The Benefits Of Bim Challenges Information Technology Essay

The Benefits Of Bim Challenges Information Technology Essay On January 21, 2008 the stock markets around the world tumbled. No one has felt the effects of the recession more than here in the United States. Many have compared these events to as the worst economical events since the great drepression. Thousands of companies have had to close doors because of the lapse in the economy. Construction type companies are some of those companies that have struggled emensly during the recession. Construction companies have had to do many things they would normally not do just to keep the doors open. Many cconstruction companies have had to look at inovaitive stratagies just to stay ahead of the competition. Companies such as J.F. Ahern Co., have began to use one strategy that that has cost them both time and money. Innovative stratigies are risky, they dont always work. However in this case the J.F.Ahern Co. has use this stategy to not only improve the product side of there product, but has also used this strategy to help inprove the experience for the customer. J.F.Ahern Co. has introduce the use of building information modeling as a strategy to keep them ahead of the rest. Body The use of BIM (building information modeling) has started to become very popular in the construction industry. It is being utilized by all parties involved in current building projects including architects, engineers, contractors, and even owners. BIM started out as a design tool as preliminary ideas but is now implemented into all the project phases from initial design to final completion. The questions about BIM in todays industry is, are contractors utilizing BIM to its full potential and is it worth the cost of implementing BIM? Its seems that larger contractors will be able to make the transition to BIM more easily than smaller subcontractors or specialty contractors. J.F. Ahern Co. is a mechanical and fire protection contractor that has been using BIM since 2003. What caused J.F. Ahern Co. to start using and continue using BIM during these challenging and tough economic times? They were using BIM before contractors were taking fewer profit margins on projects and prior to the building industry slowing down. J.F. Ahern Co. described the implementation of BIM in their company by saying we will continue to use it because it is the way the industry is going. Embrace it or be passed up by the competition. (Eichers) This shows that the industry is evolving into one that will be dependent on BIM in the near future. As a company if your competitors are utilizing BIM it will cause you to adapt in the same way. This means that small and large contractors will be caused to shift to using BIM practices sooner or later. The case study is to determine how contractors are affected by BIM and the cost to benefit. J.F. Ahern Co. has decided to be a leader in the industry regarding BIM so they can use it as a marketing tool to acquire more work. This would be worth the cost of implementing BIM because they are obtaining more work as a result of its use. They have continued to invest time and money to become knowledgeable and trained in order to better utilize BIM. J.F. Ahern Co. explained that many architectural and engineering firms are using 3-D modeling software like Autodesk Revit to model buildings and systems or equipment. The challenge is using the Revit models and converting them into usable models for design fabrication without having to completely redraw everything. Some contractors are hiring design technicians to work with 3-D model s and make them functional. This requires extra labor and is a cost of BIM that some contractors are willing to pay while others are not. J.F. Ahern Co. has not needed to hire staff for this position but they are keeping up with training due to changing technology and software. Another cost of using BIM technology for a contractor is the equipment needed to run the software. In their case they had to invest in computers capable running multiple 3-D programs at one time, RAM space, video cards and more. In their company not everyone needs to be BIM technology savvy. Only the CAD mangers of each disciplin e are the people directly working on BIM and the 3-D models. It seems the future of BIM is already here in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. In the summer or 2009 Wisconsin became the first state to require architect and engineers to use BIM on large public buildings explained by Jeff Brown in the article Wisconsin Bets on BIM. The Wisconsin Division of State Facilities (DSF) is the authorities who issued the requirements and guidelines on public projects. BIM will be required in all phases of design and up to date models will be provided throughout the construction process. The owner will receive a finished model at project completion. This shows that contractors of all disciplines and size will need to adapt to the changing industry. Companies like J.F. Ahern Co. are already ahead of the curve and seeing the benefits of using BIM. When asked about their company being ahead or behind the curve in the use of BIM they said Just ahead but everyone is catching up. At least everyone that wants to be a player in the industr y. (Eichers) They see that BIM is a vital part in the industry and will soon be a must. Large Contractors like Barton Malow Co. has been one of the leaders in the industry coordinating subs to work with BIM. They have seen some disciplines in the industry adapt to using BIM but others are behind. Alex Ivanikiw of Barton Malow Co. says The steel fabricators are clearly out in front of all other trades. The mechanical and electrical specialty contractors are getting on board, particularly the HVAC and their shop drawing guys. The ones behind the curve are the architectural trades. The concrete, curtain-wall and interiors people are well behind in adopting and implementing BIM stated in the article Subcontractors Take Their Time Adoption Follows Uneven Paths by Tom Sawyer. BIM has been utilized in the most costly part of construction projects. 3-D modeling software can be expensive and using the software can be difficult and timely. J.F. Ahern Co. uses several softwares including Autocad, Bentley Autoplant (industrial piping), Cad Mech (HVAC piping and plumbing), Cad Duct (HVAC Ductwork), Revit, and Navisworks. They use these 3-D modeling tools every day in many aspects. Each project is unique and requires different practices in utilizing BIM. They represent HCAV systems for design, coordination, and fabrication. BIM is a commonly used term in the industry and may refer to different things as contractors will use it for various benefits. J.F. Ahern Co. uses Building Information Modeling as a process of embedding information in the model that will be useful at a later date such as shop drawings, manufacturer data, service manuals and more. Contractors have only begun to use BIM as a project tool. When used effectively contractors can visualize and track other project data such as submittals. With better collaboration and co mmunication among party members in the project change orders and requests for information may be reduced. Another reason why contractors will need to transition into using BIM is the utilization in all construction phases. J. F. Ahern Co. uses BIM in design, pre-construction, coordination, fabrication, and installation. As a mechanical and fire protection contractor J.F Ahern Co. uses BIM for fabrication purposes. Prefabrication is the process of assembling systems and equipment in the shop and transporting them to the site for installation. BIM can be a great tool for prefabricated components in construction. There are many advantages of prefabrication including quality control, less construction waste, reduced labor in the field, and construction time is reduced. All these advantages can drive project costs down and lower the contract price. J.F Ahern Co. does a lot of prefabrication on the plumbing side that issued directly from the fabrication shop from the 3-D coordinated drawings. They do some prefabricated work on the duct side when it is possible to logistically get prefabricated items into the building. Their goal is to greatly increase the amount of prefabrication in the future. Using BIM and 3-D modeling enables J.F. Ahern Co. to make the installation of their systems and equipment go more smoothly. This is one of the aspects where BIM offers a great advantage over contractors who dont have the same technology. BIM offers various advantages throughout a construction project form initial design to final completion. The use of BIM allows J.F Ahern Co. to identify problems much earlier in the project and hopefully get the issues worked out before anything goes to fabrication and causes costs impacts due to changes that have to be made. The use of BIM also allows them to identify areas where architectural changes may have to be made to accommodate the mechanical systems. The earlier these changes can be made the less of a cost impact they have for the owner. J.F Ahern utilizes BIM as a quality control issue to make sure there are no mistakes that drive up costs in the end. This will increase the cost to benefit ratio because it will help keep clients and obtain work in the future. This requires coordination between multiple members on a project to ensure the entire project as a whole is problem free. Dave Morris is director of virtual construction for EMCOR Construction Services and on the Asso ciated General Contractors BIM forum subcommittee. In an article by Tom Sawyer Subcontractors Take Their Time Adoption Follows Uneven Paths, Morris explains that risk and liability to all parties can be eliminated by brining all trades early in the project phases to ensure constructability. Problems exist when underperforming subcontractors dont implement BIM when all other parties on the project do. This is when special coordination and collision problems arise causing delays and inefficiencies in projects. Morris explains that these types of problems have led to a recommendation by the AGCs BIM subcommittee to add protocol to contracts in an appendix or instruction to bidders that anything a subcontractor decides not to model cannot be installed until all modeled components have been. This is a sign that BIM will be mandatory on future projects. Companies like J.F. Ahern Co. are already ahead of the curve using BIM technology and will only benefit more as the industry changes. The y already have the infrastructure in their company and will keep seeing the benefits in the future. BIM can be used as a project management tool among other purposes. The question is how effective is it in a project being completed more smoothly with better coordination and communication among project participants. BIM is intended for everyones use from the general contractor to the smaller subcontractors. With better collaboration on a project there would be a lower number of requests for information and change orders. J.F. Ahern Co. hasnt seen a reduction in change orders or request for information but issues are identified much earlier in the project and reducing cost impacts. They feel in the future when BIM becomes more common in the industry they will see a reduction in change orders and requests for information when implemented as its intended use initial concept and design stages. BIM also offers much improved communication between the owner and project participants. Communication between subcontractors and general contractors is more efficient on BIM utilized projects. J.F Ahern Co. thinks it helps communicate a lot of the information in a much clearer venue. The information was always available but there was never a good way to convey it unless you were dealing with someone that understands the industry and construction. BIM is a great visual representation and easy to understand. It is a great tool to present to owners because they can understand how the construction process will work very easily. This is a great benefit of BIM and makes it worth the costs and time used to implement it. J.F Ahern Co.is maximizing its use for profit. The real question behind BIM is the cost to benefit ratio. J.F Ahern Co. wasnt able to quantify this in a number but the perception is that it does save money. Their process of design and installation gets done sooner, smoother with fewer problems so one would think that cost savings have occurred. They have seen savings in field labor on previous projects with the upfront work done correctly. Other subcontractors and specialty contractors do report savings in regards to BIM. Form the source of Ghafari/Barton Malow subcontractors report BIM savings in these categories: fabrication cost (3%), overall schedule (21%), shop drawing time (14%), installation cost (12%), material cost (11%), field supervision (10%). These are all substantial costs on a project and the argument would be that investing in BIM is worth its costs. Return on Investment Between Project Participants Return on BIM Investment Architects Engineers Contractors Owners Over 100% 5% 4% 10% 11% 50-100% 7% 2% 8% 2% 25-50% 14% 6% 11% 7% 10-25% 19% 11% 27% 34% Less than 10% 13% 22% 17% 16% Break Even 23% 22% 16% 25% Negative 19% 32% 13% 5% Source: ENR: Engineering News Record The above table shows the perceived return on overall BIM investment. The numbers in the table represent the percentage of respondents from the various disciplines of the construction industry. The information in the table was taken from the article Market Study Finds Engineers Get Lowered Return From BIM by Nadine Post. This information shows that contractors and owners benefit the most by using BIM. This is evident with J.F. Ahern Co. that they do save money and generate profits because of BIM. Larger contractors are able to invest more in BIM while medium size and smaller contractors have to make a financial decision based off of the return on investment. According to the market report, The Business Value of BIM issued by ENR showed that nearly 50% of the contractors who responded say BIM utilization increased profits. On another positive note about BIM is that 63% of participants say they see a positive return on BIM investment. Contractors of all disciplines and sizes should inv est in BIM and there are numbers to back it up. Even in the tough economic times contractors are finding ways to gain an advantage over competition. BIM and 3-D modeling is a great way to acquire future work and stay profitable. Its worth the cost to use BIM because even owners see a return on investment. Conclusion Even though the economy and the times have been tough, companies like J.F. Ahern Co. have used innovative strategies to help grow their business. They have seen quantitative benefits to their efforts of introducing strategies such as BIM. The widespread use of programs such as BIM can be seen throughout the construction industry and the results seem to vary. However, companies that are using BIM and using it well seem to be a cut above the rest. Its not easy for companies to begin new and expensive strategies during hard time, but J.F. Ahern Co. have seemed to have made the most of the opportunity. In the end, innovate strategies very well might be the piece of the puzzle that keeps midsized construction companies alive. The economy and construction industry might not see the immediate end to their struggles, however companies that are willing to adapt to new innovate strategies continually place themselves in positions to succeed.

Leaving Belfast

Focused on a conflictive time for Belfast, Andrew Motion tries to express the devastation that Belfast suffered during the economy's decline years and the influence that the political issues had in the society. The narrators sadness for having to leave his beloved city can be felt all over the poem. The poem was published at a very difficult time for Belfast. Conflicts and violence were present in all the streets.On the one hand, manufacturing industries were on a cline and economy was in its worst situation; on the other hand, the city was divided in two parts: the Catholics and the Protestants. The poem introduced us two people going to the airport. One of them has decided to stay In the city, but the other wants to leave It. On the way to the airport, the narrator looks back from the top of the hills of the road and feels nostalgia for leaving the city behind. The author uses lots of descriptions which are representative of the sadness of the narrator, but also of the image that t he city had acquired.As the narrator states, he doesn't leave Belfast because of fear, although the violence of the bombs could make him feel scared; he leave it because he feels like a stranger in his own city and because the political issues are having a tremendous impact in the habitants of the city. In the last part of the poem, the narrators explains what is the thing most annoying for him. His beloved city doesn't seem to be on the way of the change so, unfortunately, he has to leave from Belfast and let it behind. Leaving Belfast Is a 7 stanzas poem consisted of 4 lines In each stanza, what we call a quatrain.The feet analyzed In the poem don't seem to have any relation between them, but we could say that although the position of the stressed syllable doesn't seem to have any concordance, most of them are what we call Rising feet, because in most of the occasions the unstressed syllables happen to appear before the stressed one and not the other way. The poem is a free verse poem; it doesn't respect any regular rhyme scheme as it is written in a narrative way, using the narrative techniques that were widespread in the 20th century, trying to reflect his feelings by he words of a narrator.The first stanza introduces us the main characters, the one staying in Belfast and the one leaving. In the second and the third stanza the narrator, the one staying, tell us about the way they have done leaving Belfast, how he feels doing it and what he see while he Is moving away. In the next stanzas, the narrator builds up a strong feel of devastation referral to Belfast. He shows us a society which Is In decline and under a world of violence. Finally, in the last stanzas, he expresses his feelings in this tuition, feeling like a stranger, and goes ahead with his decision to leave the city.The poem, which at first sight doesn't seem to be very complex, hides lots of stylistic devices that should be mentioned. The devices that appear more regularly are the figurative o nes, which explain something but in an inordinate way. The biggest example could be what we call Imagery. The test is very rich in images of Belfast, as the narrator helps the reader to visualize the way Belfast is decaying and how it is not more a sweet home for him. This can be perceived all along in the poem because he entire poem is highly representative of the Belfast society.There are other type of devices such as Paradox, on the first line of the third stanza, â€Å"geographies of punishment and love†; Personifications, third stanza â€Å"silence deepens under rain† or fifth stanza â€Å"the moon filling rooms with shadow politics†; or also Metaphors, third stanza â€Å"gust of light explains itself as flames† referring to the suns flashes, which are so heavy as flames, or in the last stanza â€Å"until it disappears at last in darkness†¦ † Referring to his Journey, that he has already left Belfast behind.The sound techniques, on the ot her hand, are not so clear. The most representative one could be the use of the stressed words made by the author, which immerse the reader in the Belfast atmosphere. The poem reflects the dramatic situation Belfast was suffering in those days where violence was common in the whole town. The poem has been created by the strong emotions Andrew Motion felt for his country and hometown, because the authors own feelings of the topic are represented everywhere. Those many details allow us to picture the Belfast scene.

Being global in business - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 8 Words: 2349 Downloads: 5 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Business Essay Type Analytical essay Did you like this example? A Discussion of the dual pressures faced by the MNE’s to think global, act local Introduction †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 2 Meshing the Realities to â€Å"Think Globally, and Act Locally† †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦..†¦ 5 Conclusion †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 7 Bibliography .†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 9 Introduction The Financial Times (1997) refers to an MNE as a company that operates as well as as pires to operate on an international scale and consequently thinks of its sales in terms of shares of the global marketplace rather than on a national or regional basis. Globalization, shareholder interests and competitiveness have created a climate where multinational enterprises (MNE’s) must expand or either be acquired and lose market share. To achieve such ends, they have resorted to attempting to standardize products, operating procedures, selling methodologies and approaches in what Levitt (1983, Pp 92-100) terms as homogenized operations. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Being global in business" essay for you Create order Global firms in today’s environment operate as a unified as well as consistent business system utilizing the proven Japanese platforms of just-in-time delivery, quality circles as well as continued improvement, and international corporations as a result have to transcend the considerations of local idiosyncrasies. However, recent experiences have found that said local and regional and national idiosyncrasies are in fact providing the opportunity to distinguish one’s products and firm from the bland me too image and capture the imagination as well as sales of local and national market segments. But, the requirement as well as need for multinational enterprises to â€Å"think global, act local† is not just bound in sales, it also constitutes a need to become a good corporate citizen. The preceding does not mean the sacrificing of profits for public opinion, rather it is a source via which to increase bottom line performance as the offering of services and or pro ducts in multiple markets and countries requires an understanding of the national dynamics, which are its people, customs and values (Watts et al, 2000). The premise for what seemingly is a radical approach is that business is an element of society, thus the two are interdependent (Watts et al, 2000, p. 3). We have arrived at this juncture as a result of the spread and influence of American multi national corporations since the end of World War II (Studer-Noguez, 2001, p. 2). The abuses of MNE power as evidenced by Monsanto, Cargill and Dow in agribusiness in developing countries, to companies such as Exxon, Chevron and other oil companies that undermine alternative energy forms as they drive pollution in the quest for profits are clear examples (Corporate Accountability International, 2005). MNE’s need to expand and increase market share as well as profits in a competitive environment that provides no quarter for the losers. At the same time such a singular vision can ser ve as the blinders that lead to a decrease in the forgoing through abuses, fraud, overbearing tactics and losing touch with the very foundation upon which their enterprises were built, to fill a need. Chakrabarty et al (1996, Pp 123-35) along with Bettis et al (1996, Pp 549-569) expressed, respectively, that how firms distribute, develop as well as deploy their accumulation of knowledge gained from cultural exchanges represent a major factor in the differences in performance and thus the contributing aspects of other organizational competencies and capabilities that define the differences in performance between corporations. European automotive firms such as Mercedes Benz and BMW, as well as Toyota, Honda and Nissan illustrate the foregoing. Contrary to the inwardly bound vision of American automotive forms General Motors and Ford, whose design and engineering focuses were tied to model obsolescence, these foreign automotive companies concentrated on slight model changeovers and quality thus resulting in lowered engineering costs through progression and higher overall quality whereby their vehicles out lasted and performed their American rivals (Studer-Noguez, 2001, Pp 73 97). They adapted their underpowered and under featured vehicles to fit the American preferences while maintaining their core competencies instead of copying the American automotive model and succeeded to the point where American made vehicles no longer dominate in their home market. The foregoing is maintained by Kostiva (1999, Pp 308-324) who states that the transference of organizational practices in a successful manner requires: a degree of distance, in terms of the corporation, between the locale and the headquarters office, a corporate culture that provides a degree of fit between the parent organization and the recipient, the attitude of the company with regard to openness for new ideas, and the dependency level of the subsidiary with respect to the headquarters company Chang (1995, Pp 383-407) adds that the foregoing learning process can potentially enable a company to overcome weaknesses it might have in terms of product or operating competencies and thus strengthen the company to be able to make inroads in markets where it lacked the operational foundation at the onset. The preceding aspects are important internal considerations as well as philosophies that companies must be open to in order to be receptive as well as responsive in meeting the new global dynamics as represented by international competitiveness. The preceding strikes a clear case for the fact that local influences and idiosyncrasies can add dimensions to a firm’s global competencies in product as well as operational and organizational terms. The American model of acquisition and continuing to operate in the manner that was successful in the home market represented poor sales results for General Motors as well as Ford in Europe until they changed their operational minds et (Studer-Noguez, 2001, Pp 73 – 97). The lessons go further than the outer manifestations as represented by product look, changes, adaptations and modifications to fit the demands and dictates of varied markets, it also requires an inward vision. Foreign subsidiaries must be mindful of that fact that corporate social responsibility interacts with the employees and communities in which the company markets and sells its goods or services, and this represents a substantial opportunity to gain valuable expertise as well as new methods of operation. Specifically, conclusions reached as a result of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (Watts et al, 2000, p.4) found that: the recognition of corporate social responsibility as an aspect of human rights, along with employee rights, community, suppliers and environmental concerns, clear benefits are a result of a coherent corporate social responsibility strategy which utilizes integrity, values and a long term involvement, an opportunity for companies to utilize their own codes of conduct and core values along with the introduction and implementation of codes and values as represented by others, and the importance of the company being responsive to the cultural as well as local differences which are inherent in global business and international trade As provided in the examples as outlined for Mercedes-Benz and other European and Japanese vehicle manufacturers, the foregoing corporate social responsibility aspects can and do contribute to bottom line objectives thus presenting a framework that benefits stakeholders, shareholders and the local as well as national community in which the firm operates. Meshing the Realities to â€Å"Think Globally, and Act Locally† The achievement of the maxim of ‘thinking globally and acting locally’ is not a result that will occur of and on its own, it requires that the firm take a proactive stance to encourage and implement methodologies to cause this to happen. Lee (1999, Pp 37-44) states that the approaches to achieving the foregoing can be accomplished through: the utilization of explicit policies and a reward system which encourages the gathering, discussion, modification and utilization of knowledge gained with respect to local and national markets, having flexible corporate policies and systems in place that provide the platform for local adaptations to be received, aired, tried and implemented, policies in the human resource arena that permit as well as encourage the training, placement and utilization of local managers through a system of position and departmental rotations, a culture within the company and organization that is mindful of as well as supports the participation and input of subsidiaries, a communications platform that consists of formal as well as informal information transfer that is open to the sharing and discussion of information, The foregoing can achieve measurable results, thus eliminating the perceived notion that the introduction of socially responsive actions are negative factors in bottom line performance. Salk et al (1996, Pp 877-904) state that the preceding can be measured by the instance in which concepts are acquired in a range of areas, such as new technology applications and expertise, marketing approaches, product development, knowledge of consumer tastes, preferences, management and human resource techniques as well as manufacturing processes. Salk et al (1996, Pp 877-904) indicate that in order for the preceding to occur, the corporate climate has to be open as well as receptive to learning and evaluating, rather than utilizing a tunnel vision approach that the way things have been done are or is the way things should be done. The preceding is a variant of what Schon et al (1996, Pp 121-145) refer to as single loop learning, whereby a company continues to utilize existing routines and knowle dge as well as structures. Levinthal et al (1990, Pp 128-152) point out that the preceding is detrimental in that it does not provide for or contribute to increased or enhanced learning within the organization, and thus renewal or re-examination. Ghoshal et al (1998, Pp 464-476) indicate that the preceding can be enhanced through the establishment of social networks which help to provide for a smooth transition as well as exchange of new knowledge and information within an organization. Globalisation has the tendency to blur the vision of a corporation to the importance of the individual markets and their local customs, cultures and contributions as a part of the bigger picture. The fact remains that multinational enterprises have to remember that they are a product of their home culture and as such must resist exporting this as a commodity that does not blend, adapt and modify itself based upon the realities of the global stage. The notion that multinationals need to act and res emble their home country based upon reasons ranging from brand or consistency has some validity, but not at the expense of forcing these values upon foreign operations and locations. As the success of various corporations captures the consciousness of the business world, the tendency to emulate their practices is a natural outgrowth (Morris, 1995, Pp 25-42). Corporations in the United States, Europe and Asia need to be aware and mindful that their dominance in terms of their percentage of world trade tends to make them compete on regional terms bringing with it the attitude that their views and approaches represent the edge that contributes to their successes. The emergence of the huge trading blocks represented by the United States – Mexico and Canada, the European Union and Asia – China is causing global trade to develop a more regionalized view in terms of expansion as firms within these blocks seek to capitalize on the inherent opportunities that exist in close pro ximity to their home operations (Verbeke et al, 2004, Pp 3-18). Conclusion The continually shifting fortunes of international trade, forces multinational enterprises to define and redefine themselves in keeping with the dictates and demands of seeking and maintaining a competitive edge. This global view is an inherent aspect of maintaining growth in keeping with the demands of shareholder and corporate objectives. However, as shown by the examples of the American automotive companies, General Motors and Ford, a limited perspective with regard to world markets and thinking globally can leave a company without the understanding or knowledge of what is occurring in national and local markets that are imperative in capturing the minds of prospective consumers. By tapping into this cultural foundation companies stand to benefit from an increased understanding of what consumers want in their own local and national worlds, which differs from a global vision. Thinking globally and acting locally is not a trend, fad or phase that represents a new philosophy, it is a strategic initiative that is based in the realities of the demands and dictates that different markets demand customized approaches that can only be gained via corporate structures and process organized to recognized, evaluate and accept them. The processes of bottom line, growth and market share are not at odds with local dictates, consumer preferences and corporate social responsibilities, in fact they are integral aspects of the process of being a global company. Perhaps David Lilienthal’s (1985) definition provides the clearest insight â€Å"†¦ corporations which have their home in one country but operate and live under the laws and customs of other countries as well†. The operative thought in Lilienthal’s (1985) definition is â€Å"†¦ laws and customs of other countries as well†. It provides a clear perspective for ‘thinking globally and acting local ly’! Bibliography Bettis, R., Lei, D., Hitt, M. (1996) Dynamic Core Competencies Through Meta-Learning and Strategic Context. Vol. 22, Issue 4. Journal of Management Chakrabarty, A., Bierly, P. (1996) Generic Knowledge Strategies in the U.S. Vol. 17. Strategic Management Journal Chang, S. (1995) International Expansion Strategy of Japanese Firms. Vol. 38. Academy of Management Journal Corporate Accountability International (2005) Current Campaigns. https://www.stopcorporateabuse.org/cms/index.cfm?group_id=1000 Financial Times (1997) The Global Company, Business on the World Stage. October – November 1997. Financial Times Ghoshal, S., Tsai, W. (1998) Social Capital and Value Creation: The Role of Intrafirm Networks. Vol. 41. Academy of Management Journal Kostova, T. (1999) Transnational Transfer of Strategic Organizational Practices. Vol. 24. Academy of Management Review Lee, J. S. (1999) Organizational Learning in China. Vol. 42, Issue 1. Bus iness Horizons Levitt, T. (1983) The Globalization of Markets. Vol. 61, Issue 3. Harvard Business Review Levinthal, D., Cohen, W. (1990) Absorptive Capacity: A New Perspective on Learning and Innovation. Vol. 35. Administrative Science Quarterly Lilienthal, David (1985) Management and Corporations. April 1985. Symposium at the Graduate School of Industrial Administration, Carnegie Institute of Technology Morris, J., Innes, E. (1995) Multinational corporations and employee relations. Vol. 17, Issue 6. Employee Relations Salk, J., Lyles, M. (1996) Knowledge Acquisition from Foreign Parents in International Joint Ventures. Vol. 27. Journal of International Business Schon, D., Argyris, C. (1996) Organizational Learning II: Theory, Method and Practice. Addison Wesley. ISBN: 0201629836 Studer-Noguez (2001) Global Strategies of MNE’s and Government Policies. 1st Edition. Routledge. ISBN: 0415205794 Watts, Phil, Holme, Richard, Tinto, Rio (2000) Corporate soci al responsibility: making good business sense. January 2000.World Business Council for Sustainable Development, Geneva, Switzerland Verbeke, A., Rugman, AS. (2004) A Perspective on Regional and Global Strategies of Multinational Enterprises. Vol. 35, Issue 1. Journal of International Business Studies

Wedding Speech - Original Writing Essay - 923 Words

It was 26th January 2001, a holiday we call Republic Day in India. I woke up with excitement looking forward to the celebrations ahead. My parents and grandparents had left early in the morning to prepare for the celebrations. I rushed to the bathroom to take a shower. It was at that moment when I first felt the tremors. I wasn’t sure what had happened, and continued showering. As I felt more tremors, I became more and more nervous. I dried off, quickly dressed, and rushed to go outside, but the door to my house wouldn’t open. I walked out through the back door and saw the most horrifying view. My village had experienced an earthquake of magnitude 7.7 which caused massive destruction. People were bleeding, crying, and rushing to help others. I was awestruck. I went around trying to find my parents, but to no avail. I came back to my home and waited for them in fear. My mother came back home later in the night and told me what had happened. She said my grandfather was in the hospital because he tried to help someone during the earthquake. My grandfather came back home from the hospital, but sadly he passed away four days later. I was never told exactly why he died, and my parents never let me close to him. Year later when I was twelve, my grandmother told me that my grandfather had died of HIV/AIDS. She told me that the hospital had been careless during the chaos, and had used infected needles. My grandfather already had other medical complications, and getting HIV/AIDS wasShow MoreRelatedWedding Speech - Original Writing1232 Words   |  5 PagesI skipped through the gardens, my large eyes darting back and forth at all the new things I had never seen before. It was a big move, from a constant summer state to one with all seasons. There were different plants and animals and I intended to find them all. I lift up my skirt, making sure the hem doesn t become dirty. Mother would be terribly angry if I came back dirty, considering my engagement party was in an hour. One hour to explore like a silly child, my mother said harshly, I ll ringRead MoreWedding Speech - Original Writing940 Words   |  4 Pages Whats for dinner, Mom? I couldn t help the smile that broke out on my face upon hearing those words. The last-meal-of the month had become an eagerly awaited family adventure and I ll admit, I enjoyed the challenge. I don t know about dinner, I answered, but I m sure Ill come up with something. My son watched as I gathered whatever I found lurking in the refrigerator and cupboards and placed it on the counter so that my imagination could magically conjure up a dinnerRead MoreWedding Speech - Original Writing1009 Words   |  5 PagesOnce upon a time there was a gentleman who took for his second wife the proudest and haughtiest woman that was ever seen. She had two daughters who were just like her in every way, bad disposition and all. The husband had a young daughter of his own, but she was sweet and good. She took after her mother, who had been the best in the world. The marriage ceremony was hardly over when the stepmother s temper flared up. She could not abide this young girl, whose goodness made her own daughters seemRead MoreWedding Speech - Original Writing1223 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"Beep! Beep! Beep!† My alarm clock only had to ring three times for me to turn it off and hop out of bed that morning. The day before I had hit snooze twice refusing to get up, but today was different, it held a special purpose. I pulled on my bathing suit, a pair of shorts, and a hoodie, and ran down the steps into the kitchen. My mom was in her usual morning spot, in a big white chair off the kitchen with her bible open, and her reading glasses on. On the table were two pieces of cinnamon toastRead MoreWedding Speech - Original Writing879 Words   |  4 Pages â€Å"Thank you, kind ladies for your hospitality,† he said. â€Å"It was most kind of you both to invite me to dinner.† â€Å"Certainly,† Anya and her mother stood, her mother moving closer to lead him toward the door of the room. â€Å"You are always quite welcome here, don’t be afraid to pop in unannounced.† Anya saw a small smile alight upon his lips, and she was uncertain of its meaning. â€Å"I certainly shall,† Volkov said softly. â€Å"Until next time, then.† Volkov took Lada’s hand and lightly kissed her hand. ThenRead MoreWedding Speech - Original Writing1089 Words   |  5 PagesAs I woke up, I could feel the warm sun hit my face. A feeling that I had missed as there had been constant rain for the past two weeks. I lay still in the warmth of my bed, refusing to wake up until I heard a knock on my door. I knew exactly who it was, it was our German student Rosi. I got out of bed and stumbled as I opened the door. Not yet awake, Rosi’s voice pierced my ears as she suggested today was the day we should go to the beach. We went downstairs to make breakfast. I could hear theRead MoreWedding Speech - Original Writing999 Words   |  4 Pageslived next door. She brought her grandson and he kept giving me looks. Most of the people wrote cute â€Å"get well† messages on my cast. Eventually, the old woman’s grandson approached me nervously and scribbled something on my cast. Once he finished writing, I saw he wrote his number. I was going to say something but he had already walked away and was lost in the crowd. While I was showing everyone my gratitude and thanked them for supporting me, I noticed the old woman pull a strange looking plantRead MoreWedding Speech - Original Writing1209 Words   |  5 Pages I walked up to my mother timidly hoping that my mother would let me sleep over at my cousin s house. Most of my family members were at the house already to celebrate my aunt s birthday. Is there any chance that I can stay at my cousin s house? It s Saturday so I don t have school tomorrow, I said it so quietly that I was afraid she couldn t hear me over the loud music. Okay, she said,but you need to help clean up when all of the guests leave the party. Do you understand? Yes!Read MoreWedding Speech - Original Writing957 Words   |  4 Pages Kaitlyn. Erika. Richards, Jordan started, taking a short pause between each word. You. Are. Such. An. Idiot. She punched me in the arm. Ouch... I said, grabbing my arm. Was that really necessary? I glared at her. Since you re deserving of worse, I d say so, you retard. She shouted, punching me even harder this time. Is the name calling really needed? Seriously? I rolled my eyes in annoyance. I think I already get your point... I m stupid. It s not like I didn t come to that suddenRead MoreWedding Speech - Original Writing2575 Words   |  11 Pageseager for her wedding day. As she drinks water to get rid of the bitter taste she had in her mouth she thinks, â€Å"Is all this really worth it?† Did part of her and her groom’s life savings really have to be spent on a party? She asked herself is she was nervous about the wedding, excited about this new stage in her life, or was she uneasy of all the money that was spent. She shook her head trying to stop overthinking and continued to get ready. Introduction We all know that a wedding is a ceremony