Monday, October 14, 2019

Fords Value Enhancement Plan Analysis

Fords Value Enhancement Plan Analysis Fords Value Enhancement Plan aims to align the interests of various shareholders by offering them different options the choice of $20 in cash, additional new common shares or a combination of cash and new share. Based on the following analysis, Ford should go ahead with Value Enhancement Plan. Characteristic of VEP The Value Enhancement Plan has the feature of stock split and share repurchase. Exchanging existing shares for new shares on a one-for-one basis, shareholders are also offered the option to reinvest $20 to receive additional new Ford common shares. In this sense, share price would decrease while the number of shares outstanding is going to increase. According to Fords announcement mentioned in the case, shareholders choosing the share option would receive 0.748 new Ford common shares in lieu of $20 cash. So, the effect is similar to 1.748 for 1 stock split. However, not all the shareholders prefer share option. For those who elect cash option, they would receive $20 as though they sell part of their shares, which reflects the feature of share repurchase. Advantages of VEP With the combined feature of stock split and share repurchase, VEP has its strength. In terms of cash option, since there is no good things to do with the massive cash reserve, returning the excessive cash allows shareholders to make profitable investment by themselves. Unlike cash dividend, returned cash is taxed as capital gains, so it generates tax efficiency for shareholders. In addition, though the price of new Ford shares would decrease, shareholders will not bear any loss, because the reduced price is offset by the cash they receive. But from the companys point of view, they can reduce dividend payment. Companies tend to keep dividend payout ratio constant, so dividend for each new Ford share will decrease because share price falls. For those who choose to receive $20 in cash, they keep the same amount of shares before VEP is introduced, therefore, the total dividend payment is going to reduce and to some extent, the pressure for increasing dividend level can be relieved a bit. Moreover, the effect of cash option is similar to that of share buyback, the number of new shares outstanding will reduce; thus, earnings per share will increase and it can increase the overall demand for Fords share, which will benefit share price in the long run. If shareholders elect stock option, they can increase voting power and exercise more control over the company. Also, as we discussed in the cash option, share price will increase, so, shareholders will benefit a lot from holding more new Ford shares. As for the combination of cash and new shares, shareholders can take part of their money out of the stock to make other profitable investment, and they can also maintain their interest in the company. On the one hand, they can enjoy tax efficiency by paying tax of capital gains for cash received, on the other hand, they can enjoy the profit when share price increases and they can have a say in the firm. VEP is better than cash dividend in terms of tax effect, and compared with share repurchase, it meets shareholders need to remain or increase control of the company. Therefore, based on the analysis, Ford should go ahead with VEP. Possible Choices of Different Shareholders Ford family member will choose stock option because they want to expand their control in the firm. By supporting VEP, their 40% voting power remains unchanged but their equity in the firm decreases from 5% to 3.6%. If they elect stock option, they hold more common shares, and their voting power is beyond 40%. Institutional investors, such as TIAA-Cref and the Calpers would choose combination of cash and shares. Its obvious that VEP favors Ford family members and dilutes institutional investors voting power, so its hard for them to compete with Ford family members in terms of control even if they reinvest all the $20 cash to buy new Common shares. In this sense, combination of cash and new share is a better choice for them. They can get part of their investment out of Ford stock for good opportunities somewhere else; meanwhile, they can remain interest in Ford. A regular outsider shareholder doesnt care about voting power. The purpose of their investment is profit. So, if I was one of them, I would go for cash option, because I would think Ford cant find profitable projects and there are few growth opportunities. By getting money back, I can make good use of it by myself.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

I Corinthians 15:12-14 :: Religion Christianity Bible Essays

I Corinthians 15:12-14 But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith (NIV). The resurrection of the dead is a mysterious concept that even some Christians have a hard time believing. Paul makes a strong statement regarding the importance of the resurrection and how it is tied to the faith of Christian believers. Paul's first letter to the Corinthians was a response to a number of problems in the church of Corinth. One of the main problems the Corinthians were having was speculation on the resurrection [of the dead] which was preached to them by Paul. The passage in which Paul talks about the resurrection is toward the end of his letter, before he discusses his plans and finishes with exhortations and greetings. The first half of the letter, after he gives his greeting and thanksgiving, is in response to reports that he has received regarding the Corinthians. The second half is in response to questions and concerns that they had. In the New International Version (NIV) of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, his preaching and their faith are described as "useless" if Christ has not been raised (15:14). However, in the New King James Version (NKJV), Paul's preaching and the faith of the Corinthians are described as empty. These descriptions are very similar and both have a strong impact on the reader. If preaching and faith are empty, then they are also useless. The preaching of Paul to the Corinthians is certainly not useless and their faith, although problematic, is not empty. According to The Women's Bible Commentary, the Corinthians were convinced that already they fully enjoyed the spiritual benefits of the resurrection (321). They believed the resurrection of Christ was beneficial so they did not even consider that the dead were raised from the dead. Paul preached that Christ has been raised from the dead and the Corinthians believed what he said. It is because of this belief that Paul can bring his point across regarding the resurrection of the dead. If the Corinthians did not believe that Christ has been raised, Paul would be unable to convince them of the resurrection of the dead.

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Developing a New Ready to Eat Dessert :: Business and Management Studies

Developing a New Ready to Eat Dessert I was asked to design and make a ready to eat dessert. My target group was all ages of people, specifically people aged between twenty and sixty as they tend to have more money to spend than teenagers or pensioners. In order to gain an insight into the type of products that could be available to me to design and make I first had to do some research. First I created a questionnaire, and handed it out to fifty people of different ages. My questionnaire asked a variety of different questions such as â€Å"do you like chocolate based desserts?† â€Å"Do you like sponge?† Do you prefer hot desserts to cold?† The results of this questions formed the foundation of my project. I wrote letters to managers of supermarkets asking them to send me information on existing products, this helped me understand the type of cost that was suitable for my product to be sold at. From a range of magazines I made a collage of different desserts and annotated it, I used this as a kind of brainstorm of ideas, such as the different layers and colours that could be used. The internet was a big help to my research as I used the supermarkets websites to find out prices of products and ingredients. In order to condense the range of desserts I was considering I made myself a speciation table, this stated the criteria my product should meet. I decided that I would prefer my product to be chilled rather than frozen, which cancelled out some of my previous ideas such as ice-cream dishes. My specification stated that my product should be: Cold Chilled Available in individual portions Cheap to produce Of a standard quality Have a topping Have a creamy filling Have a crunchy base Have a variety of textures Must be sold at a maximum cost of  £2 Must have layers Next I had to design ten different products, I illustrated them and annotated them. Referring to the recipe of the dessert. To make my decision on the final product I tested a few of the suggested ideas. I decide to make a cheesecake. I had to make sure my cheesecake fit my product specification. To my delight my finished design actually does meet the majority of my criteria. So overall my cheesecake has been a success. The only area that did not go as planned was the portion size. My cheesecake ended up as a family size portion. This was due to the complication of the packaging, and sizing. I found it very hard to get the individual portions exactly the same size each time, it was easier

Friday, October 11, 2019

Looking At A Extract From Young Goodman Brown English Literature Essay

Hawthorne uses realistic ocular imagination and symbolism, through color alterations of visible radiation and darkness, to demo contrast of the â€Å" pious and iniquitous † ( 26 ) . In the beginning, it is at twilight that Brown sets off into the wood, and the eventide will gets darker.This symbolizes the prefiguration of the visible radiation of faith easy melting off from Brown as he wanders off further into the forest. In bend ; stand foring the solitariness of a life without religion, which can be seen when Brown goes through desperation towards the terminal of the narrative. In contrast, the heavenly presence of the metonymy â€Å" bluish arch, the stars lighten uping in it † and the â€Å" deep arch of the celestial sphere † ( 26 ) denotes a sense of hope and the strong being of religion. This is self-contradictory to the Puritan belief that the wood is a â€Å" pagan wilderness † ( 26 ) , which indicate that it is irreligious and wild, where no â⠂¬Å" church had of all time been gathered nor lone Christian prayed † ( 26 ) . This reassures Brown to non lose hope. However, merely as Brown manages to hold reassurance in religion, a â€Å" black mass of cloud † ( 26 ) appears overhead. This brings about the downward alteration of the one time hopeful fable, where the presence of hope is now overshadowed by somberness, boding Brown`s province of depression subsequently on. Another contrast is made utilizing the symbolism of the â€Å" ruddy visible radiation † ( 27 ) , â€Å" lurid blazing against the sky † ( 27 ) and â€Å" four blaze pines, their tops aflame † ( 27 ) to exemplify the enchantresss Sabbath, which in contrast to the Godliness of the â€Å" bluish arch † ( 26 ) , is to tag the presence of immorality. These comparings illustrate efficaciously the alteration from good to evil. The usage of nonliteral linguistic communication helps to stress a sinister atmosphere created by Hawthorne. The initial rhyme â€Å" whispering without a air current † ( 26 ) and the onomatopoeia â€Å" mutter † ( 26 ) indicates a stalking property to the wood, proposing that there is evil skulking about. It can besides be seen as a foreshadow to the mutter of the chants Brown hears subsequently at the enchantresss Sabbath. â€Å" Nothing can be done until I get on the land † ( 26 ) implies that possibly the Minister, together with the Deacon is winging, as Brown hears their voices â€Å" speaking so queerly in the empty air † ( 26 ) but â€Å" the travelers nor their steeds were seeable † ( 25 ) . This encapsulates the impression of the â€Å" unobserved † ( 21 ) , which causes the reader to doubt whether it is existent or an extension of Brown`s phantasy. Hawthorne`s usage of sarcasm, together with controlled ambiguity, exhaustively but dexterously permeates the narrative ( Novelguide ) . The obvious would be the beginning of the infusion, where Brown overhears the conversation between the Deacon and the Minister. As these characters are figures of higher governments in the church, it is dry as the reader, together with Brown, expects these characters to exudate scrupulousness. Alternatively, they would â€Å" instead lose an ordination-dinner † ( 26 ) and partake in â€Å" devilry † ( 26 ) . They are so, on par in position to evildoers, who are shunned in the Puritan community. This comes after Brown`s foundational belief in God is undercut when he finds out his Catechism instructor, Goody Close, is friends with the Devil. Brown`s belief in Faith is dry as he uses his married woman as a symbolic averment to his belief. â€Å" And Faith below † ( 26 ) shows that Brown sees his married woman as an incarnation of being a â€Å" pious † ( 26 ) individual. Ironically, it is Faith who later causes Brown`s downward spiral to depression, when he sees Faith`s pink thread drifting down from the â€Å" black mass † ( 26 ) . Distinctly, it shows that wickedness is unconditioned in worlds and that even those who are deemed to be â€Å" pious † ( 26 ) are caught within its appreciation. Hence, the win-over of immorality ( Howard 1 ) . Hawthorne coins â€Å" Communion † ( 26 ) in sarcasm. When defined, it is sharing the same spiritual religion ( Dictionary.com ) . Alternatively of a spiritual matter with God, Hawthorne uses has the Deacon use the term in relation to â€Å" deviltry † ( 26 ) . In utilizing the term â€Å" communion-table † ( 26 ) , the storyteller relates Brown`s treachery to when Jesus reveals the prognostication of his treachery ( Wikipedia ) . The footings â€Å" met † and â€Å" seen † shows the manner Brown distances and does non partake in any evil activities. However, it is dry as Brown subsequently succumbs to evil and partakes in it. The usage of a 3rd individual limited narrative ( SIM SU3-19 ) leaves the reader in equivocal purgatory, inquiring how accurate the point of position is, in showing whether what Brown sees is existent or is his semblance. Hawthorne interweaves the narrator`s ideas together with that of Brown ‘s. The usage of the withdrawal â€Å" Once, the hearer † ( 26 ) takes on the sympathetic tone of the storyteller to Brown`s predicament, in his inability to now separate the â€Å" pious and iniquitous † ( 26 ) . This causes the reader to be drawn along into the darkness that merely Brown is good, while giving a negative examination of the remainder of Salem. In bend ; â€Å" Night † ( 26 ) is so seen as a ruling symbol of the significance refering to experiencing stray and contemplating solitariness. Perceived as the merely good character, it is dry that Brown`s concluding minutes with â€Å" his deceasing hr † ( 30 ) be full of somberness. The usage of similes â€Å" like † ( 26 ) , â€Å" as if † ( 26 ) and the word â€Å" possibly † ( 26 ) creates ambiguity for the reader as we do non cognize if this is Brown`s effort to associate the unknown to â€Å" familiar tones † ( 26 ) to convey some visible radiation to the enveloped darkness he is sing. A Hawthorne manages to pull the reader into Brown`s phantasy by allowing the familiar elements of the bloodcurdling, through the usage of sarcasm and ocular imagination. Beneath this infusion, which on the surface is simply about a man`s journey through the wood, is an implicit in experience of horror and unhappiness. Hawthorne wavers Brown`s position of his Puritan community, foregrounding the thought that of the perennial battle between good and evil ( SIM SU3-21 ) . Word Count: [ 986 ]

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Tokyo Moulding Company in Malaysia

1. 0 Introduction This is a study about the worldwide expansion activity of a firm in Asian region. The basic motive or aim of this study is to gain extra knowledge on international business management throughout the interview with the decision maker of that particular internationalized firm. Basically, all basic information obtained is generally come from the interviewee. Nevertheless, we had some help from the internet as well in conducting this study to enhance all the missing point that we might not consider during the interview.Next, from all information we obtain from any resources, we had done an analysis on this internationalized firm, Tokyo Mould Shd. Bhd. The tools used in the analysis include SWOT analysis, CAGE framework and market entry strategy to conduct a full analysis on all aspect regarding the strength, weakness, opportunity, threat, cultural influences, political issue, geographical issue, economical issue, and entry mode or strategy imply.During analysis by using the tools that mentioned earlier, each tools will explain the issue in detail including the advantages or disadvantages, reason and etc, to ensure reader to have a perfect understanding from all aspect such as strength of company, weakness and etc. All explanation is based on facts and data obtained. Extract from analysis tools, we are able to categorized the priority of this firm in this market or industry, able to identify the problem faced by this firm as well and determine the strategy to overcome the problems or obstacles along the path in international business.Next, we will conduct some recommendation for this particular company by suggesting some ideas which are able to improve company operations and some idea to fix some of the problems that occur to this company. Also, some personal opinion such as agree in some business strategy done by Tokyo Mould is listed in the recommendation part. Finally, we conduct a conclusion from overall data obtain by inserting brief justifica tion base on analysis, suggestion and recommendation to finalize our case study. 2. 0 Company Background Tokyo Mould Shd.Bhd is small and medium enterprise which mainly focus on Moulding business. It is currently located at Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. It is establish since the year 1985 according to our interviewee, Mrs. Lim Siew Lee. Mrs. Lim Siew Lee is one of the present owner of this company. She is the wife of the owner of this company and she had worked in this company for 20 over years with her husband. Her main duty in this company are accounting, managing staff, financing and others documentations work task. Basically, Tokyo Mould Shd. Bhd have clients from oversea including Thailand, Japan and U.K which Japan is the main customer. Japan is the first country Tokyo Mould approach due to the introduction from others business partner. The first deal was made with Japan after the inspection of Tokyo Mould’s product quality by a Japan representative which came to Malaysia to examine not only the product quality but as well as the whole operation environment indeed. Fitting all the requirement of Japan is the main reason of the success of Tokyo Mould to enter the Japan Market. Exporting is the entry mode for Tokyo Mould to internalized the business.The reason for using such entry mode is because this company had experienced failure by forming joint venture with others before. It was 10 years ago from present that this company is actually form a joint venture with LEE HENG Mould Sdn. Bhd. Back then, business was corrupted due to economic crisis and forming joint venture doesn't seems to have any help in overcome the problems. Instead, it is a burden when problems occur to the joint venture partner according to Mrs. Lim. Also, Tokyo Plastic Mould Shd. Bhd is the previous company name before the business corrupt due to economic crisis.In present, Tokyo Mould is now strive to achieve the best services and create the best product quality and aim to expand bus iness by establish own subsidiaries at foreign region in the future. 3. 0 ANALYSIS (Tools) We have interviewed one of the decision makers of Tokyo Mould Sdn Bhd and discovered issues faced by the company. From there, we did a few analyses to help overcome those issues that the company is encountering. Firstly, we started off with the SWOT analysis. 3. 1 SWOT STRENGTHS- most affordable and reasonable price- using U.S dollar currency for business transaction – experienced (20 years)| WEAKNESSES- brand not famously well-known in the foreign country- manufacture imperfect pattern (loses money)- late payment by the debtor| OPPORTUNITIES- capable for global expansion- growing future revenue| THREATS- competitors (product volatility, competitive prices)- economy crisis| 3. 1. 1 STRENGTHS Tokyo Mould offers the most affordable and reasonable price compared to other companies from the same industry.The price factor enables Tokyo Mould to compete with other competitors in the market. N ot only that, this advantage leads to customer preferences to be in the list of choices for company selection. Many business organization’s aim is to ensure that the profit of the product is more than the cost of the manufacture. Plus, every business transaction that Tokyo Mould deals with the international company is using U. S dollar currency. According The Star Online, 1 U. S Dollar is equivalent to RM3. 1590. (The Star Online, Retrieved 4th November 2011 from Exchange Rate) Website: http://biz. thestar. com. y/business/exchange. asp. It is an advantage for Tokyo Mould because by using U. S Dollar, it is easier to standardize its mould cavity and their values. Not forgetting, one of their strengths of Tokyo Mould is their expertise in this business. Tokyo Mould has been running in the market for 20 years now. This clearly shows that they are experienced and professional in their business line. 3. 1. 2 WEAKNESSES Even though Tokyo Mould has been in the market for 20 years b ut its name is not widely known by the public especially in the foreign country. This is due to the existing company from the same business line.Most probably is because of the poor marketing strategy by Tokyo Mould. They mainly focus on the ongoing process and try to maintain their loyal customers. Another one of their weaknesses is that the defect product caused by the worker. Sometimes during the Moulding process, the outcome of the pattern is not perfect as its design. Therefore, the product cannot be used and been rejected. This cause loses of money to the company. Most difficult part of this business is the late payment by the debtor. Tokyo Mould has to tolerate to the policies and procedure of the debtor.There are companies which apply to the finance policies and procedures of payment after 45 to 180 days depending of the total amount of the product purchased. 3. 1. 3 OPPORTUNITIES By doing this business, it has a great opportunity for Tokyo Mould to expand its business globa lly. Tokyo Mould’s business has gradually growing and earning profit as the years goes. Many international companies prefer to import products from Asia countries because of lower cost expenditure. Tokyo Mould is capable to fit in the criteria as they have full equipment and labor force to conduct the business.In conjunction with Tokyo Mould’s objective to gain more profit, fame and resources, going global gives a great opportunity for growing future revenue to expand its company globally. 3. 1. 4 THREATS Most threatening factor that Tokyo Mould is facing frequently is the competitor from the same company such as Sony and Broubybrown. Competitors produce more advanced and creative products seasonally. Not forgetting, competitive prices by the competitors. It is difficult for Tokyo Mould to decide on the best price to compete with others. Plus, the condition of the economy is unpredictable.Tokyo Mould has encountered economic crisis in the year 1990. That causes them a down fall but fortunately due to the economy stable come back, they are doing fairly well now. 3. 2 CAGE distance framework. CULTURE- Fulfill promises- Prefer things get done on time- Tokyo Mould priorities customers need| ADMINISTRATIVE- management policy not affected- minimal tax charges| GEOGRAPHICAL- prefect courier services so far- forgivable delay if occurs| ECONOMIC- using U. S dollar currency- economic crisis- loses money due to defect | 3. 2. 1 CULTUREThe Japanese customers are quite fussy in making deal. However, it is a good thing for both parties. The Japanese want their products to get done on time and do not give in to any delay and defects of the products. By this culture, the Japanese managed to get their things done in time whereas Tokyo Mould can proceed with other deals. Plus, Tokyo Mould priorities their customer and always try their best to fulfil customer needs. Tokyo Mould is towards allocentric. Tokyo Mould concerned with the interests of others instead of on e’s own. 3. 2. 2 ADMINISTRATIVEFor administrative issue, it does not affect the international business in terms of company policy as well as political issue or government invention. Basically, company policy do not affect business in overseas as it's only affect domestic region. Company policy of Tokyo Mould mainly focuses on employee commitment in aspect of work efficiency and personal attitude. All rules are generally similar with every small-medium enterprise as there will not much affect oversees business. As mention, Tokyo Mould chooses exporting as entry mode but not establish subsidiary in foreign region.Therefore, company policy doesn't affect much is because there is no foreign employee exist which they might not familiar with company policy as each company policy different from another especially in different country. As for political issue or government intervention, it is again because of the entry mode is exporting. There are only a few tax might charge along wit h transportation fee. Otherwise, there is not much issue occur according to our interviewee. 3. 2. 3 GEOGRAPHICAL For Tokyo Mould, there is not much geographical issue to be concern or causes trouble in business operation according to Mrs.Lim. In fact, she mentioned that she was very please and satisfies with current courier services. The basic exporting method is by using courier services such as FedEx Malaysia. From information obtain, there is seldom mistake happen before till present day. Only some small matter such as delay which is forgivable as it’s mostly causes by unexpected incident such as weather. Generally, geographical issue doesn't cause much trouble to Tokyo Mould is because Tokyo Mould does not have any subsidiary or forming any joint venture with foreign region.It is believe that only having subsidiary or joint venture with foreign country will cause troubles such as information delay due to high range of geographical area, transportation issue or delay in r ecovering data when a subsidiary incur a error of system with all information erased. 3. 2. 4 ECONOMIC Basically, Tokyo Mould uses U. S dollar currency for every business transaction. Tokyo Mould does not have problem with that as it they consider it as one of the advantage to earn more. However there is one threatening issue is the economy crisis.They have once experienced it and this situation is barely avoidable. It is part of business risk. 3. 3 STRATEGIES One of Tokyo Mould strategies for global expansion is by exporting. They started off with Japan and then followed by the U. K and Thailand. They use courier express such as DHL. So far their record is good and hardly any complaint is filed against the product and services of the end molding products. Tokyo Mould is more to direct exports where direct marketing and selling to the client is practiced. Tokyo Mould would not consider joint venture at this moment due to history.They have joined venture with LEE HENG Sdn Bhd that fo cuses on plastic, injection and molding but alas their business failed due to economic crisis. They lose a huge amount of money and forced to shut down the company. It was a crucial time for the Tokyo Mould owner. Currently they are not planning to have subsidiaries in international company because they have insufficient financial aid to set up their company in those respective countries that is dealing with right now. Maybe in the future, Tokyo Mould would consider this strategy once the Penang Company is really stabilized in domestic market.The co-owner, Ms Lim Siew Lee advised us that networking is the key in doing business internationally. This is so because the help of other big company has help SME Company like Tokyo Mould to experienced a chance to deal with international client. Furthermore, we are advised to be humble when doing business and keep our words with the clients. 4. 0 Recommendation (Analysis) After the SWOT and CAGE framework analysis, in my perspective, there a re some plans should be implemented by Tokyo Mould Sdn. Bhd. Firstly, Tokyo Mould an be consider is a very successful although this company does not have a very proficient business website, as Mrs. Lim told us, the most of the customers are introduced by others bigger company or business partner. Business website can be said have the potential for reaching a wider audience, regarding this, Tokyo Mould should upgrade their internet site about own company business, With a more proficient internet site, the product or service is accessible easily, the loyal customers or potential customers can 24 hours a day, 7 days a week update the Tokyo Mould latest information.These can convenience communications between Tokyo Mould and its customers in order to build a better business relationship around the world. Besides that, the reputation of the company can be increase, gained competitive advantages and can save a lot of money in communication and administrative cost through creating a qualit y business website. Secondly, after they start up the business, Tokyo Mould already entered their business in certain overseas countries such as Tokyo, Thailand and also UK, we can see the financial for this company can be consider stable.As Mrs. Lim mention earlier, the prices they offered enable Tokyo Mould to compete with other competitors in the global market and this advantage leads to customers preferences to be in the list of choices for company selection. Hence, Tokyo Mould can expand their business to other foreign country such as Indonesia, China and so on. Since the reason made Tokyo Mould move to international expansion is to gain more profit, fame and resources in the future, the company should take this action in their consideration in order to achieve to goals.Thirdly, from before till present day, Tokyo Mould only used exporting through courier express as their entry mode to enter international market. As Mrs. Lim mention earlier, this is because previously they trie d joint venture with other similar company and it doesn’t work so well. In my perspective, Tokyo Mould should try again joint venture with company that located in foreign countries, joint ventures often relate to the whole enterprise and could be the viable option to grow Tokyo Mould business without sacrificing what they have already built instead of a company may have less control when exporting their product into a foreign market.However, although joint venture more control is exerted, but the level of risk is also higher compared with through exporting. Last but not least, since the economic crisis issues if one the problem that Tokyo Mould often worrying, the company should control very well in their finance situation and cash flow in order to faced this kind of problem. As a conclusion, these are the suggestion and recommendation we can provide to Tokyo Mould Company after the interview analysis which is to create a more quality business website, expand business to more foreign country and also try to build joint venture with other foreign or local company. . 0 Conclusion As a conclusion, Tokyo Mould is a quite successful company in Moulding industry. Since the performance of the company keep growing in these few years, the company has the potential to become a bigger company in order to gain more profit, fame, and resources and also qualify to compete with their competitors. However, we discovered that are some challenge and obstacles encountered by Mrs. Lim such as economic crisis, Mould dimension defect and also competitors in running the company that are related with boots up the company performance.Besides that, networking is very important for Tokyo Mould as it is the tools to gain more international business regarding to its company performance. As Mrs. Lim mention earlier, networking, humble, keep the words is the key focus in doing business internationally, with the help of the business partner, Tokyo Mould only will have the chance to de al with international client and also expand the business globally.Moreover, every company have their strengths to cover up its company weaknesses, hence, Tokyo Mould must maintain its company strengths to conceal its company weaknesses, also keep seeking for the incoming opportunity to growth up their business and be aware of the uncertainty threats that will affect to their company business. By the way, when Tokyo Mould entered in international business, culture, administrative, geographical and economic issues should always in their mind to ensure no misunderstanding, misleading and miscommunication while making business with overseas clients especially Japan clients.Last, like I mention in recommendation, in order to get a better company performance, the company can create better quality of business website, try to joint venture with other company, and also expand the business to more overseas country. However, there is definitely barriers will incur when wider the business, the company can try to figure out the problem by using suitable strategy in order to overcome such barriers. 6. 0 References 1. (Banking, 2011) Banking, M. (2011). Exchange Rate. Retrieved November 08, 2011, from The Star Online: http://biz. thestar. com. my/business/exchange. sp 2. (Contact :Tokyo Mould Industries, 2002) Contact :Tokyo Mould Industries. (2002, March). Retrieved November 2011, from Tokyo Mould Industries: http://tokyolow. asiaep. com/contact. htm 7. 0 Appendices 7. 1 Verbatim Chris : Good morning madam Mrs.. Lim : Good morning Chris : Can you please introduce yourself? Mrs. Lim : Ok, my name is Lim Siew Lee, I’m one of the owner of this company, I’m 47. I’m also the wife of the company. Chris : Can you briefly tell us that what is your education background and your working experience in this particular company? Mrs.Lim : Well, my education background is only Form 5, I had worked in this company for 20 over years. My main duty in this company is acc ounting, managing staff, financing and also some documentation. Chris : Can you briefly tell me your company background? Mrs. Lim : Ok, as you know, my company is Tokyo Mould Shd Bhd. Our company mainly focus on Moulding business. We have clients from overseas like Thailand, Japan and U. K. We had established this company around 20 over years. 10 years back, our company name is Tokyo Plastic Mould Shd Bhd, that time we joint venture with LEE HENG Mould Sdn Bhd, the previously company ainly focus on plastic, injection and Moulding, but during the economic crisis time, we faced some financial problem and forced to shut down the company. After few years, we start up a brand new Mould company which is the current company. Chris : Ok, can you tell me which country is your company first internationalize? Mrs. Lim : Well, Japan is the first company we internationalize, because we get to know the first Japanese client from other business partner. After the Japanese client come to observe ou r product and service, they deal the first Moulding business with us and so on.Chris : So what is the reason had made your company move to first international expansion? Mrs. Lim : Because we want to gain more profit, fame and resources and our company now located at Penang, there are so many competitors existing like Sony, Broubybrown and so on. Chris : Which entry mode did your company use to expand internationally? What I mean is through something like exporting? Joint venture? Subsidiary? Or else? Mrs. Lim : Well, we only use export as our entry mode. This because previously we tried joint venture with other company, but it seem doesn’t work so well.So now we only export our Mould through courier express. Chris : Is there any advantages or disadvantages by using export as your entry mode? Mrs. Lim: For the advantages, can say all of our business transaction currency is using U. S dollar, this is easier to standardize our Mould cavity and their values. For the disadvantage s, can say is the duration of receiving payment is longer than the local transaction. Like for example, the duration of receiving payment will normally up to 180 days. Chris : Besides that, to which country your company export too? Mrs. Lim : As I mention earlier, we also export our Mould to Thailand and U.K too. Chris :Ok, when you expand your business globally, what is the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and also threats of your company in foreign market?. Mrs. Lim : Well, for the strengths, I can said that our Mould are more cheap compare with other bigger company. For weaknesses, I can said that our company popularity is not high as other bigger company, so sometime the foreigner not even know our company name. for the opportunities, I think our company might have chance to be like other bigger company someday, since this company business is keep growing.Threats, there are some larger company sometime will lower the market price and this will effect to our selling price as well as our profit. Chris : Is there any cultural or political issue will effect to your business when exporting Mould to foreign market? Mrs. Lim : Ya , sure, like cultural, the Japanese client prefer we can produce Mould to them on time. They might be unhappy if we delay our exporting our Mould to them. For the political issue, not much actually, there is no extra taxes as well. Chris : is there any geographical and economic issues will effect to your business globally?Mrs. Lim : Well, so far no. we very please with the courier express service, there is no any mistakes happen before. For economic, as I mention earlier, the U. S currency is actually give advantages for me to earn more. Chris : Ok, is the any other problems or challenges that might effect to your business globalize? Mrs. Lim : So far as I mention earlier, the competitors might be the big problems that we faced. Economic crisis also is one of the issue that we always worrying, this is because we faced this kind of ex perience previously and the company forced to shut down eventually.There is also sometime the Mould dimension might defect and cannot be use, so we have to redo the Mould, this will increase our cost and reduce our profit. Chris : Last, do you have any suggestion in doing global business or any extra information which like to share with us? Mrs. Lim : I can said networking is the key in doing business internationally, because the help of other big company, our SME company only will have the chance to deal with international client. Besides, we also must be humble when doing business and keep our words with our client. That’s all. 7. 2 Photo Gallery

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

The Delivery Systems on Day Care Schools

Protecting children from abuse, physically and mentally is a major responsibility for all caregivers of children. This includes parents, teachers and childcare workers. According to research conducted by Spungen, Jensen, Finkelstein and Satinsky, it was estimated that one out of five females and one out of six males would be the victim of sexual abuse before the age of 18. In 1985 it was estimated that over 113,000 children between the ages of six through 18 were sexually assaulted in that year alone (Spungen, et al 1989, p127). Due to the increasing incidence of child sexual abuse, a need arose for prevention and training programs for families and caregivers of children. To fulfill this need, child sexual abuse prevention education programs were established. Research conducted in 1987, indicated that over nine million preschoolers and millions of school aged children were cared for by some type of daycare program. Consequently, daycare providers were in a unique position to provide this prevention program (Spungen, et al 1989, p127.) The first such program was established in Philadelphia at the Federation Day Care Services. The goal of the program was to enhance the knowledge of staff, parents and children and to help children develop skills to protect themselves from sexual abuse. The goal for parents and staff was to help them become sensitive about child safety issues and be prepared to cope with the feelings that the children expressed. This program was developed and coordinated by an interagency committee comprised of administrators, educational supervisors and masters prepared social workers who had expertise and training the area of child sexual abuse (Spungen, et al 1989, p127). In developing this program they used the eight basic steps for problem management (Halley, Kopp, Austin 1998, p 183). 1. Perceiving a need and then defining the problem that must be addressed 2. Stating a purpose to be achieved by addressing the problem. 3. Collecting data related to the situation. 4. Using the data to generate alternative responses, opportunities, or solutions to the problems. 5. Assessing the costs of pursing different solutions and weighing the choices. 8. Evaluating the results and beginning again, drawing on what is learned. To effectively implement this prevention program, each audience was identified to develop a different service delivery system. Staff training and parent workshops were conducted by social workers. Classroom teachers implemented programming for children. The linking policy that was used in these deliveries was that of direct practice with the consumer. According to Halley, Kopp, and Austin â€Å"Human service practitioners make, advance, retard and shape policy all the time during their interactions with consumers and with each other †¦the work of delivering human services is linked to all aspects of social policy† (Halley, Kopp and Austin, 1998 p100 & 101). The goals for staff were to increase awareness of child sexual abuse, increase their comfort level and improve their ability to teach prevention curriculum. In addition to providing a safe environment for children to express themselves and also be able to identify and react appropriately to disclosures of abuse (Spungen, et al 1989, p128). In the first year, two staff training sessions were held at each branch of the Federation Day Care Services. The first session focused on the identification and assessment of child sexual abuse, the second was on disclosures and reporting procedures. There was minimal discussion of the curriculum yet the staff was expected to follow it strictly. Due to the rigidity of the program, staff was resistant to the workshops and felt the training was unnecessary. The committee paid too little attention to the staff's feeling and attitudes regarding this issue. They also did not focus enough attention on teachers' feedback on the curriculum. As a result, there was low staff enthusiasm and increased staff resistance to the training. By the end of the first year the committee became aware of the staff's resistance to the training approach and felt the need to address their concerns. To respond to these concerns and to meet the staff's needs, the committee used the feedback from teachers and actively involved them in the development of the next year's program (Spungen, et al 1989, p128). In the second year of training three staff sessions were held at each branch to meet the needs of new and previously untrained staff. To decrease staff resistance, theory was included in the training to explain the rationale for the program, while focusing on sensitizing staff to their feelings and reactions to child sexual victimization. The initial session focused on the nature and scope of the problem and its relationship to day care. Participants met in small groups and a discussion followed that focused on myths and facts, behavioral and emotional characteristics of abusive families and victims and stages of normal sexual development. The next two training sessions addressed attitudes toward the topic through small group exercises to help promote comfort with sexual language and included role-playing vignettes which focused on disclosure situations. Discussions followed that focused on the curriculum and a teacher's role in preventing child sexual abuse. To supplement the training, written materials and audio visual aids were used. The training then focused on supporting staff in becoming more comfortable with their role in helping children stay safe. Although the training curriculum focused on prevention education, training for staff primarily dealt with teaching them how to respond appropriately to children's reactions and concerns, including procedures for reporting suspected abuse. (Spungen, et al 1989, p128). At the end of the second year, feedback from the teacher evaluations was positive. According to Spungen, et al, it was difficult to assess the conclusive reasons for this. The satisfaction of the program appeared to be related to the staff's increased comfort with the topic and the program as well as a more effective training and curriculum (Spungen, et al 1989, p129). The goals for parents included an increased awareness and knowledge about child sexual abuse; inform them and share the content about the child personal safety program and to provide parents with the skills and resources to help keep their children safe (Spungen, et al 1989, p128). Parental support of the child personal safety program was a high priority. In the first year of the program two parent workshops were offered at each branch of the Federation Day Care Services. The program focused on the dynamics of child sexual abuse and the risk factors for young children, these workshops were provided to parents at no cost. The turnout for these workshops was very low, one possible reason was that parents were disturbed by the information presented and felt unable to protect their children (Spungen, et al 1989, p129). After the first year, more outreach and public relations efforts were used to reach the parents. The outreach included a brochure, individual letters to all parents inviting them to the workshop posters in each branch of the day care and reminder notices sent to families' two days before the program. Evening sessions were conducted at each branch and childcare and dinner were provided at no cost. (Spungen, et al 1989, p128). In the second year of training, parents were provided an opportunity to preview the curriculum and gave their input on it. They also were provided background information about statistics, myths and facts, behavioral and emotional indicators of victims of abuse and stages of normal sex play. A film and discussion about keeping children safe was also included. Parents who attended felt comfortable in expressing their concerns about the curriculum and sex education for their children. Parents were provided resource materials and in home activities to help alleviate their fears and help them support and reinforce the program's efforts (Spungen, et al 1989, p128). At the end of the second year, despite the outreach only a limited number of parents attended these workshops. The parents that did attend gave positive feedback about the program. Some parents were frightened by the statistics and anxious to learn how they could work with the agency to protect their children. Parents found the in-home activities most helpful in learning how to talk with their children about this topic (Spungen, et al 1989, p129). The goals for children included prevention of child sexual abuse and empowering children to keep themselves safe (Spungen, et al 1989, p128). In the first year of training, due to the sensitive nature of the training program, introductory classroom training was necessary to help children with the basic knowledge of the five senses, parts of the body, family members and feelings. Teachers were provided with resource material. By the second year teachers were encouraged to be creative in their presentations. Expanding on the introductory lessons, the child personal safety program was presented over three weeks. Activities included stories, group discussion, role-plays, games, songs, and art projects. Portions of the program were adapted for use based on the developmental needs of each age group. The program was structured that the most sensitive topics were discussed after the children developed greater awareness and assertiveness skills. Topics covered in the story and discussion format included defining child personal safety; identifying good, bad and confusing touches; learning to handle a bad touch; and telling a trusted adult if a bad or confusing touch occurs. The program for children in preschool and kindergarten classrooms began and ended with puppet shows that were developed and performed by staff. The initial puppet show introduced the puppets and the theme of â€Å"No, Go, Tell†, a phrase often used in child safety programs to emphasize basic safety skills. The second puppet show involved more audience participation and reinforced the themes of the program. One of the differences between the preschool and the school-age program was that the school-age children participated in program development. They created their own artwork for a â€Å"No, Go, Tell† poster contest and demonstrated their knowledge by developing role-plays (Spungen, et al 1989, p128 – 29). According to teacher evaluations and parental reports, children were excited about the program, but the degree to which they benefited from the program varied depending on the child's age and duration of training. Children who participated in the program for the two-year period seemed to benefit the most from the training and were better able to apply the information. Children in the three to four year-old groups were able to model responses, such as repeating the â€Å"No, Go, Tell†, words but their understanding was limited. Kindergarten children had a greater ability to understand concepts and had an increased awareness of how to apply the information. They learned the vocabulary and developed basic prevention and assertiveness skills. Children 6 to 12 understood and applied the personal safety concepts that they learned in the program. They benefited from less structured programming because the flexibility reduced the boredom that results from the repetitive curriculum. In addition they needed to feel independent and in control of their learning (Spungen, et al 1989, p130). Outcomes and challenges of the training program This program faced many challenges, among them was the initial resistance of the staff of the daycare to attend training and use the curriculum for training. As the result of feedback by the teachers, the committee made changes to the training approach. This change allowed the teachers to have more input in the training of the curriculum and also gave them more freedom to implement it. These changes met several of the service delivery goals as outlined in â€Å"Delivering Human Services†. These included: collaboration between staff and the committee; managing the transitions to new delivery systems; and integrating by using the feedback from the teachers to help develop the second year of the program (Halley, Kopp, Austin, 1998, p180-81). Although gains were made, further study should be conducted in order strengthen collaborations between the teachers and the committee. The next challenge that they faced was that of involving the parents. (From my experience with working with parents and programming, I understand how difficult it can be to actively involve them in training or workshops.) The committee used outreach techniques to reach the parents in an effort to involve them in the program. The delivery goals that they met included: mobilizing to involve the parents and make them aware of the danger and of the need for the training, and relating to consumers by understanding the parent's concerns regarding the training program. By the second year of the training, because of feedback by parents, modifications were in place that met the goals of the program. These changes also helped the parents learn about the problem of child sexual abuse in a less threatening way and help protect their children (Halley, Kopp, Austin, 1998, p180). Although there were changes to the program and an outreach effort, parents were still resistant to training and only about 225 parents attended the program over the course of two years (Spungen, et al 1989, p129). This component of the training needs to be further explored to find out how to involve parents in workshops and training programs etc. Teachers of pre-school, kindergarten children and older children in the daycare encountered different challenges regarding the delivery of the program. After the initial year of the program, teachers were allowed to be creative in the delivery of the training program. This change enriched and helped empower the students who attended the training. Specific programming was geared to preschool students, kindergarten students and to older students. There was a different approach to each group of students, but the overall goals of the training program were met (Spungen, et al 1989, p128 – 30). The next challenge was that of the costs involved in implementing the child personal safety program. According to Spungen, it is very expensive to run a child sexual abuse prevention program at a daycare center. Staff expenses, time constraints and space issues are a factor that could inhibit the training (Spungen, et al 1989, p131). Further exploration of funding sources, community-wide cooperative agreements, such as partnerships with community centers or rape crisis centers may alleviate some of the expenses involved in this training, but further research is necessary.

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Describe how Management By Objective (MBO) can provide better Essay

Describe how Management By Objective (MBO) can provide better efficiency in setting, planning and accomplishing organizational goals - Essay Example The management by objective is a technique that is applied which is based on set objectives that are achievable by the company, the divisions and the employees. These objectives then are considered as a measurable contribution of the individuals in the company to the success in the achievement and completion of the goals of the whole organization (Drucker 121-30). Due to the fact that MBO is based on the aim to be a measurable management technique, the activities and job assignments are then gauged in measurable and numerable quantities. The number of activities done constitutes an important role in the assessment of performance of the employees. For that matter, the quantity of work done can be incorporated to the type and quality of activity that is undertaken (Drucker 121-30). The application of MBO can be on the different levels of the organizational system, thus, covering different forms of activities. Included in such activities are human resources, maintenance services, research and development, sales, finance and most importantly production. The said management technique became widely known as the setting up of quotas in different types of jobs and organizational roles. When the said term is heard, the vision of numerable work values is perceived (Deming 24, 54; Drucker 121-30). The MBO is focused on the establishment of specified objectives that can be achieved through the course of operation. In addition, the quality of the work undertaken in the process of achievement of such goals is also given high regard. The acknowledgement of the division or individual employee with the most commendable performance is practiced for motivation in the said system (Garrison and Raynes 121). There are different of advantages that can be associated with the MBO, thus, it is considered as one of the management techniques commonly applied.