A Complete History of Beethoven Essay Example For Students

A Complete History of Beethoven Essay Beethoven was born in Bonn, Germany in 1770 to Johann van Beethoven and his wife, Maria Magdalena. He took his first music lessons from his father, who was tenor in the choir of the archbishop-elector of Cologne. His father was an unstable, yet ambitious man whose excessive drinking, rough temper and anxiety surprisingly did not diminish Beethovens love for music. He studied and performed with great success, despite becoming the breadwinner of his household by the time he was 18 years old. His fathers increasingly serious alcohol problem and the earlier death of his grandfather in 1773 sent his family into deepening poverty. At first, Beethoven made little impact on the musical society, despite his fathers hopes. When he turned 11, he left school and became an assistant organist to Christian Gottlob Neefe at the court of Bonn, learning from him and other musicians. In 1783 he became the continuo player for the Bonn opera and accompanied their rehearsals on keyboard. In 1787, he was sent to Vienna to take further lessons from Mozart. Two months later, however, he was called back to Bonn by the death of his mother. He started to play the viola in the Opera Orchestra in 1789, while also teaching in composing. He met Haydn in 1790, who agreed to teach him in Vienna, and Beethoven then moved to Vienna permanently. He received financial support from Prince Karl Lichnowsky, to whom he dedicated his Piano Sonata in C minor, better known as The Pathtique ?. He performed publicly in Vienna in 1795 for the first time, and published his Op. 1 and Op. 2 piano sonatas. His works are traditionally divided into three pe riods. The first is called the Viennese Classical, the second is the Heroic, and the third is Late Beethoven. In the first period, his individuality and style gradually developed, as he used many methods from Haydn, including the use of silence. He composed mainly for the piano during this period. These works include Symphony no. 1 in C (1800), his first six string quartets, and the Pathtique (1799).His Moonlight Sonata in C# minor (1801) is known as the first of Heroic Beethoven. Beethoven learned that he would become deaf in 1802 and suffered sever depression. His composing skills were not affected by his deafness, but his ability to teach and perform was inhibited. It is said that he became deaf from his habit of pouring cold water over his head while composing, to refresh himself, and then not drying his massive amounts of hair afterwards. He wrote his only opera, Fidelio in 1805. The main theme of the opera revolves around fidelity, which reflects his personal desire to marry. Other works in the Heroic period include the Kreuzer Sonata (1803), symphonies 3 7, the Violin Concerto in D major (1806), the Razumovsky Quartets (1806), the Emperor Concerto (1809) and the Archduke Trio, Op. 97 (1811). After 1813, during his Late period, Beethoven composed inwardly. He was totally deaf, as this is sometimes known as the silent period. Some say that Beethoven was composing music for a different age. His life became more chaotic and he composed less and less. In his works, he used more miniaturization and expansion. The music began to become odd as he began to experiment with the number of movements, contrast in volume and dynamics, harmonic predictability, sonata movements and trills in his works. Beethoven became increasingly argumentative as he was further tormented by his deafness. Goethe described his attitude as aggressive, and perhaps understandable, but not easy to live with. He gave his last performance in 1814, on the piano, but continued to be a respected composer in Viennese society. Some of his late achievements include the Diabelli Variations (1820-1823), the last piano sonatas and six string quartets, the Mass in D major, Missa Solemnis (1823), the Choral Symphony, no. 9 (1824), in which he set Schillers Ode to Joy in the final movement. At Beethovens death in 1827, Franz Grillparzer best described him during his funeral address when he said: despite all these absurdities, there was something so touching and ennobling about him that one could not help admiring him and feeling drawn to him. .u3b8fcbc2746c756f7c5c9f246aae6dc8 , .u3b8fcbc2746c756f7c5c9f246aae6dc8 .postImageUrl , .u3b8fcbc2746c756f7c5c9f246aae6dc8 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u3b8fcbc2746c756f7c5c9f246aae6dc8 , .u3b8fcbc2746c756f7c5c9f246aae6dc8:hover , .u3b8fcbc2746c756f7c5c9f246aae6dc8:visited , .u3b8fcbc2746c756f7c5c9f246aae6dc8:active { border:0!important; } .u3b8fcbc2746c756f7c5c9f246aae6dc8 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u3b8fcbc2746c756f7c5c9f246aae6dc8 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u3b8fcbc2746c756f7c5c9f246aae6dc8:active , .u3b8fcbc2746c756f7c5c9f246aae6dc8:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u3b8fcbc2746c756f7c5c9f246aae6dc8 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u3b8fcbc2746c756f7c5c9f246aae6dc8 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u3b8fcbc2746c756f7c5c9f246aae6dc8 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u3b8fcbc2746c756f7c5c9f246aae6dc8 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u3b8fcbc2746c756f7c5c9f246aae6dc8:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u3b8fcbc2746c756f7c5c9f246aae6dc8 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u3b8fcbc2746c756f7c5c9f246aae6dc8 .u3b8fcbc2746c756f7c5c9f246aae6dc8-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u3b8fcbc2746c756f7c5c9f246aae6dc8:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Religions Spread Through Conquest (2421 words) Essay

 Well

  Well-supported belief Essay We acquire knowledge through language, perception reason, and emotion but none of them can give us certainty. Good judgment is finding the right balance between skeptics and open-mindedness. Criteria to determine whether or not a claim is plausible: evidence and coherence.   We should occasionally subject our beliefs to critical scrutiny if we want to be authentic and responsible. Chapter 2: The Nature of Knowledge Introduction   Knowledge might be described as a concept in that it is not exhausted by a short definition and can only be understood through experience and reflection. Starting point in the definition of knowledge = justified true belief. Knowledge as a justified true belief   Truth is independent of what anyone happens to believe is true, and simply believing something is true does not make it true. Even if the majority believes in the fact that something is true, it can still be false.   If you know something, then what you claim to know must not only be true, but you must also believe it to be true.   Belief is a subjective requirement for truth.   Vague belief: a belief with no evidence and readily abandoned with argument. Well-supported belief: Belief supported by some evidence but lacking certainty.   Belief beyond reasonable doubt: Having a firm belief in claims supporting one side while believing the counter argument to be insufficient. Having certainty in the statement.   The important thing is to try to develop as reasonable and well-supported a set of beliefs as possible. Justification   True belief is a sufficient condition and if you believe something while your belief is true, then you can be said to know it. However, your belief must also be justified in the right kind of way. In order to be able to say you know something, you must be able to justify your belief and the justification must be of the right kind.   The key thing that distinguishes acceptable from unacceptable justification seems to be reliability Perception is generally reliable although not infallible.   Whether or not you are justified in saying you know something also depends on context. When you say you know something you are taking responsibility for its being true. Levels of Knowledge   Much of what we claim to know is second-hand knowledge that we have acquired from other people and do not understand in any great detail. Children who ask why? are irritating because they bring to light the superficial nature of our understanding. Knowledge and information   Drilling random facts into someones mind may be good for quiz shows but it does not lead to genuine understanding.   A person with genuine knowledge does not merely have information about it but understands how the carious parts are related to one another to form a meaningful whole.   While you cannot have knowledge without information, an area of knowledge is more than just a heap of information. Acquiring information about something is not enough to understand it, one need to think about the information and how it hangs together.   You can sometimes require knowledge simply by reflecting on the information you already have at your disposal rather than by looking for more information. Second-Hand Knowledge   We are able to know a great deal more about the world than if we had to rely on our resources because we can share our experiences through language.   Rather than reinventing the wheel, culture allows us to make progress by building on the achievements of past generations. Authority worship: Blindly accepting what we are told without thinking about it. Second hand knowledge is also known as knowledge by authority or knowledge by testimony. Among the main sources of such knowledge are: cultural tradition, school, internet, expert opinion, news media. They are not infallible and we should be aware of their limitations. Cultural tradition The culture we grew up in has a strong influence on how we see the world. Cultural tradition embodies the inherited wisdom of the community   Living traditions change and develop over time, we do not have to be restricted by our inheritance in the past. .ue6a4f6bb4bab6669e5a159c373a32ad6 , .ue6a4f6bb4bab6669e5a159c373a32ad6 .postImageUrl , .ue6a4f6bb4bab6669e5a159c373a32ad6 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ue6a4f6bb4bab6669e5a159c373a32ad6 , .ue6a4f6bb4bab6669e5a159c373a32ad6:hover , .ue6a4f6bb4bab6669e5a159c373a32ad6:visited , .ue6a4f6bb4bab6669e5a159c373a32ad6:active { border:0!important; } .ue6a4f6bb4bab6669e5a159c373a32ad6 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ue6a4f6bb4bab6669e5a159c373a32ad6 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ue6a4f6bb4bab6669e5a159c373a32ad6:active , .ue6a4f6bb4bab6669e5a159c373a32ad6:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ue6a4f6bb4bab6669e5a159c373a32ad6 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ue6a4f6bb4bab6669e5a159c373a32ad6 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ue6a4f6bb4bab6669e5a159c373a32ad6 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ue6a4f6bb4bab6669e5a159c373a32ad6 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ue6a4f6bb4bab6669e5a159c373a32ad6:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ue6a4f6bb4bab6669e5a159c373a32ad6 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ue6a4f6bb4bab6669e5a159c373a32ad6 .ue6a4f6bb4bab6669e5a159c373a32ad6-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ue6a4f6bb4bab6669e5a159c373a32ad6:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Love Begins With Me EssayWe need to find the balance between respecting traditional thinking and be willing to question them to make progress in knowledge. School   Schools play a key role in the passing of knowledge through generations.   It is impossible to teach everything. School curriculums will be selective and cover a limited range. This raises the question between what should be included in the curriculum and the difference between education and indoctrination. Some argue that the hallmark of a good school is one that encourages you to question things and think for yourself. Internet Advantage: speed and accessibility   Disadvantage: Lack of quality control. It can be a source of not only information but also disinformation. Expert opinion   A consequence of the growth of knowledge in our ciety is that it is no longer possible for a bright person to know everything.   Despite relying on expert opinion, we should keep in mind two things: 1. Experts are fallible and sometimes get it wrong 2. Experts have a limited range of competence. News media   We are all aware that there is some bias in both the selection and presentation of news stories. Bad news: gives people an unduly pessimistic view of the state of the planet, create and sustain a climate of fear.   Extraordinary news: Gradual changes that may have a significance effect on peoples lives tend to get little coverage.   Relevant news: Concerns domestic citizens of the same country.   Most people who follow current affairs choose outlets that reflect their pre-existing prejudices.   We should occasionally select a news outlet that has a different opinion than our own to encourage us to question our assumptions and not take our way of looking at things for granted. The limitations of second-hand knowledge   Second hand knowledge can never be an original source of knowledge.   Authority is not an original source of knowledge, our knowledge claims must ultimately be justified by perception, reason and intuition.   Problems can arise if you rely only on judgment to determine the truth.   Talking to people with different opinions may help us to improve our self-knowledge and develop a more balanced picture of the world Conclusion   The difference between knowledge and belief is one of degree rather than kind.   It consists of more than a jumble of isolated facts. In order to gain a deeper understanding of an area of knowledge, you need a mixture of details and context. If you are never willing to test your ideas against those of other people, you may end up with a distorted and fantasy-ridden picture of the world. Chapter 3: Language Introduction   Language is something that completely surrounds us that we rarely think about yet it has a central function in our lives.   We use language to describe things, express our feelings, persuade people, tell jokes, write literature, and speculate about the meaning of life. It is one of the main ways in which we acquire knowledge about the world.   Language is not a perfect medium of communication. Ex. Difference in comprehension between individuals.   Language is sometimes used to deliberately deceive and manipulate people. What is language? 1. Language is rule-governed 2. Language is intended 3. Language is creative and open-ended. Language is rule-governed Grammar gives the rules for how to combine words in the correct order and determines the meaning of a sentence.   Vocabulary is also governed by arbitrary rules. For communication to work, it does not matter what we correlate the objects with, so long as there is general agreement within the community. Language is intended   A key thing that distinguishes the subset of communication that is language from other forms of communication is that the former is intended and the latter is not.   There are situations where information is communicated but one would describe it as language. Language is creative and open-ended   Rules of grammar and vocabulary allow us to create and understand sentences that have never been written or said before. .uc88bb3f0330e5fd5952f63bff35bdf40 , .uc88bb3f0330e5fd5952f63bff35bdf40 .postImageUrl , .uc88bb3f0330e5fd5952f63bff35bdf40 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uc88bb3f0330e5fd5952f63bff35bdf40 , .uc88bb3f0330e5fd5952f63bff35bdf40:hover , .uc88bb3f0330e5fd5952f63bff35bdf40:visited , .uc88bb3f0330e5fd5952f63bff35bdf40:active { border:0!important; } .uc88bb3f0330e5fd5952f63bff35bdf40 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uc88bb3f0330e5fd5952f63bff35bdf40 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uc88bb3f0330e5fd5952f63bff35bdf40:active , .uc88bb3f0330e5fd5952f63bff35bdf40:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uc88bb3f0330e5fd5952f63bff35bdf40 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uc88bb3f0330e5fd5952f63bff35bdf40 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uc88bb3f0330e5fd5952f63bff35bdf40 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uc88bb3f0330e5fd5952f63bff35bdf40 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uc88bb3f0330e5fd5952f63bff35bdf40:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uc88bb3f0330e5fd5952f63bff35bdf40 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uc88bb3f0330e5fd5952f63bff35bdf40 .uc88bb3f0330e5fd5952f63bff35bdf40-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uc88bb3f0330e5fd5952f63bff35bdf40:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Mergers And Acquisitions Of Nestle Accounting EssayLanguages are not static entities but change and develop over time, new words can be invented or can be borrowed from one another.   Although we usually associate language with meaningful sounds, it could in principle express itself in any medium. The problem of meaning   We need to be clear about the meanings of words if we are to understand the information that is being communicated.   If you do not know what the key words are in a passage, you will not understand it.   You must know what a sentence means before you can decide whether it is true or false.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder free essay sample

Examining the history, diagnostic criteria, prevalence, types, effect on others, therapy and drugs. A personality disorder is a mental illness in which a persons perceptions of the world, particularly of people and of social interactions, are altered in a negative fashion. Personality disorders generally involve self-destructive modes of thinking; that is, people with such disorders lack the mental flexibility to deal effectively with the world. People with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) are characterized by a lack of empathy and by a belief that they are somehow better than those people around them. This perception extends to skills and accomplishments, appearance, and career success, among other things. Interestingly, this

Cap and Trade Regulation

Cap and Trade Regulation Introduction Increasing pollution across the world has led to global climate change, which now threatens the very existence of humanity and entire organisms on earth.Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on Cap and Trade Regulation specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Due to the impending crisis of climate change, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the United States filed a case in Supreme Court to compel the government to formulate legislations that will regulate emissions of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide as it is majorly responsible for global warming. In response to compulsion from the EPA, the House of Representative in 2009 formulated and passed a bill of Cap and trade regulation that aims at reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. According to Bachman (2009), based on 2005 levels of carbon dioxide emissions, the cap and trade regulation aims at reducing 3%, 20%, 42%, and 83% of carbon dioxide emissions in the years 2012, 2020, 2030 and 2050 respectively (p.4). The regulations are targeting industrial facilities that emit at least 25,000 metric tons of greenhouses gases per year. Therefore, since the proposed cap and trade regulation seems to be an effective way of reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, what are its economic impacts? Economic Impacts of Regulations The United States government benefits from the cap and trade regulation through taxes collected from permits that allow varied industrial facilities to release greenhouse gases into the environment. Currently, there are no limits or taxes imposed on industries for emitting greenhouse gases, hence the regulation aims at setting limits and imposing taxes on emissions. The cap and trade regulation proposes that, the government should set limits of emitting greenhouse gases on each industrial facility and that any industry that exceeds the permitted limits should acquire extra permits from other industries that u tilize fewer permits through trading. Bachman (2009) argues that, when industries buy emission permits, they will be paying taxes proportional to greenhouse gases they emit into the environment (p. 4). In this view, industries that emit smaller amounts of greenhouse gases can also benefit from the regulation for they can trade their permits to industries that emit more greenhouse gases.Advertising Looking for term paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In view of the fact that increasing levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are responsible for global climate change, the objective of the cap and trade regulation is to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by industries. According to McAllister (2010), the cap and trade regulation is the best instrument that the United States requires to control and regulate the increasing emissions of greenhouse gases from mega industries (p.1196). The re gulation goal is to reduce 83% of carbon dioxide emissions by 2050 based on 2005 levels of emissions. Thus, the cap and trade regulation provides a comprehensive legislation, which ensures that industries pay emission taxes proportionally, and if they exceed the stipulated limits, they receive penalties. Nevertheless, the cap and trade regulation will have a negative impact on the economy because the cost of producing goods in industries will increase and will hurt consumers. Implementation of the proposed cap and trade regulation will mean that industries will have to incur extra cost of production, as legislation requires that they should pay taxes for emitting greenhouse gases into the environment. According to Bachman (2009), economic analysis carried out in Florida showed that implementation of the cap and trade regulation will result into increased household expenses†¦by 2020, household expenses will increase by $816 and by 2050, it will have increased to $4,550 (p.5). Mo reover, given that the regulation will restrict the use of fossil fuels as a source of energy, it will lead to high prices of energy that have compound effect on the economy. The effects include, more employees will lose jobs, and income will decline because investors and industries will be under compulsion to reduce their expenses. Since the proposed cap and trade regulation is still pending awaiting adoption, the senate should not pass and approve it, as it will result into increased cost of production in industries. Cost of production will increase proportionately to the amount of taxes that industries pay so that they can legally emit a certain amount of greenhouse gases into the environment.Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on Cap and Trade Regulation specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Increased cost of production means that consumers will have to incur extra cost when buying essential commodities and thus incre ase cost of living. In addition, increasing global prices of fossil fuel will aggravate the cost of production. Harmon and Hirschhorn (2006) assert that, instead of restricting on the use of fossil fuel through the cap and trade regulation, the government and environmentalists should focus on developing â€Å"alternative sources of renewable energy that do not pollute environment† (p.1). Given that the use renewable energy will significantly reduce emission of greenhouse gases, there is no need to pass the cap and trade regulation, which has serious economic consequences. Conclusion Implementation of the cap and trade regulation is a seemingly a counterproductive attempt by the United States to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases single-handedly without enlisting the cooperation from other countries. Climate change is an international issue and the US should consult other countries. Moreover, implementation of the regulation will result into increased cost of production and cost of living, which ultimately lead into high rates of unemployment and poor economic growth. To alleviate negative impacts of the regulation on people and economy, amendments that exempt food industries, hospitals, and educational institutions is essential. Furthermore, the Congress should amend the regulation to target industrial facilities that emit at least 50 metric tons of green house gases annually to exclude small industries from complying. However, implementing the cap and trade regulation as it is will have grave impacts on the cost of living and economic growth in the United States of America. References Bachman, P. (2009). The Economic Effects of Proposed Cap and Trade Legislation on The State of Florida. The James Madison Institute, 1-12.Advertising Looking for term paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Harmon, R., Hirschhorn, M. (2006). Clearing the Air: The Impact of Carbon Cap and Trade Regulations on Renewable Energy. American Solar Energy Society, 1-7. McAllister, L. (2010). The Enforcement Challenge of Cap and Trade Regulation.  Environmental Law, 40, 1195-1230.

How I robbed myself Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

How I robbed myself - Essay Example I had been exposed to drugs and my addiction grew to such an extent that it forced me into rehabilitation, which destroyed my life and self-respect and has forced me to start my life all over again.. When I look back upon those years when I had taken to drugs, it makes me wonder with utmost surprise and despair in the way in which I prefer to go along a wrong path in spite of having knowledge that these substances are harmful for the body and are addictive. Given these premises, I have quite often been trying to discover the root causes that have encouraged me to take to drugs. One of the most primary aspects that determine whether a person is vulnerable to drug abuse is his/her friends’ circle. This is because the nature of his/her friends explains the degree to which they are closest to witness people using drugs and see the aftermath. Secondly, it also depends on the person’s inner strength and resolve to stay away from these ill effects of life. A person takes to drugs either when he finds the sensation under drugs to be calming and enjoyable and in many cases people are pushed into it whenever they are encouraged by their friends to do so. This has always proved to have an adverse effect not only on the person, bit also on their families and friends. At a personal level, drugs have destroyed me mentally, emotionally and financially as well. They have turned me into something that I wasn’t before and it makes me very sad when some of the people around me keep referring to those times even though I have come out of it. It makes me realize the seriousness of my mistake and I now understand the degree to which drugs tarnish one’s image. Drugs provide an illusory sense of well being, where the person is reduced merely to an object, but destroy them internally by silently attacking their metabolism. Apart from this, drugs also create such an effect within the person’s body that

Reading Reflection In Mixed Company (Rothwell) Essay

Reading Reflection In Mixed Company (Rothwell) - Essay Example Rothwell (2007) says that every group member should first generate their own list and then for the group to come together so everyone’s ideas can be ranked in order of importance. This helps group meetings function smoother because it cuts down on ideas that are of no relevance. However, this only works as long as everyone in the group can come up with their own ideas. From a personal perspective, I can incorporate this concept with my father’s appliance repair business. I live in San Diego and he lives in Orange County, so it is really important that on the occasions when we can meet that we have prepared ideas first. This will make our decision making more efficient because we will already have a list of ideas to work from the moment we begin our discussion. Identify an idea from the reading that connected with other things you already knew. How can you connect it to your present job or life circumstances? Please use pages 273-275 from In Mixed Company and expand on m y responses Thank You. Brainstorming is something that I am already familiar with because I do it often in my daily life without realizing it. There are some days when I wake up and don’t know what to do, so I think of a few options and pick the one that appeals to me the most. Rothwell (2007) tells of nine different ways how brainstorming can function during a business meeting. After reading these few pages, I realize that already use many of these nine techniques when I’m brainstorming. Perhaps that one that I use the most is that our ideas stay focused on the topic. It is, however, still important to promote creativity, so I will make sure that these guidelines are followed when I’m working in my father’s appliance repair shop. Identify an Idea from the reading that something you already know or read about make much more sense; this would be an idea that created an â€Å"ah-hah† moment for you. How can you connect it to your present job or life circumstances? Please use page 273-275 from mixed company My â€Å"ah-hah† moment once again came during when I was reading the nine things to avoid or carry out while brainstorming in a meeting. This made me realize that many of my failed meetings in the past have been due to not following the nine techniques. Now that I understand how to brainstorm properly, I will make sure that I remain on track while still encouraging creative thoughts. I hope to apply these techniques not only in my work setting but also in my personal life because brainstorming is one of the basic things that we do in life. Based on the reading for this week, what is one thing you could do differently in your job tomorrow to improve your work performance? Identify specific behaviors you would perform. Please use page 278 in mixed company The one thing that I could do differently in my job tomorrow to improve my work performance is to expand the pie or use the bridging technique. In my father’s b usiness, we work in groups of three to sell appliances. Sometimes the groups are competitive and wish to only sell the best appliances at all times. The problem is that only one or two groups ever sell anything because they have the best appliances and leave the other groups with the poorer quality machines. One way to solve this would be to give an equal amount of each machine to each group so there would be no complaining. This way, it would be left up to the marketing techniques of each individual group to sell more products than the other groups. Discussion question for

Importance of Supplier Relations Management

Importance of Supplier Relations Management Chapter 1: Introduction 1.1 Objective â€Å"Supply chain management (SCM) is the combination of art and science that goes into improving the way your company finds the raw components it needs to make a product or service and deliver it to customers.(Worthen., 2008)†. The main objectives of this research are to structure a supply network through multiple tiers. It extends in identifying the importance of Supplier relations management. Todays market as we know is customer driven, with extensive subcontracting, Inventory and supply chain management can make or break a deal. Good supply network emphasizes on seamless integration between Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and its suppliers. It encourages in merging its design of Product, process and services. Regard to todays world, Global Supply chain Management is changing virtually every day (group, June 2006 ) Large and Small companies are keen and very likely to trade internationally and also to take advantage of low cost countrys for their sources. (group, June 2006 ). This study takes a more holistic approach in identifying issues and constraints of global supply chain management. A very rigorous approach for optimally coordinating information, material and financial flow between supplier ti ers is another objective of this study. Study is supported by mapping different models and approaches in order to provide a harmonic coordination within a closed supply network. As mentioned earlier small and large companies are turning their interest towards low cost developing countries for sources, this research intends to study current trends and opportunities among these developing nations for sustainable supply network coordination. Chapter 2 Literature Review 2.1 Summary This paper revolves around various objectives as discussed earlier. The purpose of a literature review is to describe the work that has been reported on a topic. It illustrates an individuals ability to identify vital information and sketch existing knowledge. This literature review is carried out to review current market trends and also to have a thorough knowledge correlating our main objectives. Ideas and thoughts of different authors has been analysed to demonstrate a more eccentric review of the topic. Few case studies has also been analysed to understand practical difficulties and competitive advantage of a better supply network design. Table 1 illustrates various definitions proposed by authors. 2.2 Multi Tier Supply Chain Overview and key elements In general many Manufacturing Organizations are a network production and distribution sites. They transfer raw materials to finished products and supply it to end users (billington 1992). Strategic supply chains are those in which â€Å"members are strategically, operationally, and technologically integrated†(Hult 2004) and are assumed to be a long-term stable relationships with a potential to change in accordance with the variable demands and market conditions(Hult 2004). Inventories play a very important role at both macroeconomic and microeconomic levels (Jaber 2009). According to (Jaber 2009), Current inventory costs accounts to half of total logistical expenses of a supply chain(Lancioni 2000). Improper Inventory management in a supply chain usually tends to increase conflicts between entities of the supply chain i.e., between retailer, buyer, manufacturer and suppliers, which may result to inefficiencies of the supply chain.(Jaber 2009). In a ideal supply chain every firm is considered to be unified, thus in an ideally integrated supply chain, end users or ultimate customers are the pulling force of a value chain unlike classical way of Manufactures pushing the goods out(Tan 2001). Realistically achieving full integration of a value chain is difficult with its complexity, thus strategically important business organizations are emphasized (Tan 2001). Key elements and activities of supply chain are as shown below. Key Elements Of supply chain According to (Christopher 2005), One important aspect of effective SCM is to reduce or completely eliminate Inventory issues between different entities/Organisation in a supply chain. He suggests eliminating this issue by effective information sharing of all stock levels. This concept is called ‘Co- Managed Inventory CMI.(Christopher 2005).(Tan 2001) Suggest that primary focus of a SCM is to achieve efficient end product distribution from manufacturer to customer by replacing inventories with information. Supply chain managements philosophy also suggests that its operations are not concerned only with logistics, but expands through all other operations of an organisation to achieve a greater customer satisfaction and value.(John T. Mentzer 2001).Other basic characteristics of a SCM, according to (John T. Mentzer 2001) are Considering the whole supply chain as a single entity and by this virtue, total inventory flow is managed in a SCM. Orienting Intrafirm and interfirm operations with a strategic approach and thus reinforcing its capabilities by co-operative measures. Unique/Personalized approach should be carried out for every customer to stay competitive and to achieve better customer satisfaction. For years Supply chain was considered as channels for distribution. The main intent of channel distribution was to make each organisation more productive and efficient. It emphasized on making each organisation more profitable without considering its other counter parts of the channel, i.e. like Tier1 suppliers, tier2, distributors or retailers (Lancioni 2000). Over the years with the advent of Supply chain management, focus drifted from intrafunctionaltowards a more interfunctional vision, by which co-ordination between these entities of SCM was emphasised. Interfunctional Channel distribution or termed as the modern day supply chain management considered the opportunity in supply network coordination: â€Å". . . altering the levels of the various activities, often referred to as logistical in nature (such as transportation, inventories, facility location, and order processing) may adversely affect achieving the objectives of these other functional areas†(Lancioni 2000). Thu s customer becomes the driving force of supply chain management. Supply chain analysis (SCA) deals with vertical inter dependencies between the firms; it also requires a systematic approach towards resource allocation and information exchange at every stage of production (Simchi-Levi 2000). Globalization represents cross-border flow of finished goods and increase in global competitors, identifying opportunities and competitive supply chain within its industrial sector(John T. Mentzer 2006). Realistically Supply-chain Managers identify difference between a domestic and a global supply chain even if the conditions are same. It is found that complexitys designing Global supply chain is exponentially high compared to a domestic supply chain, also its ability to stay competitive lies in understanding subtleties of GSCM that exists only during cross border trade offs(John T. Mentzer 2006). Supply chain distinguishes itself from its constituent entities with its integration of operations (Mahapatra 2004). Supply chain management goes beyond co-ordination among firms; it recognises inter dependencies among them and also delivers effective relationship management. Logistics is an integral part of effective supply chain.(Pierpaolo Pontrandolfo 2003) Suggest that Logistics operations within an organization can be related to Forward flow of goods both WIP and Finished goods Information flow feedback Management and Control Network Analysis (NA) is a technique which provides many tools to map relationship between internal organisations. NA also concerns with horizontal dependencies unlike SCA (Sergio G. Lazzarini 2001). As SCA and NA there are many other analyses methodologys suggests the importance of Interdependencies between organizations, According to (John T. Mentzer 2001) , the following activities are necessary to implement a better SCM. â€Å"Integrated Behaviour Sharing risks and rewards mutually Co-ordination Mutual sharing Information Goals and focus to serve customers Process integration Installing Long-term relations with suppliers and customers†(Mentzer 2001). The term supply chain management had an increased influence over the past decade. For instance, Annual Conference of the Council of Logistics Management 1995, 13.5% of the conference sessions posted titles concerning the words â€Å"supply chain.† At the 1997 conference, just two years later, the number of sessions about the terminology drastically increased to 22.4% (John T. Mentzer 2001). This increase has been steady all these years. This increase widely illustrates the global importance and benefits of Supply chain management. There are different types of channel relations in a supply chain as illustrated in Fig4. Supplier Organization/OEM Customer Figure3a: Direct Supply Chain Suppliers Supplier Organization Customers SupplierCustomer Figure 3b: Extended Supply Chain Third party Logistics Supplier Ultimate Supplier Organization Customer Ultimate Supplier Customer Financial Market Provider Research The figure1 identifies different degrees of supply chain complexity they are direct, extended and ultimate supply chain. A direct supply chain consists of a supplier and a customer involved in upstream and downstream flow of (Products, services, finance and information)(Figure: 4a.)(John T. Mentzer 2001) Similarly an extended supply chain includes suppliers, Immediate suppliers and customers and immediate customer, all involved in the upstream and/or downstream flows of products, finances, services and info(Figure: 4b). Thus an ultimate supply chain includes all the organizations involved in all the upstream and downstream flows of products/services/finances, and information from the ultimate supplier to the ultimate customer. (Figure: 4c) illustrates the complex functions of an ultimate supply chains. This may include 3rd Party Financial institutions; this involvement may be a cause to reduce overall risk involved. Similarly Even logistical operations are also supported by (3PL) In figure:4c , a market research firm is also seen as an entity of this complex chain. These may very well support the Manufacturer by providing vital market information about their end users.(John T. Mentzer 2001). Process of Supply chain management Many organisations believe that with process approach it is difficult to reduce/optimize their production flow in SCM (Cooper 2000). Customer relationship management Customer service management Demand management Order fulfilment Manufacturing flow management Procurement Product development and commercialization Returns. Multi Levels Explained It is necessary to understand different network analysis, methodologies to understand and resolve issues in designing a better supply chain management. Fig2 illustrates a basic model of a multi tier supply chain. Each level has its own importance and prominent influence over the chain thus making every level an integral part of the complex system. Fig2 is a sceptic of four level supply chain with centralised decision process. The different levels are as described below(Goyal 2009) First level-This Level of supply network contains multiple buyers/Distributor. Second Level- This level encompasses of Vendors or Manufacturer ie., Original Equipment Manufacturer. Third level- This level contains Tier-1 /Immediate Suppliers of the supply chain. Fourth level- This level contains different tier 2 suppliers. These suppliers support tier1 suppliers or directly to the manufacturer by providing product, service or finance.(Goyal 2009). Levels of issue The major issues at different levels that have to be addressed in a multi dimensional Supply chain are(David Simchi-Levi 2003). Strategic level: Strategic level of decisions are vital which provides and long and sustainable effect on an organization. Major decisions like factory location, storage, Plant capacity and logistic network fall under this level. Tactical level: These decision that change steadily(eg: every quarter) depending on market position, like transportation, production capacity, inventory policy, customer review etc., Operational level: These decisions are mostly day to day like scheduling, lead time, quotes, routing etc.,(David Simchi-Levi 2003). According to (David Simchi-Levi 2003), the above issues can be addresses with few strategies as follows Distribution Network Configuration Inventory Control Supply Contracts Distribution Strategies Supply Chain Integration and Strategic partnering Outsourcing and Procurement Strategies Product Design Contrastingly other author(Simon Croom 2000) looks to analyse supply chain management as different levels as addressed below. Dyadic Level: This level considers just two party relations, like Supplier-Manufacturer or Supplier-Retailer Chain Level: This level composes of relations with different dyadic levels, relations with customer-manufacturer-supplier-distributor-retailer etc., Network Level: This level is concerned with all network operations like upstream and downstream flow.(Simon Croom 2000). Areas of concern for Supply chain Literature Figure 6: Principle component bodies of supply chain literature Source: (Simon Croom 2000) 2.3 Global Supply Chain Management [GSCM] In this decade of global exploitation for raw materials, cheap and skilled labour has impounded interest towards global supply chain. Fig6 illustrates a typical Global Supply chain network. Interfunctional characteristic of a value chain has grown more complex and non feasible. Manufacturers usually set up factories in foreign to take advantages of low cost labour, trade concession, reduced logistic expense for foreign market, subsidies in capital investment it also makes manufactures more reliable to customers due to their close proximity(Gargeya 2005).Greater needs for GSCM is debated in this chapter below. Authors debate of many learning methodologies to understand framework of Global Supply chain management (GSCM). According to (Pierpaolo Pontrandolfo 2003) GSCM issues can be understood by an Artificial intelligence approach called Reinforcement learning (RL). Currently there are many such frameworks, helping different Multi National Companys as a business model. (Barry 2004), describes â€Å"An enterprise may have lowest over-all costs in a stable world environment, but may also have the highest level of risk if any one of the multiple gating factors kink up an elongated global supply chain!† In a global supply chain, supply risk should be identified, asses its possible occurrence and provided with a monetary value for better understanding, Companys should easily modify towards alternate suppliers (Barry 2004). 2.3a Current State Issues However experts believe that Global supply chain are more complex and difficult to maintain unlike domestic SC. Transportation cost tend to increase substantially due to foreign location, also complicates decision making because of increased lead time(Gargeya 2005). The other factors that dont encourage Global supply chain are listed below (Gargeya 2005) Inventory Cost Trade offs Supplier availability and Quality Different Language, Culture, practices Difficulties in Material planning and demand forecast Infrastructural incapability and non sophisticated telecommunication Inadequate skilled labour, Technology and Equipments Uncertain exchange rates Instable economics and politics Inconsistency of financial performance of supply chain. Efficient product and service distribution to upcoming markets can only be provided if an effective marketing infrastructure is developed.(Richey 2001). Globalization process should be viewed as a network embedded with contemporaneous options, constraints and events(Richey 2001). It intends to look into developing a strategic supply chain development and implementation. One of the challenge in a Global supply chain is development of a decision making model which incorporates almost every concerns of entities running across the chain(Mahapatra 2004). It is one of the biggest concerns to produce effective decisions to reduce risk. Considerable efforts has now been expended in developing this model, many conventional methodologies are adopted like, Simulation, Mathematical program, statistics etc., (Mahapatra 2004). 2.3 b Emerging Issues Numerous Global Supply chain models have been proposed consistently by researchers to tackle issues. Diffusion in multiple plant production systems, globalized market has escalated researchers interest towards this field. Fig11 illustrates one of the models that help to design a supply network. This model proposed by authors â€Å"Carlos J. Vidal† and â€Å"Marc Goetschalckx† illustrates an overlook of a decision making model to tackle transfer pricing and transport cost allocation problems. It is seen from fig6 that the suppliers are broadly classified as internal and external suppliers. For External suppliers it is clear that there is no possible decision for transfer pricing because they directly sell to organizations at market prices. Unlike external suppliers an optimal transfer pricing is determined using the model for internal suppliers (Goetschalckx 2001). A detail literature review of transfer pricing issue and its effect on Global supply chain will be discusse d later in this chapter. Table 2: Major international issues considered in selected global supply chain models Source: (Goetschalckx 1997) Market place around Global supply chain is changing continually reflecting to more emerging issues. These issues have to be resolved in a very short span to stay competitive and to make supply chain more financially effective (Gargeya 2005). First issue is dramatic increase of organizations, outsourcing its work to both domestic and international locations. Secondly many industries outsourced with a unidirectional and enterprise level motive, but now strive to coordinate its decision process across different levels of suppliers (Gargeya 2005). Third issue is recent development in the field of supply chain resulting in expanded definition of â€Å"supply chain performance, as mission, strategy and objectives can vary considerably based on value of the product offered to the customer† (Gargeya 2005). Even with extreme significance and necessity for Global Supply chain management, the subject is complex and diffuse. Many technique and methods have emerged from different areas like operations, logistics, sociology, International relationship, marketing, management, economics et,. But still due to its significant growth and complexity it becomes hard to keep abreast with current development in the field of GSCM (John T. Mentzer 2006). Cementing is the fact that many of these methodologies has evolved with little interdependency, considering little attention in relating with existing models (John T. Mentzer 2006). Outsourcing and Global Supply chain management focus to cost reduction, improved quality; thus increasing its overall competitiveness through structure and process that increase managerial commitment and competencies (Richey 2001). On other hand increased outsourcing of manufacturing to foreign locations in recent years has influenced mangers to design their supply chain considering not only in-house facilities but also to incorporate supplier capabilities and infrastructure. Broader criteria are taken into account while selecting the suppliers unlike fundamental ways. Suppliers are chosen based on customers perception of suppliers to meet demand, with suitable attributes such as quality, quantity, delivery, service, price etc.,. In some case more broader criteria as defined by total ownership cost for carrying inventory, training and repair (Meixell 2005). Supplier selection escalates structure of design problems with limitations in number of vendors in a certain geography, minimum order quantity, geographic preference and supplier capacity (Gargeya 2005). Supply network integration through a supply chain also influences Global supply chain design. Business process integration is one of the best options, coordinating decision across multiple tiers of suppliers/vendors. In reality organizations engage in coordination activities like â€Å"Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI), Collaborative Planning, Forecasting, and replenishment (CPFR)† (Gargeya 2005) by sharing sales promotion information. Advanced planning system (APS) integrate production decision making process, these systems are designed with precautions having Supplier capacity and Inventory in mind. These constraints influence Global Supply chain design in large scale (Gargeya 2005). As part of global supply chain design many factors like import duties has to be designed while framing since they contribute nearly 5-10 % of total cost (Pierpaolo Pontrandolfo 2003).Thriving through these issues, a well-coordinated and integrated design of Global Supply chain is hard to replicate thus making is very efficient and helps to achieve a competitive strategy in global scale (Gargeya 2005). 2.3c Need of Global Supply chain Management: Market Drift Global Supply chain models are complex and difficult to provide a solution compared to a domestic supply chain. In a global supply chain flow of cash and information is difficult to maintain unlike single country model. Inclusion of various taxes, Transfer pricing, duties, exchange rates, trade barriers are basic necessity to instil a real time supply system (Goetschalckx 1997). Todays market has advanced with increased globalization of supply sources and demand, drastic improvement of information transparency, innovative business models and venture capital. With such high competitive nature, Simple pursue for higher market share is no longer effective in improving profitability. Focus has drifted towards redefining their competitive profit zone; Companies now tend towards co-relationship to capture life time customer rather than mass buyers through strategic development and Management partnership (John T. Mentzer 2006). Global Market has immensely changed in these following factors Increase value of end users over mass buyers Importance of customization Emerging global consumer segment Time and quality related competition Improvements in communication Value for Information sharing Changing government policies Power shift to End users In broad spectrum of supply chain power has shifted towards End users. Customer satisfaction becomes the ultimate goal. Interfirm relation and collaboration is critical to increase customer satisfaction.(John T. Mentzer 2006). Original equipment manufacturers and supporting suppliers should be quick to react to customer requirements or else have to face prospect of losing market share. Mass Customization Mass customization results in increase in variety without compromising quality, price and efficiency i.e., customers expect better quality level and customization for low or competitive cost. This level of customization can only be achieved with full commitment of every entity of a supply chain like employees, distributors, suppliers etc,(John T. Mentzer 2006). Improved Communication Global competitive market means unit of business analysis of an organization is whole world not just a country/region. Communication revolution has offended late design or delay in delivery. In this context, â€Å"Kotler Philip† said â€Å"As firms globalize, they realize that no matter how large they are, they lackthe total resources and requisites for success.Viewing the complete supply chain forproducing value, they recognize the necessity of partnering with other organizations(John T. Mentzer 2006) â€Å". Time and Quality importance Time and Quality focused market competition can be achieved by basic Lean methodologies, reducing waste in the form of time, defects etc,. Improved quality not just means finished goods but also every area of a company.(John T. Mentzer 2006) Information Technology Influenced Most Powerful and conceptual influence is through immense improvement in the field of Information technology. Invention of modern computers superseded monolithic companies. Fast communication increased link between every member also eliminating multiple layers of people serving as information channel and control group, reducing cost and improved linkage eliminating time delays(John T. Mentzer 2006). 2.3d Benefits of Global Supply chain In this competitive world, market research is a fundamental aspect of any organizations design process. Anticipated results are an aspect of a design process, so it is necessary to understand possible benefits of Global Supply chain. Few benefits described by (Mechanic 2010), are Highest standard of quality. Increased standard expectancy from developing nations. Reduced Inventory and Transportation. Competitive advantage. Make or buy decisions simplified. Wider marker scale to target (New Market opportunity). Opportunity to learn and adapt business models around the globe. Increase in Supply chain flexibility. Surviving Economic recessions with auxiliary markets. 2.4 Supply Network design and collaboration 2.4 a General literature According to (Sheng Su 2008)†A supply chain is an integrated network of suppliers, transformation plants and distribution channels which are organized to acquire raw materials, transform the materials into final products, and deliver those products to customers(Sheng Su 2008)†. Recent developments in technology have forced typical sequential manufacturing industry into designing current ideas for business-business relationship with companies in supply networks (james B. Rice Jr 2002). (james B. Rice Jr 2002) Suggest that, Organizations which are looking for coordination across a strategic supply chain can be achieved by three independent segment coordination such as Information system Logistics Network Financial trade offs Author (Christine Harland 2003) describes the increasing complexity in supply networks. In growing market, issues can arise due to various reasons. Following table illustrates few origins of issue Table 3: Increasing Complexity in Supply network Source (Christine Harland 2003) Design of supply network can be approached as stages, Production, Procurement and distribution. Each stage can be scattered across supply network positioned anywhere in the globe as illustrated in fig11 (D.J. Thomas 1996). Designing and coordinating supply chain for a specific product usually tends to break functional and boundary barriers, resulting as a major issue. Functional boundaries can be deceiving in delivering knowledge thus a clear understanding is hard even for top management (D.J. Thomas 1996). Supply chain management is a new concept but coordinated planning has a profound history since early 1960 (D.J. Thomas 1996). Since then researchers had focused to integrate planning, scheduling and distribution (D.J. Thomas 1996), some of the early models and their functionality are review later in this chapter as illustrated in tables 7-13. Inventory Management barrier Managing Inventory is a vital and significantly increases customer satisfaction and also improves profit. According to (Billington 1992), there are 13 pitfalls in Inventory management. No Supply Chain metrics: Generally it is found that there is no strict performance metrics used to evaluate each entity of the supply chain. Usually individual organizations inside a supply network may have conflicting objectives which tends to reduce overall efficiency. This issue has to be addressed by assessing and orienting supply chain metrics which is governed by customer satisfaction criterion (Billington 1992). Inadequate definition of customer service: Usually customer service does not mean just better delivery time or quality. Many critical details like order cycle time and back order time et., these issues can be omitted by proper understand of customer and standards of expectancy (Billington 1992). Inaccurate Delivery status date: This clerical issue can result in massive impact on total efficiency of the supply chain. It can be resolved by centralized data storage under regular monitor (Billington 1992). Inefficient information systems: These issues mostly resolved with recent developments in Information Technology. Softwares like Enterprise resource planning can help to resolve this issue. Ignoring the impact of uncertainties: In a supply chain there can be different sources for uncertainties as, supplier lead time, raw material quality, process lead time, Transportation and fluctuating market etc., Implementation of Just-In-Time (PULL System) can help to resolve these issues as this system monitors uncertainties closely and react immediately (Billington 1992). Simplistic inventory stocking policies: This issue can be resolved with efficient safety stock policies (Billington 1992). Discrimination against internal customers: This is caused when Work in Progress goods are delivered and handled with your supplier unlike finished products to ultimate customer (Billington 1992). Poor coordination: as mentioned earlier in this research, harmonic network coordination is a fundamental entity of supply chain. Better coordination can be achieved by effective Supplier relationship management Incorrect assessment of Inventory costs: Occurrence of this issue is generally by omitting few inventory maintenance cost while formulating supply chain, usually An effective supply chain design helps in identifying best, Location and distribution centres, Plant Capacity, Market access and planning. Importance of Supplier Relations Management Importance of Supplier Relations Management Chapter 1: Introduction 1.1 Objective â€Å"Supply chain management (SCM) is the combination of art and science that goes into improving the way your company finds the raw components it needs to make a product or service and deliver it to customers.(Worthen., 2008)†. The main objectives of this research are to structure a supply network through multiple tiers. It extends in identifying the importance of Supplier relations management. Todays market as we know is customer driven, with extensive subcontracting, Inventory and supply chain management can make or break a deal. Good supply network emphasizes on seamless integration between Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and its suppliers. It encourages in merging its design of Product, process and services. Regard to todays world, Global Supply chain Management is changing virtually every day (group, June 2006 ) Large and Small companies are keen and very likely to trade internationally and also to take advantage of low cost countrys for their sources. (group, June 2006 ). This study takes a more holistic approach in identifying issues and constraints of global supply chain management. A very rigorous approach for optimally coordinating information, material and financial flow between supplier ti ers is another objective of this study. Study is supported by mapping different models and approaches in order to provide a harmonic coordination within a closed supply network. As mentioned earlier small and large companies are turning their interest towards low cost developing countries for sources, this research intends to study current trends and opportunities among these developing nations for sustainable supply network coordination. Chapter 2 Literature Review 2.1 Summary This paper revolves around various objectives as discussed earlier. The purpose of a literature review is to describe the work that has been reported on a topic. It illustrates an individuals ability to identify vital information and sketch existing knowledge. This literature review is carried out to review current market trends and also to have a thorough knowledge correlating our main objectives. Ideas and thoughts of different authors has been analysed to demonstrate a more eccentric review of the topic. Few case studies has also been analysed to understand practical difficulties and competitive advantage of a better supply network design. Table 1 illustrates various definitions proposed by authors. 2.2 Multi Tier Supply Chain Overview and key elements In general many Manufacturing Organizations are a network production and distribution sites. They transfer raw materials to finished products and supply it to end users (billington 1992). Strategic supply chains are those in which â€Å"members are strategically, operationally, and technologically integrated†(Hult 2004) and are assumed to be a long-term stable relationships with a potential to change in accordance with the variable demands and market conditions(Hult 2004). Inventories play a very important role at both macroeconomic and microeconomic levels (Jaber 2009). According to (Jaber 2009), Current inventory costs accounts to half of total logistical expenses of a supply chain(Lancioni 2000). Improper Inventory management in a supply chain usually tends to increase conflicts between entities of the supply chain i.e., between retailer, buyer, manufacturer and suppliers, which may result to inefficiencies of the supply chain.(Jaber 2009). In a ideal supply chain every firm is considered to be unified, thus in an ideally integrated supply chain, end users or ultimate customers are the pulling force of a value chain unlike classical way of Manufactures pushing the goods out(Tan 2001). Realistically achieving full integration of a value chain is difficult with its complexity, thus strategically important business organizations are emphasized (Tan 2001). Key elements and activities of supply chain are as shown below. Key Elements Of supply chain According to (Christopher 2005), One important aspect of effective SCM is to reduce or completely eliminate Inventory issues between different entities/Organisation in a supply chain. He suggests eliminating this issue by effective information sharing of all stock levels. This concept is called ‘Co- Managed Inventory CMI.(Christopher 2005).(Tan 2001) Suggest that primary focus of a SCM is to achieve efficient end product distribution from manufacturer to customer by replacing inventories with information. Supply chain managements philosophy also suggests that its operations are not concerned only with logistics, but expands through all other operations of an organisation to achieve a greater customer satisfaction and value.(John T. Mentzer 2001).Other basic characteristics of a SCM, according to (John T. Mentzer 2001) are Considering the whole supply chain as a single entity and by this virtue, total inventory flow is managed in a SCM. Orienting Intrafirm and interfirm operations with a strategic approach and thus reinforcing its capabilities by co-operative measures. Unique/Personalized approach should be carried out for every customer to stay competitive and to achieve better customer satisfaction. For years Supply chain was considered as channels for distribution. The main intent of channel distribution was to make each organisation more productive and efficient. It emphasized on making each organisation more profitable without considering its other counter parts of the channel, i.e. like Tier1 suppliers, tier2, distributors or retailers (Lancioni 2000). Over the years with the advent of Supply chain management, focus drifted from intrafunctionaltowards a more interfunctional vision, by which co-ordination between these entities of SCM was emphasised. Interfunctional Channel distribution or termed as the modern day supply chain management considered the opportunity in supply network coordination: â€Å". . . altering the levels of the various activities, often referred to as logistical in nature (such as transportation, inventories, facility location, and order processing) may adversely affect achieving the objectives of these other functional areas†(Lancioni 2000). Thu s customer becomes the driving force of supply chain management. Supply chain analysis (SCA) deals with vertical inter dependencies between the firms; it also requires a systematic approach towards resource allocation and information exchange at every stage of production (Simchi-Levi 2000). Globalization represents cross-border flow of finished goods and increase in global competitors, identifying opportunities and competitive supply chain within its industrial sector(John T. Mentzer 2006). Realistically Supply-chain Managers identify difference between a domestic and a global supply chain even if the conditions are same. It is found that complexitys designing Global supply chain is exponentially high compared to a domestic supply chain, also its ability to stay competitive lies in understanding subtleties of GSCM that exists only during cross border trade offs(John T. Mentzer 2006). Supply chain distinguishes itself from its constituent entities with its integration of operations (Mahapatra 2004). Supply chain management goes beyond co-ordination among firms; it recognises inter dependencies among them and also delivers effective relationship management. Logistics is an integral part of effective supply chain.(Pierpaolo Pontrandolfo 2003) Suggest that Logistics operations within an organization can be related to Forward flow of goods both WIP and Finished goods Information flow feedback Management and Control Network Analysis (NA) is a technique which provides many tools to map relationship between internal organisations. NA also concerns with horizontal dependencies unlike SCA (Sergio G. Lazzarini 2001). As SCA and NA there are many other analyses methodologys suggests the importance of Interdependencies between organizations, According to (John T. Mentzer 2001) , the following activities are necessary to implement a better SCM. â€Å"Integrated Behaviour Sharing risks and rewards mutually Co-ordination Mutual sharing Information Goals and focus to serve customers Process integration Installing Long-term relations with suppliers and customers†(Mentzer 2001). The term supply chain management had an increased influence over the past decade. For instance, Annual Conference of the Council of Logistics Management 1995, 13.5% of the conference sessions posted titles concerning the words â€Å"supply chain.† At the 1997 conference, just two years later, the number of sessions about the terminology drastically increased to 22.4% (John T. Mentzer 2001). This increase has been steady all these years. This increase widely illustrates the global importance and benefits of Supply chain management. There are different types of channel relations in a supply chain as illustrated in Fig4. Supplier Organization/OEM Customer Figure3a: Direct Supply Chain Suppliers Supplier Organization Customers SupplierCustomer Figure 3b: Extended Supply Chain Third party Logistics Supplier Ultimate Supplier Organization Customer Ultimate Supplier Customer Financial Market Provider Research The figure1 identifies different degrees of supply chain complexity they are direct, extended and ultimate supply chain. A direct supply chain consists of a supplier and a customer involved in upstream and downstream flow of (Products, services, finance and information)(Figure: 4a.)(John T. Mentzer 2001) Similarly an extended supply chain includes suppliers, Immediate suppliers and customers and immediate customer, all involved in the upstream and/or downstream flows of products, finances, services and info(Figure: 4b). Thus an ultimate supply chain includes all the organizations involved in all the upstream and downstream flows of products/services/finances, and information from the ultimate supplier to the ultimate customer. (Figure: 4c) illustrates the complex functions of an ultimate supply chains. This may include 3rd Party Financial institutions; this involvement may be a cause to reduce overall risk involved. Similarly Even logistical operations are also supported by (3PL) In figure:4c , a market research firm is also seen as an entity of this complex chain. These may very well support the Manufacturer by providing vital market information about their end users.(John T. Mentzer 2001). Process of Supply chain management Many organisations believe that with process approach it is difficult to reduce/optimize their production flow in SCM (Cooper 2000). Customer relationship management Customer service management Demand management Order fulfilment Manufacturing flow management Procurement Product development and commercialization Returns. Multi Levels Explained It is necessary to understand different network analysis, methodologies to understand and resolve issues in designing a better supply chain management. Fig2 illustrates a basic model of a multi tier supply chain. Each level has its own importance and prominent influence over the chain thus making every level an integral part of the complex system. Fig2 is a sceptic of four level supply chain with centralised decision process. The different levels are as described below(Goyal 2009) First level-This Level of supply network contains multiple buyers/Distributor. Second Level- This level encompasses of Vendors or Manufacturer ie., Original Equipment Manufacturer. Third level- This level contains Tier-1 /Immediate Suppliers of the supply chain. Fourth level- This level contains different tier 2 suppliers. These suppliers support tier1 suppliers or directly to the manufacturer by providing product, service or finance.(Goyal 2009). Levels of issue The major issues at different levels that have to be addressed in a multi dimensional Supply chain are(David Simchi-Levi 2003). Strategic level: Strategic level of decisions are vital which provides and long and sustainable effect on an organization. Major decisions like factory location, storage, Plant capacity and logistic network fall under this level. Tactical level: These decision that change steadily(eg: every quarter) depending on market position, like transportation, production capacity, inventory policy, customer review etc., Operational level: These decisions are mostly day to day like scheduling, lead time, quotes, routing etc.,(David Simchi-Levi 2003). According to (David Simchi-Levi 2003), the above issues can be addresses with few strategies as follows Distribution Network Configuration Inventory Control Supply Contracts Distribution Strategies Supply Chain Integration and Strategic partnering Outsourcing and Procurement Strategies Product Design Contrastingly other author(Simon Croom 2000) looks to analyse supply chain management as different levels as addressed below. Dyadic Level: This level considers just two party relations, like Supplier-Manufacturer or Supplier-Retailer Chain Level: This level composes of relations with different dyadic levels, relations with customer-manufacturer-supplier-distributor-retailer etc., Network Level: This level is concerned with all network operations like upstream and downstream flow.(Simon Croom 2000). Areas of concern for Supply chain Literature Figure 6: Principle component bodies of supply chain literature Source: (Simon Croom 2000) 2.3 Global Supply Chain Management [GSCM] In this decade of global exploitation for raw materials, cheap and skilled labour has impounded interest towards global supply chain. Fig6 illustrates a typical Global Supply chain network. Interfunctional characteristic of a value chain has grown more complex and non feasible. Manufacturers usually set up factories in foreign to take advantages of low cost labour, trade concession, reduced logistic expense for foreign market, subsidies in capital investment it also makes manufactures more reliable to customers due to their close proximity(Gargeya 2005).Greater needs for GSCM is debated in this chapter below. Authors debate of many learning methodologies to understand framework of Global Supply chain management (GSCM). According to (Pierpaolo Pontrandolfo 2003) GSCM issues can be understood by an Artificial intelligence approach called Reinforcement learning (RL). Currently there are many such frameworks, helping different Multi National Companys as a business model. (Barry 2004), describes â€Å"An enterprise may have lowest over-all costs in a stable world environment, but may also have the highest level of risk if any one of the multiple gating factors kink up an elongated global supply chain!† In a global supply chain, supply risk should be identified, asses its possible occurrence and provided with a monetary value for better understanding, Companys should easily modify towards alternate suppliers (Barry 2004). 2.3a Current State Issues However experts believe that Global supply chain are more complex and difficult to maintain unlike domestic SC. Transportation cost tend to increase substantially due to foreign location, also complicates decision making because of increased lead time(Gargeya 2005). The other factors that dont encourage Global supply chain are listed below (Gargeya 2005) Inventory Cost Trade offs Supplier availability and Quality Different Language, Culture, practices Difficulties in Material planning and demand forecast Infrastructural incapability and non sophisticated telecommunication Inadequate skilled labour, Technology and Equipments Uncertain exchange rates Instable economics and politics Inconsistency of financial performance of supply chain. Efficient product and service distribution to upcoming markets can only be provided if an effective marketing infrastructure is developed.(Richey 2001). Globalization process should be viewed as a network embedded with contemporaneous options, constraints and events(Richey 2001). It intends to look into developing a strategic supply chain development and implementation. One of the challenge in a Global supply chain is development of a decision making model which incorporates almost every concerns of entities running across the chain(Mahapatra 2004). It is one of the biggest concerns to produce effective decisions to reduce risk. Considerable efforts has now been expended in developing this model, many conventional methodologies are adopted like, Simulation, Mathematical program, statistics etc., (Mahapatra 2004). 2.3 b Emerging Issues Numerous Global Supply chain models have been proposed consistently by researchers to tackle issues. Diffusion in multiple plant production systems, globalized market has escalated researchers interest towards this field. Fig11 illustrates one of the models that help to design a supply network. This model proposed by authors â€Å"Carlos J. Vidal† and â€Å"Marc Goetschalckx† illustrates an overlook of a decision making model to tackle transfer pricing and transport cost allocation problems. It is seen from fig6 that the suppliers are broadly classified as internal and external suppliers. For External suppliers it is clear that there is no possible decision for transfer pricing because they directly sell to organizations at market prices. Unlike external suppliers an optimal transfer pricing is determined using the model for internal suppliers (Goetschalckx 2001). A detail literature review of transfer pricing issue and its effect on Global supply chain will be discusse d later in this chapter. Table 2: Major international issues considered in selected global supply chain models Source: (Goetschalckx 1997) Market place around Global supply chain is changing continually reflecting to more emerging issues. These issues have to be resolved in a very short span to stay competitive and to make supply chain more financially effective (Gargeya 2005). First issue is dramatic increase of organizations, outsourcing its work to both domestic and international locations. Secondly many industries outsourced with a unidirectional and enterprise level motive, but now strive to coordinate its decision process across different levels of suppliers (Gargeya 2005). Third issue is recent development in the field of supply chain resulting in expanded definition of â€Å"supply chain performance, as mission, strategy and objectives can vary considerably based on value of the product offered to the customer† (Gargeya 2005). Even with extreme significance and necessity for Global Supply chain management, the subject is complex and diffuse. Many technique and methods have emerged from different areas like operations, logistics, sociology, International relationship, marketing, management, economics et,. But still due to its significant growth and complexity it becomes hard to keep abreast with current development in the field of GSCM (John T. Mentzer 2006). Cementing is the fact that many of these methodologies has evolved with little interdependency, considering little attention in relating with existing models (John T. Mentzer 2006). Outsourcing and Global Supply chain management focus to cost reduction, improved quality; thus increasing its overall competitiveness through structure and process that increase managerial commitment and competencies (Richey 2001). On other hand increased outsourcing of manufacturing to foreign locations in recent years has influenced mangers to design their supply chain considering not only in-house facilities but also to incorporate supplier capabilities and infrastructure. Broader criteria are taken into account while selecting the suppliers unlike fundamental ways. Suppliers are chosen based on customers perception of suppliers to meet demand, with suitable attributes such as quality, quantity, delivery, service, price etc.,. In some case more broader criteria as defined by total ownership cost for carrying inventory, training and repair (Meixell 2005). Supplier selection escalates structure of design problems with limitations in number of vendors in a certain geography, minimum order quantity, geographic preference and supplier capacity (Gargeya 2005). Supply network integration through a supply chain also influences Global supply chain design. Business process integration is one of the best options, coordinating decision across multiple tiers of suppliers/vendors. In reality organizations engage in coordination activities like â€Å"Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI), Collaborative Planning, Forecasting, and replenishment (CPFR)† (Gargeya 2005) by sharing sales promotion information. Advanced planning system (APS) integrate production decision making process, these systems are designed with precautions having Supplier capacity and Inventory in mind. These constraints influence Global Supply chain design in large scale (Gargeya 2005). As part of global supply chain design many factors like import duties has to be designed while framing since they contribute nearly 5-10 % of total cost (Pierpaolo Pontrandolfo 2003).Thriving through these issues, a well-coordinated and integrated design of Global Supply chain is hard to replicate thus making is very efficient and helps to achieve a competitive strategy in global scale (Gargeya 2005). 2.3c Need of Global Supply chain Management: Market Drift Global Supply chain models are complex and difficult to provide a solution compared to a domestic supply chain. In a global supply chain flow of cash and information is difficult to maintain unlike single country model. Inclusion of various taxes, Transfer pricing, duties, exchange rates, trade barriers are basic necessity to instil a real time supply system (Goetschalckx 1997). Todays market has advanced with increased globalization of supply sources and demand, drastic improvement of information transparency, innovative business models and venture capital. With such high competitive nature, Simple pursue for higher market share is no longer effective in improving profitability. Focus has drifted towards redefining their competitive profit zone; Companies now tend towards co-relationship to capture life time customer rather than mass buyers through strategic development and Management partnership (John T. Mentzer 2006). Global Market has immensely changed in these following factors Increase value of end users over mass buyers Importance of customization Emerging global consumer segment Time and quality related competition Improvements in communication Value for Information sharing Changing government policies Power shift to End users In broad spectrum of supply chain power has shifted towards End users. Customer satisfaction becomes the ultimate goal. Interfirm relation and collaboration is critical to increase customer satisfaction.(John T. Mentzer 2006). Original equipment manufacturers and supporting suppliers should be quick to react to customer requirements or else have to face prospect of losing market share. Mass Customization Mass customization results in increase in variety without compromising quality, price and efficiency i.e., customers expect better quality level and customization for low or competitive cost. This level of customization can only be achieved with full commitment of every entity of a supply chain like employees, distributors, suppliers etc,(John T. Mentzer 2006). Improved Communication Global competitive market means unit of business analysis of an organization is whole world not just a country/region. Communication revolution has offended late design or delay in delivery. In this context, â€Å"Kotler Philip† said â€Å"As firms globalize, they realize that no matter how large they are, they lackthe total resources and requisites for success.Viewing the complete supply chain forproducing value, they recognize the necessity of partnering with other organizations(John T. Mentzer 2006) â€Å". Time and Quality importance Time and Quality focused market competition can be achieved by basic Lean methodologies, reducing waste in the form of time, defects etc,. Improved quality not just means finished goods but also every area of a company.(John T. Mentzer 2006) Information Technology Influenced Most Powerful and conceptual influence is through immense improvement in the field of Information technology. Invention of modern computers superseded monolithic companies. Fast communication increased link between every member also eliminating multiple layers of people serving as information channel and control group, reducing cost and improved linkage eliminating time delays(John T. Mentzer 2006). 2.3d Benefits of Global Supply chain In this competitive world, market research is a fundamental aspect of any organizations design process. Anticipated results are an aspect of a design process, so it is necessary to understand possible benefits of Global Supply chain. Few benefits described by (Mechanic 2010), are Highest standard of quality. Increased standard expectancy from developing nations. Reduced Inventory and Transportation. Competitive advantage. Make or buy decisions simplified. Wider marker scale to target (New Market opportunity). Opportunity to learn and adapt business models around the globe. Increase in Supply chain flexibility. Surviving Economic recessions with auxiliary markets. 2.4 Supply Network design and collaboration 2.4 a General literature According to (Sheng Su 2008)†A supply chain is an integrated network of suppliers, transformation plants and distribution channels which are organized to acquire raw materials, transform the materials into final products, and deliver those products to customers(Sheng Su 2008)†. Recent developments in technology have forced typical sequential manufacturing industry into designing current ideas for business-business relationship with companies in supply networks (james B. Rice Jr 2002). (james B. Rice Jr 2002) Suggest that, Organizations which are looking for coordination across a strategic supply chain can be achieved by three independent segment coordination such as Information system Logistics Network Financial trade offs Author (Christine Harland 2003) describes the increasing complexity in supply networks. In growing market, issues can arise due to various reasons. Following table illustrates few origins of issue Table 3: Increasing Complexity in Supply network Source (Christine Harland 2003) Design of supply network can be approached as stages, Production, Procurement and distribution. Each stage can be scattered across supply network positioned anywhere in the globe as illustrated in fig11 (D.J. Thomas 1996). Designing and coordinating supply chain for a specific product usually tends to break functional and boundary barriers, resulting as a major issue. Functional boundaries can be deceiving in delivering knowledge thus a clear understanding is hard even for top management (D.J. Thomas 1996). Supply chain management is a new concept but coordinated planning has a profound history since early 1960 (D.J. Thomas 1996). Since then researchers had focused to integrate planning, scheduling and distribution (D.J. Thomas 1996), some of the early models and their functionality are review later in this chapter as illustrated in tables 7-13. Inventory Management barrier Managing Inventory is a vital and significantly increases customer satisfaction and also improves profit. According to (Billington 1992), there are 13 pitfalls in Inventory management. No Supply Chain metrics: Generally it is found that there is no strict performance metrics used to evaluate each entity of the supply chain. Usually individual organizations inside a supply network may have conflicting objectives which tends to reduce overall efficiency. This issue has to be addressed by assessing and orienting supply chain metrics which is governed by customer satisfaction criterion (Billington 1992). Inadequate definition of customer service: Usually customer service does not mean just better delivery time or quality. Many critical details like order cycle time and back order time et., these issues can be omitted by proper understand of customer and standards of expectancy (Billington 1992). Inaccurate Delivery status date: This clerical issue can result in massive impact on total efficiency of the supply chain. It can be resolved by centralized data storage under regular monitor (Billington 1992). Inefficient information systems: These issues mostly resolved with recent developments in Information Technology. Softwares like Enterprise resource planning can help to resolve this issue. Ignoring the impact of uncertainties: In a supply chain there can be different sources for uncertainties as, supplier lead time, raw material quality, process lead time, Transportation and fluctuating market etc., Implementation of Just-In-Time (PULL System) can help to resolve these issues as this system monitors uncertainties closely and react immediately (Billington 1992). Simplistic inventory stocking policies: This issue can be resolved with efficient safety stock policies (Billington 1992). Discrimination against internal customers: This is caused when Work in Progress goods are delivered and handled with your supplier unlike finished products to ultimate customer (Billington 1992). Poor coordination: as mentioned earlier in this research, harmonic network coordination is a fundamental entity of supply chain. Better coordination can be achieved by effective Supplier relationship management Incorrect assessment of Inventory costs: Occurrence of this issue is generally by omitting few inventory maintenance cost while formulating supply chain, usually An effective supply chain design helps in identifying best, Location and distribution centres, Plant Capacity, Market access and planning.