Author: chris

This case study presents the situation of a new car introduced to the European market. The car design and the brand name (Smart, a two-seater smaller than FIAT 500), the company (MCC owned by Daimler-Benz) and the supply chain are completely new in the market and go beyond such existing practices as supplier involvement, outsourcing and modular production in the industry. Modules such as complete front or rear ends are pre-assembled on site and suppliers are involved in design and final assembly through co-ownership of the site, co-design and some major share in the manufacturing activities. Given the untraditional approach, MCC executives face some fundamental challenges including how to manage and control a supply chain in which MCC only adds some 15% of the operational value added. MCC can be seen as a pilot for implementing mass-customization in an automotive supply chain. The case study is therefore of relevance to academics and automotive practitioners. Therefore, the supply chain should reduce inflexibility, cost and lead-time while maximizing on responsiveness, innovativeness and quality. (Tage Skjott-Larsen)

The Smart is based on an integral body-frame (called “TRIDION”) to which modules are attached. Apart from the body, the car consists of several main modules, namely: the rear module including the driveline, the doors and the cockpit, each containing sub-modules and components. The modules are supplied in sequence for final assembly, by a small number of first tier suppliers, of who seven are fully integrated in the final assembly site. Modules are bought by the MCC only as they are needed in the final assembly process. For example, a complete rear module, including among other things: rear axles, transmission, suspension and engine, is pre-assembled by one supplier who starts assembling the module only upon demand by MCC and not earlier than one and half hour before the module is needed on the final assembly line. The same is true of the doors (3 hours lead-time) and the dashboard system (1-hour lead-time). (Kimberley, 2004)
To ensure a smooth flow of goods within the plant, the car is moved along the work stations of the assembly line, which is laid out in the form of a cross. Arguments for this plant layout were to permit high-frequency deliveries at a large number of offloading ramps, while keeping transport to a minimum. Sub-sections can also work independently to avoid system disruptions in case of malfunction at one particular point along the assembly line. Furthermore “integrated suppliers” are able to supply their finished products directly to the final assembly line or on a conveyor system.
In the “Smart-ville” the manufacturing process starts with Magna assembling the body (TRIDION) in white. This process is highly automated and standardized; Magna employs 130 robots. In fact, this is one of the very few automated process steps. Operators mostly perform subsequent steps. The finished body in white is then passed on to the next partner in the adjoining, connected facility. In that step Surtema (an Eisenmann subsidiary) primes and paints the body using paint tunnels for each of the two colors (black and silver/grey). The process is based at powder-coating; it has been developed especially for Smart and is environment friendly. After painting, the body is transferred by conveyor belt to the beginning of the cross shaped assembly line. Starting at the top of the cross, VDO assembles cockpits and mounts them to the body. (Lewin, 2004)
In the three other sections of the cross MCC goes on assembling the car, starting with the mechanics and chassis, followed by external and internal trim assembly, inspection and testing. The rear module (including the drive train) is pre-assembled by Krupp Hoesch and undergoes several additional assembly tasks by workers of MCC on a small island adjacent to the cross. Following assembly, the rear module is brought to the line on a telescopic carrier that raises it to shoulder height, enabling operators to guide it into the car.
During the assembly process, modules and components are delivered line-side (within 10 metres from the workstation) on a just-in-time basis. For example, complete front-end and rear-end modules are delivered by Bosch and Krupp, respectively. Dynamit Nobel delivers the plastic outer body panels moulded on site. The door panels are delivered to Magna Door Systems who pre-assembles the panels to complete doors, before delivering them line-side. The seven “integrated” suppliers are responsible for the supply of 70-80% of the volume and 30-40% of the value of the finished product. In addition, 16 non-integrated suppliers deliver sub-modules and parts to both MCC and the “integrated” suppliers. (Siekman, 2002) These non-integrated suppliers add about another 20% of the volume to the car. Their supplies such as seats, wheels, windows, are delivered to the relevant docking station of the assembly line, at a maximum distance of 10 metres. The remaining 10% of the volume consist of standard and small parts not linked to a particular module, which are stored in an on-site warehouse, operated by a third party. MCC has selected suppliers to integrate at the site and suppliers that could supply from a distant location by a straightforward process. Logistic management of MCC made a calculation based on the frequency at which a module was used, and its size. The outcome of this exercise showed the volume of the various flows of components. Apart from special cases in which the characteristics of the manufacturing process did not allow on-site assembly (as with engines); the components causing the largest transport flows were integrated in the premises of MCC. This table lists the integrated and non-integrated suppliers of MCC. (Guinness, 2005)
Integrated module suppliers:
Bosch Front module and head-lights
Dynamit Nobel Synthetic body-panels / Wheel arch and sill panels
Surtema Paint and surface protection
Cubic Cubic Printing
Krupp Hoesch Rear module (Rear wheel suspension, integration of engine)
Magna Magna Doors System Safety body cell / doors
VDO Dashboard/cockpit, battery and wiring harnesses

Non-integrated main-suppliers
Behr Cooling system
Bertrand Faure Seats
Continental Tyres
Eberspächer Exhaust-system
Getrag Transmission
Magneti Marelli Dynamo/starter/relays
DaimlerChrysler Engine / front & rear axles / Drive shaft
Splintex Windows & glass roof
Meritor Roof-module, sun shade for glass roof
Bosch Control-stability system
Solvay Fuel tanks
Stankiewicz Carpet
Simoldes Centre console; Luggage boxes
Rieter Under-shield
Johnson Controls Interiors Upper interior trim
Lemförder SE-drive unit
Dynamit Nobel Crash Management System
Bosch Head lights / Brake systems
The system also differs from traditional supply chains with respect to the activities that are outsourced. Even activities, traditionally considered core activities of the OEM, such as the pressing of body parts and painting and even the co-ordination of internal logistics, are no longer performed by MCC. Not only do suppliers closely participate in the final assembly of the car, they are also deeply involved in the development, and planning of the product. What can be said about the outsourcing of components and modules manufacturing is equally true of supporting services. The whole information system supporting the processes of MCC in manufacturing, logistics and distribution is outsourced to third party service provider, who owns and exploits the hardware and the software, as a facility-management arrangement; controls lorry traffic on site, which is important because a hundred lorry deliveries will be made during each shift once full capacity is reached. TNT logistics manages a spare part facility and Rhenus operates a storage facility for small standard components and parts. These parts are replenished to the line by a kanban pull system, operated by Rhenus. MTL finally, ships finished cars to the dealers. (Weken)
The production process of the Smart car aims at reducing order deliverance lead-time and the redundancy in movement of its stock to the maximum while increasing the firm’s flexibility to the maximum attainable levels. The desired cars are first augmented to be shipped instantly to the dealers. The company ships all its cars to its Smart-centers rather than using importers or other organizations that are deemed to be slow. Full lorry loads are highly preferred per dealer so that sales and shipment proceeds in a cycle of batches of planned trader shipments. This is usually a lorry-load of 12 cars which are first produced and then loaded for shipment. Some delays however come up such as compulsory bureaucratic procedures, distribution over a large geographical area. The company therefore endeavors to surmount this loss in time by direct distribution techniques and postponement. Further, the company ensures that it does not run out of stock. For instance Magna, an integrated supplier, maintains a stock of 400 body frames. A three month projection in stock needs is put in place to ensure sufficient stock levels are maintained and chooses not to use the on-sequence supply process which is generally accepted in the automotive industry which can be troublesome in case of shortages. Many OEMs produce not only every day orders but also orders modules several hours before the required delivery deadline. Therefore, suppliers can assemble modules beforehand and successfully conduct the required supply sequence in good time. (Hoek, 2005)

The Internet has become part of today’s teens’ culture and they are very familiar on how to use and navigate in it. This paper reflects on the factors that influence internet usage among teens based on a survey compiled by Pew Internet & American Life Project on a sample of over 1,000 adolescents between the ages of 12 to 19 who were interviewed randomly by phone. It indicates that 9 out of 10 access the internet regularly which is an increase of 75% in comparison to the year 2000. This high number is in contrast to the findings that only 66% of American adults use the internet. The study further showed that most teenagers first accessed the internet between the age of 10 and 12. 87% admitted using the internet regularly, with 52% of them accessing the internet daily, an increase from 42% in 2000. About 50% of these teenagers, their families used a speedier broadband connection with the rest using other means such as dial-up connections. Teens were found to use the internet for instant messaging, online blogs, initiating online chats and sending e-mails. In the survey, 75% use instant messaging compared to 42% of adults as a means of communication with their fellow age mates. The survey also indicates that 75% of today’s teens use the internet to read news which is a sharp increase from 38% in the year 2000. University of Diego’s technology trackers such as Susannah Stern expect instant messaging to keep growing exponentially due to peer influence. Teens interviewed felt that internet use was a source of indispensable fun and a means of communication and research. Amanda Lenhart, a Pew researcher who participated in conducting the study, found that “Teens are very selective—they’re smart about their technology use. They use it for the kinds of things they need to do.” The older teenage girls between ages 15 to 17 contrasted the myth of the tech-savvy boys since they were found to use the internet more than their male counterparts.

Literature review
To determine factors influencing Internet usage among the youths such as demographics and economic and social variables, a literature review of the available Pew research has been conducted, focusing on factors influencing teenagers’ access to the Internet or World Wide Web except for e-mailing purposes. According to the literature, students are the main users of the Internet. Jones and Madden conducted a study on high school and junior college students’ Internet usage. Browsing the Internet was a daily activity; 73% of these students used the Internet more than the library for research. Seventy-nine percent of the students agreed “that Internet use has had a positive impact on their academic experience” (Jones and Madden, 2002). Princeton Research Associates on behalf of Pew Internet & American Life Project conducted nationwide phone interviews, and did an analysis on how respondents penetrated the Internet. The data results show that all 59% of the general population penetrated the Internet less than 86% of students (Jones and Madden, 2002).

This essay discusses the leadership and ethical skills in the nursing field exemplified through Ms. Ann Makena, a nurse in charge of the Neonatal Section at the Southern-State Hospital. She recent received a Community Service Medal as an indication of her dedication to her profession. This spurred me to interview a lady in the limelight, a leader, in order to understand further on the challenges facing leadership, appropriate professional ethics and the responsibilities that come with nursing.
In my personal interview, I decided to learn further on the skills she employed to ensure effectiveness in leadership and the challenges she encountered. I therefore decided to phrase the following questions: How did you prepare yourself for this role and what particularly influenced you to join nursing?, How do you co-ordinate staff, delegate duties and manage your work environment?, What are the particular challenges that you face in your current position as the section’s boss and in nursing as a whole?, what are the professional and personal ethics that you highly uphold at the workstation? and What do you envision as the future of nursing?
In the interview, I learnt that Ms. Makena was a Registered nurse and held a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. She had decided to pursue nursing since her childhood since she felt that she had a noble and divine cause to pursue in an effort to offer care to the needy masses in order to alleviate human suffering. She also found it sufficiently challenging and rewarding having been brought up by her mother who was also a nurse and was very influential when it came to her choice of career.
The Neonatal department has 16 registered nurses under its supervision. These nurses work in 12-hour shifts, 7 nurses at one particular time of day, while two are on rest. Each nurse is entitled to a one-day leave in every week though emergency cases at times necessitate a recall. It is therefore challenging to lay down strategies and a working criterion to be followed by staff and at the same time ensure required standards of professionalism are adhered. It is in this view that Ms. Makena upholds two leadership skills that have not only kept her at the top but also endeared her to the staff and patients.
From this interview, I was able to infer two major challenges that Ms. Makena felt needed to be addressed. First and foremost, there is an acute shortage of qualified nurses in the health care industry. Pressure has therefore been exerted on the available nurses in an effort to stretch the available labor resource. This, however, comes with lower service standards since the few nurses cannot adequately offer completely personalized service as the case should be in the medical profession. Secondly, she felt that the cost of accessing services was quite high for the average citizen. This had led to inaccessibility of midwife services to these citizens leading to at times critical and disastrous cases being reported after delivery took place elsewhere. This ends up costing these patients more than they would have had to pay for the services.

Dear me;
I salute you there. I hope life is treating you with enchanting experiences. I am currently doing very well and still hoping to achieve even higher levels. I hope you getting along well with your studies and you are employing the necessary effort to be able to achieve your aspirations. I really hope your targets in life are very clear by now and that you have purposed to major in the areas of your interest. I don’t know whether you have settled to become a reporter or a language teacher major. Am writing to informing you of the far I have come ever since I left college. I have been able to go through various experiences as a reporter.
My job has been very demanding in my pursuit of finding the right kind of news to report in our media but yet again, it has opened a door for further establishing of the long lived dream of become an author of various books and articles which appear on our dailies. After I decided to follow the route of becoming a reporter which was influenced by my interest in knowing various issues as they emerge .After working for a long period in the industry I have to have been able to gain a lot of command in the mastering of written language and the various forms of styles that one could use in order to have the right message driven home. I now realize of the importance of the decision you’ve made of becoming a reporter instead of a teacher. Of course this is the kind of job you are looking forward into having. You want a career where you would be able to visit places and be able to learn various cultures of different people. I must confess that this job has given me the satisfaction I needed and the kind of exposure you are looking forward into having.
All these success have been attributed to the tireless work you have embarked on of writing materials including essays, reports, research papers, thesis paper among many others. My covering of stories in the media has been helped in the becoming more efficient in covering of the stories. Am writing to describe to you of how my job has progressed so well so that am currently covering stories even from the global scenes. The current job you have undertaken to take have made me become very conversant with different places and as well as the various cultures of people and their stories. From the writing jobs you are pursuing have made my world open up as I have grown from one level of knowledge to even a better states. I recall the various topics you are covering while doing the writing job that I have been able to cover in my line of duty as a reporter. Am very much pleased to attribute my easy time covering the news with special regards to those issues you are now covering.
I have also seen my various book publications become very influential to the readers due to the rich diversity of the various issues covered through the experience of the writing job you are doing right now. How I wish that I could have discovered the amazing writing job from my earlier days in college because I could have explored on more issues. I have also been called I various forums where there are national debates on national issues. I have to confess that, the rich background of the information I have on diverse issues has worked to see me become very influential in these debates and as a result making make taking the role of a moderator of various forums. What others could have seen as a waste of time and energy has now changed to make me earn much more from the different role s that I can play in covering diverse issues.
I would have told you much more, but my point is home that, the writing job will help you greatly in the future. Take your chances wisely and have the zeal to write more and more about everything presented to you. All the best.
From future me

Homosexuality

In the United States, homosexuality and consequently, same-sex marriages, has resulted in a lot of controversy and the trading of accusations and counter-accusations. Conceptually, marriage is defined as a legal and religious long-term commitment between two people of the opposite sex. This stretches further to incorporate rights in financial responsibilities and benefits as assigned to heterosexual couples. However, this traditional view is increasingly facing change and opposition. Several states such as Massachusetts, Connecticut, California, Iowa, the District of Columbia and, New Jersey have already reflected this clamour for change and adopted legislation allowing gay marriages. In these states therefore, homosexual couples have the freedom to decide whether to marry or not in a legally acceptable manner. The gay couples can enjoy mutual couple benefits such as legal spouse representation, medical visitations, pension benefits and inheritance rights accorded to the bereaved. In a few other states such as Rhode Island, Hawaii, Maine, Colorado and Wisconsin have instituted domestic partnership laws whereby gay couples can enjoy limited rights though gay marriages are out rightly outlawed.

This has however not influenced the society to radically accept gay couples and end all stigma and discrimination directed unto them. Proponents of the entrenchment of gay rights into the United States Constitution argue that barring homosexual marriages is tantamount to discrimination. The essence of the United States Constitution is to protect and preserve minorities’ rights and hence gay advocates feel that the federal government or anyone else should not bar marriage to any minorities. This argument is further supported by the Interracial Marriage Act whereby marriages across races were prohibited in the United States till 1967. Therefore, it is crucial to examine the pros and cons of gay marriages and evaluate them from a basis of whether it is plausible to not only legalise them but also mount awareness campaigns to de-stigmatize them.

There are various arguments that have been put forward in support of gay marriages. These range from rights in freedom in the Bill of Rights, inherent rights, societal perspectives and biological claims. First, lobbyists and advocates for gay couples feel that if they are not legalized, this will be tantamount to isolation of their rights to religious freedom. Opponents to this have expressed the fact that all major religions consider homosexual relationships as a sin. However, the First Amendment as entrenched in the American Constitution that every person’s rights and views pertaining to religion or lack thereof be it a minority group or not, must be protected. The marriage institution is a secular and societal activity in contrast to the widely acknowledged view as a solely religious perspective of people’s lives. Therefore, the government cannot base laws on a religious concept. This can be equated as entrenching the mentioning of God’s name in vain as a crime.

Secondly, benefits that accrue to a married couple such as joint property ownership and medical benefits are also accorded to gay couples if their unions are legalized. Vital societal and mutual benefits such as tax reduction, property ownership, insurance benefits and agency laws affect a couple’s decision-making. For instance, if a partner in a gay couple that has lived together for twenty years falls ill, visitation rights to the other partner are denied since they are not recognized by law as the next of kin or spouse. Therefore, critical decisions such as incapacitation are not discussed conclusively by the couple. This, as the advocates pointedly illustrate, is unfair just because these individuals do not fit a state definition.

Thirdly, gay couples and various couples not only feel that this is an accepted lifestyle but also cite biological causation. Over time, the widely held conception that homosexuality is a deviant sexual behavior is fading out. History, dating back to the Greece indicates the existence of homosexual relationships and the origin of such terms such as Lesbos for lesbians. Psychological research is underway that has already achieved in showing that same-sex relationships have a biological causation. However, caution should be taken to differentiate this from a genetic causation which has no substantial basis. This is depicted by the fact that in most gay couples, one partner exhibits characteristics of the opposite sex such as softer voices in males and strong cheekbones in females. There would be absolutely no need for an individual to choose to be gay in a world that frowns upon the same. This argument therefore renders support to the implied theory that homosexuality is involuntary.

Fourthly, denying gay couple the right to a legal marriage is discriminatory. America was founded on the concept of majority rule with the protection of minorities such as the anti-slavery acts and inter-racial marriages. Furthermore, it does not hurt anyone in particular or the society. A marriage is deemed as a personal commitment between two people and should not be dictated upon by society.

On to the fifth argument for gay marriages, it is important to note marriages are founded on the basis of love not the mutual benefits accorded by the state on couples. This is a life-time commitment whereby the partners vow to support each other through thick and thin and forsake all others till death. It is noteworthy that legal maneuvers accorded to couples in several states have not served to quest the clamor for legalization and acceptance of marriages. This implies there is more to these marriages than just legal aspects.

The sixth argument put forward is that gay marriages will entrench family values whereby couples will give up high-risk sexual behaviors. This is a two-edged approach whereby the opposite can be viewed as the erosion of family virtues. However, marriages encourage people to settle down and give up frivolous lifestyles which expose them to STDs and other risks. When married couples commit to building a life together, they depict a positive desirable behavior that should be encouraged.

Finally, it is important to note that gay couples enjoy the same financial benefits and constraints encountered by heterosexual marriages. Therefore, a homosexual marriage ensures couples support each other especially in the face of the ongoing turbulent economic times. They can easily meet their bills and utilities and live the American dream if these unions are legalized.

On the other hand, opponents to this legislation have come up with a myriad number of reasons as to why gay marriages should not be legalized. First and chief among these is the religious aspect. Most religions in the world today consider homosexuality a great sin. Homosexuality is not only deeply opposed by the various religions in the country but it is also deemed offensive. It is seen as limiting the freedom of religion enjoyed by the majority. The fact that the United States Constitution was founded under a religious perspective and highly borrows from the Christian Bible further serves to indicate the citizens’ opposition to homosexuality. Hence, laws prohibiting homosexuality should be upheld.

Secondly, the legalization of gay marriages shall weaken the definition and perspective attached to marriage as per se. With rising cases of divorce, which are projected at 50 percent, the respect accorded to marriages has already been weakened. Gay marriages, if legalized, are expected to increase the number of non-serious marriages viewed as making fun of this serious intuition such as individuals desiring to be tax-exempt. This shall be in utter contrast to the widely felt view that marriage is a sacred institution that should be well-adhered to. Further, this is supported by the fact that only people in the opposite sex can pro-create. Most activists against homosexuality feel that it encourages adoption while ignoring pro-creation, which is viewed as a gift from God.

Secondly, the full adoption of marriage into the social setup shall ideally weaken the perspective in which traditional family values are held as the most vital in society. The chief building blocks of every society is the traditional nuclear family setup of man, woman and children. This has been the reason as to why societies have managed to remain rational throughout historical events such as the world wars, the great depression and other similar challenges. Family members have always stuck up close even when friends and lovers forsake thee. Therefore, it is noteworthy that our societies are crumbling due to the increasing change in perception of families and the weakening of their structure. Introducing another perceptive view to the already weakened family view shall definitely worsen the situation.

Thirdly, this would trigger a slippery slope in the scope of the legality of marriages. Contrary to the proposition by gay proponents that these marriages would hurt no-one, this would trigger the onset of a chain reaction that would ultimately lead to a radical change in the whole idea of marriage. Abhorrent traits such as incest in which closely relate family members intermarry may come up. There is therefore a need to define the institution of family and marriage firmly, otherwise, the options and variations might prove to be endless. This may sound absurd, but it is vital to note that it does not take the majority to change this but a few activist judges to change these laws by interpreting them under the doctrine of stare decisis so as to impose this on everyone just as was the case in where two judges in California declared the Pledge of Allegiance unconstitutional.

Finally, the gay culture, under a psychological analysis and review, should not be encouraged. This is since it leads to psychological disorders, much lower life expectancy which is indicated at less than twenty years in comparison to the general population which can be attributed to the hassles experienced by this couples; and the highly likely transmittance of Sexually Transmitted Diseases as is the case in the studies conducted in Haiti by Centre of Disease Control. There is therefore a need to discourage unhealthy practices that are detrimental to humanity.

In conclusion, it is important to note the controversy on gay marriages and homosexuality is a societal issue that must be resolved. Either the proponents and advocates of homosexuality will attain legislative and mutual recognition over time or the opponents of this change will manage to contain this whirlwind. It is therefore vital to analyze various articles that have appeared in the recent past which act as pointers as to the direction this crucial debate is taking.

New York Times reporter David Dunlap notes that while the licensing marriages does not explicitly prohibit homosexual marriages at any one time, it “used terms of gender that clearly indicated that only heterosexual couples could marry…. In 1993, the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled that a refusal to grant marriage licenses violated the state constitution. Even though the court found that the state of Hawaii’s constitution had discriminated against homosexuals, which should legalize marriage nationally, presently there have been no same-sex marriage license that have been issued anywhere in the United States .” This reflects the situation at the time. There have been wide-felt changes since then. As of 2010, various states have already passed legislation in favour of gay marriages and gone ahead to issue licences.

Conversely, an Online US News columnist feels that “one state court should not dictate marriage laws for the entire nation. If gay marriages become legal in Hawaii, other states may have to recognize them, as well, because the U.S. Constitution requires each state to grant full faith and credit to the acts of other states. But, he argues, many states do not want to recognize same-sex unions, and should not be forced to do so by a few judges in Hawaii.” Hawaii has gone forth to include various legal rights which safeguard the interests of gays. Is this a pointer that homosexuality is here to stay?