Thursday, August 27, 2020

Is the Watch Industry dominated by an Oligopoly*, which is beneficial E

Is the Watch Industry overwhelmed by an Oligopoly*, which is gainful to the two firms and customers? *= See glossary for implications. Speculation ========== I accept that the watch business is overwhelmed by an oligopoly, which is advantageous to the two firms and customers. The watch firms are both cost makers*, which is useful for the watch firms, and cost takers*, which is useful for shoppers. Point In this examination I will analyze the watch business. I will utilize a Mintel report of the watch business delivered in 1995 and data worksheets to test my theory. Discoveries and Application of Theories Five organizations, or the 'C5 proportion', rule the watch business. They have 40% of the market share* (see fig.1.). Zeon Ltd. is the market leader*. There have been no ongoing take-overs or mergers in the watch industry, so the market administration is slight. The development of the industry has been organic*. Diagram This portrayal makes the watch business an oligopoly, as restricted to being flawless competition*, blemished rivalry, or a monopoly*. There are various reasons why the watch business is an oligopoly. Right off the bat are there boundaries to entry* rather than free entry*. One obstruction to passage for other forthcoming watch producers is economies of scale*. The bigger, progressively settled firms have a number of cost favorable circumstances, for example, having the option to purchase crude materials in mass or acquire huge totals of cash. Their creation costs are subsequently less expensive and thusly they will likely have the option to sell their watches at a lower cost than littler, more up to date firms. Another obstruction to section is marking. The entirety of the organizations in the oligopoly have set up names in the... ...a curiosity/extravagance thing. The achievement of this procedure relies upon keeping up low expenses at low volume on a great picture with few or no contenders. - Price Makers: In an imposing business model circumstance where there is just one, or not many providers. The business can set its costs at whatever level they need without the opportunity of being undermined by rivalry (in light of the fact that there is none). - Price Takers: In an industry where there is a great deal of rivalry (in a perfect world immaculate rivalry), the venders must have the costs of their item low so as to sell them. In the event that they didn't have low enough costs, clients would go somewhere else as there will be numerous substitutes that are less expensive. Reference index 1) The Watch Industry Mintel Report-1995 (acquired from Sheffield Hallam University's 'Adsett's Center') 2) Business and Economics class worksheets Is the Watch Industry commanded by an Oligopoly*, which is advantageous E Is the Watch Industry commanded by an Oligopoly*, which is advantageous to the two firms and shoppers? *= See glossary for implications. Theory ========== I accept that the watch business is commanded by an oligopoly, which is helpful to the two firms and purchasers. The watch firms are both cost makers*, which is useful for the watch firms, and cost takers*, which is useful for buyers. Point In this examination I will inspect the watch business. I will utilize a Mintel report of the watch business delivered in 1995 and data worksheets to test my theory. Discoveries and Application of Theories Five organizations, or the 'C5 proportion', rule the watch business. They have 40% of the market share* (see fig.1.). Zeon Ltd. is the market leader*. There have been no ongoing take-overs or mergers in the watch industry, so the market initiative is slight. The development of the industry has been organic*. Diagram This portrayal makes the watch business an oligopoly, as restricted to being flawless competition*, defective rivalry, or a monopoly*. There are various reasons why the watch business is an oligopoly. Right off the bat are there hindrances to entry* rather than free entry*. One boundary to passage for other forthcoming watch makers is economies of scale*. The bigger, increasingly settled firms have a number of cost focal points, for example, having the option to purchase crude materials in mass or acquire enormous totals of cash. Their creation costs are along these lines less expensive and thusly they will most likely have the option to sell their watches at a lower cost than littler, more up to date firms. Another hindrance to section is marking. The entirety of the organizations in the oligopoly have extremely settled names in the... ...a curiosity/extravagance thing. The accomplishment of this procedure relies upon keeping up low expenses at low volume on a great picture with few or no contenders. - Price Makers: In a restraining infrastructure circumstance where there is just one, or not very many providers. The business can set its costs at whatever level they need without the opportunity of being undermined by rivalry (on the grounds that there is none). - Price Takers: In an industry where there is a ton of rivalry (in a perfect world immaculate rivalry), the venders must have the costs of their item low so as to sell them. On the off chance that they didn't have low enough costs, clients would go somewhere else as there will be numerous substitutes that are less expensive. List of sources 1) The Watch Industry Mintel Report-1995 (got from Sheffield Hallam University's 'Adsett's Center') 2) Business and Economics class worksheets

Friday, August 21, 2020

Research Paper Outline

Research Paper OutlineA research paper outline is one of the most important elements in developing an effective research paper. By reviewing each and every aspect of your project with an eye for its overall structure, it can be relatively easy to spot what needs to be changed in order to develop a better outline.All research papers should include some information on the topic under consideration. This is usually done by providing a list of major points you are going to cover in your paper and what you hope to achieve by doing so. However, this should be accompanied by a summary of the background of the problem being addressed in the body of the paper.The summary should detail the nature of the problem, and describe how it has been resolved by different means, and what is currently being done to solve it. It should also briefly explain what is new about the current methods being used to solve the problem. This information should be placed within the body of the paper, either in an app endix or a section entitled 'Summary'.After the problem is discussed, the overview should follow. This section will contain a brief description of the methods that were used to successfully resolve the problem. This should explain the steps that were taken, as well as which ones succeeded and which ones failed. It should also provide a brief discussion of the reasons why the problem was resolved.The next section, called the sub-section, is the chapter in which the solutions to the problem are presented. The chapter should begin with an explanation of what the problem was, including why it was resolved, and provide a summary of the methods used to solve it. The solutions should be explained and justified as being better than the method used to resolve the problem, and should highlight what is unique about the methods chosen to solve the problem.The last chapter is the conclusion, and this should show in the overall structure of the outline. In the conclusion, the reasons why the prob lem was resolved should be provided, and the main steps that were taken to solve the problem should be briefly outlined. Finally, there should be a discussion of why it was necessary to resolve the problem in the first place.By examining each section of the outline in a logical manner, you can easily spot what needs to be added to make it a little more organized. By adding what the paper should cover, the outline can also become more clear and comprehensible.By following a basic outline of research paper outline, you can quickly go from a disorganized outline to a much more organized and comprehensible outline. If you need to make an outline of your own, follow the ideas above and start drafting your research paper outline today!

Monday, May 25, 2020

Whole Foods Market Environmental Analysis Essay - 1315 Words

(i) Environmental Analysis – External Opportunities and Threats The demographic, economic and the socio-cultural segments would be the most relevant segments to Whole Foods Market. These segments have a direct impact on the profitability, sustainability and survivability of Whole Foods Market, and the organic food industry. The relevance of the demographic segment stems from the fact that the age structure, income distribution and population size are important factors which will influence the demand for organic products. The economic segment is relevant, as an affluent population will continue to drive and sustain demand for organic products. The socio-cultural segment is another relevant segment, where attitudes about quality of life,†¦show more content†¦Other than an increase in consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables and grain-based products, vitamins and nutritional supplements have also seen an increase demand due to changes in societal trends. Americans are now more willing to splurge on healthy, organic foods. In fact, organic fo ods are deemed beneficial and it has since been accepted as a mainstream choice of diet. Changing preferences due to a higher proportion of women in the workforce also mean that consumers today prefer a one-stop shopping experience that is being offered by Whole Foods. The organic food industry has seen a huge spike in growth that is expected to continue into the future due to an increase in consumption. This will provide Whole Foods Market with huge opportunities. In addition, a wave of ethical and responsible consumption has swept across America. Whole Foods’ decision to pursue sustainable activities will certainly give consumers an added incentive to purchase its organic products. Stiff competition within the industry would be one of the key threats that Whole Foods will face. Strong competitors, coupled with grocery stores that have incorporated natural food sections into the stores, have made it more challenging for Whole Foods to maintain its pole position in the market. As the market for organic foods expands rapidly, mainstream supermarkets are also competing for a slice of the pie. Strict government regulations and the lack of prime locations have made it moreShow MoreRelatedWhole Foods Market Is Responsible For Protection Of Human Health And The Environment1413 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction About Whole Foods Market Whole Foods Market is a supermarket chain launched in 1980 and is the first certified organic grocer in the United States. They are a growing chain with 462 locations all around the world as of 2016 with more than 90,000 employees. Whole Foods underpinning culture is to sell the highest quality of organic products to meet the needs of every customers, while supporting their team members value. Introduction to the Topic Whole Foods received a warning letter fromRead MoreWhole Foods Pestle1012 Words   |  5 PagesPESTLE Analysis Political Factors â€Å"A Healthier You† Government Strategy Reporting of organic prices. Safety Inspections Services. Evaluation: POSITIVE impact Economic Factors GDP: ↑ 3.9% in the 3rd qtr Real Personal Consumption expenditures ↑3.0% in 3rd qtr Disposable Personal Income ↑ 6.1 % in the 3rd qtr US Business Cycle: At â€Å"slump†/ Wages/Labour European Markets: Weak dollar against Euro, Surging Energy Prices, Increasing Interest Rates Evaluation: MODERATE impact PESTLERead MoreEssay on Whole Foods Market748 Words   |  3 Pagesï » ¿Whole Foods Market: 2010 How to Grow in An Increasingly Competitive Market? Patricia Harasta and Alan N. Hoffman A Case Study Analysis Antonia Jackson MBA Dr. Pamela Barnes 13 October 2013 I. Introduction Whole Foods Market is one of the biggest organic and natural whole food suppliers in the world. They provide a wide variety of select foods that are without hormones or antibiotics and are stamped with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s stamp of approval. They value the fact thatRead MoreWhole Foods Swot Analysis1365 Words   |  6 Pagesretailing of organic foods and the impact of these trends on Whole Foods Market. Existing trends in the retailing of organic foods are healthier eating habits, concern over purity of foods, health-consciousness and the idea that eating organic foods have a positive effect on the environment (Thompson, 2010). The craze of purchasing only organic foods has an effect on not only Whole Foods but on many supermarket chains. Although organic foods are marked up in comparison to processed foods there is muchRead MoreThe Product Distribution Ideal For Whole Foods Market1701 Words   |  7 Pages Win-Win-Win Distribution The product distribution ideal for Whole Foods Market in Namibia will be two. First, the win-win-win distribution will be used when the company is entering the new country for the first place. This distribution channel aims at having all distributors in the supply chain to benefit from the products being distributed. Even though American companies always aim at reducing the links in the supply chain, this happens in the developed countries while this company is openingRead MoreWhole Foods Value Chain1282 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...Page 1 2. Environmental Factors†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...Page 1 3. Value Chain†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...Page 2 4. Conclusion†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.....Page 4 5. References†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..Page 5 Introduction Whole Foods started in 1980 when it’s CEO, John Mackey merged his store, SaferWay, with a competitor, Clarksville Natural Grocery. Since then, Whole Foods has expanded to 275 locations in North America and UnitedRead MoreBackground And History Of Pepsico Inc959 Words   |  4 Pages Background and History of PepsiCo. Amrit Shehbaz Singh Bristol University Abstract This case states the various strategies at PepsiCo, it is second largest food and Beverage Company in the whole world. It focus on the global nutrition group, whose purpose was to make the company’s efforts to raise its nutritious food and beverages. The case explains the background and decisions taken by the company in its long run. The company’s portfolio was part of making the effort to impose the newRead MoreWhole Foods Case Study1568 Words   |  7 PagesZawisa Strategic Management September 23, 2010 Case Study: Whole Foods Market Since 1980, Whole Foods Markets has grown from a small local store in Austin, Texas, to the largest retail chain of natural and organic foods in the United States. Whole Foods has been leading the natural and organic foods movement across the United States, working to gain acceptance among the growing number of consumers interested in eating healthier foods. The company has built a reputation for being selective inRead MoreOrganizational Diagnosis Models On Whole Foods Market1370 Words   |  6 Pages Organizational Diagnosis Models on Whole Foods Market Wanda I. Ramos Trident University BUS 599: Title of Course Professor’s Name July 21 2015 Abstract Organizational diagnosis is known as an effective way at looking organizations to determine gaps or needs between current and desired performance, and how it can achieve its goals. Open Systems Theory will be defined and briefly discussed in connection to organizational diagnosis. An analysis of four organizational diagnosis modelsRead MoreWhole Foods Market1309 Words   |  6 Pages(i) Environmental Analysis – External Opportunities and Threats The demographic, economic and the socio-cultural segments would be the most relevant segments to Whole Foods Market. These segments have a direct impact on the profitability, sustainability and survivability of Whole Foods Market, and the organic food industry. The relevance of the demographic segment stems from the fact that the age structure, income distribution and population size are important factors which will influence the demand

Friday, May 15, 2020

Case Analysis The Snowden River Surgery Center - 959 Words

1. Asc Development Company, LLC is the Spine Center it provides all surgical treatments through a third party, in which they perform over 24 different services on the nervous system as its specialty. The company provides and average services per patient of 4.7 overhauled, this is an excellent rating according to the top ambulatory health care facilities, pain provider in Maryland. 2. Plastic Surgery Center of Maryland this facility is known around the area, and is largely in demand, taking into consideration the plastic surgery procedures and cosmetic non-surgical procedures, such as breast augmentation, breast lift, and reduction. Also, face Blepharoplasty, brow lift, facelift, and rhinoplasty. Next the body image in general abdominoplasty, calf implants and liposuction, and other non-surgical procedures (Plastic surgery center). 3. The Snowden River Surgery Center is an ophthalmologists group with the best doctors dedicated to improving the quality of life for people challenged by vision problems. They perform cataract surgery, pterygium surgery, YAG capsulotomy, glaucoma, macular degeneration, contact lenses, and they also provide a complete eye exam. As well as performing Restor lenses, tecnis multifocal lenses, and other minor treatment for eye conditions (Snowden Surgical Center) 4. Summit Ambulatory Surgical Center-Chesapeake Urology they offer patients high-quality care in a comfortable, private setting. They perform a wide verity of Urology surgeries using

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Health Benefits Of Regular Exercise - 1266 Words

In recent years society has become increasingly aware of the need for physical fitness to gain a better health outlook and improved physique. Almost with every facing direction, whether it is on television, social media, magazines, or by the office water cooler advice on improving health can be given without solicitation. Most of the advice is advocating using a fitness monitor that encourages an active lifestyle that merits serious attention. Tasks consists of moderate to vigorous ambulatory activities, such as walking, biking, or running. Cardio and Strength training, along with dietary balance are incorporated to achieve the optimal fitness goal. All Fitness gadgets use one major premise which is that regular exercise increases stamina, releases stress, prevents or controls certain chronic diseases and improves overall appearance. There are many health benefits to regular exercise. The physical aspect of exercise can help prevent excess weight gain and help the shedding of existin g weight. Engaging in physical activity burns calories. The intensity level of the activity determine how many calories are burned and that is closely related to the consumption of food. The more that is burned should be more than the amount of calories ingested. This will cause a deficit of calories and the body will begin to burn fat. An intense exercise regimen is not always needed to reach that calorie deficit. Simply by becoming more active throughout the day revs up the metabolism andShow MoreRelatedHealthy Aging917 Words   |  4 PagesAs people grow older, leading an active lifestyle is more important than ever. Regular exercise helps seniors maintain health, boost energy, and improve confidence. The good news is, no matter your age, your health, or your fitness level, you can benefit from moving more. Whether you are generally healthy or are managing an illness, there are big and small ways to get more active and boost your fitness level. Exercise is extremely important for everyone, no matter what age you are. However forRead More importance of physical activity in youths Essay1100 Words   |  5 Pagesimportant to the overall health of a child. Regular physical activity is essential to both the mental and physical health aspects. Positive exercise habits formed in childhood tend to carry over into adulthood, thus helping reduce death and illness in the future. There are many other positive benefits that come through the form of exercise. Just as well, there are negative effects that can results from lack of exercise. Developing and instilling the importance of exercise through education is valuableRead MoreCardiovascular Health And Endothelial Function984 Words   |  4 Pagescardiovascular health and physical activities. Based on the US Surgeon General’s report on Physical Activity and Health (1997), evidence from this report shows that more active individual tends to develop less coronary heart disease (CHD) than sedentary counterparts. Therefore, regular activities have been proved to have a positive effect on many of established risk factors for cardiovascular disease. This essay, firstly, will delineate the relationship between cardiovascular health and endothelialRead MoreHow I Changed Little by Little to a More Healthy Existence871 Words   |  3 Pagesuse improvement for me. It took me some time to decide exactly what I wanted to really concentrate on for the next 12 weeks or so. I decided that by tackling my own health would give me the most benefit for both the short and the long term. I didnt set out with a scale and graph paper to track my weight as I knew that my health encompassed a much broader spectrum and wanted to achieve an all around reward. I began looking at small changes that I could make easily. Changes that came easily toRead MoreExercise for Optimal Emotional Health651 Words   |  3 PagesExercise for Optimal Emotional Health People who are emotionally healthy are more efficient in controlling their behavior and emotions. This makes it easier for them to take on life’s daily challenges with strength and resilience, without experiencing depression and emotional breakdown. Lifestyle changes are essential in keeping the balance in our emotional health and it includes healthy eating, exercise and focusing on positive mindset. Regular exercise is not only essential for physical healthRead Moreâ€Å"Physical Activity Is Defined As Any Body Movement That1598 Words   |  7 Pages(Ferrini, 2013, p. 276). Many health professionals would agree that engaging in physical activity is very beneficial at any age. In a sense, physical activity can be seen as a medicine, but it is a very different kind of medicine. Physical activity can be prescribed, but it isn’t something that can be taken orally with the expectation that all your troubles will disappear. An individual must willingly put up with the stra in and difficulty of actually engaging in exercise and physical activity regularlyRead MoreThe Health Benefits of Exercise Essay826 Words   |  4 Pages Exercise is not just for Olympic athletes or supermodels. In fact, youre never too unfit, too young or too old to do it. Regardless of your age, gender or role in life, you can benefit from regular physical activity. If youre committed, exercise in combination with a sensible diet can help provide an overall sense of well-being and can even help prevent chronic illness, disability and premature death. Some of the benefits of increased activity are Improved Health, Read MoreNegative Body Image Essay1032 Words   |  5 Pages Approximately â…“ of all Americans are unfit. Being unfit causes a poor body image, health issues, and a lower amount of activity, which can result in obesity. Being fit helps people have a positive body image, health benefits, and higher amounts of activity. Whether youre fit or not, both can greatly affect you. Being fit and unfit differs in many ways such as; body image, health, and the amount of activity each person does. Body image is defined as the subjective picture or mental image of onesRead MoreElder Paper - Physical Activity/Exercise. All Individuals,1476 Words   |  6 PagesElder Paper - Physical Activity/Exercise All individuals, especially elders, benefit (both physically and mentally) from being physically active Defining the terms, physical activity is â€Å"any body movement produced by skeletal muscles that expand energy† (cite course PowerPoint). Per the course PowerPoint (cite with year 2013), exercise is the â€Å"planned, structured and repetitive body movement accomplished to maintain or improve one or more components of physical fitness.† The fitness levels determineRead MoreChildren s Participation During Early Childhood Exercise Programs1679 Words   |  7 Pageschildhood exercise programs plays an important part in the development of the human body, both physically and mentally. Regular physical exercise in youth’s plays an important part of their childhood as it has many beneficial health outcomes associated with growth and development connected with adulthood. These health outcomes include increasing production of bone mineral content (BMC), and the decre ase of depression, obesity and cardiovascular disease risks. Early life exposures to exercise influence

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Interactive Session free essay sample

The firm has been able to maintain leadership in small-package delivery services despite stiff competition from FedEx and Airborne Express by investing heavily in advanced information technology. During the past decade, UPS has poured billions of dollars into technology and systems to boost customer service while keeping costs low and streamlining its overall operations. Using a handheld computer called a Delivery Information Acquisition Device (DIAD), a UPS driver can automatically capture customers signatures along with pickup, delivery, and timecard information. The driver then places the DIAD into the UPS trucks vehicle adapter, an information-transmitting device that is connected to the cellular telephone network. Package tracking information is then transmitted to UPSs computer network for storage and processing by UPSs main computers in Mahwah, New Jersey, and Alpharetta, Georgia. From there, the information can be accessed worldwide to provide proof of delivery to customers or to respond to customer queries. We will write a custom essay sample on Interactive Session or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Through its automated package tracking system, UPS can monitor packages throughout the delivery process. At various points along the route from sender to receiver, bar code devices scan shipping information on the package label; the information is then fed into the central computer. Customer service representatives can check the status of any package from desktop computers linked to the central computers and are able to respond immediately to inquiries from customers. UPS customers can also access this information from the companys Web site using their own computers or wireless devices, such as pagers and cell phones. Anyone with a package to hip can access the UPS Web site to track packages, check delivery routes, calculate shipping rates, determine time in transit, and schedule a pickup. Businesses can use the Web site to arrange UPS shipments and bill the shipments to the companys UPS account number or to a credit card. The data collected at the UPS Web site are transmitted to the UPS central computer and then back to the customer after processing. UPS also provides tools that enable customers, such Cisco Systems, to embed UPS functions, such as tracking and cost calculations, into their own Web sites so that they can track shipments without visiting the UPS site. Information technology has helped UPS reinvent itself and keep growing. UPS implemented a suite of custom-built software that uses operations research and mapping technology to optimize the way packages are loaded and delivered. Because UPS delivers 14 million small packages each day, the resulting information is cutting the distance that delivery trucks travel by more than 100 million miles each year. UPS is now leveraging its decades of expertise managing its own global delivery network to manage logistics and supply-chain management for other companies. It created a UPS Supply Chain Solutions division that provides a complete bundle of standardized services to 1 subscribing companies at a fraction of what it would cost to build their own systems and infrastructure. These services include supply-chain design and management, freight forwarding, customs brokerage, mail services, multimodal transportation, and financial services, in addition to logistics services. Adidas America, based in Portland, Oregon, is one of many companies benefiting from these services. Every three months the company introduces as many as 10,000 new apparel items and 4,000 new footwear items. It must handle orders for many thousands of retailers for these orders, and many of these orders are priority requests that must be fulfilled within one or two days. UPS Supply Chain Solutions Consolidated what was previously handled by multiple third-party logistics providers into a single streamlined network outfitted with automated inventory and order fulfillment systems. By having UPS coordinate and manage distribution, Adidas America increased its order accuracy rate, boosted on-time deliveries, and improved customer service, Sources: Adidas Goes for the Gold in Customer Service, www. ups. com, accessed June 14, 2006; United Parcel Service, Round UPS, Winter 2006; and Dave Barnes, Delivering Corporate Citizenship, Optimize, September 2005. CASE STUDY QUESTIONS 1. 2. 3. What are the inputs, processing, and outputs of UPS’s package tracking system? What technologies are used by UPS? How are these technologies related to UPSs business strategy? What problems do UPSs information systems solve. What would happen if these systems were not available? 2