Poetry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Poetry - Essay Example This includes the season which is just as night starts in autumn, which is when the season of death, winter, starts. The short lines also make it seem as if there is not much left to waiting. The longest line is the first one, but its broken by the hard ‘b’ sounds. The other lines are very short, only three syllables each, and the last line is only two words. This makes it look like it’s coming to an end. 3(a) I think the meaning of the poem is that death waits for us all. A bird that usually symbolizes death is seen on a bare branch at the end of the living seasons and at the end of the day. I think this is how most people would interpret the poem. 3(b) The meaning of this poem is brought out through the poet’s use of literary devices such as alliteration, imagery and meter. Alliteration conveys the idea that something is about to stop and something else is about to happen. In the first line, the alliteration works on the repeated sound of the letter ‘b’ as in â€Å"bare branch.† This sound makes us come to a hard stop at the beginning of each word and makes us think of endings. This is reinforced by the imagery of the bare branch itself, which indicates life has stopped because all the leaves are gone. It is also reinforced by the meter of the poem because the line is so short. Alliteration is used in the second line to indicate that motion is about to start again with its rolling ‘r’ sounds as in â€Å"rook roosts.† Although the imagery includes a small bird finding a place to rest for the night, it also introduces a living animal into the scene which introduces motion, even if it is just the motion of breathing. This works with the meter to suggest the type of motion to be expected. The line is a full word and a syllable shorter than the first line, suggesting things slowing down. The bird roosts, which is to say that he is doing something. The bird is beginning to

A Bear Workshop Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

A Bear Workshop - Essay Example The management structure has knowledgeable and dedicated staff that provide ample knowledge exchanges in an interactive environment with customers. This is a fundamental strength of a business to be able to provide better customer relationship management and provide them with exactly what customers are looking for. Clearly, the owner understands the importance of cost monitoring when it comes to purchasing and production and will likely continue these trends over the next five to ten years. Having a strategic-focused management system is the key to ensuring a proper expansion. If the business conducts regular market research using focus groups or interviews with target customers, it will likely find more success in identifying social and buying trends early in order to gain market share in the toy market. Further, growth in Internet usage in developing countries such as India, China and Pakistan will provide even more customers in an environment that is convenient. Through agreements with different distribution agencies, Build A Bear will probably be able to find low-cost distribution to ensure that many international customers are able to buy the products and have them delivered in a timely fashion. If the business remains focused on product rather than pricing, higher resource (financial) consumers will likely recognize the brand and have a loyalty that can be built up over the next five years.

Journal 4 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 6

Journal 4 - Essay Example It is unfortunate that many people do not recognize that God ha such love for us (Greidanus, 2007). The course enabled me to gain familiarity with the challenges that Jesus faced when he was on earth. I am happy that he set a perfect example for us to emulate. Jesus did promise his disciples that he would provide them with his holy spirit. Notably, God’s Holy Spirit still guides us today. It is comforting to recognize that God and Jesus understand the criticality of the times we are living. Therefore, we have the gift of the Holy Spirit who guides us on the right way. In addition, the course made me realize that Jesus does intercede for us. The fact that Jesus intercedes for us proved to be very comforting to me because there are times when I feel that it is impossible to express my true feelings to God (Malone, 2006). As an imperfect human being, I find it comforting to realize that Jesus who understands the challenges on earth intercedes for us Christians. The course introduced the angels and their purpose. From the course, I learned that the angels were present during creation and that they celebrated the good work that God did. However, the example of Satan, who chose to challenge the sovereignty of God served as a warning to me as a Christian. Since Satan understands his fate, he is determined to lead as many people as possible astray. My greatest concern in the period we are living in is whether I will be able to survive and resist the temptations of Satan. Therefore, I am praying for myself continuously that I may be able to appreciate God’s love that He showed through His son and helped God give an answer to his adversary Satan (Greidanus, 2007). However, there are still aspects of the judgment period that I do not understand fully, especially the ones revealed in the book of

A Bear Workshop Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

A Bear Workshop - Essay Example The management structure has knowledgeable and dedicated staff that provide ample knowledge exchanges in an interactive environment with customers. This is a fundamental strength of a business to be able to provide better customer relationship management and provide them with exactly what customers are looking for. Clearly, the owner understands the importance of cost monitoring when it comes to purchasing and production and will likely continue these trends over the next five to ten years. Having a strategic-focused management system is the key to ensuring a proper expansion. If the business conducts regular market research using focus groups or interviews with target customers, it will likely find more success in identifying social and buying trends early in order to gain market share in the toy market. Further, growth in Internet usage in developing countries such as India, China and Pakistan will provide even more customers in an environment that is convenient. Through agreements with different distribution agencies, Build A Bear will probably be able to find low-cost distribution to ensure that many international customers are able to buy the products and have them delivered in a timely fashion. If the business remains focused on product rather than pricing, higher resource (financial) consumers will likely recognize the brand and have a loyalty that can be built up over the next five years.

Inhibition of DNA processing in heavy metal carcinogenesis Essay

Inhibition of DNA processing in heavy metal carcinogenesis - Essay Example Nonetheless, although it has been noted that some heavy metals may inhibit SSB (single strand break) rejoining, the effects on single strand break end-processing enzymes has never previously been investigated. First, an analysis on the DNA replication as a result of topo-1 enzyme will be done. This will show how topo-1 enzyme is responsible for winding of DNA structures. A picture analysis will be included to show evidence of the process. As mentioned earlier, different heavy metals have effects on the living organism’ DNA. The metals will be discussed together with their effects. This paper also explores inhibition of superoxide dismutases. This enzyme catalysis the dismutation of extremely reactive superoxide ions to generate hydrogen peroxide and numerous lines of evidence propose that these enzymes play significant part in the development and also response to treatment of cancers. These are enzymes that control under-winding and over-winding of DNA. DNA winding comes from the intertwined nature of its double-helical structure. For instance, during replication of DNA, DNA is overwound before a replication fork. When it is not controlled, it will eventually lead to a halt in DNA replication. A similar process is observed during transcription. To overcome the topological problems resulting from the double helix, topoisomerases are bound to single or double stranded DNA and cut the phosphate spine of the DNA. This untangles the DNA releasing the DNA spine again. Since the chemical composition of the DNA remains the same, the untangled DNAs are chemical isomers. Therefore, topoisomerases are isomerase enzymes which work on the DNA topology. The N-terminal domain is then preceded by a highly conserved, 421 amino acid core domain that contains all of the catalytic residues except the active site tyrosine. A protease-sensitive and poorly conserved linker domain

Management Information System Essay Example for Free

Management Information System Essay Question 1 : In the 21st century, information technology has emerged as the fundamental technology of business. Explain how it has helped business and state examples of real time situation which you have read about of experienced. Decision Support, Problem Analysis and Overall Control Business managers often need to make decisions that can affect the business fortunes one way or other. For example, a company with sales outlets or distributors spread over a wide geographic area might want to optimize the logistical operations of delivering merchandise to the outlets. The best solution might be affected by numerous factors such as demand patterns, availability of merchandise, distances involved and the option of using external carriers (who can find two way loads and might prove a lesser cost option over long distances) instead of own vehicles. While it might be possible to use complex mathematical formulas by hand to compute the best solution, computers transform the whole process into a routine task of feeding certain information as input and obtaining suggestions for best solutions as output. The task can typically be done in a few minutes (instead of hours or even days) and it becomes possible to examine several alternatives before deciding upon one that seems most realistic. Identifying problems and analysing the factors that cause them also has been transformed by modern computer information systems. In a typical MIS environment, standard reports are generated in a routine manner comparing actual performance against original estimates. The software that generates the report can be instructed to highlight exceptions, i.e. significant variations between original estimates and actual performance. Managers will thus become aware of problem areas in the daily course of their work simply by looking at the reports they receive, without having to do detailed data collection and computations themselves. Identifying the factors responsible for the problem can also be routinized to some extent by using such tools as variance analysis. Variance analysis is an element of standard costing system that splits deviations from estimates (or standards) into causative factors such as increase in price of materials used, excessive usage of materials, unexpected machine downtimes, etc. With such a detailed report, managers can delve deeper into the problem factor, such as why there was excessive usage of materials. Control is also exercised through variance analysis. Budgets are prepared for all business operations by concerned managers working in a coordinated fashion. For example, estimated sales volumes will determine the levels of production; production levels will determine raw material purchases; and so on. With good information system management, it then becomes possible to generate timely reports comparing actual sales, production, raw material deliveries, etc against estimated levels. The reports will help managers to keep a watch on things and take corrective action quickly. For example, the production manager will become aware of falling sales (or rising sales) of particular products and can prepare to make adjustments in production schedules, and purchasing and inventory managers will become quickly aware of any mounting inventories of unused materials. MIS thus enhances the quality of communication all around and can significantly improve the effectiveness of operations control. Effective MIS Involves Humans and Computers Working together The major aspect to note is that MIS provides only the information; it is the responsibility of concerned managers to act on the information. It is the synergy between efficient, accurate and speedy equipment and humans with common sense, intelligence and judgment that really gives power to MIS. As a chartered accountant with business management qualifications and decades of exposure to business in senior to top level positions, Gopinathan helps small to medium businesses with new business start-up, business performance improvement and marketing. He uses structured business modelling techniques to help with all these, and has launched a business support website to provide the help in a convenient manner irrespective of geographical distances and boundaries. Significance Information technology has grown to permeate the business world, affecting how companies make and market their products, as well as how people communicate and accomplish their jobs in modern organizations. Specialized software shapes best-practices and industry standards, continually changing the face of business in almost every way. Information technology management includes many of the basic functions of management, such as staffing, organizing, budgeting and control, but it also has functions that are unique to IT, such as software development, change management, network planning and tech support. Generally, IT is used by organizations to support and compliment their business operations. The advantages brought about by having a dedicated IT department are too great for most organizations to pass up. Some organizations actually use IT as the centre of their business. Positive Impact on Business: First off, I.T. affects how businesses go about with their usual routine. For instance: the technology allows companies to go paperless, depending only on digital databases to store important data. Many pundits see this as a risk; isn’t digital data flimsy and unreliable, they ask. But the shift offers several benefits as well—including reduction in operational cost, since the business no longer has to buy or rent space or equipment just to store data. Information Technology also affects the accuracy of business operations. When a company uses a computerized accounting system instead of relying on a real live accountant, they eliminate (or, at the very least, significantly reduce) human error. And because such systems allow for faster operations, the company’s workers can concentrate on more pressing tasks. The impact of the Management Information System The impact of MIS on the functions is in its management. With a good MIS support, the management of marketing, finance, production and personnel becomes more efficient, the tracking and monitoring the functional targets becomes easy. The functional managers are informed about the progress, achievements and shortfalls in the activity and the targets. The manager is kept alert by providing certain information indicating the probable trends in the various aspects of business. This helps in forecasting and long-term perspective planning. The manager attention is brought to a situation which is exceptional in nature, inducing him to take an action or a decision in the matter. A disciplined information reporting system creates a structured database and a knowledge base for all the people in the organization. The information is available in such a form that it can be used straight away or by blending and analysis, saving the managers valuable time. The MIS creates another impact in the organization which relates to the understanding of the business itself. The MIS begins with the definition of a data entity and its attributes. It uses a dictionary of data, entity and attributes, respectively, designed for information generation in the organization. Since all the information systems use the dictionary, there is common understanding of terms and terminology in the organization bringing clarity in the communication and a similar understanding of an event in the organization. The MIS calls for a systemization of the business operations for an effective system design. This leads to streamlining of the operations which complicate the system design. It improves the administration of the business by bringing a discipline in its operations everybody is required to follow and use systems and procedures. This process brings a high degree of professionalism in the business operations. Since the goals and objective of the MIS are the products of business goals and objectives, it helps indirectly to pull the entire organization in one direction towards the corporate goals and objectives by providing the relevant information to the people in the organization. A well designed system with a focus on the manager makes an impact on the managerial efficiency. The fund of information motivates an enlightened manager to use a variety of tools of the management. It helps him to resort to such exercises as experimentation and modelling. The use of computers enables him to use the tools and techniques which are impossible to use manually. The ready-made packages make this task simpler. The impact is on the managerial ability to perform. It improv es the decision making ability considerably. Communications Technology Leveraging advances in communications technology is imperative to surviving in the modern business world. Advances in cellular phone technology have revolutionized the way businesspeople communicate with clients, employees, suppliers and strategic partners. The Internet has revolutionized the marketing function in addition to opening up a wide range of communication options. Modern smartphones are changing the game yet again with the introduction of new and innovative applications. A small business owner can now access a web-based customer relationship management service on a smartphone from anywhere in the world, for example, allowing him to obtain vital data about contacts before making calls. Accessibility By making communication more convenient, communication technology has helped to make communication more accessible, especially long-distance communication. Through various computer-mediated communication methodscommunication done through the use of a computer, such as email, instant messages, and social networking websitesyou can easily and instantly communicate with people in other cities, states and countries. This is vastly different from early forms of long-distance communication. Early forms of long-distance communication included the use of homing pigeons and/or runners to carry a message to its destination. How long a message would take before reaching its destination depended on the distance between the person sending the message and the person receiving the message. Mass Communication Organizations, like schools and businesses, use electronic communication to share information with a large number of people. Businesses can send mass emails to employees in order to inform workers about things like rule changes and important meetings. Many academic institutions use mass communication in order to maintain a well-informed campus. In case of an emergency, such as a spreading fire or presence of an armed assailant, mass communication can quickly inform people of the situation, giving enough notice to allow people to take the necessary actions to stay safe. Computer-mediated communication can be socially beneficial. For people who are socially awkward, computer-mediated communication such as online forums and chat rooms can help create a more fulfilling social life. For example, someone who fails at personal relationships because he speaks before thinking about the consequences has more control with Internet communication. He can read back his statements before posting, which will likely reduce the number of awkward moments the person creates. Communication technology offers other benefits, as well. Dating websites, for instance, can relieve some of the frustration involved with dating by allowing you to view the profiles of potential dates so you can determine who is the best match for you. This can save you both time and heartbreak. Considerations While information technology solutions can contribute to the success of your organization, there are a number of unique costs to consider. In addition to the cost of implementing an IT solution, you must employ highly educated and specialized workers to maintain, monitor, expand and repair your IT infrastructure. Question 4 : The role of hospital has changed from medical assistance to health care. What are the important information systems required to be considered while implementing front-end application development for hospital management? HOSPITAL INFORMATION SYSTEM (HIS) A hospital information system (HIS) is essentially a computer system that can manage all the information to allow health care providers to do their jobs effectively. These systems have been around since they were first introduced in the 1960s and have evolved with time and the modernization of healthcare facilities. The computers were not as fast in those days and they were not able to provide information in real time as they do today. The staff used them primarily for managing billing and hospital inventory. All this has changed now, and today hospital information systems include the integration of all clinical, financial and administrative applications. Modern HIS includes many applications addressing the needs of various departments in a hospital. They manage the data related to the clinic, finance department, laboratory, nursing, pharmacy and also the radiology and pathology departments. The hospitals that have switched to HIS have access to quick and reliable information including patients’ records illustrating details about their demographics, gender, age etc. By a simple click of the mouse they receive important data pertaining to hospital finance systems, diet of patients, and even the distribution of medications. With this information they can monitor drug usage in the facility and improve its effectiveness. Many hospitals have as many as 200 disparate systems combined into their HIS. Hospital information systems have become very advanced and new innovations are continuously being introduced. But a HIS is useless if it confuses the hospital employees. The system must be user friendly and should include training by the vendors. A good HIS offers numerous benefits to a hospital including but not limited to the delivery of quality patient care and better financial management. The HIS should also be patient centric, medical staff centric, affordable and scalable. The technology changes quickly and if the system is not flexible it will not be able to accommodate hospital growth. COMPONENTS It can be composed of one or a few software components with specialty-specific extensions as well as of a large variety of sub-systems in medical specialties * Laboratory Information System (LIS) * Radiology Information System (RIS) * Clinical Information System (CIS) * Nursing Information Systems (NIS) * Pharmacy Information System (PIS) SOFTWARE COMPONENT Software Component is a system element offering a predefined service or event, and able to communicate with other components. It should be : * Multiple-use * Non-context-specific * Compostable with other components (inter relationship with other components) * Encapsulated i.e., non-investigable through its interfaces * A unit of independent deployment and versioning Laboratory Information System (LIS) Laboratory Information System (LIS) is a software based laboratory and information management system that offers a set of key features that support a modern laboratorys operations. Those key features include but are not limited to workflow and data tracking support, flexible architecture, and smart data exchange interfaces, which fully support its use in regulated environments. The features and uses of a LIMS have evolved over the years from simple sample tracking to an enterprise resource planning tool that manages multiple aspects of laboratory informatics. Due to the rapid pace at which laboratories and their data management needs shift, the definition of LIMS has become somewhat controversial. As the needs of the modern laboratory vary widely from lab to lab, what is needed from a laboratory information management system also shifts. The end result: the definition of a LIMS will shift based on who you ask and what their vision of the modern lab. Radiology Information System (RIS) A radiology information system (RIS) is a networked software suite for managing medical imagery and associated data. An RIS is especially useful for managing radiological records and associated data in a multiple locations and is often used in conjunction with a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) to manage work flow and billing. An RIS has several basic functions: Patient management * An RIS can track a patient’s entire workflow within the radiology department; images and reports can be added to and retrieved from electronic medical records (EMRs) and viewed by authorized radiology staff. Scheduling * Appointments can be made for both in- and out-patients with specific radiology staff. Patient tracking * A patient’s entire radiology history can be tracked from admission to discharge. The history can be coordinated with past, present and future appointments. Results reporting * An RIS can generate statistical reports for a single patient, group of patients or particular procedure. Film tracking * An RIS can track individual films and their associate data. Billing * An RIS facilitates detailed financial record-keeping, electronic payments and automated claims submission. Clinical Information System (CIS) Clinical Information System is a collection of various information technology applications that provides a centralized repository of information related to patient care across distributed locations. This repository represents the patients history of illnesses and interactions with providers by encoding knowledge capable of helping clinicians decide about the patients condition, treatment options, and wellness activities. The repository also encodes the status of decisions, actions underway for those decisions, and relevant information that can help in performing those actions. The database could also hold other information about the patient, including genetic, environmental, and social contexts. Features : * access the medical literature * ask clinical or administrative questions of aggregates of patient data, * receive automatic warnings or suggestions when the patients data satisfy certain logical rules * receive critiques when proposing therapies or ordering diagnostic tests, * access guidelines for standards of care * analyse trade-offs and the likelihood of alternative outcomes (decision analysis) * receive lists of differential diagnoses Nursing Information System (NIS) Nursing information systems is a type of health care management system. It helps nurses use their nursing skills and computer knowledge within a health care environment. A nursing information system has different features and benefits. Features Nurses can self-schedule work hours based on their work shift and departmental needs. Staff nurse managers or nursing administrators can review each nurses schedule and make approvals. Another nursing information system feature includes documenting patient care plans. Benefits One nursing information system benefit includes saving time. For instance, nursing managers can confirm a nurses work availability without contacting each nurse. Nurses can review a patients treatment plan when working outside the office, such as a home care nurse. Pharmacy Information System (PIS) Pharmacy information systems (PIS) are complex computer systems that have been designed to meet the needs of a pharmacy department. Through the use of such systems, pharmacists can supervise and have inputs on how medication is used in a hospital. Some of the activities which Pharmacy Information Systems have been employed in pharmacy departments include: Clinical Screening The Pharmacy Information System can assist in patient care by the monitoring of drug interactions, drug allergies and other possible medication-related complications. When a prescription order is entered, the system can check to see if there are any interactions between two or more drugs taken by the patient simultaneously or with any typical food, any known allergies to the drug, and if the appropriate dosage has been given based on the patient’s age, weight and other physiologic factors. Alerts and flags come up when the system picks up any of these. Prescription Management The Pharmacy Information System can also be used to manage prescription for inpatients and/or outpatients. When prescription orders are received, the orders are matched to available pharmaceutical products and then dispensed accordingly depending on whether the patient is an inpatient or outpatient. It is possible to track all prescriptions passed through the system from who prescribed the drug, when it was prescribed to when it was dispensed. It is also possible to print out prescription labels and instructions on how medication should be taken based on the prescription. Inventory Management Pharmacies require a continuous inventory culture in order to ensure that drugs do not go out of stock. This is made even more difficult when there are multiple dispensing points. When don manually it is very difficult to maintain an accurate inventory. Pharmacy Information Systems aid inventory management by maintaining an internal inventory of all pharmaceutical products, providing alerts when the quantity of an item is below a set quantity and providing an electronic ordering system that recommends the ordering of the affected item and with the appropriate quantity from approved suppliers. Patient Drug Profiles These are patient profiles managed by the Pharmacy Information System and contain details of their current and past medications, known allergies and physiological parameters. These profiles are used for used for clinical screening anytime a prescription is ordered for the patient. Report Generation Most Pharmacy Information Systems can generate reports which range from determining medication usage patterns in the hospital to the cost of drugs purchased and /or dispensed. Interactivity with other systems It is important that Pharmacy Information Systems should be able to interact with other available systems such as the clinical information systems to receive prescription orders and financial information system for billing and charging.

New International Markets: Waitrose

New International Markets: Waitrose Waitrose is one of the leading retailers in the UK market being a subsidiary of John Lewis departmental stores. In the wake of the emerging economies, there are many opportunities which the business can take advantage of by expanding its operations internationally. The report will analyze the internal and external factors which affect operations and performance and identify the countries where the business will expand its operations to. The report makes recommendations for the market entry and exit strategies, functional strategies and the control system to ensure that the implementation is done successfully for a period of 5 years from the year 2012 to 2017. Analysis Waitrose opened its first supermarket in 1955 and has shops throughout England, Scotland and Wales locations ranging from high streets to edge of town sites and varies in size from 7,000 square feet to approximately 56,000 square feet. The Waitrose brand is now owned by John Lewis partnership with a specific aim of combining convenience of a supermarket with expertise and service of a specialist shop. (Waitrose Company 2011). Market selection Criteria Australia Canberra Australia is a market that has a relatively little exposure to foreign business. (Tunny 2006). The availability of small business funding in Canberra increases small business growth providing market for retailer. (Australian Business 2011). The market has also demonstrated growth potential in retail business with departmental stores sales rising by 2.3 % in January 2011. (Australian Bureau 2011). Canberra is a flourishing capital city in Australia located 150 kilometers away from the coastal boarders of the country. It has town centers such as Balcones, Tuggeranary and Woden which are known for their huge shopping plazas. Its shopping zone stands in vicinity of major tourists destinations of the city attracting attention from the tourists. The shoppers zone has recently gained reputation for their nightlife with a wide range of entertainment and stylist restaurants. (Asian rooms 2011). Waitrose expansion to the city would be appropriate to take advantage of the strategic location which offers an opportunity for a retail outlet serving the needs of the tourists and the resident. The business would also take advantage of the citys extended hours of doing business to the night. (Canberra 2011) Canada Manitoba Most of consumers expenditure by Canadian households is mainly through retail outlets which consist of 50 to 55% of the household. (Industry Canada 2011). Retailers concentration has resulted to some retailers holding significant market share like the case in which the largest supermarket in Canada held 31.1% of market share in 1998 compared to USs 5.8 % and Britains 15.4%. (Industry Canada 2011). Manitoba has a five year economic plan to taking a balanced approach which will seek to enhance among other things jobs creation and protection of services in its bid to return Manitoba to surplus. This is reinforced by the 2011 budget which seeks to increase investments in health care enabling all people in Manitoba who would like to have a family doctor by 2015 to do it, building the place with increasing infrastructure like bridges, roads transit and community centre as well as putting families first with examples of credit on tax on children activities, senior citizens and those who take care of them. (Budget 2011). Manitoba is a strong trading province with a strategic central location within Canada and has vital links by rail, road, air and sea. (Laubler 2008). With a population of 1,148,401 people, 448,780 households as at 2006 and a significant urban population, the introduction of Waitrose will be well positioned to capture the target the mainly urban population. (Munroe 2011). The region has transportation means ranging from curries services like Purolator, Looms and DHL. Freight carriers include Canada pacific while there is air transport through the modern regional airport. The region also has bus services across the towns adequate for consumer and business transport. Communication means in the region include newspapers, like the weekly newspaper; the modern times, biweekly newspaper; the southern shopper and daily newspapers. Radio stations providing communication in Manitoba include CFAM, KAUF, the eagle and the modern towns local CKMW. Digital cables and internet communication are als o available in the region. (Transport Communication 2011). The province also has high number if experienced and skilled labor force. (Manitoba Business 2011) Manitoba provinces have been posting strong retail sales. An example was retail customers spending up to $1.26 billion worth of sales for the month of September in 2009 which was a 0.8% increase from $1.25 billion in August. The trend shows a strong market considering the 2009 economic hardship hence presenting a potential growth and resilient market. The province is also an appropriate selection as it had the least drop in sales with the 2009 economic downturn effect compared to other Canadian provinces. (McNeill 2009). The market has also demonstrated a growth potential with the retail sales rising for a third consecutive month by 0.5 % in 2011. (Statistics Canada 2011). Pestel Analysis results The internal factors that would affect Waitrose operations in the market would include: In its expansion to international markets, the business will be subject to a wider scope of business environment determined by various factors including internal factors that would include: (Contemporary issues 2011). Workforce/staff is one of the strengths of Waitrose given that all of its staff are shareholders hence increases their commitment to the business. The staffs skills affect the ability of the business to deliver to its customers and remain competitive thus will be a key success factor. (Waitrose 2011). Finances availability is a factor that affects business operations. Availability of finances enhances the business operations in developing new products and brands relevant to the market. Suppliers determine how the company sources its inputs and raw materials. Suppliers efficiency affects ability to deliver to customers in terms of cost and timing. (Pestel Analysis 2011). Competitors affect the business market share by reducing it hence negatively affecting its performance. (Pestel Analysis 2011). Shareholders affect the decisions that are made regarding the investments that a business is to make thus determining its ability to remain competitive in the market. Waitrose being owned by John Lewis has its workers being its staff thus understands the business operations. (Waitrose 2011) Customers determine the relevant products that a business should provide in the market. This is also faced by the changing needs from the evolving preferences, tastes and lifestyles which require the business to remain innovative in order to satisfy the customers needs. (Pestel Analysis 2011). The external factors affecting business in the two select markets include: Australia- Canberra Social: Economic: Political: Technological: Legal: Environmental: Canada- Manitoba Social: Canadian consumers easily identify and recognize US retail goods increasing the entry of US based retailers into the market. Canadians nature demonstrates consumers who are not comfortable with personalized selling. (Industry Canada 2011). Economic: Political: The governments policies allowing foreign direct investment and free trade is increasing presence of freeing retailers especially from US are changing the market structure. The businesses are introducing new retail concepts in the market including low pricing, big box format and logistic systems. (Industry Canada). The government reducing restrictions on foreign investments (OECD Economic 2006). Technological: increase in use of technology is changing retail market structure. This is through the way the internet is affecting the means of consumers access of information and buying of goods in Canada. It is also increasing marketing in the retail sector. Technology has also increased in store innovation like use of bar codes and point of sale price scanning. This has enhanced management of the stores in the market. (Industry Canada 2011). Legal: Environmental: Demographic: Age difference determines the suitability of the retail system service to customers. This was demonstrated by 77% of Canadian consumers aged 18 to 34 indicating in a survey they they would likely shop in self service while those aged 55 years and above would prefer the in store shopping. (Industry Canada 2011). Competition: The increasing competition is transforming the Canadian retailers with their bid to achieve a competitive edge in the market. The foreign retail businesses presence has resulted to almost disappearance of independent local retailers with the market becoming homogeneous. Wall mart is one of the largest retailers in the market credited with introducing innovation into the industry. Other retailers from US include Old Navy, Best Buy and Staples and winners. (Industry Canada 2011). Risks Considered The increasing adoption of self service technology in the Canadian market may not be suitable with some consumers who would rather use the traditional retail system. Strategies. . (Industry Canada 2011). The increasing use of internet by consumers also increases the consumers negotiating power over retailers since they can access information about comparing many retailers quality and prices. (Industry Canada 2011). The different laws and regulations governing retail industry in Both Canada and Australia may present a challenge to Waitrose affect its operations and performance. (Industry Canada 2011). High taxes in Canada like the highest marginal effective rates experienced in 2005 are a factor that could reduce the investment returns. Large businesses like Waitrose would more like face high taxes. (OECD Economic 2006). Strategies Overall strategy Selected Markets Winnipeg is the capital and the largest city of Manitoba in which Waitrose should sett up its business. Its capital region has more than 60% of Manitobas population. By 2006 census there were 633,451 individuals in the town of which 51.7% were female while 43.3% were male. 24.3 % of the population were 19 years or younger while 27.4% were between 20 and 30 years. Having 409,500 people employed in the city and surrounding areas and the city having been ranked by KPMG in 20067 as one of the least expensive locations to do business in Canada makes it an appropriate location for Waitrose. (Winnipeg 2011). Time frame and sequence of Strategy Entry and Exit strategies Australia Canberra Strategic Alliances: A more recent phenomenon is the development of a range of strategic alliances which are different from traditional joint ventures in which two partners contribute a fixed amount of resources and the venture develops on its own. In an alliance, two entire firms pool their resources directly in a collaboration that goes beyond the limits of a joint venture. (Luostorinen Gabrielson 20002). Although a new entity may be formed, it is not a requirement it could be supported by some equity acquisition of one or both of the partners. In an alliance, each partner brings a particular skill or resource-usually they are complementary-and by joining forces, each expects to profit from the other`s experience which will be the key driver behide the strategy for Waitrose to establish its brand in the Manitoba market. The alliances will involve distribution access, technology transfers or production technology with each partner contributing a different element to the venture. Th e type of the alliance to be applied will be a distribution-based one. (Global market 2011). Considering that alliances with two equal partners are more difficult to manage than those with a dominant partner as well as recognizing that the needs and aspirations of partners may change over the life of an alliance and in divergent ways, the partners will be chosen to have Waitrose as the dominant partner. The challenge in making an alliance work lies in the creation of multiple layers of connections or webs that reach across the partner organizations. It is envisioned that the alliances will eventually result in the creation of new organizations out of the cooperating parts of the partners. In that sense, the alliances will be just an intermediate stage until a new company can be formed or until the Waitrose assumes control of the business. This will be applied in the Manitobas Winnipeg and Modern cities. (Global market 2011). Canada Manitoba Mergers and Acquisitions: The need to enter international markets more quickly than through building a base from scratch or entering some type of collaboration has made the acquisition route extremely attractive aided by the opening of many financial markets, making the acquisition of publicly traded companies much easier. The method will be used for the Australian market to complement the Joint venture strategy will also apply in the same market. A major advantage of acquisitions is that they will quickly position Waitrose in a new business as it will not have to take the time to establish its presence or develop for itself the resources it does not already possess. The strategy will also be a means of taking a potential competitor out of the market. However the strategy is expected to be an expensive way to enter a market and integrating an acquired company into the business will be a challenging tasks confronting top management which will require qualified staff, significant fundi ng all resources of which Waitrose has. (Global market 2011). Functional strategies In the pursuit of the international market ventures, functional strategies will be geared towards: Understanding the connections between the lifestyle and expenditure characteristics of customers, their propensity to purchase one product or brand over another and leverage this understanding to achieve competitive advantage. Improving direct marketing response by ensuring that promotion is targeting the right market segment at the right time, using the right media with the right message. Leveraging consumer data to make better strategic decisions about products, marketing and locations. Increase customer loyalty and retention with a scientific, data driven approach to analytical CRM. The strategies will also be in consistent with the five pillars of retailing which include: Connecting with customer emotions. Solving customers problems. Setting the fairest and not the lowest prices. Treating customers with respect. Saving customers time. (Pavithira 2011). Marketing mix strategies Product positioning The positioning of Waitrose will be of much significant in earning customer loyalty and trust. This will be done by ensuring that service in the outlets will be satisfactory and convenient to the customers. The stores and outlets will have modern technology to enhance service to customers as well as be able to manage demand properly and ensure that customers will always get what they expect. Customers will be provided with online shopping system and partnership cards where they will earn vouchers or redeemable points whenever they shop. (Henderson 2011). Improved compared to the market existing brands focusing on niche market will entail being innovative in the market place. The enhanced products will compete with the existing brands in the market, attract new segments as well as attracting new customers who are not a part of the current target market for the existing products. (Kalyanaram 2011). Pricing The pricing will be done in consideration of competitors prices and to reflect value to customers. As a new venture in the market, the business will have a goal of earning a market share thus will require relatively lower pricing and perceived greater value for premium goods. (Marketing mix 2011). Reduced prices will be aimed at acquiring customers where products will be sold at lower prices attracting customers who would have not bought the products. The reduced prices will also be targeted at winning customers from the competitors. (Kalyanaram 2011). The business will make available in the market premium brands like the royal label; Duchy Originals which Waitrose was licensed to manufacture distribute and sell. Such products will be well positioned to capture market especially for the tourist destinations like Canberra in Australia. (Finch 2010). Distribution The business will reach consumers through different sales channels, stores, websites catalogues. As a retailer, the key aspect of distribution will be where the businesses will be located. In Australia Canberra and its town centers, the business will be located in the shoppers zone in order to make it convenient for the target market to access what they need. In Manitoba Canada, the businesses will be located in the City centers of Winnipeg and Modern City where the urban population, majority of who are working will be the target market. (Exforsys 2009) On the other side the business will make consumers more comfortable with internet shopping since allowing customers to return on-line purchase to their offline stores in case of any problem.(Pavithira 2011). Promotion The business will employ a number of promotion strategies including advertisement, free samples promotion for private label brands and packaging. Advertising will have three objectives of; creating awareness, passing information on available goods and persuading them to buy. Advertising will be done using the traditional media like Television and radio where the mature aged segment can be easily reached and also using the social media where the younger consumers can be easily reached especially considering their significant number in Manitoba Canada. Free samples will be offered in organized contests which will be used to induce the customers to try the new products. (Promotional mix 2011). Use of the partnership chard will be well suited where customers will earn vouchers each time they will spend in the outlets. The card will also be used to provide the customers information to the business where it will be easier to understand them and provide them with well suited products. (Partnership 2011). Operational strategies tactical actions schedule In order to roll out the internalization program successfully, some tactical actions and operations will need to be carried out as identified on the table below with their time line throught the program. Action: Explanation: Duration: Strategic partners identification This will be done for all the markets in Canada and Australia to identify the partners for joint ventures and alliances and identify the businesses which can be acquired in mergers and acquisitions 01/01/2012- 30/06/2012 Authorization and incorporation For the three strategies of entry, the business will seek to get authorization from the relevant authorities during this duration. 01/07/2010- 30/10/2012 Staff recruitment and training The business will hire additional new staff and train all including the acquired businesses staff about the Waitrose products, service and systems in order to help them meet customer satisfaction. 01/11/2012- 31/12/2012 Radio spots Television adverts Radio and Television stations will be identified which will be used to pass information to the markets. The identified medias will be used for advertisement throught the program. 01/11/2012- 30/12/2012 Online system and other systems update. The necessary systems for the business will be installed including the partnership card system and online shopping system for the purpose of E-retailing. 01/12/2012- 30/12/2012 Point of purchase The suitable positioning of the goods will be identified in all outlets so that the outlets can have the most efficient arrangement for customers convenience. 01/01/2013- 10/01/2013 Business stores stock up and launch. The identified and acquired businesses will be stoked up with Waitrose products and service will be launched. 11/01/2013- 30/02/2013 Personal selling. Will be done so as to create relationships with customers and seek to identify what customers will be looking for in a product. 2013-2017. Public relations. Will be a key success factor in trying to enhance good customer relations and handling unfavorable events, rumors and negative perceptions about the products and the company. 01/01/2013- 31/12/2017. Contests and promotions Will be organized so as to interact with consumers and create awareness as well as getting their feedback. EVERY November and December of the year from 213 to 2017. Customer satisfaction survey. This will be done to identify whether the business meets the customers needs satisfactorily and what needs to be improved. Every June from 2013 to 2017. Organizational structure Organizational Structure In the international market expansion the business will adapt an organization structure which will identify the activities to be performed by specific employees and determining the line of authority and responsibility in the business. These tasks are divided into four major categories; strategic management, administrative management/operations, merchandise management, and store management. (Svjrao 2011) This will involve specifying all tasks that need to be performed and dividing their responsibilities among various individuals or channels. The tasks also need to be grouped and classified into a job with a title and description. The structure will also consider the market entry strategy used. (Retail Organization 2011). The strategic market and finance decisions will be under taken primarily by senior management: the CEO, COO, Vice presidents, and the board of directors representing shareholders considering that the acquisitions and joint ventures will bring in some share holders in the business who might not be necessarily employees of the business as has been with Waitrose operations in the UK. Administrative tasks will be performed by corporate staff employees who have specialized skills in human resources management, finance, accounting, real estate, distribution, and management information systems. People in these administrative functions will develop plans, procedures, and information to assist operating managers in implementing the retailers strategy. (Svjrao 2011) The primary operating or line managers will be involved in merchandise management and store management. These operating managers will implement the strategic plans with the assistance of administrative personnel. They will be required to make the day-to-day decisions that directly affect the retailers performance. (Svjrao 2011) The following is the outline of some of the divisions in the retail organization which is much the same as John Lewis organization structure. Owner/CEO or President Store Operations: Management, Cashier, Sales, Receiving, Loss Prevention Marketing: Visual Displays, Public Relations, Promotions Merchandising: Planning, Buying, Inventory Control Human Relations: Personnel, Training Finance: Accounting, Credit Technology: Information Technology (Retail Organization 2011). As the store grows and the retail business evolves, the dynamics of the organizations structure will change addressing the new tasks and responsibilities involved in the international operations. Therefore it will require redesigning the organizational chart to support the decision-making, collaboration and leadership capabilities. (Retail Organization 2011). Structures fit with strategy Strategic control Control system overview Control can be mainly classified as formal and informal with the formal controls being applied by the management in overseeing that tasks are carried out to the specified standards while informal control is work related and is implemented by those working on the tasks as the operations progress without necessarily seeking managerial authorization. Thus informal controls are the most frequent relating to how workers handle themselves and the service delivery. (Jawarski 1988). The measures will be appropriate for controlling and measuring achievement of the objectives like achieving the targeted market share, increasing sales and establishing an effective and efficient distribution network in the new markets. Elements of control Formal control will include process control on how the set standards are to be achieved. It will also include output control and marketing audits to establish progress levels. Process control The Company will focus process control on both management and organization control. Management control will ensure there are in place all resources and commitments necessary for the objectives achievement while organizational controls will focus on internal marketing ensuring cooperation between departments for smooth operation. (Jawarski 1988). ii. Output control Output control will seek to ensure that the quantifiable objectives are been achieved. This will be done by assessing information from the production and other operation departments and from independent surveys to help set achievable objectives and identify necessary measures to achieve them. (Jawarski 1988). Marketing audits Marketing audits will be performed before the execution of the marketing programs to identify the key factors. Two methods which will be used are; SWOT analysis and PESTEL model to analyze competition, marketing mix and macro environment factors. (Jawarski 1988). Informal control will include developing an organization culture for the business and creating a conducive working environment. Control fit with strategy and structure Conclusion