han Fei Tzu, where the emperor ruled a province, GMs ruled only a hotel. Thus, punishments such as beheading and property confiscation could not be utilized. An alternative would be persuasion, to successfully convince his employees to follow his orders. This would be the usage of rewards, or wages. Han Fei Tzu suggests, â€Å"praise other men whose deeds are like those of the person you are talking to; commend other actions which are based upon the same policies as his. † Though this strategy is for ministers, the employers nowadays should also consider this tactic. Through persuasion, the GM may be able to command his people with greater efficiency. The hotel is like a province, and similar to ancient China, there exist more than one province. Competing hotels stand everywhere, and they are the ones that the GM battles. Thus, the GM must know how to maximize the usage of public resource and private capital to triumph in sales over other hotel competitors. Han Fei Tzu has already seen the significance in resource allocation, as he describes, â€Å"When the sage rules, he takes into consideration the quantity of things and deliberates on scarcity and plenty. † (P99) Though by this Han Fei Tzu means in terms of punishment and reward, this rule would be applied towards the usage of capital and investment, for the time is situated for such measures. The change of technology and uprising of new competing hotels also forces the GM to decide on major upgrades for the hotel. Which component of the hotel should the GM upgrade? Should technology be weighed heavier, or should the GM renovate the outlook? Han Fei Tzu recommends, â€Å"Those who have no understanding of government always tell you, â€Å"Never change old ways, never depart from established custom! † But the sage cares nothing about change or no change; his only concerns is to rule properly. † (P93) By this, the GM’s responsibility is to make the best decisions for the hotel, and because circumstances change according to the age, and ways of dealing with them change with the circumstances,† (P99) the GM’s decisions would be in reaction to the functions of competing hotels. If Hyatt renovated their lobby, Sheratons would check to see if this did create a higher room sales rate. If so, the Sheratons should also upgrade their lobby facility to compete against Hyatt. One particularly important writing of Han Fei Tzu is ‘The Eight Villainies’. This not only applies as a warning against the ruler and advice for the minister, it can also be manipulated to be used by the GM. Han Fei Tzu would certainly enjoy seeing his tactics used to its full extent. Here is a briefing for how this ‘Eight Villainies’ can be deployed and modernized for the best use by the GM: Making use of his bedfellows => Immediately upon distribution of reward, the GM may hope to ask for greater job performances, prior to the former one. Making use of his attendants => The GM, as the head of the hotel, can force lower employees such as waiters to agree with the GM, thus convincing the waiter-head to be held responsible for certain events. This applies to other offices as well. Making use of his elder and kin => By visiting the families of his employee, the GM may be more persuasive and successful at convincing his employee at undertaking certain task, for the family, in consideration of promotions, will try to convince particular individuals to gain favor of the GM. Encouraging baleful pursuits => The GM may appoint certain managers or staffs a better office, with fully equipped furniture and luxuries, thus impose heavier duty and greater responsibility unto the manager. Making use of the people => Considering one question, would the employees be in greater pursuit to gain favor from their GM or their manager? Given the fact that the GM is the head of the hotel, employees are certain to strive in contenting their wage-payer. Thus, the GM can impose a greater influence upon his employees to order managers indirectly to do so as the GM pleases. (This is very similar to ‘Making use of his attendants) Making use of fluent speakers => In one way, the GM may assign speakers from popular hotel management schools such as Cornell to speak in agreement with the GM. This increases credibility and enhances the strength of persuasion. Making use of authority and might => The GM is the head of the hotel, thus he possesses the greatest authority and might in the hotel. Using this power, the GM should exploit it to its full extent, by terminating unwanted managers or lazy employees. Making use of the surrounding => The fact that there are competing hotels can too, be used to the GM’s advantage. His position enables special ‘connections’ with other executives, thus when the GM’s own managers are not following orders, the GM can make certain that he would not be able to gain a similar job at a different hotel. Only the GM’s hotel is willing to accept this particular individual. Though these ‘Eight Villainies’ may too, be used against the ruler -Han Fei Tzu wrote it as a warning to rulers- GM should also consider these tactics to employ them himself. A final warning Han Fei Tzu suggests is the trade of authority and power. In this case, Han Fei Tzu warns, â€Å"no ministers should be allowed to borrow the power and authority of the ruler. † (P89) The GM is indeed the most powerful man in the hotel. If he was to lend his authority to managers, this power may be exploited in terms of corruption. Money might be drained, employees might be lost, and worse, the GM himself may be used as a scapegoat. Overall, the vital mentality that should be considered is not only the GM’s. The hotel functions as a whole, thus each and every member work together to benefit the hotel. In hotel management, the ways of the GM stands not alone, but with the support of his managers and employees. Thus, the mentality of these managers and employees should also be considered. Han Fei Tzu summarizes the essence of this whole construct. â€Å"The interests of the state and the individual are,† Han Fei Tzu analyzes, â€Å"mutually at odds, and both cannot prevail at the same time. Managers and employees must not act selfishly to gain their own benefits, but rather, everyone must work with good ethics to strengthen the hotel as a whole. The question, â€Å"what would Han Fei Tzu say about hotel management,† is asked. In response, Han Fei Tzu would comment, â€Å"Hence it is said that the art of hotel management affiliates itself to the rules of a king, they work in the same mechanism. Han Fei Tzu would promote a copy of his philosophies to the GM of the hotel. The ways of the ancient government and modern hotel construct are identical. The only difference lies in the lack of military. Yet, without military and arms, the essence of Han Fei Tzu’s philosophies remains. Without the conduct of arms, persuasion is the new modern weapon. To manipulate the thinking of others is the new rule. Han Fei Tzu’s theories are in reality a cookbook for dealing with people. This works perfectly for hotel management because GMs deal more with socialization than actual hotel functioning. Indeed, there involve skill and talent to administer the hotel, yet in order for jobs to be done, the GM must learn how to control his managers and employees. Han Fei Tzu would have been the perfect GM if he lived. He would not comment on everything, but only minor details, for his theories apply in great affiliation with hotel management. Even on a greater level, Han Fei Tzu’s theories are in bondage to corporate functions. The weapon in the modern days though, is wealth. Han Fei Tzu’s thinking not only applies to hotel management, but it also works for corporate executives. Han Fei Tzu would have said the same things to each officer working in a firm, for his teachings hold true for everyone. Han Fei Tzu’s work is actually a perfect guideline for modern day society, where people work to their own benefits and lack the altruistic characteristic that existed in ancient times. Han Fei Tzu focuses specifically on the level of trust and socialization. This skill is vital in the survival of society, because in the world of infinite talents, it is only luck and connection that surfaces a person’s identity and ability. Han Fei Tzu, though dislike the fact that this is true, admits to the flaw of the system. Human nature is ultimately bad and lazy. Each individual strives for their benefits, discarding benevolent practice. Thus, Han Fei Tzu discredits and criticizes the theories of benevolence, particularly promoted by Confucius and Mencius. In the modern world, everyone tries to survive under the tide of wealth and capitalism. They work in companies and firms to accomplish this goal. Yet, it is the interaction of individuals that make up societies, communities, and corporations. Han Fei Tzu, if living in today’s world, would indeed thrift in his philosophies, and make millions if he wrote the book, Han Fei Tzu and the Art of Humanistic Behavior. His ideas target not only rulers and ministers, they too, function well in today’s world.