Dells Just In Time Inventory Management system

Dells Just In Time Inventory Management system Just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing is specific type of inventory production strategy that is used to improve a companys return on investment through a cutback of stock held. The primary goal of JIT is the achievement of zero inventory, not just with within the confines of a singe organisation but ultimately throughout the entire supply chain (Hutchins 1988). Many companies are making the transition into adopting JIT manufacturing; however it was the automotive industry sector that initially pioneered the principle. It was first developed by Toyota in the 1980s and it is now frequently used within the production of a diverse range of different goods. Nowadays companys inventories are shrinking to almost nothing mainly because of the large increase of JIT manufacturing. Dell is probably the most well known business that had implemented the lean manufacturing process. Therefore for the purpose of this report I am going to focus on how Dell the computer producer has integrated JIT, a parti cular type of inventory management into their firm. 2.1 Dell company analysis The Dell Computer Corporation is one of the leading sellers of PCs with its main rival being the Hewlett Packard Company. (Mintel 2009) claims that Dell is the the number two supplier worldwide. It is a very successful firm that has gained exceptional sales accomplishments because of its unique direct marketing model. They have had the right amount of resources within their business to develop an extremely successful inventory production model. As a result Dell has gained competitive edge and many rival computer companies are now starting to replicate Dell. However simply imitating Dells strategy without fully researching the management theory behind it is not an ideal approach for other firms to adopt. Most of the enterprises that have tried to do this have not succeeded, to much of a degree that Dell has. The competitive advantages of Dell over its competitors are that Dell has well thought out JIT inventory system and very good supplier integration. This has helped in cutting down inventory costs within the business and has also reduced the lead time in serving customer orders for computers and laptops. This had caused Dell to gain a very successful process improvement within their enterprise. 2.2 Dell JIT strategy It is quite clear that these JIT inventory systems have evolved over the years. (Helo 2004) states that JIT is believed to enhance productivity and build a leaner manufacturing system which minimises inventories. This is because Just-in-time makes production operations much more efficient compared with other methods of production, as it is a cost effective approach. Dell realised that this would be a excellent opportunity for their business processes before any other computer firms did and have therefore have cut their inventories from having 20 to 25 days of inventory to having no warehousesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦and no more than two hours of inventory in its factories (Mishra 2009). By doing this Dell reached one of their main goals of constantly improving performance of their business. They also recognized that they could reduce expenditure by integrating and optimizing their computer manufacturing system. Overall such a system builds a leaner supply chain for Dell, so that their inventor ies are minimized. 2.3 Requirements for JIT manufacturing Establishing a JIT company like Dell requires commitment from every department and a lot of support from the companys strategic management team. A pull production method of work flow needs to be put into practice for JIT systems to be useful within Dell. The entire supply chain system is built around the flexibility and speed therefore customer demand is the factor that activates production of Dell computers. Normally this is fine within Dells business as they use the direct marketing model to sell their computers. However sometimes demand for computers can rapidly increase without any significant explanation. Dell has to have a contingency plan in place in case this happens unexpectedly. Even though inventory is low Dell still have the ability to stretch and push the factory processes to the capacity at times when demand succeeds supply. Table 1. Key Requirements for JIT Production (Lubben 1988) 1.High quality standards 2.Demand or pull scheduling 3.Level production schedules 4.Sufficient lead time (minimum setup time) to change to new products 5.Long term contract commitments from customers and with suppliers 6.Contiuous improvement of the production process 7.Minimum inventory in the manufacturing system 2.4 Advantages of Dell adopting a JIT system There are a wide range of benefits that JIT manufacturing can have on an enterprise. Firstly JIT appeals to a wide variety of businesses as it helps to prevent manufacturers from getting stuck with outdated or unusable inventory. Dell only has 2 hours worth of inventory in their manufacturing plants. This ensures that they are controlling their production of computers fully. In addition to this it has been found that JIT adoption has significant positive results on the financial figures of a business. Dell has achieved a cash conversion cycle from implementing JIT systems. This allows a healthy flow of money within their business, which will have an encouraging impact on their profitability. Another one of the many advantages to just-in-time manufacturing is the reduced cost. This is only achieved after the JIT systems has been in place for quite while, but it reduces capital tied up in stock, which allows a company like Dell to spend money on other areas of the business such as adve rtising and marketing. Just-in-time also has a much faster setup and saves resources by streamlining production systems. This as a result prevents overproduction of computers, which will therefore help Dell with the elimination of waste within their company. As a further point JIT systems also abolishes costs of warehouse space and storage facilities. This also allows Dell to inject cash into other parts of their enterprise and can also keep travel costs to a minimum. 2.5 Limitations of a company such as Dell implementing JIT manufacturing Just as JIT manufacturing has many strong points, there are some weaknesses as well. The Just-in-Time system may not suit every business, thorough research needed to be done by Dell to ensure such inventory management would work in the way they wanted it to, before they executed it. This would have been a very long process as they would have needed to weigh up the risks it could have on their business. In addition to this it is difficult and very expensive to introduce as there is possible large initial set up costs, which may put some businesses off. This did not put Dell off as they knew the long term benefits would mean that they would become more profitable if they introduce this method. They also found that it would allow them to gain continuous improvement within their business practices in the future, which could allow them to become the superior computer manufacturer over the Hewlett Packard Company who currently has the top spot in the industry. It is also true that JIT proc esses can become vulnerable to market demand fluctuations and unforeseen production interruptions. Again Dell had to look in depth into the buying patterns of their customer base, before investing in JIT systems within their firm. Conclusion Just in time manufacturing can have a positive influence on an enterprise such as Dell and by utilizing JIT systems they have gained a competitive edge against similar rivals in the computer industry. The direct selling model compliments their JIT systems which could in the future make them the worldwide leader in computer manufacturing. However as an important point inventory management systems do not appear to be consistent across all industries. Dell Computer Corporation must critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of implementing Just-in-time systems within their operations. Nevertheless Dell has done their research correctly and as a result JIT is rather successful within computer manufacturers. It is true that the computer industries do not have the experience of JIT systems that the automotive industry has, but it has successfully implemented JIT principles over the past 20 years and will continue to in the future. In addition to this implementing a new concept such as JIT systems requires a constant support from each and every aspect of the organization. It demands complete support from every department operating in the organisation. If a company like Dell accomplishes the implementation of JIT purchasing systems it can result in improved productivity. Despite JIT process it self is not complicated, the implementation stage is not easy to face at all. However it is possible the system can bring high levels of competitiveness to big companies such as Dell and they have proved this with their financial status in the market. The most important factor Dell has to remember, is that they have to sustain good working relationships with their suppliers for JIT to work within their organisation in the first place. For the reasons highlighted in the paper above I can come to the conclusion that Dell have successfully implemented JIT inventory management within their business processes and they are using continuous improvement within their company to mai ntain to be one the leading manufacturers of computers and software. References ALPHABETICALLY Helo (2004) Managing agility and productivity in the electronics industry Industrial Management Data Systems Hutchins (1988) Overview of JIT Just in Time Lubben (1988) Pull production system Just-in-time Manufacturing Mintel (2009) PCs and Laptops [online] Available at: http://academic.mintel.com.lcproxy.shu.ac.uk/sinatra/oxygen_academic/search_results/showHYPERLINK http://academic.mintel.com.lcproxy.shu.ac.uk/sinatra/oxygen_academic/search_results/show/display/id=474522/display/id=475761#hit1HYPERLINK http://academic.mintel.com.lcproxy.shu.ac.uk/sinatra/oxygen_academic/search_results/show/display/id=474522/display/id=475761#hit1/display/id=474522/display/id=475761#hit1 [Accessed 30 April 2010] Mishra (2009) Just-In-Time production: the Dell Way [online] Available at: http://penofaparanoid.blogspot.com/2009/06/just-in-time-production-dell-way_18.html [Accessed 30 April 2010] http://www.ehow.com/about_5099120_pro-just-time-inventory-system.html

Critique of Jean Watson’s Theory Essay

The Theory of Human Caring was written by Jean Watson. This model consists of ten carative factors to assist nurses with caring for their patients. Dr. Watson calls this a transpersonal relationship. Watson defines transpersonal care ‘as the capacity of one human being to receive another human being’s expression of feelings and to experience those feelings for oneself’ (Walker, 1996, p. 992). It is much more than a scripted therapeutic response, it is a moral duty that rises from within the nurse, and Watson identifies nursing as both an art and a science. The first premise of this theory is that the more individual the feelings are, that the nurse transmits, the more strongly does the caring process affect the recipient (Walker, 1996). The two persons in a caring transaction are both in the process of being and becoming. The moment of coming together in an actual caring occasion presents the opportunity for each person to learn from the other, how to be human. Watson implies more than a mere mergence of experiences; she suggests a spiritual union of souls (Watson, 2008; Walker, 1996, p. 92). This writing will evaluate Watson’s theory and critique using Chinn and Kramer’s model of evaluation using description, clarity, simplicity, generalizability, accessibility, and importance (Meleis, 2012, p. 184). Clarity Watson precisely defines the concepts and sub concepts central to this theory. Watson explains abstract phenomena by using ordinary language in extraordinary ways, and uses nontechnical, sophisticated, fluid, and evolutionary language to artfully describe concepts. Watson’s propensity toward metaphorical expression adds urgency to her moral message for nursing (Alligood & Tomey, 2010). At times, lengthy phrases and sentences must be read more than once to convey meaning. The increasing inclusion of metaphors, personal reflections, artwork, and poetry make her complex concepts more tangible and more aesthetically appealing (Walker, 1996). According to Watson, ‘A model of caring science that goes beyond an intellectualization of the topic invites us into a timeless yet timely space to revisit this perennial phenomenon of the human condition (Watson, 2008, p. 8). Critics of Watson’s work have concentrated on the use of undefined or changing/shifting definitions and terms and her focus on the psychosocial rather than the pathophysiological aspects of nursing (Alligood & Tomey, 2010, p. 101). Watson tends to explain abstract phenomena by using ordinary language in extraordinary ways. Watson’s propensity toward metaphorical expression adds urgency to her moral message for nursing (Walker, 1996). Simplicity Watson draws on a number of disciplines to formulate her theory. To understand the theory as it is presented, the reader does best by being familiar with the broad subject matter. The theory is more about being than about doing, and it must be internalized thoroughly by the nurse if it is to be actualized in practice. Health as harmonious unity of mind-body-soul recapitulates emphasis on human idealism inspires nurses to readopt or realign themselves with a commitment to care (Walker, 1996). Basic concepts and premises appeal to nurses trying to ‘carve out’ a caring practice in the context of contemporary health care. Generalizability Watson’s theory seeks to provide a moral and philosophical basis for nursing. The scope of the framework encompasses all aspects of the health illness phenomenon. In addition the theory addresses aspects of preventing illness and experiencing a peaceful death, thereby increasing its generality (Alligood & Tomey, 2010). The carative factors that Watson described provide important guidelines for nurse patient interaction; however, some critics have stated that their generality is limited by the emphasis placed on psychosocial rather than physiological aspects of care (Alligood & Tomey, 2010). Transpersonal relationships can put the patient at ease, trust increases, and this is an exceptional environment for healing to take place. Watson explains that concepts, defined as building blocks of theory, bring new meaning to the paradigm of nursing and were derived from clinically inducted, empirical experiences, combined with philosophical, intellectual and experiential background; thus her early work emerged from her own values, beliefs, and perceptions about personhood, life, health, and healing (Alligood & Tomey, 2010). Accessibility Another characteristic of the theory is that it does not furnish explicit directions about what to do to achieve authentic caring healing relationship. Nurses who want concrete guidelines may not feel secure when trying to rely on the theory alone. Some suggest it would take too long to incorporate the caritas into practice, and others state that the emphasis on Watson’s personal growth gives her latest book an idiosyncratic quality that while appealing to some may not appeal to others (Alligood & Tomey, 2010). This theory does not lend itself easily to research conducted through traditional scientific methods (Walker, 1996). Some critics have stated that generality is limited by the emphasis placed on psychosocial rather than physiological aspects of caring (Alligood & Tomey, 2010). Watson continues to state how the transpersonal relationship is the foundation of her theory, she calls this a special kind of human care relationship, a union with another person-high regard for the whole person and their being in the world (Alligood & Tomey, 2010).

How Animals Interact in an Ecosystem

Animals interact with each other in numerous, complex ways. However, we can make some general statements about these interactions. This enables us to better understand the role that species play within their ecosystems and how individual species can positively or negatively affect the species around them. Of the various types of interactions between species, most involve resources and consumers. A resource, in ecological terms, is something (such as food, water, habitat, sunlight, or prey) that is required by an organism to perform a vital function such as growth or reproduction. A consumer is an organism that consumes a resource (such as predators, herbivores, or detritivores). Most interactions between animals involve one or more competitor species vying for a resource. Species interactions can be categorized into four basic groups based on how the participating species are affected by the interaction. They include competitive interactions, consumer-resource interactions, detritivore-detritus interactions, and mutualistic interactions. Competitive Interactions Competitive interactions are interactions involving two or more species that are vying for the same resource. In these interactions, both of the species involved are negatively  affected. Competitive interactions are in many cases indirect, such as when two species both consume the same resource but do not  directly interact with each other. Instead, they affect each other by  reducing the availability of the resource. An example of this type of interaction might be seen between lions and hyenas. Since both species feed on the same prey, they negatively affect each other by reducing the amount of that prey. One species may have trouble hunting in an area where the other is already present. Consumer-resource Interactions Consumer-resource interactions are interactions in which individuals from one species consume individuals from another species. Examples of consumer-resource interactions include predator-prey interactions and herbivore-plant interactions. These consumer-resource interactions affect the species involved in different ways. Usually, this type of interaction has a positive impact on the consumer species and a negative impact on the resource species. An example of a consumer-resource interaction would be a lion eating a zebra, or a zebra feeding on grass. In the first example, the zebra is the resource, while in the second example it is the consumer. Detritivore-detritus Interactions Detritivore-detritus interactions involve a species that consumes the detritus (dead or decomposing organic matter) of another species. The detritivore-detritus interaction is a positive interaction for the consumer species. It has no impact on the resource species since it is already dead. Detritivores include small creatures such as millipedes, slugs, woodlice, and sea cucumbers. By cleaning up decomposing plant and animal matter, they play an important role in maintaining the health of ecosystems. Mutualistic Interactions Mutualistic interactions are interactions in which both species--resource and consumer--benefit from the interaction. An example of this is the relationship between plants and pollinators. Nearly three-quarters of flowering plants rely on animals to help them pollinate. In exchange for this service, animals such as bees and butterflies are rewarded with food in the form of pollen or nectar. The interaction is beneficial for both species, plants, and animals.

Food Waste, The Act Of Disposing Consumable Foods

Food waste, the act of disposing consumable foods, is extremely prevalent in the world we live in today. Every day I see countless amounts of people throwing away valuable meals that could be eaten. A minority of people fail to appreciate the food that is accessible, even though some regions of the world are enduring serious food shortages. For instance, due to imperialism in Africa, the countries have long since faced dire hunger problems. The ignorant food disposers have the mindset that there will always be food to eat; however, they cannot take the food accessible now for granted. It is not until things are taken from them that people realize what they had before. Put yourself in the shoes of someone who is unable to put food on the†¦show more content†¦The concern that is shown by the person in the quote shows how activism is needed to spread awareness and prevent food waste so that people who are facing food shortages are able to eat. I feel that the appreciation of th e food that we have can be beneficial to us in reducing the amount of food waste. Appreciating what you have is not only restrained to the food aspect but into all aspects of life. The common misconception is that we have an unlimited supply of food for the world to consume. As a society, we can change this belief by spreading awareness on how detrimental food waste is. Food waste is detrimental to society because we are throwing away food that people dying of hunger could eat. Food waste is ridiculous when you identify how many people are starving compared to the amount of food wasted each year at 1.3 billion pounds. It is unbelievable how as a society we allow this to take place. The misconception blinds people to believe that they do not make a difference in reducing food waste, so many people waste food on a constant basis. The people believe that there will always be enough food to support life so they do not care about wasting food. 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