Tankless water heaters Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Tankless water heaters - Essay Example Adomatis (2010) predicts that new homes buyers â€Å"may be willing to pay for the cost of the energy efficient items in green construction† as a means of reducing energy expenses. Not only can energy efficiency building requirements save money, but energy efficiency can also save homeowners money by heating their homes in the winter and cooling their homes in summer with less power and resources. Energy Star is program jointly operated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy. The program is designed to help Americans reduce the cost of energy and at the same time protect the environment via the use of â€Å"energy efficient products and practices† (Energy Star, n.d.). Though ENERGY STAR ® program serves as a trusted source of voluntary standards and unbiased information, federal and state policies provide additional sources for consumers and organizations to adopt other energy-efficient products and practices that further reduce gr eenhouse gases (GHGs). The purpose of this memo is to propose a code enforced method for improving appliance efficiency via the mandatory installment of Tankless Water Systems only in the construction of new dwelling houses. ... i. The installation of traditional hot water heaters (reserve tank) systems in the construction of all new homes will be prohibited. b. Natural gas (or propane, with be the primary means of energy used for the tankless water systems. i. In the event natural gas installation is not practicable, electric tankless units with an EF rating of >92 may be used as an alternative. c. Tankless systems can include multiple installations that would then be placed directly near a hot water demand source. However, this must not be installed in any combination with conventional storage tank water heater systems. An example would be a booster heater for augmenting a traditional hot water heater system. d. Solar or other heat exchange technologies that utilize on-demand heating for hot water are also included with this code proposal. Reasons for the Change in Texas Building Code The minimum allowable efficiency for residential water heaters is regulated by federal standards. New amended federal stand ards to take effect on April 16, 2015 are detailed in the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(3)(B)) (See Table 1). Federal initiatives have been implemented to further promote green initiatives and are detailed in the Executive Order 13423 and 13221. These Executive Orders, issued in 2009, require federal agencies to acquire energy-efficient products in the acquisition of commercially available, off-the-shelf products for goods and services. If the same practices were applied to the residential sector, further gains to maximize green initiative savings would be more beneficial for the public as a whole. Table 1 Amended Energy Conservation Standards for Residential Water Heaters Source: Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation

Project management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Project management - Assignment Example It was observed that at the late hours just before inauguration of the Games, the company declared that they could not provide the promised number of security personnel. This breach of contract penalised the company severely as it had to pay huge fine. However, the situation was controlled by government when they military force was arranged at the last moment for managing the situation. Thus, the project undertaken by G4S was a complete failure and it lead to collapse of the company image before the public and investors. G4S, the largest international security solutions group, aims at providing security solutions to the countries, where the risk of security and safety is a serious threat. The company has successfully provided security solutions to many countries. It is a British multinational security provider, which is headquartered in Crawley, United Kingdom. It is regarded as one of the largest security provider in world with respect to revenue and operations. The company operates in 150 countries and have numerous plans of expansion to untouched territories worldwide. The company has also been declared as the third largest employer globally. It employs around 620,000 employees across different countries. The company is registered under London Stock Exchange  and is a recognised element in FTSE 100 Index (BBC, 2012; Pattison, 2014). The company has successfully operated globally without any disturbance in operation. However in 2010, after the death of Jimmy Mubenga (a security person), the company started to encounter the gloomiest days in its operational history. Additionally, the company encountered severe blows in business operation when it was unable to provide security services to Olympic Games in 2012. The contract between Olympic Games Authority and G4S had failed to become effective and the latter had to pay a huge amount as penalty (Secretary of State for

Medical Personal Statement Examples Personal Development Essay

Medical Personal Statement Examples Personal Development Essay From an early age I have been fascinated by the workings of life. The human body is a remarkable machine with many diverse systems producing an organism that could never be artificially reproduced. My love of science is just one of my reasons for choosing medicine. I enjoy a challenge particularly towards a rewarding objective and although medicine is a tough career it can be enormously gratifying, highlighted by the doctors I have spoken to during my experience and on a personal level. To further my insight into the medical field I participated in a work shadowing week at a GP surgery. I gained a valuable understanding of the workings of the surgery, with opportunities to observe and speak to the doctors regarding a medical career. I arranged another placement week myself at a local hospital, which was a superb opportunity to observe medicine from another point of view. I observed the ward rounds, an MRI scan, a skin biopsy and an endosocpy clinic all which I found interesting. I spent the most time with the haematology team, responsible for patients with diseases such as Chronic Myelogenous Leukaemia (CML), haematology being one of my interests it was captivating that I could see the specialty from a more complex side than the AS biology course. For example I was able to understand how the level of platelets affects blood clotting. Throughout the week I expanded my confidence and communication skills through speaking to patients and doctors. Although I enjoyed the week it was at times extremely heart-rending, I was able to get close to many of the terminally ill patients helping and caring for them where I could, getting them tea or just talking and empathising with them to build their spirits. I volunteered at a local home for the elderly which was very rewarding as I built my caring skills, helping residents by making them tea or playing cards with them. At school I took part in a paired reading scheme for 6 months where I was able to help young children to read, speaking and listening to them to help their English. All my experience has made me more determined to accomplish my ambition to be a doctor. My love of science and aspiration for a medical career is reflected in my A-Level choices where good time management, self motivated study skills and ability to cope with stress and pressure are essential. Biology and chemistry have helped me further my interest and develop my analytical skills, maths helps my problem solving skills helping me to work logically and ICT gives me a valuable insight into the rapidly developing technological world where computers are crucial. I believe all the qualities I have developed through my courses are essential for any good doctor. I have participated in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme which enabled me to achieve a first aid certificate including cardiopulmonary resuscitation training. I also enhanced my inter-personal, communication and team building abilities, valuable skills for any medical occupation, as I witnessed during my experience. For 2 years I have volunteered at a local vet hospital observing and helping out 2 hours per week commu nicating with the public in a different environment. I enjoy reading, mainly factual books to expand my general knowledge. To relax, I enjoy sports including football, and cricket for which I was captain of the school team and my local team for the past 3 years improving my leadership skills. I also recently rekindled my childhood passion for golf, another pastime I enjoy even if it is a little expensive! I am a self motivated, determined individual and I look forward to the social and academic challenges of university. I am aware of the demands of a medical career but my commitment and desire to become a doctor has only been strengthened through my experience and work in a voluntary capacity. No.2 To be given the opportunity to read medicine, will not only fulfil my ambitions, but also allow me to be a credit to the medical institution. I am a dedicated learner and I have the ability to listen diligently to people. I believe there is a severe lack of black female doctors and I will endeavour to be part of the improvement of this situation and be an asset to my community. No.3 From a young age I have been genuinely fascinated by the intriguing world of Science. This passion has fuelled my love for medicine, particularly as I have always been amazed by the complex and intricate workings of the human body. The fact that medicine is an extremely challenging, demanding and rewarding profession leaves me with no doubt about wanting to become a doctor. My A-level studies have reinforced my decision to pursue this career path and allowed me to develop essential skills for this degree. Chemistry has enhanced my analytical and problem solving skills. My accuracy, attention to detail and natural ability to solve problems has been developed through studying Physics and Maths. Reliable observational skills and experimental technique has been developed through during practical work in Chemistry, Physics and Biology. Exiting visits to the Body worlds exhibition and conferences organised by med-link confirmed my desire to pursue a medical degree No.4 My motivation to study medicine comes from the desire to combine my interests in the ever-expanding fields of medical science with my need to understand life from other human perspectives. This drive was reinforced by my visit to Christie Hospital where I saw how advances in medical diagnostics and treatment directly impact upon the lives of cancer patients. By becoming a doctor I hope to be able to work at the crux of science and society by pursuing a deeper understanding of complex biological systems, whilst at the same time using my knowledge to make a difference to the individual. After reflecting upon all my experiences so far I believe that as a doctor I will possess the tenacity, humanity and dedication to excel in both academic and personal challenges. No.5 My A-level subjects have given me a sound scientific knowledge base and have developed skills and qualities which are particularly relevant to my chosen degree. These include observational, investigative, analytical, reasoning and communication skills. My self-confidence, self-reliance, adaptability and willingness to assume responsibility have been enhanced not just through my studies but through extra-curricular activities and considerable work experience. My desire to pursue a career in medicine has only intensified as a result of my work experience and voluntary sector commitments. The chance to study medicine is my long cherished ambition. I believe I have the skills and qualities necessary to succeed in the medical profession, and I welcome the academic rigour and opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of university life. No.6 INTELLECTUAL ABILITY I love to be challenged about my ideas and opinions. I have relished the intellectual challenge offered by Chemistry and learnt how to develop arguments and clarity of expression in History. In particular, I have enjoyed exploring the history of medicine, which has enhanced my understanding of the ancient profession I would so love to be a part of CONCLUSION I intend to make medicine my lifes work. I think medicine is the most fundamental of professions; without doctors society would surely collapse given that ones health is a prerequisite to doing almost anything in life. I would be privileged to spend the rest of my working life practising medicine. I am acutely aware of the difficulties and challenges I am signing up for, but am confident that I will meet them with (enthusiasm) gusto and commitment. INTRODUCTION reasons for studying for medicine To be given the opportunity to study medicine would be a dream come true/the fulfilment of a life-long dream. The science of medicine fascinates and inspires me; reading StudentBMJ and NewScientist compel me into learning more. A central attraction of medicine is the chance to make a difference to another persons life, and to be able/ (in a position) to offer informed support and understanding at a vulnerable time for a patient and their family. (For many) illness is very scary and access to a compassionate and committed/attentive/helpful/caring doctor can make a significant difference to a potentially traumatic experience. I am an open-minded, approachable person and I would aspire to making vulnerable patients feel at ease; I have the social skills conducive to being an effective doctor, not a scientist No.7 Disease can take everything from us; potentially undermining our capacity to meet challenges, seek happiness or improve ourselves. Valuing all of these things within myself, one of the most frustrating things I have had to witness is people being unable to do the same. We cannot give people happiness, but effective healthcare can give people the chance to seek their own. Of course, healthcare has many facets; but a longing to ask why?, and also to question the answer, has helped lead me toward medicine. Whilst at college, exploring the human body, more intricate than any man-made machine, has helped me feed this fascination. Case studies like cystic fibrosis made it especially relevant. In addition, books such as The Chemistry of Life and The Man Who Mistook His Wife For His Hat have helped me extend my passion past the scope of the curriculum, engaging with ideas independently. Furthermore, AS Perspectives on Science has developed my ability and desire to interact with the medical world. The course culminated in an extended report in which I chose to discuss the scientific and ethical implications of HIV testing; questioning issues such as the extent to which patient autonomy should be endorsed. This has been enormously satisfying, and my drive to learn about medical cause, effect and treatment has only increased. Along with my Philosophy course, this has helped to shape the way I think about the world and given me the tools, and opportunity, to engage with other people and their ideas. I have always had a need to help people. More recently, highlighted by volunteering at St. Michaels Hospice, I have developed my devotion to caring. Assisting in providing palliative care has been a difficult but exceptionally rewarding experience. Each time I connected with a patient, I felt I had added something to his or her day, if only for a little while. To then find the following week that they had deteriorated was hard, but pushed me to persevere. Perhaps the most poignant lesson I have learned is that, however much we wish otherwise, there is a limit to what we can do for people; there will be times when I am faced with helplessness. Complementing this, partaking in a project evaluating sexual health services has given me the chance to help spur improvement. But more importantly, analysing healthcare from a patient perspective emphasised the fundamental need for integrity, effective communication and understanding. Hence, all of my volunteer work has helped me to develop, am ong others, my sensitivity and interpersonal skills. Additionally, teaching myself piano and exploring its complexities, I have had many opportunities to develop my dedication and independence. While in a youth folk band, I was chosen to participate in a music exchange. I enjoyed immersing myself in new cultures and, travelling around France and Germany, worked with musicians far more skillful than myself. Furthermore, my love of martial arts has also given me chances to push my limits. The more I practice both of these, the more I realise how much more there is to learn. Being elected as head boy in secondary school I also worked to progress other skills including teamwork as well as public speaking. I recognise medicine is a difficult route, but it is the challenge which makes it more rewarding. Not only does it enable me to take my passion beyond college to a setting where my knowledge must constantly evolve, but, perhaps more importantly, it allows me to put this into practice in a meaningful way. I hope that in doing so I can give others the same opportunities I have had myself# No.8 I have always been interested in all aspects of the human body. I am therefore very excited by the prospect of studying Medicine and using the knowledge I would acquire to help people. In 2006 I attended a Med-Six conference at Nottingham University and found the few days I was there utterly engaging. The lecture on Emergency Medicine emphasised the importance of an efficient team with a decisive leader, which I found particularly stimulating. We took part in a simulated accident and emergency team exercise and each played specific roles, for example nurse, radiographer and consultant. We had to assess individual patients and make rapid decisions about how the team should deal with them. It showed me how much Medicine relies on teamwork and communication. I was very fortunate to be able to organise a week shadowing an orthopaedic surgeon. I accompanied him on his ward rounds in the morning and was then able to watch him performing hip arthroscopies. I was also present during consultations with new patients on clinic days. I observed how he empathised with the patients when he briefed them before their operations and during patient consultations when he informed the patients of the possible outcomes of the surgery. I saw that in the operating theatre every member of the team was integral to the success of the operation and that the team needed a strong leader. I also gained an understanding of the immense concentration and skill involved in this type of surgery. At present I am working as an Administration Assistant at a hospital; through dealing with patient records I have gained an appreciation of the importance of patient confidentiality. I will soon be applying for a post as a Nursing Assistant at a London hospital to gain more pat ient contact. The study of Medicine offers a great deal and I believe I have the enthusiasm, perseverance and commitment necessary to make a good doctor. No.9 In order to explore my fascination with medicine I have undertaken varied and relevant work experience, in both a hospital and a care home. Whilst working at the Royal Blackburn Hospital, I had the opportunity to shadow current medical students, where I learnt various procedures such as catheter and cannula insertion, in addition to playing an active role in practical demonstrations using SimMan. Shadowing junior doctors on the Gastroenterology Ward allowed me to begin to understand the structure of a hospital. I was able to appreciate the high level of teamwork required between the consultant and other healthcare professionals. This ensured the treatment given to patients was both efficient and effective. I was privileged to have the opportunity to interact on a one to one basis with patients, which enabled me to tailor my communication skills to suit the patient and their situation. My time in hospital concluded with a presentation, which I presented to the junior doctors and a con sultant regarding my experience, which further enhanced my communication skills. I gained great admiration for the consultant, who was able to instill belief and reassurance within his patients, even in the most extreme circumstances. Equally, my time spent at Viewfield Care Home allowed me to converse with patients on a regular basis, whilst developing my nursing skills. Both these experiences gave me an extensive insight into the fundamental characteristics which a doctor must possess, namely being caring, competent and approachable at all times, all of which I believe are key qualities of my personality. Reflecting upon these experiences has reinforced my desire to pursue a career in medicine, for which I now have resolute determination. I believe I possess a suitable personality to undertake the demands of being a medical student and doctor, as I thrive in challenging situations, both mental and physical, while at all times remaining competent and demonstrating both empathy and integrity. No.10 This incident sparked my initial interest in Medicine. To further explore the world of Medicine, I began to read popular medical articles in the newspapers and became a frequent visitor to the BBC Health page. I also read medical related articles in the New Scientist. In order to experience the practical aspects of the life of a doctor, I completed work experience under an Oncologist for two weeks and also at my local GP clinic for a month. Here I was most impressed by the doctors bedside manner. I witnessed the calm and reassuring tone of the doctor, who often used humour as well, to put the patients at ease so as to elicit information he needed to come to a sound diagnosis. I next undertook community service at a residential home for the elderly for a few months and over time I was amazed at the tact and patience of the staff who allowed the residents to keep hold of as much of their independence as possible. My interest in Science and Mathematics is reflected in my A-level choices. I believe that the scientific method is the most reliable way for man to augment his knowledge of the world around him. I love Mathematics, which has taught me to be logical in my thinking and precise in my actions. I am hard working and know I have the intellectual abilities to study Medicine. I realise a good doctor also needs to be able to communicate effectively; I have an open and friendly personality, finding it easy to make relationships with my peers as well as my teachers. Additionally I have the qualities of care, compassion and commitment, which I believe make me an ideal candidate to study Medicine and serve as a Doctor. No.11 I am a keen table tennis player and play regularly at a local club as well as with my friends and family. I organise a table tennis club for the sixth form as well as an after school club where I offer coaching to beginners. This has not only been of huge enjoyment but has also helped me develop my organisational and leadership skills. I also captained the football and hockey teams at Hebron for two years. Essentially, I feel I have gained a realistic appreciation of the challenges, both emotional and physical, involved in pursuing a career in medicine, but believe that my experiences have given me the motivation and commitment to withstand such trials and enable me to succeed as a valuable member of the developing medical field. For me, a career in medicine is the perfect opportunity to stimulate my mind in a fascinating field in which I am highly motivated to succeed. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to be able to combine my caring personality with the practical aspects of the subject, and so have a major impact on peoples lives. The prospect of life-long learning in a subject for which I have such an affinity excites me. I thoroughly enjoy studying A-level Biology and Chemistry and my intellectual curiosity ensures I stay well ahead of the syllabus. For example, I was recently intrigued by an article on developments in cancer treatment, discussing how antibodies can be engineered to bind to specific antigens on the surface of cancer cells, allowing attached drugs to be delivered directly to tumours, and was inspired to do further research.

Essay --

The positive economic impact of tourism in Morocco is huge. According to glObserver, a market research company, Morocco will have an estimated 14 million visitors bringing in $8.8 billion in annual revenues by the end of 2016 (Morocco Tourism Profile 2012). It does not seem like the inflow of money will slow down anytime soon. Foreign investments have been pouring into Morocco’s tourism sector and international hotel chains are building large resorts across the country. Development is occurring along the coast of Morocco in particular. This will draw real estate investors looking to gain exposure to the tourism and property markets. While it is positive that investment money is flowing into the country, much of the profits being made are escaping Morocco because foreign hotels are sending the earnings home to their country of origin. Due to the recent increase in tourism, foreign airlines are increasing the number of routes into the country. In addition to the real e state investments, there are other factors contributing to the influx of money entering Morocco. Morocco has a high level of literacy in addition to strong government support for the hospitality industry; these factors should contribute to the tourism industry growing for years to come in Morocco (Morocco Tourism Profile 2012). As well as the tourism industry is doing in Morocco, not everything is working well. Moroccan flag carrier Royal Air is in dire financial straits. The airline loses money on a monthly basis due to the high cost of fuel and labor. Several low cost carriers have stepped in to compete with Royal Air and expand the tourism industry despite Royal Air’s economic troubles. Socio-cultural: The second area that is important to examine... ...pacts to their environment due to the increase in tourism. The increase of tourism is taking a toll on the water supply in Morocco. Morocco naturally has very low renewable water supply. Large hotels, which include huge pools and fancy golf courses, require a gigantic amount of water in order to operate. Often times, this leaves civilians close by with little or no running water. While most residents of urban areas have access to running water, many people in rural areas do not have access. However the Moroccan government is trying to act in order to preserve their environment. One way Morocco is proactive in protecting its environment is through its planting programs. Every year, two million palm trees are planted and distributed throughout the south with an aim to deter the effects of the developing golf courses and hotels (Environment & Ethical Tourism.).

Renaissance Comparison Essay

Renaissance Comparison Essay Tom Barnes HUM/205 3-21-2010 Janet Florick In the broader scheme of things, the social changes in Italy were inspired, as we've seen, by Humanism. Italian artists, writers and philosophers were driven to study Classical antiquity and explore man's supposed capacity for rational choice. They believed that Humanism led to more dignified and worthy humans. In the north (possibly in part because the north did not have works of antiquity from which to learn), change was brought about by a different rationale. Thinking minds in the north were more concerned with religious reform, feeling that Rome (from whom they were physically distanced) had strayed too far from Christian values. In fact, as northern Europe became more openly rebellious over the authority of the Church, art took a decidedly secular turn. This plays a major role in how the arts impacted and what type of relationship the arts had in the culture of both the North and Italy. Another common factor of both during the Renaissance was the Guild system. The Guild system started to arise during the Gothic period, Guilds were the best path a man could go down to learn a craft, be it painting, sculpture, or saddle making. These Guilds were very similar to the trade unions of our modern day. Training in any specialty was long, rigorous and comprised of multiple steps. These Guilds had a self-policing policy, most of the money exchanging hands-when works of art were commissioned and paid for went to the Guild members. These Guild systems seemed to be more in place in Northern Europe than Italy. One last similarity of the two is they both had a definite artistic center. In Italy it was Florence were all artists looked for inspiration and innovation. In Northern Europe it was Flanders which was part of then the Duchy of Burgundy. This was a thriving city which like Florence made its money in banking and wool. Each of these cultures had their own specific style. Both cultures with similarities and differences set aside gave a new birth to the social and art movements in the world of that time period. These new movements are part of what has helped shape our modern era of art today. References Essak, Shelley. (2010). The Renaissance In Northern Europe. _About. com Art History Fine art touch (2010). The Venetian Renaissance. Retrieved March 19, 2010, from The City Review (2010). Retrieved March 20, 2010, from www. thecityreview. com

Procter & Gamble Resources, Capabilities and Competitive Advantage Essay

P&G – Procter & Gamble is a consumer product company founded and headquartered at Cincinnati, Ohio in 1837 by Mr. William Procter and Mr. James Gamble. It is now led by Mr. Alan.G.Lafley whom rejoins the company in 2010. P&G success was contributed to the heart of its business model – Innovation; and that is not just for newly invented product or service, it was for the goal of recreating needs for the improvement of consumers’ living. And it is a very long culture started where the roots started from the founders; whom are soap and candles makers. The first innovative product – Ivory; started in 1879, by James Norris Gamble who is the son of the founder and a trained chemist. Ivory at then was an inexpensive white soap equal to high-quality, imported Castile soap. It was introduced nationwide through a weekly newspaper. Today, P&G has its presence across 180 countries and a team of 121,000 employees. Its business operations spanned across various segments like Beauty, Grooming, Health Care, Fabric Care & Home Care and Baby Care & Family Care; it is the house to many of the world leading brands like Head & Shoulder, Gillette, Oral B, Fabrics, Pampers and many more. Touching more than 4 billion consumers worldwide every day, the company sales volume as of fiscal year ending June 30, 2013 was more than 80 billion in sales. The Strategy – Unique Value According to Michael Porter, He argued that organizations that focus solely on operation effectiveness is not enough, they will only be successful if they are able to provide a unique value that is sustainable for a long term. Organizations competing in operation effectiveness will only gauge their performance by benchmarking what others are doing; ultimately providing the same value throughout, which is of no value to the customer. Therefore, for an organization to be able to sustain for long term, an organization would require a competitive strategy by performing a different set of activities to deliver an unique value. According to Jay Barney, he also mentioned that an organization will have a competitive advantage against others if they adopt a value creating strategy not done by others yet. And that value will deem to be able to provide competitive advantage and are sustainable in the long term if they have the four attributes – Valuable, Rare, Non-Imitable and Non Substi tutable (V.R.I.N). Valuable would be that the  resource would be able to add value to the organization; Rare would be that the resource is not common within competitors; Non-imitable would be that the competitors are not able to copy them easily or able to produce the exact same set of resources; And lastly, non-substitutable would be that resources are not easily substitutable by equivalent resources that are valuable. Grant, R.M has a very similar theory to Jay Barney’s; he mentioned that for a resource or capability to establish competitive advantage, it must fit into two conditions: Scarcity and Relevance. Scarcity would refer to that it cannot be widely available, while relevance would refer to that it must be relevant to the key success factors in the market, assisting the firm in creating value for its customers or to survive competition. It is also dependant on their durability and whether are they easily imitable. From the above, we get to understand that a firm can only be successful, if they are able to provide a sustainable value that their rivals are not providing. As derived from the V.R.I.N table above, we can see that P&G competitive advantages would be their strong branding, accumulated understanding of consumer’s needs and innovative culture where it is not achievable by their rivals. Driven by an Innovative Culture In 2011, CEO of P&G – Mr. Robert McDonald mentioned that he is on a mission and that is to make P&G the most technologically enabled business in the world. And he get it all started by digitalizing operations everywhere which has eventually contributed to reduction of cost, time and effort, reaping better product yet higher profitability. Within manufacturing, employees can now use Ipads to download real time data for communication, the goal was to integrate their operational and financial system whereby cost of each product line will be displayed, allowing management to make effective market decision at real time. Within Logistics, there is a â€Å"Control Tower† and Distributor Connect† program that were with the intent to monitor all inbound or outbound activities within internal or external resources, it has since been able to effectively reduce deadhead moments. By bringing innovation into their supply chains to deliver better efficiency and lower cost, it is no surprise that P&G was ranked among the Top 5 in the award for  Gartner Supply Chain Top 25. With the effective supply chain, it has help to keep hiking costs at bay, where P&G can price their product competitively; which ultimately spells benefit for the consumers. For retailers, P&G has developed a sophisticated ordering application whereby retailers can now order via wired phone or wirelessly via a mobile app. With that all done digitally, they can now also upload existing shelf photos and receive best practices on product arrangement to maximize sales. In product development, molecules used for research have also been digitalized. When needed, it will be modeled to predict product effectiveness. Back at the roots of their research and development centre, it is inevitable that one would notice the promotion of innovative thinking within their culture. And this strategy is not only for their employees, P&G has also taken the step out to influence their partners. A program called Connect + Develop has been created to embrace open innovation. Not limiting only to their internal resources, P&G no taps onto the vast knowledge that the world can provide. Riding on this program for the past 10 years, it has brought the value that P&G can offer to the market up by 70%. Recognizing its success, it is now a key strategy that is employed throughout every business units. Some of the well known brands that are generated through this program are Olay Regenerist, Febreze and many more. All these processes are made possible because of the analytical thinking skills found within their employees which plays an important factor since it enabled them to come up with innovative ideas often co-related to analytical data collected. And these processes are not internally focuses; it controlled both the macro and micro environment factors that contribute to their success. With a very strong innovation culture, P&G today are currently at over 55,000 active patent filings globally and, as a subset of the active patent filings, about 41,000 granted patents globally. This makes P&G among the world’s largest holders of U.S. and global patents, puttin g it on a par with Intel, Lucent and Microsoft. Understanding and Reaching Out to Consumers like no others With technology, P&G brings their understanding of consumer’s behavior into the digital age. For the past years, P&G has been able to carry out a successful global rationalization. It is achieved through deep understanding of consumer needs. With digital channels on the rise, consumers are now bringing their feedback of a product or service to the digital space through blogging, tweeting and posting comments. P&G see this advantage and make the most out of it to understand a consumer’s behavior towards a product. But since the comments are all over the place, P&G developed â€Å"Consumer Pulse† which uses Bayesian analysis to scan through the universe of comments and categorizing them into individual product. These real time insights are then sent to respective in charge for real time reaction. They then carry out appropriate go to market strategy. And since the whole world is watching, it is an excellent opportunity for them to tap on the effect and go for the creation of a positive and strong branding. And with those, P&G are able to marry the best of what they have, which are the combination of customer behavior data and their top notch research development team – connecting â€Å"what’s needed† with â€Å"what’s possible†. With a establishment of more than 177 years now, P&G has been making a great deal of awareness in the market. Being one of the biggest media buyers, they have constantly been able to come up with message with an impact for their house brands. With all these activities that happen over the years, P&G has become a very strong and reputable branding among consumers which is a very rare intangible resource whereby new entrants or mediocre players in the industry will not be able to be on par within a short period. Surviv ing Competitions – Conclusion Although an organization’s competitive advantage is able to sustain the company in the long term, it is not forever. A new set of competitive advantage may be required if there are changes in the industry or within the organization structure. An evaluation tool like Porter’s five forces will help P&G understand the structure of its industry and see if it is strategically at a winning position against its long standing on par competitors like Unilever, Colgate Palmolive. If the forces are intense, the firm will not be able to earn attractive returns on investment. If the forces are benign, then it would be profitable. In consideration of the threats above, P&G can easily fence off new entrants with the branding that they established over the past 177 years and also its vast array of products by its own R&D. According to Grant R.M., the value of branding is in the confidence that it has instill in the customer, it is an intangible resources that customers are willing to pay a premium for over an unknown brand and branding is considered a very valuable resources as unlike technology, it is long-lived, unless tarnished. Although retailers can easily switch brands, and the threat is considered high. The retailer’s customers however are brand and product conscious; the retailers buying power are greatly affected by the demand of their customers. Further to this, P&G primed themselves for quality and effective product, this is highly credited to their innovative culture and accumulated understanding of their consumers, therefore although the threat of substitute is considered moderate in this industry, they are able to differentiate themselves with their quality, it is only considering to be a threat for cost conscious shoppers who are not looking at quality – which would be a minority group. Given P&G capacity in production today, suppliers bargaining power is considered a low threat for t hem. As the purchase of raw materials would normally be source globally and in bulk for economics of scope and scale, the negotiation power of P&G would be higher than their suppliers. Another theory to support on its success via its competitive advantage was Porter’s theory on generic competitive strategies. It is said that competitive advantages are classified into Low cost or differentiation, which are in relation to the industry structure. It is the ability of how an organization is able to cope with the five forces better than its rival. The two basic types of competitive advantage combined with its activities to achieve them lead to the three generic strategies – cost leadership, differentiation and focus. In this case, P&G are using Porter’s differentiation generic strategy. This strategy calls for the organization to selects the values that consumers perceive as important and position itself strategically to meet those needs. Although the key focus was to seek differentiation, its cost position was not ignored as P&G strive in operation effectiveness by technologically enabling its operation throughout its organization. P&G is currently in a winning position against its rival. 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