Psychological Adjustments for Hirschsprung’s Disease

Hirschsprung Disease Occurring once in approximately 5000 live births, Hirschsprung disease is a congenital abnormality characterized by the absence of autonomic parasympathetic ganglion cells in the colon preventing peristalsis and resulting in intestinal obstruction and abdominal distension. Also known as congenital aganglionic megacolon, this medical malady is an unfortunate anomaly of a very vulnerable population – infants and children. Hirschsprung disease can occur in otherwise healthy babies, but is commonly diagnosed in combination with Down’s syndrome and congenital heart defects. Functional outcomes, thanks to contemporary medical advances, are generally successful. As medical professionals, nurses play a significant role in helping patients achieve therapeutic goals. Therapeutic goals also include a level of psychological wellness in living with persistent bowel dysfunction after Hirschsprung surgery but few, if any, studies have addressed this likelihood. Focusing on the results after definitive surgical repair of Hirschsprung disease, the journal article, â€Å"An example of psychological adjustment in chronic illness: Hirschsprung’s disease† by Athanasakos, Starling, Ross, Nunn, and Cass, identifies outcomes in terms of psychiatric health. The primary aim of this study was to report overall outcomes after Hirschsprung surgery and to address the impact of the disease on the optimism for a normal life. Fecal soiling was identified as the most common problem for

Exemplary Leadership Free Essays

string(116) " him for the completion of many of my assignments, as he must approve many of my tasks before it is executed fully\." Abstract In order to be a successful leader, one must have specific virtues to qualify them as effective. This analysis examines how a leader utilizes organizational power, the magnitude to which the leader is constrained by contingency factors, how the leader deals with ethical issues, and the leader’s decision-making style and influence tactics in addition to other characteristics. The leader detailed in this analysis is proven to be effective based on certain qualities and the methods he employ to successfully reach the organization’s goal, and motivate the employees to efficiently meet their subdivision and complete organizational goals. We will write a custom essay sample on Exemplary Leadership or any similar topic only for you Order Now Upon completion of this analysis, it is recommended that a study is done to assess if factors such as age, sex, heritage, etc. contribute to the type of leader one becomes. Introduction Leaders are an essential part of every organization. The quality of leaders determines the success of the organization. There are exemplary leaders, and there are leaders that can learn a thing or two. What is a leader? Colquitt, Lepine, and Wesson (2011) define leadership as the use of power and influence to direct the activities of followers toward goal achievement (p. 451). This analysis will chronicle an exemplary leader that many other leaders can learn from. The analysis will assess the leaders use of sources of organizational power, how the leader is constrained by contingency factors, how the leader makes decisions, his influence tactics, and how ethical issues are dealt with. Context My boss at the job that I currently hold is a prototypical leader and the example chosen for this analysis. While studying Management at Howard University, one subject that was constantly visited is what makes a proficient leader. I always wondered where all of my bosses learned their horrible leadership skills from until I crossed paths with my present boss. His kindheartedness, importable nature, and accommodating temperament raises the bar for leaders everywhere. The way he interacts with his staff makes them happy to work dexterously to meet organizations goals above what is expected. These are the behaviors that Colquitt et al states an effective leader achieves. Discussion and Analysis The Use of Organizational Power Power is the aptitude to guide the performance of other individuals and limit unwanted influence in return (Colquitt et al. , 2011). The authors stated that even if one posses the power to influence, it does not guarantee they can effectively influence. Power is made up of five facets – legitimate, reward, coercive, expert, and referent. My supervisor has the power to request that I perform tasks within the scope of his authority – legitimate, the power to extend specific resources I need and rewards I want – reward, the power to control consequences for adverse behaviors – coercive, the expertise that I depend on to get my job done and to grow within the organization – expert, and finally he is an individual that I’d like to be associated with in the organization – referent. He has all five facets of power as described by Colquitt et al. My supervisor exercises his rights to power in order to help the organization reach its overall goals and not to be seen as a coercive leader. He exercises legitimate power for reasonable requests such as asking me to come in earlier than my scheduled time to attend an important meeting that could only be scheduled at that time. Notice that he makes reasonable requests, meaning that he gives the option to decline if I cannot make reasonable accommodations. He exercises reward power by periodically making mention of how he intends to go about upcoming performance appraisals. This is actually a strategic method as he utilizes his reward power to remind me of what he can do, which in turn heightens the effectiveness of legitimate power as I am more prone to be submissive to his requests in order to receive greater rewards. My supervisor has been in the marketing field – the basis of our department – for over fifteen years, which makes him somewhat of an expert, giving him expert power. My supervisor is not a fan of coercive power, as he does not feel the need to intimidate because he effectively gets his employees to do what they need to do. He encourages his employees to obtain the results he desires. Overall, my supervisor has a great deal of power. He strategically applies his powers in order to achieve what is most important – the organizational goal. As mentioned earlier, he uses his reward and legitimate power concurrently, which is beneficial for him and his staff. His expert power has strength in that I try to use it to my advantage to acquire new talents to help me grow in this organization and any future organizations. He is well respected because of his choice to not use coercive power. Contingency Factors There are four contingencies of power, which Colquitt et al tells us are substitutability, centrality, discretion, and visibility. My supervisor is insignificantly constrained by substitutability, which is the extent to which people have alternatives in accessing resources. My organization strongly attempts to adhere to budgets previously set for the year. o stick to budgets and discretion is the degree to which managers have the right to make decisions on their own (p. 455). Centrality represents how important a person’s job is and how many people depend on that person to complete their task, and visibility is how aware people are of a leader’s powers and position. . He does not have sole control of rewards and resources. A s a non-profit, my organization relies heavily on budgets and each higher manager must adhere to their budgets that must be agreed upon by the chief financial officer and president. So even with his reward power, there are limitations. His centrality contingency is not a restraint. He has a very important role in the organization as we rely on him significantly to bring money into the organization. I personally depend on him for the completion of many of my assignments, as he must approve many of my tasks before it is executed fully. You read "Exemplary Leadership" in category "Papers" The discretion contingency may serve as a restraint for my supervisor; while he is Vice President of Marketing, the CFO or president must approve many of his big decisions. They can then revise or rebut his decision if they feel it is necessary. The visibility contingency is not necessarily a constraint or helper to my boss. The resources he can provide are not necessarily organizational record but his title makes it known that he is above most employees and under just the CFO and president; this makes it so he still has relatively high influence. Influence Tactics Colquitt et al (2011) defines influence as the use of an actual behavior that causes behavioral or attitudinal changes in others (p. 56) or as Ceasar and Grant (2004) define as Influence tactics are specific types of proactive behavior used to exercise influence. The influence tactics that my boss uses are exchange, consultation, collaboration, and ingratiation. One of my supervisor’s favorite influence tactics is the exchange tactic, which is when an individual extends a reward or resource to the target with the intent for them to perform a request (p). This tactic is most common when my supervisor has projects with outsourced associates. If we are compensating someone for their expertise and we need them to start working prior to receiving payment, he will construct and send an email stating â€Å"your payment is on its way, in the meantime please†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Usually, when I am asked to complete an assignment, I am also asked how we should implement it and at that point he approves or change it somewhat. This is the consultation tactic, which is when the target – me – is allowed to participate in deciding how to carry out or implement a request (p. 457). He uses the collaboration tactic, which involves making the request easier to complete. He generally provides me with the necessary resources I need to complete the task as well making it simpler so that it is done efficiently and effectively on the first try. Ingratiation is his favorite tactic to use. Ingratiation is the use of favors, compliments, or friendly behavior to make the target feel better about the influencer (p. 457). He never fails to tell me how awesome I am, or on occasions he would tell me that he does not need to review my work because he trusts me, or explain that he gave me a task because he knew I was smart enough to handle it. Influence tactics are the medium through which managers convert power into behaviors; when managers need others to perform tasks or participate in activities, influence tactics serve as a means of facilitating individual cooperation (Ceasar Grant, 2004). The tactics that he uses are effective and he uses them appropriately as well. He also uses personal appeals because in his line of work, he deals with a lot of outside clients. It is beneficial for him to build relationships with people in other industries so that they are readily available to help us when we need them. All in all, the tactics my boss uses results in internalization, which involves getting the target to agree with and become committed to a request (p. 459). Ethical Issues My boss works extremely well under intense conditions and with conflicts. Just recently, we joined with a major corporation for a campaign and sought help from a board certified doctor so that the information we offered would be further validated. Prior to execution of the assignment by the doctor, he let us know that he was not satisfied with the pay and proceeded to tell the major corporation false accounts of what we told him were part of the agreement. My boss could have outright denied his claims in the same rude manner that the doctor was exemplifying. Instead, he apologized to the doctor for the misunderstanding and attributed his false account to miscommunication. He then asked the doctor what his normal fee was for the task he performed, and he accommodated him accordingly. He then concluded he would never use the doctor again. In this example of an ethical issue, the fault is not of my organization or my boss but that of the doctor. However, my boss handled the situation in an ethical manner when he could have very well become as unethical as the doctor. I personally respected him for his handling of the situation, as I know my initial instinct would have been to react a lot differently. Decision-Making Styles Colquitt et al talks about four decision-making styles: delegative, facilitative, consultative, and autocratic. With delegative style, a leader gives an individual employee or a group of employees the responsibility for making the decision within some set of specified boundary conditions and with facilitative style, the leader presents the problem to a group of employees and seeks consensus on a solution, making sure his or her own opinion receives no more weight than others (p. 488). With a consultative style, the leader present the problem to an individual employees or a group, asking for their opinions and suggestions before making a decision him- or her- self and with autocratic style, the leader makes the decision alone (p. 57). My boss uses three of the four decision-making styles as he sees appropriate. For example, he would use the delegative style in a situation where he gives the staff a project. He will provide the specified conditions and then allow us to determine the way we carry out the assignment. He would use the consultative style in a situation where he may want different vi ewpoints about a decision he has to make to see if he explored all relevant avenues before ultimately making the decision based on his own views. He uses the autocratic style when the decision does not directly affect the team and he needs no further input. Transformational Vs. Transactional Leadership According to Colquitt et al (2011), transformational leadership involves inspiring followers to commit to a shared vision that provides meaning to their work while also serving as a role model who helps followers develop their own potential and view problems from new perspectives (p. 496). Transactional leadership occurs when the leader rewards or disciplines the follower depending on the adequacy of the follower’s performance (p. 98). Grant (2012) defines transformational leadership as a central purpose to articulate a vision that focuses employees’ attention on their contributions to others. He states that this form of leadership motivate employees to perform more effectively. My boss is a transformational leader. Not only is he great at inspiring his staff to commit to a shared vision, he makes sure that their w ork is worth their while. He continually asks if our work is sufficient and challenging enough because he does not want us to become bored. In addition, he gives us tasks that may go beyond our duties just to develop us into more valuable professionals. He gives us leeway to execute our tasks in a manner that is most comfortable to us while giving his input when we ask or when he sees it is necessary. He does not micro-manage and puts more focus on making us better employees so we can help him with our current skills while learning new skills to be more of a help in the future. Neutralizers Vs. Substitutes Neutralizers, as Colquitt et al (2011) explains, reduce the importance of the leader but have no beneficial impact on performance (p. 05). Substitutes reduce the importance of the leader while providing a direct benefit to employee performance. My supervisor’s effectiveness is rarely affected by substitutes. Because our organization is small, outside staff is less likely able to help us because each department has its specialty. Staff could gain experience that will lessen the extent to which they need the manag er’s help but could never alleviate it completely because he is the provider of the tasks. Neutralizers are also minimal. There is task stability, formalization, and spatial distance, but inflexibility is not a factor. For the most part there are tasks that are unchanging and daily and there are written instructions for many of the tasks. Also, all leaders have offices and therefore there is spatial distance. Impact My supervisor has a major impact on performance and commitment in a positive way. His personality and leadership techniques make it so he is a pleasant person to work for. He governs over his employees just enough to make sure the work is done while giving enough space for them to be creative and comfortable. His behaviors definitely influence commitment because it is rare to find a boss of this caliber. Conclusions and Reflections I have always viewed my boss as a great boss. I never had the opportunity to think of why he was such a great boss. This assignment allowed me to do just that. And from my research, I found that my boss has virtually everything that makes a boss a great one from his personality to leadership skills. I have always had the attitude that I want to work for myself because most bosses were not very nice people. While I still desire to work for myself, I would not mind working with a boss like mine and now know that all bosses are not horrible people. I desire to be the exact type of boss that my boss is because his methods are effective. After taking the initiation and consideration assessment, I found that my score for initiating was considered low and the score for consideration was considered high. That coincides with the way I think I would lead. I would care about more about input from group members and their comfort than being more autocratic as a high initiative score would indicate. I would be interested in further researching if certain characteristics attribute to the sort of boss a person becomes such as gender, race, age, etc. References Colquitt, J. , Lepine, J. , Wesson. M. (2011). Organizational Behavior: Improving Performance and commitment in the workplace. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Gardner, W. L. , Ceasar, D. (2004). Transition to Self-Directed Work Teams: Implications of transition time and self-monitoring for managers’ use of influence tactics. Journal Of Organizational Behavior, 25(1), 47-65. Grant, A. M. (2012). Leading with Meaning: Beneficiary contact, prosocial impact, and the performance effects of transformational leadership. Academy Of Management Journal, 55(2), 458-476. How to cite Exemplary Leadership, Papers

Disadvantages of Teamwork in the Workplace - Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss about the Disadvantages of Teamwork in the Workplace. Answer: Introduction Formation of teams, their working, coordination, conflicts as well as collaboration is an important aspect of every organization (Ellis Bach, 2015). Team work is not always easy to establish, however it is largely important for the expansion and growth of the organization (Costa Anderson, 2017). This case study throws light on the team work at Sun Microsystems Inc. Global manager, Greg James, is responsible for a 45 member global team based out of France, UAE, India and Unites States. Greg is having a hard time in order to get the team to work in consensus and ensuring that they work together as a single unit. The Indians feel that their working hours are longer and their thoughts and opinions are disrespected. France employees feel that they are underpaid. UAE members feel they are distant from the parent company and have shown a fear of become reportable to the Indian team. And lastly, the US team has depicted discomfort with the high number of vacations availed by their France c ounterparts. This report has laid emphasis on the advantages and disadvantages that accompany a team based organizational structure and the recommendations that Sun microsystems can avail in order to improvise coordination and bring consensus to the global team led by Greg James. Advantages of team based organizational structure A team based organizational structure involves forming of various teams on the basis of departments, sectors of work, geography or designation. This kind of an organizational structure has various advantages as given below: New ideas Working together as a team leads to the generation of new ideas. When a number of people brainstorm on a single subject, everyone can provide a different idea as every person has a different perspective to a single situation. This global perspective assists organizations in improved growth and better solutions to organizations problems (Kirugi, 2015). The case has demonstrated a global team spread over 4 countries and 45 employees. It is only natural that the diverse nature, working background and culture of the team members would bring new ideas to the table. Fosters creativity and learning Team work leads to increased innovation as fresher generations of ideas. It leads to overall growth and development of the team members (Carpini, Flemming Parker, 2015). Members can learn from one another and hence increase their efficiency (Putra Fibra, 2016). This in turn leads to satisfied employees and improved performance of the team. Every team members from different parts of the world would be able to learn different ways and aspects of the business. Increased efficiency Working in team leads to accomplishments of organizational goals in a much faster manner as compared to members performing their tasks individually. Every member of the team can contribute their bit and lead to quicker completion of goals (Hazel, Heberle, McEwen Adams, 2013). If proper coordination in the team persists then there are various advantages of this global team in Sun Microsystems. The organization is able to serve various customers across different parts of the world, across different time zones and all times is only owing to a widespread presence of Sun Microsystem employees in different countries. Disadvantages of team based organizational structure Timing discrepancy In a diversified team especially a geographically diverse team, it is often difficult to coordinate with one another owing to different time zones that the employees work in. It is increasingly difficult to establish contact and hence leads to unnecessary delay. In the case of Sun Microsystems as well, it has been noticed that the Indian employees have often complained about longer working hours. Greater conflicts Whenever there is team work, there is often a lot of blame game involved. This indicates that members of the team face increasing conflicts due to delayed communication, difficulty in establishing contact, lack of respect or even unequal participation (Joseph, 2015). In the case study, we have seen that the job roles of employees are still not clear and in case of a discrepancy they resort to blaming each other rather than working together to solve the problem faced. Unequal participation There are people in the team who work hard and there are employees who leave it on the rest of the team members to perform the tasks. This leads to unequal participation in the team which causes frustration among performing employees and lethargy among non-performers. The personal goals of the people in the team may also vary leading to unequal participation (Currie, Gormley, Roche Teague, 2017). The case study also brings to attention that the US employees feel an increased work load due to higher number of vacations taken by their France counterparts. Slower decision making Due do delayed communication, lack of coordination and reduced consensus among the team members, the decisions taken by the team as a whole take longer. This in turn leads to delay in accomplishment of organizational goals. The H S Holdings conflict explained in the case could have been resolved much sooner if the team members were better coordinated. Recommendations The members of Gregs team are all well qualified and highly talented employees. Therefore the business does not need a complete overhaul rather just a few small changes to bring about more coordination among the members. Looking at the increasing problems faced by Greg James in managing his team, the following recommendations have been listed. The aim of these recommendations is to improve communication, bring in consensus and increase coordination among the team members: Frequent trip to headquarters In order to increase coordination, the team members from across all the locations must be invited to the headquarters in United States. This could be achieved by creating turns and each employee could be invited for a week in every six months. This would also build an increased sense of ownership among employees and bring them in line with the head offices organizational culture and their long term goals. The Indian team has 16 members. If all of them were to visit the headquarters for a week in 6 months, it will ensure that throughout the year, one of the Indian team mate would be in Santa Clara. This would lead to efficiency in communication and faster delivery of targets. Understanding of culture Presentations and seminars must be conducted across all the locations which lay importance at understanding different cultures of various members of the team. This would lead to enhanced knowledge of culture and would enable the team members to respect each other more (Cramton Hinds, 2014). This would in turn cause an increased coordination and improved understanding of each other (Alvesson, 2016). Greg must personally oversee these presentations and ensure their impact is effective enough to bring about increased coordination and respect within the team. Conference call timings Conference call timings must be made slightly more flexible. It is understandable that it is increasingly difficult to bring about a consensus in conference call timings that suit all the members of the team. However, slight flexibility is possible and it must be implemented. Two different timings of the conference calls could be finalized which would be implemented on alternate weeks. Country Current Time (Time 1) Proposed Time (Time 2) India 20:30 IST 18:30 France 17:00 15:00 UAE 19:00 17:00 USA 8:00 6:30 Both the work timings could be implemented in alternate weeks. This would require the American team mates to report earlier one day in two weeks. However, this must be implemented as the Indian counterparts report to work by 6:30 every day. This would demonstrate flexibility and respect among the team in general. Clear hierarchy Sun microsystems must establish a clear hierarchy among employees for them to understand who they report to. UAE team has expressed the fear of being subordinated by the India team. This fear must be resolved as Greg personally must ensure and specify the importance as well as independency of the UAE team time and again. Foster respect There must be a deep respect for every member of the team. Strict action must be taken against members if they are seen disrespecting each other (Richter, Clarke Fernandez, 2014). At the same point of time, any issues brought forward by the employees that involve feeling disrespected must be addressed by Greg in a serious manner. Conclusion Sun microsystems has a global team spanned over four countries (US, UAE, India France) led by Greg James. The team is facing various issues owing to different cultures, geographical locations and lack of coordinated communication. This is hampering the performance of the team as a whole and adversely impacting the level of service provided to prestigious clients. Greg James has put in immense efforts in establishing this team across four location and does his best in ensuring complete coordination. Also, there are various advantages of having a team spread over various locations. The company executives are easily reachable by customers across the globe and at all times. Different cultural backgrounds and working experiences have also helped employees in garnering knowledge and enhancing productivity. However, it is imperative that steps are taken on an urgent basis to ensure better performance and increased coordination in the future. It is recommended that Greg offers flexible timings for conference calls which could be implemented in alternate weeks, employees from other countries must be invited to spend at least a week every 6 months in the headquarters in order to get accustomed to the Sun culture and develop and sense of ownership. And lastly, training and induction seminars must be conducted across all the offices to enhance knowledge about each others culture in order to foster respect and understanding among employees. References Alvesson, M. (Ed.). (2016).Organizational culture. Sage. Carpini, J. A., Flemming, A., Parker, S. K. (2015). Multidisciplinary team briefings: a way forward.Day Surgery Australia,14(2), 12. Costa, A. C., Anderson, N. (2017). Team Trust.The Wiley Blackwell Handbook of the Psychology of Team Working and Collaborative Processes, 393-416. Cramton, C. D., Hinds, P. J. (2014). An embedded model of cultural adaptation in global teams.Organization Science,25(4), 1056-1081. Currie, D., Gormley, T., Roche, B., Teague, P. (2017). The management of workplace conflict: Contrasting pathways in the HRM literature.International Journal of Management Reviews,19(4), 492-509. Ellis, P., Bach, S. (2015).Leadership, management and team working in nursing. Learning Matters. Hazel, S. J., Heberle, N., McEwen, M. M., Adams, K. (2013). Team-based learning increases active engagement and enhances development of teamwork and communication skills in a first-year course for veterinary and animal science undergraduates.Journal of veterinary medical education,40(4), 333-341. Joseph, C. (2015). The Disadvantages of Teamwork in the Workplace.Demand Media. Kirugi, M. (2015). Advantages of Teamwork. Putra, S., Fibra, A. (2016). Teamwork as an Innovation Generator: An Analysis of Project Hatchery at Binus University International.Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences Humanities. Richter, A. W., Clarke, R., Fernandez, R. (2014, January). Strong Ties and Team Interdependence: A Social Network Approach to Dyadic Team Effectiveness. InAcademy of Management Proceedings(Vol. 2014, No. 1, p. 14558). Academy of Management.

UFO And Aliens Essays - UFO Sightings In The United States, Ufology

UFO And Aliens Unidentified flying objects and aliens can be proven through eyewitness accounts or encounters. On of the most common case would be the case of the Hill's (Butler, 1). Returning to N. H., the hill's had notices a strange light in the sky. Barney stopped the car, went out to observed the moving lights. He came to the conclusion of the lights being an airplane, a star or a plant. AS they continued their ride the lights remained with them. That took away the idea that the object was a star or a planet. When the object drew closer, Betty looks at it and saw the shape of a disk like figure. That took a way the idea of it being an airplane, so they got out of the car to get a better look. At one point, the object got so close that Barney could see several beings staring down a pond them. He lost control and shouted out "they are going to capture us" (2). They raced back to the car and took off unable to explain what had just happened. The next thing that happened was that they heard a couple of beeps like a microwave oven going off. The next day Barney had notice some unexplained blotches on the car. Later on that day the Hill's realized they could not account for two hours and thirty-five miles of their journey. They begin to have stress problems. They could not explain what Betty was having strange dreams about being taken in to a room and being looked at by strange little beings. After that they begin to see many doctors. After a while their story had been put together in the little pieces that they had been telling it in. The story that was formed was that how their car was stopped by a group of strange looking men with pear shape heads and large wrapped around eyes. Then by force they were carried on to the ship onto separate rooms. Then they were given different test. Some of the test includes taking skin and hair samples. While inside Betty remember seeing a star map (3). Later on the map was identified as the Zeta Reticule system. This proves that UFO's and aliens are real because when explaining what had happen they were both in separate rooms under hypnotist ion. And also their was no was to explain the lost in the time or the marks on the body and the car.

Anne Boleyn Biography, Facts, and Background

Anne Boleyn Biography, Facts, and Background Anne Boleyn Facts Known for: her marriage to King Henry VIII of England led to the separation of the English church from Rome. She was the mother of Queen Elizabeth I. Anne Boleyn was beheaded for treason in 1536.Occupation: queen consort of Henry VIIIDates: probably about 1504 (sources give dates between 1499 and 1509) - May 19, 1536Also known as: Anne Bullen, Anna de Boullan (her own signature when she wrote from the Netherlands), Anna Bolina (Latin), Marquis of Pembroke, Queen Anne Also see: Anne Boleyn Pictures Biography Annes birthplace and even year of birth are not certain. Her father was a diplomat working for Henry VII, the first Tudor monarch. She was educated at the court of the Archduchess Margaret of Austria in the Netherlands in 1513-1514, and then at the court of France, where she was sent for the wedding of Mary Tudor to Louis XII, and remained as a maid-of-honor to Mary and, after Mary was widowed and returned to England, to Queen Claude. Anne Boleyns older sister, Mary Boleyn, was also at the court of France until she was recalled in 1519 to marry a nobleman, William Carey, in 1520. Mary Boleyn then became a mistress of the Tudor king, Henry VIII. Anne Boleyn returned to England in 1522 for her arranged marriage to a Butler cousin, which would have ended a dispute over the Earldom of Ormond. But the marriage was never fully settled. Anne Boleyn was courted by an Earls son, Henry Percy. The two may have secretly been betrothed, but his father was against the marriage. Cardinal Wolsey may have been involved in breaking up the marriage, beginning Annes animosity towards him. Anne was briefly sent home to her familys estate. When she returned to court, to serve the Queen, Catherine of Aragon, she may have become embroiled in another romance this time with Sir Thomas Wyatt, whose family lived near Annes familys castle. In 1526, King Henry VIII turned his attentions to Anne Boleyn. For reasons which historians argue about, Anne resisted his pursuit and refused to become his mistress as her sister had. Henrys first wife, Catherine of Aragon, had only one living child, and that a daughter, Mary. Henry wanted male heirs. Henry himself had been a second son his older brother, Arthur, had died after marrying Catherine of Aragon and before he could become king so Henry knew the risks of male heirs dying. Henry knew that the last time a woman (Matilda) was the heir to the throne, England was embroiled in civil war. And the Wars of the Roses had been recent enough in history that Henry knew the risks of different branches of the family fighting for control of the country. When Henry married Catherine of Aragon, Catherine had testified that her marriage to Arthur, Henrys brother, was never consummated, as they had been young. In the Bible, in Leviticus, a passage forbids a man from marrying his brothers widow, and, on Catherines testimony, Pope Julius II had issued a dispensation for them to marry. Now, with a new Pope, Henry began to consider whether this offered a reason that his marriage to Catherine was not valid. Henry actively pursued a romantic and sexual relationship with Anne, who apparently held off from agreeing to his sexual advances for some years, telling him that he would have to divorce Catherine first and promise to marry her. In 1528, Henry first sent an appeal with his secretary to Pope Clement VII to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. However, Catherine was the aunt of Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor, and the pope was being held prisoner by the emperor. Henry did not get the answer that he wanted, and so he asked Cardinal Wolsey to act on his behalf. Wolsey called an ecclesiastical court to consider the request, but the Popes reaction was to forbid Henry from marrying until Rome decided the matter. Henry, dissatisfied with Wolseys performance, and Wolsey was dismissed in 1529 from his position as chancellor, dying the next year. Henry replaced him with a lawyer, Sir Thomas More, rather than a priest. In 1530, Henry sent Catherine to live in relative isolation and began to treat Anne at court almost as though she were already Queen. Anne, who had taken an active role in getting Wolsey dismissed, became more active in public matters, including those connected with the church. A Boleyn family partisan, Thomas Cranmer, became Archbishop of Canterbury in 1532. That same year, Thomas Cromwell won for Henry a parliamentary action declaring that the kings authority extended over the church in England. Still unable to legally marry Anne without provoking the Pope, Henry appointed her Marquis of Pembroke, a title and rank not at all usual practice. When Henry won a commitment of support for his marriage from Francis I, the French king, he and Anne Boleyn were secretly married. Whether she was pregnant before or after the ceremony is not certain, but she was definitely pregnant before the second wedding ceremony on January 25, 1533. The new Archbishop of Canterbury, Cranmer, convened a special court and declared Henrys marriage to Catherine null, and then on May 28, 1533, declared Henrys marriage to Anne Boleyn to be valid. Anne Boleyn was formally given the title Queen and crowned on June 1, 1533. On September 7, Anne Boleyn delivered a girl who was named Elizabeth both her grandmothers were named Elizabeth, but its commonly agreed that the princess was named for Henrys mother, Elizabeth of York. Parliament backed Henry by forbidding any appeals to Rome of the Kings Great Matter. In March of 1534, Pope Clement responded to the actions in England by excommunicating both the king and the archbishop and declaring Henrys marriage to Catherine legal. Henry responded with a loyalty oath required of all his subjects. In late 1534, Parliament took the additional step of declaring the king of England the only supreme head on earth of the Church of England. Anne Boleyn meanwhile had a miscarriage or stillbirth in 1534. She lived in extravagant luxury, which didnt help public opinion still largely with Catherine nor did her habit of being outspoken, even contradicting and arguing with her husband in public. Soon after Catherine died, in January 1536, Anne reacted to a fall by Henry in a tournament by miscarrying again, at about four months into a pregnancy. Henry began speaking of being bewitched, and Anne found her position endangered. Henrys eye had fallen on Jane Seymour, a lady-in-waiting at court, and he began to pursue  her. Annes musician, Mark Smeaton, was arrested in April and was probably tortured before he confessed to adultery with the Queen. A nobleman, Henry Norris, and a groom, William Brereton, were also arrested and charged with adultery with Anne Boleyn. Finally, Annes own brother, George Boleyn, was also arrested on charges of incest with his sister in November and December of 1535. Anne Boleyn was arrested on May 2, 1536. Four men were tried for adultery on May 12, with only Mark Smeaton pleading guilty. On May 15, Anne and her brother were put on trial. Anne was charged with adultery, incest, and high treason. Many historians believe that the charges were created, likely with or by Cromwell, so that Henry could get rid of Anne, marry again, and have male heirs. The men were executed on May 17 and Anne was beheaded by a French swordsman on May 19, 1536. Anne Boleyn was buried in an unmarked grave; in 1876 her body was exhumed and identified and a marker added. Just before she was executed, Cranmer pronounced that the marriage of Henry and Anne Boleyn was itself invalid. Henry married Jane Seymour on May 30, 1536. The daughter of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII became Queen of England as Elizabeth I on November 17, 1558, after the deaths of, first, her brother, Edward VI, and then her older sister, Mary I. Elizabeth I reigned until 1603. Background, Family: Father: Sir Thomas Boleyn (made Viscount Rochford by Henry VIII)Mother: Lady Elizabeth HowardSiblings: Mary Boleyn, George BoleynPaternal grandparents:Sir William Boleyn, son of Sir Geoffrey Boleyn (Lord Mayor of London) and Ann HooMargaret Butler, daughter of Thomas Butler, 7th Earl of Ormond, and Anne HankfordMaternal grandparents:Thomas Howard, 2nd Duke of Norfolk, son of John Howard, 1st Duke of Norfolk, and Catherine MoleynsElizabeth Tilney, daughter of Sir Frederick Tilney and Elizabeth CheneyCatherine Howard was a first cousin: Lady Elizabeth Howard was sister to Catherine Howards father, Lord Edmund Howard Education: privately educated at her fathers direction Marriage, Children: Husband: Henry VIII, king of EnglandChildren:Princess Elizabeth, later Elizabeth I of EnglandTwo stillborn sons, perhaps one other Religion: Roman Catholic, with humanist and Protestant leanings Bibliography: Marie Louise Bruce. Anne Boleyn: A Biography. 1972.Anne Crawford, editor. Letters of the Queens of England 1100-1547. 1997.Carolly Erickson. Mistress Anne. 1984.Antonia Fraser. The Wives of Henry VIII. 1993.Eric W. Ives. Anne Boleyn. 1986.Norah Lofts. Anne Boleyn. 1979.Alison Weir. The Six Wives of Henry VIII. 1993.

English words Dont (usually) End with u

English words Dont (usually) End with u English words Dont (usually) End with u English words Dont (usually) End with u By Maeve Maddox A reader asks, Is it proper to use thru as a replacement for through in professional writing? My knee-jerk reaction is, Good Heavens! Never! The spelling thru has an entry in the tolerant Merriam-Webster that jumps to through.The OED has no entry for thru, although the spelling is listed along with many other historical variations in the through entry. As a modern alternate spelling of through, thru has resisted the efforts of various reform organizations, newspapers, and people in high places to get it accepted by the general reading and writing public. When the American Philological Association issued a list of words needing reform in 1876, through was on it. Through was on the lists issued by the National Education Association in 1898, and the Simplified Spelling Board in 1906. Noah Webster, Teddy Roosevelt, and Mark Twain all used their bully pulpits to promote the spelling thru. The Chicago Tribune started using thru in 1934, but finally gave up in 1975 and went back to through. Thats not to say that thru wont creep into acceptance in another 50-100 years Certainly texters spell it that way to save time, as many sign painters do to save space. In other contexts, however, for awhile yet, the spelling thru screams non-standard. Why does this particular spelling reform resist acceptance when weve happily accepted such changes as theater for theatre, catalog for catalogue, and color for colour? I think there are two reasons. One, the word through is introduced to readers at such an early level of literacy that the mind and eye become habituated to it. Because it is among the 200 most commonly used words in English, the beginning reader gets plenty of practice in recognizing it. Two, thru doesnt look like an English word. This is one of Romalda Spaldings rules for silent final e in The Writing Road to Reading: English words dont end in u. The example she gives is blue. The e is not needed to change the sound of the preceding vowel. Theoretically, we could write blu, but the word looks unfinished, like thru. NOTE: Like every rule, Spaldings has its exceptions. We use several wordsmost of them borrowed from the Frenchthat end in -u: adieu, bureau, impromptu, etc., but they dont bother us because theyve remained sufficiently undigested as to strike us as having a foreign spelling. Native English words and fully-digested foreign borrowings look very strange when spelled with a u not followed by e. Consider: We are strolling down the avenu. She will argu about everything. The detective discovered a clu. I will continu until Ive finished. Give the actor his cu. Give the devil his du. Bottom line: The spelling thru just looks wrong. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Spelling category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:50 Handy Expressions About HandsBody Parts as Tools of MeasurementHow to Treat Names of Groups and Organizations

Data Privacy and Security Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Data Privacy and Security - Research Paper Example However, at the present computer security has become a very critical issue. Additionally, security refers to the technique to discover as well as stop illicit utilization of our secret information or computer. In this scenario, some preventive measures enable us to stop criminal users (as well known as "intruders") from accessing and using some part of our computer system. In addition, recognition of such intrusion helps us in deciding whether or not somebody tried to interrupt into our computer system, if they were successful in their attempt, as well as what they could have acquired from the system (ComputerSecurityService, 2011), (Armor2net Software Ltd., 2004) and (Norton, 2001). Moreover, the term â€Å"computer security† is very commonly used, though; the information and data saved on a computer are in danger to few risks unless the computer is connected to other systems using a network. In view of the fact that the use of computer networks, particularly the Internet (la rgest network of the networks), has turned out to be persistent, the thought of computer security system has extended to point out problems covered in the way of networked use of computers and their information and data resources (Kinkus, 2002). This outlines the important points and vital aspects of computers security. This paper will cover the answers to various questions such as how can viruses contaminate computers, how computer systems are hacked by people, how to keep computers secure from online predators. Why Protection? In case of computer systems and information technology, integrity, privacy, and legality are considered as the most frightening factors for a computer user. For the daily internet users, the security and privacy of computer are considered as the most vital area of computer security. However, when the users registering themselves with any internet service or a website they can suffer from having nothing to keep secret, security on the internet is concerning s aving someone's data and information, yet if the information does not appear crucial. Because of this the simplicity by which information in electronic arrangement is capable to be utilized between enterprises as well as since small pieces of related information from different sources could simply be linked jointly to shape a composite of, for instance, any personal information searching behavior it is at the current tremendously significant that individuals are accomplished to sustain influence over what information is gathered concerning them, how it is engaged who is authorized to utilize it, and for which reason it is used (Kinkus, 2002) and (Shelly, Cashman, & Vermaat, 2005) . Computer Virus Computer virus or simply bug is a type of software application or program that is developed to copy itself as well as extend to further machines. In most scenarios, the application is "malicious†, which outlines it is designed to cause the computer malfunction in different ways. Howev er, in many cases, the term "computer virus" encompasses all the types of "malware," or malicious software. In place of sniffles and a fever, a number of widespread signs of a computer viral infection include data and information loss, sluggish performance and the sometime system stops working that makes the people with the machine feel ill.  

Final paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 10

Final paper - Essay Example These three authors also highlighted their views concerning the human nature as well as the ideal system of social justice. Notably, the views of these authors will form the core discussion in this paper. Karl Marx voiced his criticisms against the capitalist ideology, which had become very popular. According to Marx, capitalism comprised of the individuals controlling the production and the workers providing labor. From the onset, Marx made it evident that capitalism led to the division of the society into two conflicting groups. The capitalists made their interests evident because they wanted to use the workers to increase their profits. Karl Marx highlighted that the capitalists were exploiting the workers for their benefits. On the other hand, the workers did not have the means to control production, and had no choice but to work for the capitalists. Capitalism gave birth to the division of labor and specialization. Notably, the capitalists placed compulsion on the workers to be willing to work with technical and unpleasant jobs. In the view of Marx, capitalism led to the division of labor, a factor that degraded the value of humans and reduced them to machines. In addition, capi talism would trigger class struggles in accordance with Marx (Manton and English 377). The capitalists who formed the ruling class defined extreme of the system. The workers on the other hand defined the other extreme. The ruling class with its intention to exploit the workers would continue to oppress them in order to increase their profits. Over time, the workers would fight back. The fighting back, of the working class would be the cause of a conflict between the two classes. Marx also had the conviction that capitalism would lead to alienation. Since many workers did not experience any connection to their work because of their powerlessness alienation would result. Prior to the development of capitalism, many people relied on labor as a reflection of their nature

Health Care Economics Essay Example for Free

Health Care Economics Essay The economics of United States health care has been through many changes over its history. There are multiple factors to what caused the changes to the health care system over time with changes such as technological advances in medicine and surgical devices, new medical discoveries, and financial laws pertaining to health care. Just as with other businesses, the health care industry’s economy would depend upon supply and demand of their services. Throughout the time that health care has been undergoing these changes, it remains that the economical situation in health care has been the main focal point to how well that health organizations in the United States will perform. In the early 1900s doctors were just beginning to cease being expected to offer care for free, medical care costs were finally becoming emphasized, and insurances were just getting involved into the health care industry (PBS, 2012). The idea of a national health care policy is first introduced by President Truman in 1945, he would be denied by the American Medical Association campaign against the idea. Eventually in 1960 the American Medical Association would develop a national policy as well that would be signed into law by President Johnson and would become the foundations for Medicare and Medicaid (Rebelo 2007). As of the past two decades, the cost of health care have rapidly been on the rise (PBS, 2012). As new medical discoveries occurred in health care and technology advanced, physicians became more capable of treating patients for their illnesses. Financing in medical organizations is important so that they may afford to do more research and obtain better technology, at the moment the health care industry is 17% of the United State’s Gross Domestic Product only expecting to rise even more as time continues. Majority of the funding for the health care industry is received through the government through Medicare and Medicaid programs. The rest of the funding is being provided by private investors. To understand how well that health care industries are doing, researchers evaluate the elasticity or inelasticity of the organization’s products. If it shown to be elastic, the organization is doing well selling the product or service which as the supply to it decreases, the price will rise. Inelasticity is likely showing that it is not performing as well, organizations are either uncertain about raising prices as the supply drops or the population is not willing to pay more for the service. They will also look at the microeconomics and macroeconomics to see how they are affecting the industry’s economic situation. Microeconomic will focus on how smaller or more particular aspects in the economy are affecting price-cost relationships. Macroeconomics will look at the economic situation as the entire country as a whole to examine what effects that may be causing. The health care industry’s economy continues to be a strong focus in the United States economy as even more focus is being poured into evaluating the health care policy situation within the United States and funding relating to it. The government programs that have been created with the health care industry are still in operation and being reformed to make adjustments that are as suitable as possible to the nation in terms of quality and affordability, attempting to offer the best care and technology possible while making it available to as many as possible without costing the country so much. Economists in the United States are examining the microeconomic and macroeconomic markets to help determine the performance of the industries and what course of action will be taken, though the spending on health care in the past few years has become a large issue for the United States. Through history with the start of health care economics to the current time, funding has been a large focusing issue in the United States taking a large portion of the nations gross domestic product, far surpassing that of other nations and will continue to be a main focusing issue for economists and political debates.

Affirmative Action Essay -- Affirmative Action Essays

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Should a man be hired for his skills or for the color of his skin? Is racial diversity in the business world more important then the most qualified workers? Affirmative action has become an important topic in today’s society to better diversify the different races in America. Affirmative action is a set of public policies that were designed for the elimination of discrimination toward race, color, sex, etc. These policies are under attack today because of the unfairness toward the more qualified people. Increasing opportunities for a minority that has suffered past discrimination is the cause for affirmative action, and for the reverse discrimination toward the majority. Many people view discrimination toward one race today to compensate for the discrimination of another race in the past as unfair. This reverse discrimination is unfair treatment toward the majority. Affirmative actions are policies created to give preferential treatment to the discriminated , but also discriminate as well.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Affirmative action was first referenced to in 1961 with the signing of Executive order 10925 (Brunner). With this the Committee on Equal Opportunity was created, and was mandated that â€Å"projects financed with federal funds ‘take affirmative action’ to ensure that hiring and employment practices are free of racial bias† (Brunner). Three years later, in 1964 President Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights act that prohibits any form ...

Harm of Texting

Many parents and educators fear that the texting craze may have negative effects on teenagers’ writing skills. Because this is a relatively new area of concern, the few studies that have been done are inclusive. Everyone does, however, realize that text messaging is here to stay. Read the following articles. Summarize each article in at least two paragraphs per article. Then write your own opinion of the role of text messaging. (Everyone can agree that texting while driving is dangerous, so don’t get sidetracked by this point. ) Teens ready to prove text-messaging skills can score SAT pointsMany experts believe that teenage composition is as strong as ever due to the revolution of e-mail, instant-messaging (IM), text messaging and the internet. Many teens communicate on a daily basis using one or more of these methods. As a result, many experts believe that this generation is more proficient with the written word. Al Filreis, director of the Center for Programs in Conte mporary Writing at the University of Pennsylvania, has seen â€Å"the quality of student writing at the high school level go way up, and this is explained by the fact that they do more writing than they ever did. He believes that there's a genuine writing renaissance under way. Overall, this can help improve writing scores on the SAT, since it has undergone the broadest revision in its 80-year history. One of the biggest changes is a 25-minute, two-page essay. Other experts are not so sure about teens' competence in â€Å"real life† English. John Briggs, an English professor at the University of California, Riverside, says that â€Å"Though online reading may be thriving, the amount of reading that students do in preparation for college is sinking. He believes that online writing may cultivate informal use of language but it does not increase kids’ access to formal literature. He says, â€Å"Americans have always been informal, but now the informality of precollege culture is so ubiquitous that many students have no practice in using language in any formal setting at all. † Some experts believe that although bias exists in scoring the SAT essays, that the SAT essay could urge high schools to step up their writing instruction.Teachers admit that there is room for improvement and hope for renewed emphasis or writing programs in high schools. Many experts believe that writing instruction will get stronger. Problems associated with teen texting Millions of preteens and teens (ages 10-18) are taking advantage of the great options, including text messaging and picture messaging, offered with cell phones, PDA’s or Ipods. This generation is sending messages on everything including answers to exam questions and discussion about their secret life.Many parents are concerned that today’s preteens and teenagers are on the cell phones too much, which diminishes their use of proper grammar and the knowledge of sentence structure. Preteens and Teens have created their own language as a form of acronyms over their personal cell phones. Some educators suggest that this new age form of messaging may be hindering today’s teens’ abilities to apply grammar correctly in their writing and social skills. Many parents believe that they should monitor the type of messages that are sent over their cell phones and assist preteens and teens in proper spelling and grammar.However, there are numerous benefits as well as problems with the emergence of text messaging. It has brought a great deal of convenience, quickness, and a new language to our society. It has also created a very common but dangerous problem, texting while driving. The author of this article, Alfred Valenzuela, personally likes text messaging because it has many advantages. Many businesses use text messaging to remind you of appointments or to remind you to pay a bill.But the author, as a concerned parent, is also worried about its effects on preteens ’ and teens’ ability to read and write. My opinion of the role of text messaging I believe that the role of text messaging is meant to help keep society moving at a fast and efficient pace. Teenagers use text messaging as a way to have multiple conversations with people in their lives. It enables you to multi-task as well. Businesses use text messaging all around the world to give out quick information. It does not require them to call each associate one by one.A text message can reach up to 50 people at one time. I play baseball and my coach uses text messaging as a way to communicate with all of the players on the team. This is efficient in keeping the team informed in a timely manner because he does not have access to email all of the time. I think text messaging helps with communication as well. It takes less time and less effort to send a text then to call someone. People are constantly on the go and text messaging allows people to keep up with their business and social lives.Efficiency and consistency creates success. That is why there are constantly new upgrades of phones and other devices that work faster. Many people have very busy lives which make a demand for quicker and more efficient technology to help manage their lifestyles. I believe that the role of text messaging has been abused and used in ways that threaten the lives of people as well. However, overall it has helped society progress and achieves higher levels of success in a short amount of time.

Inventory Management System of a Printing Press in Dagupan City

Chapter I THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND Rationale The success of every business depends on how it is managed, whether it is on the management of human resources, finances, operations or production. Focusing in the production process, one aspect to consider is its proper inventory management. The need for proper inventory management system is indispensable nowadays especially in coping up with global competition. As firms deal with their inventory systems, problems still arises and most of which are experienced worldwide.For instance, Bhattacharjee (2012) attributed the pickup in sales to inventory flow â€Å"getting back on track, as they did not flow product appropriately. † This was a statement in his article as it discussed the latest experience of Abercrombie and Fitch, also known as  A&F, an American retailer that focuses on casual wear for consumers aged eighteen to twenty two, got a handle on excess inventories that had discounting that worried their investors last y ear. Said dilemma was due to negligence of identifying excess inventories ahead of time.Thus, inventory management, or balancing orders with demand, has been a major concern for Abercrombie. In recent quarters, it has been compelled to offer discounts to its teenaged clientele who had held back on purchases. On the other hand, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. branded as  Walmart, is an American  multinational  retail corporation that runs chains of large discount department stores and warehouse stores. The company is the  world's third largest public corporation, according to the  Fortune Global 500  list in 2012, the  biggest private employer  in the world with over two million employees, and is the  largest retailer in the world.Walmart remains a  family-owned business, as the company is controlled by the  Walton family, who own a 48 percent stake in Walmart. It is also one of the  world's most valuable companies. The company was founded by  Sam Walton  in 1962,  incorporated  on October 31, 1969, and publicly traded on the  New York Stock Exchange  in 1972. It is headquartered in  Bentonville,  Arkansas. Walmart is also the largest  grocery  retailer in the United States. In 2009, it generated 51 percent of its US$258  billion sales in the U. S. from grocery business. It also owns and operates the  Sam's Club  retail warehouses  in North America.Walmart has 8,500 stores in 15 countries, under 55 different names. The company operates under the Walmart name in the United States, including the 50 states and  Puerto Rico. It operates in Mexico as  Walmex, in the United Kingdom as  Asda, in Japan as  Seiyu, and in India as Best Price. It has wholly owned operations in Argentina, Brazil, and Canada. Walmart's investments outside North America have had mixed results: its operations in the United Kingdom, South America, and China are highly successful, whereas ventures in Germany and South Korea were unsuccessful. ( http://en. wikipedia. rg/wiki/Walmart) Walmart is recognized with their continued success in catering the needs of their customers on time. One aspect that makes this success possible can be attributed to their inventory management system. According to Chandran (2008), Wal-Mart  was able to reduce unproductive inventory by allowing stores to manage their own stocks, reducing pack sizes across many product categories, and timely price markdowns. Instead of cutting inventory across the board, Wal-Mart made full use of its  Information Technology (IT) capabilities  to make more inventories available in the case of items that customers wanted most.The Company entered into collaboration with P&G for maintaining the inventory in its stores and built an  automated re-ordering system. Also, employees at the stores had the â€Å"Magic Wand†, a hand-held computer which was linked to in-store terminals through  a radio frequency network. These helped them to keep track of the inventory in stores, deliveries, and back up merchandise in stock at the distribution centers. Another highlight of the company’s inventory system is their employment of Point-Of-Sales (POS) system, which monitors and tracks the sales and merchandise stock levels on the store shelves.Wal-Mart also made use of the  sophisticated algorithm system  which enabled it to forecast the exact quantities of each item to be delivered, based on inventories in each store. Wal-Mart also is using  bar code technology and radio frequency technology  to manage its inventories and enabled accurate distribution of goods. Wal-Mart also owned the largest and most sophisticated computer system in private sector. The company used  Massively Parallel Processor (MPP) computer system  to track the movement of goods and stock levels.By making effective use of computers in all its company’s operations, Wal-Mart was successful in providing uninterrupted service to its customers, suppli ers, stockholders and trading partners. The processes that Wal-Mart incorporated into its system are adapted worldwide. The extent to which said processes will be implemented depends on an entity’s capability to manage and handle the finances associated with it. The problems encountered by said firms in other countries contribute to the success and operation of local firms in the country.However, the more adjacent the country is, the more impact it can have of the inventory system employed in the country. Just like for instance, the recent experience of China regarding their inventories was inevitable. According to the report given by Wang (2012), after three decades of torrid growth, China is encountering an unfamiliar problem with its newly struggling economy: a huge buildup of unsold goods that is cluttering shop floors, clogging car dealerships and filling factory warehouses.The problem crosses from manufacturing industries, car dealers up to real estate industries. Actua lly, interviews conducted by Wang (2012) with business owners and managers across a wide range of Chinese industries presented a picture of mounting stockpiles of unsold goods. It was also provided in the article given by Wang (2012) that Huang Yi, the chairman of Zhongsheng Group, China’s fifth-largest dealership chain, said that inventory levels for them now are very, very high. If they hadn’t done special offers in the first half of the year, their inventory would be even higher.Wu Weiqing, the manager of a faucet and sink wholesaler, said that his sales dropped 30 percent in the last year and he has piled up extra merchandise. Yet the factory supplying him is still cranking out shiny kitchen fixtures at a fast pace because they cannot cut production. This massive problems experienced by China has called out the attention of firms in the Philippines to look into the flaws of their inventory system for possible downturn. Thus, concepts and theories on inventory given by different authors became significant.In the Philippines, many academicians provided their own version and understanding of inventories. According to Guerrero (2010), most manufacturing firms consider their inventories a major investment of the firm; these must be accompanied by appropriate systems. This is the use of proper inventory management which is a method for storing and issuing materials to ensure that the company’s investments in inventories are protected. In addition to these, Agamata (2011) stated that a company may either choose to use traditional or modern inventory management system to its inventory process.In the traditional inventory management, the production costs and purchasing costs are not treated with much relevance because these costs are assumed not to change in total regardless of the order size and frequency in orders to be made. On the other hand, the modern inventory management introduces the use of electronics technology wherein communications have been strongly emphasized. Internal communications have been made open, closer, and on-line with suppliers and customers and external communications have been created on an on-line, real-time model.The main objective of the Inventory Management System is to maintain inventories at appropriate level to avoid excessive or shortage of inventories because both the cases are undesirable for business. With this particular aim, management is to keep inventory at sufficient high level to perform production and sales accounts smoothly. This ensures that investment in inventories is minimized at minimum level to maximize profitability. In case of manufacturing business, management must ensure that the supply of raw materials and finished goods will remain continuous so that production process is halted and demands of customers are duly met.If this is met, carrying costs of inventories is cut down. With the implementation of this Inventory Management System, business entities can reduce t he losses due to theft, obsolescence, and wastage because it would be easier to keep tracks for slow- moving items and makes arrangements for those. (http://www. careerride. com/fa-inventory-mangement-objectives) Those principles mentioned above aided in the successful inventory management system of the firms in the Philippines. Belonging to the small enterprises in the country is Metro Print Asia. ———-(background of MPA) The implementation of a specific inventory system was not an easy task for the owner himself because he has no knowledge on how to run a printing press business. He even used the words â€Å"accidental business† to describe his involvement in such venture because he was just appointed by the family to take over the management of the business which they received as payment for the indebtedness of one company. For this reason, the researchers assessed the system and identified the problem encountered by Metro Print Asia as requested by the owner himself.Although it has been operating for more than five (5) years, they are not able to perform at its maximum level, thus this matter needed immediate attention. This assessment purported to help not only Metro Print Asia but other small enterprises as well to help them trace whatever inefficiencies they currently have in their inventory management system. Statement of the Problem The main objective of the study was to assess the Inventory Management System of Metro Print Asia, Dagupan City to provide a basis for leading the company’s inventory management system to contribute for its overall success.Specifically, this study aimed to answer the following questions: 1. What is the current status of Metro Print Asia in terms of: a. Purchasing of inventory such as papers and inks; b. Warehousing of inventory; and c. Issuing of inventory to production? 2. What problems are encountered in the implementation of the Inventory Management System of Metro Print Asia? 3. What m easures can be proposed to improve the implementation of the Inventory Management System of Metro Print Asia? Scope and Delimitation This study focused on the assessment of the inventory management system of Metro Print Asia, Dagupan City.This included the process involved in the purchasing of inventories such as papers and inks, warehousing of those inventories and issuing of such to production. The researchers also examined the documents used in the said areas of inventory system. And although the entity maintains many kinds of inventories, the researchers focused to dwell their study only on papers and inks as these are the entity's primary inventories. Aside from that, emphasis on how the employees involved in the said area of inventory system comply with the company's policy is also included in this study.Relevant to this research, current operations was the main focus of the researchers since the entity experienced the same problem for the former years of their operations. Sim ultaneously, the physical flow of inventoriable goods from suppliers down to issuance of inventories to production is included. In sense, the inventory study started from the moment the entity orders goods from suppliers followed by the arrangement and segregation in the warehouse monitored by the assigned warehouse-in-charge which consists of checking and updating the said inventory.After that, the preparation and issuance of goods and inventories requested by the production personnel assigned to the job was done. The information relevant to the said process was gathered through interview with the owner, Mr. Danny Cuna and observation for the actual inventory process with the full assistance of the owner himself. The study did not cover the financial information relating to inventories and recording of such as requested by the owner.This was to ensure that entity’s financial operations are not exposed for some private reasons. Also, the study did not cover the events subsequ ent to the issuance of inventories to production such as conversion of raw materials to finished goods and the delivery of such to the customers. Significance of the Study (not edited) The study of the Inventory Management System of Metro Print Asia was conducted to assess their existing system. This addressed the issues and problems currently present in their process.The study assisted the following beneficiaries: First was the company, Metro Print Asia, because the study focused on the company’s Inventory Management in order to achieve an ideal system which helped in reducing cost, minimize unwanted/unnecessary processes and made the system more organized and controlled. Metro Print Asia’s proprietor, Mr. Danny G. Cuna, was another beneficiary in the assessment, for the reason that there has been a better inventory system along with an improved flow of inventory from purchasing to issuance, therefore maximizing profits.Companies with the same line and size of busines s with Metro Print Asia also benefited, since the study served as a guide or idea on how to improve their existing management of Inventory System. Lastly, business students and future researchers would gain knowledge and exposure to the actual issues on inventory systems businesses use in the real world and would not just base their understanding on the theoretical definitions provided in textbooks. Definition of Terms (not edited) The terms were defined in operational or conceptual manners as follows:The Inventory Management System supervises the flow of goods from suppliers to warehouses and from these facilities to point of sale. A key function of Inventory Management System is to keep a detailed record of each new or returned product as it enters or leaves a warehouse or point of sale. (http://searchmanufacturingerp. techtarget. com). Metro Print Asia (MPA) is a printing press located in Fernandez St. Dagupan City, under the management of Mr. Danny G. Cuna which his family recei ved as payment for the indebtedness of one company.The said company offers different kinds of printing like offset printing, letter press printing, Risograph Quick printing, Docucolor printing, color separation, plastic lamination and metal engraving. Status of Inventory Management System of Metro Print Asia refers to the current condition of the entity’s process of purchasing, warehousing and issuing inventories to production. This involves the methods and practices adapted by the company in the said areas of inventory management. The company is using the traditional system which is highly labor intensive to ensure appropriate stocking levels of inventories.Purchasing of inventory starts when Mr. Danny Cuna, the owner or Myrna Lambino, the operating manager usually chooses the supplier where to purchase inventories such as papers and inks at the lowest possible cost. Then either of them now negotiates purchase contracts, prepares purchase orders, and follows up deliveries de pending upon the job order requested by the client. Warehousing of inventory involves the storing of inventories purchased by the purchasing officers of the warehouses-in-charge, Nerissa Pael and Dennis Roquiza.Upon admission, the warehouses-in-charge then maintains material ledger cards for every inventory stored in the warehouse. Issuing of inventory to production arises when there are job orders from their client which shall be approved by Marivic Domagas, the marketing manager. Such approved orders are given to Vanessa Serafica, the head of the pre-press department. She will then assign the job to one of the production personnel whom shall request the materials needed for production from one of the warehouses-in-charge.Problems Arising from the Implementation of the Inventory Management System of Metro Print Asia were the flaws existing in the company’s process as to purchasing, warehousing, and issuing of inventory to production. Proposed Measures to Improve the Implemen tation of the Inventory Management System of Metro Print Asia were the actions suggested by the researchers based on the findings in the study conducted in their system. Chapter II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES This chapter covered different related literature for the purpose of putting together concepts and theories relating to the present study.The reviewed materials aided as a useful guide in assessing the study and outlining data- gathering tools. Conceptual Literature Making use of thematic approach, this segment tackles diverse ideas and aspects pertaining to purchasing, warehousing and issuing of inventories such as papers and inks to production. Purchasing of inventory It was cited in The Journal of Commerce (2011), manufacturing companies, which are flexible and dynamic just like any other company, should be changing with time as goods are manufactured for stock and order for consumption.So it is required that manufacturing companies produce goods by looking at t he future trends of demand. With that, manufacturing companies should also have to complete the task of making the right quantity and quality of goods according to customers’ orders, taking into consideration the future requirements and uncertainties in their estimate of inventories and ordering of raw materials. This concern has been established for the continual existence of any manufacturing company. Starting with raw materials, these are bought and kept for further production so as to pass through the manufacturing process.These raw materials are known as stock. The keeping of stock is called inventory. â€Å"Inventories are stock of materials of any kind stored for future use, mainly in the production process. Today’s inventory is tomorrow’s production. Therefore, the success of any organization depends on its effective and proper management of its inventory. According to Hall (2008), the ideal process used in purchasing inventory materials in a good inven tory control system begins with recognizing the need to restock inventories through the observation of the inventory records.Inventory levels decline through either direct sales to customers (a revenue cycle activity) or transfers into the manufacturing process (a conversion cycle activity). Inventory requirement information is set to both purchasing and accounts payable processes. The purchasing process determines the quantity to order, selects a supplier, and prepares a purchase order. The information is sent to both the supplier and the accounts payable process. After a period of time, the firm receives the inventory items from the suppliers. Goods received are inspected for quality and quantity and sent to the stores and warehouse.Information about the receipt of inventory is used to update the inventory records. The accounts payable receives the invoice from the supplier. Accounts payable reconciles this with the other information it has compiled for the transaction and records and obligations to pay at some future date, depending on the terms of trade with the supplier. Usually, payment will occur on the last possible date to take full advantage of interest earned and discounts offered. The general ledger then receives the summary information from accounts payable and inventory control.This information is reconciled for accuracy and posted to the accounts payable and inventory control accounts. Inventory management consists of everything from accurate record-keeping to shipping and receiving of products on time. An inventory management that is properly maintained can keep a company’s supply chain running smoothly and efficiently. It was also mentioned that a flawed or unrealistic business plan for a business for the future is one of the problems encountered by firms in their inventory management system.To predict how well a company may do in the future, you have to collect enough data and accurately analyze it. This affects inventory management be cause if a company predicts more growth than they actually experience, it can lead to an overstock of inventory. Another problem encountered by most firms regarding their inventory management system is falling victim to the â€Å"bullwhip effect†. This is an over-reaction by a company to changes in the market. As the demand of a market changes, a company may panic and order an overstock of inventory, thinking the new market conditions will move the inventory.Also, another is not keeping up with the rising price of raw materials. By not keeping current with the rising price of raw materials, a company will lose profits because they are not adjusting the price of their finished products. Finished items in inventory must be relative to the cost of raw goods. (http://wwww. wbiconpro. com/462-aarti. pdf) Warehousing of inventories Proper storage of  inventory  is vital. Improper storage  can cause  a product to ruin, resulting in a loss of  inventory  and money. Accord ing to Bizmanualz, Inc. 2008), storage refers to protecting inventory  from both damage and shrinkage or theft. Coltman and Jagels (2008) provide the following control practices that should be used for product storage: 1. Immediately after goods have been delivered and all receiving checks performed, they should be moved to storage areas or sent directly to the departments that requested them. Proper  storage facilities  should be used. 2. Storage areas should be locked when the storekeeper is not present. Access to storerooms should be limited to the storekeeper and other authorized employees. 3.Storekeepers should not maintain or have access to formal inventory  records, nor should accounting department employees who maintain those records have access to storerooms except to take inventories. 4. Inventory  counts of stored products should be taken periodically by accounting office employees and compared to material  ledger  cards (if used). A material ledger  card is maintained for each separate item in stock. It has recorded on it, for each item, quantities received in and quantities issued from the storeroom to provide a running balance of what should be in inventory. 5.The best procedure for taking  inventory  is to make two accounting office employees responsible. One completes the actual physical count; the other compares this with the perpetual inventory  card figure and then records the actual count on an inventory  sheet. 6. If there are any significant differences that cannot be reconciled between  the inventory  count and what should be in  inventory according to perpetual  inventory  cards, the differences should be investigated to determine the cause. 7. To aid in inventory count, preprinted inventory sheets that list items in the same order as they are located on storeroom shelves should be used.Some of the problems encountered by most firms regarding their inventory management system such as existence of unqual ified employees in charge of inventory and too many companies put people in charge of their inventory distribution who either don’t have enough experience, are neglectful in their job, or don’t have adequate training. Another is when the supervisor in charge of inventory management failed to look over their inventory on a regular basis to make sure enough products are in stock. Identifying shortages ahead of time is an important factor in achieving Customer Satisfaction.Waiting for the shipment to come in can slow down the supply chain process. Not having enough products in stock to meet customer demand can lead to bad customer relations. Also, too much distressed stock in inventory can lead to another problem. Distressed stock is products or materials in inventory that has or will soon pass the point where it can be sold at the normal price before it expires, excessive inventory in stock and unable to move it quickly enough. This is probably the most common problem fo r most businesses. Cash-flow comes from moving inventory.If a company buys an amount of product for their inventory and they do not move it, the company ends up losing money. Without proper organization, items in-stock gets misplaced. Even if the computer accurately shows the item as in stock, it may have been misplaced somewhere at the warehouse, or in the wrong location within a store. This can lead to a decrease in profits due to lost sales and higher inventory costs because the item must be re-ordered. Plus, the company must spend the time for employees to track down the misplaced item. (http://www. biconpro. com/462-aarti. pdf) Issuing of inventories to production After properly keeping the inventories in the warehouse, the determination of the inventory requirement and the authorization of the release of raw materials into production will take place. There must be controls to consider in determining which materials to be issued to production, these are as follows: (Coltman and Jagels) 1) The person responsible in receiving a purchase order from a customer must pass on the details of inventory needed for production to the storekeeper. ) The storekeeper should be the only person authorized to have access in the inventories located in the store room. 3) The storekeeper then be required to release these inventories to the specified person assigned to that job. These control practices should be followed in order to arrive at a good and properly organized inventory management system. Otherwise, problems may arise from non-fulfillment of control policies. These inventory management problems can interfere with a company’s profits and customer service. They can cost a business more money and can lead to an excess of inventory overstock that is difficult to move.Factors enumerated above gave the researchers an overview on the typical problems that entities encountered in their respective inventory systems. These problems together with the other related stud ies conducted by various individuals and groups guided the researchers in assessing the status of the inventory management system of Metro Print Asia. Such guideline directed the researchers in pointing out the strengths and weaknesses in Metro Print Asia’s current inventory system which aimed to help the entity in improving its inventory management system.Research Literature Operating a printing press can be physically and mentally demanding, and sometimes tedious. Press operators are on their feet most of the time. Often, operators work under pressure to meet deadlines. Most printing presses are capable of high printing speeds, and adjustments must be made quickly to avoid waste of inventories. (http://www. umsl. edu/services/govdocs/ooh20002001/363. htm). One of the strong points that would make this study more comprehensible is its omparison with another study with the same objective; that was to assess the inventory management system of a certain entity. The study conduc ted by Adupa on Monitor Publication Ltd. in Uganda gave the researchers a guide on the flow of the study since both studies aimed to assess the inventory system of Monitor Publication Ltd. and Metro Print Asia respectively and they were in the same line of business. As a result of his study, Adupa (2011) said that the inventory control and customer satisfaction in Monitor Publication Ltd. as mainly based on three research objectives that are to investigate the inventory control techniques used by the organization, to determine the level of customer satisfaction in the organization and to determine the relationship between inventory control and customer satisfaction in Monitor Publication Ltd. Manufacturing companies like Monitor Publication Ltd. faced inefficiencies in its attempts to maintain optimal inventory levels as well as inconsistencies of poor color prints, delayed deliveries, long supplier lead time, poor quality prints of its advertisements and magazines, low customer tur n over and uncertainty of customer demand.This had greatly compromised inventory control and operation efficiency of Monitor Publication Ltd. (Adupa, 2011). Despite the considerable effort by Monitor Publication Ltd. to solve the above inefficiencies by training staff in latest techniques of inventory management, reducing supplier lead time, improving on the quality of color prints and magazines and training customer care personnel, a high level of customer complaints still exists. The study employed a cross section design together with descriptive and analytical research design, based on both quantitative and qualitative data.Questionnaires and interview guide were used to collect data and a sample size of 45 respondents was selected using stratified sampling technique. Data was summarized, sorted, edited and analyzed using statistical packages for social scientists (SPSS) and Microsoft word and the findings were presented in a report format. Recommendations on Inventory control we re that Monitor Publication Ltd. needed to train and sensitize employees regarding the importance of Inventory Control and also ensure that all items were inspected so that they do not get problems concerning Inventory monitoring and record keeping.Recommendations on Customer satisfaction were that Monitor Publication Ltd. needed to put more effort on improving product quality as well as improve on its distribution channel so as to make its products more convenient and attractive to customers. Therefore more effort was given on Inventory control to achieve Customer satisfaction. His findings revealed that the enumerated inventory control techniques were not well understood by majority employees even if inventory control was conducted annually by the organization.Inventory controls must be introduced and oriented to all employees to achieve an efficient process. Also, the organization puts greater emphasis on monitoring optimal inventory levels and keeping inventory records. In this particular aspect of their study, the researchers, guided by specific criteria were of the same opinion. And because raw materials and finished goods occupied the highest level of activity, not all inventories were inspected by the organization and that economic order quantity was not the most preferred inventory control techniques.With this, the entity is expected to apply a more effective inventory control technique that would address all their weaknesses in their existing system. The study of Adupa (2011) about Monitor Publication Ltd. was made extensively and was conducted in a sufficient time frame of three years. He was able to gather all necessary and relevant data from the customers and the management because they were open in distributing such, regarding the study. He had pointed out issues concerning the assessment, traced its causes and had able to make recommendations that addressed the problem.The conduct of the study covered almost all necessary concerns and delivered those with an intense analogy and is expected to be responded accordingly. With the appropriate data gathered in the study conducted by Adupa (2011), the researchers accumulated necessary data and studies in the Philippine setting so as to identify the similarities and differences with the system applied in the foreign country. So, the researchers were able to gather another related study regarding the enhancement of the inventory control system of MDC pharmacy in Laguna, Philippines.Said study was conducted by the Bachelor of Science in Accountancy students in Colegio  de San Juan de Letran-Calamba. This served as compliance to their requirements of their thesis subject. With this, the researchers decided to make their study as a basis for the continuance of their study since both studies cover the same topic on inventory management of MDC pharmacy and Metro Print Asia, except that the inventories involved are different in nature; medicines for MDC pharmacy and printing materials for Metro Print Asia.The study conducted with MDC pharmacy revealed that the flaws of the inventory system employed in their business was due to several factors such as limited number of employees with no accounting knowledge and no proper training in handling inventories, overstocking and understocking of inventory supplies, weak internal control in the segregation and storage of inventories and absence of criteria in selecting suppliers that would comply with their inventory needs.Their assessment were also based on their problems identified wherein they have assessed the current status of MDC pharmacy, pointed out their weaknesses and strengths and made recommendations on the flaws discovered. Their enumerated problems are the same problems that this study anticipates to point out. After the study, some of the recommendations given by the students were designed to address MDC pharmacy’s problem on inventory valuation, receiving, storage, rotation and segregation. This inv olves the introduction of ROP system, EOQ model, stock rotation and others to MDC pharmacy.The discussion of these principles was evident in related literature of their study and is not included herein as the researchers focus only on the details significant to the inventory system of Metro Print Asia. Also, the research design used by the Colegio de San Juan de Letran-Calamba students is almost similar with the research design of the study with Metro Print Asia. Interview and observation was used as a major means of gathering the data needed. With the nature and line of business of Monitor Publication Ltd. nd the focus of the study of MDC Pharmacy, the researchers were able to relate to the study conducted by the former researchers. The problems cited in the studies were the same problems that the researchers expected to identify in their assessment of Metro Print Asia except Adupa’s concern about customer’s satisfaction and MDC pharmacy’s medicine inventory. W ith regard to the methods of research implemented by Adupa and the Accountancy students of Colegio  de San Juan de Letran-Calamba which were both descriptive and analytical in nature, the researchers were guided by the descriptive-assessment method.The researchers assessed the Metro Print Asia’s Inventories Management System based on criteria. And at the end of the study, the researchers proposed a solution to the problem of the said entity as inefficiencies were proven to exist. The theories and concepts adapted by Adupa (2011) in his study were general and were explained globally, such fit the concerns of the researchers of this study as well. While the results of the study conducted in MDC pharmacy resembled the same scope and focus of this study with Metro Print Asia. The only difference between them was the nature of the business that they are into.So as a summary, the study conducted by Adupa (2011) helped the researchers foresee the extent of the study conducted sinc e the nature of their business is similar in nature although it is based in a foreign country. As for MDC pharmacy, the students’ focus on enhancing the current inventory system was the same objective that the present researchers attained in their study of Metro Print Asia’s inventory system. With all the aforementioned information gathered by the researchers, the assessment of the inventory system of Metro Print Asia was possible for they already have related studies.This served as a basis for the researchers in formulating criteria guided by the objectives of proper inventory management. Chapter III RESEARCH DESIGN This chapter indicated the procedures by which the study population was selected, how these subjects were used to yield the required data, how the data were collected, and how these data were analyzed. Research Method The researchers assessed the Inventory Management System of Metro Print Asia, therefore, descriptive assessment method was used by the resea rchers because it concentrated on the recent condition of the entity.The researchers have no control over the entity and only reported about what had happened. Specifically, under this method, the descriptive assessment method was used to relate to the practices or policies implemented by Metro Print Asia. Essential information for this research work was collected through primary and secondary sources the combinations included: (i) Interview with the owner of the company. ` (ii) Observation of the purchasing process, warehousing and issuing of inventory to production was done. Materials handling and storage were also observed and so was the inspection procedures.Locale of the Study Dagupan City, is found in Northwestern Philippines, on the island of Luzon, particularly in Pangasinan Province. Located on Lingayen Gulf, Dagupan is the chief port and commercial center of the province. (Encarta, 2009) Since Dagupan is regarded as a first class city and the commercial center of the provi nce, many business entities were established here. For about hundreds of business establishments here in Dagupan City, few of them are printing presses. Printing presses are a great help in one’s business’ success.Today, every business needs to advertise their products and services they offer to gain the public’s attention. One way of advertising is through distribution of pamphlets, brochures, etc. which are produced by the printing presses. In that way selling expenses of the businesses will be minimized compared to TV or radio advertisement. One of these printing presses is Metro Print Asia which is located at Fernandez Street at the back of Malimgas Market. The reason why the MPA Figure 1. Map of Dagupan City, Pangasinan indicating Metro Print Asia Figure 2.Metro Print Asia Site Map researchers chose Metro Print Asia is because of its accessibility. Also, Metro Print Asia’s location is in the Dagupan proper which is near the researchers’ univer sity wherein for practical reasons, expenses were minimized. Metro Print Asia had already established its own name and already had a good reputation in the industry specifically here in Dagupan. Subject of the Study Interview was conducted where a set of preconceived questions were asked to the general manager regarding material control policies of the entity.The interviewers raised questions not specifically included in the interview schedule and obtained further information during the flow of conversation and made observations of the actual inventory process. This helped the researchers have a deeper understanding of the subject of the study. Data Gathering Instrument The researchers used an interview schedule wherein questions were formulated to specifically assess the current status of Metro Print Asia. The researchers have come up with the questions and necessary information essential to the study was gathered.Each member of the team was asked to formulate questions regarding t he inventory management system of Metro Print Asia after which, questions were finalized by all the members. These set of questions was based primarily on the standards of inventory management system stated in chapter II. This interview schedule actually established a link between the existing inventory management system of Metro Print Asia and the recommendations that may be beneficial or practical to improve their inventory management system as problems were identified.Said interview schedule can be seen in the appendices. Since the questions formulated by the researchers were general in nature and further clarifications were raised, semi-structured interview was conducted in which set of open questions were asked with the opportunity for the interviewer to explore particular themes or responses further. A semi-structured interview does not limit subjects to a set of pre-determined answers. Semi-structured interviews are used to understand how interventions work and how they could be improved.It also allows subject to discuss and raise issues that researchers may not have considered. Data Gathering Procedure Research as an intensive form of study, necessitates the collaboration of information which talks about center of study. Thus, data gathering was indispensible in this type of study. The kind and method of accumulating data were clearly defined by the researchers. In deciding the method to be used, the kind of data needed was pointed out simultaneously. Since the study used interview as data gathering tool, the researchers formulated an interview schedule.The researchers designed the interview schedule that they used to know the actual status of Metro Print Asia’s inventory management system and assessed if such system was properly followed. Said questions were subject for further corrections by the research professor after which, the researchers conducted the interview. The researchers were equipped with necessary instruments such as recorder, no tepad, pen, and the interview schedule. The group leader decided on the division of duties during the interview. This included decisions on who will record and jot down important notes.Then, the researchers set their schedule with the interviewee. With the aid of the interview schedule, the researchers obtained the answers to their primary concerns directly from the interviewee. Answers given by the owner gave rise to follow-up questions from the researchers that gave more elaboration about the issue, beneficial to both parties. Data Analysis and Interpretation Data alone is not sufficient without thorough analysis. Proper procedure is needed to interpret these data to become useful information that is essential to the researchers and users.The data gathered by the researchers through interview and observation were compared for evaluating the truthfulness of the data. After the procedure of comparison, further analysis was done to evaluate the existing process of purchasing, warehou sing and issuing of materials to production. This compiled information served as the basis for the interpretation of the researchers’ findings. Chapter IV DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION This chapter presented, analyzed and interpreted the data gathered by the researchers in the assessment of Inventory Management System of Metro Print Asia.This gave emphasis on the problem stated in Chapter I. The presentation is in the sequence of the specific questions and includes the following topics: 1) the status of the inventory management system of MPA, 2) the problems encountered and 3) the necessary recommendations to improve the existing inventory management system as to purchasing, warehousing and issuing of materials to production. Current Status of Inventory Management System of Metro Print Asia This section covered the inventory management process of Metro Print Asia where it discussed the three stages which are the purchasing, warehousing and issuing materials t o production.Purchasing of inventory such as papers and inks This stage starts when the owner, Danny Cuna, or the operating manager, Myrna Lambino, usually selects the supplier from whom they can purchase the materials at the lowest possible price. The cost and quantity of materials to be ordered are primary concerns of the company that is why they consider purchasing their items from Metro Manila rather than here in the province because items in Manila are cheaper when purchased in large volumes.After the owner and the operating manager were informed of various sources of supply and their prices, the owner or operating manager then now negotiates purchase contracts, prepares purchase orders and follows up deliveries depending upon the job order requested by their client. Rarely, upon delivery, Nerissa Pael, one of the warehouse-in-charge, checks if goods received are in good condition before accepting it from the shipping company.This part of the process resembles the quality contr ol of the company to ensure that inventories received met the specifications of the orders of the company. According to the standard cited in Chapter II by Adupa and Hall, a good inventory management system in purchasing process should consider the cost of materials to be purchased specially when acquiring materials of large quantity. Aside from these, it is also essential to consider the proper timing, selection of suppliers and the preparation of the purchase order.When the goods arrived it should be inspected by the authorized personnel to ensure that the conditions of the goods are in good condition, and then it should be properly stored. Based on the status of the company, consideration of the cost, quantity, selection of suppliers and inspection on goods received has complied with the standards. But the companies have also violated some of it such as taking into account the timing of the purchase which leads to delay in production. In addition, the owner and the operating mana ger sometimes miscommunicate resulting to double orders.Warehousing of inventory such as papers and inks In this process, purchased materials by the purchasing officer are received, recorded and stored in a certain place which serves as the company’s warehouse and keep the materials therein prior to their use in the production process. In the case of Metro Print Asia, two warehouses are designed to accommodate all their inventories arriving in different time intervals. Each warehouse keeps different set of inventories as the company maintains varieties of inventories in the form of papers and inks.Each warehouse is also given separate warehouses-in-charge, Nerissa Pael and Dennis Roquiza, to keep the inventories monitored and updated. Upon admission, both the warehouse-in-charge then maintains a material ledger card for every inventory stored in the warehouses. However, these material ledger cards are not regularly updated and maintained. Papers and inks, as their primary inv entory materials, the former is sensitive to light, air and humidity and the latter may not be usable if not properly stored so storage for such materials is of great importance.Though the responsibilities of administering the warehouses are given to each of the warehouses-in-charge, the owner himself also monitors them to ensure that those responsibilities are carried out regularly. Aside from keeping the inventories stored in a safe place, it is also the responsibility of both the warehouse in charge to issue materials to be used in the production. Here are the control policies set as to keeping inventories in the warehouse as indicated in Chapter II. After delivery of purchased inventory, it will then be moved to the warehouse or directly sent to production.The warehouse must be locked when the warehouse-in-charge is not around thus the access is only to the warehouse-in-charge and other authorized personnel. Also, material ledger cards for the inventory item must be maintained b y the warehouse-in-charge. In addition, list of items of each shelf is necessary to have a well-organized inventory. The company complied with the standard of Coltman and Jagels in moving the delivered goods in both warehouses, but facilities in the second warehouse are not maintained so there is a high risk for damage.Locking of the warehouse is also neglected when the warehouse-in- charge is not around resulting to unrestricted access of inventories. Failure in updating the material ledger cards and proper organization of inventories in the warehouse results to problems such as theft. Issuing of inventory such as papers and inks to production When there are job orders, Marivic, the marketing manager, will authorize the approval of such orders to Vanessa, head of the pre-press department.She will then assign one of the production personnel who will do the job and request from one of the warehouse-in-charges to issue the materials needed for the production of that specific order. Bo th the warehouse-in-charge, Nerissa and Dennis, will now be responsible for the issuance of the inventory needed in the production. But sometimes when the warehouse-in-charges are not around or are doing other jobs assigned to them by the owner, they are not the ones who get the needed materials from the warehouse. This issuance of inventories is given a maximum of twenty percent allowance of allotted number of inventory needed in case of spoilage.These are the following standards or control policies which a manufacturing company should follow with regard to its issuance of materials to production in order to arrive at a good and properly organized Inventory Management System. First, the person responsible in receiving a purchase order from a customer must pass on the details of inventory needed for production to the store keeper. Second, the warehouse-in-charge should be the only person authorized to have access in the inventories located in the warehouse.And lastly, the warehouse- in-charge is then required to release inventories to production personnel assigned to a specific job. The first standard, which serves as an internal control was not being followed by the said company with regard to its issuance of inventory to production because Marivic, the marketing manager, who is responsible in receiving purchase orders authorize the approval of order to Vanessa, head of the pre-press department. Vanessa also assigns other personnel to request from one of the warehouses-in-charge to issue the materials needed for the production.Any personnel can enter in the warehouse which does not limit the access of inventory in the warehouse. This only shows that the company did not comply with the second standard as stated above. As for the last standard, the researchers found that the company was not in entire compliance because there were times when the warehouses-in-charge are assigned to do other duties which sometimes require them to be outside the warehouse thereby l eaving it unattended. As a result, other personnel directly get the inventory from the warehouse. Problems encountered by the businessProblems are always present in various parts of a business. These problems must be properly addressed in order to take preventive measures to counterfeit the existence of a more serious one. This is why in any kind of research study, problems are identified and taken into account as an entire analysis for further recommendations by the researchers. In this sense, the researchers were able to identify Metro Print Asia’s problems in their Inventory Management System. This system was a critical part of a printing press being a manufacturing company.Different problems arising from purchasing, warehousing, and issuing of materials to production were considered for it can interfere with the company’s profits and customer services. These problems were inevitable but the effect of such can be minimized. Most of the problems identified in Metro P rint Asia’s inventory management system rooted from the inconsistency of proper implementation of the company’s policy with their inventory control procedures, no segregation of duties and knowledge of the employees in their inventory system is not enough.Such problems encountered in each phase are as follows: Purchasing of inventory such as papers and inks In a manufacturing business, purchasing comprises the initial phase of the whole inventory management process. In this phase, raw materials are acquired to be used in the production process. However, this task requires the combination of knowledge, experience and expertise in handling inventory. Failure to do so will lead to disorganized purchasing process. One of the problems that arise in Metro Print Asia’s inventory management system was the failure of having updated inventory count.Because no updated counts are available, purchasing process becomes time consuming in the sense that the warehouse-in-charge still needs to count the inventories before purchasing. According to Hall (2008), the purchasing process determines the quantity to order, selects a supplier, and prepares a purchase order. It begins with recognizing the need to restock inventories through the observation of inventory records. Also, it was mentioned by Coltman and Jagels (2008) that the inventory counts of the stored products should be taken periodically by specific personnel and compared to perpetual inventory cards.Metro Print Asia has complied in the said procedures stated by Hall (2008) wherein they first gather information on materials to be ordered, conducts canvassing to suppliers, and prepares purchase order. In gathering information on materials to be ordered, it takes time for the warehouse-in-charge to give such information because it is the only time that she will update the said inventory. This problem not only affects the purchasing process, but also the warehousing procedures which make the inventory management system of Metro Print Asia disorganized.Also, even if the company assigns the purchasing of materials to Myrna Lambino, the operating manager, she still needs the approval of the owner to order materials from the supplier. There are times when the owner himself does the ordering without properly communicating with the operating manager. With this scenario, the materials are oftentimes ordered twice. It is a practice, especially in large companies, to control inventories by segregating the responsibilities of personnel to avoid conflict and connivance that may lead to fraud.But taking into account that Metro Print Asia is a small entity, they maximize their work force by assigning other duties to their employees. The operating manager is an example of this; she was authorized by the owner to purchase inventory materials aside from doing her usual job. The owner was the former person in charge in purchasing their inventory materials, but since he is hands-on in running his business and is out from time to time, he is no longer capable in doing such task.But even as he had delegated this work to Myrna, he still oftentimes purchases the needed materials without referring to Myrna. With respect to the problems identified in purchasing, miscommunication between the owner and the operating manager as to ordering inventories can be solved. The existence of purchase orders will not confuse both the owner and the operating manager on what, when and how much inventories are to be ordered. Warehousing of inventory such as papers and inks Warehousing is the phase where the purchased materials are stored and kept in good condition intended for its use.The complexity of the warehouse structure depends on the type of materials stored therein. Just like in the case of Metro Print Asia where their main inventories are papers and inks, papers must be properly stored since they are sensitive to different weather conditions. The researchers found problems concerning the disorganized storing of materials like large sized papers lying directly on the warehouse floor which may cause spoilage or damage. Bizmanualz, Inc. (2008) cited that storage refers to protecting inventory from damage, shrinkage and theft.Coltman and Jagel (2008) also provided a control practice that immediately after goods have been delivered and all receiving checks performed, they should be moved to storage areas or sent directly to the department that requested them. Proper storage facilities should be used. Metro Print Asia provided two warehouses in order to have room for all the inventories. However, these inventories are still not protected from damages because they do not have enough warehouse storing facilities such as cabinets and shelves. In addition, items are not properly labeled, maintained and updated by the warehouses-in-charge.One standard to aid in the inventory count is the use of preprinted inventory sheets that list items in the same order as they are located on storeroom shelves. Metro Print Asia segregated its inventories according to their sizes where one warehouse accommodates smaller papers, and the other big sized ones without labeling them. Thus, they find it hard to physically check and count the inventories stored. Moreover, the warehouse-in-charge has no regular inspection on the conditions of the materials which can result to high percentage of obsolescence or damage.Both the warehouses-in-charge also do other duties aside from administering the warehouses causing poor performance on their primary duty. It was stated that segregation of duties must be followed, but since it was also mentioned that Metro Print Asia is a small company, it is inevitable that employees are expected to be assigned to do another job. Therefore, every so often, Nerrisa or Dennis is busy doing his/her other duties and leaves the warehouse unattended that is why production personnel can get materials easily for production without authority, because of these, inventories are susceptible to theft.It should be followed that storage areas should be locked when the storekeeper is not present and that access to storerooms should be limited to the storekeeper and other authorized employees. Stated in chapter II of this study, one of the common problems with inventory system is due to unqualified employees in-charge of inventory. In Metro Print Asia’s case, two of its warehouses-in-charge lack knowledge regarding the management of inventories. The owner did not give a specific policy for hem to follow, thus the responsibilities and objectives of a properly controlled inventory were not clear to the assigned personnel. Issuing of inventory such as papers and inks to production Issuance of materials to production can also be critical. This requires issuing the materials to the right person assigned to the job. However, this is not strictly implemented since any of MPA’s personnel are allowed to get hold of the items whenever the warehouse-in-charge is assigned to work outside office or on another job.When this happens, the warehouse-in-charge needs to go elsewhere thereby leaving the warehouse open to anybody who needs materials. The standard mentioned in the chapter II of this study states that person responsible in receiving a purchase order from a customer must pass on the details of inventory needed for production to the storekeeper. Metro Print Asia failed to comply with this standard since any of the production personnel can present the request for materials to the warehouse in charge. Another problem is when they issue damaged materials for production process and were only identified during production.This happens when the warehouse-in-charge or other employees simply get materials in the warehouse without properly checking if those are free from damages. The standard in chapter II indicates that the storekeeper should be the only person authorizes to have access on the inventories located in the warehouse and release these inventories to specified person assigned to the job. Said standard was not followed by Metro Print Asia since accessibility to the warehouse is made open to anybody who needs the materials especially when the warehouse in charge is not around.Thus, in certain cases, damaged materials are issued to production because checking of materials before issuing is not done. Also, Metro Print Asia failed to track the right inflows and outflows of inventories in the warehouse. Another standard mentioned by Coltman and Jagels (2008), storage areas should be locked when the warehouse in charge is not present. Metro Print Asia did not conform to this standard so access to inventories is not limited to the authorized personnel only.Proposed measures to the problems identified With every problem, there is always a solution. In Metro Print Asia’s case, the researchers proposed the following measures in order to help improve the recent condition of Metro Print Asia ’s Inventory Management System in terms of purchasing, warehousing and issuing of materials to production. Purchasing of inventory such as papers and inks As to failure of having updated inventory count, the management should impose a well-defined process of updating inventory count, e. g. aintaining and placing a list in every material, so as to determine the level of stocks per item. In this manner, level of materials to be ordered can be determined easily thus, resulting to a controlled ordering process. Log books are needed in each warehouse in order to monitor the flow of materials from purchasing to issuance for production. And with regard to overstocking of materials due to miscommunication of the two persons in charge in purchasing, the operating manager will be the only person in charge to do the purchasing.The owner will only inspect by checking the bulletin board provided by the operating manager which shows the updated inventory that are still needed to purchase. Warehousing of inventory such as papers and inks The researchers suggested that the management should properly orient their employees before sending them to actual operations regarding their tasks and duties. The researchers also proposed that the management should set a specific poli