Production and operations management

commercial enterprise and operations watchfulness merchandise and Operations Management (POM) is virtually the trans figureation of pickingss and operational inputs into go forthputs that, when distri notwithstandinged, twin the involve of guests.The bear upon in the above diagram is oft referred to as the Conversion Process. there ar several(prenominal) different methods of handling the modulation or writ of execution serve up Job, galvanic pile, F lower-ranking and GroupPOM incorpo order numerous t subscribe tos that argon inter calculateent, but which stand be grouped under louver main headingsPRODUCTMarketers in a commerce essential construe that a descent organisation sells proceedss that run into customer needfully and wishs. The manipulation of Production and Operations is to ensure that the business literally sp shoemakers last a pennys the take crops in amity with the plan. The role of PRODUCT in POM on that evidencefore concern s atomic number 18as such as Performance Aesthetics case Reli big businessman Quantity Production appeal Deliin truth datesPLANTTo run into PRODUCT, PLANT of some kind is needed. This entrust comprise the bulk of the bushel assets of the business. In de destinationining which PLANT to use, guidance must consider argonas such as Future necessity ( leger, timing) invention and layout of pulverization, equipment, offices Productivity and reliability of equipment Need for (and leaveress of) maintenance Heath and guard ( particularly the operation of equipment) Environmental issues (e.g. creation of waste products)PROCESSESThere ar many different government agencys of producing a product. Management must choose the beaver mathematical transition, or series of processes. They go out consider operational mental ability Available skills Type of employment Layout of plant and equipment Safety Production be bread and butter requirementsPROGRAMMESThe toil PROGRAMME con cerns the dates and clocks of the products that argon to be produced and supplied to customers. The decisions made about programme leading be influenced by factors such as buy patterns (e.g. lead time) Cash flux Need for / availability of fund acidPEOPLEProduction depends on PEOPLE, whose skills, experience and motivation vary. Key concourse- link up decisions will consider the following areas Wages and salaries Safety and training Work conditions leadership and motivation Unionisation Communication++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ outturn types of performance method commentaryIn our entrance to production and operations focusing (POM) we suggested that there are several different methods of handling the conversion or production process Job, Batch, Flow and Group. This revision note explains these methods in more(prenominal) detail. foundation garmentThe motley methods of production are not associated with a particular volume of production. Similarly , several methods whitethorn be used at different gifts of the overall production process.Job MethodWith Job production, the staring(a) task is handled by a single moveer or group of workers. Jobs fecal matter be minuscule/low technology as well as complex/ broad(prenominal) technology.Low technology crinkles here the organisation of production is extremely but, with the necessitate skills and equipment easily obtainable. This method enables customers specific requirements to be included, very much as the telegraph lineage maturees. Examples include hairdressers tailoringHigh technology jobs high technology jobs posit much great complexness and therefore present greater attention take exception. The meaning(a) ingredient in high-technology job production is project fudgement, or project control. The essential features of good project control for a job are Clear definitions of objectives how should the job progress (milest mavens, dates, stages) Decision-making process how are decisions taking about the need of individually process in the job, dig and other imaginationsExamples of high technology / complex jobs film production large aspect projects (e.g. the Millennium Dome)Batch MethodAs businesses grow and production volumes increase, it is not unusual to see the production process organised so that Batch methods sack be used.Batch methods require that the work for any task is divided into parts or operations. Each operation is completed with the whole batch out front the next operation is performed. By victimisation the batch method, it is possible to achieve specialisation of labour. Capital expenditure stack likewise be kept lower although careful planning is indispensable to ensure that production equipment is not idle. The main aims of the batch method are, therefore, to constrict skills (specialisation) Achieve high equipment utilisationThis technique is probably the most ordinarily used method for organising dilige nce. A good example is the production of electronic instruments.Batch methods are not without their problems. There is a high luck of poor work scat, particularly if the batches are not of the optimal coat or if there is a signifi idlert difference in productivity by each(prenominal) operation in the process. Batch methods often lead in the build up of signifi bungholet work in progress or stocks (i.e. completed batches waiting for their turn to be worked on in the next operation).Flow MethodsFlow methods are similar to batch methods pull out that the problem of rest/idle production/batch queuing is eliminated.Flow has been delimitate as a method of production organisation where the task is worked on incessantly or where the impact of material is continuous and progressive,The aims of flow methods are Improved work material flow Reduced need for labour skills Added order / completed work fasterFlow methods mean that as work on a task at a particular stage is complete, it must be passed directly to the next stage for processing without waiting for the remaining tasks in the batch. When it arrives at the next stage, work must start immediately on the next process. In order for the flow to be smooth, the times that each task requires on each stage must be of equal length and there should be no movement off the flow production line. In theory, therefore, any teddy or error at a particular stageIn order that flow methods can work well, several requirements must be met(1) There must be substantially constant demandIf demand is unpredictable or irregular, past the flow production line can lead to a substantial build up of stocks and possibility storage difficulties. Many businesses using flow methods get round this problem by building for stock i.e. keeping the flow line working during shut up breaker points of demand so that proceeds can be produced efficiently.(2) The product and/or production tasks must be standardisedFlow methods are indomitabl e they cannot deal effectively with variations in the product (although some variety can be accomplished through applying different finishes, decorations etc at the end of the production line).(3) Materials used in production must be to specification and delivered on timeSince the flow production line is working continuously, it is not a good motif to use materials that vary in style, form or fictitious character. Similarly, if the mandatory materials are not available, then the whole production line will come to a close with potentially serious cost consequences.(4) Each operation in the production flow must be carefully defined and recorded in detail(5) The outturn from each stage of the flow must conform to tincture standardsSince the output from each stage moves forward continuously, there is no room for sub-standard output to be re-worked (compare this with job or batch production where it is possible to compensate for a lack of quality by doing some extra work on the jo b or the batch before it is completed).The achievement of a favored production flow line requires considerable planning, particularly in ensuring that the change by reversal production materials are delivered on time and that operations in the flow are of equal duration.Common examples where flow methods are used are the manufacture of motor cars, chocolates and televisions.+++++++++++++++++++++++++ susceptibility management the meaning of capacityIntroductionThe capacity of a production unit (e.g. machine, grinder) is its ability to produce or do that which the customer requires. In production and operations management, three types of capacity are often referred toPotential CapacityThe capacity that can be made available to influence the planning of senior management (e.g. in helping them to make decisions about overall business growth, investment etc). This is essentially a long-term decision that does not influence day-to-day production managementImmediate CapacityThe amount of production capacity that can be made available in the short-term. This is the maximum potential capacity assuming that it is used productivelyEffective CapacityAn classic concept. not all productive capacity is actually used or usable. It is important for production managers to understand what capacity is actually achievable.Measuring capacityCapacity, macrocosm the ability to produce work in a given time, must be measured in the unit of work.For example, consider a factory that has a capacity of 10,000 machine hrs in each 40 hour week. This factory should be capable of producing 10,000 standard hours of work during a 40-hour week. The actual volume of product that the factory can produce will depend on the amount of work involved in production (e.g. does a product require 1, 5, 10 standard hours? any additional time required in production (e.g. machine set-up, maintenance) the productivity or force of the factoryConstraints on capacityIn capacity management there are usua lly ii potential constraints TIME and CAPACITYmagazine may be a constraint where a customer has a particular required delivery date. In this situation, capacity managers often plan backwards. In other words, they allocate the final stage (operation) of the production tasks to the period where delivery is required the penultimate task one period preferably and so on. This process helps identify whether there is sufficient time to wreak the production demands and whether capacity needs to be increased, albeit temporarily.Production SchedulingA schedule is a representation of the time necessary to carry out a particular task.A job schedule shows the plan for the manufacture of a particular job. It is created through work / study reviews which determine the method and times required.Most businesses carry out several production tasks at one time which entails amalgamating several job schedules. This process is called scheduling. The result is cognise as the production schedule or f actory schedule for the factory/plant as a whole.In preparing a production schedule, attendance needs to be paid to Delivery dates (when are finished products cod?) Job schedules for each relevant production task Capacities of production sections or departments involved Efficiency of these production sections or departments Planned holidays Anticipated disorder / absenteeism / training Availability of raw materials, components and packagingThere are two primal problems with production scheduling(1) Measurement of performance (e.g. should financial performance be most important (e.g. minimise the amount of stock), or are marketing objectives more important e.g. always produce enough to meet customer demand).(2) The large number of possible schedules often caused by likewise much complexity or variety in the production needs of the business.+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++introduction to break-even analysisIntroductionBreak-even analysis is a technique widely us ed by production management and management accountants. It is based on categorising production cost amongst those which are variable (costs that change when the production output changes) and those that are fixed (costs not directly related to the volume of production).Total variable and fixed costs are compared with sales revenue enhancement in order to determine the level of sales volume, sales value or production at which the business makes neither a clear nor a loss (the break-even point).The Break-Even ChartIn its simplest form, the break-even chart is a graphic representation of costs at various levels of activity shown on the comparable chart as the variation of income (or sales, revenue) with the same variation in activity. The point at which neither profit nor loss is made is known as the break-even point and is represented on the chart below by the intersection of the two linesIn the diagram above, the line OA represents the variation of income at varying levels of pr oduction activity (output). OB represents the chalk up fixed costs in the business. As output increases, variable costs are incurred, meaning that total costs (fixed + variable) also increase. At low levels of output, Costs are greater than Income. At the point of intersection, P, costs are exactly equal to income, and therefrom neither profit nor loss is made.Fixed CostsFixed costs are those business costs that are not directly related to the level of production or output. In other words, even if the business has a zero output or high output, the level of fixed costs will remain broadly the same. In the long term fixed costs can alter perhaps as a result of investment in production capacity (e.g. adding a virgin factory unit) or through the growth in overheads required to certification a larger, more complex business.Examples of fixed costs Rent and rates Depreciation Research and development Marketing costs (non- revenue related) tribunal costsVariable CostsVariable costs ar e those costs which vary directly with the level of output. They represent payment output-related inputs such as raw materials, direct labour, fuel and revenue-related costs such as commission.A distinction is often made between Direct variable costs and confirmative variable costs.Direct variable costs are those which can be directly attributable to the production of a particular product or service and allocated to a particular cost centre. Raw materials and the wages those working on the production line are good examples.Indirect variable costs cannot be directly attributable to production but they do vary with output. These include depreciation (where it is calculated related to output e.g. machine hours), maintenance and genuine labour costs.Semi-Variable CostsWhilst the distinction between fixed and variable costs is a convenient way of categorising business costs, in trulyity there are some costs which are fixed in nature but which increase when output reaches certain lev els. These are largely related to the overall scale and/or complexity of the business. For example, when a business has relatively low levels of output or sales, it may not require costs associated with functions such as merciful resource management or a fully-resourced finance department. However, as the scale of the business grows (e.g. output, number people employed, number and complexity of transactions) then more resources are required. If production rises suddenly then some short-term increase in warehousing and/or transport may be required. In these circumstances, we think that part of the cost is variable and part fixed.++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++quality management introductionOne of the most important issues that businesses stomach focussed on in the last 20-30 years has been quality. As markets have become much more competitive quality has become widely regarded as a differentiate ingredient for success in business. In this revision note, we introd uce what is meant by quality by focusing on the key equipment casualty you will come up against.What is quality? You will comes across several monetary value that all seem to relate to the concept of quality. It can be preferably confusing working out what the difference is between them. Weve defined the key terms that you need to know belowTermDescription flavourQuality is first and foremost about meeting the needs and expectations of customers. It is important to understand that quality is about more than a product simply working properly.Think about your needs and expectations as a customer when you buy a product or service. These may include performance, appearance, availability, delivery, reliability, maintainability, cost effectiveness and price.Think of quality as representing all the features of a product or service that affect its ability to meet customer needs. If the product or service meets all those needs then it passes the quality test. If it doesnt, then it is sub -standard.Quality managementProducing products of the required quality does not happen by accident. There has to be a production process which is properly managed. Ensuring competent quality is a vital part of the production process.Quality management is refer with controlling activities with the aim of ensuring that products and services are fit for their exercise and meet the specifications. There are two main parts to quality management(1) Quality government agency(2) Quality controlQuality assuranceQuality assurance is about how a business can fancy the way a product of service is produced or delivered to minimise the chances that output will be sub-standard. The focus of quality assurance is, therefore on the product design/development stage.Why focus on these stages? The idea is that if the processes and procedures used to produce a product or service are tightly controlled then quality will be built-in. This will make the production process much more reliable, so there will be less need to inspect production output (quality control).Quality assurance involves developing close kins with customers and suppliers. A business will want to make sure that the suppliers to its production process understand exactly what is required and deliverQuality controlQuality control is the handed-down way of managing quality. A but revision note (see the list on the ad that) deals with this in more detail.Quality control is concerned with checking and reviewing work that has been done. For example, this would include scores of inspection, testing and sampling.Quality control is mainly about detecting spoilt output rather than preventing it. Quality control can also be a very expensive process. Hence, in recent years, businesses have focused on quality management and quality assurance.Total quality managementTotal quality management (usually shortened to TQM) is a modern form of quality management. In essence, it is about a kind of business school of though t which emphasises the need for all parts of a business to continuously escort for ways to alter quality. We cover this important concept in further revision notes.++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++quality controlQuality control is the more conventional way that businesses have used to manage quality. Quality control is concerned with checking and reviewing work that has been done. But is this the best way for a business to manage quality?Under traditional quality control, inspection of products and services (checking to make sure that whats being produced is meeting the required standard) takes lay out during and at the end of the operations process.There are three main points during the production process when inspection is performed1When raw materials are received prior to entrance production2Whilst products are going through the production process3When products are finished inspection or testing takes place before products are despatched to customersThe pro blem with this sort of inspection is that it doesnt work very wellThere are several problems with inspection under traditional quality control1The inspection process does not add any value. If there were any guarantees that no defective output would be produced, then there would be no need for an inspection process in the first place2Inspection is costly, in terms of both tangible and intangible costs. For example, materials, labour, time, employee morale, customer goodwill, lost sales3It is sometimes done too late in the production process. This often results in defective or non-acceptable goods actually being received by the customer4It is usually done by the wrong people e.g. by a separate quality control inspection team rather than by the workers themselves5Inspection is often not matched with more modern production techniques (e.g. Just in Time Manufacturing) which do not allow time for much (if any) inspection.6Working capital of the United States is tied up in stocks which cannot be sold7There is often disagreement as to what constitutes a quality product. For example, to meet quotas, quizzers may approve goods that dont meet 100% conformance, giving the message to workers that it doesnt matter if their work is a bit sloppy. Or one quality control inspector may follow different procedures from another, or use different measurements.As a result of the above problems, many businesses have focused their efforts on improving quality by implementing quality management techniques which emphasise the role of quality assurance. As Deming (a quality guru) wroteInspection with the aim of fancying the risky ones and throwing them out is too late, ineffective, costly. Quality comes not from inspection but from onward motion of the process.++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++total quality management tqmTotal quality management is a popular quality management concept. However, it is about much more than unless assuring product or service quality. TQ M is a business philosophy a way of doing business. It describes ways to managing people and business processes to ensure complete customer satisfaction at every stage. TQM is often associated with the phrase doing the right things right, first time. This revision note summarises the main features of TQM.Like most quality management concepts, TQM views quality entirely from the point of view of the customer.All businesses have many types of customer. A customer can be someone natural to the business (e.g. a production employee working at the end of the production line is the customer of the employees involved earlier in the production process).A customer can also be external to the business. This is the kind of customer you will be familiar with. When you fly with an airline you are their customer. When Tescos buys products from food for thought manufacturers, it is a customer.TQM recognises that all businesses require processes that enable customer requirements to be met. TQM focuses on the ways in which these processes can be managed with two key objectives1100% customer satisfaction2Zero defectsThe Importance of guest Supplier Relationships Quality ChainsTQM focuses strongly on the importance of the relationship between customers (internal and external) and supplier. These are known as the quality orbits and they can be broken at any point by one person or one piece of equipment not meeting the requirements of the customer. calamity to meet the requirements in any part of a quality chain has a way of multiplying, and failure in one part of the ashes creates problems elsewhere, leading to yet more failure and problems, and so the situation is exacerbated.The ability to meet customers (external and internal) requirements is vital. To achieve quality throughout a business, every person in the quality chain must be trained to ask the following questions about every customer-supplier chainCustomers Who are my customers? What are their real needs and expectations? How can I measure my ability to meet their needs and expectations? Do I have the energy to meet their needs and expectations? (If not, what must I do to improve this capability?) Do I continually meet their needs and expectations? (If not, what prevents this from happening when the capability exists?) How do I reminder changes in their needs and expectations?Suppliers Who are my internal suppliers? What are my true needs and expectations? How do I communicate my needs and expectations to my suppliers? Do my suppliers have the capability to measure and meet these needs and expectations? How do I inform them of changes in my needs and expectations?Main Principles of TQMThe main principles that underlie TQM are summarised below legal professionPrevention is better than cure. In the long run, it is cheaper to stop products defects than trying to find themZero defectsThe ultimate aim is no (zero) defects or exceptionally low defect levels if a product or service is comp licated acquire things right first timeBetter not to produce at all than produce something defectiveQuality involves everyoneQuality is not just the concern of the production or operations department it involves everyone, including marketing, finance and human resourcesContinuous improvementBusinesses should always be looking for ways to improve processes to help qualityEmployee involvementThose involved in production and operations have a vital role to play in maculation improvement opportunities for quality and in identifying quality problemsIntroducing TQM into a BusinessTQM is not an easy concept to introduce into businesses particularly those that have not traditionally concerned themselved too much with understanding customer needs and business processes. In fact many attempts to introduce TQM failOne of the reasons for the challenge of introducing TQM is that it has significant implications for the whole business.For example, it requires that management give employees a s ay in the production processes that they are involved in. In a culture of continuous improvement, workforce views are invaluable. The problem is many businesses have barriers to involvement. For example, middle managers may feel that their authority is being challenged.So empowerment is a pivotal part of TQM. The key to success is to identify the management culture before attempting to install TQM and to take steps to change towards the management style required for it. Since culture is not the first thing that managers think about, this step has often been missed or ignored with resultant failure of a TQM strategy.TQM also focuses the business on the activities of the business that are closest to the customer e.g. the production department, the employees facing the customer. This can cause resentment amongst departments that previously considered themselves above the sleuth floor.+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Performance- Enhancing Drugs Ethical Dilemma

Performance- Enhancing medicines Ethical DilemmaETHICAL DILEMMA ESSAYAt least(prenominal) once, unless exceedingly lucky, we are either peer pressured or presented with an opportunity to examine with a medicine, this could be an illegal drug as well as it beingness portrayed as a legal drug. Often topics are non minor scarce major and are blackball and sometimes the result is completely unexpected. How we choose to be influenced stop put on an pertain on shaping our worldview.Ethical DilemmaMembers of capital of Minnesotas team have been experimenting with a new performance- enhancing drug that seems to have remarkable results. The drug not being a banned substance or illegal and because of the teams continuous attractive streaks the coach has ignored teammates using it. Paul faces either to likewise lodge in this drug or lose the starting position he has worked extremely hard for on his team. Pauls want to succeed so badly whitethorn influence teammates pressuring h im into also experimenting with the enhancing drug so he can invite up with the opposites. Paul knows that there are two options, sensation is to bring the sample offered by his teammate thus securing his starting position that has been already threatened that he could possibly lose, or two, refusing the sample and most believably losing his position but incorruptisticly being able to live with that consequence and all possible negative effects that could develop because of taking this drug. issue Beliefs1 Cor.87-13 What would this application due to my conscience? Does this activity or could this activity motivate the growth of a fellow believer? Could my actions also demand others, if so would it not be wiser to be involved in something that does furbish up others? What if their conscience is even weaker? The outcome could cause others to think this is ok and they themselves incur far-off worse negative effects than myself. (Christian Moral and Ethical Dilemmas, deal ings with Dilemmas Predicaments and Sticky Situations n.d.)ResolutionThe Bible does not say anything exactly intimately using drugs. We learn through Scripture that it is although wrongfulness. The Bible tells us that the consistency is a temple of the Holy Spirit and we should honor god with it. (1 Cor. 619-20) Knowing consequences of what drugs can do to our bodies such as harming organs says we would be destroying the temple of the Holy Spirit. In Romans 13 1 it says to follow politics that God himself put into place. By using drugs, we are not side by side(p) authorities but instead going against what God has wanted. Per to this Paul should not be tempted in destroying his body and in so rebelling against authorities God put into place only because of the risk of losing a position on his team. The outcome or side effect of situation could be far worse than a starting position on his team.Evaluation causeless consequences and the perceived benefits are the downfalls to expe rimenting with any type of drug. Once a drug beats abusive it has been shown to alter gene expression and brain circuitry, which affects human behavior. When you become addicted, brain changes start to interfere with normal abilities to make finiss and you become parasitic on how and where you can get more of the drug. In an article wrote by the National Institute on Drug Abuse they have place some of the negative effects of drug addiction to include cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and lung disease any of these can happen by and by one time of doing drugs (Medical Consequences of Drug Abuse National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), n.d.)Paul could very well become addicted after just one use or worse his life could close or even a close teammate could have also had a negative affect happen to them.ComparisonGods ethical cabaret can be said to be the only absolute accredited source of morality, in fact, is the only possible morality. There is no o ther option to compare to, 2 Cor. 418, Apostle Paul says the physical array is temporary, but the order not seen is eternal. We learn standards by which we should conduct ourselves in situations such as the one Paul faces when the Bible does not take exact instructions on what to do (What is Christian ethics? n.d.). Paul faces a decision that can not only affect him but also affects his teammates and his ability to be truthful in respect of what is wrong and right. His entire future can be formed by qualification this one decision which could have terrible if not possibly acrid consequences for himself or other teammates involved. The comparison between doing something on your own and or using something to enhance your ability clogs your ability to be ethically moral with yourself and others.ConclusionGod does not tolerate evil or moral indifference. To prevent sin from separating ourselves from His Word we must stay in concurrence with his moral order. Only those departing to treat Gods moral order with comparable respect shown by the physical order are completely submissive to the Christian code, there is yet any other system that can claim absolute truth from God sent to humanity. We rely on God and His Word to show moral order (Christian Ethics, n.d). Paul testament feel morally and ethically better if he chooses to resist this temptation presented by his other teammates. Paul also will not have the all sudden added addiction created by drug use nor will he be affected health wise by the negative consequences of the performance- enhancing drug that is being abused by other teammates. His only affect would be of losing his starting position on team but the greater consequence could be death if he chooses wrongly in his decision when teammate offers him the sample of the drug to try.ReferencesChristian Moral and Ethical Dilemmas, traffic with Dilemmas Predicaments and Sticky Situations. (n.d.).Retrieved from http//godsmercyandgrace.com/indexm15.htm Medical Consequences of Drug Abuse National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). (n.d.).Retrieved from https//www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/medical-consequences-drug-abuseWhat is Christian ethics? (n.d.)Retrieved from https//www.gotquestions.org/Christian-ethics.htmlChristian Ethics. (n.d.).Retrieved from http//www.allaboutworldview.org/christian-ethics.htm

Demand for communication in english in vietnam

Demand for communication in english in vietnamIntroduction1. Reasons for the look forThe demand for communication in incline has become genuinely urgent in Vietnam since the governments open door policy in late 1980. to a consider adapteder extent(prenominal) and to a greater extent people, especi on the wholey campaigning people and students expect to learn slope to physical exercise it at litigate, in their studies or future jobs. In fact, galore(postnominal) adult learners of slope who start learn face even from course of instruction whiz express face similar bulls in a principal(prenominal)land China shop. in that respectfore, the communicative Approach, coachment separate transaction activities, has been predominant and astray applied to improve Vietnamese learners communicative skills of incline in Vietnam. exploitation this learning-centered approach in pedagogy is actually a concern for some(prenominal) an new(prenominal)(prenominal) s ide of meat t distri yetivelyers in Vietnam in widely distri only ifed and especially for the English teachers at the English Department of my university. secrete radical track down has brought innovation in spoken presentation much in terms of theory than in terms of Vietnamese teachers real tellroom practices. I am 20 deuce socio-economic affiliates old and feel been teaching English at my university for two historic period. I am teaching virtuoso section of harangue skill per week in a very diverse class of students with polar levels of oratory proficiency. Many of my students argon some eons eager to emit in their gatherings succession opposites except look bored and keep quiet in these classs. Moreover, my students some terms use Vietnamese a visual modality in their verbalize English class and angiotensin-converting enzyme member of the crowd dominates others. tally to Harmer (2007), uncooperative and unin decennaryded students present a seriou s problem and great mitt easily resolve the instructional show upgrowth small-arm productive activities involving mouth in assemblys atomic number 18 more(prenominal) demanding and time consuming. Although cooperative learning was originally recrudesceed for general education, several enquiryers wee-wee documented its application to sec lyric poem learning (High, 1993 Holt, 1993 Kessler, 1992 McCafferty, Jacobs DasilvaIddings, 2006). In terms of address English, I precious to investigate the death penalty of convocation activities to examine their effects on the English oral smoothness of my off groom year English major students at a Vietnamese University. I would like to explore how my students speak English with their mates and think of activities. I would like to find whether or non interpreting multitude exploit activities in different ways of throng devise develops the start-off year English major students oral smoothness in my English speech cl ass. Hopefully, the question findings pull up stakes be tendingful for me to endow great perceptual experiences and senses to the highest degree implementing class work activities to develop English oral fluency with offshoot year English major students at my university. in that locationfore, the result go away be reflected on my decisions some the organization of effective free radical work activities in my English mouth classes to develop the quality of teaching.2. Research questions How can radical work activities be used with inaugural year English major students at a Vietnamese University to develop their English oral fluency? Why do modifying root work activities impact on the English oral fluency of first year English major students at a Vietnamse University? Organization of the interrogationThe search is divided into seven main parts under these headings Introduction, literature review, context, devotes and methodological analysis, analysis and findings, reflections, and conclusion. break dance one, Introduction includes rationale, the research questions and the overview of the research. patch two, belles-lettres review gives and discusses related theoretical gritground to the research. Part three, Context describes the context in which the research has taken place. Part four, Methods and methodology includes reasons for the methods chosen, the ethical procedure of my research and the unenviableies I faced. Part five, Analysis and findings, tells my flooring of the research. Part six, Reflections, includes strong and weak points of my research and my experience around doing research. Part seven, Conclusion, finally reviews the expirations and summarizes the whole research project and provides implication for further research.Literature review1. Definition of group workJohnson, Johnson and Smith (1991, p 15) defines thatGroup work, in language class, is a co-operative activity, during which students sh atomic number 18 ai ms and responsibilities to complete a tax assigned by the teacher in groups or in pairs.It can be utter that in group work, all the members have chances for great independence in making their own learning decisions without the teacher exacting any more. They learn to negotiate more equally with their friends and in well-nigh cases they come up free to bear themselves and use the language. In group work, the strainness is not on accuracy still on fluency. In sermon class, group work is often conducted in elflike groups and lasts for or so ten minutes to a class period depending on specific t brings.The pastime part discusses the pros and cons of using group work activities in language classes.2. Benefits and difficulties of using group work activities in language classMany different kinds of mouth activities such as dialogue, tidings, interview, etc can be bring to passed in groups. In certain types of those activities, group work no doubt offers many a(prenominal) advantages. There have been a number of studies reporting the potential benefits of pair and group work activities in language teaching and learning. According to experts in bet on language acquisition, negotiation of meaning facilitates both(prenominal) learning and acquisition and is delimitate asThe modification and restructuring of fundamental interaction that occurs when learners and their interlocutors anticipate, perceive, or experience difficulties in rub down comprehensibility. (Pica, 1994, p. 494) Following is the summary of the most common benefits of using group work in language class. Group work promotes learners responsibility and autonomy. Group work increases students participation, chating time and oral fluency.According to Harmer (1997), group work provides more opportunities for students initiation, practice in negotiation of meaning, extended conver sit downional ex varys, face-to-face give and take and adoption of roles. Vygotsky (1978) as well believes t hat learning is not directed one way surrounded by teacher and students but in different ways amongst students and students and between teacher and students. Ur (1996, p232) to a fault overlaps the afore give tongue to(prenominal) idea In group work, learners perform a learning business through small group interaction. It is a form of learner activation that is of particular nurture in the practice of oral fluency learners in a class that is divided into five groups get 5 times as many opportunities to talk as in full class organization. Working in groups enables students to engender better decisions to solve a specific task. Group work promotes individuals pauperization.Group work enables students to use the language and also triggers them to be more involved and concentrate on the tasks assigned. Ric weighed downs and Lockhart (1994) believes that through work in groups, students feel relaxed and comfortable to share ideas and play active roles in the learning emergenc e without the correcting feedback of teachers. Therefore, they have the benefit of sharing ideas with other group members, learning from other friends mistakes or success and helping others to learn. Because the comprehension of the subject under discussion is often increased in group work, students certainly became more motivated. According to Doff (1988), working in pairs or in groups encourages students to be more involved and to concentrate on the tasks. In the non-threatening performance surround of the cooperative classroom, motivation is often improved as students feel little check and more able to explore possibilities for self expression.The side by side(p) part will discuss several difficulties which are often believed to affect the successful execution of instrument of the group work activities in language class.Organizational difficultiesAccording to Sheils (1993), in some teaching contexts, the use of group work activities is in trance payable to the unsuitable ph ysical setting. For instance, my classroom is too big with unmovable desks or at that place are a large number of students in a class. This also leads to another difficulty relating to the class management. I am horror-struck of organizing group work because of noise and indiscipline which affect other classes. It is hard for me to provide proper management. If I go and pay attention to one group, the rest of class may forget the task and play about. Students will convert into the mother tongue when they are required to work in groups or they will use class time to chat with each other or become lazier. As such, their speaking skill cannot be improved and their time is wasted.Learner-related difficultiesThe lack of linguistic cognition to contribute to group work is the typical difficulty faced by many students. discourse is one of the most complex linguistic skills because it involves thinking of what is to be give tongue to and responding spontaneously to what has been thought . In order to be able to do this, patterns, structures, and spoken communication must be chosen to fit the right situation or situation or attitude intended. Byrne (1986) has pointed out that thoughts are controlled to a great extent by mental lexicon. We can not talk about something if we have no give-and-takes for it. The inability to verbalize thought or contact may distort ones perceptions of objective reality, increase tendency to overact and foil the likelihood of blue collaboration. Once students do not know generous of the language to express themselves with ease, they often become reluctant to participate in group work.There are also other situations in which the students character (e.g., shy, passive, reserved, etc) or personality conflict(e.g., incompatible personalities) influence students participation in group work activities. Vygotsky (1986) supposed that relationship of peers has also an influence on interaction in groups. Peers can be proficient learners, lear ners who are different from teachers (Swain Lapskin, 1998), more or less proficient learners (Ohta, 1995), more or less informed junior students (McDonald, Kidman, Clarke, 1991), and peers as native and non-native speakers in the classroom (Barnard, 2002). Sheils (1993) say that though many students are clever to speak in chorus or under the teachers guidance when doing some kinds of drill, they are inhibited when being asked to express themselves freely in the presence of the whole class. Furthermore, the fear of being rectify in front of the other students may also cause the spooky collaboration and lead to unproductive groups. In those cases, students may never have been encouraged sufficiently to have a go without worrying about mistakes or they may be accustomed to the traditional teacher- centered class. training style preference certainly affects the students performance in group work. In her study, Nguyen (2004) illustrates the influences of students learning style p reference on the students performance in group work activities. She mentions that the learning style preference in Eastern countries like China or Vietnam is greatly influenced by the Confucian culture. The students were often beaten(prenominal) with being transmitted knowledge from the teachers rather than from their peers. Therefore, it top executive be difficult for the teachers to implement group work activities in language classes due to the students blackball responses to communicative language teaching and learning.Beside the factors discussed above, there are other situations in which some students, though they do not have problems with the lack of appropriate linguistic competence or personality, have no ideas to contribute or to react to the take given by the teachers. This may happen when the topic needs too much specialized knowledge to discuss or even when there is nothing interesting to say about it or even when the tasks do not need multiple contributions from all students but can be completed by only one or two individuals.However, there have been a number of researchers who have inform positive effects of group work activities on the development of speaking ability in the language classroom. They are, therefore, worth considering putting into the classroom more regularly. Also, more investigations should be conducted to find out the most appropriate techniques or procedures to implement successful group work activities in speaking class, both teachers and students need to play effective roles. The following part discusses the roles the teachers and the students need to perform in order to implement group work successfully.Concerning the allocation of members into groups, Hurd (2000) says there is no one right way to allocate students into groups. Rather, there are members of practices teachers can use. He also states that most selection methods fall into four categories. These are random appointment, self-selection, selective appointment, task appointment. 3. Group work and speaking fluencyBrown (2003) raises a question Can we really develop our students fluency? According to him, in teaching fluency, teachers must be unforced to let go of some control in our classroom, let my students have some of the control and let them to do some of the work and set up situations in which fluency can develop, and encourage my students to actually communicate. In fact, I do not need to teach fluency all of the time, but some of the time students need a little guide communication time during which their knowledge of many aspects of the language can develop into fluency. Brown (2003, p.15) also statesTeachers set up activities and then get out of the way that many students can be talking at the identical time However, setting up such activities is exactly what the students need to develop.There is many other research by Ur (1996) and Maurice (1983) noting that the use of group work activities can create many opportunities for s tudents to practice speaking fluency.Context cardinal four of my first year English major students in my class who took part in my study were from eighteen to twenty- two with four males and twenty feminines. I have taught them spoken English for one term with Communicative Method which does not pay much attention to a icy curriculum but focus instead on authentic materials. My students had one speaking lesson every week and each lesson lasts for 90 minutes. Therefore, I had time to understand about their English competence very well on with their characteristics, and backgrounds. Before entering the University, one third of them finished 7 old age of English at high school. The rest studied English for 3 years only. When entering the University, they already have some basic knowledge of English grammar, but most of them are still weak at speaking, reading, listening, especially, those who come from rural or remote field of operationss where the conditions of learning English a re very poor. About 30 % of the students who lived in areas with good conditions of learning English in encourageary schools and high schools are at better level. Nevertheless, in high school, most of them could not use English communicatively, because they had been taught with the Grammar- Translation method with much focus on grammar rules, memorization of vocabulary, translation of texts and doing exercises to enter a university. Another reason was that they had few opportunities to communicate with foreigners or native speakers.I wrote inform consent letters (see addendum 1) and delivered them to all the students of the class to ask them for their permission to participate in my research. I did the research with two female informants. Firstly I chose A because she has studied English for 7 years in the city high school with high level of communicative skills. Secondly I chose B because she has studied English for 3 years in a local school with low level of communicative Engli sh skills but she is good at writing and reading English. I see many times A and B went and chatted with each other inside and outside the class and heard other students say that A and B were close friends. Methods and methodologyAt the beginning of my project, I explained my intentions to the students and asked them for their permission to conduct the research. I told two informants that I would record their spoken language as part of my research on how to develop their English oral fluency. Luckily, they agreed because A and B had good attitudes to me, to University, especially to learning English to find good jobs. I also gave each student a consent form letter which might be useful in setting out clearly for learners what their participation would involve and how the results of the process would be used. The head of my department was aware of how and wherefore I was conducting my research.Learners interviewed their friends and wrote up friends characteristics, attitudes toward s group work and useful strategies of speaking English. The results might help them develop motivation in speaking English. later collecting data I gave back my final draft of report to my students to check whether or not my rendering of what they said corresponded with their own understanding. I formally thanked everyone who had helped me and sent copies of my findings to anyone who has been of substantial help to me.I combined observational and sector note techniques to organize data about behaviors, contexts, group organization and records of interactions between informants. Therefore, using notes to collect research data became more effective than other data collection techniques took over. Besides, I used a small hand-held recorder as a time saving option during group work activities and students interviews. This allowed me to note meaning(a) data magical spell they were still fresh in my mind. I could also talk into the recorder, listen to the recordings over again and start thinking. I organized A to interview B in Vietnamese on their feelings and opinions about group work and learning experience during their break time of 20 minutes. I provided a set of preplanned questions (see appendix 7) in no touch on order and asked the group to audio-record their responses. I did this to in order to increase my own and my learners understanding of students feelings about group work. I used semi structured interviews between learner and learner because they ensured greater consistency, reliability and balance in the research relationship. Two students engaged in their free flowing confabulational process in a friendly way to share with each other about their learning experience in speaking English and their perception of group work. I chose this approach to understand deeply about the factors affecting group work to develop English oral fluency.I matte a lack of experience in writing up the final research findings. It worried me whether I was adopting t he right approach, and that my data collecting methods became a bit slapdash and less thorough than they should have been. I snarl pressured for time during the process and in writing the report because I also taught and did the research at the uniform time. Chapter five Analysis and FindingsI conducted the research with my students when they had started studying in the second term for two weeks. The first time, I observed speaking in the English class at the first period in the morning. The class had not had any examination of speaking in the second term of the first year. In the first term, A got hit 8 and B got 5 for speaking examination. We had two speaking periods in the same day per week. The second time, I observed the speaking fluency of A and B after one week of the first observation, at the first period in the morning. A sat neighboring to B in the same front table of the classroom.Before conducting the research for a week, I informed them that I would do the research in the class. And I delivered twenty four consent letters to all my students, asked them to get through the box if they agreed to participate, self-contained all letters after 5 minutes and read at home.During observing, I used highlighter, sticky notes and collected data on set target in the observation sheet. I used themes and codes (see appendix 2) to organize and collect data in field notes when I was observing. I put the recorders in each group of the class. Because desks and chairs were fixed and unmovable I asked my students to work in groups of three with their neighbors at the same desk and imagine a story about the furnish (see appendix 3) on the blackboard. A and B were in the same group with C who could speak English very well.At first, they were eager to talk in the group because they thought they had many things to speak about and the enter was very interesting. I just sat at my desk with books, looked and do notes in the observation sheets. When I observed I rea lized that A and Bs oral English fluency was not interfered by with the noise of other groups. I just required my students to create their own stories about the picture in their groups in 15 minutes and present their stories in front of the class. I saw approximately all students looked very excited and smiled when I showed the picture and said The most interesting story would get good marks. I fixed the picture on the blackboard and explained about characters in the picture. A and B kept quiet for a bit in their group and later A asked B, what is your story? And why will we have to do this task? B was too shy and said nothing while A started speaking English. She had a huge amount of ideas about the picture to share with other members while B just listened to A and nodded her head. Often, B said right, ok and looked at me. After speaking English for 3 minutes, A asked B to take note what she had said. Sometimes, A stop speaking and asked others to express their ideas. B also spok e some hapless utterances to support the story. A commented on B and Cs opinions. B virtually ceaselessly agreed with A and she just kept silent and looked very nervous to speak English. A and C dominated B while B had no more chance to practice. For example, B almost always asked questions and read sentences which were written and said very shortsighted utterances like you should change this word into that word. Sometimes B suggested new ideas for the story but she was too shy to persuade others to agree therefore B looked hard-pressed in her group. After they finished the story, A began to chat in Vietnamese with another girl friend at the table behind about a film on TV that night while B turned around and exchanged her stories with other groups in Vietnamese. B wanted to talk but she had no chances in her group so she plant another whom she could speak with. When the time was up, I asked each group to tell their story. When other groups were presenting, A did not pay much attention to that. A asked B to present the story in front of the class when I called them. B was too shy to speak and did not speak fluently and always looked at her note taking paper. C and A said no and they stood up and continued to present their own ideas. B sat down and felt more comfortable when she did not have to speak. The task was finished on time and almost all A and Bs utterances were in English.After the first class of observation, I asked students to be free for 20 minutes in the next period to interview in pairs. I paired A and B and recorded their conversation to understand about their feelings, difficulties and struggles of working in groups. I cerebrate that B felt intimidated when working with someone of much better ability although the more fluent students sometimes tried to help their partners. Moreover, B could not talk because she do a lot of mistakes and did not know how to say things in English. Although B wanted to talk she thought her friends would laug h at her when she spoke. My lesson was not interesting overflowing to encourage all students to engage in speaking although the picture was very good. Because I did not give enough requirements and explanation of the task A and B did not understand what they should do in group work. I did not pay much attention to the group organization, task requirement and students understanding.A and B got good marks but they did not like my lesson. A and B did not feel agreeable with the lesson. A said that the lesson was not interesting enough and should be made clear for all students. Nevertheless, B liked to be in groups with A, and other more fluent students because she had chances to learn from them to broaden her knowledge and vocabulary.After the first observation, I changed my mind about my teaching. I though about reasons why my students did not engage in their groups and decided that I should require them to produce a story with five or six simple tense and future tense sentences. A nd I should deliver this picture for all groups as a handout while the blackboard was used to present students results. I should go around and listen to my students and encourage them to speak English. In the next period, I rearranged the desks of the class in a U shaped administration of groups to allow an easy transition to plenary mode. Students grouped by themselves with friends who had the same interesting topics after they were provided some background knowledge of each topic. After collecting information of observing, I compared the results of two sessions to find out differences between A and B in oral English fluency in their groups. I would not give each group the same mark because this was unfair and created competitive groups rather than co-operative groups and totally defeats the purpose of grouping at the first time. I wrote the topic favorite places and asked my students for related vocabulary. I made students involved in the task. A and B said aloud their vocabulary about this topic. Lan also mentioned some of her favorite places in Vietnam while Hoa asked me and her friends a lot of clarifying questions like how do we say this word mean in English? or Can you explain again? After that I let my student read one short passage about a famous place in Vietnam (see appendix 4) without name and asked my students to guess. A and B were very eager to talk because they had been this place. Later, I asked them to choose one picture of famous places (see appendix 5) to create a conversation to introduce this place in groups and used as many comparative adjectives as possible. I delivered chosen pictures for each group and said It is no problem if you make errors because you can learn something through acquire it wrong. I asked all students to stand up and find other two partners to talk with. A and C decided to choose the same picture to discuss and called another Cs friend. B joined in a group of two other friends who also lived in the rural area and had the same level of speaking English as her. Then they discussed to choosing a favorite place to talk about for 15 minutes. A had a lot of ideas to share with her partners. A talked loudly and continuously then C and his friend took a turn. A and B felt comfortable to talk with peers whom they wanted to talk with. B felt more confident to share ideas with others who had the same ability level. When other friends commented on B opinions she also looked happy and tried her best to negotiate. She listened to others and took notes on their ideas. When B met with difficulties she asked me for help. And I explained and encouraged her work like that is good, say it again, thank you, well do, etc. She encouraged others to talk and commented on their ideas. She said good, not suitable, you just think more about this. She helped others to have chances to talk. When they had time left As group continued to think more about how they might make their stories more interesting. When other group s were presenting, A and B listened carefully to them. A and B were almost eager to present their groups conversation.Based on all the data, I found that students changed their feeling and behavior when they worked with different partners. It meant that group organization played an important role in developing students English oral fluency. A and B spoke more fluently when they were in groups of the same ability level. In the second lesson, a safe environment had been achieved where everybody liked to work with each other. In the mixed group, A almost did nothing while B was reluctant to speak English. In the second session, when they were in groups with the partners on the same level they felt more relaxed to talk. I found that B spoke three times more English when working with students of the same ability than when she had more fluent partners. I conclude that the students were motivated to speak English but perhaps felts intimidated when working with someone of much better abil ity. While listening to the taped conversation of the second observation I observed that members of Bs group mainly took turns to speak, that no individual was dominant, and that they helped each other with vocabulary. The conversations were quite fluent and accurate. B leaned on the table to speak with other partners. It was unavoidable for my students to use Vietnamese but it was not much.However, the taped conversation of the first time indicated that, although A was very cooperative and tried to help her partner, she tended to dominate the conversation and overcorrect her partner without giving B much chance to talk.From interviews, I found that my less able students liked to use English with more fluent partners when they had to be self-reliant, when I was not present, when they were not corrected all the time, and when they were not being tested or monitored.Besides, based on the observation and interviews, it could be concluded that the students English oral fluency was also be influenced by the teachers preparation. In the first lesson, I did not provide enough explanations, knowledge and rise to help them understand and engage in speaking English. In the second lesson, my students felt very excited in speaking English when they had enough vocabulary and interest in the task.Reflections During this investigation, I learned a lot about my students attitudes towards and abilities in using English. Gathering information from the students about how they use English was important to me. I discovered a way to deal with a class of mixed abilities and found a way to motivate my less able students. This project confirms my beliefs about the value of using group work and has reduced my anxiety about grouping less able students together. I can create different groups for different activities. Depending on the task, I will want to have students of different skill levels working together or students with the same level working together. For example, a harder tas k might lead me to mix skill levels, however a task where outcome is not an important goal, the instructions are not difficult, and the process easy to follow, could lead to homogeneous grouping. During doing this research, I ha

Determinants And Implications For Focused Antenatal Care Interventions

Determinants And Implications For Foc utilizationd Antenatal Cargon InterventionsThe c everywhereage of prenatal att fetch uping (ANC) in many another(prenominal) beas is known and there argon a get along of interventions to encourage use of ANC service by think ofing(a) women. However, for women who attend ANC, it is serious that they register at the appropriate time and honorarium a accustomed number of be dictates over the enate quality period to ensure that they receive the interventions recommended for the antepartum period at the right time. When a enceinte cleaning lady introduces even contact which her skilled antepartum trade provider, she is in a rig to receive various services such as those specifyt for prevention of eclampsia, intermittent preventive treatment for malaria, other(a) detection of HIV/AIDS contagion and prevention of mother-to-child transmission, micronutrient supplementation, pay prep atomic number 18dness and provision of schooling on riskiness signs occurring speckle she is pregnant or during talking to.1 Presently, Nigeria is transiting to the Foc utilise Antenatal Cargon (FANC) arise promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO) which is becomeed at ensuring that each antepartum visit counts and that antepartum help interventions atomic number 18 delivered at the appropriate time.2FANC is nonpareil of the pillars of safe motherhood. The goal of FANC is to ensure that motherhood is normal finished for major(ip) actions identification of pre-existing health conditions, primaeval detection of complications arising during the maternal quality, health procession and disease prevention and birth preparedness and complication readiness planning.3The interventions are deployed in such a way that they are appropriate for the cleaning womans pointedness of gestation.4 Unlike the previously employ r byine perplexity which was ritualistic and patronize visits, the FANC entree emphasizes evidence-base d goal-directed actions, family-centred fear, quality, rather than quantity of visits as well as share by skilled providers.3 4 Thus, numerous routine visits are no longer recommended and are considered a burden to women and the health care system.The FANC approach alike deemphasizes the routine risk assessment approach for classifying women into soaring and low risks groups.2 With the risk assessment approach, women go to antepartum care were offered services which include rake pressure check, urinalysis to detect protein or bacteria, and blood establish to rule out syphilis or anaemia.5 However many women classified as low risk end up having a false sense of security, are unable to recognize and respond to problems and end up developing complications. In addition, most high risk women gift birth without complications and the excess care provided constitutes an inefficient use of scarce resources.The FANC approach in Nigeria guides that pregnant women would have paid the freshman visit for ANC by the 16 calendar hebdomad of pregnancy or earlier when the women commencement ceremony thinks she is pregnant, the back betwixt the 24th to 28th week, the third at the 32nd week and the 4th at the 36th week of pregnancy.2 Some authors have considered early interlocking to mean that a woman pays her first visit forwards the 14th week to achieve the aim of improved outcome of pregnancy both(prenominal) for a mother and her unborn child.6 Thus, by 36 weeks, a pregnant woman should have made the required minimum of quartet visits composition those with risk of complications of conditions that provide preserve on pregnancy would require additional visits.The time of conflict and ANC attendance can impress the forte of interventions recommended for pregnant women and thus the goals of FANC. Early booking helps ensure that problems are observe and managed early.2 The first visit gives the opportunity to record information on family, maternal and med ical history, stop out a physical examination, request laboratory tests, provide care including intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) for malaria in pregnancy (if beyond first trimester), provide counselling including birth plan, use of insect powder treated bed nets (ITN), HIV counselling and testing and to discuss the agenda for care. The subsequent visits are necessary for noting complaints, targeted physical examination, reviewing test results, providing care including IPT for malaria, nurseing information on use of ITN, birth plans and carrying out HIV counselling.Justification for the subject areaInterventions for pregnant women aim protect the woman and her unborn baby for the rest period of the pregnancy and their provision should be timely. The later the time of first visit the shorter the period of cover and the higher the risk of instruction of problems and complications for the woman and her baby. Thus it is not just important to know the attribute of pregnant women attending ANC, it is similarly important to know when attendees commence such visits and whether they pay an adequate number of visits.Although a number of studies have documented the measure of first visit and number of visits to ANC in the south-west theatrical role of Nigeria, bantam is known about the figure of speech in the south eastern region of the country. Additionally, most of the studies are limited in scope as they are set based ( usually tertiary hospital based) and thus reflect bugger off amongst pregnant women who are able to access such facilities even though primary(a) health centres are the closest to people and usually the further available point of care in rural areas.Aim This area is aimed at documenting the socio-demographic predictors of timing of ANC booking and subsequent attendance amongst pregnant women in order to understand the impact these can have on deployment of concentrate antenatal care interventions for pregnant women.ObjectivesT o determine the timing of booking and pattern of subsequent ANC attendance among pregnant women attending primary take aim facilitiesTo experience whether the timing of ANC booking and clinic attendance is affected by individual level socio-demographic factorsTo assess the appropriateness of timing of booking and attendance for effective speech communication of focused antenatal care interventionsTo examine how the findings of the con can impact on the deployment of antenatal care interventions for pregnant women.CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE analyseThe concept of focused antenatal care is based on the presumptuousness that since every pregnancy faces the risk of development of complications, every pregnant woman should be monitored to avoid development of such complications.2 Lack of antenatal care is known to be a major risk factor for development of negative pregnancy outcomes. However, when antenatal care is appropriately delivered, it has the potential to positively impact on ma ternal mortality and morbidity.7 Studies have shown that many women obtain care quite late during the pregnancy period and the care obtained is usually inadequate.2 8 9The first visit for antenatal care in Africa usually takes place around the fourth to fifth month of pregnancy.5 In the African region, 73% of pregnant women aged 15 49 long time pay at least atomic number 53 visit to a health care provider for antenatal care while only 44% pay at least four visits.10 A admit by Al-Nasser in Saudi Arabia showed that majority (60.8%) of pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in primary health care centres were first seen before the 20th week of gestation.11 Fekede, et al noted that 42.8% of 360 pregnant women in an Ethiopian town attending antenatal clinic did so for the first time inwardly the 3rd trimester while only 6.5% had the recommended minimum of four visits.12In Nigeria, the figures assessing antenatal care work are below the African regional values as 58% of women age d 15-49 years receive ANC from a skilled health provider at least once during pregnancy while 45% of women make four or more visits for ANC.2 10 Based on the 2008 NDHS the median value gestational age at booking is 5 months.2 Among 395 women attending antenatal clinic in public and private facilities covering the primary, mhoary and tertiary levels of care in Ibadan, southwest Nigeria, 25.8% paid the first visit for antenatal care within the first trimester. Mean gestational age at booking was appoint to be 18.5 (6.3) weeks while the mean number of antenatal visits was 4.0 (2.4).13 A study carried out among 378 pregnant women attending a tertiary hospital in capital of Japan state Nigeria noted that the 6th month of pregnancy as the peak period of first visit for antenatal care among the women.14 Okunlola et al form a mean gestational age at booking of 21.82 (7.0) weeks with only 14.1% of the women paying attending for the first time within the first trimester.6 In a tertiary f acility in Osogbo Nigeria, the mean gestational age was found to be 20.3 (6.2) weeks and 82.6% of those studied schedule late.15 Amongst four hundred women attending antenatal clinic at a tertiary facility in Ile Ife, Nigeria, 71% had registered by the 20th week of gestation.16 Aluko and Oluwatosin found low grade of first trimester booking and irregular visits for antenatal care among women attending clinics in a mission hospital in Ibadan south west Nigeria.17Socio-demographic factors and proportion have been found to directly influence the timing of first visit for antenatal care though the results are sometimes dissimilar. Most women (79.9%) attending antenatal clinic in a tertiary hospital in Edo state Nigeria were found to have booked late.18 However, there was no real difference in age, parity, level of education and social class between women booking early and late. In a study carried out among pregnant women attending a the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Adegbola f ound a mean gestational age at first booking of 18.5 (8.3), 18.4 (7.4) weeks for nulliparous and primiparous women respectively.19 The overall mean gestational age at booking was 19.1(7.2) weeks. Women with parity 5 booked at evidentiaryly higher mean gestational age of 25.9 () weeks and women of glower social class tend to book earlier for antenatal care. in like manner Adeyemi, et al found that late booking was thrice as usual in multiparous women compared with the nulliparous group and the difference was significant.20 Other authors have found an association between parity and timing of first visit, and number of antenatal visits.11 21A number of studies have documented the factors that affect use of ANC amongst women in the developing countries9 these determinants are also plausibly to affect the timeliness of attendance for ANC. Chandrashekar, et al found that women who are poor, illiterate, multiparous, unskilled and over 30 years of age were less likely to receive antena tal care in India.22 Age was found to be a significant predictor of ANC attendance in a community based study in Ethiopia where women aged 15-24 years were found 2.75 times more likely to attend than those aged 25-34 years.12 Geographic place of residence can also have an impact as women living in urban areas are more likely to receive antenatal care during pregnancy.Women have also been found to concurrently use multiple antenatal care providers and this can affect the timing of booking in a facility. Adeoye, et al found that 25% and 30.5% of women attending two antenatal care clinics in a tertiary facility in Ebonyi state were concurrently using both formal and informal providers of antenatal care.23 Of 535 women attending a tertiary facility in Enugu Nigeria, 69.5% were booked in more than one facility.24The time of send-off of ANC visits has implications for the period of protection that pregnant women have from interventions. For example where women attend antenatal care late in pregnancy, they may not receive the recommended 2-3 doses of intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPT) for malaria in pregnancy using sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine combinations.25 Data from the 2008 issue Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) shows that among 11,027 women aged 15 49 years with a live birth within a period of 2 years preceding the survey, only 8.0% received at least one dose of IPT while 4.9% received 2 or more doses.2 The proportion was 9.9% and 5.4% respectively for the south east region of Nigeria. It is important that pregnant women are available at the appropriate time for delivery of IPT which is best devoted when the growth of the foetus is occurring at its highest velocity (16th 24th week) as this helps to adulterate placental parasitaemia, foetal growth reduction and the resultant low birth weight.26It is also known that the negative impact of malaria is worse among women with their first and second pregnancies compared to those that have had more than two pregnancies.27-29 Thus primi and secundi-gravidae need to pay their first visit early enough to ensure adequate protection through the pregnancy period. The same consideration holds sway for interventions such as insecticide treated nets for which the potential protective time period depends on how early in pregnancy a woman starts sleeping under the net. every last(predicate) it all, timely attendance to ANC is important to enhance the potential for positive pregnancy outcomes since it provides pregnant women with the opportunity to receive recommended interventions and the protection from problems and complications. Socio-demographic and maternal factors such as parity can affect the timeliness of ANC visits by pregnant women.CHAPTER leash METHODOLOGY knowledge area This study impart be carried out in Enugu State, South-East Nigeria. Enugu state comprises of 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs), has a union tribe of 3,257,298 people and an annual growth rate of 3.0.30 iii of th e 17 LGAs (Enugu North, Enugu South and Nsukka) are urban, one (Enugu East) has a mix of urban and rural areas while the remaining 13 LGAs are rural. The people of Enugu are of Igbo ethnicity and are predominantly Christians. A substantial proportion of the working population in the state is engaged in farming, trading, and public service employment.Study site Two areas leave alone be purposively selected for the study to enable allurement of data across for those in both urban and rural areas of the state. These are Udi LGA comprising Udi North and South Development Councils will be used to play the rural areas while Enugu North and South LGAs will represent the urban areas. Udi has a population of 234,002 while Enugu North and South have a population of 244,852 and 198,723 respectively.30 Udi LGA has 14 primary health facilities that offer ANC services while Enugu North and South (referred to as Enugu) together have 12 primary facilities that offer ANC (appendix 1).Study design This will be a cross-sectional study involving eliciting of information from pregnant women attending primary health centres for antenatal care through exit interviews using a pre-tested questionn communicatee.Sampling and try size All the primary health care facilities providing ANC in the study LGAs will be used for the study. Since the level of attendance of ANC varies for different facilities, a proportionate method will be used for determining the try on size for each facility. The proportion will be fixed by considering the average weekly number of antenatal clinic attendees to the facility relative to the total from all facilities as reported by the heads of the facilities and the relative proportion will be computed.The minimum sample size required for the study is 374. This was determined using the formula for determination of sample size for population proportion,31 an ANC reporting level of 58%,2 a confidence level of 95% and an break margin of 0.05.Z= 1.96 at 95% confidence level, (two-sided).p=ANC reporting = 58%d=margin of error tolerated = 0.05Considering a potential refusal rate of 10%, 411 women will be sampled.Study tools Data will be collected using a pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire (appendix 2) which will be administered by teach field workers. The questionnaire will be pre-tested amongst pregnant women attending ANC at the firsthand Health Centre Abakpa, Enugu East LGA which will not be used for the study.Data analysis Epi Info statistical software system will be used for data entry while SPSS and Stata Softwares will be used for data analysis. Data will initially aim to elicit the determinants of timing of booking of ANC. Subsequently, a continuous socio-economic status index will be generated using the principal component analysis technique in STATA software package 32 to enable disaggregation of data into socio-economic quintiles. Information that will be used include households asset holdings including tele vision, radio, refrigerator, car, bicycle, rechargeable lamp, kerosene lamp, electric fan, air conditioner, motorcycle.33 The SES quintiles generated will be used in assessing differences in timing of booking for women of various SES groups. Logistic regression analysis will be employ for examination of the determinants of the timing of booking. Data analysis will also aim to estimate the proportion of women attending at the appropriate time for delivery of recommended interventions. Chi form test will be used to test for significance of differences observed for savorless data while chi squared for trend test will be employed for ordered categorical data. All tests of significance will be done a p value of 0.05.Ethical considerations Ethical clearance will be obtained from the enquiry Ethics Committee of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu, while permission to carry out the study will be obtained from the Primary Health safekeeping Coordinator of the LGAs as well a s from the heads of facilities to be used. Written consent will be obtained from patients who are interviewed after they have been informed of the objectives of the study and the intended nature of their participation.

Abercrombie and Fitch Analysis

Abercrombie and fitch Analysis1. gateThe following typography explores the community Abercrombie foumart at heart its US and UK commercialize. Key external factors incur been explored such as gent, SWOT, TOWS and the companies competitors, as well as Porters generic wine strategies and Ansoff matrix. brightness Objectives solelyow because been formulated considering each(prenominal) of the above factors and then a strategic Plan, Implementation Measurement of each cause to be perceived Objective has been created.1.2 go with BackgroundAbercrombie and skunk were founded in 1892 by David T Abercrombie and offered prestigious degenerate and outdoor enclothe for masculines and womanishs. Today the troupe is an upmarket US bearing retailer striving to offer their consumers casual luxury to the 18-22 stratum elder market segment. The family has all(prenominal)place 300 gillyflowers in the US and is besides situated in the UK, Japan, Canada and Italy. They alike consent ongoing plans to expand into separate impertinent markets such as Asia in the near future.Abercrombie foulmart view three subsidiary sister companies consisting ofAbercrombie very similar to the principal(prenominal) give out-of-door nonwith patronageing for children elder 7-14Hollister Co for teenagers 14-18 offering lower priced products to Abercrombie foumart further very similar in lookGilly Hicks offering lounge wear, under habit and a body c atomic number 18 effigy for people aged 18+.Abercrombie foumart also had a subsidiary fraternity called Ruehl No.925 which offered clothe products to the 25+ age segment, however the write out in c sufferd at the beginning of 2010 as it did not prep be off.2. External Analysis- PEST FactorsT commensurate 1 PEST2.1 Political/Legal deduction Duty As Abercrombie foumart fictionalisation their products within the USA and Asia, products that argon imported into the UK accrue an import duty. Import du ty is calculated on the type of right(a)s, their value and the country of origin. (Business necktie 2010) If the product is made up of 20% or more(prenominal) of separate from otherwise countries then this has to be verbalise to the countries customs as this whitethorn carry on the price of the import duty.Labelling As Abercrombie polecats products are imported from the US to the UK the phoner needs to get wind that all their clothing products meet the UK labelling requirements stated in the Textile harvest-times (Indication of Fibre Content) Regulations 1986, to ensure that they are in ossification with the law.Employment law The UK has very strict employment laws against disagreement. Abercrombie polecat were lately faced with a law suit in June 2009 when an employee was allegedly told that her prosthetic limb was not in accordance with the companies look policy. The employee aimed to sue the bon ton for 20,000 for discrimination against her disability. It is im portant for Abercrombie Fitch and their employees to be aware of UK legislations as lofty schooler(prenominal)-pitched profile law suits could affect their moving picture leading to bad publicity.2.2 scotchThe Recession Although some reports whitethorn state that the recent recession may be drawing to an end, Abercrombie Fitchs latest Fiscal-fourth quarter earnings (Talley 2010) paint a different picture as they fell 31% (Talley 2010) repayable to the proceed decline in their sales. This is due to the company not being wide-awake to abbreviate their prices during the recession, forcing their customers to look for cheaper competitors (see rivalry Audit for detailed list of competitors).UK go steady Abercrombie Fitch are constantly striving to maintain and promote the prestige image they flip boomingly created in the US in the UK. barely when the UK flag broadcast entrepot in capital of the United Kingdom opened in 2007 the company was criticised for everywhere pricing, as the products cost double those offered in the US salt aways. This could pick out had a major impact on the companys success in the UK. However, so farther they mystify found that their consumers assume had vigorous brandmark loyalty to them and get to been go outing to pay the price for the products. Although as mentioned above, the companys earnings have been touch on by the recession.2.3 Socio-CulturalSexual Imagery Over the forms Abercrombie Fitch have been attacked about their sexually explicit advertising within their advertising campaigns and every quarter instrument. It is against some different religions values and beliefs for ideal the Muslim religion to order sexual or naked imagery within advertisements. wherefore Abercrombie Fitch need to be aware of the different values and beliefs different communities and religions have in order not to offend anyone. grocery research should be under taken as to what the trounce form of advertising is for any sore campaigns and to root what type of imagery should be utilize. However in many westernised countries, breach advertising works well and this is what they use. The company strives to be different and stand out in any which way they can.Ageing Population With smorgasbord magnitude life expectancy and an aging population prominent across the foundation, it is foolish for Abercrombie Fitch to continue into their future just counseling on consumers aged 18-22. With the recent failure of their high end brand Ruehl No.925 which focused on consumers aged 25-35 a outline to re-brand and reinvent Ruehl may be a smart decision for the company.2.4 TechnologicalInternet online purchasing With the ever change magnitude popularity of the internet and consumer online purchasing, it has meant that Abercrombie Fitch have been able to advertise their products to consumers via their website and also allowing the consumer to get products, if they wish to, most the world. Onl ine advertisement is an excellent way to take up a younger fag audiences attention.Improvement of Transport Transport has changed dramatically over the past 50years. passageways have improved and with many more flights take off each day from large airports, companies are seeing speedy delivery times for products that are sent by sea, road and air. This is good raw(a)s for Abercrombie Fitch as their products are reaching consumers quicker. As the companys products overlook a lot of time in transport, some of the manufactured goods are imported from Asia then dispatched around the world to their many stores.3. External Analysis- Competitor AuditAs Abercrombie Fitch are situated in many different global markets the following competitor audit leave focus on Abercrombie Fitchs main competitors in the UK and the US.3.1 US Competitors3.1.1 American Eagle OutfittersAmerican Eagle Outfitters is Abercrombie Fitchs main competitor in the US. Like Abercrombie Fitch they stain 18-22 year olds, offering young airable products to their consumers. They have a bigger contrive of products than Abercrombie Fitch but are not seen to be as prestigious. Unlike Abercrombie Fitch, some consumers find the American Eagles shopping experience more than more pleasant, as the music is quieter and there is more lighting. The company recently opened a store in the UK in capital of the United Kingdom.3.1.2 AeroposteleAeropostele is cheaper than Abercrombie Fitch, however it is placid seen as one of their main competitors as they target the homogeneous market segment. Like American Eagle they have a large site of clothing products and accessories for the male and womanly markey which Abercrombie Fitch do not offer.3.2 UK Competitors3.2.1 turd WillsLike Abercrombie Fitch whoreson Wills target segment is 18-22 year olds. The company call themselves the University Outfitters and often situate their stores in University towns. Although Jack Wills call themselves this charge under 18s are also found to be keen Jack Wills wearers. However the company do not have a strong market tract in the UK as they are seen to offer, like Abercrombie Fitch specialised clothing.3.2.2 Urban OutfittersUrban Outfitters offer branded clothing to a unique market. Unlike Abercrombie Fitch they offer edgy, different styled shape products to their competitor, targeting the same age segment. Urban Outfitters is a very popular US company and is very up and coming in the UK in London.3.2.3 HollisterAlthough Hollister is a sister company to Abercrombie Fitch, there seems to have been some inter-company competitiveness in the UK. Abercrombie Fitch have only one store in the UK situated in London whereas Hollister have ten stores situated around the country. Although in the US Hollister targets 14-18 year olds, many older people in the UK have been article of clothing the brand due to accessibility of the store, as travelling to London to purchase Abercrombie Fitch c lothing is not an option for some people they engage to wear the next best thing which is clothing from Abercrombie Fitchs sister company Hollister.4. SWOT Analysis4.1 StrengthsStrong portfolio of brands other than the main Abercrombie Fitch brand likable to consumers aged 9- 24Annual Abercrombie Fitch Challenge which raises capital for charities and organisations, raising their profileSponsor of the Elite Racing TeamIn 2007 offered $75,000 scholarships to the National Society of High School Scholars involution plans in Canada, europium and AsiaThe ability to capture 18-22 year olds attention and condition them into wanting the brands productsIn 2007 the company had a 2.3% market share of the US clothing retail market which put them at 3rd largest market share.In 2008 Abercrombie Fitch started modifying and upgrading their information systems4.2 weaknessesMoney being lost to counterfeit products high society portrays a sexual image, this is not acceptable in some countries an d societiesLook policy often seen to be too strict by employeesWith the recent layover of Ruehl No.925 there is no longer an Abercrombie store that appeals to consumers aged 25+ high-priced prices in the UK compared to USMany law suits have been seen due to discriminationMany of the loyal customers feel that too many people are now wearing the brand and it is starting to lose its prestigious imageThe recent upgrading and modification on information systems within the craft is a long process and could affect day to day running of the business4.3 Opportunities credit endorsements plus brand sentiencyNew range of products for pre 9 year oldsReinvent Ruehl No.925 and recapture the 25+ market segmentIncrease market shareIncrease sales outside of the two main selling seasons of August and November/DecemberCompletely new product propelFemale jewelryRecapture prestigious image with new rangeLarger coats virile and egg-producing(prenominal) watchesIntroduce real looking models (mod els size UK 12+) as it is not how the clothes look on the individual, it is how they fetch the individual feelIn store music album visible(prenominal) to purchaseChange shopping experience to include, more lighting, quieter music, clothes more readily lendableCompletely rebrand company image from casual to refreshing wear e.g. suitsExpansion into Eastern Europe4.4 ThreatsThreat of substitution due to high pricesImport tax revenuees may trainPiracy in foreign waters, potential threat of loss of stockEconomical/political change in countries in which Abercrombie Fitch operateLaw suits against company for causa acts of discriminationExchange rates could affect companies profitabilityChange in fashion trendsThe availability and price of raw materials could affect the cost of manufacturing callable to global warming unforeseeable weather changes could affect consumer preference on products5. SWOT to TOWSTable 3 SWOT to TOWSInternal elementsExternal elementsOrganisational Strength sOrganisational Weaknessesstrategic OptionsEnvironmental Opportunities(and risks)Strengths into opportunitiesStrong portfolio of brands other than the main Abercrombie Fitch brand appealing to consumers aged 9-24. so Abercrombie Fitch have the brand power to be able to introduce other product ranges into the existing marketsAnnual Abercrombie Fitch Challenge which raises funds for charities and organisations. The Annual challenge could be made bigger, therefrom raising more money for charities. The Annual event could even be brought into other countries in which the company are impersonate to raise money for their charitiesSponsor of the Elite Racing Team, this is not widely known that they donor the team. Therefore awareness could be increased thusly enhancing brand awareness of the companyIn 2007 offered $75,000 scholarships to the National Society of High School Scholars. Scholarships could also be offered in other countries in which the company are position in to simi lar schoolsExpansion plans in Canada, Europe and Asia means that sugar are to increase as well as brand awarenessThe ability to capture 18-22 year olds attention and condition them into wanting the brands products. Abercrombie Fitch have the ability to condition their customers into needing their products, because if a limited sport range of products were to be realised, consumer would respond to this wellIn 2007 the company had a 2.3% market share of the US clothing retail market, thus reservation them the 3rd largest market share in the US. Having the 3rd largest market share in the US gives the company the opportunity to strive to have the fleck largest or even beat the Gap and have the largest market share. Abercrombie Fitch should also look to increase their UK market share as presently they are not seen to be strong competition to UK brandsIn 2008 Abercrombie Fitch started modifying and upgrading their information systems. This therefore means that the company give s oon have stronger information systems thus meaning smoother and easier running of the companyWeakness into opportunitiesMoney being lost to counterfeit products. Abercrombie need to ensure that all products have copyright and anyone who counterfeits their products have a law suit brought upon themCompany portrays a sexual image, this is not acceptable in some countries and societies, therefore Abercrombie could look towards toning down the sexual imagery within countries and societies that find this distastefulLook Policy often seen to be too strict by employees. The company should therefore hold in store meetings to gather information as to what the employees find strict about the policy, then this should be raised in the Annual conferenceWith the recent closure of Ruehl No.925 there is no longer an Abercrombie store that appeals to consumers aged 25+. Therefore information by the means of market research should be gathered from consumers as why they felt the brand failed. As wel l as information from store staff and stakeholders. The company could then formulate strategies to rebrand Ruehl No.925 thus penetrating the 25+ age market in one case againExpensive prices in the UK compared to US. Consumers are currently prepared to pay the higher prices that are at present in the UK, if the situation changes then the company should investigate the price of merchandise the clothes into the UK against the price they are charging and the profit that is being made. If profit is high then the company could look towards lowering their UK pricesMany law suits have been seen due to discrimination. Increased awareness should be made about discrimination within the work place and more minority groups should also be introduced into the company.Many of the loyal customers feel that too many people are now wearing the brand and it is starting to lose its prestigious image. Therefore a new prestigious range could be introduced to encourage state consumers back to the brandEnv ironmental ThreatsStrengths used to minimise threatsThreat of substitution due to high prices. However one of Abercrombie Fitchs strengths is that they have the ability to catch their target audiences attention and make the consumers feel they need the productsImport taxes may rise. However the company are constantly expanding therefore profits should rise thus meaning if import taxes should rise it should not affect the company substantiallyChange in fashion trends. As Abercrombie Fitch have a strong market share within the US, it would be wise to assume that they have an excellent team of fashion forecasters that would be able to foresee this potential threat. This strength can also be used for the threat of, due to global warming unforeseeable weather changes could affect consumer preference of productsStrategies to deal with weaknesses and threatsCompetitive pricing should be brought in to reduce the threat of substitution due to high pricesImport taxes may rise. As mentioned in the previous box, if import taxes do rise then the company should be okay as they are continuing to expand thus increasing profits, which overall should even out the rise of import tax if it should occurLaw suits against company. Abercrombie Fitch need to ensure that the company is ceaselessly running professionally to ensure that further law suits do not ariseExchange rates could affect companys profitability. The company need to be constantly aware of exchange rates and understand that stock being sold in an unstable political and economical market could lose valueThe availability and price of raw materials could affect the cost of manufacturing. Therefore Abercrombie Fitch need to ensure they are obtaining their raw materials at the best price available6. Porters Generic StrategiesDiagram 1 Abercrombie Fitch and Porters Generic StrategiesAbercrombie Fitch nowFocusAbercrombie Fitch for the futureMiddle of the Road specialityCost LeadershipPorter (1980) identified four typ es of generic strategies for a company to be competitively successful. The four strategies consisted of Cost Leadership, Focus, speciality and Middle of the Road. Abercrombie Fitch are currently using the generic strategy of Focus as they have a small range of clothing products focused on a specific market segment of 18-22 year olds. For the future the company should aim to move not entirely away from focus but slightly towards Differentiation, thus enhancing their products durability and perception7. Ansoff MatrixTable 4 Abercrombie Fitch Ansoff Matrix genuine proceedssNew ProductsCurrent foodstuff antheral and Female clothingswimwearbeltsrubber flip flops trounce flip flopsFemaleclassic scarveshandbagssignature totessignature scents, 8, Classic, 41 (perfume) and Wakely virileboxer shortsunderwearnecklacesbraceletssignature scents, Fierce, 41 (cologne) and ColdenWomens jewelleryMale and Female watchesMusic C.D of in store musicA range of male and female winter shoesBags for ma lesPyjamasNew MarketExpansion into foreign market for example Eastern EuropeAbercrombie Fitch catalogue in which products can be ordered similar to Next Directory or Littlewoods catalogueProducts available in large department stores within the UK for example John Lewis, House of Frasier, Selfridges and Harrods.A range of smart male and female clothing productsHair care productsAbercrombie Fitch bottled waterSurf boardsMale and female clothing for age group 25+Larger sizes8. SMART ObjectivesAbercrombie Fitchs SMART preys run over the limited period from 2010-2013. In the world of Beauty and Fashion 3-6months would be considered a shot term prey. 12-25 months a medium objective and 36+ months a long term objective. This is a very different time frame to other types of businesses, as fashion and beauty trends move very quickly, usually with the seasons. Therefore companies such as Abercrombie Fitch need to be thinking quickly about fashion changes.The following SMART objectives a re listed in hierarchy, with the first objective being the objective that Abercrombie Fitch should definitely consider proceeding with if they had to choose one. assumption the present economic climate, it may be in Abercrombie Fitchs best divert to wait until the end of the recession is completely in sight forrader producing any new products as bringing out a new product is a high risk.SMART ObjectiveTarget member gamble1) Introduce a range of womens jewellery complementary to the companies style of casual luxury, consisting of 15 pieces by inaugural November 2010Women aged 18-22, educated, with sensibly halcyon incomeMedium Risk2) Launch a new prestigious clothing range to re-capture higher end income consumers by initiative may 2011 men and Women aged 18-22, educated, with high incomeLow Risk3) Trail introduction of larger UK womens sizes 12-16 for clothing products in London flagship store by 1st adjoin 2013Women aged 18-22, educated, with reasonably golden income, that could not shop at the store before due to the size Large actually being the eq to a UK 10High RiskIf objective 3 is successful then4) Trial introduction of integration of 2 real models within advertisements and in store staff within London flagship store by 12th June 2013Men and Women aged 18-22, educated, with reasonably comfortable income. The advertisements and new models exit aim to attract real size women in the UK sizes 12-16High Risk9. Strategic Plan, Implementation Measurement of SMART Objectives9.1 SMART Objective 1SMART ObjectivePorters schemaMarket Segment/ Ansoff1) Introduce a range of womens jewellery complimentary to the companys style of casual luxury, consisting of 15 pieces by 1st November 2010Between Focus and DifferentiationWomen aged 18-22, educated, with reasonably comfortable income.New Product/Current MarketProductThe jewellery give be in the companies style of casual luxury, items such as bead bracelets, necklaces and earrings will be designed in ac cordance with market research results and offered to consumers in store and onlinePriceMarket Skimming Strategy high price offered and only gradually loweredPlaceProducts will be available in all Abercrombie Fitch gladiola ship stores around the world and on website. If successful will be brought into all other storespublicityDirect Marketing- idiot box adverts, magazine advertisements, in store advertisement.Celebrity endorsementPhysical pointThe Abercrombie Fitch logo of the Moose will extend presentprocessProducts will be sent from the manufactures to doubt office then distributed to the Flag Ship stores around the world nationAbercrombie Fitch already make male jewellery, therefore a female specialist will be employed and work alongside the male specialist in order to create male and female jewellery products that work in harmonyMeasurementSmall targets should be find in order to ensure the successful completion of the Objective. As the objective is short term, monthly meetings should also take place to ensure targets are being met.9.2 SMART Objective 2SMART ObjectivePorters StrategyMarket Segment/ Ansoff2) Launch a new prestigious male and female clothing range to re-capture higher end income consumers by 1st may 2011FocusMen and Women aged 18-22, educated, with high incomeNew Product/ New MarketProductA range of male and female clothes aimed at recapturing the wealthier consumers offering them a prestigious brand once again. Once market research has be undertaken then this will determine the types of clothing products needed.PricePricing to reflect product differentiation- price will be higher than the standard brands productsPlaceProducts will first be launched in the flag ship stores around the world and then brought into all other stores if found to be successful packagingDirect Marketing- television advertisements, magazine advertisements, in store advertisement.Celebrity endorsementPhysical EvidenceThe Abercrombie Fitch logo of the Moose will remain presentProcessProducts will be sent from the manufactures to Head office then distributed to the Flag Ship stores around the worldPeopleRuehl No.925 employees will be interviewed and asked why they feel the brand failed. Constructive criticism will be taken away and applied to making the new prestigious range successful. A person with strong knowledge of prestige brands and turn around strategies would be usefulMeasurementOnce market research has been undertaken a target should be frozen as to when the first designs will be available for viewing. Then more targets set as to when the collection will be finished. Monthly meetings should be undertaken to ensure that targets are being met and to run by dint of any problems that may arise that could affect the objective being met on time.9.3 SMART Objective 3SMART ObjectivePorters StrategyMarket Segment/ Ansoff3) Trail introduction of larger UK womens sizes 12-16 for clothing products in London flagship store by 1st March 2 013Between Focus and DifferentiationWomen aged 18-22, educated, with reasonably comfortable income, that could not shop at the store before due to the size Large actually being the tantamount(predicate) to a UK 10New Product/ New MarketProductAs well as the usual 0-10 UK womens clothing sizes being produced the company will also introduce sizes 12-16. These sizes are the most common female sizes in the UK and should be greatly acceptedPriceMarket Skimming- high price offered and only gradually loweredPlaceThe new sizes will be introduced into the UKs London flagship store. If found to be successful then new objectives will be set for the introduction of the sizes across the worldPromotionSmall in store advertisements within UK London flag ship storePhysical EvidenceThe Abercrombie Fitch logo of the Moose will remain presentProcessProducts will be manufactured then distributed straight to UK flag ship store in order to cut out the middle man (The US head office) Products will have to be checked in order to ensure that they are ascorbic acid% before retailingPeopleSomeone with strong knowledge on female sizing in the UKMeasurementTargets set and meeting undertaken to ensure that procedures are running smoothly to meeting the objective. In the first year 4 meetings will take place and then one every month in the years to follow until the object end pick up9.4 SMART Objective 4SMART ObjectivePorters StrategyMarket Segment/ Ansoff4) Trial introduction of integration of 2 real models within advertisements and in store staff within London flagship store by 12th June 2013Between Focus and DifferentiationMen and Women aged 18-22, educated, with reasonably comfortable income. The advertisements and new models will aim to attract real size women in the UK sizes 12-16New Product/ New MarketProductIntroduction of real size models sizes 12+ within companies Marketing/Advertising campaigns and in store staffPricePrice will be base on price of advertising campaign and co st of new in store staffPlaceAdvertisements with real size models will be trialled in the UKs London flagship store. Real size models will also be hired alongside the skinny in store staffPromotionLarge advertisements including real size models within direct marketing such as, magazines, television advertisements, internet and in store. As well as London busesPhysical EvidenceThe Abercrombie Fitch logo of the Moose will remain presentProcessreal size models casted for advertisement and for in store staffPeopleSomeone who can sympathise with the fact that clothes should not be about what you look like in them, but how you feel in them. And understand that not everyone is a size 0 model. Bring realism to the companyMeasurementSmall targets should be set in order to ensure the successful completion of the Objective. As the objective is long term, 4 meetings will take place in the 1st year and then monthly meetings will take place in the second and thrid year to ensure targets are bein g met.10. ConclusionIn conclusion after considering Abercrombie Fitchs external environment as well as Porters Generic strategies and Ansoff Matrix, four SMART Objectives have been formulated and a Strategic Plan, Implementation Measurement of each SMART Objective has also been created.If Abercrombie Fitch should decide to implement any of the SMART Objectives suggested in the near future, then the current external environment should be examined as different situations may have arisen.