Journal Of Operations Management Amsterdam -Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss About The Journal Of Operations Management Amsterdam? Answer: Introduction The grocery market of Australia is one of the most organized systems on planet earth. There are two main competitors in the market namely; West farmers and Woolworths who are Coles proprietors and they take 80% of shares in the supermarket, 60% of liquors retail and half the petrols retail. In addition, groceries and supermarkets of Australia face stiff competition(Ramanujan College of Management, 2011). The sales of the company are predicted to be selling at a rate of 2.2% per year in the coming years in order to reach $98.1 billion, which is the market value according to IBIS of 2016. In challenging situations like hard economic environment, management operation is of vital importance in order to help reduce cost and increase efficiency(IGA, 2017). Analysing the following challenges and how they will influence the future of IGA supermarket will identify operation strategies for IGA. These challenges include: Changing Technologies Continued Globalization of markets including 1st and 2nd world entrants Changing customer expectations Changing job designs Quality management Global manufacturing Changing technologies Adoption of new systems of technology will ensure that buyers advance to new ways of buying items such as using of online systems to buy goods and then free or paid home delivery will be done by the IGA chain of supermarkets(IGA News, 2013). These customers will also get to enjoy fresh foods. Some of the ways that this concept will affect the operations in IGA supermarket include the following: Provision of fresh local foods will become the main objective in the supermarkets Consumers will look at the back to basics method of buying goods especially fresh groceries. Provision of locally grown and produced foods in Australia will also help improve the supermarkets. A tenth of the Australian community have the feeling that local foods are important hence want to purchase them more frequently. Redefining of the Australian community. The local centers will come up as new villages of selling greens and items. It will be essential to maintain the local connection of the people. Continued Globalization of markets including 1st and 2nd world entrants Globalization is commonly how different businesses connect all around the world. Stiff Competition in the markets This relates to the price and cost of the products, the markets targeted, quick adaptation to new technologies, faster production of goods and many other factors. The IGA supermarket should incur fewer costs and improve its sales to have large shares in the market(Bayraktar, 1994). Different customers have different tastes and thus different choices this makes their purchasing behaviors quite different. They will always need high quality products with affordable prices. The supermarkets must meet all this needs or the sales will go down leading to low profits or huge losses(Anand Nair, 2015). Hence, IGA must always be ready to meet the preferences of the customers to survive in the stiff competition. Technology exchanges Globalization is all about advancement into the global market and hence need to adopt new methods of technology that can easily venture into the global market. The Internet and electronic commerce are some the major factors that should be considered in the IGA supermarket to ensure expansion into the international markets. Technology is actually one of the basic tools that will help thrive in a competition in the global market. Latest advancements in technology will help increase sales as well as the quality of the products. Globalization has led to intense technology transfer and improvements. Most of the customers expect the best quality of services. Those stores that have invested a lot of capital in the businesses are at a greater risk and need to advance their technologies. These stores will need to have the best management of technology. Changing job designs The design of jobs refers to the plans in a business system that will aim at reducing any dissatisfactions of the employees or minimize alienation of employees due to repetitive or intricacy during jobs. This process of designing jobs will involve providing of rewards to employees and this will help IGA improve the levels of production as well as achieve employee satisfaction(Delloite, 2017). Some of the techniques used in job designs will include the following; enlargement of the job functions, enrichment of the employees, simplifying the jobs and many other techniques. Changing customer expectations Most buyers as well as the consumers of certain products and services expect quick delivery of services. Since connection among people is at least everywhere nowadays, customers will need their goods to be delivered at once or they look for alternative stores. After a research on consumers and business buyers in different regions results showed that 65% of the consumers and around 81% of buyers in businesses stated that they will always want companies to respond very quickly and interact with their buyers. To meet the above expectations then companies will have to adequately understand the necessary appropriate responses they are supposed to offer(Grson Tontini, 2017). Additionally, business managers will also need to consider the responses from their employees. Expectations that match among many consumers indicate that something needs to be done. 81% of consumers need a certain report to be clarified. As per now this is the norm in the market, as consumers will always want quick responses Anticipatory and predictive service is currently the rule by most people Customers will always look at the future as well as anticipate for good services. 76% of the buyers expect that by the year 2020 the companies will be able to anticipate want they really want and even be able to make suggestions before they contact them, while 72% of this buyers expect that in case they buy products and they are not the right ones then companies will make sure they are replaced even before reaching out to the customers(Han, 2015). However, it is important that a company predicts the needs of customers and do well prescription actions to be done. They should appropriately manage the existing data of the customers that will enable them do all the prediction of the needs. Management and processing of knowledge Good management of knowledge about the consumers will ensure that these employees are in access to accurate, consistent and necessary data essential for good job performance and efficiency. Through this, GA supermarkets will realize their benefits at a very large scale. The management of processes in the organization will look at the activities but not the results. This looks at the methods and behaviors to do certain activities. It will also include activities that aim at reducing variations as well as improving the quality of the products(IGA, 2017). Successful management of the processes and knowledge in IGA will monitor the data as well as doing of operations effectively. The high cost of purchasing of equipment as well as inventory costs will be reduced. Mistakes in the processes will also be corrected when found. Monitoring of the information and efficient controlling of the process will improve the processes. Efficient management of the process and knowledge will help reduce t he negative impacts on the environment surrounding IGA supermarkets. As these processes are to enhance prevention on the environment then the costs will be reduced and the profits increased. Strategic Quality planning This will include the mission, vision and the values of the IGA supermarket. These visions look at the concept of quality in these supermarkets. Effective quality planning will be to put more efforts on to the employees who will enable development of the mission, vision and the objectives. The quality planning will also look at the effect of the supermarkets onto the environment due to production and conducting of other services. This improves the responsibility of the supermarkets in the community. Global manufacturing The growing global markets make most of the firms need to improve their physical and human resources as well as its infrastructures so that they can easily respond to the customers needs at the same time exploiting changes in the technology(Ramanujan College of Management, 2011). GA will have to obtain skilled work force that is able to combine the different technologies and skills to ensure success. Adapting to the new technologies will help ensure all the different sectors in IGA are successful. The researching processes, innovation processes, the production processes and many others will all need to go hand in hand with the technological improvements. Other systems should also help reduce the wastes and if possible recycle any physical wastes. In order to handle these challenges IGA supermarket will have to put in place the following areas of Operations Management to assist in the success business Process Selection, Design and Analysis(Independent grocers of Australia) The design can be defined as the way the arrangement of organizations operation functions and activities of a business is done. In this review, we will discuss the layout design of IGA in three perspectives. First and foremost, the sourcing function has been a backbone to the development of IGA. The organization has taken several steps and stages to strategies their process of sourcing. There is an independent standard in the sourcing of the main commodities and raw materials, which has an assured sustenance(Anand Nair, 2015). Thirty-five raw materials and one hundred different products of different brands have been included in the sourcing outline. IGA has ensured sustained selling of seafood. To ensure the sustained selling of the seafood, it has enhanced and empowered market campaigns. This organization has also sold over one billion pound products fairly. The sales of foods from Britain have also doubled. Additionally, fish and seafood, meat and other products are bought from suppliers who maintain a high standard in their goods. Second, Corporate social responsibility to the entire environment and the community has been a key element to the development of this organization. The IGA has shown its respect to the community by doing business through measures that are friendly to the environment. It has ensured appropriate use of any waste materials. In 2010, this organization ensured zero wastage of food and raw materials(Bayraktar, 1994). The own packaging process by the consumers had 50 percent reduction in the year 2013 as compared to 2005. This organization in that same year introduced smaller carrier bags that saved approximately 125 tons of plastic and also 68 tons of carbon. For sure, this organization is impacting positively to the communities and the society at large(Subodha Kumar, 2017). Additionally, this organization has also encouraged millions of children in schools to undertake exercises by organizing games such as the Paralympic games held in 2012 and the Race to Rio helping children especially t hose from poor backgrounds. In 2013, it made donations of over 500 million pounds as charity to help alleviate poverty and construct the community. Third, this organization also aims at developing the skills and expertise of people to ensure continued success and development of the society and itself. Over 71,000 jobs have been created by this organization and also over 50 percent of the people employed by the IGA have undergone enough training even in external institutions. Additionally, approximately 21,000 workers are assured of twenty years of service in that organization. It has also created job opportunities for those people disabled or with some disadvantages. Goods and Service design Customers will tend to want to know where the goods they purchase come from and want to know the integrity and credibility of the companies they buy from. After purchasing goods for some time a customer will tend to put trust in the company he /she has been purchasing and thus this company should ensure that it provides high quality products by enhancing integrity between itself and the farmers or the suppliers who provide those goods. This study shows that the organization mainly manages the product it receives in three ways. First, the organizations main objective is to provide choices that are healthy to its customers. IGA introduced the nutritional color labeling that was coded on its packages(IGA News, 2013). Over 10,000 goods that were on market had labeling that helped customers have direct and clear knowledge of the goods they were purchasing. Additionally, this organization proposed that there should be reduced salt content on products and also alcoholic products should be re-labeled. For instance, bacon produced by IGA contains 33 percent less salt as compared to the original ones. This organization also has an aim of doubling soft alcoholic drinks within the next few years. The second way is that this organization is aimed at providing safe goods to its customers(Ramanujan College of Management, 2011). This organization plans to double the quantity of food from Britain in the next few years so that its c ustomers obtain clean, safe and fresh products. Currently, it is retailing homegrown pears and apples as well as 65 other varieties at a very large scale. In the year 2013, it was the best retailer for obtaining its chickens and pork locally. Easy transportation, reliable domestic products and deep integration with its local customers has helped this organization expand its business. Thirdly, the IGAs main objective is to provide goods and services of high standard. It has organized training to both the suppliers and the farmers and this has facilitated high quality production, easy sourcing of products and meeting of the standards required. This organization also sets standards on its goods, which help in improving the quality of products. Customers will help determine development processes in an organization as they act as the driving force for that organization. Most of the customers of the IGA are mainly those from the retailing industry though this structure is actually changing. The organization main goal is that it knows its customers more than itself(Gregory, 2017). The last major reason in the management of the customers is creating interest to the customers as well as satisfying the customers. This organization is aimed at making a difference not only to the products and services provided but also to the colleagues, customers and the relationship between all this people. To ensure that customers are adequately satisfied the IGA ensures production of better products at fair prices. Customers also have different channels of purchasing such as the stores, supermarkets and even online. The design of the layout and the queue management as discussed in this review form the foundation of IGA launching of its operations in management. The review on the product and customer management in this article indicates that these two processes require keen following of management procedures and strategies(Grson Tontini, 2017). Bottom line, an organization will be required to have a vision, goal and good businesses policies and strategies so that there is development. The IGA understands that the customers vary in taste and fashion and so does the workers. This makes them use an approach of differentiating, where customers are able to select the products they really need, while the workers can effectively work regarding the requirements of the customers. This approach also helps enhance interaction between the customers and the organization. For instance, labeling of the nutritional information on the products will help the customers spend less time. This layout design, the queue management process, and product and customer management have actually helped in improving the performance of the businesses. Increased profits and market shares is an indicator that this organization is developing(Delloite, 2017). Though, there is stiff competition that leads to troubles at the same time leading to high strategizing of businesses. Therefore, it is good to say that with appropriate management operations then a business will improve its performance. Supply Chain Design Strategy Organization refers to how businesses withstand and prosper for a longer period of time. A decision, which is strategic, can have an adverse effect on the performance of the business. Good business result is determined by the way business is operating, structured and how the resources are handled. It is beneficial for the operation manager to manage the procedures of the business, how organizations create and supply goods and services to the customer. Apart from that, resource handling along the processes in a company is very important(Ren, 2008). Products are transferred throughout from the manufacturer to the customer. Those procedures involve all departmental sections, from finance and marketing human resource management. To understand the very stiff advantages of IGA, value chain of business is studied using MI generic value chain model of Michael Porter (1985). Value chain operations for an airline company is divided into four major sections namely; Infrastructural Firm , Human Resource Managements, development of technology and procurements. Of the four sections, firm infrastructural, Human Resource Management, development of technology and procurement are grouped as support activities whereas actions in the down row are grouped as basic activities. Supermarket Value Chain Basic operations in the chain comprise of logistic, outbound logistic and marketing services. Operations show activities that change resources to products. Sales marketing refer to how businesses persuade customers to purchase their goods and services (Gregory, 2017). In the chain value of supermarkets or groceries companies, inbound logistic refers to transporting raw materials, products and other services which are always useful ingredients for a supermarket to carry out its business operations. Location of suppliers, costs of hiring trucks, costs of purchasing a warehouse, must be taken into consideration so as to ensure transportation of goods and services to have the most profits. In addition to that, logistical activities are mainly supported through Technology. IGA can use the help of todays technology to make improvements in truck routes(Han, 2015). Various operations are done after inbound logistic to ensure the quality product. Firstly, managers and specialists of food are needed to test and check the quality of the product. Products range and products brand must be selected with care. In this scenario, IGA mostly sells products manufactured by their own brands name and buy inventories from Metcash. This enhances good quality control. Thereafter, products are supplied from outbound logistic to different local warehouses. To enable stiff competition, effectiveness of the supply chain is regarded as the determining key factor. Therefore, different food manufacturers and suppliers have joined to increase productivity via group planning, forecast and replenishing (CPFR). In our case, IGA is applying the CPFR strategies with Metcash. From the proposed value chain above, IGA supermarkets must develop operational strategies to the business to maximize the efficiency. Operation of IGAs strategies will be analysed using Hill Strategy Development Framework. This is a repetitive design connecting several targets of businesses and in that design there will be routes of businesses, different strategies of markets, competing methods and guidelines on operations that will help the business compete effectively. The framework formed by Hill consists of five well-defined processes. By using the above framework, the strategy of operations of IGA can be described in the table below Corporation objectives have been defined above, which describes the business performance indicators and direction and where the objectives in the business can be well analyzed. This step is based on both the external and internal environment of a business. They include some various financial indicators such as the revenue, profit or even the norms of employees or even their standards like the skills and policies in that business. As per the objectives, the other sections comprising of the marketing strategies, qualification of order and good strategy operations have been well planned(IGA, 2017). The strategies in marketing will involve searching of markets and identifying of a business that will thrive in a particular market. Qualifiers of order and the winners of order is a process of identifying the gap between the capability of businesses and their targets. This is achieved by looking at the strategies necessary in developing of products so that they win over competitors. The performance of operations and their competitiveness can be measured in five ways: Quality, cost, speed, flexibility and dependability. IGA is currently doing its operations in most parts of Australia and even the entire Australia so that customers can access their goods faster and easily. To enhance that, this organization has maintained production of products under its own name as well as the products of Metcash(Gregory, 2017). Howev er, the stores are owned and operated separately and independently. These stores operate on their own inventories and thus can incorporate products other than those from Metcash. This makes the stores flexible and also allows the customers have an easier time while purchasing. IGA is advantaged since it incurs low operational costs. The Metcash also mentions the cost of doing business in the annual reports. Additionally, more than 950 stores ensure that the price on products is low since they undergo price match program. From the above table, it can be clearly seen that affordable prices, the quality of the services and the integrity by the organization are the major issues targeted. These organizations have an aim of improving their performance and thus are very keen on improving the communities they are staged in. Metcash donated two million dollars to the communities last year(Lombardo, 2017). There is also creation of job opportunities by ensuring training and adequate developmental programs. The IGA also encourages people to engage in various community activities as well as internal system activities and online learning. Conclusion Businesses and organizations especially IGA has to realize that efficient operations, optimization of costs and appropriate selling processes are key determinants to the success of business. Steady investments and efforts are essential in business operations. To enhance effective business operations then low transportation costs and better marketing strategies are required. Advanced technologies will also help in making business operations more efficient. To ensure growth and reduce competition then the supermarkets could also be placed strategically in areas that are convenient for both suppliers and customers. References Anand Nair, F. R.-T., 2015. A Complex Adaptive Systems Paradigm for Operations Supply Chain Issues, Michigan : Michigan State University. Bayraktar, E., 1994. New Challenges Opportunities for Operations Practitioners in the New Millennium. Retrieved from https://www.opf.slu.cz/vvr/akce/turecko/pdf/Bayraktar.pdf Delloite, 2017. Strategy and Operations case studies. [Online] Retrieved from https://www2.deloitte.com/au/en/pages/strategy/articles/case-studies-strategy-operations.html Grson Tontini, J. D. P., 2017. Improvement gap analysis. Managing Service Quality: An International Journal, 20(6), pp. 5-7. Gregory, L., 2017. 10 Decisions of Operations Management, Productivity. Retrieved from https://panmore.com/google-10-decisions-areas-operations-management-productivity Han, E., 2015. Regular return as IGA customers stay loyal but Aldi shoppers sample other aisles. Retrieved from https://www.smh.com.au/business/retail/regular-return-as-iga-customers-stay-loyal-but-aldi-shoppers-sample-other-aisles-20150907-gjhcqj.html IGA News, 2013. IGA Launches IGA Performance Insights Marketing Program. Retrieved from https://www.iga.com/Corporate/Corporate_News/Press_Room/20130501_-_IGA_Launches_IGA_Performance_Insights_Marketing_Program.aspx IGA, 2017. Our Brands. Retrieved from: https://www.iga.com.au/our-brands/ Olhager, S. S., 2017. Operations Management Research, Netherlands: Springer International Publishing . Lombardo, J., 2017. Toyotas Operations Management, 10 Decisions, Productivity. Retrieved from https://panmore.com/toyota-operations-management-10-decisions-areas-productivity [Accessed 4 10 2017]. Manoshi Perera, S. S. K. a. J. W., 2004. Analysis of Vegetable Supply Chains of Supermarkets in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan Journal of Agricultural Economics, 6(1), pp. 5-10. Mitchell, S., 2015. Metcash's biggest IGA chain sees light at end of tunnel. Retrieved from https://www.smh.com.au/business/retail/metcashs-biggest-iga-chain-sees-light-at-end- Ramanujan College of Management, 2011. Why Operations Management is Important for a Company. Retrieved from https://www.ramanujan.edu.in/rcm/sites/default/files/Why%20Operations%20Management%20is%20Important%20for%20a%20Com Ren, C., 2008. Research on VRPTW optimizing based on k-means clustering and IGA for electronic commerce Retrieved from https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/4582481/ Smith, C., 2012. Aldi Australia Case. Retrieved from https://www.slideshare.net/ChrishanSmith/aldi-australia-case-part-1 Subodha Kumar, S. N. F. S., 2017. Special Issue on Innovation in Supply Networks in Journal of Operations Management, Amsterdam: Elsevier.

Industrial Organizational Psychology Samples †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about theIndustrial Organizational Psychology. Answer: Working conditions The working conditions play a pivotal role in the market growth and sustenance of a company. The basic problems related to the work environment of Foxconn are longer working hours, lack of sufficient skills in the employees, communication gaps within the workforce. However, as argued by Bergman Jean (2016), the applied problems based on the field of work are much more complex in nature. These include recruitment, placement, training and performance measurements. Foxconn have recently faced some of the loopholes related to the balancing of work related stress due to working for longer hours. Stress at the place of work is one of the indispensable hazards. It not only affects the job satisfaction but also has an adverse impact on the health of an employee. In this respect, stress may arise due to a mismatch between the demand and pressure levied upon the employee and the ability to cope up with the same. As mentioned by Gereffi Lee (2016), the Industrial Organizational (I/O) psychologists can play a crucial role in effective stress management by providing the employees with the required amount of training. Safety and health The management of health and safety concerns at the workplace is one of the distinguishing features of Industrial organisational psychology. As commented by Sanz-Calcedo et al. (2015), a healthy workforce helps in enhancing the productivity of an organization. For the purpose of which Occupational health and safety management practices need to be implemented by Foxconn. Thus, conducting workplace surveys by Foxconn Human resource managers and I/O psychologists have revealed the lack of organizational frameworks. Thus, incorporating health and safety factor (legislation) and regulatory and non-regulatory frameworks within the organization could prevent injuries and accidents. Some of the important legislations implemented by the Department of Occupational Safety, Malaysia are Occupational Health and Safety Act (1994), Factories and Machinery Act (1967). Industrial relations and integration of workers Industrial organizational culture refers to the study of behaviour depicted by the staff within an organisational setting. The I/O psychologists play a pivotal role in the integration of the workers within the organizational culture. In this respect, conflicting situation often arises in the implementation of revised HRM policies within an organization. As commented by Santos et al. (2013), collectively bargained agreements and resistance offered by existing labour forces often possess hindrances in achieving the desired outcome. The Foxconn group of companies need to maintain clear and transparent integration process within the workforce by bringing about a mutual consent within the workforce. However, lack of consent regarding organizational policies within the HRM and the workforce of Foxconn has resulted in major hindrances. Living conditions The current Malaysian electronic market has seen the problem of forced labour. In this context, many of the employees had to reportedly pay an exorbitant amount of fees for getting into electronic companies and were stuck without proper documents. Foxconn has been a long time contributor in the Malaysian electronics market in terms of providing affordable electronic products. However, the Foxconn group of companies lack proper documentation procedures for the absorption of its employees. The HRM and the I/O specialists can apply survival theories for providing the employees with more space and freedom within the organisation. This helps in preserving a positive organizational culture and maximizes the productivity of the workforce. References Bergman, M. E., Jean, V. A. (2016). Where have all the "workers" gone? A critical analysis of the unrepresentativeness of our samples relative to the labour market in the industrialorganizational psychology literature. Industrial and Organizational Psychology,9(1), 84-113. Earle, T. (2016).The Use Of Hypnosis As An Adjunct To Cognitive--Behavioural Therapy In Treatment Of Problem Gambling Developed As Stress Management Following A Workplace Injury. Australian Journal of Clinical Experimental Hypnosis,41(1). Gereffi, G., Lee, J. (2016). Economic and social upgrading in global value chains and industrial clusters: Why governance matters.Journal of Business Ethics,133(1), 25-38. Guzzo, R. A., Fink, A. A., King, E., Tonidandel, S., Landis, R. S. (2015). Big data recommendations for industrialorganizational psychology.Industrial and Organizational Psychology,8(4), 491-508. Jacobs, S., Johnson, S., Hassell, K. (2017). Managing workplace stress in community pharmacy organisations: lessons from a review of the wider stress management and prevention literature.International Journal of Pharmacy Practice. Santos, G., Barros, S., Mendes, F., Lopes, N. (2013). The main benefits associated with health and safety management systems certification in Portuguese small and medium enterprises post quality management system certification.Safety Science,51(1), 29-36. Sanz-Calcedo, J. G., Gonzlez, A. G., Lpez, O., Salgado, D. R., Cambero, I., Herrera, J. M. (2015). Analysis on integrated management of the quality, environment and safety on the industrial projects.Procedia Engineering,132, 140-145. Wagner, I., Lillie, N. (2014). European integration and the disembedding of labour market regulation: transnational labour relations at the European Central Bank construction site.JCMS: Journal of Common Market Studies,52(2), 403-419. Yoon, S. J., Lin, H. K., Chen, G., Yi, S., Choi, J., Rui, Z. (2013). Effect of occupational health and safety management system on work-related accident rate and differences of occupational health and safety management system awareness among managers in South Korea's construction industry. Safety and health at work,4(4), 201-209.

Gaming Console (Android) Essay Example Essay Example

Gaming Console (Android) Essay Example Paper Gaming Console (Android) Essay Introduction In our generation, many application programs are being developed and are widely used in our industry, economy, education, and others; in short, application programs are now being part of our everyday life. In addition to this, many games are being created and developed with the use of different application programs more specifically the Android application program. The innovation and development of many application programs enhances the creativity and developmental skills of the programmers to make a more advanced and high class type of game. Android is from Google, and it has the most detailed interface of the available operating systems. It was released by Google in 2008 and became the No. 1 smartphone OS in the world. Because of its flexibility, you can set it up to meet your needs. Android is the most popular smartphone platform followed by IOS that is the easiest to learn, but Android offers more flexibility and control. On android phones, apps, games and content like movies and music are being sold in a one unified marketplace; it’s the Google Play Store. The apps and games in this store are about 675,000 which is just below the number of its competing company; the Apple’s App Store. Today, if people knows that you have a mobile phone that has an Android application program, people are amazed and is wanting to see the different features of that Android application program. So, the researcher became curious about the features of an Android operating system; more specifically the games because basically, when you’ve heard the word â€Å"Android apps†, you will definitely think about the game features of it. Gaming Console (Android) Essay Body Paragraphs When it comes to games, according to Jeffrey Van Camp, the Google Play store still pales in comparison to Apple’s thriving iPhone game selection, but it’s making up ground and many iOS developers are porting their games over. Things are beginning to change for gamers on Android. Our world is going crazy about smartphones and apps, the Android and iOS being two major rivals in the battle of mobile operating systems, their hardware and software technology had became close enough to give console quality gaming on tablets and smartphones. Thanks to the game developers who have used the hardware potential on such devices and made it possible to run HD games on these handsets. Although most smartphones are capable enough to run all sorts of games, but there exists a group of people who just exclusively love gaming on their Android or iOS devices and as a result gaming console projects have emerged to bring console gaming back on mobile devices. There was a time when Sony and Nintendo dominated the console gaming but now there are smart phones and wide availability of games in app store that match their experience stealing all the spot light from these pioneers. Companies like Nvidia are showing keen interest in mobile gaming consoles looking at their future. Android being open source has become a platform for mobile gaming consoles besides ability to run normal apps. Here are a few experimental mobile (Android) gaming console projects that will be available in 2013, 1. Nvidia Shield Nvidia shield has a gaming controller based design with 5 inch 1280 X 720 HD display and pixel density of 294 ppi. The console runs on powerful Nvidia Tegra 4 quad-core ARM A15 processor with 2 GB RAM and a 72 core GeForce GPU. The console comes with 16 GB of flash storage and Bluetooth, GPS and Wi-Fi. The sensors included are gyro and accelerometer, it has integrated speakers and it is a fully functional console with Dual analog joysticks, D-pad, Left/right analog triggers, Left/right bumpers, A/B/X/Y buttons, Volume control, Android Home and Back buttons, Start button and NVIDIA power/multi-function button. The console has dimensions 158mm (w) x 135mm (D) x 57mm (H) and weighs 579 grams. The battery capacity is 28. 8 watt hours. The console runs on Android 4. 2 stock JellyBean and supports Google Play, Tegra zone and comes with 2 pre-installed games. The console supports micro USB, micro SD storage card, 3. 5 mm headphone jack, mini HDMI output and ability to stream content and games wirelessly to your TV. The console has a price tag of 349 USD. 2. Quya Quya is a beautiful, affordable and hack able gaming console on Android for TV. The console runs on Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core processor with 1 GB of RAM and GeForce GPU. The console runs Android 4. and 8 GB of internal flash storage, Bluetooth 4. 0, Wi-Fi, Ethernet and USB 2. 0. The console has Wireless controller with standard controls (two analog sticks, d-pad, eight action buttons, a system button) and a touch-pad. Others features of Quya is that every game is free to try, if you like that game, then you can buy it using credit or debit card. In addition to gaming, users can stream movies, shows and music right from their console. The memory is expandable via USB. Quya also helps you to create the game using your ideas and free Quya tools. You can even root it or add peripherals and that doesn’t tamper the warranty of Quya. You can buy the console at 99 USD, 49 USD for extra controller. 3. Game stick Ever thought of turning your TV into a gaming console just by plugging USB stick, Game stick is all about this. Plug the game stick to your TV HDMI port and it turns into a gaming console; controller comes with Bluetooth game pad. The console by PlayJam does have option of multi-functional dock that is available at Amazon that can wirelessly charge game stick and add up to 64GB of storage. Dock is also equipped with one HDMI, 3 USB ports and one Ethernet port. You can even add peripherals using dock or just use game stick and Bluetooth enabled game controller to play games on your TV. The standard bundle of game stick with game pad at $79 USD is not a bad deal. If you wish you can buy the multi-functional dock for 24. 99 USD to add more peripherals to your game stick. http://thetecnica. com/2013/05/future-of-mobile-gaming-with-android-gaming-console-project 1. 1. ) Rationale for this research Because of the continuous innovation and development of technology in our generation, many application programs are being created to make our life easier and convenient. Technology affects our everyday lives. Many people nowadays are having a pleasure time playing different applications and games on their mobile phones. They find it great and relaxing when they are playing games. For an individual that is only playing games on their mobile, it is an indication that he/she doesn’t take seriously the problems that he/she encounter in hi/her life which is one of the best way to enjoy life that God has given to us. The researcher thought about the game features of the most popular operating system for smartphone nowadays; the Android operating system (Android 4. 1 a. k. a Jelly Bean). The researcher wants to determine the different gaming consoles in an Android mobile. For us to have a more convenient and easeful access to the game features in Android mobiles, we need to know every data in the gaming console features of it. In studying this research, it is more helpful in the future for research and development of games in Android mobile if there’s an additional gaming console article or research about it. For future problems or inquiries regarding this matter, it can help people to have innovated further the games in Android because Android is an open source, it can be modified or anyone can develop its software. This research seeks to add to the body of knowledge in the field of game console applications in Android. 1. 2. ) Stat ement of the problem This study aims to have information about gaming console in Android mobiles. Specifically, the study sought to answer the following questions: 1. Requirement Analysis, Design and Development . 1 What are the features of each available game consoles of Android? 1. 2 What are the designs of each game console application? 1. 3 How many Android games can be installed in every Android mobile? 2. Evaluation of the game console applications of Android 2. 1 What is the level of awareness of the respondents on the existence of Android games? 2. 2 How do the respondents rate the level of importance of the Android games in term of the following features? 2. 2. 1 Interface; 2. 2. 2 Functionality; 2. 2. 3 Availability; and 2. 2. Accessibility 2. 3 How do the respondents rate the level of effectiveness of the game console application of Android? 2. 4 What is the level of acceptance of the respondents to the game console applications of Android? 1. 3. ) Objectives The objectiv e of this research was: 1. In conducting this research, it seeks to determine the gaming console applications in Android mobile. 2. To add to a body of knowledge for the people to have information for future inquiries and problems about gaming console applications in Android mobiles. . A very careful survey to determine the response, awareness and acceptance of people for gaming consoles in Android mobile. 1. 4. ) Methodology This presents the research method used, the respondents of the study, instrumentation, data gathering techniques and procedures, the statistical treatment of data, software development methodology, and the technologies proposed to be used for development. Before going further on the discussion of this chapter, the process on how the research was conducted are as follows: 1. The researcher will be using books, internet and other professionals as reference to know the important information about the gaming consoles in Android mobile. If it needs to hire an IT exp ert for the researcher to have knowledge about it, then it may do. 2. The researcher will also use survey and questionnaires to determine how the respondents rate the level of importance of the Android game consoles in terms of the following features: 1. Interface 2. Functionality 3. Availability 4. Accessibility 1. 5. ) We will write a custom essay sample on Gaming Console (Android) Essay Example specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Gaming Console (Android) Essay Example specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Gaming Console (Android) Essay Example specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer

Definition of Consumption within Sociology

Definition of Consumption within Sociology In sociology, consumption is about so much more than just taking in or using up resources. Humans consume to survive, of course, but in todays world, we also consume to entertain and amuse ourselves, and as a way to share time and experiences with others. We consume not only material goods but also  services, experiences, information, and cultural products like art, music, film, and television. In fact, from the sociological perspective, consumption today is a central organizing principle of social life. It shapes our everyday lives,  our values, expectations and practices, our relationships with others, our individual and group identities, and our overall experience in the world. Consumption According to Sociologists Sociologists recognize that many aspects of our daily lives are structured by consumption. In fact, Polish sociologist Zygmunt Bauman wrote in the book Consuming Life that Western societies are no longer organized around the act of production, but instead, around consumption. This transition began in the United States in the mid-twentieth century,  after which most production jobs were moved overseas, and our economy shifted to retail and the provision of services and information. As a consequence, most of us spend our days consuming rather than producing goods. On any given day, one might travel to work by bus, train, or car; work in an office that requires electricity, gas, oil, water, paper, and a host of consumer electronics and digital goods; purchase a tea, coffee, or soda; go out to a restaurant for lunch or dinner; pick up dry cleaning; purchase health and hygiene products at a drug store; use purchased groceries to prepare dinner, and then spend the evening watching television, enjoying social media, or reading a book. All of these are forms of consumption. Because consumption is so central to how we live our lives, it has taken on great importance in the relationships we forge with others. We often organize visits with others around the act of consuming, whether that be sitting down to eat a home-cooked meal as a family, taking in a movie with a date, or meeting friends for a shopping excursion at the mall. In addition, we often use consumer goods to express our feelings for others through the practice of gift-giving, or notably, in the act of proposing marriage with an expensive piece of jewelry. Consumption is also a central aspect of the celebration of both secular and religious holidays, like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Halloween. It has even become a political expression, like when we buy ethically produced or sourced goods, or engage in a boycott of a certain product or brand. Sociologists also see consumption as an important part of the process of forming and expressing both individual and group identities. In Subculture: The Meaning of Style, sociologist Dick Hebdige observed that identity is often expressed through fashion choices, which allows us to classify people as hipsters or emo, for example. This happens because we choose consumer goods that we feel say something about who we are. Our consumer choices are often meant to reflect our values and lifestyle, and in doing so, send visual signals to others about the kind of person we are. Because we associate certain values, identities, and lifestyles with consumer goods, sociologists recognize that some troubling implications follow the centrality of consumption in social life. We often make assumptions, without even realizing it, about a person’s character, social standing, values, and beliefs, or even their intelligence, based on how we interpret their consumer practices. Because of this, consumption can serve processes of exclusion and marginalization in society  and can lead to conflict across lines of class, race or ethnicity, culture, sexuality, and religion. So, from the sociological perspective, theres much more to consumption than meets the eye. In fact, theres so much to study about consumption that theres a whole subfield dedicated to it: the sociology of consumption.

Interest Rate SWAPS Literature review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Interest Rate SWAPS - Literature review Example According to Pelsser (2000) the market related to derivative securities has been stated to be perceived similar to an insurance market in relation to the considered financial risks. The rapid rate of globalisation in terms of the capital markets has resulted in a significant rise in the level of volatility related to interest rate across the globe. Numerous companies displayed a preference in favour of purchasing insurance in opposition to the rising improbability and instability with regard to the market linked to interest rate. Owing to this particular rationale, the market related to interest rate derivatives witnessed a sharp rise and development during the past two decades (Crotty & North Carolina State University, 2006). It was stated by Whaley (2006) that interest rate derivatives are referred to those kind of derivatives which are supposed to make available the pay-offs that are ascertained by the way of alterations that takes place in the interest rates. The similar derivati ve products that were made use of with the intention to handle and deal with the risks related to foreign exchange were found to posses the competence of managing the risks related to interest rates as well (Kohn, 1990). The popular form of derivative product that was found to be used in this context was the interest rate swaps. ... The advantage of tailoring or modifying the risks associated with interest rates in accordance with the requirements of a particular risk manager was attributed to be the major cause behind its popularity. Interest rate swaps have been recognised to be the most extensively applied form of interest rate derivative (Grant & Marshall, 1997; Bodnar & et. al., 1995; Moffet & Karlsen, 1994). Interest rate swap has been stated to be quite an effectual instrument. It is competent of being structured at quite a decreased degree of cost and is also supposed to be less pricey in comparison to a fresh loan with a fixed rate (Schaeffer & Ludwig, 1993). According to Coyle (2001), the concept of interest rate swap is referred to the swap over of payment of interests based on a theoretical amount with regard to the principal. In such instances, one particular party is believed to disburse a preset interest rate with regard to the principal amount for the duration in relation to the swap. Similarly, the other involved party continues disbursing a floating interest rate which is attuned or rather periodically altered. The notion of interest rate has been explained as the sum of money or funds that is assured to be paid by a particular borrower to the concerned lender. The usage or the execution of an interest rate is learnt to be dependent on the degree of relative credit risk as it is believed that the more the expected degree of credit risk, the rate of interest that is assured by the specific borrower also soars and gets increased in relation to it. The interest rate swap is considered to be quite popular and has been stated to be amongst the chief

Using the Concept of Network Externalities in Detecting Monopolistic Essay

Using the Concept of Network Externalities in Detecting Monopolistic Practices as in the Case of Microsoft Company - Essay Example they are connected in a virtual network. Examples of compatible products are computer hardware and software, phonographs and records, and television sets and programing. In extreme cases, network externalities may cause markets to fail as when an inferior product ‘tips’ the network towards adopting it over a superior product because it arrived first (Page & Lopatka, 1999, p.955). A market is said to have ‘tipped’ when it settles on a single standard for a product, such as software platforms (p.960). Proposition: ‘Microsoft acted illegally to extend its monopoly power.’ Corporate acts deemed anticompetitive are those that foster competition not on the merits, and lead to insufficient distribution compensation. An example is when a sufficiently large number of distributors agree to exclusivity over a sufficiently lengthy period, because this tends to drive rival firms out of the market. Distributors who have not by then signed up with the dominant firm will then have to pay a monopoly price (Rasmusen, Ramseyer & Wiley, 1991). Microsoft, as dominant firm intending to defend its market position, undertook four actions with regard to Internet Explorer (IE) vis-a-vis original dominant browser, Netscape Navigator: (1) Microsoft invested massively in browser technology; (2) IE was zero-priced; (3) Microsoft signed exclusive distribution contract with Internet access providers; and (4) Microsoft bundled IE with Windows. The court found that investment in browser technology and zero pricing were not uncompetitive, but declared exclusive distribution contracts and tying or bundling arrangements as uncompetitive (Klein, 2001, pp.46-47). Arguments in favor of illegality Microsoft engaged in actively ‘tipping’ the market, thus preventing the adoption of what could...This paper offers a comprehensive review of the concept of network externalities and its practical applications in helping to detect the uncompetitive actions f rom companies. Using the example of the Microsoft company, the essay exhibits its possible excessive use of dominant market position, through the help of provisions of network externalities theory In separate cases, governments (the US and EU) and attorneys in class action suits claimed that Microsoft’s contracts with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) were exclusionary and anticompetitive, thereby maintaining its operating system (OS) and later its internet browser. These allegedly caused consumers to pay higher prices, discouraged innovation, and restricted trade in violation of the Sherman Act. Microsoft countered that it was not a monopoly because it still faced strong competition in a dynamic industry; its success was procompetitive because consumers benefited from its software distribution; and imposition of antitrust remedies would reduce innovation instead of encouraging it. Corporate acts deemed anticompetitive are those that foster competition not on the merits, and lead to insufficient distribution compensation. Microsoft’s OS provided a platform with network and family effects, and its contracts, while exhibiting some arguably anticompetitive characteristics such as imposing penalties, also includes terms that provide exceptional value to its customers that, as in the case of AOL, tangibly improve their businesses.

Place Your Vote Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Place Your Vote - Essay Example Why energy is an important factor to consider when electing a presidentI would like to bring back some memories that most Americans would love to erase from their memories. This concerns the high oil prices that were experienced during Bush’s tenure in White House in 2008. This is a clear indication of the intricate nature of the oil prices to the American economy. Schoen (2008) while talking about the price increases by over 50 percent in January of 2008 observed that:â€Å"Airlines have been struggling to make a profit, even as they cut jobs and flights. American Airlines became the latest to announce it was tightening its belt another notch, saying Thursday that it plans to shrink capacity by as much as 12 percent and cut thousands of jobs† (Schoen, 2008)Furthermore, Schoen elaborates that these airlines were contemplating an increase in the prices of checking the first bag. He contends that smaller airlines would have had to file for bankruptcy. Other industries, su ch as the automobiles also experienced a drop in sales which is definitely not good to the overall wellness of the economy. Moreover, the price of food and other household goods were expected to rise. Threats of inflation were being envisaged at the time and these tended to spill over to the housing sector and the credit markets (Schoen, 2008). This led to job losses, higher costs of living and a generally dented economy.During this trying time inflation was attributed to the high oil prices that were being experienced.