Outsourcing Software Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Outsourcing Software Development - Essay Example Faster work pace: Companies, relying on outsourcing software development, may be able to develop and deploy software applications faster than they would if developed locally because the cost savings enable them to employ bigger teams with lesser cost, which speeds up the process. High demand short term phases: When larger quantities of resources are needed for relatively short bursts, it is easier to outsource it than go through the process of hiring and then firing or finding personnel to do contract work. India's advantage: Thanks to its long tradition in offshore software development, a high percentage of English literate population and the availability of high level IT education, India is a popular choice for outsourcing software development. It also commands growing infrastructure and very competitive rates of software development. Vendor characteristics: Picking the right vendor is crucial. Ability of the vendor to deliver, history and integrity of the vendor, financial background and quality of service are all determined by choosing the right vendor in order to arrive at the benefits. An incapable vendor is often unable to deliver and may cause more problems than solutions. Managing the project: Often the hidden costs of managing the project are overlooked. This is a necessity to monitor the vendor and make sure milestones are met. In addition cost of communication and connectivity as well as training need to be factored and this will all add up bit by bit. Communication gaps: Cultural differences, time zone differences and work ethics often lead to communication gaps and misunderstanding project deliverables. These cause costly errors and failure to meet expectations that defeats the purpose of outsourcing. Transparency : Vendors often have the opportunity to manipulate the Time and Materials contracts, state the usage of more resources than actually used, add more hours logged than actual etc. trying to bump up revenues thereby taking away the cost advantage of the companies that outsource. Lower quality of end product: This may be the direct result of a high attrition rate in the vendor company, high employee rotation in the project and lack of continuity among the vendor resources. All these will result in loss of technical expertise resulting in poor output quality. Data security: Cultural differences and lack of strict standards governing Intellectual property rights often result in data piracy and safety breaches. If the vendor breaches statutory laws, without the company knowing they are still is held responsible for the violations. Much of these risks can be mitigated by executing due diligence to the research before the work is outsourced. Choosing the right experienced vendor ensures half of the success of the project. Asking earlier clients about satisfaction of qualitative timely deliverables. Choose a certified vendor with ISO 2000 or CMM level certification that assures a minimum quality level in

Theoretical Framework in Nursing Process Essay Example for Free

Theoretical Framework in Nursing Process Essay Think back to the last time someone close to you became sick. Using Myra Estrin Levine’s conservation model: what would have been the focus of your assessment? How did the illness affect you and the rest of your family? Levine’s Conservation Model  is focused in promoting adaptation and maintaining wholeness using the principles of conservation. The model guides the nurse to focus on the influences and responses at the organismic level. The nurse accomplishes the goals of the model through the conservation of energy, structure, and personal and social integrity (Levine, 1967). Although conservation is fundamental to the outcomes expected when the model is used, Levine also discussed two other important concepts critical to the use of her model – adaptation and wholeness. (http://nursingtheories. blogspot. com, retrieved April 16, 2012) Now recalling the recent hospitalization of patient RG (my girlfriend) due to vaso-vagal syncope, I unknowingly applied all of the four conservation principles, as well as the major concepts that revolve around the model. A few days prior to admission, patient RG reported to began having episodes of constipation. Two hours prior to admission, she stated that she woke up due to severe abdominal pain and directly went to the bathroom. A few moments later she was found by her mom on the floor, just regaining her consciousness and with a deep, moderately bleeding, 2-cm laceration on the right cheek bone area. She was rushed to the emergency room and was eventually brought to the OR for repair of facial laceration by a plastic surgeon. I happened to be on duty at that time and, as expected, was the one to attend to her during her stay in the ER. Standard ER protocols would lead me to primarily assess for changes her level of consciousness (should the origin would be neurological in nature), followed by a brief review of systems – any variation from the normal vital signs would deem significant for a patient who’s chief complaint is loss of consciousness (should the origin would be cardiac in nature). Immediately, the theory of conservation would imply that the patient should temporarily be placed on bed rest while we still determine the possible cause of the problem (conservation of energy). Simultaneously, measures were done to revent infection from and further bleeding of the laceration (conservation of structural integrity). When the bleeding has been controlled and tests and other basic interventions have already been done, I tried on keeping her mind as far away as possible from worrying about the probable effects of the cheek injury and the development of a facial scar with her self-image perception (cons ervation of personal integrity). Lastly, as I was already on the outgoing shift, I made sure that I stayed with her even after my duty for additional support until she was brought up to the OR (conservation of social integrity). Once she was out of the OR, it was advised that she still be confined for the next 24 hours for observation and to make sure that the episode of loss of consciousness would not recur again. After being discharged, she was advised by her attending physician to rest for a additional week prior to going back to work. Apparently the facial damage has also exposed her facial nerves which also had to be repaired. In addition, her parotid gland has also been injured, causing facial swelling whenever she eats. For the next week she had to adapt with the condition and I was there for her helping her adjust with the challenges and though out the whole ordeal. To make matters worse, the injury on her facial nerves caused weakness on her facial muscles leaving her central incisors to become unstable, resulting into even more pain and discomfort when eating and chewing. This caused strain in our relationship as she was highly irritable most of the time. It was as hard for me and for the rest of her family as it was for her as we are all clearly affected by her disability/limitations. Still, that did not deter us from being all there to support her. In two weeks, the swelling improved and the pain went away. She started eating normally again and the scar on her face became barely noticeable. Without realizing it, I have put into good use Myra Levine’s conservation theory. B. Using Roy’s model of adaptation, what were her adaptive needs in the following modes: physiologic, interdependence, role function, and self-concept In the physiologic mode, adaptation is concerned about the preservation of physical integrity (Fawcett, 1984). Basic human needs such as oxygenation, nutrition, elimination, activity and rest, protection, and temperature regulation are identified with this mode. In addition, the body’s complex processes in the form of fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balances as well as the neurologic and endocrine functions are also taken into consideration (Manriquez, 2009). In the interdependence mode, emphasis is on the need for social integrity. Interdependence entails maintaining balance between dependence and independence of an individual’s relationship with others. Dependent behaviors can be observed as affection-seeking, help-seeking, and  attention-seeking. Independent behaviors include mastery of obstacles and initiative taking. Manriquez (2009) describes this as â€Å"the need is to achieve relational integrity using the process of affectional adequacy†, i. e. the giving and receiving of love, respect and value through effective relations and communication. In the role function mode, the need for social integrity is also emphasized. When human beings adapt to various role changes that occur throughout a lifetime, they are adapting in this mode. Knowing who one is, in relation to others, so one can act is the primary essence of this mode. â€Å"Role set† is the complex of positions that an individual holds which involve role development, instrumental and expressive behaviors as well as the role-taking process (Manriquez, 2009). In a group setup such as a family, the role can be assessed by observing the communication patterns. The need is role clarity, understanding and committing to fulfill expected tasks so the group can achieve common goals. For example, when a couple adjusts their lifestyle appropriately following retirement from full-time employment, they are adapting in this mode (Wikipedia retrieved April 24, 2012). In self-concept mode, the need for maintenance of psychic and spiritual integrity is its main function. Perceptions of one’s physical and personal self are included in this mode. (Wikipedia retrieved April 24, 2012). The goal is to exist with a sense of unity, meaning, and purposefulness in the universe (Manriquez, 2009).

Comparing The Passionate Shepherd To His Love, Her Reply, and Cecil Day

Comparing The Passionate Shepherd To His Love,  Her Reply, and Cecil Day Lewis  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   When looking at these three poems,   it immediately becomes noticeable that all of them are very similar.   They often share the same lines,   almost word for word,   and furthermore follow a smilar tone,   as well as having an identical rhyming pattern.   „The passionate shepherd to his loveâ€Å" (poem number one)   is followed by an answer from his lover (poem number two),   and is then followed up by a further poem by Cecil Day Lewis,   which like in poem number one,   is an attempt at winning a ladies heart over,   and convincing her to devote all her love to him.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The first poem seems to be an idyillic one,   and spends a lot of time going into the description of the surrounding nature.   Christopher Marlowe describes the countryside as being pure and beautiful,   and seems to be trying to suggest that his love is also something natural and pure. „That hills and valley,   dales and fields, Or woods or steepy mountain yieldsâ€Å" However it almost seems as though it is too good to be true,   as one knows that nature also conceals many dangers.   However he takes it further than that,   and seems to try and build up a kind of utopia for his love talking about treating her as well as he possibly can. „And I will make thee a bed of roses, And a thousand fragrant posiesâ€Å" However the poet is now attempting to build up such a perfect image of their possible life together,   that it becomes ever more unrealistic.   The answer from the lady whose heart he is trying to win over however,   takes a far more realistic approach,   and seems to try and bring him back down to earth.   She makes him aware of the fact that time brings change,   an... ...,   but in the closing two lines of the last stanza in poems in and three the poets once again use the same lines to express their feelings. „If these delights thy mind may move, Then live with me and be my Love.â€Å" To conclude the comparison of the three given poems it must be said that they are very similar,   and in certain aspects even identical.   The only exception to this seems to be the second poem,   which was a reply to the first.   Despite talking about the same topic,   and being directly linked to the first poem,   it is very different,   as it is not attempting to proclaim the poets love,   but is turning it down.   Equally the last poem differs slightly due to different circumstances.   Yet all of them are attempting to show the reader (or the person it is meant for),   what the poets feelings towards that person is,   by using very descriptive language.

Psychological Analysis of Lee Harvey Oswald Essay -- Psychological Cap

On November 22nd, 1963 President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. It was concluded by The Warren Commission that the man who assassinated President Kennedy was 24 year old, Lee Harvey Oswald. Less than 48 hours after Kennedy was shot, while Oswald was being transferred to the county jail, he was assassinated. Lee Harvey Oswald was killed before he could undergo any psychological or psychiatric analysis, so it is impossible to know for certain what his mental state was at the time of President Kennedy's assassination. The Warren Commission states that they were unable â€Å"to reach any definite conclusions as to whether or not he (Lee Harvey Oswald) was ‘sane’ under prevailing legal standards (Warren et al., 1964, p. 375).† I do not believe that human behavior can ever fully be predicted. However, an analysis of Oswald’s childhood, as well as, his actions leading up to the assassination help us to understand the type of person Lee Harvey Oswald w as and give us an insight into his psychological state. Oswald had a troubling childhood to say the least. His father died two months before he was born in 1939 leaving him with no father figure in his life. Not only did the death of Oswald’s father leave him with without a father-figure, it â€Å"robbed him of a home and family life with constant parental figures (Abrahamsen, 1967, p. 869).† The death of Oswald’s father forced his mother to go to work, essentially leaving him without a mother as well. His mother sent Oswald, his older brother, Robert Oswald, and his older half-brother, John Pic, to an orphanage. Oswald stayed at the orphanage for thirteen months, until his mother married her third husband (Ewing & McCann, 2006, p. 22). Now that Oswald’s mother was remarried there w... ...brahamsen, David. (1967). A Study of Lee Harvey Oswald: Psychological Capability of Murder. Bulletin of The New York Academy of Medicine, 43, 861-888. Ewing, C.P., & McCann J.T. (2006). Minds on Trial: Great Cases in Law and Psychology. New York, NY: Oxford University Press. McAdams, John. (1995). Lee Harvey Oswald: Troubled Youth - Oswald Assessed by Psychiatrist Renatus Hartogs. Retrived from http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/ hartogs.htm. Simon, Jonathan. (1998). Ghosts of the Disciplinary Machine: Lee Harvey Oswald, Life-History, and the Truth of Crime. Yale Journal of Law and Humanities, 10, 75-113. Warren, E., Russell, R. B., Ford, G. R., Cooper, J. S., Dulles, A. W., Boggs, A., McCloy, J. J. (1964). The Warren Commission Report: Reports of the President’s Commission on the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy. New York, NY: St. Martin’s Press.

An Overview Of Diabetes Health And Social Care Essay

Chapter 1Diabetess is a malformation in the organic structure ‘s ability to change over glucose to energy. When nutrient is digested, it is transformed into fats, protein, or saccharides which the saccharides will impact the blood sugar degrees. Carbohydrates when digested will change over to glucose. Glucose is so transferred to the blood watercourse and is used by the cells for energy and metamorphosis. In order for the glucose to be moved from the blood watercourse into the cells, the endocrine – insulin will play the function. In diabetic patients, this procedure is affected. Diabetess develops when the pancreas fails to bring forth sufficient measures of insulin – Type 1 diabetes or the insulin produced is non working and can non reassign glucose into the cells – Type 2 diabetes. Either insulin is lack in measures or the insulin produced is harm and can non reassign the glucose into the cells. Type 1 diabetes occurs most often in kids and immature grownups, although it can happen at any age. Type 1 diabetes histories for 5-10 % while Type 2 diabetes is much more common and histories for 90-95 % of all diabetes. Type 2 diabetes chiefly affects grownups, with physical inaction and fleshiness.Diabetess MellitusType 1 Diabetes MellitusDiabetess Mellitus Type 1 is a serious disease that give effects to both biochemical and anatomic or structural of human being. It is a chronic medical status of saccharide, fat, and protein metamorphosis caused by the individual has less of insulin. The deficiency of insulin consequences from the inability of the pancreas to let go of insulin because of automatic immunisation devastation of the beta cells. It normally happens to kids and immature grownups but besides can look at any scope of ages. Its symptoms may include being excessively thirsty, urinating more often, experiencing really hungry or tired, unplanned weight losing, holding sores that heal easy, holding dry or antsy tegument, losing the sense in your pes and holding lessening in vision capableness. Finally, this disease can take to decease unless several methods of interventions are done. Most people who develop type 1 are look healthy and non corpulent. Although the existent cause of type 1 diabetes is remain non to the full understood and many research be done, it is considered to be of immunological root. Diabetess Mellitus Type 1 normally starts when the immune system damage the insulin-producing cells which is the I?-cells in the pancreas depicts as one of autoimmune response. In the some instance, patients do non demo any symptoms of holding the diabetes mellitus. High blood sugar and its associated symptoms which are frequent micturition and being thirsty do non ever occur until more than 90 % of the cells that make insulin have been demolished. The individual with household history of type 1 diabetes is like to hold diabetes mellitus Type 1. But it besides occurs in people with none household ‘s history of diabetes. In other instances, people who develop diabetes have one or many cistrons that make them fleeceable to the disease. Autoimmune response can be activated by environmental causes, such as being exposed to viruses and nutrients in immature age. Familial testing can be use to cognize if a household member could holding diabetes.InsulinInsulin is a peptide endocrine that has important effects on human metamorphosis. Insulin makes liver ‘s cell, musculus, and fatty tissue to devour glucose from the blood. The glucose is being stored as animal starch in the variety meats such as liver and musculus, and halting usage of fat as an energy beginning. When the insulin is non present or at minimal degree, glucose is non consume by organic structure cells, and the organic structure starts to utilize fatty tissue a s an energy beginning. As illustration, energy is being generated by move of lipoids from adipose tissue to the liver for motion. As its degree is a cardinal metabolic control mechanism, its position is besides used as a control signal to other organic structure systems and has several other anabolic effects all round the organic structure. When control of insulin degrees non working, it gives rise to diabetes mellitus. As a consequence, insulin is being taken up medically to bring around some symptoms of diabetes mellitus. Patients with type 1 diabetes need an external insulin which be injected subcutaneously to go on their life as the endocrine is no longer produced the insulin internally. Patients with type 2 diabetes are frequently opposition to insulin. They can endure from a comparative deficiency of insulin. Some patients with type 2 diabetes may necessitate insulin if other medicines can non command blood glucose degrees decently. There are three groups of insulin which are from animate being, human and parallels. Many people use human insulin and insulin parallels, although non many people still use carnal insulin because they have some prove that they otherwise lose their consciousness of sodium thiosulphate or they find carnal insulin works better for them. Figure 1.1 below shows the construction of insulin in insulin hexamer. Insulin construction and molecular synthesisFigure 1.1: Structure of insulin in insulin hexamer.Statisticss on DiabetessMalayaEntire figure of diabetes patients in Malaysia is now up to 4.2 million people contributed by the job of extra weight or fleshiness said by the President of Consumers Association of Penang ( CAP ) , SM Mohamed Idris ( CAP, November 14, 2011 ) . Fleshiness is the major subscriber to diabetes and it should be addressed instantly, as the job is now in dismaying degrees. It is proved that the prevalence of diabetes instances in Malaysia increased from one to two per cent in twelvemonth 1960 to 6.3 per centum ( 1985 ) , 8.3 per centum ( 1996 ) and now multiple at 14.9 per centum until twelvemonth 2006. Figure 1.2 below shows the per centum of Malaysians with diabetics to the ratio of Malaysians populations.Figure 1.2: Percentage of Malaysians with Diabetes ( CAP, November 14, 2011 )Pie chart below shows the per centum of deceases due to complications of diabetes among Malaysians diabetic patients ( Figure 1.3 ) .Figure 1.3: Percentage of deceases due to complications of diabetes ( College of Radiology, Academy of Medicine of Malaysia, 2009 )Based on the survey conducted by Zanariah Hussein, representative of Ministry of Health, Malaysia titled Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus In Malaysia in 2006 – Consequences of the Third National Health and Morbidity Survey, it can be concluded that from Figures 1.4 to 1.6, increasing prevalence of diabetes wi th age, until age more than 65 old ages, crisp addition in prevalence at age 40 old ages and above and highest prevalence in age group 60 to 64 old ages.Figure 1.4: Prevalence of All Diabetes by Age Group ( MOH, March 31, 2008 )Figure 1.5: National Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus by Race ( MOH, March 31, 2008 )Figure 1.6: Prevalence of All Diabetes Mellitus by States and Residence in Malaysia ( MOH, March 31, 2008 )From Figure 1.6, one in six grownup Malaysians above 30 old ages has diabetes – an estimated 1.4 million in figure. The diabetes prevalence in Malaysia has about doubled in the last decennary in analogue with duplicating of overweight/obesity in the population. This figure is likely an underestimate as it does non integrate those with stray postprandial hyperglycaemia in diabetic scope.AsiaThe proportions of people with type-2 diabetes and fleshiness have increased throughout Asia, and the rates of addition show no marks of decelerating. The International Diabetes Federation has predicted that the figure of persons with diabetes will increase from 240 million in 2007 to 380 million in 2025, with 80 % of the disease load in low- and middle-income states ( Figure 1.7 ) .Figure 1.7: Comparison of prevalence of diabetes in Asiatic states ( Kun-Ho Yoon, 2006 )Within the Asiatic part, India with a population of more than one billion, have the greatest Numberss of people prevalence with diabetes and are likely to stay in this place in 2025, by which clip they could each hold 20 million affected persons ( Figure 1.8 ) .Figure 1.8: Top 10 Countries in Asia with the Highest Number of Persons with Type 2 Diabetes in the Age Group 20 to 79 Old ages in 2007 and Projected Data in 2025 ( Juliana C. N. Chan, 2009 )UniverseIn twelvemonth 2000, the figure of diabetics worldwide is estimated at 151 million people and is expected to increase 50 per centum to 220 million in 2010 and make 300 million by twelvemonth 2025 if the universe ‘s population continue s practising the unhealthy life style that is bad eating wonts and deficiency of exercisings ( Harian Metro, 29 November 29, 2000 ) . Most people with diabetes live in the economically less developed parts of the universe ( see Figures 1.9 to 1.10 ) . Even in the part with the lowest prevalence ( Africa ) , it is estimated that around 280,000 deceases are attributable to diabetes in 2011. While more than 80 % of people with diabetes live in low- and middle-income states merely 20 % of planetary health care expenditures on diabetes were spent in these states, reflecting immense disparities ( IDF, 2010 ) .Figure 1.9: Number of Persons with Diabetes of Different Age Groups ( IDF, 2010 )Figure 1.10: Number of Deaths Attributable to Diabetes in Different Regions of the World in 2007 ( IDF, 2010 )By mentioning Figures 1.9 to 1.10, EMME indicates Eastern Mediterranean/Middle East ; SACA, South America/Central America ; SEA, Southeast Asia ( comprises Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal, and Sri Lanka ) . Western Pacific comprises Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Cook Islan ds, Fiji, Gallic Polynesia, Guam, Indonesia, Japan, Kiribati, Korea ( Democratic People ‘s Republic of ) , Korea ( Republic of ) , Lao People ‘s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Micronesia ( Federal States of ) , Mongolia, Myanmar, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Vietnam. Table 1.1 below shows the entire population ( 20-79 old ages ) , per centum of Diabetes Mellitus National prevalence, per centum of Diabetes Mellitus Comparative prevalence and deceases attributable to Diabetes Mellitus in twelvemonth 2010 for the seven parts in the universe.Table 1.1: Cardinal statistics on the seven parts about DM for the twelvemonth 2010RegionsEntire Populations ( 20-79 old ages ) ( 103 people )DM National PrevalenceDM Comparative PrevalenceDeaths attributable to DMAfrica 378,550 3.20 % 3.80 % 332584 Europe 646,367 8.60 % 6.90 % 634054 South East Asia 837,732 7.00 % 7.60 % 1142914 Western Pacific 1,530,822 5.00 % 4.70 % 1074955 Middle East and North Africa 344,469 7.70 % 9.30 % 294037 North America and Caribbean 319,893 11.70 % 10.20 % 313208 South and Central America 286,922 6.30 % 6.60 % 171303 An overview of each of the seven parts is presented here is to let for a better apprehension of the diabetes load and its effects. Each part is extremely diverse non merely in socio-economic and geographical footings but besides in diabetes prevalence, mortality and health care.History of DiabetessDiabetess mellitus appears to hold been a decease sentence in the antediluvian epoch. Scholars of that clip majorly agreed the disease was incurable. Such as Aretaeus ; ancient Greek doctor, did try to handle it but could non give a good forecast ; he commented that â€Å" life ( with diabetes ) is short, gross outing and painful. † Meanwhile, in mediaeval Persia, Avicenna ( 980-1037 ) provided a elaborate history on diabetes mellitus in The Canon of Medicine, â€Å" depicting the unnatural appetency and the prostration of sexual maps, † and he documented the sweet gustatory sensation of diabetic piss. Like Aretaeus before him, Avicenna recognized primary and secondary diabetes. He besides described diabetic sphacelus, and treated diabetes utilizing a mixture of lupine, Trigonella ( Greek clover ) , and zedoary seed, which produces a considerable decrease in the elimination of sugar, a intervention which is still prescribed in modern times. The diabetes term is coined by Arateus of Cappadocia. It was derived from a Grecian verb, †diabainein † . From there onwards, it kept on altering until it was derived as †diabAâ€Å"tAâ€Å"s † ; the word used today which brought the significance of, â€Å" one that straddles † . Diabetess is one of the earliest recorded diseases, with an Egyptian manuscript, dated every bit old as 1552 BCE ( Before Common Era ) , where an Egyptian physician Hesy-Ra of the 3rd Dynasty saying it as â€Å" excessively great voidance of the piss † . In English, diabetes is foremost recorded in 1425 in a medical text, as diabete. In 1675, â€Å" mellitus † ; a Latin word ( intending â€Å" honey † ) is added by Thomas Willis as a mention of the piss ‘s sweet gustatory sensation. Subsequently in 1776, a verification by Matthew Dobson verified that the sweet gustatory sensation in piss is due to a presence of an surplus of a sort of sugar. It was 93 old ages subsequently when ‘islet of Langerhans ‘ is discovered. In 1869, Paul Langerhans, a German medical pupil, made the first find but still, unable to explicate their map. Then, in 1901 an American diagnostician named Eugene Opie from John Hopkins University ; Baltimore managed to set up a connexion between the failure of ‘islet of Langerhans ‘ and the happening of diabetes. In research stuff production facet, Prof. John J.R. Macleod produces a monograph on diabetes with a rubric of ‘Diabetes: Its Pathological Physiology ‘ in 1913 while in 1916, a diagnostician from Boston, Elliot Joslin made a digest of his ain 1000 instances and produced â€Å" The Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus † text edition. His text edition together with his subsequent researches over the following five decennaries marked his repute as one of universe ‘s expert in this filed. From here onwards, surveies, researches, developments and finds have been made by assorted individual and establishments. Such event is in 1921 where Dr. Frederick Banting made the find of insulin, a critical endocrine in modulating saccharide and fats metabolism in organic structure. The find brought a immense impact to the universe at that clip as diabetes was peculiarly a sickening, incurable and death-leading disease. Furthermore, in 1959 research workers identify type 1 diabetes as insulin dependant and type 2 diabetes, the non-insulin dependant. This leads to more intensive and specific surveies on the topic. As for the clip being, get downing from 1991, November 14 of each twelvemonth is devoted for World Diabetes Day by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization. This act is due to the fact the dismaying rise of diabetes around the Earth which besides acts as a primary planetary consciousness run.Problem StatementUp to show, there are non many research documents and undertakings have been done sing the mathematical theoretical account of insulin. So there are merely few Numberss of mathematical theoretical accounts on insulin have been published. Although the research about insulin started back about 90 old ages ago, the existent causes of diabetes mellitus Type 1 have non been discovered yet. In this research, we have to optimise Hovorka mathematical theoretical account for glucose distribution and make an beforehand mathematical theoretical account by utilizing Artificial Nervous Net Work. Then, from those two mathematical modeling, we have to came up with a modeling and simulation of the insulin bringing system for patients with diabetes mellitus type 1.AimsTo make a mathematical modeling and simulation of the insulin bringing system for patients with Type 1 diabetes. To make an beforehand mathematical theoretical account by utilizing Artificial Nervous Net Work. To optimise Hovorka mathematical theoretical account for glucose distribution.Scopes of ResearchThe range of this research is concentrating on insulin consequence on glucose distribution in human organic structure ; where the topic involved is patients with Type 1 Diabetes. In inside informations, the research is governed in finding the mass of glucose in accessible and non-accessible cells, which are fundamentally the pancreatic I?-cells. Second, the research is besides intended to look into the plasma insulin concentration based on the glucose degree. This subdivision will associate the relationship between both variables under certain identified conditions ( capable, degree of glucose, etc. ) and have the consequences compared, analyzed and discussed. Furthermore, it is besides desired to analyze the insulin consequence on transit in blood, glucose distribution and autochthonal glucose. This portion of the research will lucubrate how insulin affects blood transit in the human orga nic structure, glucose distribution in the human blood vass and besides how insulin can impact the autochthonal glucose degree in the organic structure ; glucose that already present in the organic structure or consumed earlier. Furthermore, the research will besides include the survey on modeling and simulation of the insulin bringing system utilizing both Artificial Neural Net Work mathematical theoretical account and Hovorka mathematical web.Dissertation OverviewIn this chapter ; chapter 1, the treatment covers the basic debut to the research undertaking. Such inside informations are the research background, job statement, aims and range of the research. In the 2nd chapter, literature reappraisal is the chief subject to be discussed. In general, this subdivision allows farther required information to be extracted and analyzed for a better understanding procedure in order to better the work end product. System designation method is applied to the system by reexamining diaries. In Chapter 3 research methodological analysis is the chief kernel. This chapter provides a comprehensive amplification sing the instruments, stuffs and methods used in finishing the research in such a manner it enables reader to hold a cognize apprehension. Research methods aspect will be including the experimental design, the figure of capable, setup ( if use any ) etc. Chapter 4 ; the research itself. In this chapter, all the related researches, experiments, simulations and patterning are being carried out. The obtained informations from all these are analysed tabulated and recorded in ways that are appropriate and suited such as table, figure and diagram. Then, treatment regulating the consequences obtained with regard to hypothesis is conducted in a elaborate mode by concentrating the chief findings and illations. However, strengths and failings of the consequences should be included. Last, chapter 5, one that concludes the full research and in a manner provides the best recommendation for the findings ‘ sweetening intent. A brief sum-up of the chief findings can be included while adverting the restrictions faced in transporting out the research and recommendation for farther research based on the current determination.

Local area of Moseley Essay Example

Local area of Moseley Essay Example Local area of Moseley Essay Local area of Moseley Essay After evaluating the local area of Moseley, I have realised there is a serious lack in exquisite restaurants. Moseley is a very respectable area, therefore I feel this has given me the opportunity to open a respectable restaurant. The nearest restaurant is approximately a 15 minute drive from my chosen location. Therefore I intend to open a restaurant in this region. I plan to call my restaurant Makou, I have chosen this name because the cookery type in Sri Lanka and Southern Indian areas is called Makou.The restaurant will be located near the main High Street which lengthens from Moseley through Kings Heath. I feel that if I choose to locate my business here I will attract not only customers from the area of Moseley but also customers from the area of Kings Heath. The High Street is a very busy place both day and night, this I feel is also an advantage because I will be attracting customers and a lot of attention, this can be great for my businesses publicity.I feel that this locati on will allow me to gain most of the market as my business is very unique amongst the High Street shops, as for the shoppers it is almost a treat because they can enjoy something which has never been offered.Aims ObjectivesI have many aims to start my business and to keep it running, in order to preserve and keep my business running I must conduct market research and gain the most out of the market.I must take into account the 4 Ps, pricing, promotion, product and place. I will research into my target audience in order to obtain crucial information about what my potential customers actually want.After my research has been conducted I must analyse my findings and I will present them in pie charts, these will clearly allow me to see which decisions must be made by my business.One of my main aims for my business is to make a lot of profit, maximum if possible. I must also make my business known through means of advertisement leaflets, brochures radio and televised advertising.An adeq uate business plan is vital for my company, this will allow me to gain financial support form banks in order to provide me with the start-up capital I need. In order to conduct my research I must create a marketing strategy to conduct my marketing research. I will be using combinations of researches, desk and field are both applicable in my case, field research is very time consuming therefore I aim to combine both types of researches.A niche is important for any company in its desired market, this is also one of my aims. I have proposed a target to reach customer satisfaction, this will allow customers to trust my company and what we provide, thus allowing my customers to become a form of advertisement, they tell friends and family about my business; attracting again more customers.Market ResearchThere are two main types of research, these are known as desk and field research. Field research is very expensive and time consuming, but the information gained is eye witnessed and is no t a secondary resource. Desk research is done by using information through secondary sources, the information therefore is not always correct or accurate, but it doesnt consume a lot of time. Therefore, both types are applicable to my research, I need accurate information which doesnt take a lot of time.I will create a questionnaire with both quantitative and qualitative questions, I will also interview someone from another market quite similar to that which is mine. Once done, I will present my findings and apply my results in order to make key decisions regarding my business.Pricing is a key factor as part of the 4 Ps, I must take into account the different types of pricing strategies:* Penetration Pricing: This is where a firm charges a very low price when the product is new to attract customers. Once the product has established, the firm will increase the price. This helps to get brand loyalty. In relevance to my business, this would be a very effective pricing strategy due to t he fact that I would be able to attract customers with my low price and hopefully keep them interested in the snooker hall after increasing the price.* Skimming: This is the opposite of penetration pricing. Firms charge a high price to begin with. This helps the product to seem desirable to people with large incomes. When the product has established the firm will lower the price to help it become a mass-market product. In relevance to my business, this wouldnt be an effective means of pricing my services due to people not being interested if the price is very high. If the price is very high, I feel that the customers will feel that going to my hall wouldnt be worth it.* Destroyer Pricing: This is where firms charge low prices that they know are unprofitable for their competitors. Once they have driven their competitors out of the market they will raise prices. This is illegal. This wouldnt be very effective for my business mainly because its illegal. Also, there is limited competiti on therefore there would be no need to try to drive the customers out of the market.* Price Discrimination: This is where firms charge different prices to different consumers for the same product. I wouldnt charge different prices to different people instead I would charge different prices at different times. So, playing late at night the prices would decrease so the place could become more social. I would concentrate more on discounts and membership in order to attract customers.* Competition Pricing: This is where the firm has to charge similar prices to other firms. It happens when there is lots of choice and not much product differentiation. As stated before, there is limited competition in the area so there would be no need to charge prices the same as competitors as the nearest competitor is miles away.I find that penetration pricing is very applicable to my situation, if I start off at a low price I will be calling the customers in, customers are often more likely to head for the lower prices.As though for terms of promotion, I will be looking at a lot of different types of advertising media:* Television: Advertisements can reach millions can target people who watch particular programmes. It is very expensive. Due to the limited budget I have, I see no need to use television to advertise my business, seeing as theres only my hall and I dont operate as a franchise, there would be no sense in advertising to people in other cities. Also, it is way too expensive and not sensible* Radio: Radio is cheaper and listeners of particular programmes can be targeted, but its sound only and the audience is usually smaller. Radio can be an effective means of targeting local customers. It would be more suitable to use local radio to promote my business rather than using national radio.* Newspaper and Magazines: Its easy to target audience effectively using newspaper and magazines. Theyll often be read more than once, but they are often not in colour and silent. Local n ewspapers and magazines would be a very effective means of advertising my business because they are not so expensive and there is a high audience for newspapers and magazines.* Posters and Billboards: These have a high visual impact, stay in place for a long time and can be seen daily by lots of people. But they are often near roads and drivers only see them for a few seconds so they cant contain too much information. Posters would be useful for promoting my business as they can be seen all over walls but billboards wouldnt be as effective because it would take too long to read them if the customer is a driver.* Cinemas: These have a very high visual and sound impact and particular films can be targeted. Unlike all other media audience can be captivated. Theyre very expensive. I feel that this wouldnt be an effective means to advertise my business because I have a limited budget and this would cost way too much. Also, Im intending to attract local customers and not customers nationw ide.* Leaflets and Junk Mail: These are cheap to produce and distribute and junk mails good for targeting. Theyre easy to ignore. Leaflets would be a very effective means of advertising as long is its targeted at the right audience. Also, its not expensive and it can be useful to use these.Internet: Websites can have a high visual impact, be interactive and link directly to buying the product. But the advert is competing wit a lot of other stuff on the net so it has to really grab people. Internet would be effective because it can make people aware of my company. It doesnt cost too much either.Only a few of the methods of advertising would be cost-effective and good to target audience. They are local radio, newspapers, posters, leaflets and the internet. I feel that using as much as I can in accordance to my budget will help me get the publicity that I wish to attract.The 4 Ps also known as the marketing mix must also be included:* Product: A firm must come up with a product that pe ople will want to buy. It must fulfil some of the customers needs or wants. I feel that by opening this snooker hall I am appealing to many of the citizens who live In the Yardley Area. Opening a pool hall will enable people of the area to enjoy a game of pool whenever they like without having to travel a long distance to play.* Price: he price must be one that the customer thinks is good value for money. This is not the same as being cheap. I feel that by researching the different pricing strategies I will find the certain types of price I wish to charge. I am intending to charge a low price so that it will not deter people visiting the hall.* Promotion: The product must be promoted so that the potential customers are aware that it exists. I am intending to use the most effective means of advertising in such a local area. Research of advertising strategies will help to influence my idea.4 Place: The product must be available for sale in a place that the customer will find convenien t. I have proposed to open my hall on the main road in Yardley thus l leading to the conclusion that it wont be out of the way or hard to find while being convenient.There is also another factor which involves segmentation, here are the types that have been segmented:* Age: The teenage Market or over 55s etc. I am intending for this snooker hall to be open to people of all ages thus leading to age not being a variable.* Social Class: Class A professions down to Class E the unemployed. The hall is intended to be open for anybody who enjoys the game whether they are employed or not is not a matter.Culture or Religion: Different groups have their own unique beliefs. Taking into consideration that there will be a bar and consuming alcohol is prohibited in some religions, the bar will be open so whoever wishes to have a drink can purchase one and there will be many non-alcoholic beverages included.In order to obtain information about what my customers want, I have devised a questionnaire , this will allow to me to get information from customers I need.QuestionnaireHello there, I am intending to open a exquisite restaurant around this area, would you mind filling out this questionnaire please?1) What age group do you belong to?[5-16] [17-30] [31-50] [50+]2) Do you enjoy a night out on the local high street?[Yes/No]3) How often do you go out for a meal?[Once a Week] [Once a Month] if other please specify 4) What price do you normally tend to pay for a meal?Please specify..5) Would you be interested if there was a new restaurant to be opened up inthis local area?[Yes/No]6) Would secure car parking be a vital asset?[Yes/No]7) Would social things such as bars etc. make the place more exciting? [Yes/No]Thankyou for your time.I also took this time to interview a ex owner of a very well appreciated and respected restaurant in the local area.Me What was the core influence for you to open a restaurant?Manager Well, I love to eat out, its one of the things I just love to do, and my wife and I love to go out to eat, but a lot of local fish and chip shops just did not tickle our fancy. This heavily influenced me to open the businessMe: During your launching period which types of media did you find most effective taking into consideration the limit of budget?Manager: I considered all types of media but it was only that I found the major ways of advertising are generally more expensive and not worth it. I felt that flyers, newspapers and radio were the best way to promote the business without compromising on finance.Me: Once your company was flowing, which pricing strategy was used and which was used at the launch stage?Manager: At the launch stage, the most effective pricing strategy was the Penetration pricing. It seemed to attract more customers due to its low price. Once we were flowing and known, we began using increasing the price in order to make more profit to put back into the business.Me: What other features did you find attracted customers?Manag er: Hmm I would have to say that the secure car park and the bar helped much. People generally like the idea that their car is safe and also the bar helps much due to it being a social attraction.Thanks a lot for your supper, I appreciate this dearly.From the interview I can see that pricing and promotion were very important for a well run well respected business, therefore I intend to follow but differ along the way in order to reach this status.Findings AnalysisFrom the questionnaires that were filled in, the results have been placed in a easy-to-view pie chart. This will allow me to make future decisions concerning my business.What Age Group?This pie chart generally shows us that the majority of people who are interested in the business are 17-30 years old. A staggering 65 percent of them were. This shows me the age group and general habits of drinking etc at these ages.Do you enjoy a night out?74% of the people asked enjoyed going out for a meal. This shows me that it can be pro fitable and not a waste of time. Hopefully I am hoping to get more people interested.How often do you tend to go out?From studying this chart, it shows us that the majority of people hardly go out, I think thats due to the fact there are no restaurants near enough. Hopefully with the right means of advertising and the right features it will help attract more customers therefore they will tend to go out more.Would you be interested in a restaurant located here?The majority of the people would be interested in a resaurant located within the specified area. This makes the whole project worth while. Im hoping to make the business seam appealing in order to get others interested.7) Would secure car parking be a vital asset? [Yes/No]This chart has implied that the need for car park is definitely vital in order to attract customers therefore I am intending to include a car park with the restaurant.Would social things such as bars etc. make the place more exciting? [Yes/No]This chart sugges ts that social features arent necessarily vital but would help towards the effort of attracting customers; therefore I am going to include these features.My findings analysis has opened a whole new door of enlightenment for me, it has shown me what my customers want and is now allowing me to make important decisions towards becoming a well known business.Marketing CampaignHere are the decisions I have made, after all of my research I have conducted and all of my findings I have obtained, I feel these are the companies vital decisions regarding the marketing mix( 4 Ps)Price I have chosen to take up penetration pricing, but as I gain more customers and attention I will slowly increase the price, I will do this because as I tart off with a low price I am increasing the customer rate entering my restaurant, and I know that once I achieve customer satisfaction my customers will want to return to my restaurant, increasing the price therefore does not affect anyone.Promotion As for means of advertising, I feel that this is the best way to promote my business, I can make a website for people to access and come and enjoy this experience, a local newspaper which is often read and found in all shops on the High Street can be used, if I place an ad in the newspaper it will broaden and let almost every shopper now about my restaurant. Other successful ways which I hope to try out are radio, its not very expensive but happens to be very effective.Place The location I have chosen is just off the High Street, this proves ideal because t is a very suitable location, I already have a lot of people passing by, groups are bound to take a look. I have also chosen this area because there is a lack of competition, this I hope will make my business successful.Product I am hoping to introduce a exquisite unique restaurant as a new experience for shoppers on the High Street stretching through Moseley and Kings Heath, there will be a lot of events taking place here and I hope to bri ng along celebrities to up my business and increase my popularity along with publicity.EvaluationAfter conducing my research and after clear analysis of my findings it has been made clear what my customers actually do want and what it takes to make a successful business start and to keep it up and running. Preservation is a key factor here.First of all I realised that a car park would be important as people are often willing to travel to enjoy a meal, but I never realised what capacity of people wanted a secure car park.I have also realised that the research I conducted was thorough and precise.If I was to do this whole project over, I would have spent more time on my interview and questionnaire as this has helped me a lot, and I would analyze my findings more thoroughly.I feel that if I had enough capital I could then engage in more serious ways of promoting my business and maybe disperse nationwide becoming well known.

The extent to which supply chain activities within Zara supports its competitive advantage The WritePass Journal

The extent to which supply chain activities within Zara supports its competitive advantage Introduction The extent to which supply chain activities within Zara supports its competitive advantage . Some of its stores operate under the Lefties brand, known for low-cost fashion. It has become a well-known brand globally and one of the biggest success stories in Spanish history (Inditex, 2013; Economist, 2012). The fashion industry in which Zara operates is characterized by intense competition among rivals in the industry with ever changing customer preferences driven by continuous design and output of new fashion items that change every season. This continuous shift challenges the dominance of a company or product in the market over the long term, which can be significant as a competitive advantage in other sectors. The acquisition of competitive advantage in the fashion industry through pricing and production of new lines can hardly be sustained with the intense competition and ever-increasing costs in the competitive business environment (Economist, 2012; Inditex, 2013). Also a major challenge to business in the current business environment is the global economic recession and attendant economic challenges, which has hit the fashion industry’s profitability and growth hard threatening the survival of players in the market, especially the companies serving the wider international m arket (Economist, 2012). Given these challenges threatening sustainability and viability of companies in the long term, it is incumbent upon firms in the fashion industry including Zara to enhance focus on developing and implementing strategies to improve bottom line, enhance profitability and assure revenue growth into the future. Pricing, quality, and new designs/items as potential sources of competitive advantage are challenged by characteristic frequent shifts of the fashion and apparel industry and, therefore, the sustenance of such strategies over the longer term as sources of competitive advantage is hindered. In such a case therefore, a focus on efficiency and effectiveness of the supply chain is a possible strategy that can enable competitiveness especially in this industry, enabling companies to enhance bottom-lines and to realise growth in revenue and profitability essential for any economic venture (Cousins, 2005; HaËškansson and Persson, 2004). Zara, in light of these challenges in its industry, has managed to create and to sustain its breakthrough strategy enabled by its performance of key activities differently, especially enhancing efficiency and effectiveness of its supply chain. This it has achieved through a myriad of strategies at specific points in its manufacturing and distribution including employment of technology, vertical integration, market intelligence and customer service, among several other tweaks of its production and distribution processes (Inditex, 2013; Economist, 2012). Its success, competitive differentiation and positioning which have contributed to its notable customer preference over its close rivals can be attributed to clear focus and vision in its tapping of the power of fashion, finding key activities that matter to customers and enhancing key operational activities, especially its supply chain (Economist, 2012). It has set the challenge for its competitors in the fashion industry who find it difficult to imitate or equal its achievement, its significant competitive advantage in the challenging industry and business environment (Inditex, 2013). The supply chain encompasses a network of relationships between organizations and integrated business processes across the boundaries of individual organizations and/or business units that are involved in providing products and services to customers at the end of the chain (Croom and Romano, 2000). In today’s competitive business environment and challenges threatening profitability and growth as have earlier been outlined, there is need to manage this network and constituent processes so as to ensure a smooth flow of goods and information back and forth from the raw materials through several intermediate entities to the end-users (Handï ¬ eld and Nichols, 2002). This synchronization of supply and demand is essential to enhance efficiency necessary for survival and competitiveness of firms in the market (Ketchen and Giunipero, 2004). A number of theoretical concepts enable the evaluation of the various processes that constitute the supply chain enhancing our understanding of the processes, motives for the engagements in the chain and consequently results expected and obtained. Among the theoretical concepts applicable to Zara’s case are: the Principal-Agent theory, the Transaction cost analysis, the Network Perspective, and the Resource-based view (Svensson, 2002). The Principal-Agent theory (PAT) is based on the separation between the principal and the agent (in this case Zara and the external suppliers and/or its internal production processes) with regard to the control of activities and ownership, and consequently, the resultant problems. Challenges of this separation include the asymmetry in information between the two players, bounded rationality, conflicts in objectives, variations in their risk aversion, their self-interest leading to inconsiderate behaviour, and the uncertainty of outcomes (Croom and Romano, 2000). This theory aims to facilitate the design of efficient contracts to mitigate such challenges and problems through the governance of the relationship between the two parties. An efficient contract would include a mix of incentives, based on behaviour and outcomes, that would motivate the agent to align their actions to the interests of the principal (Handï ¬ eld and Nichols, 2002). The Transaction Cost analysis (TCA) offers an economic approach in the endeavour to determine the boundaries of the firm. Through this, efficiency can be aptly presented as an essential motive for inter-organizational engagements such as those necessary in the supply chain (Frohlich and Westbrook, 2001; Svensson, 2002). Relationships in the supply chain are represented by a hybrid of hierarchies which influence costs of transaction and governance between markets. Through cooperation with entities and partners external to the organization, as well as cooperation of business units within, total transaction costs may be reduced. Commitments that are credible as well as safeguards such as long term contracts and penalties for deviations, sharing of equity, and joint investments that enhance the relationship, are some of the mechanism that can be used to mitigate opportunism (Ketchen and Giunipero, 2004). Also among the theoretical frameworks is the Network Perspective which describes the supply chain as a series of interactions which are reciprocated between institutions, with a firm’s performance depending not only on its partner’s cooperation with it, but also on these partners’ cooperation with their own business partners (Frohlich and Westbrook, 2001). These interactions become important factors in the development of new resources with the value of such resources based on their synergy combined with other resources. Gradually, partners build trust mutually through their social exchanges and cooperative relations (Handï ¬ eld and Nichols, 2002). The resource-Based view is concerned with the competitive advantage obtained from the possession of resources and capabilities which are considered to be a firm’s core competence. Efficiency in this case would not just be related to productivity and mechanisms of operation, building competencies in-house, but could also be obtained through access to core competencies of partner firms in cooperation with it. Decisions for such associations are based on finding complementary competencies among partners through inter-organizational collaborations towards mutual benefit (Handï ¬ eld and Nichols, 2002, Ketchen and Giunipero, 2004). With regard to Zara, and its supply chain, the company has partnered with a number of organizations that enable its successful performance of its production operations (Inditex, 2013; Min and Mentzner, 2004).   In the realization of the potential problems resulting from inefficiencies in dealing with numerous partners in the supply chain such as those envisaged in the Principal-Agent theory, and in an attempt to minimize transaction costs as outlined in the transaction cost analysis theory, Zara has, however, made an attempt to limit its exposure to external players and partners by conducting most of its manufacturing and distribution in-house thus ensuring greater efficiency (Womack and Jones 2003). Through its production facilities, it makes 40% of its fabrics and 60% of its merchandise, a strategy which has also enabled the company to significantly enhance efficiency and therefore competitiveness. This is unlike its closest rivals such as HM which has no factories and therefore employs over 900 suppliers (Inditex, 2013). Key to the fashion industry is the sourcing of inputs such as fabrics and dyes among other goods, as well as services such as labour to enable production. In acknowledgement of the need to tap into core competencies of partners, according to the resource-based view, and into synergies in association with aligned partners envisaged in the Network Perspective theory, Zara partners with contract manufacturers in Turkey and Asia that produce its staple, long shelf-life items such as jeans and t-shirts and a network of local cooperatives that stitch items together after the cutting and dyeing stage (Ketchen and Giunipero, 2004; Inditex, 2013). Also part of its supply chain are the entities that supply its fabrics and dyes which include Zara’s own subsidiary which purchases most of its dyes, and Comditel, a subsidiary of Inditex, through which Zara makes its fabric purchases. All these entities take charge of assigned tasks and the bulky and intensive production process so that Zara can focus on its specialty lines and core business which earns a significant portion of its revenues (Cox, 1999; Inditex, 2013). Zara, in the endeavour to turn its supply chain into a significant source of competitive advantage, has sought to enhance its control over the entire supply chain so as to enhance efficiency overall and thereby enable its substantial differentiation from its rivals in the industry (Womack and Jones 2003; Cox, 1999; Inditex, 2013). To this end, Zara has been quite successful and has managed to sustain its leading position with regard to efficiency and speed in the delivery of new items to stores and the replenishment of stock. Its   industry leading frequency of twice weekly deliveries drives customer preferences and ensures that its stores receives a high number of return visits to its stores by customers, beating industry averages (Economist, 2012). Zara’s value chain linkage, often tweaked to enhance efficiency and performance is a major platform which Zara continues to employ to differentiate itself with its closest rivals (Economist, 2012; Min and Mentzner, 2004). This enhanced efficiency is enabled by vertical integration in which Zara runs its own manufacturing and production facilities; control of crucial production processes; efficient coordination of suppliers and processes through technology; outsourcing to countries close to its headquarters; as well as finely-tuned logistics and its just-in-time manufacturing strategy. Other beneficial strategies include its centralized distribution which has enabled substantial reduction of lead-time and better inventory control; enhanced store management and control with its focus on the full ownership model; as well as a highly flattened hierarchical structure which enhances communication and enables effective conduct of market intelligence (Economist, 2012; Handï ¬ eld and Nichols, 2002). Through these initiatives, Zara has managed to acquire a leadership position in the industry gaining substantial preference, and achieving high growth and profitability (Inditex, 2013). Various theories in literature regarding the management of the supply chain can be useful tools which can be used to enhance understanding of the supply chain. They enable the evaluation of the chain so as to ensure that the company obtains maximum benefit from its management. Useful theories, especially with regard to Zara’s case include the transaction-cost analysis which is concerned with the employment of effective partnerships among players in the supply chain to reduce overall transaction costs; the principal-agent theory which is concerned with the development of efficient contracts to mitigate potential conflicts in supply chain associations and partnerships; the Network perspective which focuses on the wide network of inter-relationships   between two partners in addition to their individual business partners resulting in synergy and the development of new resources through a series of   reciprocated interactions; and the resource-based view which is concerned wit h competitive advantage gained through access to and employment of a partner’s core competencies and the mutual benefit enhancing the relationship. The supply chain when well managed and controlled can be a significant source of competitive advantage as can be seen in Zara’s case in the fashion and apparel industry. Zara’s deliberate strategies to enhance efficiency in its supply chain, made in consideration of the theories outlined above, have been significant factors that have enabled the achievement of its level of competitiveness and given it a strong market presence in the fashion and apparel industry. Through its deliberate endeavour to enhance efficiency in its supply chain, Zara has managed to differentiate itself from its rivals in the industry, as well as to find differences that matter to consumers thereby driving their preference. Consequently, these differences have enabled it achieve its growth and profitability targets. References Cousins, P.D. 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