Strategic Initiatives XM and Sirius Essay Example Essay Example

Strategic Initiatives: XM and Sirius Essay Example Paper Strategic Initiatives: XM and Sirius Essay Introduction One of XM’s attempts to appeal to broader demographics has been its wide variety of receivers—from personal portable systems to smart phone capabilities and all the way up to home theater systems. However, a positive short-term strategy would be to build more of a potential lifetime base of customers by targeting young people. To this end, they should focus on a demographic of 18-25 year olds. One of the simplest ways to do this is for the company to form agreements with major colleges to sell (and aggressively market) XM personal systems in campus bookstores. In turn, XM can launch a new, exclusive channel to broadcast the sports events of these universities.particularly ones that are unlikely to get major media attention. In the longer-term, this will result in more new subscribers. Another way of reaching a younger demographic it to find a way to break into the podcast phenomenon that is most commonly associated with Apple’s iPods. Integrating a recording feat ure in future models that synchs up with a wireless communication program would allow individuals to record their own podcast and, if within range of a wireless network, to go ahead and upload it. Such features are important as smart phones get more and more advanced—for all intents and purposes, all portable electronics devices are competing with what smart phones are increasingly capable of. XM already allows play through existing smart phones, such as â€Å"iPhone or Blackberry† (â€Å"Change the Way You Listen†). Integrating more interactive technology may help give XM a needed edge, though by definition this is a short-term strategy, and XM will need to adapt to newer technology and trends as they emerge. Best of all, such a feature is not that different from the existing ability to â€Å"[let] consumers record songs onto special receivers† (Numeister). Strategic Initiatives: XM and Sirius Essay Body Paragraphs One of the key long-term prospects of appealing to a younger demographic is appearing more eco-friendly. A way of doing this that doesn’t really alter how XM devices are made is to reach a partnership with companies like Prius to have XM radio already installed in those vehicles. This can be accompanied by advertisement campaigns linking environmental friendliness and XM radio in customer’s minds—slogans like â€Å"Satellite radio—so Earth-friendly it’s out of this world† with a visual focus on a satellite. The cherry on the top of this campaign would be for the monthly fee of Prius-owning XM subscribers donating a percentage to an eco-friendly charity of their choice. The final key to XM’s future is to embrace their own past. Their previous programming agreement with Clear Channel radio allowed them to appeal to conservative listeners who favored programs such as Glenn Beck’s radio talk show. Beck, particularly, is a good entit y to have a commercial agreement with, because of his ability to help sell merchandise on both his radio and his TV programs. If XM was willing to re-negotiate with Clear Channel radio and reach a similar agreement as they had before, it would be a great â€Å"quid pro quo† long-term way of marketing XM to an extremely broad audience over the airwaves. Better still, though a longer shot by far, would be an attempt to reach an exclusivity agreement with a right-wing media figure. For all intents and purposes, it would be the more conservative answer to the Sirius agreement with Howard Sterns—if XM was suddenly the only way for conservative audiences to portably hear a figure such as Glenn Beck or Rush Limbaugh, it would greatly increase both system sales and new subscribers, as well as bring old subscribers back into the fold. Value Added, Lessons Learned and Insights Gained nbsp; The value added to the company by such changes would be significant. By expanding the cust omer base, XM will receive both short-term and long-term benefits by bringing in new subscribers and illustrating to existing ones the company’s dedication to offering a variety of services to a variety of clients. These recommendations are all centered on what amounts to the key issue regarding any form of satellite radio to a potential new customer: why should they pay for the radio, when the radio in their car is free? These recommendations form a kind of variegated rhetoric to draw in different customers: individuals can feel like they’re able to follow their favorite talk-show pundit, bringing in customers based on loyalty. They can feel like they are helping to save the world by helping themselves to XM’s services, which appeals to them emotionally. They can feel like they are imparting their unique vision to the world through broadcasts, which appeals to their aggrandized sense of self. And they can also feel like embracing XM radio makes them a more soli d part of their college community, which appeals to both their sense of school spirit and, to be frank, their sense of peer pressure. The insights from this exercise are chiefly centered on this.it is surprising to learn the difficulty of how to appeal to a mass of people while still offering the vision of a company as unique and individual. However, it is rewarding to find out that such a task is far from impossible. Recommendations for Strategic Initiatives: Sirius Radio An admirable recent move on the part of Sirius to branch out from their traditionally-perceived image as a haven for bad boys such as Howard Stern is the inception of the Sirius Backseat TV initiative, offering streaming video of kid-friendly programming such as Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, and Cartoon Network. One logical extension of this progression would be to offer a cheap (less than $50), colorful receiver model (that is limited to kid-friendly music channels) that is marketed to young children. This would a ppeal to children of existing Sirius customers that wish to emulate their receiver-owning parents and, in some cases, the reverse: children requesting it as a gift from their parents may actually get their parents to purchase a receiver for themselves. Especially if an incentive was included with the children’s models which stated that their subscription to the limited â€Å"kid-friendly† stations would be free if another individual in the household purchased a receiver and a full subscription within thirty days. Otherwise, the â€Å"kid-friendly† subscription would be $5 a month. On the opposite spectrum, it would be wise for Sirius to expand an initiative they started in 2003 by launching Sirius OutQ, which appeals to the LGBT audience and invites listeners to hear â€Å"news, information, and entertainment for the gay and lesbian community.† It would be wise for Sirius to launch exclusive channels concerning music and talk radio for other minority audi ences. This is something that would appeal to a teenage and young adult demographic, which would certainly help to sell units and subscriptions among a target audience that represents years of possible subscriber income. It would also dovetail well with the image of Sirius as a more â€Å"liberal† radio station, willing to grant controversial audiences their own voice.something that is often stifled, if not outright prevented, by mainstream media. Sirius currently offers a â€Å"Sirius Music for Business† model in which businesses can legally use commercial-free Sirius broadcasts in everything from â€Å"on hold† telephone music to conference presentations. It would be profitable to expand this model to other venues, such as colleges and universities. A program with a clever name such as â€Å"Sirius for U† could provide music in university dormitories, cafeterias, and student centers. This functions well as a long-term strategy because it means exposing a rotating crop of students to Sirius programming for a period of four years. This will inevitably drive sales, and would offer a chance for universities to feature their own radio station on the Sirius network. In this way, both the university and Sirius radio will benefit. A solid long-term strategy for Sirius would be to acquire exclusive radio rights to NBA games. This would serve as an answer to XM’s exclusivity with MLB games, and help reinforce the image of Sirius as hip and sports-friendly. A short-term way of doing this would be to focus on more obscure sports—Sirius already has the world’s only horseracing talk show, and adding channels focusing on poker, chess, and even dodgeball would add a quirky charm that rival services cannot offer. One humorous hook for such a channel would be to name it â€Å"The Ocho,† in honor of the movie Dodgeball’s humorous vision of an ESPN channel that focuses exclusively on quirky sports. Value Added, Less ons Learned and Insights Gained The value added to Sirius through these suggestions primarily centers around expanding on the services it already offers. There is a reason for this—as the most recognized brand of satellite radio, Sirius has had years to throw almost every idea against the wall, and see what sticks. These ideas represent an expansion of stickiness—appealing to those who feel like mainstream outcasts while, at the same time, appealing to the nuclear family of traditional values through kid-friendly programming. It also represents an opportunity for ongoing customer appeal—the institution of a â€Å"Sirius for U† program, particularly, means that thousands of students can experience Sirius every day that otherwise would be unfamiliar with it. A continued focus on sports serves as the second part of a one-two punch that starts with the appeal to college students.a group that is traditionally sports-focused, and likelier to stick around as par t of the Sirius customer base if they feel that their favorite sport (to watch or to play) is being featured. The insight of this experience is primarily centered on perfection, as opposed to creation.as elaborated on above, Sirius is a company that has tried an impressive variety of marketing tactics over the years. The challenge comes from singling out the ones that have further potential from the ones that, rightfully, were discarded by the wayside. However, the evolving nature of business means that businesses must be constantly evolving; perfection of the moment can easily be the defects of the future, so business models must constantly strive for change. Works Cited Numeister, Larry. â€Å"Suit by Record Companies Against XM Going to Trial.† The Washington Post. n. pag. Jan 20 2007. Web. 30 May 2010 Sirius. â€Å"OutQ Radio.† n. pag. 30 May 2010 XM Radio. â€Å"Change the Way You Listen.† n. pag. Web. 30 May 2010 nbsp; nbsp; We will write a custom essay sample on Strategic Initiatives: XM and Sirius Essay Example specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Strategic Initiatives: XM and Sirius Essay Example specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Strategic Initiatives: XM and Sirius Essay Example specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer

How Fossil Fuels Affect The Environment Research Paper Example

How Fossil Fuels Affect The Environment Research Paper Example How Fossil Fuels Affect The Environment Paper How Fossil Fuels Affect The Environment Paper Essay Topic: Renewable energy Describe and explain how the use of Fossil fuels may affect the environment and discuss measures, which could be taken to reduce the harmful consequences Fossil fuels include gasoline, oil, coal, or natural gas. Whenever we burn them, more pollutant gases are emitted into the atmosphere. They are burned to run cars and trucks, heat homes and business and power factories and are responsible for about 98% of U. S carbon dioxide emissions, 24% of methane emissions and 18% of nitrous oxide emissions. Because of the harmful effects of these pollutant gases, produced when fossil fuels are burnt, they pose a major threat to the environment. Almost all air pollutants are the result Of fossil fuel combustion, either in the home, by industries or the internal combustion engine. Smoke is tiny particles of carbon suspended in the air, produced as a result of burning coal and oil. While smoke remains in the air, it can reduce the light intensity at ground level; hence reduce the overall rate of photosynthesis. Deposits of smoke, or more particularly, soot and ash, may coat plant leaves directly reducing photosynthesis by preventing light penetration or even by clogging stomata openings. The pollutants involved in acid rain are sulfur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, zone and various volatile organic vapors given off from gasoline stations. Fossil fuels contain between 1% and 4% sulfur and consequently around 30 million tones of sulfur dioxide is emitted from the chimneys of Europe each year. Its effect in high concentrations, are harmful to plants in that it reduces growth, especially in barley, wheat and lettuce and others such as lichens may be killed. Sulfur dioxide (ASS) dissolves in water forming sulfurous acid (HASPS). This is then converted to sulfur trioxide (ASS) then to sulfuric acid (HASPS). Acid rain is harmful since it causes acidification of the soil. Changes in soil pH change the solubility of the ions present, in acid soil; essential minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium and trace elements start to be lost by leaching. In very acid soil (pH below 4. 5) aluminum ions may appear in the soil at very poisonous concentrations. Aluminum ions may also be leached into lakes and rivers and kill fish and other marine life. Since the industrial revolution, CO gases emitted into the atmosphere have increased by 27%. The pre- industrial concentration was in 1 860 was pump where as the present concentration is estimated at 368 pump. Methane, another greenhouse gas has more than doubled. The main cause Of the increased CO level is due to the combustion of coal and oil. For every tone of carbon burnt, 4 tones of CO are liberated Scientist argue that this extra CO in the air, trap heat and produce a greenhouse effect, causing expansion of the ocean, melting of the polar icecaps with a consequent rise in sea levels. This would in turn cause flooding of low- lying land. The greenhouse effect is not entirely bad, since it maintains the average of the earths surface at 1 5?SQ rather than 18?CO, in the absence of greenhouse gases. CO is transparent o short wave radiation from the sun, but strongly absorbs the long wave radiation that the earth irradiates into space. Global warming is responsible for an increase in 0. 5 1. 0 ?CO of average world temperature, since the late 19th century. If emissions of CO gases are not reduced significantly, the average global temperature is expected to rise by 1. 58 ?CO in the next century. Not only will this increase directly damage plant life, but evaporation will increase as the climate warms, which will increase average global precipitation. Soil moisture is likely to decline in many regions and intense mainstream are likely to be more frequent. These are all serious repercussions of global warming. The relatively inert oxide Of nitrogen, denigrating oxide, is formed during fossil fuel combustion. In the stratos phere, in the presence of u. V. Radiation, denigrating oxide is no longer inert. It reacts with atomic oxygen to form two molecules of nitrogen monoxide radicals (NO?s). These then react with ozone molecules, converting them to molecular oxygen and reforming nitrogen monoxide radicals. Radicals speed up the destruction of ozone because they constantly re-emerge to trigger another reaction. The destruction of the ozone layer results in a significant increase in u. V. Radiation reaching the earths surface. Ultra violet radiation is absorbed by the Purina and pyridine bases in DNA and modifies tem, with consequences affecting the expression of genetic information. In humans this results in a higher incidence of skin cancer. In higher plants grown as crops the effect of increased exposure to u. V radiation is to reduce yields. Aquatic organisms including fish larvae and plankton are very sensitive to u. V light. Disruption in the ecological balance in the ocean may not only affect marine food chains, UT the contribution of the ocean to the absorption of carbon dioxide. In order to reduce the effects of fossil fuel combustion, the primary measure that should be employed is to find alternative energy sources. Renewable energy comes from the exploitation of wave power, wind power, tidal power, solar energy, hydroelectric power and biological sources including biomass (wood charcoal, crop residues, dung and other organic materials). Many of these forms of renewable energy have a low environmental impact hence may be relatively environmentally friendly. Biological fuels, for instance can e used to supply humans growing energy needs. The Gasohol programmer in Brazil, where sugar cane wastes are used to produce a motor vehicle fuel, is such an example. This will reduce the effects of fossil fuel combustion emissions. International efforts can be established to control carbon dioxide emissions as well as implement usage of alternative sources of energy, instead of depleting the worlds fossil fuel reserves, which is expected only to last another 500 years. Governments can also educate the public on the dangers of energy inefficiency. They might choose to promote more efficient use of energy in moms and businesses, including electrical energy since burning fossil fuels generates most of the electricity. They can set energy efficient standards for domestic appliances. They could also change building regulations to ensure that new houses, offices and public buildings are more energy efficient, for instance in cold climates, measures can be taken to reduce heat loss to surroundings like double glazing windows. They may also increase duties on petrol and diesel fuel, to try to reduce their consumption. Schemes may be considered to convert the industries CO emissions into liquids or solids. One present concept for capturing CO from Waste gases involves MEA (Indetermination). Other techniques include physical absorption, chemical reactions to methanol, polymers and co-polymers aromatic carboxylic acids or urea. Individuals can also conserve energy within the home. Re- using materials, like plastic bags are one such way. Recycling newspapers, glass bottles and plastic bottles can also be done in the homes and business. Other simple measures can be employed within the home like buying energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs for the most used lights in the home. Whenever Seibel individuals should bike, walk, carpool, or use public transport to get to their destination. They can also buy minimally packaged goods, choose re- useable products instead of disposable ones. If they live in hot climates, the house should be painted a light color. Fossil fuels provide 90% of the energy we use now, but at a price of urban air pollution, acid rain, potential global warming and ozone layer depletion. As we burn fossil fuels and continue to use gasoline dependent transport, we increase the level of CO in the earths atmosphere and continue to harm the environment.

Designing a database to manage references for a protein structure data Essay

Designing a database to manage references for a protein structure data set using MySQL - Essay Example The database should be able to perform frequent searches on structure resolution, author name and initials, institution name, and structure release date. It should also be able to frequently retrieve the information about journal articles, PDB code, and name of given protein structures. It should be able provide data in specified order for example, as per the resolution, or as per the number of articles and institution, or both resolution and number of articles and institution, or even as per a specified institution, etc. The database is for storing and managing data regarding macromolecular structures that are partly derived from the Protein Data Bank (PDB). The data is provided by organizations that deposit, process, and distribute the information about protein sequences. Due to the complexity of this data care needs to be taken to ensure minimum data errors like missing data, size, alignment, propagation, ambiguity, and labeling. The application should be designed such that, on a user level it provides data management across the various database domains shared, by using a schema that allows the required data processing. The data should be retrieved, modified, and saved from tables using queries. The data is manipulated through applications that access the database in the database management system. The data model of the database defines data structure and behavior. Different aspects of the database are considered for creating models such as logical and physical model diagrams. It also gives detailed specifications of the attributes, rows and columns for tables, and files used to populate the database. 2. Logical schema of the database The logical model is used to document the data. The defined schema components represent the navigation in the schema diagram. The logical schema is constructed as a model independent of the management system and other physical considerations. The logical schema for the relational database design of the current database can be derived using normalization. Applying the normalization methods such as 1NF, 2NF, and 3NF obtains the physical schema result. 2.1 The Tables and their normalization process I. 1st Normal form (1NF): Table : Article Here, the entity Article has multiple authors as more than one people can author one articleabout various protein data structures. Therefore, to reduce redundancy by normalization 2NF is performed. II. 2nd Normal form (2NF): Table : Article Here, the entity Authors with its attributes have been created for the articles written by them. To further reduce redundancy, 3NF is performed. III. 3rd Normal form (3NF): Table : Article Here, the protein table has been created for the entity Protein to reduce the redundancy. This was because the attribute for Authors had redundancy regarding the protein structure; many authors can work on the same protein structure and therefore this was necessary. The logical structure of a database can be given graphically using an entity relationship (E-R) diagram. 2.1.1 Entity-Relationship diagram Attributes that are common to all domains belong

Predict the performance of emerging financial markets through the Essay - 1

Predict the performance of emerging financial markets through the financial reports of companies - Essay Example As a consequence, any event occurring in one part of the world will definitely have an impact on the rest of it. The recent recession has led to the downfall of many financial companies, banks, manufacturing companies and stock markets all over the world. Companies have been wiped out or taken over, property rates have crashed and gold prices have soared in the past one-two years. The situation has however not been too grave in emerging markets like China, India, Brazil, UAE and Argentina. The subprime crisis which was the cause of the economic meltdown did not affect emerging markets to a great extent. This was possible because the lending policies in these countries were strict and banks and financial companies could not lend to people with bad track records. At a time when global economy is reeling under one of the worst recessions and uncertain market conditions, there is an urgent need to study and analyze in detail the possibility of predicting the performance of markets. This prediction assumes more importance under emerging market conditions. When many companies and banks have gone bankrupt in the developed world, surprisingly, in the case of emerging markets, this has not been witnessed. In this study, we will examine certain companies and their financial statements for the previous five years and see if we can arrive at a conclusion about the relevance of predicting the future of emerging markets. The results of the study would not only be beneficial to students, researchers and economists, but also to decision making bodies that might be planning huge investments in emerging markets. The need of the hour is a stable global economy and this can be achieved only if there is very low level of risk and uncertainty when huge investments are made by individuals, business houses and governments. Not much literature is available about the results of previous research in the field of predicting emerging markets based on the performance of companies in Saudi

Developing yourself Essay Example for Free

Developing yourself Essay Findings: The CIPD profession map is a tool used to support the profession as a whole to develop products and services, yet it also accelerates the professional development of individuals. The map was created and is used by individuals and organisations; it’s a vital resource if you are working or connected in the HR profession. Whatever sector and/or size of an organisation the professional map is a great help, whether you are a specialist or generalist in talent, reward, learning development, employee relations and engagement. There are three key components to the map, which are: professional areas, behaviours and bands and transitions. The core professional areas show how a HR professional should think and look at tasks, then how to influence the relevant employees to the best outcome. There are then eight further areas surrounding the professional areas and when they are all combined, create the role of a great hr employee. Each area is essential to any business. The eight areas are: service delivery and information, organisation design, organisation development, resourcing and talent planning, learning and development, performance and reward, employee engagement, employee relations and service delivery and information. Once professional HR areas are covered, behaviours are the next vital key to becoming an effective HR professional. There are eight behaviours and they require an employee to be a strong character that leads by example and is confident when advising and influencing all levels of staff from entry to high level. Each behaviour is divided into four bands of professional competence. Each behaviour also lists a number of contra indicators which illustrate negative behaviour. Comment on the activities and knowledge specified within any 1 professional area, at either band one or band two identify those you consider most essential to your own or other identified hr role. Conclusion: A HR practitioner should ensure the services they provide are timely and effective. Different customers have different needs in a HR role and you need to prioritise conflicting needs. Shown below are different customers to  a HR practioner and examples of what needs they may have. Managers look to human resources for sound business advice on how to review, analyse and address people issues. They expect the HR services to be timely and accurate. Supervisors expect human resources to be available on an as-needed basis to help solve people issues. They expect, and frequently demand, help interpreting company policies, expediting personnel matters and preparing or completing paperwork. Most importantly, supervisors expect to learn from their interactions with human resources in order for them to return to their work unit and handle personnel matters. Associates look to human resources to provide, explain or confirm information about company policies and procedures. They expect human re sources to be an empathetic ear to their concerns and to help them solve work-related problems. They expect human resources to anticipate problems and to provide sound recommendations to management. To the applicant, human resources are the company. Applicants expect accurate information about employment opportunities, fair consideration of their qualifications and courteous treatment. An example of how you would prioritise conflicting needs is shown below: When in a HR role a supervisor may need a report by the end of the day completing, a manager may need you to sort a conflict between two members of staff and a member of staff may be dealing with bereavement and is upset. You would then organise how and who or what task is the priority and arrange how it will all be dealt with or completed. In this situation I would delegate the report to another member of staff, I would then arrange a time to address the issues between the two conflicting members of staff then I would then deal with the member of staff with bereavement as I would see them as the highest priority. Then all issues and tasks should be completed/ resolved by the end of the day. This shows how you have an empathetic ear to concerns, you are helping solve work related problems and you are completing tasks under a time scale with organisation and delegation. Communication methods: Employee communication is about the HR aspects of communication from management to employees and of course employees to management. The first aspect is downward communication this is where management communicate to employees the second aspect is upward communication and this is when  employees communicate to management. Managers have to communicate with employees all the time that they are at work it is impossible not to, plentiful communication with employee’s has been shown to be linked to good company performance. Communication could be formal or informal. Smaller company’s often rely on informal methods and have few formal methods of communication with employees. In some cases they prefer to encourage social events for promoting mutual communication. Shown below are some examples of communication: Downward communication: Upward communication: Workforce briefings for all or part of the workforce on key issues Employee attitude surveys Quality circles, regular meeting with all or part of the workforce Suggestion schemes Appraisal interviews Employee forums Newsletters, electronic circular and dvds Project teams With communication you can come across issues these are: Subject What is communicated is the most important issue. HR can send a message to employees only on subjects which they choose to communicate with them. For example, certain information may not be passed on to certain employees because the organisation may not want to disclose this information. Quality You do not want to give too much information as employees may have problems digesting it. You need to make sure the quality of communication is high. Depth The depth of the information must be fit for purpose for example it may be too detailed and confusing for those who it is aimed at as it may have initially been designed for a management circular, re-worked slightly and the circulated to part time workers. Receptiveness Employees should feel that they are being listened to; they may voice their  ideas but feel that they are not listened to, and this would then create a negative effect amongst them and actually demotivating them. Action on their views may or may not be considered a good idea, but employees should then receive feedback on their views. Regularity Employees learn to trust the communication if it is regular and tells them important information. Regular communication means it is less likely rumours which are incorrect circulate in workplaces. A balance must be made between giving people information so regularly that they are swamped with it, and too infrequently so that uncertainty arises. Timing Information may be released when leaked information has already reached employees as rumour and it may then be treated with contempt. Information may be released too early or too late. A good example of this is redundancy information. Employees themselves are sensitive when they read about their own redundancy in the newspaper or see it on the news. You should inform employees of this information at the relevant time so they find out from you first. In the HR role you are likely to have an important role in building managers presentational and communication skills, since operational managers are often appointed mainly for other skills that they have, they may need help in developing their interpersonal skills. HR professionals have people issues at the forefront of their minds, they may advise on where and when sensitive meetings such as appraisals or disciplinary meetings might be best held. HR professionals can act as advisors to individual operational managers on how to communicate to employees on issues such as their pension or legal rights, or alternatively communicate directly with the individual employee’s on such subjects. These matters are of vital importance to employees, for whom areas like pensions and benefits packages are central issues. Getting communication right in these areas is therefor also at the centre of HR professional jobs. HR professionals sometimes have to advise both senior and operational managers on employee’s feelings on different subjects. It is usually the HR professionals who are called on to run or at least source and oversee employee attitude surveys, forums etc. to some extent they may also try to act as employee advocates in order to maintain employee commitment and motivation. HR has a key role to play in improving  communication including by providing training and coaching for other managers and workers which can improve their informal and formal communication. Effective Service delivery is a vital key in a HR role shown below are the key points of how to achieve it to a high standard. Delivering service on time: Delivering service on a budget: Dealing with difficult customers, Handling and resolving complaints: When dealing with difficult customers that may have a complaint or issue there are certain ways to deal with the situation so that it does not escalate and gets resolved. Firstly you need to identify the complaint and get as many facts together as possible. You always need to listen and empathize whilst clarifying that you both understand. Then you would log the complaint and investigate why, who, how and what evidence. Once that is achieved I think it is best to identify an end goal so there is something to aim for and the issue should then be resolved. When trying to resolve the situation always keep the complainant updated with any progress and also make sure you are following the company’s policy and try and keep it to the smallest time frame. Once the situation is resolved I would then try to investigate why it happened and how to prevent re-occurrence. In a HR role I believe you should be committed to treating customers with courtesy and respect at all times, responding promptly to all enquiries made by telephone, email, post, fax, or in person, ensuring accuracy of administration, respecting and maintaining confidentiality, equality of opportunity in employment, updating skills through continuous professional development, regularly and systematically seeking, listening to and acting upon the views of customers. I think a HR function should obtain much more thorough feedback from its internal customers these are line managers, senior managers and employees. This should cover both what they need from HR, and their user experience of current services. Such feedback, as this study illustrates, can generate a clear overview or ‘footprint’ of the HR function in a particular organisation. It can provide fresh insights and help the HR function to focus its efforts in areas that add value to the  business. Bibliography: http://www.cipd.co.uk/cipd-hr-profession/profession-map/professional-areas/service-delivery-information.aspx

Financial Ratios, Discriminant Analysis and the Prediction of Corporat

The article Financial Ratios, Discriminant Analysis and the Prediction of Corporate Bankruptcy was written in 1968 by Edward I. Altman. The purpose of the article is to address the quality of ratio analysis as an analytical technique. At the time some academicians were moving away from ratio analysis and moving toward statistical analysis. The article attempted to determine if ratio analysis should be continued, eliminated and replaced by statistical analysis or serve together with statistical analysis as cofactors in financial analysis. The example case used by the article was the prediction of corporate bankruptcy. Ratios traditionally measure the most important factors such as liquidity, solvency and profitability, as well as other measures of solvency. Different studies have found various ratios to be the most efficient indicators of solvency. Studies of ratio analysis began in the 1930’s, with several studies of the concluding that firms with the potential to file bankruptcy all exhibited different ratios than those companies that were financially sound. Among the study’s findings were that the deciding factor of the predictor of bankruptcy should not be only a few ratios, as the measure of a company’s financial solvency may differ as the firm’s situations differ. The important question is to which ratios are to be used and of those ratios chosen, which ratios are given priority weight. After discussions, a multiple discriminant analysis (MDA), a statistical technique, was chosen. MDA was used primarily to classify and make prediction in problems where the dependent variable was in qualitative form, e.g. bankrupt or non-bankrupt. The primary advantage of MDA was its ability to sequentially examine individual ch... ...el such as: purpose of the loan, maturity of the security pledged, the history of the client with the company and the unique characteristics that the bank’s customers might have. It was the conclusion of the author that financial ratios when combined with statistical analysis still remain a valuable tool. The theoretical conclusion was that ratios used within a multivariate framework take on a more influential role than when used in isolation. The discriminate model was very accurate in the initial sample of 66 firms, correctly predicting 94 percent of the original bankrupt firms. The potential suggested used of the model included: business credit evaluation, investment guidelines and internal control procedures. The MDA model also showed potential to ease some problems in the selection of securities of a portfolio but further investigation was recommended.

Management Accounting and Management Decisions

Management Accounting, Cdn. 6e (Horngren/Sundem/Stratton/Beaulieu) Chapter 1 Management Accounting and Management Decisions 1) Both internal managers and external parties use accounting information. Answer: TRUE Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 2) Internal accounting reports must follow generally accepted accounting principles and account for assets at historical cost. Answer: FALSE Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 3) Organizations that do not make or sell tangible goods are called service organizations. Answer: TRUE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 7Objective: 3 4) The cost-benefit balance is the primary consideration in choosing among accounting systems and methods. Answer: TRUE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 2 Objective: 3 5) Planning refers to setting objectives, implementing plans, and evaluating objectives. Answer: FALSE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 6) A budget is a quantitative expression of a plan of action. Answer: TRUE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 2 Obj ective: 3 7) Management by exception involves a detailed analysis of all deviations from planned performance regardless of the amount.Answer: FALSE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 2 Objective: 3 8) Sales growth occurs in the mature market stage of product life cycle. Answer: FALSE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 9 Objective: 4 9) Line authority is authority exerted downward over subordinates. Answer: TRUE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 12 Objective: 5 10) Line departments support or service staff departments. Answer: FALSE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 12 Objective: 5 11) According to the Financial Executives Institute, the controller's function is to obtain both short-term and long-term loans.Answer: FALSE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 14 12) The CMA program focuses on management accounting and its role in Canadian business. Answer: TRUE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 13) The factors causing changes in management accounting today include increased global competition, technological advances and increased production by Canadian companies. Answer: FALSE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 14) The essence of the just-in-time philosophy is to eliminate waste. Answer: TRUE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 5) The Society of Management Accountants of Canada (SMAC) has developed standards of ethical conduct for management accountants, which include standards of competence, confidentiality, integrity and objectivity. Answer: TRUE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 20 Objective: 9 16) A survey of managers selected which of the following business areas as the most common starting-point for future managers? A) Accounting. B) Finance. C) Legal environment of business. D) Computers in business. Answer: A Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 2 Objective: 1 17) Management accounting refers to accounting information developed for A) shareholders.B) governmental authorities. C) managers within an organization. D) loan officers. Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 18) __ ______ is a formal mechanism for gathering, organizing, and communicating information about an organization's activities. A) An accounting system B) Scorekeeping C) Management accounting D) Attention directing Answer: A Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 19) ________ refers to accounting information developed for users within an organization. A) An accounting system B) Scorekeeping C) Management accountingD) Financial accounting Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 20) ________ is the accumulation and classification of data. A) An accounting system B) Scorekeeping C) Management accounting D) Attention directing Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 21) ________ means reporting and interpreting information that helps managers to focus on operating problems, imperfections, inefficiencies, and opportunities. A) Scorekeeping B) Attention directing C) Problem-solving D) None of the above Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 2) ________ i s the aspect of accounting that quantifies the likely results of possible courses of action and often recommends the best course to follow. A) Scorekeeping B) Attention directing C) Problem-solving D) None of the above Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 23) The codes of conduct for integrity include all of the following EXCEPT A) avoiding actual or apparent conflicts of interest. B) refusing to advise or assist with the commission of fraud. C) recognizing and communicating professional limitations. D) communicating information subjectively. Answer: DDiff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 20 Objective: 9 24) A clerk prepares a monthly report comparing the actual phone bill with the expected phone costs. This activity would be classified as A) problem-solving. B) scorekeeping. C) planning. D) attention directing. Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 25) Broad guidelines and detailed practices that together make up accepted accounting practice at a given time are re ferred to as A) GAAS. B) accounting conventions. C) GAAP. D) Revenue Canada regulations. Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 26) Service organizationsA) sell tangible goods. B) are not wholesalers. C) are considered manufacturers. D) must be profit-seeking. Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 7 Objective: 3 27) A characteristic of service organizations is that A) labour is intensive. B) output is easy to define. C) major inputs and outputs can be stored. D) plant and equipment costs are high in proportion to labour costs. Answer: A Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 7 Objective: 3 28) The watchword for the installation of systems in service industries and nonprofit organizations is A) maximize. B) simplicity. C) constraints. D) complexity.Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 7 Objective: 3 29) Which of the following is a characteristic of both profit-seeking and nonprofit service organizations? A) Labour is intensive. B) Output is usually difficult to define. C) Major inpu ts and outputs cannot be stored. D) All of the above are characteristics. Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 7 Objective: 3 30) Financial accounting is constrained by GAAP. Management accounting is constrained by A) GAAS. B) the cost-benefit balance. C) Revenue Canada. D) the controller. Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 1) The primary consideration in choosing among accounting systems and methods is A) simplicity. B) behavioural issues. C) cost-benefit balance. D) computerization. Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 32) An accounting system should provide accurate, timely budgets and performance reports in a form useful to A) shareholders. B) bankers. C) Revenue Canada. D) managers. Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 33) ________ is (are) a quantitative expression(s) of a plan of action. A) A budget B) Performance reports C) Variances D) Management by exception Answer: ADiff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 34) ________ prov ide(s) feedback by comparing results with plans and by highlighting deviations from plans. A) A budget B) Performance reports C) Variances D) Management by exception Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 35) ________ is (are) deviations from plans. A) A budget B) Performance reports C) Variances D) Management by exception Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 36) ________ concentrate(s) on areas that deviate from the plan and ignore(s) areas that are presumed to be running smoothly. A) A budgetB) Performance reports C) Variances D) Management by exception Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 37) Launching a new product line is an example of A) decision making. B) planning. C) controlling. D) organization. Answer: A Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 38) Answering the following questions: When is dinner? Who is cooking it? is an example of A) planning. B) controlling. C) budgeting. D) analyzing. Answer: A Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 39) Cooking dinner and tasting the food are examples of A) planning. B) controlling. C) budgeting.D) analyzing. Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 40) Planning determines action, action generates feedback, and feedback influences A) reports. B) accounting systems. C) further planning. D) deviations. Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 41) A quantitative expression of a plan of action is a A) variance. B) performance report. C) control. D) budget. Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 42) Actual results are compared to budgeted amounts in a A) performance report. B) financial statement. C) production report. D) flexible report.Answer: A Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 43) Management by exception means management concentrates on A) significant activities proceeding as planned. B) significant deviations from expected results. C) insignificant activities proceeding as planned. D) insignificant deviations from expected results. Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 44) A synonym for deviation is A) planned. B) systematic. C) variance. D) reported. Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 45) A significant unfavourable variance A) should be ignored because of materiality.B) could not result from careless budgeting. C) is the result of proper planning. D) should be analyzed, and measures should be taken to correct the situation. Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 46) The product development stage in a product's life cycle corresponds to A) no sales. B) sales growth. C) stable sales level. D) low and decreasing sales. Answer: A Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 9 Objective: 4 47) The introduction to market stage in a product's life cycle corresponds to A) no sales. B) sales growth. C) stable sales level. D) low and decreasing sales. Answer: BDiff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 9 Objective: 4 48) The mature market stage in a product's life cycle corresponds to A) no sales. B ) sales growth. C) stable sales level. D) low and decreasing sales. Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 9 Objective: 4 49) The phase-out-of-product stage in a product's life cycle corresponds to A) no sales. B) sales growth. C) stable sales level. D) low sales to no sales. Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 9 Objective: 4 50) The various stages through which a product passes are called the A) product life cycle. B) production plan. C) market analysis. D) product initiative.Answer: A Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 9 Objective: 4 51) Product life cycles A) are the same for all products. B) must be considered to effectively plan for production. C) are computerized bicycles. D) have nothing to do with product profitability. Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 9 Objective: 4 52) Authority exerted downward over subordinates is referred to as A) line authority. B) staff authority. C) general authority. D) specific authority. Answer: A Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 12 Objective: 5 53) Authorit y to advise but NOT command is called A) line authority. B) staff authority.C) general authority. D) specific authority. Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 12 Objective: 5 54) An example of a line department at a jewelry manufacturer is the A) accounting department. B) finance department. C) maintenance department. D) sales department. Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 12 Objective: 5 55) According to the Financial Executives Institute, one function of controllership is A) investments. B) short-term financing. C) provision of capital. D) reporting and interpreting. Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 14 56) The top accounting officer in an organization is oftenA) the controller. B) the treasurer. C) the CFO. D) the CEO. Answer: A Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 14 57) ________ is mainly concerned with the company's financial matters. A) The controller B) The treasurer C) The secretary D) None of the above Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 14 58) ________ is the designation that provides the greatest orientation toward management accounting. A) CIA B) CMA C) CEO D) CGA Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 14 59) According to the Financial Executives Institute, one function of treasurership is A) planning for control.B) protection of assets. C) investor relations. D) economic appraisal. Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 14 Objective: 6 60) Chartered Accountants are A) internal auditors. B) management accountants. C) external auditors. D) clerical accountants. Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 61) The largest Canadian association of professional accountants whose major interest is management accounting is the A) Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants. B) Certified General Accountants of Canada. C) Government Accounting Institute. D) Society of Management Accountants of Canada.Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 62) A philosophy to eliminate waste by reducing the time products spend in the production process and elim inating the time that products spend on activities that do NOT add value is A) computer-integrated manufacturing. B) just-in-time. C) better late than never. D) added value tax. Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 63) Systems that use computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing, together with robots and computer-controlled machines are called A) just-in-time systems. B) robotic-computer systems.C) computer-integrated manufacturing systems. D) manufacturing-robotic systems. Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 64) Which of the following factors is causing changes in management accounting today? A) Shift from a manufacturing-based to a service-based economy. B) Increased global competition. C) Advances in technology. D) All of the above are factors. Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 65) Systems that use CAD and CAM together with robots and computer-controlled machines are called A) JIT. B) CMA. C) CIM. D) none of the above .Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 66) Below is a statement from the Code of Professional Ethics for the Society of Management Accountants. â€Å"Maintain at all times independence of thought and action. † It is an example of A) competence. B) confidentiality. C) integrity. D) objectivity. Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 20 Objective: 9 67) Management accountants are similar to CAs and CGAs in that they A) give opinions on financial statements. B) are licensed by the Canadian Institute of public accountancy. C) adhere to codes of conduct.D) are independent of the company they work for. Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 68) The Society of Management Accountants has adopted a set of standards of professional ethics which includes codes of conduct regarding all of the following EXCEPT A) competence. B) independence. C) integrity. D) confidentiality. Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 20 Objective: 9 69) Which of the following individu als would likely NOT be users of management accounting reports? A) company presidents B) university deans C) bankers D) chief physicians Answer: CDiff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 70) Which of the following statements about management accounting is FALSE? A) It is concerned with how measurements and reports will influence managers' daily behaviour. B) It is less sharply defined than financial accounting. C) Its primary users are organizational managers at various levels. D) It is constrained by generally accepted accounting principles. Answer: D Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 71) Which of the following statements about ethical dilemmas faced by management accountants is FALSE?Ethical dilemmas A) are clear-cut. B) involve conflict between two or more ethical standard. C) require individual integrity and judgment. D) require the application of ethical standards. Answer: A Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 20 Objective: 9 72) Which of the following statements about line a uthority is TRUE? Line authority A) is similar to staff authority. B) is indirectly related to the basic activities of an organization. C) is exerted upwardly from subordinates. D) includes the authority to command action. Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 12 Objective: 5 3) Broad concepts or guidelines and detailed practices, including all conventions, rules, and procedures that together make up accepted accounting practice at a given time. Answer: Generally accepted accounting principles Diff: 1 Type: SA Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 74) The person from whom the controller derives authority to set accounting procedures. Answer: The company president Diff: 1 Type: SA Page Ref: 12 75) Weighing known costs against probable benefits, the primary consideration in choosing among accounting systems and methods. Answer: Cost-benefit balance Diff: 1 Type: SA Page Ref: 11Objective: 7 76) A quantitative expression of a plan of action, and an aid to coordinating and implementing the plan. Answ er: Budget Diff: 1 Type: SA Page Ref: 2 Objective: 2 77) Deviations from plans. Answer: Variances Diff: 1 Type: SA Page Ref: 2 Objective: 2 78) Concentrating on areas that deserve attention and ignoring areas that are presumed to be running smoothly. Answer: Management by exception Diff: 1 Type: SA Page Ref: 2 Objective: 2 79) Authority exerted downward over subordinates. Answer: Line authority Diff: 1 Type: SA Page Ref: 12Objective: 5 80) Authority to advise but not to command. It may be exerted downward, laterally, or upward. Answer: Staff authority Diff: 1 Type: SA Page Ref: 12 Objective: 5 81) The largest Canadian professional organization of accountants whose major interest is management accounting. Answer: Society of Management Accountants Diff: 1 Type: SA Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 82) A philosophy to eliminate waste, by reducing the time products spend in the production process and eliminating the time that products spend on activities that do not add value. Answer: Just-in-t ime philosophyDiff: 1 Type: SA Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 83) Describe the major users of accounting information. Answer: In general, users of accounting information fall into three categories: (1) Internal managers who use the information for short-term planning and controlling routine operations. (2) Internal managers who use the information for making nonroutine decisions and formulating overall policies and long-range plans. (3) External parties, such as investors and government authorities, who use the information for making decisions about the company. Diff: 1 Type: ES Page Ref: 2 Objective: 1 4) Explain the cost-benefit and behavioral issues involved in designing an accounting system. Answer: The cost-benefit balance, weighing known costs against probable benefits, is the primary consideration in choosing among accounting systems. The system's value must exceed its cost. In addition, the system's effects on the behaviour of managers should also be considered. The system must p rovide accurate, timely budgets and performance reports in a form useful to managers. Diff: 1 Type: ES Page Ref: 14 Objective: 7 85) Distinguish between line and staff roles in an organization, and give an example of each.Answer: Line authority is authority exerted downward over subordinates. Staff authority is authority to advise but not to command. It may be exerted downward, laterally, or upward. Line departments are directly responsible for conducting the basic mission of the organization, that is, producing and selling a product or service. Staff departments are indirectly related to these basic activities through servicing and supporting the line departments. An example of a line role would be the sales executives, whereas a staff role would include the top accounting executive.Diff: 1 Type: ES Page Ref: 12 Objective: 5 86) Contrast the functions of controllers and treasurers. Answer: The treasurer is concerned mainly with the company's financial matters such as investor relat ions, provision of capital, short-term financing, credits and collections, and banking. The controller is concerned with operating matters such as reporting and interpreting, evaluating and consulting, tax administration, government reporting, and protection of assets. Diff: 1 Type: ES Page Ref: 1 87) Explain a management accountant's ethical responsibilities.Answer: A certified management accountant must adhere to a code of conduct regarding competence, confidentiality, integrity, and objectivity developed by the Society of Management Accountants. An unethical act is one that violates the ethical standards of the profession. Management accountants have an obligation to the organizations they serve, their profession, the public, and themselves to maintain the highest standards of ethical conduct. Diff: 1 Type: ES Page Ref: 20 Objective: 9 88) Explain the role of budgets and performance reports in planning and control.Answer: Budgets and performance reports are essential tools for pl anning and control. Budgets result from the planning process. Managers use them to translate the organization's goals into action. A performance report compares actual results to the budget. Managers use these reports to monitor, evaluate, and reward performance and, thus, exercise control. Diff: 3 Type: ES Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 89) Discuss the role that management accountants play in the company's value-chain functions. Answer: Management accountants play a key role in planning and control.Throughout the company's value chain, management accountants gather and report cost and revenue information for decision makers. Diff: 2 Type: ES Page Ref: 9 Objective: 4 90) Identify current trends in management accounting. Answer: Many factors have caused changes in accounting systems in recent years. Most significant are globalization, technology, and a shift from a manufacturing-based to a service-based economy. Without continuous adaptation and improvement, accounting systems would be obs olete. Diff: 2 Type: ES Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8