Bendix Case Study

The Bended Corporation is a parts supplier for five separate business units: automotive, the Frame Corporation (filters), aerospace, industrial and energy, and international. In 1951, the Bended Corporation is credited with the invention of electronic fuel injection (EFFIE) and was in sole possession of the accompanying patent until 1978. The company had not utilized this innovation to its fullest potential due to the lack of interest in automotive manufacturers in the United States.In 1976, Douglas Crane, president of Bended Corporation's automotive division, was mulling ever the idea of embarking on the construction of a $10 million injector manufacturing plant, the main component involved EFFIE. Major Problems and Issues There are many problems facing Bender's customers in 1976, the first and most predominant being government regulations. The government has been tightening and tightening the control over pollution levels in automotive emissions as well as minimum gas mileage requi rements for each manufacturers' fleets.The major car manufacturers were unable to meet these requirements with their current fuel delivery system technology. These demands put added pressure on Bended to revived a solution in order to provide future success and to create a competitive advantage. Another major problem facing Bended was competition from a Busch, a company that Bended earlier had made an agreement with to use Bender's EFFIE technology to manufacture for the European market. Busch was planning on creating a manufacturing plant in the United States, threatening to take away some of the market share away from Bended.Another issue facing the implementation of EFFIE into the American automotive market is the phenomena that affect innovation in a large corporation. The phenomenon is that with larger economies of scale, the less the many is willing implementing a radically different solution to an old and well- known problem. The company is more willing to improve processes w ith their innovations, and then to create a whole new product line. The implementations of product innovations are more common in startups than in well-established firms such as Bended.This phenomenon can explain why EFFIE was put on the back burner and never utilized fully. [1] Possible Solutions There are three possible scenarios for the Bended Corporation when it comes to the new injector manufacturing plant. The first is Bended could build a new state of the art facility. The contract between Busch and Bended allowed them full disclosure, and each company shared their technologies and processes. Bended had a man spend several months studying the methods Busch was using in their production of injectors.The lessons that were learned during this time can be used to make a plant using new technology Second, Bended could restructure an existing facility to produce injectors. This remodel would take less time and cost less than building a brand new facility. Bended tried this strategy when they started producing their own electronic control units (CEO) by adding production to their radio manufacturing facility. This initial failure was remedied when Crane took control over the SEC production and got the right team together in order to meet a contract with Cadillac.Lastly, Bended could cancel the new facility and supply the injectors from an outside firm. This strategy that Bended used early in its EFFIE production. Although it does not contain the capital costs of tooling and/or building a facility. This solution has the issue that the current suppliers cannot meet the numbers Bended is looking to supply when/if EFFIE becomes the standard. Recommended Actions The issues that are facing the automotive industry are a factor that will change the environment for these companies causing them to have to make fundamental changes in fuel delivery systems.These changes will become an opportunity for Bended to pursue EFFIE as the solution for the future regulations and pe rformance standards expected by the American customers. For Bended to become a leader in EFFIE, they will need to have a competitive, and they will not be able to when they are supplying injectors from their competitors. Bended will have to become more vertically integrated by producing their own injectors and using the knowledge they have from their time observing Busch, they can produce them more efficiently and tit less waste. The action I would recommend for Crane to pursue is creating their own brand new injector facility.The facility will be able supply the future needs for EFFIE due to regulations. Bended will be able to compete and beat Busch in the market due to superior processes. To get past the phenomena such as stated earlier their needs to be a strong leader championing this endeavor and Crane has already proven himself with the SEC project. [2] Conclusion In conclusion, there are a plethora of factors outside of the control of the market such as government regulation and management phenomena inside a large corporation. A company can come up with a solution that may not useful at the time such as in this case.There was no need at the time for EFFIE at its invention because of the less stringent pollution and mileage standards but as time progresses EFFIE became a more and more plausible solution. Whatever choice Bended made, EFFIE is now standard on all cars and carburetors are a thing of the past. Bibliography [1] Abernathy, W. , & Turtleback, J. (2014). Pattern of Industrial Innovation. Innovation Management (1-9). Romania, NY: Lines Learning. [2] Schumacher, T. (2014, May 22). Gunfire at Sea. Youth. Retrieved June 16, 2014, from HTTPS://www. Youth. Com/

My First Child

I walked through the doors of Moses Taylor hospital, In Scranton, Pennsylvania. I was feeling apprehensive and uneasy, as I found myself at the nurses' station of labor and delivery. Once I was finished with registration, I followed a nurse into the dusty rose and moss green room, where I would be staying until the much anticipated arrival of my child. I tried to keep myself occupied by watching television, reading, and doing crossword puzzles, but nothing could have kept me from feeling the excruciating pain of labor.The eagerness to have this all over and done with, was definitely not helping with the anxiety I was feeling during that process. After 22 grueling and strenuous hours of being stuck In a bed, and three different shifts of nurses, I finally met my daughter. Friday morning, at 4:mama, the sky was dark and cloudy, and the moment I had been anxiously awaiting for nine and a half long months, was here at last. Everyone in the room got very quiet as my child entered the wor ld. I was very confused as to why I had not heard any sounds coming from her and it began to worry me. The moment I heard her cry, I new everything was going to be okay. Oh! She Is absolutely breath-taking,† I exclaimed as Dry. Reedy placed the Innocent child on my chest. Just as I said that, a tiny hand reached up and touched my face. I braced myself against the back of the bed; I could hardly contain my excitement as I held my daughter in my arms for the very first time. I could smell the sweet, inviting aroma and feel the velvety softness of her skin. Nothing in life had prepared me for the overwhelming love I felt at that moment. I looked over at my child's father; while fighting back the Inevitable tears of Joy that ere making their way Into my eyes, and I stated. Frank, look at how perfect she SSL Look at her tiny little nose. † I can still remember the first time I set eyes on her. She was naked, and glistening with the slimy waters of birth. As the nurse removed her from my arms, to clean and weigh her, I could not take my eyes off my little miracle. The instant I saw her, I knew the name we had chosen would fit her beautifully. The nurse, wearing arctic white Nikkei sneakers and soft pink scrubs with a cute little Winnie the Pooh pattern on them, handed my daughter back to me. She was wrapped In an Ivory blanket, with baby blue and cherry red Infant foot prints on It.Nurse Lori began filling out my child's vital statistics, â€Å"She is seven pounds and fifteen ounces and 20 inches long. Have you decided on a name for her yet? † â€Å"Aubrey. † I answered. â€Å"Aubrey Grace. † Lori commented, â€Å"What a great name for such a beautiful child. Congratulations! † â€Å"Thank you,† I replied. The next few hours were filled with visitors coming to welcome Aubrey Into the world. Aubrey met her aunts, uncles, grandparents, and Godparents all in the course of a day. Aubrey started getting over-whelmed with all of the commotion around her. WA! † cried Aubrey, as she let out this tiny little cry. I tried to console her as best as I could, and eventually found that she was hungry. I quickly grabbed the bottle of Gerber formula for her. As I held my tiny bundle of Joy in my arms, I could see a lonesome tear run down my mother's cheek. When I knew exactly why my mother was crying. They were not tears filled with sadness, but were tears of Joy. My mother helped me through so much in my life, and I never understood the love she had for me until I finally had a child of my own.

Aristotle Ethics Essay

Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics provides a sensible account for what true moral virtue is and how one may go about attaining it. Aristotle covers many topics that help reach this conclusion. One of them being the idea of mean between the extremes. Although Aristotle provided a reliable account for many philosophers to follow, Rosalind Hursthouse along with many others finds lose ends and topics which can be easily misinterpreted in Aristotle’s writing. Aristotle explains his concept of â€Å"mean between the extremes† by the following quote: â€Å"In everything that is continuous and divisible it is possible to take more, less, or an equal amount, and that either in terms of the thing itself or relatively to us; and the equal is an intermediate between excess and defect† (Book II. 6, p. 1747 l. 25-28). Here he defines human virtue as an arrangement or disposition to behave in the right manner or as a mean between the extremes (excess and deficiency). However, later he continues to add how this mean or intermediacy is not the same for every person. A mean, according to Aristotle is determined by one’s needs and capacity. Not everyone has the same mean hence; everyone does not have the same needs or capacities. The mean, Aristotle goes on to explain, is relative to the person, not the object. It has to be relative to not only you as a person, but also relative to your situation, not just your opinion. â€Å"If ten pounds are too much for a particular person to eat and two too little, it does not follow that the trainer will order six pounds; for this also is perhaps too much for the person who is to take it, or too little- too little for Milo, too much for the beginner in athletic exercises. † (II. 6, 1747 l. 36-39) According to Aristotle, there is a right answer or an objectively correct mean for everyone when you take inot account their situation. Aristotle tries to paint a picture of how one should go about determining this mean in a situation. He provides several examples and instances and even presents the excess, defect and intermediate in each for the reader to analyze. Briefly, Aristotle classifies the mean as being the main characteristic in achieving excellence. He explains how moral excellence can only be attained through figuring out these excesses, deficiencies and intermediates. He also adds in how simply knowing these three is not everything, but feeling them at the right time, the right place, in the right situation, etc is just as important. â€Å"For instance, both fear and confidence and appetite and anger and pity and in general pleasure and pain may be felt both too much and too little, and in both cases not well; but to feel them at the right times, with reference to the right objects, towards the right people, with the right aim, and in the right way is what is both intermediate and best, and this is characteristic of excellence† (II. 6, 1747, 1106 l. 19-23). In book two, chapter seven, Aristotle begins to form an outline of general means that every person should be aware of. He talks about anger, pride, honor, the giving and taking of money, etc. By discussing these subjects he constructs an outline of summary of these states to help one better understand the principles behind attaining moral virtue. In chapter eight of book two, Aristotle discusses how one extreme may be closer to the mean than the other. He gives two reasons for this: one being drawn from the thing itself and the other from ourselves. In other words, when he states â€Å"for because one extreme is nearer and liker to the intermediate, we oppose not this but rather its contrary to the intermediate. E. g., since rashness is thought liker and nearer to courage, and cowardice more unlike, we oppose rather the latter to courage; for things that are further from the intermediate are thought more contrary to it? another is drawn from ourselves; for the things to which we ourselves more naturally tend seem more contrary to the intermediate† (II. 8, 1750, 1109 l. 4-14), he implies that when assessing the mean in relevance to the object itself, it can be seen that sometimes it falls closer to one end than the other. For example, as Aristotle explains, a coward lies further away from the mean (having courage) then rashness does. In a way, being rash implies being courageous because one who is rash does not think too hard before acting therefore shows courage, even though he/she does so in an illogical way. On the opposite end, someone who is referred to as a coward shows no courage and does not act bravely but rather chooses to hide and do nothing. The second method Aristotle discusses is related to ourselves and what we assume to be closer to the mean. He says that the things we mostly tend to do are the things we consider further from the mean. In other words we consider ourselves to be deficient in a sense because what we do seems to be the flip side of the intermediate. He says that since the extreme which is furthest from the mean is that which is the most contrary to the mean we describe the things we are most likely to lapse inot as contrary to the intermediate. In addition, referring back the courage example, people know that we are more likely to be cowardly than rash, so we are more aware of being deficient in courage. Aristotle goes on to discuss how one may figure out what extreme the mean is closer to. He says that to do so, one must follow three rules: 1) avoid the extreme which is furthest from the mean, 2) notice what errors we are most likely to commit and avoid them diligently, and 3) be wary of pleasure because it often slows or blurs our judgment. If these three rules are obeyed, Aristotle says that we shall be able to hit the mean between the extremes. When Aristotle uses the bent stick example, he is just showing a comparison between someone dragging themselves away from the bad extreme and trying to straighten a bent stick. They are both hard to do but they must be done for the overall good. When you straighten the bent stick, you are drawing it away from one side and bringing it back to the middle, just as one must do with themselves. Rosalind Hursthouse does a very good job in discussing Aristotle’s concept of phronimos. Hursthouse believes that the phronimos is different from a person who is not truly virtuous but nonetheless hits the mean between the extremes on a particular occasion in the sense that the phronimos is a master in all the v-rules presented by Aristotle in his account. It is these v-rules that help the phronimos be as good at making decisions and making the right choices as Aristotle suggests he is. Hursthouse says that even though these v-rules exist, they do not capture what gives the phronimos his special knowledge. Therefore, she goes on to say â€Å"What is special about the phronimos’s knowledge is the especial understanding he brings to these rules, his unique mastery of the concepts involved. All the difficult work, one might say, is done by this superior understanding, not by the rules themselves. To lack phronesis is to lack such mastery; so these rules, the v-rules, cannot be fully understood by those lacking phronesis† (13). So pretty much, even though a person can comprehend these rules and then hit the mean between the extremes after following them, he is still not doing that as well as the phronimos can because he/she is not capable of truly understanding those rules for what they are. Hursthouse thinks that there is no set code for the phronimos to follow. This code, often referred to as the v-rules discussed earlier, are not guidelines because they are not very hard to comprehend. They are only statements of simple moral virtue that anyone who has had a decent upbringing knows to some extent. Therefore she argues, how can these rules be a code for the phronimos when it is so far ahead of the normal person and sees what normal, non virtuous individuals cannot. This debate was primarily between the generalists and the particularists. The generalist said that the phronimos must know a code but the particularist denied it. Since the phronimos does not attain virtue through a code, Aristotle explains that his virtue is due to a proper upbringing mixed with the right lectures in adult hood. In other words, unless someone does not have the right childhood and does not learn the appropriate and virtuous ways of life during this childhood, he cannot grow up and attain phronimos by listening to a philosopher’s lectures because he is not equipped with the right â€Å"tools† to truly understand the essence of moral virtue. As Hursthouse states, â€Å"Phronesis-excellence in practical reasoning, moral knowledge- can be acquired only by habitually engaging in virtuous action, not, for example, just by learning a written code of conduct† (16). This statement holds true because once again, the phronimos differs from the normal non virtuous man not because he knows this â€Å"code of conduct† but because he knows how to properly interpret and apply it to life and his surroundings. He knows what to look for in every situation whereas someone that only has a general understanding does not know what to look for. That is how the phronimos is able to make certain decisions that an ordinary person may not be able to make. Therefore, the phronimos not only has knowledge of these code-like rules, but he has â€Å"special knowledge†. Given the nature of virtue, it can be said that Aristotle does not give the best account one can in regards to moral living because he focuses too much on phronimos. His concept of phronesis seems to be unattainable almost because he repeatedly states that it cannot be attained through normal means. In a way he even insults philosophers by saying that a person cannot attain this perfect moral virtue through their lectures. Another reason is because Aristotle relies too much on emotions to get a person through. Kant argues this by saying that emotions are not everything. Reason is just as important if not more because it provides a way to incorporate those emotions inot a logical explanation or even to better understand them. Aristotle incorporates reason inot his work but stresses emotions even more so. Aristotle has provided a very strong base frame for moral virtue. He covers all the main concepts and points that should be noted. However, there are many lose ends in his work as well. He does not go inot much detail about the different situations that can arise when trying to do what is morally virtuous. However, overall Aristotle provides an accurate account. Aristotle’s Ethics are the ground work for many philosophers in trying to understand what moral virtue truly is. He provides a definition of what every man should try and achieve (phronimos). Many philosophers not only argue his points but also agree with them. At the end of the day, it is he who set the main rules for virtue.

Discussion Question Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Discussion Question - Essay Example Especially when the conflicts and tensions go on like they have been doing for the past several years. These areas are very dry and, due to the fact that armed forces changed their way of warfare by getting ‘mean’ and just cutting areas off from water supplies, people are more likely to suffer from fresh water shortage, irrigation problems and all kinds of water related diseases. Since there is not really any proper solution, and maybe not a ‘real’ threat yet, water wars may develop in countries or regions with high populations in combination with low fresh water supplies, like the Middle East. International water resources: Another conflict variable Not only are the conflicts over water coming from within one country threatening societies, other countries and the shared water resources are a threat to fresh water supplies in the future as well. Some scholars have been saying for many years now that either scarcity can contribute to conflict and other schola rs have argued that scarcity can contribute to a solution (Dinar 35). Factors and variables that influence the conflict or the solution of these international water problems are mentioned by Dinar (35).

Running Groups For Adults Who Have Profound Mental Retardation Essay

Running Groups For Adults Who Have Profound Mental Retardation - Essay Example Right from the time the group is set up to the time it completes its tasks, objectives, or goals, persons with special needs have to be at the center stage of every activity being undertaken. The team leader and all other members in the group have to be conscious about their colleagues who have profound mental retardation. The leader should set operational strategies for the group in such a way that accounts for every single individual on board. The activities that need to be undertaken in regard to persons with profound mental retardation in a group setting might not be met all at once. However, a time to time approach to these activities can be adopted in line with the group schedules over the entire time the group will remain operational. In order to do this, team leadership skills have to be eminent. While the priority in this case is to be as helpful as possible to the group members with profound mental retardation, the other part of the group cannot be solely ignored (Sonnentag & Volmer, 2010). It is fundamental to consider and balance all matters of concern in the group. In order to ensure a smooth run of the group, skills training comes in handy. This does not necessarily have to only involve the group members and their leader, but can also involve an expert in the field of dealing with persons with profound mental retardation. This expert can be an institutional staff or any other person that the group is comfortable working with. The involvement of an expert in the group matters enables the group to manage any merging issues that may negatively affect the overall success of the group. On the same note, when there is an essentially qualified and experienced advisor or mentor to guide the group, the integration of all ideas and arguments of individual members is easy. Moreover, this enables understanding and

Recommendation for London Business School Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Recommendation for London Business School - Essay Example This will give readers an understanding of why it is that you are qualified in recommending Gregor. Why do you think the applicant would be a good fit for the MiF programme at London Business School?* I had the pleasure of working with Gregor for one year in a team specialised in Equities. During this time, I observed Gregor as a hardworking, highly motivated and enthusiastic individual. From the beginning of his career within Bloomberg, he was involved in different interest groups such as, Launchpad Group, where he quickly became the central point of contact regarding the global implementation of this function. He was soon training the Analytics Department and actively involved in the recruitment process, carrying out interviews for the candidates and becoming a highly respected mentor for the new employees. I am convinced that Gregor would be a good fit for the MiF programme since he has professionally demonstrated the necessary skills to be successful at LBS such as, leadership, enthusiasm and analytical thinking. Due to his impressive language skills (he is fluent in English, German, Polish and Spanish) Gregor is able to communicate and work in an international setting, characterizing the work environment at LBS. The experience he has gained in well-known multinational companies in different European countries, allows him to understand customer needs and provide tailored solutions related to financial queries. The best testimony for Gregor’s abilities is the numerous positive comments he has received from our clients, admirably highlighting both his professionalism and the great attitude he will bring to class discussions at LBS. Besides the outstanding level of professionalism, Gregor also has a proactive and hardworking character aptly demonstrated when participating in student and work groups at our school. Thanks to his numerical skills, which he displayed by preparing weekly statistics regarding team productivity, and excellent financial knowledge demonstrated when dealing with high profile clients from the Finance Industry, he is perfectly equipped to be successful in the MiF Programme. To summarize, I highly recommend Gregor for the MiF Programme at LBS based on my own experience with this programme and excellent experience I gained by working directly with Gregor. His enthusiasm, knowledge and outstanding character make him a perfect candidate and a good fit for London Busin ess School. How do you think the applicant would contribute to: 1) The study group and classroom environment* Gregor has a very good understanding of financial concepts based on his studies and work in the financial environment. This allows him to approach complex problems and communicate solutions in a structured and logical way. Moreover, he is keen to learn and is not afraid to ask questions which will be of advantage in classroom discussions. His international experience, friendly disposition and hardworking character will allow him to adapt easily to any study group and contribute immensely to the team results. 2) Student clubs and the wider School community* Gregor demonstrated a great level of enthusiasm within our company when he was involved in different projects (such as Global Launchpad Campaign or volunteering projects to help homeless people). Because of this, I strongly believe that he will continue to work in various student groups within our School and increase their popularity. Due to his work in the Sales Department, Gregor has built a significant network efficiently (try not to use future tense, like â€Å"he could†, be affirmative and boldly state that â€Å"he can† etc.) organising new projects with important partners from economy. Furthermore, he has significantly contributed to existing student groups by using his exceptional knowledge about

Expanding Business to Singapore Research Proposal - 1

Expanding Business to Singapore - Research Proposal Example Currently the trends of business operations management have visibly tilted emphasizing over contemporary advanced factors that includes focus on globalization, efficient on time production, supply chain efficacy, innovative procedures for product development, customer oriented customized production, leadership cultivation by employee empowerment and ethical deliberation with environmental friendly initiatives. Singapore, that was a main focus of the research proposal is an acceptable choice for international business expansion on the grounds of favorable features of micro environment. The purpose of this research proposal is to align the information and informal values for company expansion under a defined strategy to come up with the best results in terms of profit and sustainability. Thus, it can be stated that an efficient operations management can be achieved through efforts to enhance the potential of an organization through outstanding performance in each of the business functi on. The researcher provides PEST Analysis on the topic of Aspects of Macro Environment as well as the analysis of Strategic management and corporate public affairs. Therefore, the operations management of recent times can be acclaimed far more challenging because of advanced technology of engineering, finance, marketing and information system strategy. In addition, the modifications have further supplemented business sustainability by means of significant element such as capacity planning and forecasting.