Cost Plus History Essay

The first Cost Plus opened in 1958, when a San Francisco businessman parlayed his passion for travel into an import business by selling a shipload of hand-woven wicker from a local pier. The furniture sold out within a few days, but the idea lived on. Now Cost Plus World Market’s store at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco is a favorite destination for tourists and locals alike. (Cost Plus World Market) With such a receptive audience eagerly awaiting his return, it only made sense to open a store. And in 1958 he opened the first store in San Francisco’s famed Fisherman’s Wharf and called it Cost Plus World Market. The store quickly became a destination for those who craved original and handmade items from around the world. Items were sold at cost, plus ten percent – hence the name Cost Plus World Market! (Cost Plus World Market) Since its opening more than four decades ago, the Company’s product categories have expanded to include: furniture, pillows, lamps, floor and window coverings, frames, baskets, garden, collectibles, tabletop and kitchen accessories, along with gourmet foods and wines. From a dining room table and chairs to the perfect Chardonnay to complement a meal, Cost Plus World Market is a complete value retailing resource which provides simple yet unique solutions for every entertaining and decorating need. (Cost Plus World Market) In 1996, the Company completed an initial public offering and trades on the NASDAQ national market under the symbol Cost Plus World Market. (Cost Plus World Market) As of January 30, 2010, the company operated in 268 stores under the name â€Å"World Market†, â€Å"Cost Plus World Market†, â€Å"Cost Plus Imports†, and â€Å"World Market Stores†. Cost Plus World Market) Cost Plus World Market buyers travel the world visiting remote villages, centuries-old factories and foreign bazaars searching for unique products to offer our customers. They get baskets from Bali, chocolates from Belgium, pottery from Portugal, and wine from around the world. These are just a few of the uncommon treasures that customers will discover on their adventure through our stores. Cost Plus World Market) Cost Plus World Market is a spirited, eclectic and wildly different retailer that turns shopping into an adventure by continually filling aisle after aisle with great finds at great prices from around the world. (Cost Plus World Market) Although I was not able to find Cost Plus World Market’s mission statement, I found what they call the Company Atmosphere. They want customers to expect an adventurous atmosphere when they enter into any of the store locations. They try to recreate a bazaar type atmosphere for those who want to look for items from different areas from around the globe. Cost Plus World Market changes their items they carry in the stores frequently, so products are always new and fresh. The stores offer a wide variety of goods that are imported from fifty countries around the globe. (Cost Plus World Market) Cost Plus World Market carries a variety of environmentally friendly items such as the plantation raised wood that many furniture products are made from as well as recycled glass goblets to name a few. Cost Plus World Market stores are located near major malls in thirty different cities. The target market is women from ages 25 to 55 years. World Market is a private label which most of the items have, with a few other labels. (www. hoovers. com) Cost Plus World Market Organizational Strengths Cost Plus World Market is considered 50 Countries Under One Roof. This is strength for the company for the people who do not ever get to leave and see other countries. They bring unique items from all over the globe that you cannot find in an ordinary retail or department store. Cost Plus World Market offers seasonal items that are unique and they sell them at reasonable prices. Many of the products that are sold at World Market are hand crafted by the local artisans in the different countries. (Cost Plus World Market)The company sells gourmet foods from different areas of the world not sold in your local stores. The wines that they sell include wine, micro brewed and imported beers, coffee, tea and bottled water. The wine assortment is moderately priced premium wines that are not readily available at a neighborhood wine or grocery store. The staffs are trained and can help with the different wines as to what the consumer is looking for with the budget they are working with. The company routinely shops a variety of retailers to ensure that its products are competitively priced. (Cost Plus World Market) Company strength for the company is that they are online, and since many people are connected to the internet they can reach many more consumers. Outside of the shopping the company has available on the website its Annual Report, Quarterly Reports, and Currents reports. The website gives information for the investors, merchandisers, etc. Cost Plus World Market offers different coupons for sales and percent off on the internet as ell. Since they shop the other competition retailers to make sure they have a competitive price you can feel comfortable that you will get the best price out there for unique items. Cost Plus World Market Organizational Weaknesses Cost Plus World Market has significant debt and may incur from this substantial debt added to it in the future. A good portion of the future cash flow for the companies operating activities will likely be dedicated to the payment of interest and the repayment of principal on the indebtedness. The company lenders have liens on the majority of the company’s assets. With this, the lender has a first priority including the company’s cash and inventory balances. (Cost Plus World Market) Cost Plus World Market can minimize this by making sure that they have the best prices of their competitors, advertise sales, new items, and the seasonal items they get in stock. Another weakness for Cost Plus World Market is that they incur major costs for the transportation of goods from foreign ports to the distribution centers and stores. They continually negotiate pricing for certain transportation contracts and with the rise in fuel costs vendors are expected to increase their rates, which in turn Cost Plus World Market will not be able to remain competitively priced to the consumers as they will have to compensate for the increase in transportation rates. (Cost Plus World Market) They can try to minimize this by negotiating a contract that holds a set transportation rate for a predetermined price to keep the costs competitive with the competition. Cost Plus World Market Organizational Opportunities Cost Plus World Market has an International, well established, sourcing network with long standing relationship with many of its vendors. They however do not hold long-term contracts with their suppliers as it is customary for this type of industry. The buyers often work with suppliers to produce unique products exclusive to Cost Plus World Market. The company believes that to keep the competitive prices, although there could be delays in changing suppliers, alternate sources of merchandise are available at comparable prices. Cost Plus World Market’s products are manufactured abroad in over 50 countries in Europe, North and South America, Asia, Africa, and Australia. (Cost Plus World Market) Another opportunity for the company is the use of technology with having the products available on the company website for those consumers which Cost Plus World Market is not in their local area. The company’s information systems allow all of the stores across to link to the headquarters in Oakland, California. They are able to keep track of all the stores, sales, inventory, what store the items are sold in, all of which is updated daily. This allows the store managements to keep track of their data and better other in-store administration capabilities. This will help to keep products stocked, decide which items sell better in which area so as to not waste money on items which do not sell in certain areas and sell better in others. This will also better the communication between stores and better control finances. (Cost Plus World Market) Cost Plus World Market Organizational Threats One of the main threats to Cost Plus World Market is the competition. The company competes against a diverse group of retailers from specialty stores to department stores. The competitions companies are such as Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Michaels Stores, Pier 1 Imports, Trader Joes, and William-Sonome. Cost Plus World Market competes with these types of companies for customers, prices, and assortment of products, brand name, recognition, store locations, and the qualifications of the management. Cost Plus World Market) Another threat for Cost Plus World Market is the occurrence or threat of international conflict or terrorist activities because the products that they sell are purchased in other countries and must be shipped to the United States. They need the items precise and on-time as much as possible to keep the stores stocked with the merchandise to sell. These threats or occurrences can cause critical downfall for the company, impact on the busines s, personnel and facilities, customers and suppliers and the general economic condition for Cost Plus World Market. Cost Plus World Market) Summary, Strategic Analysis and Suggestions Cost Plus World Market can maximize on their sourcing network with the vendors and suppliers overseas by when the fuel prices are high and scheduled to be on the rise. They could try for an extended contract with the vendors and suppliers to have a set rate for the shipping of the products to keep costs down to be competitive with competitors. This can keep them ahead of the competition and draw in new customers as well as keep the existing customers. Cost Plus World Market can continue to keep updating their information systems to keep all of the data accurate for finances, merchandise, suppliers, vendors, each stores information, and keep this all connected to the home office in Oakland, California. This is going to let them know where they stand and be able to better serve the consumers. To neutralize the threat of the competition, Cost Plus World Market can do all they can to keep the costs of the merchandise down below the competition, advertise their products, and keep the products fresh and new to keep drawing in current and new customers. They can continue to build relationships with the vendors and suppliers overseas to keep the products coming and unique for the consumers. To neutralize the threat of international conflicts or terrorist attacks, Cost Plus World Market can try all they can to keep a good bond with the overseas vendors and suppliers to keep business going and items to be shipped to the distribution centers. Many items are unique and exclusive to World Market regularly supplied by an international network of individual and regional artisans developed over the Company’s 50 years in the import business. The majority of the store’s furniture is constructed of environmentally friendly, farm raised wood while a number of items are made out of recycled glass and yet countless are constructed of environmentally friendly bamboo. The value, breadth and continual refreshment of products invite customers to come back throughout a lifetime of changing home furnishings and entertaining needs. (Wire) For consumers who want to shop in a store that is considered â€Å"50 countries under one roof† they will be more than pleased to step into any of the Cost Plus World Market Stores and find unique items to suit their personal tastes.

Higher education be emphasizing in developed countries Essay

The reports around the world that follow shall present the actual situation of people around the world as they face the challenges of being able to gain the possibility of receiving the privilege of taking higher education in consideration. From: g83 9/8 p. 30 Watching the World ? American government statistics show that one in every four students who enter a U. S. public high school as freshmen will not receive a diploma four years later. A review of the class of 1981, for example, shows that of the nearly 3. 8 million students who enrolled as freshmen four years earlier, over one million failed to graduate. Experts at the National Center for Education Statistics report that most of them simply dropped out of school. From: g83 9/8 p. 30 Watching the World ? What about the echelons of higher education? The FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) has uncovered at least 38 mail-order â€Å"universities† in the United States, Canada and Europe that offer â€Å"diplomas and medical degrees for a fee without requiring their graduates to do any school work or even attend classes,† reports The Globe and Mail of Toronto, Canada. A medical degree can be bought for as little as $600 (U.S. ), but in at least one case, a Ph. D. costs $5,000. None of these â€Å"universities† actually exist, says the FBI, and many addresses turned out to be mail-service agencies, which forwarded the mail to a New York City apartment. Who are the â€Å"graduates†? They include â€Å"a high-ranking Washington official, a National Football League player, employees of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and state, municipal and federal employees in the United States,† says the report. From: g76 9/8 p. 31 Watching the World? In New York State, the deans of eight medical schools warned that the cost of training doctors has risen so much that in the future the profession may be only for the children of the rich. Soaring tuition fees and other costs, as well as cuts in federal and state aid to such schools, have put a medical education beyond the budget of most poorer families. In 1973 more than half the applicants to these schools were from families with incomes of less than $12,000 annually. Last year, only 32 percent were. From: w82 7/15 p. 13 Education—What It Costs, What It Offers ***? Some wonder whether they should direct their children toward a university education. Why? In a poor country, a university education may seem the best way to get ahead. It may appear to offer financial security, and even more. A Nigerian educator said: â€Å"Fathers . . . want their children to become medical doctors, engineers, architects, accountants in order to raise the social status of their families. † From: w82 7/15 p. 13 Education—What It Costs, What It Offers ? The Nigeria Daily Times referred to the financial cost: â€Å"Communities have taxed . . .themselves heavily; parents have forgone luxurious and sometimes badly needed items, while gainfully employed youths have put in substantial parts of their earnings, all in a bid to ensure that their children, wards and themselves partake of the fruits of higher education. † From the reports that were presented herein, it is noticeable enough to understand that eventhough education as it is was able to become strongly encouraged by the governments and the learning institutions themselves to be taken advantage by the society, the said service of learning in terms of higher education has been too much costly for some members of the society. Moreover, the situation could be noted as a primary problem that should be noted especially by the government administrations of the developing countries. Making education a feasible matter of progress shall indeed ensure a country of a better future ahead. Like for example, making trade-based vocational courses available for the less fortunate is one particular process by which a certain type of higher education could be attained by those individuals who are economically challenged. Many parents feel that the potential benefits of a university education are not worth the possible horrendous costs, especially where the children would have to go unsupervised to another city or country. Instead, they direct their children toward some trade. For example, while in secondary school, are there courses in various trades that could help a youth to learn a skill that would enable him to make a living after he graduates? In some lands, there are specialized trade schools of about a year’s duration where skills can be learned, or those begun in secondary school can be more highly developed. Tertiary learning may at all be essential to the growth of the entire society today. However, considering the fact that most institutions offering the said programs offer the said learning advancements at a heightened cost, the national progress being tried to attain through education may be in a hard manner to be gripped.

Speaker notes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Speaker notes - Essay Example Finally, the kind of quality indicators affecting pricing at the local level would be proffered. The health care in the United States are administered by private health institutions. There are no public hospitals owned by the government. However, the delivery of health care are funded by several public components or programs such as Medicare (covering the elderly and the disabled with previous employment records), the Medicaid (a social welfare program for low income groups), and the Veterans Health Administration program (catering to military veterans of the United States), among others. The health care system of America seeks reform utilizing the present administrations measures focusing on the universal health care plan. In the meantime, health care organizations have their own systems of delivering health care depending on their organizational structure and the profile of patients seeking health care. This essay is written with the objective of describing the current health care delivery structure at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona. The health care delivery structure would be compared with that of Phoenix VA Health Care System. In addition, the profile of the impact of licensing and regulatory factors on health care delivery at St. Luke’s would be determined. The changes that are occurring in the economy or with regards to licensing and regulatory factors that need to be considered in the future would likewise be assessed. Further, a discourse on the national trends that are affecting competition and pricing initiatives would be evaluated. Finally, the kind of quality indicators affecting pricing at the local level would be proffered. St. Luke’s Medical Center is located in E. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, Arizona equipped with 235 beds and providing comprehensive healthcare services. By comprehensive, St. Luke’s deliver services

Starbucks' Foreign Direct Investment Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Starbucks' Foreign Direct Investment - Case Study Example rbucks experience† in a foreign country, the company decided to consider entering into a â€Å"joint-venture† agreement with the foreign business partners. By doing so, it was easier on the part of Starbucks to transfer its business culture and practice to Japan. This was done by instructing some American employees to train the newly hired workers in Japan. By teaching the foreign workers on how Starbucks is making their coffee, the company was able to extend the Starbucks atmosphere in a foreign land. Starbucks decided to enter into a joint-venture agreement with its pre-selected foreign business partners. As a common knowledge, Starbucks is new in a foreign country. Therefore, it would be very difficult on the part of Starbucks to gain sufficient knowledge about the business licensing requirements in Japan, its existing labor policies, and the business culture in Japan among others (Morrison et al., 2008, p. 56). By taking advantage of the joint venture agreement, it will be so much easier on the part of Starbucks to learn more about the Japanese market. Likewise, joint-venture will also help the company remove barriers related to cultural and language differences (Kreitner & Cassidy, 2011, p. 96). Without losing Starbucks’ control over its foreign business partner, the joint-venture agreement will make it easier for Starbucks to establish a strong business relationship with its potential suppliers. Q.3 What are the advantages of a joint-venture entry mode for Starbucks over entering through wholly owned subsidiaries? On occasion, Starbucks has chosen a wholly owned subsidiary to control its foreign expansion (i.e. in Britain and Thailand). Why? Among the advantages of joint-venture agreement includes allowing Starbucks to share the risks of operating its business in a foreign market like the Britain and Thailand (Schermerhorn, 2010, p. 383). In case Starbucks’ target consumers in a foreign land do not patronize Starbucks’ products and services, the

No need for topic Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

No need for topic - Assignment Example To justify racial discrimination, skin color was considered as an important qualification for members to fit into a certain group in the civil society. South America and South Africa were subjected to long periods of slavery and segregation based on race. Comparative history in America shows that the North and South regions differed greatly in their outlook toward slavery. American sectional conflict was experienced as the conflicting interests between the South and the North became evident over the debate about slavery. The North was known for its development and high profits earned from cotton farming while the South blamed Northern exaggeration in economic exploitation for their backwardness. However, the North considered slavery to be the stumbling block to South’s development. From 1830, the debate about slavery hardened between the two sections with the South defending it by saying that it benefited the Negroes (Frederickson 156). On the contrary, the Northerners argued that it was inhumane to violate human rights through subjecting them to bondage, repression and brutality inherent in slavery. The aggression between the two sections over slavery led to an antislavery movement in the American revolution that led to the abolishment of African slave trade by the congress. According to Douglass (Para 4), 4th of July is the day for celebration of independence and political freedom for the United States from colonialism. It reminds them of the acts, memories and the wonderful tell signs associated with liberation from colonial rule. The attainment and celebration was the beginning of a new life in the United States because it gave citizens the civil rights and freedom opportunity to participate in the building of the young American state. The term river is used to mean people’s actions, which may improve the well being of the society if positively initiated. On the other hand, if executed under fury

Salt lake city Airport should not set the indoor smoking area Essay

Salt lake city Airport should not set the indoor smoking area - Essay Example It is even more ironic to note that the tobacco industry is poised to help the airport management setup more indoor smoking areas through an array of architecture and deigning affiliated fronts, maintained and funded by it (ANRF 2). This is indeed a cause of immense concerns for the common citizens, as well as for the parents and their children. The maintenance and permission of indoor smoking areas in a way encourages the unhealthy addiction of smoking. Therefore, not only the indoor smoking areas should be dismantled and discouraged in a public place like Salt Lake City Airport, but parents and concerned citizens should also submit petitions to the airport management, so as to dissuade them from setting the indoor smoking areas. Many experts tend to put forward the assertion that though smoking is a bad habit, adult smokers should be allowed to continue with such habit if they feel like or are convinced about doing so. Well, that may sound very democratic, but then one may say that people should be allowed to harm themselves if they are convinced about doing so. The fact is that smoking is a known and verified cause of an array of diseases and therefore it should be assertively discouraged at public places, and more so at places like airports (Grinberg 1). Smoking is something that is not only hazardous for the smokers using the indoor smoking areas, but it is also definitely harmful for the people moving around those areas. Indoor smoking areas are really as bad as the non-smoking areas at the restaurants, because no matter whatever precautions are taken or what ventilation devices are installed in an indoor smoking area, some secondhand smoke is bound to seep into the non-smoking areas at the airports (Gr inberg 1). Moreover, indoor smoking areas set at the Salt Lake City Airport send a message to the smokers that smoking is a permissible thing and it is all

Cherished Love Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Cherished Love - Essay Example He was taking the information so deeply it seemed my decision was so abrupt. I always told him about it before, preparing him for such a time as this as I knew pretty well that my departure is inevitable. My mother is in the United States and she wanted me to join her because things are really tough for us in Poland. My boyfriend said he was afraid I would stop loving him. Of course this was foolish. I know deep in my heart that I would always cherish him, adore and regard him with deep love and fidelity. I understood how he felt. I feel the same way however, I kept it unspoken. The atmosphere was so tense between us especially when he got testy, finding how I might take things if some unexpected events happened. To all his questions I said I will always remain loving him. How would I forget such a wonderful man? He was always romantic, always ready with something new to spice up our relationship. Expecting a surprise from him would never stop me from being surprised. He was just so witty, bright and fantastic. There never seemed to be a boring moment spent with him. He was always thoughtful. One of the treasures I brought along with me is a couple of brown bunnies my boyfriend gave me. He knew how I love animals and he just thought I might want to have something that would last for years, something that would not die, â€Å"like our love†, he said. That was so sweet of him and I treasure such memories. I find my boyfriend a wonderful man who is just so full of equally wonderful ideas to express how he felt towards me. This made me always feel comfortable with him even in the presence of his parents or friends. I knew I was genuinely loved and I in return, gave my generous love that seemed to have known no bounds. My days would always be fantastic after spending time with him, sharing a lazy moment when we did nothing but talk, laugh and enjoy each other’s company. He is a true debonair, I must say. He sure is the sunshine in my life, bringing che er to my gloomy days and encouragement when I am down. He is always energetic I always wonder where he finds all the strength to be so active in school and at home and yet would find much time to nurture the relationship that we shared. He is also funny and sometimes, he would go to an extreme and could almost be hilarious. There are also days that he would just simply be silly but not the kind of silly that is laughable. He sometimes just expresses himself weirdly like for instance, we are walking and he suddenly kneels in front of me to sing a song of love. I find that stupid and silly especially when he does that in front of other people but I guess that is how love would drive a person to madly indulge in. I consider my boyfriend mature and reflective. When he talks, he makes a lot of sense one would think he is speaking to a philosopher. He is a dreamer and in his plans and objectives, he always considers me. We were still teenagers then, and I think for a man to have such clea r perceptions of his future at such age, there is a certain maturity that is almost unseen from most of our age mates. He was always sincere with his words, expressing his love when he is at the summit of his emotions and saying just how bad he felt when something bad hit him. This is one of the attributes that has attracted me to my boyfriend because I find that in our world today, men who show their manliness through muscles and good looks and probably a string of women they attach to their character. However for me, I am more interested in the attitude than the physical attributes. He is also kind-hearted and sensitive. Sensitivity might be more appropriate for women, thought of as a feminine attribute yet, I find it attractive to be on a man especially

Safety and quality of meat Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Safety and quality of meat - Assignment Example Looking at the outbreak of Food and Mouth Disease (FMD) in 2001 and the destruction this very infectious animal disease caused to the livestock industry and economy of the United Kingdom has caused the level of inspection to be increased in the import of the poultry sector of the country. The disease was completely removed from its entire root in 8 months but by this time the United Kingdom had slaughtered more than 4 million animals to stop the disease from spreading and had faced loses worth more than 5 billion dollars in its food and agriculture industry. Due to this disease United Kingdom also had to face a loss in its tourism industry as the people were scared about the food they would be eating in the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom had been FMD free since the last 34 years before the FMD breakout in 2001. The United Kingdom until recent was not allowed to take part in international trade of livestock, poultry and the products produced from these livestock’s and poult ry as they could transfer the FMD virus in the other countries (United States General Accounting Office, 2002). On the other hand the United States since the last outbreak in 1929 has been a FMD free country and has not faced an outbreak of this disease till today. The poultry, livestock and agriculture industry of the United States was worth 100 billion dollars in 2001. The importance of the livestock is immense for the agricultural sector and industry of the United States and hence it is an important duty of the United States Department of Agriculture to keep the livestock safe from FMD and other animal diseases not existing in the United States. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) have to assure the precise labeling, the safety and healthiness of the poultry, meat and processed egg products. FSIS imposes the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA), the Egg Products Inspection Act and the Poultry

Apple Company Strategic Implementation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Apple Company Strategic Implementation - Essay Example This paper illustrates that leadership is important in making a business successful as leaders such as top managers ensure things are done appropriately to achieve the set goals. They transform potential into reality through the organization of work, commanding people under them by giving instructions, managing the companies resources, and giving motivation to other employees. Additionally, good leadership is very critical to the strategic implementation of companies policies. Strategic implementation requires good and effective participation from other departments and its success is largely depended on dedicated leadership that is familiar with the systems and processes involved. Hitt argues that to ensure successful strategic implementation leaders are set to communicate plans to their juniors. Good communication means the listeners are able to code and encode the information given to them and put it into action. For example, when describing how to use new software, the leader shou ld use simple terminologies understandable to the computer specialist. The leader should also be able to explain to the employees the relevance of the new policy to the company. Assigning duties helps in smooth implementation of business policies. The leader in charge should have the capability to select the most suitable people with the required skills and experience to perform a given task. Strategic implementation is a continuous process that requires monitoring to achieve the set goals. Good leadership keeps abreast with emerging issues and is able to handle them in due time. A good monitoring system should be set up to perform analysis of data generated during the process and make changes where necessary. The leaders should be willing to participate in the work to achieve the desired results. As a good leader in strategic implementation, one should possess qualities that can be emulated by the junior staff. If a leader is energetic, enthusiastic, and willing to give the best to the company then the rest of the staff is encouraged.

Trojan Nuclear Power Plant Essay Example for Free

Trojan Nuclear Power Plant Essay Trojan Plant was a pressurized water reactor (PWR) nuclear power plant located in Rainier, Oregon, United States. Its construction started in 1st February 1970 and its commenced commercial operation on May1976, with a 35-year license which was to lapse in 2011. Unfortunately, it was closed about 20 years before the year of its designed lifetime, 16 years precisely of its operation. During its existence, Trojan produced over 12% of the electrical supply of Oregon. Historically, more than 80% of Oregons electricity came from hydropower from dams on the Columbia and Snake Rivers, while the rest is from fossil fuels. Trojan generated 1130 megawatt electrical (MWe) unit, which was the largest PWR unit that was ever built. A total of $450 million was coughed out in order to build the plant. It reactor supplier was Combustion Engineering and Reactor type Pressurized water reactor (PRW), with a power Capacity of 1,130 MW. It was constructed by Babcock and Wilcox. Its operator was Portland General Electric. Trojan was closed down for a major modification in the year 1978 to improve its resistance to earthquake which unraveled major errors in its construction and a close proximity of an unknown faultline. The operators sued the builders but the case was settled out of court. It took its steam generators only 4years to start developing problems, although they were designed to last the life of the plant, the steam tubes started cracking. Debates on the closure of Trojan was initiated by Lloyd Marbet in 1980, it persisted for a while until its operators finally proceeded with the demolition of Trojan. Its demolition started in 1993 and was completed in 2006. Reference   Koberstein, Paul (2005-03-09). Trojan: PGEs Nuclear Gamble, Willamette Week, p.  A1. Retrieved on 2007-06-15.

Maintenance Strategy for an Emergency Lighting System

Maintenance Strategy for an Emergency Lighting System Table 1 Term / Abbreviation Definition API Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient ATEX Atmosphere Explosible (French acronym) CAT Category CCTV Closed-Circuit Television cGMP Current Good Manufacturing Practice CMMS Computerised Maintenance Management System CSE Confined Space Entry CTU Central Test Unit Ex Explosion protection symbol displayed on equipment that is suitable for use in an ATEX area FT Facilities Technicians HR Human Resources HSA Health And Safety Authority HSE Health, Safety and Environment IR Industrial Relations IS Irish Standard IFM Integrated Facilities Management KPI Key Performance Indicator LEL Lower Explosive Limit LVI Liquid Vapour Incinerator NIPBI Novartis International Pharmaceutical Branch Ireland NRL Novartis Ringaskiddy Limited MCB Miniature Circuit Breaker MEWP Mobile Elevated Work Platform MTBF Mean Time Between Failure MTTR Mean Time To Repair PB1 Production Building 1 PB1A Production Building 1 Annex PB2 Production Building 2 PM Preventive Maintenance PU Production Unit QA Quality Assurance SAP Computerised Maintenance Management System used by Novartis SOP Standard Operating Procedure TS Technical Services VEIS Veolia Environnement Industries Services One could be forgiven for thinking that compiling a maintenance strategy for an emergency lighting system would be a trivial matter to execute. This may possibly be the case with a small office building but our challenge at Novartis was not a task that could be underestimated. The first thing to consider is the scale of the site at approximately 150 acres and that emergency lighting by its nature permeates every nook and cranny. The second is the huge emphasis placed on safety which is understandable when Seveso directives are factored in. Adding to this was the fact that until VEIS arrived on site there was no existing strategy for the maintenance of the emergency lighting system. Once the remit passed to VEIS, literally overnight, we inherited the mammoth task of restoring the system to full operation and ensuring regulatory compliance in terms of inspection and testing. This all was being played out under the watchful gaze of existing site staff that may not have been openly welcome to the notion of an IFM companys arrival on site. There was minimum time for VEIS staff to ease into their roles in this challenging environment. Needless to say the first six months on site were a baptism of fire (but thankfully not in the literal sense!). Besides immediately assuming inspection and testing duties, the initial stages involved gathering data on both the quantities of light fittings present and the extent of repair work required. The next stage required meeting with suppliers to arrange for parts supply. Full restoration of the system would then take place in tandem with ongoing inspection and testing. Regarding inspection and testing, there was little leeway for VEIS to create a customised approach as the regulations in I.S. 3217 2013 are quite prescriptive. We simply had to figure out the most effective and efficient way to deliver the required performance of such a safety critical system. I believe the expertise required from VEIS was not to reinvent a method of maintaining an emergency lighting system. Instead it was to implement a strategy, where none existed before, that worked both in terms of compliance to regulations and ensuring maximum availability of a safety critical system. On this front, we certainly delivered. Novartis Ringaskiddy Limited is an API manufacturing plant located in Co. Cork Ireland. It is part of the Novartis global healthcare company which is based in Switzerland. In January 2014, VEIS assumed responsibility for the provision of an Integrated Facilities Management contract of 5 years duration. This encompassed the following equipment/services: Utilities steam boilers, air compressors, air dryers, cooling towers, water treatment, purified water systems. Hard Services fire alarm, gas detection system, CCTV, roller shutter doors, clean room sliding doors, dock lifts, passenger and freight elevators, emergency lighting. Soft Services catering, cleaning, security, landscaping, pest control, internal plants. This was the first venture into the outsourcing of Facilities Management services by Novartis so there was a steep learning curve for all concerned. My role with VEIS was Technical Team Lead with primary responsibility over Utilities and Hard Services. Our most immediate Task was to implement a Maintenance Strategy for site wide Emergency Lighting. This had fallen into neglect over the years; mainly due to a lack of a dedicated team to oversee its maintenance there had almost been an ad hoc approach to testing and repair. Besides my role as Team Lead, the VEIS maintenance crew consisted of 2 Facilities Technicians, both with strong past electrical experience. It was decided that upkeep of the Emergency Lighting system would be fully self-delivered with no outside contractor involvement. Figure 1: Novartis Ringaskiddy Limited (Source: PM Group) Figure 1 is an aerial view of the Novartis Ringaskiddy Limited site (PM Group). Table 2 A Main Switch Room B Pump House C Tank Farm D Solvent Recovery E LVI F Contractors Compound (not in IFM contract scope) G Project Stores (not in IFM contract scope) H PB 2 I PB 1 J PB 1A K Waste Water L Utilities M Technical Services N QA Labs O Warehouse P Canteen/HR/Administration Q NIPBI Labs R Security Gate House Table 2 defines alphabetically labelled points in Figure 1. Novartis Ringaskiddy Limited is subject to Seveso directives. These directives are put in place to help prevent major industrial accidents and ensure that sites are prepared, in terms of response, for when accidents occur (European Commission, 2016). Sites are categorised according to the amount of hazardous chemicals in storage (Lawlor Technology, 2015). NRL is an upper tier Seveso site there are up to 4000m3 of solvent chemicals stored on site. There are also several Zone 1 and 2 ATEX areas. The HSA (n.d.) defines these as: Zone 1 That part of a hazardous area in which a flammable atmosphere is likely to occur in normal operation. Zone 2 That part of a hazardous area in which a flammable atmosphere is not likely to occur in normal operation and, if it occurs, will exist for a short period. Another example of a hazardous area is the Dryer Unloading area in PB1. During certain production campaigns, there is the presence of Category 3 chemicals here. Access to the area is strictly prohibited during these times. Contact with minute amounts of Category 3 chemicals can have severe health consequences for a person (Ader et al, 2005). Because of the highly dangerous operating context of the emergency lighting system, safe work practices were essential for the VEIS team on the Novartis site. We were required to develop a method statement for emergency lighting maintenance activities. This was reviewed by the HSE department and a site electrical engineer. Edits were performed where necessary prior to final approval. The use or carrying of cellular phones was prohibited at all times at NRL. Its worth noting for this exercise the challenging IR environment that VEIS entered at the beginning of the IFM contract. It was seen by many on site that moving to an outsourced service provider would result in lay-offs for NRL maintenance staff. In reality VEIS were tasked at delivering in areas that were either previously neglected or lacked central control. Until this realisation had sunk in, maximum discretion and diplomacy was required from the VEIS team in order to gain acceptance from the existing site staff. During the initial stages of the VEIS teams arrival onsite, there was an unwavering focus on all aspects of our conduct. It was of prime importance that the team displayed the upmost professionalism and adherence to safe working practices at all times. It was essential that, for our maintenance strategy to work, full cooperation was received from existing site staff. This involved gaining trust from both management and floor staff. The Novartis Ringaskiddy site, under the surface, functions as a group of almost autonomous areas. The production buildings, utilities, warehouse, tank farm waste water areas all have designated management teams who all have in turn subtle but distinct differences in methods of operation. As emergency lighting is a utility that features across the site, the VEIS team had to find a way to adapt to the varying cultural practices in order to make our strategy work. Engaging in a respectful and sometimes almost deferential manner was the order of the day. Here are some of the bridges that had to be crossed: Method Statement development The method statement for emergency lighting maintenance activities required review and approval from both the HSE process safety manager and PB1 electrical engineer. The peculiar aspect to this is that neither of the other two site electrical engineers opted to review or approve the method statement despite being presented with it. See Appendix A for cover page of Method Statement. Planning Meetings Again there was a variance here in that VEIS attended weekly maintenance planning meetings in the PB2 production building only. This was to ensure that production and maintenance coordinators were aware of upcoming works. This obviously extended beyond emergency lighting to all VEIS related maintenance. It also helped ensure that the work permitters for the building had advanced notice as resources were tight in this area. For other areas on site, email notification was sufficient to alert NRL staff of pending activities. Client Meetings As part of our customer engagement strategy, we arranged separate monthly meetings with key staff from the PB1, PB2 and Technical Services areas. This provided a forum for all parties to express opinions on any issues or indeed the good news stories. KPI Score Card Client interaction was critical here. See section 13.0 for specific detail. ATEX areas It was vital for VEIS to gain the confidence of the client in our ability to work safely and competently in the ATEX areas. As an embedded contractor, we were subject to more intense scrutiny than any sub-contractor that provided services to the client. An example would be the purchase of a Fluke Ex multi-meter that we made. This came at a cost of à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬1000. All other electrical maintenance staff used the non-Ex à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬300 version. Asset Register Individual emergency light fittings were not listed on the NRL asset register. The lowest level the register went to was the Central Test Units. The Novartis engineers were keen to have a full schedule of emergency light fittings included in the asset register so it made sense for VEIS to assist them. Aiding the NRL engineers with this task was not in the scope of the IFM contract but providing this service did much to solidify the relationship and further build trust. This was practically a mini project and involved the following activities: Compiling the full list of fittings. Listing the fittings accurately by type and by area. Redlining the lighting plans to reflect moved, removed or newly installed fittings. Confirming the correct CTUs, Distribution Boards and MCBs. Liaising with the site electrical engineers to agree on a naming/tagging convention. Supplying redlined lighting plans to site drawing office for printing and uploading to the Novartis COMOS system. Site Manual (Play Book) A site manual or play book was developed which outlined the scope of the VEIS IFM contract. This was a live document which evolved as the contract progressed and reflected any new services that were added to the remit of VEIS. The site manual was subject to periodic review by the Novartis IFM lead. High level maintenance strategies were also stored in in this book. In order to comply with rigorous onsite HSE policies, VEIS technical staff required training/certification with the following: ATEX Awareness. Emergency Lighting Commissioning Inspection. Confined Space Entry. Mobile Access Tower assembly. Current Good Manufacturing Practice. Fire Watch. Lock-out/Tag-out/Isolation. Mobile Elevated Work Platform operation. Permitting hot and cold works. SAP CMMS User level for FTs. Maintenance Planner level for Technical Team Lead. Working at Heights. Manual Handling. Safety Harness. As previously mentioned, the Emergency Lighting system had fallen into a state of disrepair on the Ringaskiddy site. With the arrival of VEIS onsite as the IFM provider, a new impetus was put on restoring the system to full operating order and maintaining it to a proper and compliant standard. In addition, it was quickly noticed by the VEIS team that list of emergency light fittings in the contract tender was not correct. There had been several additions and modifications to the system without proper records to reflect the changes. After a thorough appraisal, it was found that more than à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬100,000 would be required in parts purchasing to carry out the necessary repairs. This would have to be actioned by VEIS as it was within scope of the contract. Appendix B lists the costs of parts required to achieve a fully functioning emergency lighting system. All of the emergency light fittings on the NRL site are of the Self-Contained Emergency Luminaire variant. This type is defined as having all components such as the lamp, control unit and battery either inside or not more than one metre from the fitting (Ventilux, n.d.). 8.1 Various Types Used Figures 2 and 3 show both the most commonly used and most expensive to replace fittings used at NRL. There are other types also such as Exit/Running Man and Twin Spot. Although these are equally critical from a safety perspective, they came at a fraction of the cost to replace. It was decided because of the preferential pricing available for purchasing complete Stahl fittings that these would be used to replace defective CEAG units that were economically unrepairable. CEAG fittings were kept in service only when the repairs didnt extend beyond tube and battery replacement. Figure 2: Stahl Ex Emergency Light Fitting (Source: Stahl) Figure 2 shows the types of Stahl light fittings used on the Novartis site (Stahl). Figure 3: CEAG Ex Emergency Light Fitting (Source: Atex) Figure 3 shows the type of CEAG light fitting used on the Novartis site (Atex). 8.2 Quantities of Fittings by Area Zone Table 3 Fitting Type Ex Zone 1 Ex Zone 2 Safe Area Main Switch Room 6 Pump House 15 Tank Farm 28 57 28 Solvent Recovery 33 69 LVI 16 35 PB 2 563 130 PB 1 530 145 PB 1A 285 78 Waste Water 58 31 Utilities 55 Technical Services 95 QA Labs 88 Warehouse 93 Canteen/HR/Administration 125 NIPBI Labs 168 Security Gate House 7 Sub Totals 1455 219 1064 Grand Total 2738 Table 3 list the corrected amounts of light fittings by zone and by area. The more correct way to classify equipment suitable for use in Ex Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas is by CAT 2 and CAT 3 respectively. However it is normal in Industry to reference them by Ex Zone numbers only. Safe Area refers to type of light fittings used outside of the hazardous areas. 8.3 Components Failure Information The one benefit of taking on a dilapidated system, from a maintenance perspective, is that you have the data to hand on the reasons why the assets have failed. Figure 4 displays a breakdown of these failure modes for the emergency light fittings on the Novartis site. This information was a key driver in deciding the amounts and types of spare parts to be held on site. Figure 4: Reasons for Light Fitting Failure Figure 4 illustrates failure data compiled on the NRL site. The Inspection and Maintenance activities evolved as the contract progressed on the Novartis site. The initial stages comprised of inspection and data gathering. This advanced to inspection, testing and repairs. 9.1 Structure and Administration of PMs on CMMS Novartis utilises the SAP CMMS to administrate all of its maintenance activities. VEIS staff were trained onsite in the use of this system. The Facilities Technicians were trained to User level while the Technical Team Lead was trained to Planner level. As effective owners of the assets and systems that were in scope for the IFM contract, it was agreed that we would manage maintenance activities end-to-end. Here is a synopsis of how we ran this aspect of our operation for the emergency lighting system: PMs were built against the Asset IDs of the CTUs. The CMMS Created a PM01 Preventive Maintenance Work Order in advance of the Due Date based on the Call Horizon settings. The VEIS Planner Released the Work Order in advance of the activity being carried out. One of the FTs printed the resultant Job Card. The FTs had a predetermined period of time from the Due Date to complete the activity so as not to exceed the Late Date. PMs that overshot the Late Date required Deviation Reports to be submitted. Corrective activities were recorded using PM11 Deferred Maintenance or PM12 Immediate Maintenance Work Orders depending on the severity of the issue. Completed Job Cards and reports, where applicable, were uploaded to the CMMS and attached to the relevant Work Order before changing its status to Complete. See Appendix C for definitions of the terms used by the SAP CMMS. See Appendix D for an example of a Novartis Work Order raised on the SAP CMMS. 9.2 Permitting for Works There was variance across the NRL site in how permits to work were processed. Again it was an example of how at a high level there was standard practice but the reality on the ground was different. This was another area where VEIS had to adapt to the different procedures and ensure both safety compliance and a timely manner for delivering works. The time concern stems from lengthy delays that could occur if one did not follow the specific permitting guidelines for a particular area. See Appendix F for a table displaying the differences per area in processing of permits to work on the NRL site. 9.3 Inspection and Testing Daily Test The following is the procedure employed for the daily test: To complete the daily test of the emergency lighting system, one of the Facilities Technicians walks the site and checks the CTUs for presence of any faults. Permitting is not required for this activity. Any faults are recorded in the VEIS Emergency Lighting Logbook and repairs are put into the work queue. Visual Inspection of Emergency Lights Under the previous I.S. 3217 standard, all emergency light fittings had to be visually inspected weekly. This would have been near impossible for the VEIS team to deliver. The current standard stipulates that 25% of fittings are to be visually inspected weekly resulting in 100% being checked in a four week period. The following is the procedure employed for the visual inspection: When conducting a visual inspection of the emergency lights in an area, the Facilities Technicians will first contact the area supervisor to inform them of the intention to carry out an inspection. A permit and countersignature will then be requested if it is deemed necessary. Technicians will use the access card swipe-in system or the sign-in logbook when entering the area if such systems are present. The Technicians will then walk the area and record their results in the VEIS Emergency Lighting Logbook. The area will be left in a clean and tidy state. They will swipe or sign out when leaving the area if such systems are present. If a permit was received then it will be returned and signed off. See Appendix E for Risk Assessment table. Three Monthly Inspection (for a 3 hour self-contained system) The following is the procedure employed for a 3 monthly inspection: When conducting the Three Monthly Inspection of the emergency lights in an area, the Facilities Technicians will first contact the area supervisor to inform them of the intention to carry out an inspection. A permit and countersignature will then be requested. Signs will be placed at the entrances to the area to advise personnel that an inspection is taking place. Technicians will use the access swipe-in system or the sign-in logbook when entering the area if such systems are present. The emergency lighting Central Test Unit will then be activated, or in cases where a circuit is not on a CTU, the MCB will be switched off which will result in the emergency lighting going into fault mode. The Technicians will then walk the area and record their results in the VEIS Emergency Lighting Logbook. When complete the CTU will be reset and any MCBs that were switched off will be switched on. Faults that have been recorded will then be addressed. A suitable ladder will be used for the repairs. Where the step ladder is used, FTs should not exceed hip height to the top rung of the ladder. A safety harness will be worn where required. A scaffold will be used where required. Care is to be taken when using hand tools. A Hot Work Permit will be required to work near live exposed parts such as using a meter to check for power. If replacing internal parts of the light or where a wiring fault needs to be rectified, then the circuit will be locked out at the lighting supply board with a MCB locking device and a padlock. VEIS staff will refer to Novartis SOP 000.926.0479 Isolation of electrically driven equipment. Before disconnecting any cable the FT must always confirm that the internal mains wiring is dead using a digital multi-meter. When work is complete then the area is to be left clean and tidy and all circuits should be powered up. They will swipe or sign out when leaving the area if such systems are present. The permit will be returned and signed off. See Appendix E for Risk Assessment table. Upon completion of the Three Monthly Inspection and testing, a report for inspection, testing and servicing as detailed in Annex C1 and Annex C7 of I.S. 3217:2013 shall be attached to the relevant SAP Work Order where it can be viewed/printed by the PU Manager and electrical engineer of (PB1,PB2,TS). As per 16.2.4.1 of I.S. 3217:2013. A copy of the report shall be placed in the VEIS Emergency Lighting Logbook. Annual Load Test (for a 3 hour self-contained system) The following is the procedure employed for the annual load test: When conducting the Annual Load Test of the emergency lights in an area, the Facilities Technicians will first contact the area supervisor to inform them of the intention to carry out an inspection. A permit and countersignature will then be requested. Signs will be placed at the entrances to the area to advise personnel that an inspection is taking place. Technicians will use the access swipe-in system or the sign-in logbook when entering the area if such systems are present. The emergency lighting Central Test Unit will then be activated, or in cases where a circuit is not on the CTU the MCB will be switched off, which will result in the emergency lighting going into fault mode. The Technicians will then walk the area and record their results in the VEIS Emergency Lighting Logbook. When complete the CTU will be reset and any MCBs that were switched off will be switched on. Faults that have been recorded will then be addressed. A suitable ladder will be used for the repairs. Where the step ladder is used, Technicians should not exceed hip height to the top rung of the ladder. A safety harness will be worn where required. A scaffold will be used where required. Care is to be taken when using hand tools. A Hot Work Permit will be required to work near live exposed parts such as using a meter to check for power. If replacing internal parts of the light or where a wiring fault needs to be rectified, then the circuit will be locked out at the lighting supply board with a MCB locking device and a padlock. VEIS staff will refer to Novartis SOP 000.926.0479 Isolation of electrically driven equipment. Before disconnecting any cable the FT must always confirm that the internal mains wiring is dead using a digital multi-

Comparing The Simpsons and Aristophanes Clouds Essay -- comparison, c

Tomorrow on the Simpsons, Homer will discover that Bart has stolen his credit card and charged $10,000 worth of "Itchy and Scratchy" merchandise. Having no hope for paying off this debt, Homer decides to go to law school because he cannot afford to hire a bankruptcy lawyer. The famous lawyer, who teaches classes, sends a crestfallen Homer home to retrieve his son, for Homer is much too thick-headed to possibly learn the ways of the courts. As Bart graduates from law school, he uses his newfound skills of argument to convince the courts that his parents are insane, his sister Lisa deserves to be in a boarding school, and he should be able to put his youngest sister up for adoption. Unable to see another way, Homer tears down the walls of the Springfield Law School, attacking the famous lawyer for ruining his life. On many levels, this is a typical episode of The Simpsons, one I am sure any Simpson's fan would enjoy. The only problem is this is not an episode of The Simpsons, and it wi ll not be airing tomorrow. This synopsis did not come from the TV Guide, rather it is an updated version of Aristophanes' famous comedy, Clouds. Though it may come as a surprise, many of the elements of America's favorite cartoon are actually the same elements used by Aristophanes many centuries ago in his comedic drama, Clouds. There are many similarities between the main characters of Aristophanes' Clouds and the modern television favorite The Simpsons. The first comparison to be made is between the father figures Strepsiades and Homer Simpson. Though separated by centuries of changes, Strepsiades and Homer share a surprising number of basic character traits. First, they share a lack of intellectual strength; put simply, both characters are incre... ...98. Carey, Donick. The Simpsons Archive. "D'oh-in' in the Wind." 6 Nov. 2000. Ed. Benjamin Robinson. 6 Sept. 2011. Chen, Raymond, Ed. The Simpsons Archive. "Treehouse of Horror II" 6 Nov. 2000. 6 Sept. 2011. Greaney, Dan. The Simpsons Archive. "I'm With Cupid." 6 Nov. 2000. Ed. Benjamin Robinson. 6 Sept. 2011. Meyer, George. The Simpsons Archive. "Homer the Heretic." 6. Nov. 2000. Ed. Chris Baird. 6 Sept. 2011. Scully, Mike. The Simpsons Archive. "Lisa's Rival." 6 Nov. 2000. Ed. James A. Cherry. 6 Sept. 2011. Vitti, Jon. The Simpsons Archive. "Mr. Plow." 6 Nov. 2000. Ed. James A. Cherry. 6 Sept. 2011.

Norman Bridwell Essay --

"Sometimes you'll do something that you really like and no one else does,† said Norman Bridwell. Norman Bridwell has proved that if you like something you just go with what you want. He proved it when he was in high school; he liked to write but the teachers didn’t appreciate it. After taking a look at the life and work of Norman Bridwell, it is apparent that this writer deserves recognition as a profound American author. Norman Bridwell was born on February 15, 1928 in Kokomo, Indiana (TEACHERS). He always dreamed of going to college to study to be an instructor but he never had enough confidence to do it (About the Clifford). It took him a long time to get his confidence back; once he got his confidence back he went to college and studied what he wanted. He was not good at any sports, he was a nerdy kid in highschool so he was bullied a lot. One day his gym teacher gave him a pencil and a notebook so when he had gym he would draw or write stories (TEACHERS). Norman always had time to write and draw and if he didn’t have time he would make time. Norman had a lot of things that infl... Norman Bridwell Essay -- "Sometimes you'll do something that you really like and no one else does,† said Norman Bridwell. Norman Bridwell has proved that if you like something you just go with what you want. He proved it when he was in high school; he liked to write but the teachers didn’t appreciate it. After taking a look at the life and work of Norman Bridwell, it is apparent that this writer deserves recognition as a profound American author. Norman Bridwell was born on February 15, 1928 in Kokomo, Indiana (TEACHERS). He always dreamed of going to college to study to be an instructor but he never had enough confidence to do it (About the Clifford). It took him a long time to get his confidence back; once he got his confidence back he went to college and studied what he wanted. He was not good at any sports, he was a nerdy kid in highschool so he was bullied a lot. One day his gym teacher gave him a pencil and a notebook so when he had gym he would draw or write stories (TEACHERS). Norman always had time to write and draw and if he didn’t have time he would make time. Norman had a lot of things that infl...

cloning :: essays papers

cloning Abstract As bioethics Leon R. Kass points out in his essay The Wisdom of Repugnance, those who defend human cloning regard themselves mainly as friends of freedom: the freedom of individuals to reproduce, the freedom of scientists and inventors to discover and devise and to foster ‘progress’ in genetic knowledge and technique." Kass goes on to stress that in fact, a "right to reproduce" has always been a peculiar and problematic notion. Rights generally belong to individuals, but this is a right which (before cloning) no one can exercise alone. Does the right then inhere only in couples? Only in married couples? Is it a (woman’s) right to carry or deliver or a right (of one or more parents) to nurture and rear? Is it a right to have your own biological child? Is it a right only to attempt reproduction, or a right also to succeed? Is it a right to acquire the baby of one’s choice? Critical analysis Kass debate on human cloning has brought to the surface a glaring deficiency of bioethics. It has few if any good methods for dealing with new and novel technologies. By that I mean those technologies where there seem to be no relevant historical precedents and where the potential benefits and harms are speculative only, not yet available for empirical testing. How might we best try to assess such technologies, and what counts as a good or bad argument for ethics and for public policy? Nor is it reasonable to insist on "empirical evidence" of benefit or harm when the scientific outcomes are still in the future and wholly speculative in nature. Such evidence could become available only when human cloning was a reality; and then it could take years or decades after that to determine whether it had been a wise move to allow the research to go forward in the first place. The key issue here is not genetic determinism or genetic identity but the preservation of individuality — by no means the same as genetic identity. Even so-called "identical" twins are not wholly identical genetically; that is well known. More to the point here is the issue of parents trying to use children for parental ends, procreating them with traits chosen by the parents for the purr-poses of the parents, not the welfare of the children. We happily accept twins when they are born, but no parents I have heard of go out of their way to procreate twins, or turn to assisted reproduction specialists to procreate twins. cloning :: essays papers cloning Abstract As bioethics Leon R. Kass points out in his essay The Wisdom of Repugnance, those who defend human cloning regard themselves mainly as friends of freedom: the freedom of individuals to reproduce, the freedom of scientists and inventors to discover and devise and to foster ‘progress’ in genetic knowledge and technique." Kass goes on to stress that in fact, a "right to reproduce" has always been a peculiar and problematic notion. Rights generally belong to individuals, but this is a right which (before cloning) no one can exercise alone. Does the right then inhere only in couples? Only in married couples? Is it a (woman’s) right to carry or deliver or a right (of one or more parents) to nurture and rear? Is it a right to have your own biological child? Is it a right only to attempt reproduction, or a right also to succeed? Is it a right to acquire the baby of one’s choice? Critical analysis Kass debate on human cloning has brought to the surface a glaring deficiency of bioethics. It has few if any good methods for dealing with new and novel technologies. By that I mean those technologies where there seem to be no relevant historical precedents and where the potential benefits and harms are speculative only, not yet available for empirical testing. How might we best try to assess such technologies, and what counts as a good or bad argument for ethics and for public policy? Nor is it reasonable to insist on "empirical evidence" of benefit or harm when the scientific outcomes are still in the future and wholly speculative in nature. Such evidence could become available only when human cloning was a reality; and then it could take years or decades after that to determine whether it had been a wise move to allow the research to go forward in the first place. The key issue here is not genetic determinism or genetic identity but the preservation of individuality — by no means the same as genetic identity. Even so-called "identical" twins are not wholly identical genetically; that is well known. More to the point here is the issue of parents trying to use children for parental ends, procreating them with traits chosen by the parents for the purr-poses of the parents, not the welfare of the children. We happily accept twins when they are born, but no parents I have heard of go out of their way to procreate twins, or turn to assisted reproduction specialists to procreate twins.

Physical resources improve the performance of a business Essay

Explain how the management of human, physical and technological resources can improve the performance of Thorpe Park. In this task, I will be explaining how Thorpe Park manage their human, physical and technological resources and how good management of these resources improve their performance. 1. Good management of Thorpe Park’s physical resources Physical resources are the man-made tools or equipment needed for the day-to-day running of Thorpe Park. Basically, physical resources are anything that provides Thorpe Park with the means to perform its business processes. Thorpe Park’s rides are in good condition, are safe, are durable and are efficient and this demonstrates the high maintenance of their rides. Thorpe Park maintain their rides everyday (sometimes every 2 hours). This also demonstrates the high level of maintenance of their rides. Also, Thorpe Park have a team management team which monitor if there is a high standard of maintenance which creates high standards. The cleanliness and hygiene of Thorpe Park’s rides also demonstrates that the rides are being maintained well. How good management of physical resources improves Thorpe Park’s performance By Thorpe Park maintaining their physical resources to a very high standard, it increases the health and safety standards. This ensures customer needs a nd expectations are met and satisfied. Meeting customers’ needs and expectations ensures repeat business for Thorpe Park and more customers. More customers and repeat business will lead to an increase in ticket sales and more profit. Thorpe Park can then use this extra profit to re-invest into building new rides, maintaining existing ones. 2. Good management of Thorpe Park’s human resources Human resources is the set of individuals who make up the workforce of Thorpe Park. It also refers to the division of Thorpe Park that is focused on activities relating to employees. Thorpe Park can manage their human resources well and this can be done through various means. These means are by granting their employees free travel and food, discount on rides for family and friends, premium pay rates and other benefits from being an employee in Thorpe Park. By doing this, the employees of Thorpe Park are motivated to give their all to customers and be productive. Thorpe Park can manage their human resource well by training their employees. Training is  the ability to give employees skills and knowledge to do their job properly. They can provide this training for employees through the recruitment process. The process of finding and hiring the best-qualified candidate (from within or outside of an organization) for a job opening, in a timely and cost effective manner. They do this by identifying the need for a new employee, describing who you want through a person specification, describing what you want them to do through a job description, attracting potential employees, analysing candidates’ strengths and weaknesses and selecting the best person for the job. If the potential employee decides to take the job, Thorpe Park can then train the employee. However, if the potential employee decides to reject the job offer, they will have to start the recruitment process again which in the long run wastes time, money and reduces productivity. If the employee is recruited well, they will be able to meet the needs and expectations of customers. How good management of human resource can improve the performance of Thorpe Park By Thorpe Park are able to manage their human resources well, they will be meeting the needs and expectations of their customers. Thorpe Park meeting the needs and expectations allows them to build a good reputation and gives them more customers than their competitors such as Alton Towers, Chessington, Legoland or other any entertainment venues. This will allow Thorpe Park to expand as a business and increase their market share (A percentage of total sales volume in a market captured by a brand, product, or company) and the dema nd for their rides. 3. Good management of Thorpe Park’s technological resources Technological resources are resources such as software, designs, music, or text. These resources are owned like physical resources and are known as ‘intellectual property.’ Intellectual property laws allow people to own ideas and have rights over them. Thorpe Park can manage their technological resources well by constantly checking their programs and making sure they do not crash. They can manage technological resources by updating software regularly and making sure they run smoothly. Also, Thorpe Park have an IT team who specialize in ensuring programs are running smoothly and upgraded and updated regularly. Furthermore, the ticket collection system, the CCTV cameras, security systems, speaker systems, music and Wi-Fi all shows that  the technological resources in Thorpe Park are being managed well. How good management of technological resources can improve the performance of Thorpe Park By Thorpe Park managing their technological resources well, the customers’ experience is enhanced. This makes the customers of Thorpe Park happy, safe and satisfied because they are able to contact the outside world and enjoy their stay. This will result in repeat business for Thorpe Park and will allow Thorpe Park to attain more customers which will boost their sales, profit and reputation in the long run.

Books Vs Technology Essay

The battle between books and the digital age: will technology diminish the significance of a printed book? Although many books can be found on a Kindle, I-pad, or computer, the printed book is traditional and one simply can’t stray from tradition. It’s easy to get lost in a world where advancements are flourishing everywhere, but a world without books, is a world without knowledge. Printed books are still vital in a rapidly evolving technology dependent world. â€Å"Books have been around for seven centuries. They are portable, accessible collections of knowledge and insight into human-thinking† (Donatich 1). Remember when you were a  child, and would be so happy when you found a hard cover of your favorite book? Also, there’s nothing more sentimental than seeing a parent and child read a book together. Paper books are meticulously put together and take many months just to complete one copy. It’s a person’s thoughts, idea’s, facts, and memories all put together for anyone to enjoy. Although most everything can be found on the Internet, even thinking about getting rid of the paper book would be preposterous. â€Å"A bookless world in which people learn to read and research by virtue of snippets and tags and annotations and wiki-research will be  a world of people who not only won’t be able to read books but won’t be able to write them. And the record of human experience, several thousand years evolved, will be irrevocably changed† (Donatich 7). Books are slowly diminishing, and technology is flourishing. Instead of flipping through a book to find information, most people type it into Google. If technology ends up taking over, knowledge will surely decrease. A book will have one meaning for something, while if you search online, tons of information will be displayed. If everything becomes easily found by a click of a button, it takes away the significance of  searching through a book and expanding ones knowledge. By reading a book, you collect more information because you won’t have to search for it again. If it weren’t for copy and paste and search engines, would you really know that information? Chances are no. In a rapid, technology-advancing world, the importance of printed books is still vital in today’s society. Technology shouldn’t diminish the printed book, only help enhance its significance. Works Cited Donatich, John. â€Å"Books Still Matter in a Digital Age† Journal of Scholarly Publishing. Vol. 40, No. 4. Pg. 329-342. University of Toronto Press, July 2009. 21 Aug 2014.

Docu: Meaning of Life and Affirmative Team Essay

I DEFINITION â€Å"Substantial† means considerable or to a large degree — this common meaning is preferable because the word is not a term of art Arkush, 2002 (David, JD Candidate – Harvard University, â€Å"Preserving â€Å"Catalyst† Attorneys’ Fees Under the Freedom of Information Act in the Wake of Buckhannon Board and Care Home v. West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources†, Harvard Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review, Winter, 37 Harv. C. R. -C. L. L. Rev. 131) IIVIOLATION IIISTANDARDS A. Limits: The debate must be limited to interpretations that are predictable, fair, and debatable. 1. Predictability: The negative must be able to accurately predict what is to be debated. If we cannot, all fairness and educational value is lost. 2. Contextual: The definition is taken from a source, which represents an expert in the field. This is the definition we should look at to accurately interpret the meaning of the resolution. IVVOTING ISSUES A. Topicality is a rule of the game. Life all games, rules are established to ensure fairness and integrity of the game. Topicality does this. B. Topicality is an affirmative burden. The affirmative plan must be topical. Otherwise, the negative team wins the debate. C. Topicality is A Priori and a jurisdictional issue. The judge has the right and responsibility to vote against the affirmative team if they are not topical. The judge should not look at any other argument or reason to vote for the affirmative if they are non-topical. D. Topicality maintains educational value. By requiring the affirmative team to be topical, the negative can prepare and requiring the affirmative team to be topical preserves the education value of debate. E. Topicality ensures clash. Debate cannot occur if the affirmative team is allowed to debate non-topical cases. It is the negative responsibility to clash, just as it is the affirmative teams to be topical. I DEFINITION â€Å"Substantial† means considerable or to a large degree — this common meaning is preferable because the word is not a term of art Arkush, 2002 (David, JD Candidate – Harvard University, â€Å"Preserving â€Å"Catalyst† Attorneys’ Fees Under the Freedom of Information Act in the Wake of Buckhannon Board and Care Home v. West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources†, Harvard Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review, Winter, 37 Harv. C. R. -C. L. L. Rev. 131) IIVIOLATION IIISTANDARDS B. Limits: The debate must be limited to interpretations that are predictable, fair, and debatable. 3. Predictability: The negative must be able to accurately predict what is to be debated. If we cannot, all fairness and educational value is lost. 4. Contextual: The definition is taken from a source, which represents an expert in the field. This is the definition we should look at to accurately interpret the meaning of the resolution. IVVOTING ISSUES F. Topicality is a rule of the game. Life all games, rules are established to ensure fairness and integrity of the game. Topicality does this. G. Topicality is an affirmative burden. The affirmative plan must be topical. Otherwise, the negative team wins the debate. H. Topicality is A Priori and a jurisdictional issue. The judge has the right and responsibility to vote against the affirmative team if they are not topical. The judge should not look at any other argument or reason to vote for the affirmative if they are non-topical. I. Topicality maintains educational value. By requiring the affirmative team to be topical, the negative can prepare and requiring the affirmative team to be topical preserves the education value of debate. J. Topicality ensures clash. Debate cannot occur if the affirmative team is allowed to debate non-topical cases. It is the negative responsibility to clash, just as it is the affirmative teams to be topical. Maya Garabedian Boise High School INCREASE *to make greater IDEFINITION IIVIOLATION IIISTANDARDS A. Limits: The debate must be limited to interpretations that are predictable, fair, and debatable. 1. Predictability: The negative must be able to accurately predict what is to be debated. If we cannot, all fairness and educational value is lost. 2. Contextual: The definition is taken from a source, which represents an expert in the field. This is the definition we should look at to accurately interpret the meaning of the resolution. IVVOTING ISSUES A. Topicality is a rule of the game. Life all games, rules are established to ensure fairness and integrity of the game. Topicality does this. B. Topicality is an affirmative burden. The affirmative plan must be topical. Otherwise, the negative team wins the debate. C. Topicality is A Priori and a jurisdictional issue. The judge has the right and responsibility to vote against the affirmative team if they are not topical. The judge should not look at any other argument or reason to vote for the affirmative if they are non-topical. D. Topicality maintains educational value. By requiring the affirmative team to be topical, the negative can prepare and requiring the affirmative team to be topical preserves the education value of debate. E. Topicality ensures clash. Debate cannot occur if the affirmative team is allowed to debate non-topical cases. It is the negative responsibility to clash, just as it is the affirmative teams to be topical. Maya Garabedian Boise High School TRANSPORTATION *movement from one place to another. IDEFINITION IIVIOLATION IIISTANDARDS A. Limits: The debate must be limited to interpretations that are predictable, fair, and debatable. 5. Predictability: The negative must be able to accurately predict what is to be debated. If we cannot, all fairness and educational value is lost. 1. Contextual: The definition is taken from a source, which represents an expert in the field. This is the definition we should look at to accurately interpret the meaning of the resolution. IVVOTING ISSUES A. Topicality is a rule of the game. Life all games, rules are established to ensure fairness and integrity of the game. Topicality does this. B. Topicality is an affirmative burden. The affirmative plan must be topical. Otherwise, the negative team wins the debate. C. Topicality is A Priori and a jurisdictional issue. The judge has the right and responsibility to vote against the affirmative team if they are not topical. The judge should not look at any other argument or reason to vote for the affirmative if they are non-topical. D. Topicality maintains educational value. By requiring the affirmative team to be topical, the negative can prepare and requiring the affirmative team to be topical preserves the education value of debate. E. Topicality ensures clash. Debate cannot occur if the affirmative team is allowed to debate non-topical cases. It is the negative responsibility to clash, just as it is the affirmative teams to be topical. Maya Garabedian Boise High School INFRASTUCTURE *basic, underlying framework or features of a system IDEFINITION IIVIOLATION IIISTANDARDS A. Limits: The debate must be limited to interpretations that are predictable, fair, and debatable. 1. Predictability: The negative must be able to accurately predict what is to be debated. If we cannot, all fairness and educational value is lost. 2. Contextual: The definition is taken from a source, which represents an expert in the field. This is the definition we should look at to accurately interpret the meaning of the resolution. IVVOTING ISSUES A. Topicality is a rule of the game. Life all games, rules are established to ensure fairness and integrity of the game. Topicality does this. B. Topicality is an affirmative burden. The affirmative plan must be topical. Otherwise, the negative team wins the debate. C. Topicality is A Priori and a jurisdictional issue. The judge has the right and responsibility to vote against the affirmative team if they are not topical. The judge should not look at any other argument or reason to vote for the affirmative if they are non-topical. D. Topicality maintains educational value. By requiring the affirmative team to be topical, the negative can prepare and requiring the affirmative team to be topical preserves the education value of debate. E. Topicality ensures clash. Debate cannot occur if the affirmative team is allowed to debate non-topical cases. It is the negative responsibility to clash, just as it is the affirmative teams to be topical. Maya Garabedian Boise High School INVESTMENT *putting money in something offering profitable returns. IDEFINITION IIVIOLATION IIISTANDARDS A. Limits: The debate must be limited to interpretations that are predictable, fair, and debatable. 1. Predictability: The negative must be able to accurately predict what is to be debated. If we cannot, all fairness and educational value is lost. 2. Contextual: The definition is taken from a source, which represents an expert in the field. This is the definition we should look at to accurately interpret the meaning of the resolution. IVVOTING ISSUES A. Topicality is a rule of the game. Life all games, rules are established to ensure fairness and integrity of the game. Topicality does this. B. Topicality is an affirmative burden. The affirmative plan must be topical. Otherwise, the negative team wins the debate. C. Topicality is A Priori and a jurisdictional issue. The judge has the right and responsibility to vote against the affirmative team if they are not topical. The judge should not look at any other argument or reason to vote for the affirmative if they are non-topical. D. Topicality maintains educational value. By requiring the affirmative team to be topical, the negative can prepare and requiring the affirmative team to be topical preserves the education value of debate. E. Topicality ensures clash. Debate cannot occur if the affirmative team is allowed to debate non-topical cases. It is the negative responsibility to clash, just as it is the affirmative teams to be topical. Maya Garabedian Boise High School TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE *framework related to all modes of transportation IDEFINITION IIVIOLATION IIISTANDARDS A. Limits: The debate must be limited to interpretations that are predictable, fair, and debatable. 6. Predictability: The negative must be able to accurately predict what is to be debated. If we cannot, all fairness and educational value is lost. 1. Contextual: The definition is taken from a source, which represents an expert in the field. This is the definition we should look at to accurately interpret the meaning of the resolution. IVVOTING ISSUES A. Topicality is a rule of the game. Life all games, rules are established to ensure fairness and integrity of the game. Topicality does this. B. Topicality is an affirmative burden. The affirmative plan must be topical. Otherwise, the negative team wins the debate. C. Topicality is A Priori and a jurisdictional issue. The judge has the right and responsibility to vote against the affirmative team if they are not topical. The judge should not look at any other argument or reason to vote for the affirmative if they are non-topical. D. Topicality maintains educational value. By requiring the affirmative team to be topical, the negative can prepare and requiring the affirmative team to be topical preserves the education value of debate. E. Topicality ensures clash. Debate cannot occur if the affirmative team is allowed to debate non-topical cases. It is the negative responsibility to clash, just as it is the affirmative teams to be topical.

Inventory and Nestle

About Nestle Nestle is a multinational packaged foods company founded and headquartered in Vevey Switzerland. it is the world`s foremost Nutrition. Health & Wellness Company committed serving consumers all over the world. Their focus on responsible nutrition and promoting heaLth and wellness is a core value, emphasizing responsibility and sustainability. Nestle products are sold in almost every country in the world. MISSION STATEMENT Nestle is dedicated to providing the best foods to people throughout their day. Throughout their lives, throughout the world.With our unique experience of anticipating consumers’ needs and creating solutions. Nestle contributes to your well-being and enhances your quality of life. † COST ACCOUBTING INFORMATION SYSTEM OF NESTLE INPUT MEASUREMENT BASIS STANDARD COSTING Nestle is using STANDARD COSTING as a base for input measurement Standard costs are usually associated with a company’s costs of direct material, direct labor, and manufa cturing overhead. Rather than assigning the actual costs of direct material, direct labor, and manufacturing overhead to a product, nestle’ like many manufacturers assigns the expected or standard cost.This means that its inventories and cost of goods sold will began with amounts reflecting the standard costs, nor the actual costs, of a product Nestle’, of course still has to pay the actual costs. As a result there almost always differences between the actual costs and the standard costs, and those differences are known as variances, REASON FOR USING STANDARD COSTING Nestle is currently using Standard costing method because the related variances are valuable management tool. If a variance arises, management becomes aware that manufacturing costs have differed from the standard (planned. xpected) costs. †¢ If actual costs are greater than standard costs the variance is unfavorable. An unfavorable variance tells nestle’ management that if everything else stay s constant the company`s actual profit will be less than planned. †¢ If actual costs are less than standard costs the variance is favorable. A favorable variance tells management that if everything else stays constant the actual profit will likely exceed the planned profit. The sooner that the accounting system reports a variance, the sooner that Nestle management can direct its attention to the difference from the planned accounts.DIRECT MATERIALS USAGE VARIANCE Under a standard costing system. Production and inventories are reported at the standard cost—including the standard quantity of direct materials that should have been used to make the products. If the manufacturer actually uses more direct materials than the standard quantity of materials for the products actually manufactured, the company will have an unfavorable direct materials usage variance, If the quantity of direct materials actually used is less than the standard quantity for the products produced, the company will have a favorable usage variance.The amount of a favorable and unfavorable variance is recorded in a General ledger account Direct Materials Usage Variance. (Alternative account titles include Direct Materials Quantity Variance or Direct Materials Efficiency Variance. ) Lets demonstrate this variance with the following information. Direct Labor: Standard Cost. Rate Variance, Efficiency Variance Direct labor refers to the work done by those employees who aciually make the product on the production line. (â€Å"Indirect labor† is work done by employees who work in the production area. but do not work on the production line.Examples include employees who set up & maintain the equipment. ) Unlike direct materials (which are obtained prior o being used) direct Labor is obtained and used at the same time, This means that for any given good output, we can compute the direct labor rate variance. The direct labor efficiency variance, and the standard direct labor cost at t he same time. Variable Mfg Overhead: Standard Cost, Spending Variance, Efficiency Variance Manufacturing overhead costs† refer to any costs within a manufacturing facility other than direct material and direct labor.Manufacturing overhead includes such things as indirect labor, indirect materials (such as manufacturing supplies), utilities, quality control, material handling, and depreciation on the manufacturing equipment and facilities. â€Å"Variable† manufacturing overhead costs will increase in total as output increases. Fixed Mfg Overhead: Standard Cost, Budget Variance, Volume Variance â€Å"Fixed† manufacturing overhead costs remain the same in total even though the volume of production may increase by a modest amount. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN VARIANCESIf the direct labor is not efficient at producing the good output, there will be an unfavorable labor efficiency variance. That inefficiency will likely cause additional variable manufacturing overhead—r esulting in an unfavorable variable manufacturing overhead efficiency variance. If these inefficiencies are significant, it is possible that the company may not be able to produce enough good output to absorb the planned fixed manufacturing overhead—resulting in an unfavorable fixed manufacturing overhead volume variance. TREATMENT OF VARIANCESThe treatment of variances follows these guidelines: If the variance amount is very small (insignificant relative to the company’s net Income), simply put the entire amount on the income statement. If the variance amount is unfavorable, increase the cost of goods sold—thereby reducing net income. If the variance amount is favorable, decrease the cost of goods sold—thereby increasing net income. If the variance is unfavorable, significant in amount, and results from mistakes or inefficiencies, the variance amount can never be added to any inventory or asset account.These unfavorable variance amounts go directly to th e income statement and reduce the company`s net income. If the variance is unfavorable significant in amount and results from standard costs not being realistic, allocate the variance to the company’s inventory accounts and cost of goods sold. The allocation should follow the standard costs of the inputs from which the variances arose. If the variance amount is favorable and significant in amount, allocate the variance to the company`s inventories and its cost of goods sold. INVENTORY VALUATION METHOD ACTIVITY BASED COSTINGActivity based costing (ABC) assigns manufacturing overhead costs to products in a more logical manner than the traditional approach of simply allocating costs on the basis of machine hours. Activity based costing first assigns costs to the activities that are the real cause of the overhead. It then assigns the cost of those activities only to the products that are actually demanding the activities. IMPLEMENTATION OF ABC IN NESTLE Nestle company is using ac tivity based costing method for inventory valuation. Firstly they identify all activities that use resources.Cost pools are set up for each of the activities identified. They assign overhead costs to the cost pools based on a cost driver. Cost pools are used to assign costs. Costs are assigned to its, batches, or products. REASON FOR USING ACTIVITY BASED COSTING Nestle is currently using ABC techniques because it helps it in determining accurate product cost. Complex companies Like Nestle may see the most benefit from this type of costing because it is most helpful when the costing information is difficult to understand or evaluate.ABC provides information to Nestle regarding processes that should be improved and the products or services that are contributing the most to company’s profitability, ABC system also helps Nestle in knowing what are the factors that contribute most to cost, which in turn assists management in choosing best alternative in reducing overall costs incu rred by the Nestle Company. ABC system can be the best tool to be utilized in implementing environmental accounting at the firm level. COST ACCUMULATION METHODNestle is using process costing method. It is a costing system in which the cost of a product or service is obtained by assigning costs to masses of lake or similar units and then computing unit costs on an average basis. Process costing averages the costs over all units to come to the per unit cost. In Nestle. Direct material and direct labor costs are tracked by department, and are assigned evenly to the products that pass through each department. Overhead costs are applied to each department and are assigned evenly to each product.Multiple WIP accounts are used one for every process. As products are moved from one process to another, the costs of the previous process are transferred to the next process. Five steps are involved in Nestles process costing method firstly it summarizes the flow of physical units of output. Seco ndly, computes output in terms of equivalent units, Thirdly, computes equivalent unit costs. Fourthly, summarizes total costs to account for. And at the end, they assign total costs to units completed and to units in ending work in process inventory.REASON FOR USING PROCESS COSTING Process-costing used in Nestle because it broadens the economics of quality by classifying cost of non-conformance and cost of conformance i. e. â€Å"costs incurred when a process is running without failure. It also allows Nestle tracking and reduction of costs normally associated with efficiency in addition to effectiveness (quality)†. COST FLOW ASSUMPTION FIFO In Cost flows assumption. Nestle is using FIFO method. FWO is an acronym for First In, First Out.A method of valuating the cost of goods sold that uses the cost of the oldest items in inventory first What comes in first is handled first what comes in next waits until the first is finished. Etc. REASON FOR USING FIFO Nestle is using FIFO as cost flow assumption for its products. Because most of its products are perishable and they have short expiry date. Nestle also believe in tax minimization. For taxation purposes, FIFO assumes that the assets that ate renaming in inventory are matched to the assets that are most recently purchased or produced.Because of this assumption, there are number of tax minimization strategies associated with using the FIfo asset-management and valuation method. Due to this reason, Nestle is using FIFO method as a cost flow. FWO gives Nestle a better indication of the value of ending the inventory on the balance sheet. One of the reasons for using FIFO method by Nestle is the increasing rate of inflation. Because of this, Nestle uses FIFO inventory accounting in order to make their balance sheet look better. RECORDING INTERVAL CAPABILITYInventory records can be maintained on a perpetual or a periodic basis In the past manufacturers tended to keep perpetual inventories, while retailers used t he periodic method. However, today a variety of point of sale devices and dedicated microcomputer software are readily available to provide any company with perpetual inventory capability. NESTLE’S METHOD Nestle is Currently using perpetual method for maintaining the inventory records because this method provides the company with real time and true inventory information.To record purchases, the periodic system debits the Purchases account while the perpetual system debits the Merchandise Inventory account. To record sales, the perpetual system requires an extra entry to debit the Cost of goods sold and credit Merchandise Inventory. By recording the cost of goods sold (or each sale, the perpetual inventory system lessens the need for adjusting entries and calculation of the goods sold at the end of a financial period, both of which the periodic inventory system requires.The reasons for which Nestle is using perpetual method rather than periodic inventory method is that †¢ By using perpetual method Nestle can determine their COGS and profit or loss after every sale unlike periodic, in which you get profit or loss at the end of the period. †¢ Nestle has preferred perpetual system because it is a realistic double entry system while periodic is arbitrary. †¢ The company can watch the inventory more closely using this method because whenever there is an increment and decrement inventory, some other account like profit loss must be debited or credited. And in the perpetual system stock loss gain is immediately noticed and not at the end of year when the physical count of the inventory is taken The advantages that Nestle has got due to the use of the perpetual inventory system, is a high degree of control, it aids in the management of proper inventory levels, and physical inventories can be easily compared. Whenever a shortage (Le. a missing or stolen good) is discovered, the Inventory Shortages account should be debited.