IBM’s Smarter Planet Essay

1.(a) Using Medtronic for instance, clarify how a statement of purpose provides a vital guidance. (b) Create a statement of purpose for your own vocation. Answer: (an) A statement of purpose provides vital guidance by expressing the â€Å"what† and â€Å"how† of a business in a reasonable, brief, important, persuasive, articulation that will keep on being applicable in the long haul. Medtronic’s statement of purpose recognizes its clients, market, items and innovation. They expressed the business they are in and their particular objectives. (b) It is my business to continuously facilitate vital strategies for strengthening and to do as such with energy and duty. 2.What capabilities best portray (a) your school or college and (b) your preferred eatery? Answer: (a) Wayne College to gives high caliber, open credit and noncredit instructive chances to the residents of Wayne, Medina, and Holmes districts and encompassing zones, and bands together with and asset for the networks and associations it serves. (b) House of Hunan, Fairlawn, has quality Chinese, Thai, veggie lover, and sushi decisions. Mood is suggestive of old Chinatown and it is regularly loaded with benefactors. Incredible chicken dishes, great dumplings, and generally excellent quality meat. Administration is acceptable, food is new and fulfilling, and the cost is reasonable worth. 3.Why does an item regularly start as a question mark and afterward move counterclockwise around the BCG’s development share lattice appeared in Figure 2-4? Answer: At the point when an item is presented, it is generally a â€Å"question mark† in light of the fact that it is â€Å"new† and there is vulnerability about consumers’ acknowledgment of them. After a timeframe, contingent upon the item classification, the â€Å"not-so-new† item could be delegated a â€Å"star† if its development rate is sizeable and had a noteworthy portion of the item class. In the event that the development rate in the item classification falls generously and there is extraordinary rivalry from contending brands, the item likely will fall in the â€Å"cash cow† classification. Assuming, notwithstanding, the item isn’t bolstered with a successful advertising program, it could turn into a â€Å"dog.† 4.Select one quality, one shortcoming, one chance, and one danger from the SWOT examination for Ben and Jerry’s appeared in Figure 2-7. Recommend an activity that a promoting supervisor there may take to address each factor. Answer: ~Strength: Recognized for its social strategic, and activities. This can be utilized to fortify their â€Å"green† base purchasers by continually refreshing the â€Å"naturalness† of their frozen yogurt as indicated by current food patterns. ~Weakness: B&J’s social duty activities could lessen center. By concentrating on the item, and continually advancing flavors, increasingly planned clients (from varying backgrounds) could be picked up. ~Opportunity: Increasing U.S. interest for 100-calorie curiosities, for example, cones and bars. They could investigate growing new items in the low-calorie, low-fat, low-carb, low-sugar range of solidified sweets. ~Threat: Competes with General Mills and Nestle brands. Ben and Jerry’s can investigate which items and flavors are the most famous among the contending brands and utilize that as motivation for new flavors in their own line. 5.What is the primary aftereffect of every one of the three periods of the key showcasing process? (an) arranging, (b) execution, and (c) assessment. Answer: (a) Planning stage. Results are formal promoting plans that recognize explicit targets to be accomplished by a specific time and the particular activities to accomplish those goals. (b) Implementation stage. Results are formal estimations of the outcomes accomplished, which can be contrasted and the plans set up in the arranging stage to decide whether any deviations from plans happened. (c) Evaluation stage. Results are new activities accepted to misuse open doors where deviations from plans are better than anticipated or remedial activities where deviations from plans are more terrible than anticipated. 6.The objective setting step in the arranging period of the key promoting process sets measured destinations for use in the assessment stage. What does a chief do whenever estimated results neglect to meet targets? Surpass targets? Answer: In the event that the showcasing administrator finds an arranging hole, which is a contrast between the projection of the way to arrive at another objective and the projection of the way of the aftereffects of an arrangement as of now set up for the promoting system, the individual in question can take the accompanying activities: Bombed Objectives: Correct a negative deviation by making minor or significant changes to the current showcasing system of an item to all the more likely reflect future desires in the advertising condition. Surpassed Objectives: Exploit a positive deviation by fortifying key associations and take part in a market improvement, or item advancement, methodology to keep up or upgrade the firm’s position. 1.What is IBM’s â€Å"Smarter Planet† business procedure? How does this methodology identify with IBM’s crucial qualities? Answer: IBM’s â€Å"Smarter Planet† procedure depends on the company’s investigation that perceives changes in the business condition and means to make a worldwide endeavor utilizing availability. It incorporates the ability of phones, PCs, and other innovation. This identifies with IBM’s strategic qualities since they are an organization that searches out approaches to keep their buyers glad and are searching for additional approaches to improve by growing further developed advancements. 2.Conduct a SWOT investigation for IBM’s Smarter Planet activity. What are the significant patterns to consider for the following three to five years? Answer: ~Strengths: Well-known name, claims numerous new innovations and licenses, advertise part is all around characterized, excellent workers, fulfill customers’ needs and needs, and have an unmistakable, compact statement of purpose. ~Weaknesses: With a major name like IBM, change might be troublesome. A large number of the items offered are not adjustable. Absence of intercultural experience, thin scope of items offered, and most business items are outfitted towards enormous organizations. ~Opportunities: Offer new advancements and administrations locally and in creating nations. More astute Planet includes better approaches for intuition. ~Threats: potential protections dangers. Interest for Smarter Planet arrangements will rely upon enthusiasm for change as opposed to only response to issues. In the following three to five years we are probably going to see less exchange hindrances, the development of creating economies, and expanding access to the web. Development markets, for example, China, India, Brazil, and Africa will have the option to utilize IBM items. Clients will have a requirement for increasingly hand crafted mechanical arrangements and cross-innovation availability. Organizations will require examination and advancement, cloud and more astute figuring arrangements and innovation for the all around coordinated undertaking. 3.How can IBM impart its system to organizations, urban areas, and governments? How is Watson a piece of the correspondence technique? Answer: The current CEO of IBM, Sam Palmisano, conveyed a letter for their yearly report, named â€Å"Letter from the Chairman†. In this letter, he had an amazing explanation about the Smarter Planet. As per him, Smarter Planet â€Å"is not an allegory. It depicts the imbuement of insight into the manner in which the world really works, the way that nearly anything-any individual, any article, any procedure or any assistance, for any association, huge or little can now becomeâ digitally mindful, organized, and intelligent.† Palmisano likewise met with some Wall Street money related consultants and held six-hour data meetings with speculators to address inquiries concerning their business system. IBM additionally utilized print and TV advertisements to crusade in more detail what Palmisano’s message was. These promotions concentrated on the capacity to improve the world now, with the assistance from IBM. The IBM site additionally upheld the crusade with industry reports, video depictions of the more intelligent planet idea, and details about the enhancements at more brilliant planet customers. Watson, which is a man-made brainpower program, was likewise part of the correspondence technique. Watson was included on the game show Jeopardy!, and went up against two unique competitors, and won the multiple times. By having Watson on TV, where a great many individuals could see it, this was one all the more method to give a predictable and coordinated message. 4.What are the advantages of the Smarter Planet activity to (a) general public and (b) IBM? Answer: (an) IBM’s Smarter Planet system benefits society by giving answers for ground breaking associations that share a typical standpoint: they consider change to be a chance and they follow up on conceivable outcomes, not simply respond to issues. The retailers, who actualized shrewd frameworks to break down purchasing conduct, stock variety, and request had the option to cut flexibly chain costs by 30%, decrease stock levels by 25%, and increment deals by 10%. The Memphis Police Department diminished wrongdoing by 28% by utilizing IBM answers for break down its information. Banks are likewise utilizing shrewd frameworks to follow advances and oversee chance, expanding effectiveness and client support. The arrangements likewise help lessen costs, cut waste, improve effectiveness, and increment efficiency for organizations, businesses, and urban communities. (b) While there might be transient costs engaged with moving IBM from ware based organizations to adaptable organizations, IBM accepts that the change will give development to the organization and its representatives, accomplishment for its clients, and improved an incentive for its investors. 5.How ought to IBM measure the aftereffects of the Smarter Planet technique? Answer: Since presenting the Smarter Planet system, IBM has teamed up with in excess of 600 associations around the world. For each situation, there are various proportions of the consequences of â€Å"s

Rational Choice Theory

In game hypothesis, limited soundness is an idea dependent on the way that reasonability of people is restricted by the data they have, the psychological constraints of their brains, and the limited measure of time they need to decide. This stands out from the idea of soundness as improvement. Another approach to take a gander at limited discernment is that, since chiefs do not have the capacity and assets to show up at the ideal arrangement, they rather apply their reasonability simply subsequent to having enormously streamlined the decisions available.Thus the leader is a satisficer, one looking for a good arrangement instead of the ideal one. A few models of human conduct in the sociologies expect that people can be sensibly approximated or portrayed as â€Å"rational† elements (see for instance reasonable decision hypothesis). Numerous financial matters models accept that individuals are on normal judicious, and can in huge enough amounts be approximated to act as indicate d by their preferences.The idea of limited reasonability reconsiders this presumption to represent the way that totally balanced choices are regularly not doable by and by because of the limited computational assets accessible for making them. [edit] Models of limited reasonability The term is thought to have been instituted by Herbert Simon. In Models of Man, Simon calls attention to that a great many people are just incompletely reasonable, and are in truth enthusiastic/nonsensical in the rest of the piece of their actions.In another work, he states â€Å"boundedly sound operators experience restrains in defining and tackling complex issues and in handling (getting, putting away, recovering, transmitting) information† (Williamson, p. 553, refering to Simon). Simon depicts various measurements along which â€Å"classical† models of discernment can be made to some degree progressively sensible, while staying inside the vein of genuinely thorough formalization. These in clude: constraining what sorts of utility capacities there may be.recognizing the expenses of social affair and preparing data. the chance of having a â€Å"vector† or â€Å"multi-valued† utility capacity. Simon proposes that financial operators utilize the utilization of heuristics to settle on choices as opposed to a severe inflexible standard of improvement. They do this in light of the multifaceted nature of the circumstance, and their powerlessness to process and register the normal utility of each elective activity. Pondering expenses may be high and there are frequently other, simultaneous financial exercises additionally requiring decisions.Daniel Kahneman proposes limited levelheadedness as a model to defeat a portion of the impediments of the discerning specialist models in monetary writing. As chiefs need to settle on choices about how and when to choose, Ariel Rubinstein proposed to display limited reasonability by unequivocally determining dynamic methodol ogy. This puts the investigation of choice systems on the exploration plan. Gerd Gigerenzer contends that most choice scholars who have examined limited discernment have not so much followed Simon's thoughts regarding it.Rather, they have either thought about how individuals' choices may be made problematic by the constraints of human judiciousness, or have developed expand advancing models of how individuals may adapt to their powerlessness to enhance. Gigerenzer rather proposes to inspect straightforward options in contrast to a full reasonability investigation as a component for dynamic, and he and his associates have demonstrated that such basic heuristics regularly lead to preferable choices over the hypothetically ideal procedure.From a computational perspective, choice systems can be encoded in calculations and heuristics. Edward Tsang contends that the viable judiciousness of an operator is controlled by its computational insight. Everything else being equivalent, a speciali st that has better calculations and heuristics could make â€Å"more rational† (progressively ideal) choices than one that has more unfortunate heuristics and calculations.

Role Of Multiple Sclerosis Nurse Health And Social Care Essay

Inside this task the devotees will be secured, a portrayal of numerous induration alongside the varying analyzed sorts. The insights of various induration will be given, each piece great as who are most at danger. The numerous capacities the different induration nurture specializer gives including, back uping those newly analyzed to acknowledge they have various induration, overseeing side effects, guidance on way of life and working life, guidance and guidance. The attendant specializer ‘s work in ailment adjusting treatment will be examined, with treatment given to concordance with endorsed medications. Proof will be surrendered to back why the different induration nurture specializer is required and the significance of the capacity in footings of diagnosing, tests and intercession. The rule behind this picked subject is to put if the numerous induration nurture specializer improves consideration for patients with different induration ( Forbes et al 2006 ) . Other than does the different induration nurture specializer assistant in propelling congruity with medication and mediation programs ( Shaw and A ; McMillan 2008 ) . Various Sclerosis ( MS ) is a ceaseless status that influences the cardinal sensory system ( CNS ) . The medulla covering the nervousnesss of the CNS is harmed doing the tissues to be assaulted by the invulnerable framework, in conviction that a remote natural structure has attacked the nation included ( MS Society 2010 ) . The outcome of the mischief of the tissues is perceived through more slow responses from the signs of the encephalon to the natural structure, which can follow in employments with movement, address, exhaustion, vision, co-appointment to call yet a couple ( Burgess 2010 ) . There are three increasingly basic sorts of analyzed MS which are, Get worsing Remitting, Secondary Progressive and Primary Progressive. On first diagnosing of MS it might be difficult to lucubrate what kind of MS the individual is determined to have because of changing clasp in backslidings from individual to individual ( Ms Trust 2010 ) . Get worsing transmitting MS is progressively regular in footings of diagnosing with more than two tierces of those determined to have MS being arranged under this sort ( Leary et al 2005 ) . With get worsing dispatching MS a man may see backslidings in the piece of a couple for every twelvemonth. Full recuperation periods in the middle of surges might be perceptible, albeit single ‘s manifestations may weaken because of the disagreeableness of the losing the faith. Optional flawed is related with less continuous falling away from the faith however disablement with MS increments. Over portion of those determined to have losing the faith transmitting stomach muscle initio, will be determined to have optional blemished inside 10 mature ages of starting diagnosing ( Leary et al 2005 ) Essential blemished can be tragic with those analyzed, dissimilar to apostatizing dispatching and optional defective there is no remittal periods, around 10 for each centum of those determined to have this sort of MS experience side effects from the approaching ( MS Society 2010 ) In 2008 MS measurements indicated that more than 85,000 of the populace in the United Kingdom where determined to have MS, ( MS Trust 2008 ) . On the 10 April of this twelvemonth the MS trust ( 2010 ) republished figures demoing that figures have expanded to 100,000, around 20 % expansion inside 2 mature ages. Analysis age is regularly somewhere in the range of 20 and 40 and grown-up females are almost certain campaigners to be analyzed, there is no record for this, in any case the insights are more prominent in Scotland, this is supposed to be because of the earth however examination into this is continuous ( MS Trust 2008 ) . In 2005 a study was done by Forbes et Al ( 2006 ) . This study assessed the program of the medical caretaker specializer capacity, and planned to put if the MS specializer work improved consideration gave. The paper reasons that the specializer nurture continuation to mind was evidentiary. There was contention over improvements with employments with ailment, and the advancement in personal satisfaction with MS because of the specializer nurture. This may hold been valid in footings of employments with malady before 1993 when there was no accessible intercessions, indications may hold been made do with steroids ( Shaw and A ; McMillan 2008 ) . Despite the fact that Forbes et Al ( 2006 ) bolsters the capacity of the MS nurture specializer and the advantages to the individuals who have MS to hold an attendant who is committed in this field, Forbes et Al ( 2006 ) accepted that the Nurse specializer work in Ms may benefit to be more research based. This is couldn't help contradicting Embr ey and Lowndes ( 2007 ) who shows grounds of the numerous jobs the medical attendant specializer dramatizations, including the attendant drove facilities gave by the attendant specializers who help with side effect control gives data and backing to the individuals who are newly analyzed or get bringing down intercessions, for example, sickness adjusting treatment. Care requirements for MS understanding ‘s can be differential from patient to quiet, this depends non only to what extent diagnosing has been, yet how people manage the diagnosing. The people dread of the status and how their lives might be influenced expertly and by and by at various periods of there lives ( Malcomson et al 2008 ) . The medical attendant specializer can be a stay for these patients understanding single consideration requests, providing data on the best way to cover with condition of affairss that happen and providing different signifiers of data and bolster administrations if and when required ( Burgess 2010 ) . Over the mature ages mediation for MS has created leting people to pull off the status all the more effectively. The attendant specializer plays an enormous segment in reding, and back uping the individual ‘s single out picked mediation whenever required ( Burgess 2010 ) . For get worsing transmitting MS and the individuals who have had at least two invasions over the twelvemonth Disease Modifying Therapy ( DMT ) might be a pick of intercession ( Shaw and A ; McMillan 2008 ) . Anyway amicability with DMT can be an issue and the way the medical attendant specializer utilizes her insight and expertness may play a part in the patients go oning the arranged intercession program ( Shaw and A ; McMillan 2008 ) . A study by Shaw and A ; McMillan ( 2008 ) assessed congruity with MS endorsed prescriptions ; grounds indicated that 20 five for every centum ne'er followed the arranged government when on DMT intercession. This may hold been for arranged grounds including timing of infusion, symptoms or infusion strategies. The greatest ground might be that a fear that DMT accomplishes non work from approaching. The intercession takes clasp to work patients must be made mindful of the methods associated with DMT. This can be cut eating up for the Ms nurture specializer yet in their committed capacity medical attendant will to the full measure whether the single patient can comprehend that advantages out way the backslidings and the dynamic disablement that MS may hold ( Gutteridge 2006 ) .

The understanding of nigerian women of maternal mortality including beliefs, cultural practice, and understanding of health literature. The WritePass Journal

The comprehension of nigerian ladies of maternal mortality including convictions, social practice, and comprehension of wellbeing writing. Search Strategy The comprehension of nigerian ladies of maternal mortality including convictions, social practice, and comprehension of wellbeing writing. , p. 1). Insights Known of Maternal Mortality in Nigeria The Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) was accounted for to be 608 passings for every 100,000 live births in 2008 (Hogan, et al; 2010, pp. 1609-1623). In spite of this, it likewise clarified in the report that maternal passings have in reality decreased on a worldwide level by 35% from 1980 to 2010, which appears to delineate that maternal mortality is really declining. This doesn't seem, by all accounts, to be the situation for Nigerian ladies, notwithstanding, since the MMR in 1990 was 473 (Hogan, et al; 2010, pp. 1609-1623). In that capacity, the disposal of maternal mortality has been moderate (Hill et al; 2007, pp. 1311-1319). Many have scrutinized the precision of such figures, in any case, since it can't be said that all passings in Nigeria are really enrolled (Schuitemaker et al; 1997, p. 78). Accordingly, MMR does really remain underreported which impacts the precision of these discoveries. Information and Attitudes of Nigerian Women to Maternal Mortality Maternal mortality is characterized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as â€Å"the demise of a lady while pregnant or inside 42 days of end of pregnancy† (WHO, 2004, p. 1). It is clear that maternal mortality is one of the primary driver of death in creating nations which is particularly so in Nigeria where maternal mortality is pervasive among Nigerian ladies. Numerous difficulties according to this along these lines exist and it is subsequently accepted that more ought to be done so as to handle these issues and in this manner decrease or even dispense with maternal mortality (Elijah, 2012, p. 1). Brabin et al; (2001, p. 6045) contend that iron deficiency is one of the main sources of maternal mortality among Nigerian ladies which ought to in this manner be managed first. Interventionsâ Given that the MMR in Nigeria has expanded as opposed to diminished, it is clear that any intercessions that have been made all together tackle this issue have been fruitless. By the by, the decrease of maternal mortality was in reality included into the Millennium Developmentâ Goals (MDG 5) so that MMR can be diminished by 75% from 1990 to 2015 (United Nations General Assembly, 2000, p. 55). While there are an additional two years to go, it is impossible this figure will be accomplished. Research Question To build up what maternal mortality is; To decide if maternal mortality us broad; To consider the effect maternal mortality has on Nigerian ladies in contrast with those ladies from different wards; To think about the convictions and social acts of maternal mortality inside Nigeria; To decide the present perspectives towards maternal mortality inside Nigeria; To audit the means previously taken to handle maternal mortality; To build up whether the mediations used to lessen maternal mortality have demonstrated successful. Study Design Outline of the Study In attempted this investigation, it is imperative to initially survey the measurements that at present exist on maternal mortality on a worldwide level. This will assist one with deciding whether maternal mortality is a worldwide wonder or whether it is simply Nigerian ladies who seem, by all accounts, to be languishing. When this has been done, pertinent information will at that point be gathered from different States inside Nigeria giving an outline of the MMR inside Nigeria including an estimation of the dangers related with maternal passing. The strategies received for surveying maternal mortality will accordingly be inspected so as to outline the unwavering quality of these measurements. Essential information that has been gathered legitimately from ladies inside Nigeria will likewise be utilized so as to accomplish an outline concerning how powerful the wellbeing framework inside Nigeria is. This will be trailed by an audit of optional information so as to increase an understan ding into the present perspectives and assessments of maternal mortality among Nigerian ladies. Therefore, some portion of this examination will comprise of a review utilizing a huge populace test from a current plan. This will be founded on the latest factual information accessible including proficient documentation just as global norms. A review will be more appropriate for this examination than an imminent review since a planned review depends on â€Å"the assortment of data about patients during their procedure of care† (Optimal Blood Use Project, 2013, p. 1), while a review depends on an audit of the records of patients that have just been released. This sort of data will be much simpler to accomplish since it might comprise of information from PC databases. In utilizing this specific sort of information, in any case, it is significant that the quality is sufficient since this will in any case be adverse to the result of the examination. This is on the grounds that, a pre-test, post-structure is being utilized and if any of the data isn't satisfactory, the general outcomes will be weakened which will influence the entire of the investigation. Basically, on the grounds that the examination intends to give a more noteworthy comprehension of the maternal mortality in Nigerian ladies, it is significant that a matched information investigation can be directed. Thus, as put by Bonate (2000, p. 1); â€Å"paired information emerge when the equivalent trial unit, for example, an individual or lab creature is estimated on some factor on two unique events or simultaneously under various testing conditions.† This will permit an assurance to be made regarding whether there is a distinction from the principal testing to the second testing which is vital so as to choose whether the mediating measures planned for handling maternal mortality have been viable. It is significant that data is achieved from patient and open inclusion (PPI) as this will empower an increasingly exact examination to be directed. Moreover, PPI will likewise guarantee that relevant changes are made to the manners by which ladies in Nigeria are being dealt with and will permit such ladies to have an impact in the manners by which they are being thought about and treated. They will likewise have the option to â€Å"have a state in the manner administrations are arranged and run† and will accordingly â€Å"help achieve enhancements to the manner in which care is provided† (NHS, 2012, p. 1). This is significant given that patients inside Nigeria have not been accepting fitting consideration. PPI is along the se lines a huge component of any examination identifying with the wellbeing of people since it is crucial that particular measures are being executed which eventually serve the public’s intrigue (Burton and Ormrod, 2011, p. 43). Test Since it is difficult to concentrate each and every lady inside Nigeria who has an enthusiasm for maternal mortality, it is significant that lone a pool of members is chosen for this specific research. This is on the grounds that; while it is basic that the discoveries don't just comprise of those taking an interest in the examination, it is impracticable to contemplate a huge extent of the populace inside Nigeria. This examination will hence explore Nigerian ladies from four diverse Nigerian states utilizing the alleged ‘sisterhood method’. The sisterhood technique will be utilized in this task due to the issues that are related with the assortment of information from creating nations. This strategy comprises of posing a lady four basic inquiries about her sister/s and afterward choosing whether maternal mortality is far reaching. The Investigation of maternal mortality by the sisterhood technique is a backhanded methodology and â€Å"entails getting some information a bout ever-hitched sisters: what number of have passed on, and what number of have kicked the bucket while they were pregnant or during labor or a month and a half after the finish of the pregnancy† (World Bank, 2006, p. 225). This is an as often as possible utilized strategy in this sort of study and will assist with giving a reasonable review regarding whether maternal mortality is expanding or diminishing. It additionally permits a more noteworthy measure of information to be gathered from the individual addressed. Be that as it may, the drawback to this strategy is that there is a threat of numerous outcomes being delivered where two sisters are posed similar inquiries. Roughly 400 ladies should be concentrated between the ages of 16 and 45 with the goal that a precise estimation of maternal mortality can be assembled. In choosing whether this is an adequate measure of individuals be that as it may, a force and test size estimation should be made so as to guarantee that there is an adequately huge measure of information subjects to set out upon the examination being referred to. Subsequently, it should be viewed as whether â€Å"there is the chance of destructive impacts from taking an interest in the study† (Taylor and Kermode, 2006, p. 207). ‘Power’ along these lines identifies with the probability that the examination will accomplish the ideal result, while ‘sample size’ identifies with the quantity of individuals expected to accomplish this outcome. The information gathered must be of the â€Å"same size of measurement† and the example size must not be extortionate since this would some way or another brin g about pointless cost and would clearly sit around idly. Since the information is of a similar size of estimation and the example size has all the earmarks of being material for this task, it is apparent that the sisterhood strategy is suitable. This is a modest and helpful method of get-together data from creating nations and is a valuable method of achieving applicable data. Henceforth, the investigations will be embraced various years resulting to maternal mortality overviews being done which will permit more prominent precision to be given. This technique likewise empowers little example sizes to be utilized and is generally viable with regards to examining from huge families were the respondents are probably going to have various kin. The processi

The Benefits of the Universitys Agricultural Patents Article

The Benefits of the Universitys Agricultural Patents - Article Example The cell line guards stops the development of mycotoxins. Inside the worldwide nourishment condition, Mycotoxin-tainted agrarian items accelerate financial misfortunes (DAR, 2006). College of Illinois (2013) offers Agriculture-based courses for ranch lovers and business people. With the ARS and-University of Illinois patent association, the result is the improvement of our nation’s agribusiness item yields. The organization guarantees there is richly protected top quality nourishment on the American people’s tables. The administration helps its residents, networks, and elements create financial increases from agribusiness exchanges. The administration logically leads research to take care of the nation’s farming issues. Unraveling incorporates shielding the horticultural items from recognized vermin (DAR, 2006). The reason for the patent is to improve the nations’ horticultural nourishment item scene. The improvement incorporates lessening the monetary misfortune from contaminated agrarian nourishment items. The exploration discovers approaches to diminish or kill the destructive impacts a specific aflatoxin strain. Aflatoxin lessens the farming nourishment products’ quality (DAR, 2006). Further, the ARS accomplices with University of Illinois to make antibody poison safeguards. Certain organisms produce mycotoxins. The mycotoxins crop up and create on certain plant types. The plant types incorporate grain, corn, wheat. Aflatoxin is one kind of mycotoxin, a poison (having sick impacts) substance (DAR, 2006). The patent has numerous future applications. The patent will guarantee an expansion in ranch plant yields. With the counter-agent poison patent, the University of Illinois and the United States Governments Agricultural Research Service builds the gracefully of plant nourishment. With more nourishment, the U.S. Governments hunger insights is decreased. More nourishment gracefully adds to the decrease of homestead nourishment prices.â

Its 2014!

It’s 2014! We begin with certain trivialities. *Resolution: A firm decision to do or not to do something; *New Year’s Resolution: On Jan 1, it means: Ill go the gym starting tomorrow!! And from this week on, Ill gym 3 times a week. Ill be strong, fit, the works. On Jan 2, it means: ahhhhhh, that was today? Well, still gotta enjoy the year. Its only just begun; cant be stressing about working out. Ill start tomorrow. On Jan 7, it means: Well, the week is up. Ill definitely start tomorrow. On Jan 31, it means: Meh, was a busy month; definitely first week of February. On Feb 20, it means: How did I gain 90 pounds? Aaargh! Gotta start soon. On April 19, it means:   Well I cant fit through my door but thats fine, cuz I promised to work out this year, and that I will. Soon! On August 23, it means: Umyeah, year is almost over. Might as well start in 2015. On November 29, it means: Yeah. IIm not gonna work out. On December 30: aaaaaaaaaargh! On December 31: BEEP! Nada. BEEP! nothing BEEP! Nope. Well, lets hand it over to the museum. Wait, wait, AAAARGH!!!!   IT HAS ITS OWN GRAVITATIONAL PULL!!!! HELP, IM BEING SUCKED IN! AAAAARGH!!!!   BLACKHOLE!!!! And that folks, is what will happen if you break your resolution this year. It’s 2014! 2013 was the year of Wrecking Ball, What Does the Fox Say, the premiere of the Class of 2017, the finale of the class of 2013, the government shutdown, and a host of millions of occurrences, good, bad, unremarkable, all contained within this large timeline that appears to have whizzed by. 2013 is also alliterative, composite, mathematically deficient and bygone, physics experiments on relativity notwithstanding. For the even slightly sentimental, there might be this feeling that 2014 should open up with some sort of bangâ€"performers at Times Square, raining confetti and showers of fireworks come to mind. I wasn’t quite sure how to start up the New Year. Should I eat till I was blue in the face, run naked through a neighborhood, cuddle a kitten? These lame and not at all self-conscious ideas fell apart at the feet of the simplest solution: write. Writing is fun. That’s why I do it so much. Believe it or not, there was a time 2013 was still fresh as that p-set so new you haven’t even thought about it long enough to think about procrastinating about it. And I remember less than three hours into the year, I waxed philosophical in a fairly lengthy essay, pondering if the segue into a new year bore any true meaning or was just a new page on a wall calendar. This year, I’m going into it writing a short, dark, fictional story about new beginnings, which I can send to you via e-mail upon request: [emailprotected] Regardless of sentiments, there’s a whole lot to look forward to this year, and a small chance for reflection. This, of course, gives rise to those well-loved and oft-broken resolutions. My resolutions this year are to: *Write more stories *Explore more of Boston with my roommate *Know the people in my dorm better *Start p-sets earlier *Make new friends in MIT *Eat better *Stay organized *Hang out with certain people more often *Hit the gym three times a week, starting Monday. Cant believe I typed that last one with a straight face :/ What are your resolutions this year? Any particularly outlandish ones?

Information systems strategy - Free Essay Example

PART 1: INTRODUCTION 1.1 Purpose of report: This report has been requested by Mr Frank Hedge, the CEO of Myer Department Stores- Australia. The reports purpose is to investigate and analyse the strategic role of information technology (IT) to Myers business, including an IT infrastructure audit. Cloud computing is evaluated, and recommendations made for its partial adoption. 1.2 Limitations: This report is limited by the lack of IT infrastructure details provided by Myer. Assumptions were made when required, to enable completion of the report. 1.3 Scope of the report: This report focuses on Myer and the potential use of cloud computing within its IT infrastructure. Divided into four main sections, the report covers Myer; IT infrastructure challenges; cloud computing costs/ benefits and recommendations for cloud computing adoption. It has been compiled from research literature and phone/email interviews with two Myer store managers. 1.4) Myer and its industry Homepage URL; https://www.myer.com.au/ Myer is Australias largest department store group with 65 stores and approximately 14,000 employees. It is present in 25 of Australias top 30 retail centres and attracted 185 million customers in 2009 (Myer 2010). Myer generated net profits of $106.8 million for the first half of the 2011 financial year (AAP 2011). Myer operates across major segments of the Australian non-food retail industry as a department store chain. This industry consists of four segments; household goods, clothing soft goods, department stores and other (eg newspapers, books) (Myer 2010). Myer competes with other department stores, discount department stores, and single store operators as well as internet retailers and direct retailers. Within the department store segment, David Jones is Myers main competition though the former targets a slightly higher income group (Myer 2010). Competition exists with other retailers on price, store location, product range and customer service. Additionally, consum er demand hinges on factors such as disposable income which are sensitive to macroeconomic conditions eg interest rate rises (Myer 2010). The industry has struggled recently, due to weak consumer confidence and increased competition from cheaper overseas internet retailers (GST free and strong Australian Dollar) (Brooks 2010). 1.5) Myers products services: Myer offers approximately 600 000 product lines from 800 suppliers globally including categories such as; clothing; beauty and cosmetics; electrical and homewares (Myer 2010). Myer provides additional products and services such as; Myer One customer loyalty program, over 3 million members. Gift cards Myer corporate sales- eg corporate gifts, office fit outs, VIP nights Insurance (home, contents, travel, car) Bridal gift registry Myer Visa Card (Myer 2010). 1.6) Myers corporate mission corporate structure: ‘At Myer we strive to offer customers a wide and relevant choice of brands, rewards and ideas in a way that makes them feel both welcome and inspired, (Myer 2010, p.3). Myers corporate structure is shown in Figure 1.1. Head office operates under a hybrid of divisional (eg apparel, electrical division) and functional groups (Finance, marketing etc). A national retail store manager oversees regional store managers, who oversee individual store managers. Head office functional groups, directly manage their particular function (eg HR) in the individual stores (Myer 2010; S Johnson 2011, pers. comm., 20 April). (Adapted from: Myer 2010, pp. 25-7). 1.7) Myers major business processes: Laudon and Laudon (2010), note business processes are sets of activities to produce a product or service. Due to its variety of offer, Myer has many business processes such as; Sourcing product to offer in store. Automating administrative processes. Reducing stock theft. Creating visual merchandise displays. Analysing potential sites for new stores. Refurbishing existing stores. Making sales (Myer 2010). 1.8) Myers business strategy Myer has invested substantially in its business since 2006 ($500 million) realizing a world class supply chain, improved retail execution and focused customer service (competitive advantages) (Myer 2010). Myer aims for additional margin and sales growth using specific strategies of; Opening 15 new stores in next five years. Revitalizing instore environments for a better customer experience. Expanding the Myer One program. Implementing a new point of sale system (POS) improving productivity customer service. Implementing a CCTV system to reduce losses (Myer 2010). 1.9) Myers relationships with external entities: Myer has significant relationships with a variety of entities which include; Its 800 global suppliers (Myer 2010). Global sourcing offices in Hong Kong and Shanghai (Algar 2011). Partnership with Melbourne Institute of Technology for paid internship for students (RMIT 2011). Myers involved with philanthropic and community programs including children and womens charities and Melbourne Christmas Carols (Myer 2010). PART 2: IT INFRASTRUCTURE: ISSUES AND CHALLENGES(727 words) 2.1) Description of Myers IT infrastructure: Laudon and Laudon (2010 p. 191) describe IT infrastructure as, ‘the shared technology resources that provide the platform for the firms specific information system applications. It includes investment in hardware, software, and services†¦that are shared across the entire firm†¦. Myers IT infrastructure was analysed according to Laudon and Laudons (2010 p. 203) model which comprises of seven components. The required information was obtained from Myers Head Office IT department and interviews with two store managers (Appendix 1). A summary of each component is presented in Table 2.1. The IT infrastructure differs between head office and individual stores, due to centralization (Slotty 2009). TABLE 2.1 Summary of Myers IT infrastructure ecosystem. Component Head Office Individual Stores 1) Computer hardware platforms Client machines- eg desktops (mainly IBM types eg Lenovo), laptops smart phones used. Servers- IBM types eg x86. Mainframes- N/A Floor staff- terminals only. Managers- Desktops (eg Lenovo and some older HP), mobile phones (voice only).IBM server/s present. 2) Operating system platforms Clients- Microsoft Windows 7. Servers- Linux Clients- Mainly Windows 7. Servers- Linux 3) Enterprise software applications An Oracle portal is present (middleware) to bring together Myers newer systems. SAP HR is a legacy system via the portal. Staff have access only to relevant systems via the portal. 4) Networking/ Telecommunication Networking hardware by IBM working with Cisco. Telecommunicating services by Telstra (voice data). LANs WANs based on Linux. Wireless internet in head office. As per head office, though wireless internet not available. Intranets (within store and with head office) extranets with suppliers exist. 5) Consultants/ system integrators IBM supplies a range of IT services to Myer, eg networking, desktop, applications, help desk. IBM supplies a range of IT services to Myer, eg networking, desktop, applications, help desk. 6) Data management storage Myer uses a 3rd party data center for main storage. Myers data accessed via Oracles retail data warehouse software (RDW). Localized content saved to a local server. RDW software available to managers for limited functions eg comparison of sales. 7) Internet platforms Website uses Microsoft.NET software as well as Java. Not aware of hosting services or hardware used.Website most likely outsourced. Stores internet access- email (managers only). Only electrical division has world wide web access. (Adapted: Myer IT department; Interview with two Myer Store managers 2011). The key findings from the analysis of Myers IT infrastructure presented above, are as follows; Computer hardware platforms: Client machines (desktops) are not standardized across Myer. A small number of servers exist at multiple locations (65 stores) doing replicated tasks (localized data storage, networking etc). Operating system platforms: Client and server machine software is licensed per computer with Windows variability on client machines. Large information asymmetry exists between managers and sales staff due to their limited access to software (Laudon Laudon 2010). Enterprise software applications: While an intranet portal exists to link to Myers applications, only newer applications (eg Mymerch- merchandising, POS) are fully integrated. Many legacy systems remain isolated and not integrated. Networking/Telecommunications: Myer operates both analog (phone system) and digital (data) networks using two providers (Telstra and IBM). While Myer accesses the internet, it also operates private networks (intranet) in the form of LANs and WANs. Networking is not possible between individual stores. Consultants System Integrators: Integration and implementation of new IT infrastructure is outsourced to IBM, including training. Data management storage: While the majority of Myers data is stored with a third party vendor, localized data storage occurs at individual stores (65). Internet platforms: Physical infrastructure and maintenance of Myers website is outsourced to third parties. Information asymmetry exists, with very limited access to internet for individual stores. Myers network infrastructure is further illustrated in Figure 2.1, which outlines information flows. Note information does not flow between stores, only between stores and head office. (Adapted: Myer IT department; Interview with two Myer Store managers 2011). 2.2) The issues and challenges of managing Myers IT infrastructure: Myer faces several challenges and issues in managing its IT infrastructure. Laudon and Laudon (2010) identify challenges arising from platform and technology change, management and governance and investing in infrastructure prudently. These challenges are also influenced by the strategic role of IT to the business and the impact of the industry in which the organization operates. By revisiting section 1.8 it can be seen that IT plays an important strategic role in achieving Myers medium term goals of increased operating margins and sales growth by; Facilitating increased supplier and sales volumes from new store initiatives (eg hardware and software required). Optimizing productivity, cost savings and customer satisfaction via implementation of new applications (POS system and CCTV loss prevention system). Catering for an expanded Myer One loyalty program (increased data storage and analysis needs for targeted marketing) (Myer 2010). As a result of ITs important strategic role, the challenges of managing Myers IT infrastructure are intensified. This is best demonstrated by specific examples; The challenge of platform and infrastructure change: To best accommodate expected future growth, improved productivity, cost efficiencies and increased data needs, infrastructure components need to be easily scalable (Armbrust et al 2010). This will be particularly true with regards to Myers hardware software platforms, its enterprise software applications and its networking, internet and data storage platforms. Currently, significant pressures exist within Myers industry. Consumer spending is down and offshore internet retailers are offering cheaper prices due to the strong Australian dollar and absence of GST (Brooks 2010). This poses further challenges to Myer to adjust components of its IT infrastructure quickly to generate database driven marketing programs or improve its operating efficiencies (Myer 2010). If cloud computing platforms are considered as future components of Myers infrastructure, then appropriate use guidelines and practices will be needed. Service level agreements (SLAs) for example would commit cloud computing vendors to minimum levels of performance and reliability for Myers systems (Hinchcliffe 2009). The challenge of management and governance: The management and governance of Myers IT infrastructure is significant, considering its strategic role, further evidenced by the commitment of $500 million to its IT program since 2006 (Myer 2010). Aspects to be considered include the location of IT control (centralized or decentralized model), the allocation of IT costs to functional groups or stores, the strategies and policies for using IT and measuring effective return on IT investments (Laudon Laudon 2010). The challenge of investing in IT infrastructure prudently: Considering the significance of IT infrastructure for Myer as it seeks its business goals, this is a crucial challenge. Whether Myer should rent or buy its infrastructure components will be further investigated in section 4 of this report. (Laudon Laudon 2010) PART 3: CLOUD COMPUTING ITS BUSINESS BENEFITS COSTS(986 words) 3.1)An overview of Cloud Computing: Zhang et al. (2010) note cloud computing is not a new idea. While many definitions abound, from an organizations perspective, ‘Cloud computing is an architecture in which companies consume technology resources as an internet service rather than as an owned system (Brandel 2009, p. 1). Most people have already experienced cloud computing through the use of Hotmail, Gmail or Facebook (Wyld 2009). Recent improvements in internet bandwidth, virtualization of servers and storage, open source software, adoption of Web 2.0 standards, has pushed cloud computing strongly into the business sphere (Kennedy 2011). Mell and Grance (2011) claim that cloud computing consists of five crucial characteristics, three service models (software, platform and infrastructure as services) and four deployment models (private, community, public and hybrid clouds) which are outlined in Tables 3.1 and 3.2. Potentially cloud computing can deliver to a business most of its IT needs (from computing po wer to collaboration tools to software) as an on demand service, wherever and whenever required. As long as an internet connection exists, computing becomes location and device independent (Agger 2009). TABLE3.1 The crucial characteristics, and service models of cloud computing. Crucial Characteristics Description/ Outline On-demand self-service Consumer can provision their computing capabilities automatically without needing human interaction with a services provider. Broad network access Capabilities are accessed via network, through standard mechanisms, promoting use by mixed client platforms (eg mobiles, PDAs). Resource pooling Providers computing resources are pooled to serve multiple consumers using a multi-tenant model. Resources dynamically assigned/reassigned dependent on demand, include storage, processing, memory, bandwidth Rapid elasticity Capabilities can be rapidly elastically provisioned, to quickly scale out rapidly released to quickly scale in. Purchased as required. Measured Service Cloud system automatically control optimize resource use by using a metering capability relevant to the type of service. Resource usage can be monitored, controlled reported for the utilized service. Cloud Service Models Description/ Outline Software as a Service (SaaS) Offers renting application functionality from a service provider rather than buying, installing and managing software yourself. Examples include Salesforce.com and Gmail. Platform as a Service (PaaS) Provides a platform in the cloud, upon which applications can be developed executed. Eg Microsoft (Azure), Google AppEngine. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) Vendors offer computing power storage space on demand. Eg Rackspace Amazon EC2 (compute) S3 (storage). (Adapted from: Mell Grance 2011, pp. 2-3; Department of Finance Deregulation 2011, pp. 12-3) TABLE3.2 The deployment models of cloud computing. Deployment Models Description/ Outline Private (internal) cloud Cloud services are provided solely for an organization are managed by the organization or third party. These services may exist on/off site. Community cloud Cloud services are shared by several organizations support a specific community that has shared concerns. Services may be managed by the organizations or a third party and may exist off site eg government. Public cloud Cloud services are available to the public and owned by an organization selling cloud services eg Amazon.EC2. Hybrid cloud An integrated cloud services pact that includes a cloud model something else (another cloud model, back end systems, etc), eg data kept in private cloud database, used by program running in public cloud (Adapted from: Mell Grance 2011, pp. 2-3; Department of Finance Deregulation 2011, pp. 12-3) 3.2) Current trends in Cloud Computing: Present studies suggest, ‘†¦the number of organizations using cloud computing to rise to 43% within four years as they continue to cut their costs (Cross 2011 p. 1). In addition to greater cloud computing use in general, there are several trends within cloud computing concerning areas such as; User type deployment models- ONeill (2011), notes small to medium enterprises using cloud computing are typically accessing public clouds for cost savings compared with private clouds. Alternatively larger enterprises use private clouds (third party or onsite) for greater control. Governments (federal level) are trialing SaaS and Ouellette (2011) believes state and local governments will soon follow. Purposes for using cloud services- Its principal use remains as a testing/developing environment and/or as a platform for less critical services and applications (Knorr Gruman 2010). Synder (in The Australian 2010) believes moving core applications to the cloud is still to come. ITs changing role- Hakala (2009) believes the need for IT workers performing maintenance tasks will contract as cloud computing is embraced and employees can ‘self serve directly from the cloud. Innovation- Cloud computing will continue to be a conduit for business innovation due to its low costs and rapid scalability of IT resources (Kennedy 2011; Information Age 2011) Pricing- Cloud computing pricing (especially commodity) continues to become cheaper and simpler for users. Thibodeau (2009) suggests models utilizing a set number of hours for a range of cloud services. SLAs improved security- Improving cloud computing reliability via strong service level agreements (SLAs) continues (Hinchcliffe 2009). Colley (2011) Violino (2010) expect most businesses will demand independent certification of cloud providers reliability in next few years. Cloud providers are targeting improved security to allay user concerns. Working groups such as the Cloud Security Alliance are focusing on this issue (Thibodeau 2009). Violino (2010) noted a need for better access control and identity management within and across clouds. Improved performance and service- The performance of cloud services rises, as more managed service providers enter the market (Ouellette 2011) and performance monitoring standardises (Thibodeau 2009). Typically IT staff connect cloud services individually, though cloud aggregators and integrators are emerging to smooth this barrier (Knorr Gruman 2010). 3.3) The business benefits of Cloud Computing: Cloud computing offers many benefits to business. Leighton (2009 p. 5) asserts, cloud computing will ‘transform the way IT is consumed and managed, promising improved cost efficiencies, accelerated innovation, faster time-to-market, and the ability to scale applications on demand. Sagari (c. 2010) notes the level of benefits cloud computing brings to an organization will vary dependant on the types of services utilized, the business processes evident and the degree of integration achieved. Major business benefits can include; Reduced costs (set up ongoing) * Increased flexibility response times Scalability increased efficiencies * Increased business focus. Increased innovation * Improved mobility Armbrust et al (2010) maintains, one of the most impressive benefits of cloud computing is scalability (elasticity of resources). The business pays for its hardware needs (servers, storage) on demand with the cloud providing great elasticity. Business needs can be scaled up or down as required, saving time, money and improving revenue in peak periods (Zhang et al. 2006; Waxer n.d.). Additional business benefits offered by cloud computing include; Smoothed cash flow * Increased strategic role for IT Reduced business risk * Improved sustainability. Greater computation power * Improved business continuity These benefits are further expanded in Appendix 2 with business examples and their references. 3.4) Cloud computing solutions for Myer: Section 4 details specific cloud computing recommendations to be adopted by Myer. In contrast, Table 3.3, outlines cloud computing solutions best suited to Myer for the aspect identified in column one. The reasons for these choices are as follows; Servers for serving applications- Amazon EC2 has been the market leader in this area and for good reason (Huang 2010). It exceeds Microsoft Azures new offering and it has a superior range of operating systems to use (eg Linux, Myer using), compared with Googles App Engine (Amazon 2011). Servers for storage- Amazon S3 was preferred over Microsoft Azure and Nirvanix for the reasons noted in Table 3.3 eg a price leader, very easy to use and highly reliable, SLA exceeding 99.99% (Huang 2010). Client productivity software- Microsofts new Office 365 retains the known office layout of which Myer staff are familiar. Additionally it incorporates email, calendar collaboration tools. Superior in features to Google Docs or Zoho (McAllister 2010). Private cloud- If recommended to Myer, Amazons virtual private cloud is a good solution. It integrates easily with a firms existing IT infrastructure, including firewalls and security systems (Amazon 2011). Applications- As an application development platform, Force.com has been suggested for its long history of business application development. Furthermore, to use this environment, subscription to Salesforce.com CRM applications are required, which may be beneficial to Myer (Force.com c.2011). TABLE 3.3Most suitable cloud computing solutions for Myer. Aspect Model Vendor Reasons Selected Servers-serving/ processing IaaS Amazon: EC2 Reputation, elastic, flexible- supports many uses and languages, ease of use, payment flexibility- on demand basis $/hr. secure. SLA- 99.95%, Storage IaaS Amazon: S3 Very easy to use, price leader (eg $0.15/GB/mth) and highly reliable SLA exceeds 99.99%. Client productivity soft SaaS Microsoft: Office 365 Familiar Microsoft Office platform via the cloud, email also other tools. Eg $6/user/mth, SLA 99.9% Private Cloud Multi Amazon Amazons virtual private cloud- integrates easily, firms security systems wrap around it. Applications Multi Salesforce / Force.com Salesforces-CRM application- sales service cloud, Force.com for application development platform. (Adapted from: Amazon 2011;Force.com c. 2011; Microsoft 2011) 3.5) Costs of cloud computing to Myer: Typically the IT industry uses ‘Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) to determine the total cost of a technology implementation (Laudon Laudon 2010). Table 3.4 provides an estimate of the costs to Myer in implementing the cloud computing solutions listed in Table 3.3. As can be seen, support, maintenance, space and energy costs pass to the cloud provider and hardware and software acquisition costs are essentially avoided. Some training costs of the IT staff involved in implementing and/or the staff using the cloud services would be incurred (Aggarwal McCabe 2009). A small amount of ongoing support to Office 365 users may also be required. Integration issues and costs are not expected, as the servers and software to be sourced via the cloud will not be critical systems. Additional infrastructure costs (eg bandwidth) resulting from cloud computings greater internet reliance, may occur. Downtime estimates from providers SLAs are less than typical IT departments of large compani es ie 44hrs/yr (Mann 2010). Moving data into and out of Amazon S3 storage, will incur costs (Amazon 2011). Finally, Aggarwal and McCabe (2009), reported TCO savings of some 50% over four years, for medium sized businesses implementing CRM software from the cloud, compared with on-premise deployment. TABLE 3.4 Total cost of ownership (TCO) for Myers cloud computing solutions. Infrastructure Component 1) Servers Processing (Amazon EC2) 2) Servers storage (Amazon S3) 3) Client soft. (eg Microsoft Office 365) 4) Applications Development (Force.com) Hardware acquisition Nil cost Nil cost Use existing Use existing Software acquisition Db small cost Nil cost Eg $6/user/mth Nil cost Installation Minimal cost Data in $0.1/GB Data out varies Need web browser Need web browser Training Minimal to IT Minimal to IT staff. Minimal to IT staff. Self taught to IT (2 -3 hours) Support By provider By provider Minimal By provider Maintenance By provider By provider By provider By provider Infrastructure Internet cost Internet cost Internet cost Internet cost Downtime 4.5hrs/yr. 52mins/yr. 8.75hrs/yr. 8.75hrs/yr. Space energy By provider By provider By provider By provider Cost to use service ~ $0.50/hr using Linux OS ~ $0.15/GB/mth Eg $6/user/mth $15 to $75/user /mth (Adapted from: Laudon Laudon 2010, p. 224; Amazon 2011; Microsoft 2011; Force.com c.2011 ) PART 4: RECOMMENDATION OF CLOUD COMPUTING ADOPTION/ ADAPTION(785 words) 4.1) Competitive forces model for IT infrastructure Investment: Specific recommendations for the adoption of a cloud computing strategy by Myer will soon be made. These recommendations will be based on the preceding analysis and also take into account the ‘competitive forces model for IT infrastructure as described in Laudon and Laudon (2010 pp. 222-3). Table 4.1 summarises the main points of this model as it relates to Myer. TABLE 4.1: Competitive forces model for IT infrastructure investment of Myer Model components Outcome 1) Market demand for Myers services (eg customer, supplier enterprise): Myers point of sale (POS) system supply chain improvements are based on extensive research of their services. These systems improved efficiency speed, and are satisfying customers, suppliers staff (Tindal 2010) Information asymmetry especially with sales staff is affecting performance. Current IT investment (CII) is meeting this aspect. 2) Myers business strategy: Myers five year goals are to increase operating margins sales growth. Major initiatives which are being implemented (section 1.8), are delivering many of these aims. Cloud computing capabilities could provide further cost savings. CII is mostly meeting this aspect. 3) Myers IT strategy, infrastructure and cost: As noted in section 2.2, the IT strategy is closely aligned with Myers goals and helping to drive growth and improved margins. Further centralization of IT (cloud computing) would reduce costs (Table 3.4 for TCO). CII is mostly meeting this aspect, cut costs further. 4) Information technology assessment: $500 million of IT investment over the last 5 years has Myer well situated in terms of technology uptake. It was previously lagging. Adoption of some cloud computing aspects at this date (maturing market) is positive (Gartner 2010). CII is mostly meeting this aspect, trial cloud service 5) Competitor firms IT services: David Jones is using IT by growing its etail business, maximising its store credit card system (David Jones 2010). Myers IT investments bring competitive advantage to its supply chain superior customer service compared with other department stores (Myer 2010). Internet is bringing challenges to Myer. CII is mostly meeting this aspect, cut costs further 6) Competitor firms IT infrastructure investments: Benchmarking Myers IT infrastructure spending against competitors was not attainable. Its expected Myer is at the forefront of IT investment in their field. CII is meeting this aspect. (Adapted from: Laudon Laudon 2010, pp. 222-3) The competitive forces model above, can help determine if Myers spending on IT infrastructure is adequate to sustain, grow and compete in their field (Laudon Laudon 2010). From this review, it appears Myers current level of IT investment is sufficient to attain their stated goals of improved sales growth and increased operating margins (ie decreased costs). The following points though, should be noted; Information asymmetry is affecting the performance of sales staff. Cloud computing initiatives and further centralization of IT could reduce costs. Cloud computing is maturing, providing a good time to trial services (Gartner 2010). Internet retailers (especially overseas) are challenging Myer, cost cutting is required. 4.2) Recommendations: Based on the results of the competitive forces model above, and sections 1 to 3 of this report, the following recommendations concerning cloud computing adoption by Myer, will now be made; The servers at the 65 stores to be replaced by Amazon EC2 and S3 cloud computing services. The client machines (eg desktops) throughout Myer to migrate to Microsoft Office 365 (SaaS) Head office sales/marketing staff to trial Salesforce.com CRM software (SaaS). Force.com to be utilized as a development and testing platform for non-critical applications. Investigate the use of a private cloud by Myer in the future (next 3 years). As discussed in section 4.1, Myers current level of IT investment is not inhibiting business growth. Rather, the cloud computing recommendations made, offer possibilities for increased productivity and cost reductions. They also provide opportunities to trial and test cloud solutions with non-critical systems and data, which should ease concerns over provider reliability or data security (Strickland 2008). Amazons S3 data storage for example is backed up at several diverse locations in the event of failure (Amazon 2011). Training of IT staff or other staff will be minimal as outlined in section 3.5. There should be no major issues or concerns regarding the successful implementation of these recommendations. Leighton (2009) noted, cloud computing can bring cost efficiencies, faster innovation, as well as ability to scale. These are all attributes Myer desires. The reasons for each of these recommendations will now be explained. Recommendation 1: Replacing the servers at the individual stores with cloud solutions will decrease operating costs (section 3.5). Servers currently performing networking and non-critical application serving can be replaced by Amazons EC2. Servers used for localized data storage at individual stores (excludes data in the data center) can be replaced by Amazons S3 service. This will help solve scalability issues, mentioned in Section 2.2. This recommendation further centralizes the role of IT at Myer as the maintenance of the servers at 65 stores will pass to Amazon. In large organizations such as Myer, a centralized role is advantageous due to cost efficiencies and increased production (Slotty 2009). Recommendation 2: Replacing Microsoft productivity software (eg office, outlook) on desktops/laptops with a cloud version (Office 365) will further drive cost efficiencies (section 3.5). Continuing to use a Microsoft product is comfortable for staff, and they can test ‘software as a service. Providing sales staff with access to some of these communication and collaboration tools will reduce information asymmetry and improve performance (Laudon Laudon 2010). Ideally, desktop hardware and operating systems (eg Windows 7) would also be standardized across Myer to improve efficiencies (Slotty 2009). Recommendations 3 4: Recommendations 3 4 achieve two goals. Firstly head office sales/marketing staff can trial the leading CRM cloud software for minimal cost (Salesforce.com 2011). They may find some functions useful to their work and/or generate new ideas for Myer applications. Secondly, IT can use the sister site, Force.com as a development and testing platform for non-critical applications. This provides the benefits of flexibility, rapid scalability for testing and allows greater innovation to occur as trialing new products becomes inexpensive and easy to provision (Knorr Gruman 2010). Recommendation 5: Myer should investigate the future use of a private cloud to further streamline operating efficiencies and drive innovation. This cloud could be outsourced to a third party or built in house and managed by a cloud provider eg Amazon virtual private cloud. Its envisaged this cloud would host all data and core enterprise systems. While potentially several years away, as data security and reliability of cloud services continues to improve, this is a stronger possibility (Hinchcliffe 2009). Finally, its advised that Myer also moves fully to an internet based architecture for its networks (eg LAN WAN). Its analog phone system could be moved to the internet via VOIP technology, further reducing costs (Laudon Laudon 2010). These measures would help to open up lines of communication between stores, which are currently missing. PART 5: CONCLUSIONS This report has investigated the strategic role of Information technology (IT) to Myers business and particularly the position cloud computing can take in its future. After extensive consultation with Myer and relevant literature several points were noted. Myer is operating within a challenging retail environment with increased competition from overseas internet retailers. IT infrastructure investment and systems of Myer are generally sufficient for their stated goals of continued sales growth and improved operating margins. Information asymmetry between staff members exists, as does restrictions to internet access. A detailed cloud computing analysis produced several recommendations for the partial adoption of cloud services. Migration of non-critical data and replicated systems at individual stores to a cloud environment, would provide Myer with further cost efficiencies, increased innovation and the ability to scale infrastructure quickly. Minimal disruption to Myer and it s staff would result from the cost effective implementation process. Finally, improving internet access and reducing information asymmetry amongst staff will deliver improved performance and continued sales growth for Myer.