HR and Leadership (new) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

HR and Leadership (new) - Essay Example ather than decision making. For HR to be leading the department should employ effective strategy and solution to resourcing and ensuring there is talent planning and development, service delivery is at its best with well-coordinated systems of communication which involves employee engagement and relations. Thus leading HR should be determined in performance and must reward employees on good work done. Above all the human resource management should be of credible personality, driven to deliver, decisive thinkers, role model and should have courage to challenge actions in the organization. Organization is important to ensure delivery of services and attainment of objectives if structural changes are effectively managed (Woodrow, 2012). Organizational structure of any firms matters a lot as if it’s well organized it will be easy to effect changes because the values , believes and attitudes set by an organization so there is well spelt out procedure on how everything is coordinate d in the organization including , communication systems and responds to the environment. Strategic human resource management relies mostly on resource based view of the firm which suggests human resource practices leads to high performance and sustained in competitive environment. Top management should ensure high technology is employed in firms to enable HR practices build up mentoring, give incentives to performing workers and also enable performance appraisal which encourages development of working relationship (Collins&Clark, 2003). HRM and worker performance Human resource development can be achieved be ensuring you hire only qualified individuals with potential of learning and adapting to changes and training them to increase their performance and increasing knowledge assets in the organization. Human resource management creates value and increases firm’s performance and also increases interactions between employees and customers which in turn shapes customers perspecti ve of the quality of service they obtain from the firm. If the employee put time and effort in satisfying customers’ needs this increases customers buying behavior and trust in the firms products hence the firm is able to maintain existing customers and all gain new ones as customer experience ultimately attracts new clients. Commitment of human resource department, impact the willingness of employee to satisfy customer’s needs and the general performance of the firm (McClean, 2009). HR departments have being viewed as the greatest assets in any organization and are actively involved in selection , training and ensuring changes are implemented to increase the performance of the firm is competitive in the current environment which translates to good results both financially and product wise . HR department must comply with the organizations objectives in order to ensure that any changes they impose are compatible with the client’s needs. Before any change is prop osed should be wide consultation among top management to ensure it’

Development of an Equation Essay Example for Free

Development of an Equation Essay Purpose: Investigate a chemical reaction using lab procedures and observations. Then, find a pattern of reactivity and explain the findings using a chemical equation and particle diagram. Procedure: Refer to: Department of Chemistry, The Ohio State University. Development of an Equation. General Chemistry 1210 Laboratory Manual. Vol. 2013-2014. Plymouth: Hayden-McNeil. 32-35. Data/Results: Part A: In the potassium iodide solution, I think there were potassium atoms as well as iodine atoms. In the lead nitrate solution, I think there were lead and nitrate ions. The potassium atoms and the lead atoms can be classified as cations, since they are metals. The iodine atoms and the nitrate ion can be classified as anions since they are nonmetals. Upon mixing, the solution turned into a cloudy yellow color. Evidence that a chemical reaction occurred was that the two solutions created a new color because the two solutions were originally colorless. There was no gas formed. Part B: (Testing the Anions) Iodide reaction with hydrogen peroxide observations- The precipitate at the bottom turned into a red solid and the liquid solution was a dirty yellow color. Nitrate reaction with hydrogen peroxide observations- A colorless precipitate formed at the bottom and looked like a bubble. It was a relatively large bubble. The liquid solution was colorless and cloudy/fizzy. Since the reaction resulted in some fizzing and bubbles, this is indication that a gas was formed. (Testing the Cations) Potassium reaction with thioacetamide observations – No reaction occurred. Lead reaction with thioacetamide observations A violet-black precipitate formed at the bottom of the test tube and the liquid solution was a cloudy grey color. It was about the same size precipitate as the nitrate reaction with hydrogen peroxide. Strong smell from the thioacetamide. Part C: Identification of ions in the precipitate that forms when lead nitrate solution is added to potassium iodide solution. (Testing for Anions) Reaction with hydrogen peroxide observations- A dark red precipitate formed at the bottom of the test tube and the liquid solution was colorless. There was not a large amount of precipitate formed and it sort of smeared along the inside of the test tube. Inferences: What anions are in the precipitate? -iodine (I-) When compared with results from part B to test anions, similar results were found. A dark red precipitate was formed in both. (Testing for cations) Reaction with hydrogen sulfide observations- A small, violet-black precipitate formed at the bottom of the test tube and the liquid solution was grey and cloudy. Inferences: What cations are in the precipitate? – lead (Pb2+) When compared with results from part B to test cations, similar results were found, A violet-black precipitate was formed in both tests. Exchange reaction- Positive potassium started off with negative iodine, and positive lead started off with negative nitrate. Potassium switched to combine with nitrate and lead switched to combine with iodine. Part D: Testing of Precipitate| Observations on Initial Precipitate Formed (relative amount, etc.)| Lead Nitrate: Potassium Iodide Ratio| Tube 1| Powdery, yellow precipitate formed at the bottom. Not very much precipitate. Little to no streaking. Clear liquid solution above precipitate. | 3:1| Tube 2| Powdery, yellow precipitate formed at the bottom. Equal to tube 1. Little to no streaking. Clear liquid solution above precipitate.| 2:1| Tube 3| Powdery, yellow precipitate formed at the bottom. A little more precipitate than tube 1 and 2. Little to no streaking. Clear liquid solution above precipitate.| 1:1| Tube 4| Powdery, yellow precipitate formed at the bottom. Much more than tube 3. Noticeable streaking of precipitate along sides of test tube. Clear liquid solution above precipitate.| 1:2| Tube 5| Powdery, yellow precipitate formed at the bottom. Most precipitate formed out of all test tubes. A lot of streaking of the precipitate along sides of the test tube. Clear liquid solution above precipitate. | 1:3| Testing of Supernatant| Observations| Inferences: Which ions were in the supernatant? List cations and anions.| Tube 1| The solution was clear with lead nitrate, but turned a yellow cloudy color with the potassium iodide. | Pb2+ (lead)-cationsNO3- (nitrate)-anions| Tube 2| The solution was clear with lead nitrate, but turned a yellow cloudy color with the potassium iodide.| Pb2+ (lead)-cationsNO3- (nitrate)-anions| Tube 3| The solution was clear with lead nitrate, but turned a yellow cloudy color with the potassium iodide.| Pb2+ (lead)-cationsNO3- (nitrate)-anions| Tube 4| The solution was clear with both the lead nitrate and the potassium iodide.| Pb2+ (lead)-cationsNO3- (nitrate)-anions| Tube 5| The solution was a little yellow with the lead nitrate, and a little less yellow with the potassium iodide.| K+ (potassium)I- (iodine)| Discussion/Conclusion: In part A, the first step was to obtain 5 drops of potassium iodine and 5 drops of lead nitrate and put them into a test tube and record observations. Then, to test the anions in part B, 5 drops of potassium iodine, 5 drops of nitric, 10 drops of dichloroethane, and 5 drops hydrogen peroxide to a new test tube. Then to a separate test tube, 5 drops of potassium nitrate, 5 drops of nitric acid, 10 drops of dichloroethane, and 5 hydrogen peroxide to a new test tube. Both should be stoppered and shook to produce two distinct layers. To test the cations, 2 test tubes would each get 20 drops of thioacetamide and 2 drops of nitric acid. One would get 5 drops of lead nitrate and the other 5 drops of potassium nitrite. Both test tubes were heated for 5 minutes and observations were recorded. In part C, the sample was used from part A and the test tube was centrifuged, then the clear aqueous layer was removed and discarded and the precipitate was washed with distilled w ater. This process was repeated once more. To test the anions, 5 drops of nitric acid, 10 drops of dichloroethane, and 5 drops of hydrogen peroxide were added to the solid precipitate and the test tube was stoppered and shook. These results were compared to the results from part B. To test for cations, the less colored aqueous layer was transferred to a clean test tube and the leftover layer was discarded. The solution was heated in a water bath until clear. 20 drops of thioacetamide were added, stirred then heated in a water bath and compared to the results from part B. In part D, to determine the ratio of  ions in the precipitate, 5 test tubes were labelled 1-5 and were filled according to table 3.1 on page 34 of the lab manual. The same medicine dropper was used for all drops and the test tubes were stoppered and shook, then centrifuged. The relative amounts and appearance of each precipitate were recorded. To test for potassium of iodide ions in the supernatant, 5 drops of lead nitrate were added to 5 separate test tubes with along with 5 drops from the appropriate test tube solution. The same was done to test for lead or nitrate ions, but potassium iodide was added instead. The perfect ratio for thi s lab was 2 potassium iodides for every lead nitrate. This ratio was found from balancing the equation and from comparing the results from part C to part B to match the observations of the precipitates. The ratio is the molar mass ratio of the balanced equation. The balanced equation was: 2KI(aq)+Pb(NO3)2(aq) 2KNO3(aq)+PbI2(s) and the formula of the precipitate was PbI2(s) based on the observations. In part B, the test for anions resulted in a dark red precipitate which was the iodide solution with hydrogen peroxide. In part C, the same results were found when lead nitrate and potassium iodide were added to hydrogen peroxide, therefore; the anions found were iodide ions because it has a negative 1 charge. In part B to test cations, the precipitate was a violet-black color for the lead solution reaction with thioacetamide. In part C, the same results were found when lead nitrate and potassium iodide were added to hydrogen sulfide. The cations found were lead ions since they have a positive 2 charge. Some inherent errors could have been while extracting the clear aqueous solution, some of the precipitate could have been extracted with the solution and transferred into another test tube. Upon heating, not all of the precipitate dissolved. Some of the drops with the micropipet varied also. The medicine dropper was more precise with the drops. Through this lab, a chemical reaction was used to find the pattern of reactivity which was an exchange reaction. This is known by finding the chemical equation and properly balancing it which is seen above. This lead to the ability to create a particle diagram and the findings of a perfect ratio of lead nitrate to potassium iodide.

Positioning Essay -- Marketing Advertising Advertisements Essays

Positioning Many people consider marketing as a means to let creative juices flow. In many ways, this can be true. But what many do not realize is that marketing needs common sense and logic to a certain extent. This applies to both internal and external marketing. Companies tend to lose focus – whether it be because it is having a difficult time dealing with high growth or because a few upper management ‘wanna-be’s’ try something bold (without thinking). This is where positioning comes into play – if you want to survive or prosper, that is. So what is positioning about? Positioning is a concept that sparked a revolution in advertising. It was developed in by the authors of â€Å"Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind†, Al Ries and Jack Trout. The book was published in 1981 and became one of the top sellers or all time. Positioning was the first concept to deal with the problems of communication in an over-communicated society. With positioning you can beat the competition and win the battle for recognition in an overcrowded, media-blitzed marketplace. With this approach, a company creates a ‘position’ in the prospect’s mind, one that reflects the company’s own strengths and weaknesses as well as those of its competitors. Product positioning is an important strategy for achieving differential advantage. Positioning reflects the â€Å"place† a product occupies in a market or segment. A successful position has characteristics that are both differentiating and important to cons...

How does Austen convince the reader that Lizzy is right to reject Mr.Collins’ proposal?

From the first sentence of the passage, Austen demonstrates that Mr Collins is not a suitable husband for Lizzy when she says â€Å"Mr Collins was not a sensible man. † In Chapter 15, Austen describes the character of Mr Collins in more detail reinforcing the statement made in the opening sentence. Mr Collins is then described as being stupid and his natural stupidity has not been helped by ‘education or society. ‘ Although Mr Collins had been to university, he had ‘only kept the necessary terms. ‘ so he had not improved himself as a result of attending. Mr Collins was brought up as by a stingy father who gave him no guidance and gave Mr Collins a ‘great humility of manner' meaning he was reluctant to involve himself in society. When Mr Collins is recommended to the living of Hunsford by ‘fortunate chance' he is forced into society and his ‘early and unexpected prosperity' has gone to his head. He venerates his patron Lady Catherine de Bough, and Austen's use of the word ‘veneration' suggests the religious awe with which Mr Collins regards Lady Catherine. It is ironical that a clergyman who prides himself on setting an example to his parish practically worships his patroness. Austen describes him as ‘a mixture of pride and obsequiousness, self-importance, and humility. ‘ Mr Collins intends to marry one of the Bennet daughters, but Austen's description of Mr Collins convinces the reader that his behaviour makes him unsuitable for anyone. Before arriving at Longbourn, Mr Collins had decided he would marry the eldest of the five daughters, Jane. However, Mrs. Bennet tells him that Jane is likely to be engaged so Mr Collins decides to marry Elizabeth instead. This decision to change his affections was made ‘while Mrs. Bennet was stirring the fire,' which highlights the absurdity in the switch in his affections. Chapter 19 shows Mr Collins at his most well intentioned, but also at his most stupid. Lizzy feels awkward when Mr Collins asks to speak with her, and she is ‘torn between distress and diversion,' meaning that she didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Mr Collins however, sees this awkwardness as a mark of a good upbringing and shows his insensitivity by failing to see Lizzy's unhappiness at the interview. Mr Collins then claims he will be ‘run away with by (his) feelings' which brings Lizzy to the verge of laughter at the very notion. Mr Collins' â€Å"solemn composure† would ever lead him to be romantic. Mr Collins gives three reasons for marrying, but none of them consider Lizzy's feelings, they only satisfy him. The first reason is to set an example to his parish; the second is to ensure his happiness, without considering Lizzy's, and the final reason is his patron, Lady Catherine de Bough told him to marry. Mr Collins shows his absurd veneration of Lady Catherine by recalling the whole conversation when she told him to choose a suitable wife. So part of the reason Mr Collins is marrying is to satisfy his patron, who, according to Mr Collins, will think Lizzy a suitable wife. Mr Collins assures Lizzy that were she to marry him, she would be able to meet Lady Catherine, something he sees as a real privilege. Mr Collins explains to Lizzy how Lady Catherine will enjoy her ‘wit and vivacity,' yet also says how Lady Catherine's high social rank demands silence, so it is a mystery how Elizabeth will be able to demonstrate ‘wit and vivacity' when she is required to remain silent! It is evident from Mr Collins's attitude that he views Lady Catherine as being more important than his intended wife, but he further compounds his errors by telling Lizzy there are many ‘amiable young women' in his neighbourhood. He also believes the marriage is right as a reconciliation because Mr Bennet's estate is entailed away form the family line to Mr Collins. So far, the reader has not seen a motive of love at any point in this proposal, Mr Collins has talked of pleasing himself and his patron. However, from chapter 15, the reader can see that there is no depth to Mr Collins's affections; he had simply resolved to choose a wife, almost for the sake of having one. Mr Collins, however, assures Lizzy of the ‘violence' of his affection. He also claims that at as soon as he entered the Longbourn house he had ‘singled out' Lizzy as the companion of his future life. The reader knows this to be untrue as Mr Collins only chose Lizzy when he was told Jane was likely to be engaged. Austen convinces the reader here that Lizzy should reject Mr Collins because it is evident that there would be no element of love in the marriage, and Mr Collins is portrayed as being selfish and dishonest during this conversation. Austen shows the reader that Mr Collins has a complete lack of self-knowledge. Mr Collins claims to be ‘perfectly indifferent' to Lizzy's fortune as she is not entitled to a large inheritance, yet he knows the precise details of her inheritance and speaks at length on the subject. It is evident although Mr Collins professes to have no interest in her fortune, that he is interested enough to research the exact nature of Lizzy's inheritance. Mr Collins's blundering would make Lizzy even less likely to marry him than she was before the start of the proposal. He tells Lizzy there are plenty of pretty girls in his Parish, and speaks at length about the death of Lizzy's parents, further demonstrating the fact that he had no idea about the correct way to behave in society. Whilst making his long speech, outlining the benefits of the marriage for himself and venerating Lady Catherine, Mr Collins had not considered that Lizzy might refuse him which shows great arrogance and complete lack of thought. When Lizzy is finally able to reply, she replies politely, thanking Mr Collins for his compliments, and unsurprisingly, refuses Mr Collins's proposal. Yet, Mr Collins further shows his complete ignorance of society by refusing to accept Lizzy's refusal! Mr Collins, claiming to have great knowledge of society, believes that ‘it is usual for young ladies to reject the man they secretly mean to accept. He does not understand society and the idea that young ladies would refuse to marry a man they loved is ludicrous. Lizzy tries to convince Mr Collins to accept her refusal by referring to Lady Catherine, claiming ‘she would find me in every respect ill-qualified for the situation. ‘ Mr Collins however, thinks exactly the opposite believing Lizzy' s ‘modesty and economy' make her a suitable wife. These were two of the qualities Lady Catherine instructed Mr Collins to look for in a wife. Mr Collins continues to persist and he outlines the reasons why he is convinced Lizzy secretly loves him. These include ‘my situation in life, my connections with the family of de Bough'. He further insults Lizzy saying she might not get another chance of marriage largely because her ‘portion is so small' meaning her lack of wealth will ruin her chance of marriage and he is probably the only man who will accept her. He still refuses to accept Lizzy's refusal, and Lizzy leaves the room to appeal to her father ‘whose negative might be uttered in such a manner as must be decisive. ‘ Austen does not make the reader feel sorry for Mr Collins, but portrays him as a totally unsuitable husband for Lizzy. The initial description of Mr Collins in chapter 15 tells the reader what Mr Collins is like, and Austen's view of him as ‘not a sensible man' is totally accurate. In chapter 19, we see Mr Collins's stupidity during his proposal to Lizzy, and it is obvious Mr Collins does not know how to behave, nether does he have any understanding of people's feelings. It is Austen's description and portrayal of Mr Collins that convinces the reader that Lizzy is right to reject Mr Collins and that she deserves a much better husband.

Separate components

One of the main religious books of Buddhism is â€Å"Tripitaka† (Pali language and Sanskrit – ‘tri’ = three and ‘pitaka’ = basket), which means â€Å"three baskets (of texts)† and also is know as â€Å"Tipitaka†, canonic texts of classical Buddhism schools, consisting of the Vinaya, the Sutta or Suttanata and the Abhidhamma.This three-part structure of canonic texts can be considered as line of demarcation between classical Buddhism (which some people call hinayana – narrow way or narrow chariot) and those reformative directions, which having desire to show its supremacy, gained an honorable title of mayanaya (wide way or wide chariot) and created another collections of holy texts, imitating to some extent works of â€Å"Tripitaka† (first of all these are dialogues of Sutta Pitaka), but didn’t follow principles of three-part canon.Separate components of â€Å"Tripitaka† were kept in memories of many sch ools of early Buddhism indifferent Indian languages, such as Sanskrit and hybrid Sanskrit and also in middle Indian languages.Some schools considered as holy all parts of Tripitaka, – except of theravaddine, vatsipuri or machishchasaka. The others focused accent at importance of separate parts in comparison with others: sthaviravadines respected the Sutta first of all; sarvastivadines respected the Abhidhamma and aparashayles and purvashayles recognized only the Vinaya. Some of the followers completed three-part canon with new ‘baskets’.So, machasanghiki added to three parts Samiukta-pitaka and Dharma-pitaka, and bachusrutii (who already recognized â€Å"transcendency† of some Buddhist studies) added also Bodhisattva-pitaka, whereas dharmaguptaki took from traditional three parts only the Vinaya and added together with three new ‘pitakas’ also Tsharani-pitaka (which was probably text of magical spells) (Thomas W. Rhys-Davids, p.103).Complete c anonic text of â€Å"Tripitaka† belongs to ‘orthodox’ school of theravadines. Canonic texts were collected, were reproduced and passed orally, modified by the teachers, preachers and missioners of Buddhist communities during many ages, so material of Pali â€Å"Tripitaka† belongs to wide time continuum from the Buddha à ©poque (according to modern date – 5 century BC), some speeches of whom, probably, were memorized immediately by followers of his communities, specialized on memorizing of holy texts (bhanaki) till time of their partial writing in Pali language in the 1 century BC.Process of canonization wasn’t finished yet. Texts of â€Å"Tripitaka† continued to be created, edited, wrote and re-wrote till the 5th century – time of creation of â€Å"complete† commentary to â€Å"Tripitaka†, which can be considered the Pali re-working of Singal commentaries by egzeget collegiums, managed by Buddaghossa. So, historic al origin of â€Å"Tripitaka† texts needs special examining in each separate case.Written form of â€Å"Tripitaka† was first written on palm leaves – alu – during the times of King Vatthugamini Abhay (101-77 BC) in Alu-Vihara, Matala near Kandi, Sri-Lanka.These works were collected one year after Buddha’s death by his three followers at the first Buddhist’s meeting in Radzhigire. During the next meetings those groups of studies were re-worked and written.First ‘basket’ consists of 3 parts and is dedicated to principles of organization of Buddhist monk community, principles of creation and demands to monks.The Vinaya regulates all monk life and their communications with civil people in details. The word â€Å"Vinaya† means â€Å"that, who dispels evil†. The first part, Suttavibhanga, is commentary to patimokkha – 227 discipline rules for monks in connection with definite actions of members of early-Buddhist m onk community-sangha and corresponding punishments – starting of admonitions and finished by expulsion from sangha. These rules reflect real practice of regular readings of patimokkha during fasting-days (uposatha) of new moon and full moon.The second part consists of Khandhakas – in two versions (Mahavagga in 10 chapters and Culavagga in 12 chapters), where detailed discipline rules (prescribing how to live during rain periods, which clothes they should wear, how they should prepare medicines, etc), are ‘diluted’ with didactic and historical legends (Frauwallner, E.,, p.53).The first contains stories which explain how separate people came to Buddhist community, the second contains information about partial stories of Buddha’s life (gaining â€Å"clarifying†, first travels and first followers) and stories about first two Buddhist meetings in Radzhagrych (soon after Buddha’s death) and in Vayshali. The third part, Parivaranapatha, consi sts of 19 text of catechism type, including questions and answers for discipline problems.The Sutta, the eldest and the main part of Tripitaka’s texts is collection of five big texts (nikaya), first four of which are thematically similar to some extent (statement by Buddha, sometimes by his followers, of separate topics in Dharma (Buddhist science), and the last part is collection of different materials, united a bit later.The first four collections of the Sutta are started with unchangeable words â€Å"So I heard†, which is given from the narrator (in order to show origin of text), which is followed by plotline of lesson and then after the lesson itself, which Buddha pronounces in dialogue with somebody or in monologue (http://www.dharmanet.org/).The words are â€Å"Tripitaka† words are charming, they open your eyes and bewilder with their wisdom; they sound like music which you want to hear again and over again, reading and re-reading its simple but wise words : â€Å"He walks without fear, stands without fear, sits without fear, lies down without fear. Why is that? Because he is out of the Evil One ‘ s range. †Thai is what the Blessed One said. The bhikkhus were satisfied and delighted in the Blessed One ‘ s words†. (â€Å"Tripitaka†) These four collections of texts differ not only in content, but in quantity and structure – by length of the Suttas and way of organization of their consequences. All five big collections of the Sutta’s texts include in different proportions prosaic and poem components.

The Duke essays

The Duke essays The Harlem Renaissance was an era full of life, excitement, and activity. The world in all aspects was in gradual recovery from the depression. The world of music was expanding, sharing its enthusiasm throughout the world. The evolution of jazz aroused the curiosity of the nation. As Blacks received their freedom, they were able to express themselves as talented individuals. Certain blacks contributed immensely to the era of jazz, for example, Duke Ellington. Ellington entered a brand-new, exciting era as he grew up. As Ellington became an adolescent, the entertainment world was undergoing rapid, change. The change was driven by the deep, persuasive shift in the American spirit. The country was anxious to recover what it lost during the Depression. Ellingtons jazz creations were unknown and alien to the world, however, Ellington received the chance to succeed at the Cotton Club. The results of Ellingtons achievements at the Cotton Club were extensive, leading him to success and to national fame. The reasons for his outcome need to be revealed because Ellington was one of the most important figures in the era of jazz. During the Harlem Renaissance, some of the clubs were segregated and some mixed. The Cotton Clubs patrons were mostly whites and the club employed mostly blacks. The Cotton Club was the centerpiece of New Yorks entertainment business. It was the springboard to fame for many singer, dancers, and performers and was indeed the board Ellington jumped from. The club management decided what audiences wanted to see in their clubs. As a result of the Harlem Renaissance and the growing interest in black entertainment, audiences enjoyed watching the many talented black performers. To have such a name as the Cotton Club brings to mind images of the Old South. Ellington auditioned at the Cotton Club because he found it to be an opportunity that he would most likely never stumble upon...

Just-In-Time Production Essays - Manufacturing, Free Essays

Just-In-Time Production Essays - Manufacturing, Free Essays Just-In-Time Production Just-in-time production is considered to be on the leading edge of technological advancement. With improvements in the virtually every industry, maintaining an effective production line while minimizing inventory costs is a very feasible option. Just-in-time systems are designed to keep inventory costs at a minimum, unlike the ways of old, with large warehouses loaded with back inventory. With technology allowing instantaneous communication around the world, production lines and stores do not have to wait for days for inventory delivery. It can happen, well, just-in-time. Many companies are on the verge of switching to a just-in-time inventory system, to compliment the millions of companies that have already implemented the system. It is generally recognized that effective implementation of just-in-time will result in a significant reduction of inventories. As a matter of fact, inventory levels are key indicators for measuring just-in-time performance (Harrison). The just-in-time philosophy on inventory management is simple: - Strive for a level of zero inventories. - Produce items at the rate required by the customer. - Eliminate all unnecessary lead times. - Reduce setup costs to achieve the smallest economical lot size - ideally, a quantity of one. - Optimize material flow from suppliers through the production process to the point of sale of the finished product, so that inventories are minimized. - Ensure high quality and dependable just-in-time delivery from suppliers. - Implement a Total Quality Control (TQC) program, which will minimize scrap, rework and resultant delays in production (Naylor). While the just-in-time inventory management philosophy is simple, execution is not. In a just-in-time environment, the supplier should deliver raw materials and other purchased items when they are needed. A blanket purchase order or other suitable form of basic agreement should cover the terms and conditions for procurement. Delivery of the item should be direct to the point of use in the manufacturing plant. It is time consuming and not cost-effective for the materials to be handled in one part of a production line before it is moved to the correct location. It is up to the supplier to ensure a smooth flow of material to support production, which is obtained through optimum communication and coordination between the manufacturing plant and the supplier. It is integral that there is a working relationship between suppliers and the controller of the manufacturing plant. The supplier should be considered by the manufacturing company as an extension of the plant and should be included in all planning which involves his products. Certain individuals in the production plant should be selected to represent the company on matters pertaining to schedules and delivery quantities (Naylor). Several techniques exist for controlling the flow of material from the supplier to the manufacturing company. The specific technique should be selected which would best suit the implementation of the just-in-time concept for the particular item being purchased. Automatic inventory replenishment by the vendor is a technique where the supplier determines the need for required materials based on frequent deliveries to the plant. Depending on the nature of the production process as well as the material involved, this could range from many times a day to a less frequent interval. Visual review of existing inventory by the supplier will determine how much to deliver (Slack). The method of inventory control is not foreign to U.S. commerce and industry; visit a supermarket and see how the baker delivers his goods. He replenishes the baked goods based on a visual review of what is on the shelves. The same is true for soda and candy vendor machines. Those using oil to heat their home are certainly familiar with this type of inventory system; the driver comes by the house periodically and fills the tank. Implementing just-in-time may result in increased transportation costs due to smaller lot sizes and more frequent deliveries. However, in some industries such as chemicals there are significant trade-offs between the economy of longer lead-time and less flexible rail shipments versus more frequent tanker truckloads. Each of these cases must be examined on its own merits and on a continuing basis to determine the optimum solution (Slack). Just-in-time requires flow of material in the exact quantity required and at the exact time; the key word is exact. Regardless of the specific method used to achieve this exact material flow, there must be