Information system development life cycle models Essay Example for Free

Information system development life cycle models Essay Health information managers must understand the components of information systems and how information systems affect the organization, individuals within the organization, and interested publics outside the organization. Information systems provide opportunities to improve internal operations, create competitive advantage in the marketplace, improve patient-care delivery, enhance research, and provide better service. Information system risk occurs when the systems are not well integrated, are poorly managed, or do not support the goals of the organization. In order to exploit information system opportunities and minimize threats and risks, a thorough understanding of information system components and how these relate to the organization is necessary. An information system is composed of a group of components (people, work processes, data, and information technologies) that interact through defined relationships to accomplish a goal. Information systems must be able to adapt to environmental change. A good example of a health-related information system is an order entry system. The goal of the system is to process physician orders. The system is composed of a group of components including people (nurses, physicians, unit secretaries, laboratory personnel), data, work processes, and information technologies. Each of these components interacts through defined relationships. fails to accommodate the environment or if the interactions among its component parts fail, the system becomes nonfunctional and disintegrates. Thus, a system must be composed of a group of components that: ï‚ · Interact through defined relationships ï‚ · Work toward accomplishing a goal ï‚ · Self-adapt and respond to environmental changes Figure 2-1 provides an example of the relationship of these characteristics. An information system is composed of a group of components (people, work processes, data, and information technologies) that interact through defined relationships to accomplish a goal. Information systems must be able to adapt to environmental change. A good example of a health-related information system is an order entry system. The goal of the system is to  process physician orders. The system is composed of a group of components including people (nurses, physicians, unit secretaries, laboratory personnel), data, work processes, and information technologies. Each of these components interacts through defined relationships The peoples enter orders in a predefined way through a data entry terminal (hardware) and through interaction with software. Through the predefined interactions between the hardware and software, the order is processed. The order entry system is self-adapting and able to accommodate environmental changes such as order volume. The example depicted in Figure 2-2 demonstrates the characteristics of a system as applied to an information system: component parts working in predefined relationships that can self-adapt to environmental changes to accomplish a common goal. As the bidirectional arrows depict in Figure 2-2, at any given time there is a potential three-way interaction between all system components. People interact or are affected by work practices, data, and information technologies. Work practices affect people and may be impacted by data availability and information technologies. Information technologies may affect work practices, people, and the input, processing, or dissemination of data. Thus, we see that information components are highly interrelated. Recognizing these interrelationships is very important, since a problem with one component will likely adversely impact all other components within an information system. When information system problems arise, it is crucial that all information system components and their relationships be examined System Elements Systems have three principal elements: inputs, processing mechanisms, and outputs. Figure 2-3 depicts their simple relationship. In the order entry example given previously, inputs include physician orders such as laboratory, radiology, or pharmacy orders that are entered in a computer terminal on the patient-care unit. The orders are subjected to several processing mechanisms that check their consistency and completeness before they are routed to the appropriate department. The output of the system is a requisition for a specific type of test, procedure, or pharmaceutical. In addition to inputs, processes, and outputs, most systems also have a  feedback loop. Feedback provided by the system influences future inputs. In the order entry example, feedback regarding nonavailability of an ordered drug in the pharmacy department inventory might be provided to the physician. In this case, the system might suggest what alternatives or substitutes are available Information System Components All definitions of an information system must embody the essence of the four system characteristics that were previously presented. Thus, an information system is a group of interrelated and self-adapting components working through defined relationships to collect, process, and disseminate data and information for accomplishment of specific organizational goals. The components of an information system should be broadly interpreted. For example, information system components should be viewed to include people, work procedures, data, and information technologies (Alter, 1992). Although organizational goals may not be specifically included in the components of an information system, they must be viewed as the driving force for the development, design, implementation, and evaluation of information systems. Each information system must be evaluated in terms of its contribution to meeting the goals of the organization Information System Types In Chapter 2, six types of information systems are discussed: transaction processing systems (TPS), management information systems (MIS), decision support systems (DSS), executive information systems (EIS), expert systems (ES), and office automation systems (OAS). Early systems in health care were principally transaction processing systems. These systems automated operational functions such as accounting, payroll, inventory, and admission/discharge systems. Later, other transaction systems, such as order entry, were added to the capabilities. Management information systems emerged in the late 1970s and gradually became more sophisticated during the 1980s. One factor influencing the growth of MIS during this period was the introduction of the national prospective payment (diagnostic-related groups or DRGs) system for Medicare patients. Because of DRG implementation, hospitals needed information systems that provided better filtered and formatted data for making managerial and strategic decisions. The  implementation of DRGs also revealed the weaknesses of current information systems in linking and integrating data. Weaknesses associated with the proliferation of stand-alone systems and the historical emphasis on financial systems became magnified during the 1980s coiera When the same kind of decision is made on a regular basis, it will require access to the same kind of data and may use the same knowledge. In these circumstances, one can develop a regular process or information system to accomplish the task. An information system could thus be anything from the routine way in which a clinician records patient details in a pocket notebook, the way a triage nurse assesses patients on arrival in an emergency department, through to a complex computer-based system that regulates payments for healthcare services. An information system is distinguished from other systems by its components, which include data and models. Recall from the last chapter that there are several different kinds of information model, including databases and knowledge bases. These different information components can be put together to create an information system. For example, consider a calculator that can store data and equations in its memory. The data store is the calculator’s database, and the equation store is its knowledge base. The input to the calculator becomes the equation to be solved, as well as the values of data to plug into the equation. The database communicates with the knowledge base using a simple communication channel within the device, and the output of the system is the value for the solved equation (Figure 3.6). There are many potential internal components that could be included within an information system, including a database, a knowledge base, an ontology, and decision procedures or rules of inference. The different components of an information system are connected together with input/output channels, which allow data to be shifted between the components as needed. A patient record system is a more complex example of an information system. Its purpose is to record data about particular patients in some formalized fashion to assist in the control Wager2009  An information system (IS) is an arrangement of information (data), processes, people, and information technology that interact to collect, process, store, and provide as output the information needed to support the organization (Whitten Bentley, 2005). Note that information technology is a component of every information system. Information technology is a contemporary term that describes the combination of computer technology (hardware and software) with data and telecommunications technology (data, image, and voice networks). Often in current management literature the terms information system and information technology are used interchangeably. 6.1.1 What Is a System?shortliffe Until now, we have referred informally to health information systems and computer systems. What do we mean when we refer to a system? In the most general sense, a system is an organized set of procedures for accomplishing a task. It is described in terms of (1) the problem to be solved; (2) the data and knowledge required to address the problem; and (3) the internal process for transforming the available input into the desired output (Figure 6.1). When we talk about systems in this book, we usually mean computer-based (or just computer) systems. A computer system combines both manual and automated processes; people and machines work in concert to manage and use information. A computer system has these components: ââ€"  Hardware: The physical equipment, including processing units (e.g., the central processing unit (CPU)), data-storage devices, comunication equipment, terminals, and printers ââ€"  Software: The computer programs that direct the hardware to carry out the automated processes—i.e., to respond to user requests and schedules, to process input data, to store some data for long periods, and to communicate informative results to the users; at times the software will prompt the users to perform manual processes System Design and Engineering in Health Care 235 ââ€"  Customers: The users who interact with the software and hardware of the system, issue requests, and use the results or forward them to others; there will be other users who are concerned with providing input, system operations, backup, and maintenance The role of a computer is, broadly speaking, the conversion of data into information. Every piece of data must be supplied by a person, by another computer system, or by data collection  equipment, as seen in patient monitoring (see Chapter 17). Information that is output is delivered to health care professionals or becomes input to another computer system. In other words, a medical computer system is a module within the overall health care delivery system. The overall health care system not only determines the need for the computer system (e.g., which data must be processed and which reports must be generated) but also the requirements for the system’s operation (e.g., the degree of reliability and responsiveness to requests for information). Acquisition and operation of a computer system has implications for the organization of an institution. Who controls the information? Who is responsible for the accuracy of the data? How will the system be financed? The installation of a computer system has sociological consequences as well. The introduction of a new system alters the work routines of health care workers. Furthermore, it may affect the traditional roles of health care workers and the existing relationships among groups of individuals—e.g., between physicians and nurses, between nurses and patients, and between physicians and patients. Important ethical and legal questions that arise include the confidentiality of patient information, the appropriate role of computers in patient care (especially in medical decision making), and the responsibility of developers and users for ensuring the correct operation of the system (see Chapter 10). Although the technical challenges in system development must be met, organizational factors are crucial determinants of the success of a computer system within the institution. These factors can differ greatly among institutions and can make the transfer of a well-functioning system to another site difficult. 6.1.2 Functions of a Computer System Computers have been used in every aspect of health care delivery, from the simple processing of business data, to the collection and interpretation of physiological data, to the education of physicians and nurses. Each chapter in Unit II of this book describes an important area for the application of computers in biomedicine. The unique characteristics of each problem area create special requirements for system builders to address. The motivation  for investing in these applications, however, is the computer’s ability to help health professionals in some aspect of information management. We identify eight topics that define the range of basic functions that may be provided by medical computer systems: 1. Data acquisition and presentation 2. Record keeping and access 3. Communication and integration of information 4. Surveillance 5. Information storage and retrieval 6. Data analysis 7. Decision support 8. Education .

Gender Issues in the Workplace

Gender Issues in the Workplace Introduction This paper seeks to define what is meant by gender issues in the workplace in relation to underlying tensions, indirect prejudice and unfair practices which often are perceived but continue without full recognition or sufficient direct management of the problem. It proposes to question pre conceived notions of success based on qualities such as ability and skill and rather seeks to uncover the more tacit business environment; known but never fully appreciated in relation to career advancement and company progression. A number of conflicting theories proposed by both feminist scholars and male business analysts exist on this subject which makes it both a complicated and contentious discussion. It is also one that can justify the way in which workplace failings and successes can be interpreted from a number of angles where gender bias is concerned; politically, psychologically, socially and academically. Typically gender inequality is a much deeper perception involving social hierarchys and preconceived notions of what men and women are capable of in terms of leadership and management. It is important to distinguish what is traditionally meant by advantage and disadvantage in an organizational setting and in the context of gender. Some examples might include; an employer may not hire, promote or wrongfully terminate an employee based on his or her gender, or that an employers pay is unequally based on gender, some employers show discrimination towards pregnant female workers, female employees are passed over for promotion in favour of more junior, less-qualified male co-workers. (Sahu, 2009) However looking at discrimination in its broader sense there is a widely held argument that as white and male it is easy to become invisible in society; to go unacknowledged and unrecognized, but once visible as a consequence of being labeled as say black, homosexual, a woman†¦individuals ca n adopt a greater empowerment just by being different (Robinson, 2000, Phelan, 2008, Haraway, 1999) In 1994 a popular American journal, Business Week published an article which stipulated; White, male and worried: White men still dominate corporate America. But in companies with aggressive diversity programs they are beginning to feel angry and resentful. What should companies do? (Burke and Black, 1997: 933-942) From such theorizing it is possible to engage with the notion that perhaps by being ‘invisible this can perpetuate both political and social exclusion. World Modern History since the 1960s has witnessed the rise of Civil Rights, womens liberation, gay liberation and a more growing acceptance of diversity has resulted in the decentralization of the white male (Robinson,2000 :2) and a culmination of all these things could be attributed to a crisis in masculinity of sorts. In contrast Virginia Schein et al propose that men and women do not lead or manage any differently in the work environment, but that they are perceived in different ways and that effectiveness as a male in a leadership role is something which is automatically attributed to them. Whereas women who exhibit the same behaviours as men are not judged as being as authoritative or having the same skills, because this is what we traditionally perceive inherently about men and women. (Sinclair, 2005:25) And just as peopl e can make themselves invisible in the work environment, so too can they make themselves visible. Being ‘visible represents a tangible ‘surface state, one in which someone can be seen to be visibly being excluded or different. At a deeper more conceptual level then there is a power to become ‘invisible, often as a consequence of trying to attain the male norm. (Simpson and Lewis, 2005:1253-1275) Caution however must be exacted when considering these theories which could also be used as a means to essentially make excuses for racist or prejudice practices in the workplace. (Pierce, 2003:53-70) Other theorists of invisibility consider this to be a covert way of preventing either women or black co-workers to progress. That the ‘backlash felt by white male men is actually a means to subjugate ‘minorities in the work place even further. Scholars such as Nicholson conform to theories such as the Patriarchal culture which is instilled in men and women through a process of socialization from a very early age. For example that men are better than women in sport, or that men make better surgeons etc. (Nicolson, 1996:108) There is a definite counter-argument where some previous traditional theories of invisibility have evolved. For example some research determines that men have become to think of themselves as being without gender, largely because they are oblivious to, or choose to ignore that invisibility generates inequality. Thus the invisibility of gender experienced by men generates the inequalities that are constrained by gender. That essentially many men are in possession; for whatever reason, of a number of structural privileges and power within the organizations that they work in and that by confronting their participation in maintaining inequality between themselves and women, that they should take responsibility for liberating themselves rather than blaming their problems on women. (McKay, 1997:11) Many men continue to disregard the notion of male privilege creating an invisibility of the problem itself. The more this invisibility is encouraged the more gender problems will continue to esc alate. (Johnson, 2005:157) Basically there is a strong argument to suggest the very fact that men in the workplace are perpetuating patriarchy and gender inequality, is because they are in denial of it and therefore the problem itself becomes invisible. Issues remain across all ‘minority workplace discriminations. Barriers continue to exist despite western laws on equal opportunities and fair working practices. Essentially there should be no barriers to succeeding. And yet for black, disabled, gay, women or other traditionally marginalized workers there continues to be a significant problem where acquiring progressive job positions exists, indicating that there are a number of unseen issues and opinions being made below the surface and continue to remain invisible. (Hesse-Biber and Carter, 2005:75-78) A recent research study of female engineers in the work environment was conducted in an attempt to illuminate this complex ‘in/visibility paradox. The women engineers could be seen to be at once both ‘visible as women but ‘invisible as engineers. This contradiction then adds yet another element to the discussion, but also helps to explain why it is difficult to retain women in engineering roles. Their ‘invisibility as engineers can be attributed to the fact that they require considerable effort to be taken seriously in this particular job, thus undermining their overall confidence. As ‘visible women they face enormous contradictory pressures to ‘become one of the lads, whilst maintaining their femininity and these in/visibility dynamics get taken for granted at the same time as building a cumulative and problematic outcome, not least because they are subtle and taken for granted. (Faulkner, 2009:169-189) Similarly another recent relevant journal article relays the findings of a small-scale project which involved a study of men who moved over into what has traditionally been considered ‘womens work. One immediate outcome apparent in all ten men was experiencing the challenges of feeling emasculated and having their masculinity queried in a number of ways and in a variety of situations. The way in which the men managed these challenges is particularly interesting as they all attempted to maintain their masculinity and their traditional persona associated with masculinity by distancing themselves from their female co-workers. (Cross and Bagilhole, 2002:204-226) Thus potentially making themselves ‘invisible to the situation. This provides some further interesting light on the notion of visibility and invisibility in organizational structures. That men resolutely continue to re-enforce their gender and identity regardless of whether it is challenged or not, but in such a way that they make themselves invisible in the process. Might this then suggest that men will go to any lengths to maintain their dominant gender, even when they are performing those roles traditionally considered ‘womens work? Whilst it may also represent juxtaposition for the behaviour of women, often criticized in the work place for their defensiveness or ruthless behaviour. Perhaps women in turn are masking their femininity in a bid to be taken seriously or remain ‘invisible as they feel threatened by the challenges men pose. Conclusion What can be concluded from this complicated analysis is that it still remains difficult to determine whether invisibility exists, or whether it is a means of simply not seeing or acknowledging gender differentiation. Are male workers unaware of the fact that they are inherently patriarchal, or is it women who continue to see them in this way as they traditionally remain challenged and psychologically subjugated by their male co-workers? This might then suggest that there is no real suppression of gender taking place in organizations, but rather most women and men are defensive about their jobs and careers. This is a highly problematic area that continues to demand further research and a ‘rethinking of gender stereotypes for both management and workers generally. (Mavin et al, 2004:293-303) What is apparent from this study is the degree with which both men and women ‘play out their insecurities whilst both hiding and exposing elements of visibility and invisibility depending on the circumstances. Invisibility, as has also been outlined in this document poses a much wider conceptual problem. The problem of barriers that exist not just with individuals but with whole organizations, those that choose to promote the types of people they consider suitable to the organization itself and therefore creating their own invisible discriminatory practices. A complex system of psychological interactions can impact on the way in which people generally make themselves visible or invisible within an organization. There are many contributing factors, some of which have been explored throughout this document and many of which require considerable future research. It is clear that gender based priviledge exists. This is a reality in terms of the statistics which reflect the number of men in positions of power in contrast with the often lower salaried lesser roles adopted by women. But as to whether who is putting who at a disadvantage may be dependent on a whole series of contributory factors such as the culture and size of the organization itself, the way in which the individuals working in that organisation have been socialized and what values and expectations they have been encouraged to appreciate from birth. Bibliography Burke, R, J, Black, S (1997) Save the Males: Backlash in Organisations, Journal of Business Ethics, Volume 16 Cross, S. and Bagilhole, B. (2002) Girls Jobs for the Boys? Men, Masculinity and Non-Traditional Occupations, Gender Work and Organization, Volume 9, Issue 2 Faulkner (2009) Doing gender in engineering workplace cultures. II. Gender in/authority and the in/visibility paradox, Engineering Studies, Volume 1, Issue 3 Haraway, D (1999) Gender, Race and nature in the World of Modern science: Routledge and Kegan Paul Hesse-Biber, S, N, Carter, G, L (2005) Working Women in America: Oxford University Press. Johnson, A, G (2005) The Gender Knot: unraveling our patriarchal legacy: Temple University Press Lewis and Simpson, (2010) Revealing and Concealing Gender: Visibility in Gender and Organization Research: Palgrave Macmillan Mavin, S, Bryans, P, Waring, T (2004) Gender on the agenda 2: unlearning gender blindness in management education, Women in management Review, Volume 19, Issue 6 McKay (1997) Managing gender: affirmative action and organizational power in Australian, Canadian and New Zealand Sport: SUNY Press Nicolson, (1996) Gender, power and organization: a psychological perspective: Routledge Phelan, P (1993) Unmarked: The Politics of Performance: Routledge Pierce, J.L. (2003) Racing for Innocence: Whiteness, Corporate Culture and the Backlash Against Affirmative Action, Qualitative Sociology, Volume 26, Issue 1 Robinson, S. (2000) Introduction: Visibility, Crisis and the Wounded White Male Body in Marked Men: White Masculinity in Crisis: Columbia University Press Sahu, R, K (2009) Gender Discrimination in the Work Place, Internet article available from: http://www.scribd.com/doc/22571816/Gender-Discrimination-in-Work-Place, date accessed, 13/01/10 Simpson, R. and Lewis, P. (2005) An investigation of silence and a scrutiny of transparency: Re-examining gender in organization literature through the Concepts of Voice and Visibility, Human Relations, Volume 58, Issue 10 Sinclair, A (2005) Doing leadership differently; gender, power and sexuality in a changing business culture: Melbourne University Press

Africa Essay -- essays research papers

The combination of individual and national power and the need to find a safe route to the trade markets of the Indian Ocean led the Europeans to the continent of Africa in the late 1400’s. They would soon discover the abundance of its natural resources and in the next four centuries would systematically trigger the breakdown African societies. These acts would lead the Africans to be integrated into an exploited and racially dominated labor structures that would spread throughout the world.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It began with the exploration of the Portuguese in and around western Africa in the late 1400’s to gain access to the Akan goldfields of West Africa. Once they gained access to these fields it helped finance future exploration round the southern tip of Africa and reach the trade markets of the Indian Ocean. They purchased silk, spices, perfumes and other goods, return it to Europe and sold it for a profit. They built the fort of Elmina in West Africa to protect their interests from other European countries who were also seeking fortune in Africa. When they reached the eastern coast of Africa it was amazed by the wealth of the Swahili States comprised of Zanzibar, Kilwa, Mombassa and Sofala, they wanted to seize them. They first sailed into the important towns and demanded the rulers to become Portuguese subjects and pay them tributes. When the rulers refused the Portuguese would raid the towns until they gave into them. They built a fortress called fort Jes ... Africa Essay -- essays research papers The combination of individual and national power and the need to find a safe route to the trade markets of the Indian Ocean led the Europeans to the continent of Africa in the late 1400’s. They would soon discover the abundance of its natural resources and in the next four centuries would systematically trigger the breakdown African societies. These acts would lead the Africans to be integrated into an exploited and racially dominated labor structures that would spread throughout the world.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It began with the exploration of the Portuguese in and around western Africa in the late 1400’s to gain access to the Akan goldfields of West Africa. Once they gained access to these fields it helped finance future exploration round the southern tip of Africa and reach the trade markets of the Indian Ocean. They purchased silk, spices, perfumes and other goods, return it to Europe and sold it for a profit. They built the fort of Elmina in West Africa to protect their interests from other European countries who were also seeking fortune in Africa. When they reached the eastern coast of Africa it was amazed by the wealth of the Swahili States comprised of Zanzibar, Kilwa, Mombassa and Sofala, they wanted to seize them. They first sailed into the important towns and demanded the rulers to become Portuguese subjects and pay them tributes. When the rulers refused the Portuguese would raid the towns until they gave into them. They built a fortress called fort Jes ...

The Knoll - Original Writing :: Papers

The Knoll - Original Writing He was sitting there in the midst of the darkness, keeping an observant eye on his watch. He knew the minute the big hand hit five it would all begin. He was very composed and new what he had to do. In the distance he could see the silhouette of the house and the trees dancing alongside it. The crisp winter's wind was blowing right through his thick sleek trench coat. His long slender fingers curled around the rifle trigger one by one; ensuring he had the future target in position. He placed the rifle back down on the tripod and examined his surroundings. The rustic house was very old with Tudor beams running through it, making the entire building feel cold and deserted. It was surrounded by tall overgrown cedar trees. They shaded the building, leaving elegant shadows draped down the walls. The grey malicious sky complemented the building well, a perfect backdrop. Meanwhile on the knoll in front of the house was the assassin, hidden amongst the trees and the gloomy undergrowth. There was a quiet rustle as the tyres of the car rolled slowly over the stones, to the left of the assassin a vehicle appeared, moving gingerly down the drive. As it passed the trees the rusted bonnet began to become visible, a murky once white colour. It gradually came into full view and he could see that the roof of the car was made out of black bin liners tied together, flapping around in the wind making a whipping noise as they contracted. The sea-blue boot of the car had an indent to the left side of it. This made the car look very misshaped and abnormal. As the car came to a halt, a puff of smoke came out of the exhaust which blurred the view of the assassin as he could not see what was going on. He did not move because he would give away his position, so he sat there waiting for the smoke to disappear. He was becoming very anxious, what if the victim disappeared, and all

Romulus and Remus Essay -- English Literature Essays

Romulus and Remus Numitor, king of the ancient Italian city of Alba Longa, was deposed by his brother Amulius. Numitor’s daughter, Rhea Silvia, was made a vestal virgin (priestess of the Goddess Vesta & forbidden to marry). Mars, the God of War, fell in love with her and she gave birth to twin sons.† [1] Fearing for his life and his newly captured throne, Amulius had the twins put in a basket and through into the Tiber river. Instead of sinking the basket floated steadily down stream. â€Å"The basket came aground at the Grotto Lupercal, under a fig tree called Ruminal, where the twins were found and suckled by a she wolf.†[2] Along with the wolf was Picus, who was turned into a woodpecker by Circe, both sacred to mars. They both feed the kids and kept them live until one day a herdsman stumbled upon the two boys. â€Å"The shepard Faustulus found the twins. He toofk them with him to his house and his wife called them Romulus and Renus.. they were not aware of the princely origin of the boys and raised them as their children.†[3] â€Å"Ounce Romulus and Remus had grown up, they learned their story and decided to go back to Albalonga.†[4] Not knowing exactly why they had been abandoned, the twins had no idea where to start looking. They decided to start by going to the local festival. â€Å"As young men, Romulus and Remus gathered around them a band of hardy, adventurous campanions.†[5] And because of their adventurous nature they tended to get a little roudy. â€Å"Remus is captured by a ban...

Waste Management Practices Of Mcdonalds Environmental Sciences Essay

McDonalds is one of the largest and most good known planetary fast nutrient eating houses. Ray Kroc is the laminitis of the company in the twelvemonth 1955. The company has been runing for 55 old ages and has 32000 eating houses concatenation in more than 117 states. More than 75 % of McDonald ‘s world-wide mercantile establishments are operated by franchisees or affiliates ( Our Company 2010 ) . There are 1.5 million employees worldwide working to function 50 million worldwide clients each twenty-four hours ( McDonald ‘s Restaurants Ltd, 2006 ) . Over the many old ages, 1000000s of people have patronage McDonald ‘s because it is a sure name with proved service. In returning that trueness, McDonalds have an duty to give back to the community ( SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, 2010 ) . McDonalds supports Ronald McDonald House Charities ( RMHC ) , carnal public assistance, nutrient safety and environment ( SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, 2010 ) . This essay shall analyze how McDonalds has performed in the relation to the environment peculiarly waste direction patterns. The populace of the current age are concerned about the sum of packaging and nutrient waste produced by McDonald ‘s eating houses ( Better Packaging with McDonald ‘s, 2009 ) . A study conducted by Keep Britain Tidy that approximately 29 % of the litter waste on the Britain Street was come from the McDonalds eating house ( Gray, L 2009 ) . Therefore, one of the best solutions taken by McDonalds is pull off the waste through waste direction patterns, which is affecting in decrease, reuse, recycling and disposal ( Better Packaging with McDonald ‘s, 2009 ) . As one of the largest fast nutrient eating houses worldwide, McDonalds has become an environment leader. Hence, McDonalds is determined to analyse every facet of their concern on their impact on the environment and harmonizing to the analysis and seek effectual ways to heighten the environment . McDonalds is trusting to last and remain in a clean environment where the air, H2O and the Earth are clean and every bit good construct an environment sound universe to the hereafter coevals ( ) . McDonalds has done a assortment of different as compared to the past and current public presentation. In the yesteryear, McDonalds used the polystyrene froth as packaging nutrient. Many conservationists dislike polystyrene froth because the production of froth will let go of out the CFC, which can damage the ambiance. The froth besides to take long clip to interrupt down, if at all, in landfills, which is where most of it winds up because there are comparatively few recycling centres ( ) . Besides, McDonalds was required 46 gms of packaging in â€Å" mean repast † – a Big Mac, french friess and a shingle in twelvemonth 1970 ( Case A: McDonald ‘s Environmental Strategy, 1995 ) . In add-on, there was no industrial graduated table recycling before ( Rose, 2009 ) . Furthermore, McDonalds did non pattern the exercising of change overing the waste into energy. Presents, McDonalds has found many alternate ways to heighten the environment public presentation in term of the waste direction patterns. First, McDonalds has replaced the polystyrene froth by the utilizing paper based-wraps in order to cut down the waste volume in the waste direction procedure ( Better Packaging with McDonald ‘s, 2009 ) . The replacing is because of consumers demand and heeding advocate of environmental groups ( Liddle, A 1990 ) . McDonalds major markets, approximately 83 % of the packaging used for nutrient, drinks and other consumer intents is made of some signifier of paper ( McDonald ‘s Worldwide Corporate Responsibility Report, 2006 ) . Another is the decreased sum of stuff used in each point of packaging ( our environment, 2008 ) . Third, McDonalds recycles boxing waste and recycles used cooking oil in waste direction patterns ( Recycling in the eating house – Concentrating on operational chances, 2010 ) . Fourthly, proper disposal waste pl ans are been carried out to pull off the nutrient waste once the McDonalds can non cut down, reuse and recycle the waste ( our environment, 2008 ) . Recent twelvemonth, McDonald in UK has a test tested out an alternate method of disposal, which by change overing the nutrient waste to energy ( Pull offing the impacts of the leftovers, 2010 ) . DavidA Fairhurst, senior frailty president for McDonald ‘s UK & A ; Northern Europe said that the change overing waste to energy is promoting that has already reduced the environmental impact in the country by 48 % and important measure on accomplishing zero waste to landfill ( Thomas, D 2009 ) Presently, McDonalds brings a batch impact upon the society and stakeholder. McDonalds replaces the froth to paper wraps, which make up 70 % to 90 % decrease in sandwich packaging volume ( Better Packaging with McDonald ‘s, 2009 ) . Besides, McDonalds besides cut down the sum of stuff used in the packaging, which indicate less natural stuff usage and therefore less solid waste green goods ( our environment, 2008 ) . For illustration, in 2005, McDonalds redesigned the interior of North American Fry boxes, which make up more than 1,100 dozenss boxing waste saved per twelvemonth ( McDonald ‘s Worldwide Corporate Responsibility Report, 2006 ) . Furthermore, McDonalds in Unite State has recycled over 17 dozenss of corrugate composition board per twelvemonth ( Recycling in the eating house – Concentrating on operational chances 2010 ) . Corrugate unlifelike represent about 30 % of the entire eating house waste and as consequence of recycling, divert the sum of waste from landfills. McDonalds has an purpose of accomplishing to recycle 100 % of their corrugated composition board ( our environment, 2008 ) . By the manner, approximately 10 % of the entire eating house wastes come from the used cookery oil and McDonalds has converted into biodiesel ( our environment, 2008 ) . McDonalds in United State has recycled about 13,000 lbs of used cookery oil per twelvemonth. Currently, more than 80 % of the used oil in Europe has transformed into biodiesel ( Recycling in the eating house – Concentrating on operational chances 2010 ) . As a consequence, it is stopped the used cookery oil from send to landfills. ( Please conso lidate and present it in a more systematic manner. ) In add-on, the test of change overing the waste to energy has been successfully decrease 54 % per centum of C emanation as audited by the Carbon Trust ( Brass, E 2009 ) . The sum of waste save from landfill could be 65 tones if the eating houses continue implement this disposal. For the energy generate from the waste provide plenty heat and electricity to the edifice ( Pull offing the impacts of the leftovers, 2010 ) . For case, in UK the energy generate from the nutrient waste, which able to power the 22 million visible radiation bulbs to community ( Brass, E 2009 ) . Now let concentrate on the advantages and disadvantages of McDonald patterns in the waste direction. The major advantage through the waste direction patterns is reduced the nursery gas emanation. Methane particularly one of the nursery gases which largely generate by the landfills operation and convey harmful effects to the environment and human wellness. Therefore, the cardinal factor success of lower down the gases emanation is driven by the greater recycle wastes, increased sum of waste recovery and incineration combined with energy production ( Improved waste direction presenting clime benefits, 2008 ) . Another advantage of the waste direction patterns is generated a liveable environment to society ( Waste Disposal Methods Advantages and Disadvantages n.d. ) . It is because people can be and populate in a comfort environment with free of waste. . ( are at that place any scholarly cogent evidence to back up this statement? ) is to assist to cut down the sum of waste. Through the waste direction patterns, McDonalds has send less waste to landfill and finally less waste occupy the landfill However, there are some disadvantages of the waste direction patterns. The major disadvantage is contaminated the environment ( Waste Disposal Methods Advantages and Disadvantages n.d. ) . The public-service corporations of documents as packaging particularly are unfriendly to the environment in the waste direction pattern. It is because there will increase the environment impact in production of paper packaging point. An analysis conducted by the Franklin Associates, an independent environmental research house that the production between polystyrene froth and paper toward the environment impact. The consequence show that the fabrication of paper containers particularly make up 46 per centum more air pollution, 42 per centum more H2O pollution and 75 per centum more industrial waste than that of plastic. Made preponderantly of air, paper requires 30 per centum more energy to bring forth than froth ( Eckhardt, A 1998 ) . Therefore, the utilizing of paper really leads the pollution occur. Consequently, planetary heating particularly occurs one time the pollution acquiring terrible and serious. Besides, the disadvantage of the waste direction patterns is influence the people wellness. The procedure of convert the waste to energy demand go through the incineration, which may breathe the harmful gases into the environment that risky to occupants ‘ wellness, as the emanation fume is unseeable and s melly. Undoubtedly, it brings the negative impact to society ( Krishna, G 2006 ) . As decision, the waste direction patterns should be adopted to pull off the waste in order to supply the healthy and clean environment to the society. The societal public presentation of McDonalds in relation to the environment has enormously contributed. Even though the riddance of waste from the fast nutrient eating houses is impossible, some effectual and efficiency of alternate methods should besides seek in order to cut down and forestall the waste from being engulfed the Earth. If the big fast nutrient company like McDonalds does non command the waste produce from the eating house and salvage the planet, people will certainly die themselves one twenty-four hours.

Naukri.Com

NAUKRI. COM Industry- eBusiness is the integration of a company's business including products, procedures, and services over the Internet. [pic] †¢ You turn your company from a business into an eBusiness when you integrate your sales, marketing, accounting, manufacturing, and operations with your web site activities. †¢ An eBusiness uses the Internet as a center for all business activities. †¢ eCommerce is the online component of an eBusiness. †¢ E-business may be defined as the conduct of industry,trade,and commerce using the computer networks. †¢ Naukri. om is an Indian job search engine operating in India founded by Sanjeev Bikhchandani in March1997. †¢ This employment site allows businesses to place job announcements and look through resumes. People looking for employement can post their resumes, ad links to their home page and browse the ads and look at potential employer's home pages as well. †¢ The site was established in 1997 by Info Edge (I ndia) Ltd. Info Edge is a listed company on the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange. It went public in November 2006. As of March 31, 2011 Naukri. om had a database of about 25 million registered job seekers and over 80,000 live job listings from Corporate Customers. During the Fiscal year 2010-11 Naukri. com serviced approximately 42,000 Corporate Customers, an average of about 12,000 resumes were added while about 72,000 were modified daily in the Naukri. com database in Fiscal year 2010-11. Overview †¢ In India Naukri. com has been ranked at 22nd spot as per Alexa traffic rankings. It has a global ranking of 452. 2,480 sites share their links in the job portal. Usually almost 9 minutes is spent by each viewer in the site nd every page is viewed almost 42 second approximately. Naukri is the leading job site in India and is the premier brand of Info Edge. It has single-handedly given a new dimension to the concept of employment in the country. †¢ After it wa s found the company has left behind every competitor. Naukri. com as a recruitment agency offers employment related services to both regular job seekers and leading placement agencies and recruiters and corporate houses. Its services are available in both India as well as outside the country. The jobsite offers a wide range of services such as Response Management Tools and Resume Database Access.Among its major services is recruiter branding solutions, Naukri PayCheck, Naukri. com Magazine, Resdex, Naukri on Mobile and Chat and job postings. The site has, at any time, 200,000 jobs and serves almost 35,500 corporate houses. It also publishes a useful report named Naukri JobSpeak, which is brought out on a monthly basis. Corporate strategy Vision †¢ Vision is to create a platform where, in 20 years time, every Indian who is looking for a job can find one. Mission †¢ Every person looking for a Job should get one. Initial Strategy (1997-2000) †¢ The initial marketing stra tegy was geared towards fulfilling two objectives.The first objective was to get the companies and placement consultants to list their jobs on the web site and the second one was to get job seekers to visit the site. Towards achieving the first objective, an intensive search exercise was carried out. The team went through the previous issues of several newspapers and magazines, went to libraries, scanned Yellow Pages and built a mailing list that contained names and addresses of approximately twenty four thousand companies and placement consultants who had placed an advertisement for jobs in the last five years.Letters were mailed out to them with information about the service. At the same time, another list of newspapers and magazines was compiled. Letters were also sent to these newspapers and magazines informing them of the introduction of this unique service. Advertising was also done but on a very small scale. It was restricted to small-classified displays in newspapers. In eff ect, initially, the marketing strategy of Naukri. com was based on direct mailing and it was actually a very low cost one. Current Strategy (2001-2004) †¢ The marketing strategy currently being followed by Naukri. om is â€Å"two pronged† one, in the words of their marketing manager Ayesha Kapur. Naukri. com reaches out to two segments primarily – the job seekers and the employers. To reach out to recruiters, Naukri. com has a 130-140 strong sales force across the country that go around and meet the clients face to face, introduce them to the products and explain them. The mechanism adopted to reach out to the other segment, that is, the job seekers, is aggressive advertising. The aggressive advertising has kept momentum only during the last year (2003-2004). Naukri. om has been advertising on television and the print media and is now exploring radio as a medium for advertising its services and products. Advertisement on television has included promotion during th e India–Australia cricket game series telecast on the national T. V. network, Doordarshan, in the year 2001. Environmental factors †¢ The major external forces are: †¢ SUPPLY AND DEMAND †¢ If the company has a demand for more professionals and there is limited supply in the market for the professionals demanded by the company, then the company will have to depend upon internal sources by providing them special training and development programs.In this case naukri. com has to supply more resumes and employable people. †¢ Labour market If there is surplus of manpower at the time of recruitment, even informal attempts at the time of recruiting like notice boards display of the requisition or announcement in the meeting etc will attract more than enough applicants. †¢ IMAGE / GOODWILL †¢ Image of a company is based on what organization does and affected by industry. Good companies looking for candidates at naukri. com will increase the number of peop le joining the site for future searches. POLITICAL-SOCIAL- LEGAL ENVIRONMENT †¢ Various government regulations prohibiting discrimination in hiring and employment have direct impact on recruitment practices. any law or regulation will affect the number of resumes forwarded by naukri. com for example if there are reserved seats for SC/ST in a company then naukri. com will have to filter out those matching this criteria. †¢ COMPETITORS †¢ To face the competition, many a times the organizations have to change their recruitment policies according to the policies being followed by the competitors. Naukri. om has to follow with company’s policies and update its website with same on real time basis. Business Process [pic] †¢ Naukri. com is currently positioned in the online recruitment and job search space. †¢ It can define its business based on products and services delivered or customer functions fulfilled. †¢ A possible list of definitions could incl ude online advertising site for vacancies; Internet based recruitment related products and services business; online resume source; online information source for job seekers on available jobs; online job application method; online resume services for job-seekers, etc. Another way of defining a firm’s business is to base the definition on the firm’s core competencies. †¢ Naukri. com has developed competencies in creating and running a website and associated technologies. †¢ The firm is competent at facilitating matches between the job providers and the job seekers using its website and the power of Internet and e-mail. †¢ This definition enables the firm to diversify in the future to any product category where the firm can facilitate matches between two or more sets of parties using a website, the Internet, and e-mail through its proprietary technology and databases. A visit to naukri. com website indicates that the firm is already experimenting with matr imonial matches and matches involving owners of building plots, houses, and apartments with those seeking to purchase or rent property. Problem definition As the number of unemployable people is rising we need a method by which Just in time approach for finding the jobs by unemployable people and finding of employees by the company becomes efficient. Requirement analysis As Is |To be | |Notice boards, print ads, word of mouth |Web portal | |Results oriented |Process oriented | |Low level coverage of notice |Wide area coverage of information | |JIT process efficiency is low |JIT process becomes efficient | |Difficult in access to information |Easy access to live employment opportunities | |Low records of database of searchers and recruiters |Large records updated daily | |Public access, private access not possible |Private access possible | Technology †¢ The database collection. †¢ World Wide Web †¢ iFind Technology The iFind algorithm is powered to find what y ou mean, not just what you type. This increases the volume of relevant resumes available to you to choose from. †¢ The ION platform is fitted with security features to cover: User authentication †¢ Safe platform administration †¢ Secure communication protocols †¢ Additionally, the platform is compatible with standard security features, such as the ones related to the setup of secure networks (in particular VPN technology, firewalls/routers NAT configurations, SSH connections). †¢ E-apps application for employers to manage responses. †¢ applicant tracking system (ATS) †¢ DSS [pic] Technologies used and their preference with increasing volumeAttributes and Characteristics †¢ Faster search †¢ Secured access †¢ Personalized data †¢ Customization of data †¢ Privacy protocol †¢ Huge records for recruiter and applicant to search from †¢ Cost effective †¢ Global reach †¢ Reduction in recruitment time by 60% Usab ility from stakeholder points of view For job hunters †¢ Ease of access to millions of jobs. †¢ Personalized format †¢ Secure login †¢ Global reach †¢ Application time is reduced †¢ Resume developments For employers †¢ Connectivity to millions of job hunters †¢ Real time information updates †¢ Relevant search †¢ E apps to manage resonses †¢ Ease in passing information For government †¢ Increase in GDP †¢ Increase in tax revenues Low unemployable rate IT Infrastructure requirement [pic] 5 layer model of naukri. com infrastructure [pic] Firewall It is a software application mounted on a server at the point where a company is connected to the internet. Its purpose is to prevent unauthorized access into the company from outsiders Demiliterized zone In a DMZ configuration, most computers on the LAN run behind a firewall connected to a public network like the internet. One or more computers also run outside the firewall in t he DMZ. Cost benefit analysis They made the market more efficient by reducing ‘search cost’ and ‘transaction cost’ thus making it attractive to get into this market.It is important to understand the reasons for naukri. com and other similar websites registering excellent growth. The job market existed before but naukri. com and other similar websites took initiatives to facilitate certain activities performed in this market. They made the market more efficient by reducing ‘search cost’ and ‘transaction cost’ thus making it attractive to get into this market. In this case, the efficiency in the market also brings in effectiveness as the cycle time to close the transaction becomes short leading to increased satisfaction. That is, when market becomes more efficient, ‘trapped value’ is released which means a new revenue stream for the business organization.Trapped value is also released when a ‘new value systemâ€⠄¢ gets created, for example, the value of a new found ‘community’ of recruiters and job seekers—they existed earlier but as standalone entities. This leads to savings in cost to search the talent. For recruiters the cost advantage comes from reducing the cost of print ads and other traditional methods. Also they get the great talent quickly so that they can hire the person for the position and continue their operations. For job hunters it saves their cost of running around for hunting down the required jobs. Challenges in Naukri. com business [pic] People- Convenience and connectivity ensures people are just click away to get the right kind of job.The ease of accessing the database for application for the jobs has made it easier for people to search the jobs which suit them. However with increasing number of applicants the increasing database makes it difficult to manage the large pool of offers. Moreover some co-success factors support both efficiency and effec tiveness: communities as parts of e-customer relationship management programs improve customer retention , thus avoiding high costs of acquiring new customers. Implementation It's easy to describe e-commerce and the benefits resulting from its implementation. It's not so easy to develop and deploy e-commerce systems. Companies have faced significant hurdles in these efforts: Cost.E-commerce requires sophisticated, distributed systems based on new technologies that can touch many of a company's core business processes. As with all major business systems, e-commerce systems require significant investments in hardware, software, staffing, and training. Businesses need comprehensive solutions that are easy to use and thus help enable cost-effective deployment. Value. Businesses want to know that their investments in e-commerce systems will produce a return. They deploy e-commerce systems to achieve business objectives such as lead generation, business process automation, and cost reduct ion. They want to ensure that these objectives are met.Businesses also need flexible solutions so that they can easily adapt a system to meet changing business conditions. Security. Because the Internet provides almost universal access, a company's assets must be protected against misuse, whether accidental or malicious. At the same time, that protection should not compromise a site's usability or performance nor make its development too complex. There is an additional security issue: Because e-commerce systems enable the collection and usage of sensitive information about individual customers, companies also need to protect the privacy of their customers. Existing Systems. Companies need to be able to harness the functionality of existing applications into e-commerce systems.Most companies new to e-commerce already use information technology to conduct business in non-Internet environments— in existing marketing, order management, billing, inventory, distribution, and custom er service systems. The Internet represents an alternative and complementary way to do business. It's imperative that Internet e-commerce systems integrate existing systems in a manner that avoids duplicate function and maintains usability, performance, and reliability. Interoperability. Interoperability here means the linking of trading partners' applications in order to exchange business documents. These systems must work together well in order to achieve business objectives. For example, the order-management application of a business partner must interoperate with the inventory applications of its suppliers.Interoperation between businesses reduces costs and improves performance. It enables the implementation of more dynamic value chains. Business partners Brijj- professional networking Merination- study material Jeevansaathi- Indian matrimonial site Allcheck deals- real estate in india Zomato- food guide 99 acres- real estate in india Shiksha- education and career Mydala. com- d eal offering site PEST Analysis POLITICAL: 1. Government support for increasing Internet penetration in India. 2. Tax benefits to corporate. 3. Government policy to increase jobs 4. Pumping money in the infrastructure ECONOMICAL 1. Booming Indian economy. 2. Increase in Indian GDP 3.Increase in ratio of Employed to unemployed people 4. Base of internet users multiplied by 10 to 11 times in last 6 years. SOCIAL 1. People spend more time on internet 2. Rise of social networking site 3. High priority on time and convenience. 4. Improving usage of Broadband and high computer literacy. TECHNOLOGICAL 1. increase in broadband services 2. Increasing penetration rate of broadband and wireless internet. 3. Better managed E business site for ease, privacy and advancements in net banking. SWOT Analysis †¢ naukri. com has the first mover advantage. It is still paying off till date with naukri having the best brand recall in terms of job portals. The site design has received great acceptance among Indians. (better than monster and timesjobs) †¢ It has the experience of being in the market for almost a decade. †¢ It has a large market share while monsterindia and Timesjobs are far behind. †¢ It ranked as India’s number one job site on all parameters — page view, reach, and traffic. †¢ It has the advantage of a clear revenue model since its inception. While it has a few services that are free to both job seekers and job providers, the majority of their services are paid for by the recruiters. †¢ It has a very committed team. This is clear from the visits made by them to establish contact. It is known to have one of the best work atmospheres. Weaknesses †¢ It has a large number of employees and hence the company incurs a high cost for managing salesforce. †¢ There is a high level of attrition. †¢ Employer Branding on Naukri. com is hardly visible which is a major product flaw on the portal Opportunities †¢ Interne t users are increasing day by day. Approximately, 7. 5 million urban Indians are using the net. †¢ Further, with broadband infrastructure being rolled out, there are more opportunities on the net. †¢ The scope of online recruitment is, therefore, increasing. Like any other online recruitment company, it has the advantage of being a low cost medium of recruitment. †¢ SHIKSHA. om and JEEVANSAATHI. com are the group portals of naukri. com and have great potential †¢ The online opportunity for hiring in India is growing at 80-90 per cent each year. THREATS †¢ Chances are that many more potential competitors may gain entry into the market. †¢ It is quite possible that any one of the players may also provide value-added services to clients like conducting preliminary interviews, etc. †¢ Sabotaging the existing clients of naukri. com by its competitors recently and luring them with more listing and other value-added services at slightly more premium can h ave a long term negative impact. While this issue can be tack-led out by naukri. om, if it continues, it may result in erosion of market advantage and loss of customer confidence on a single job portal i. e Naukri and hence loss of brand loyalty. Ethical Issues 1) Web tracking: E-businesses draw information on how visitors use a site through log files. Analysis of log file means turning log data into application service or installing software that can pluck relevant information from files in-house. 2) Privacy: Most Electronic Payment Systems knows the identity of the buyer. So it is necessary to protect the identity of a buyer who uses Electronic Payment System. References http://www. slideshare. net/dipaliqween/infoedge