Business logistics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Business logistics - Essay Example Zara’s contribution to the European fashion market sales account for a staggering two-thirds of Inditex’ total 9002 Million Euro, of which net profit was 1002 Million Euro.   1.1 THE EXISTING PROCESS AND LOGISTICS OF ZARA A team of designers in Zara is charged with the responsibility of spotting emerging trends in response to consumer demands. Valuable feedback from consumers is received from Store Managers also. The information collected by them on design, outlook and demand is transmitted through a wireless network. These inputs are used by the design Management team to develop the latest products for Zara,  (Sull, and  Turconi, 2008). ... The whole process of design and cutting takes about 10 days. After the prototypes are produced, they undergo a decision process wherein the management decides which of them will go into commercial production. This decision is made on the basis of a special algorithm and the conditions and demands in the market. Generally only about 40% of the prototypes become commercial products for customers. They are then returned to the manufacturing centers to enter the production chain, checked for quality control, and packaging,  (Sullivan, 2005). The ready material is moved to the automated distribution centre in  Arteixo, which is the main Distribution Centre with no storage facility. Logistics models assist the management in assessing the number of batches that should be delivered to the stores twice a week through shipments, which makes sure that the stores are not overloaded and are delivered as per their demands. A fleet of trucks reach out to places with overnight distances and char tered cargo flights are used for larger distances. The company squeezed its shipping models and decided to go with air cargo, so that flights can organize outbound consignment of all company products with return journey loaded with raw materials and half-finished products, (Burt, Dawson, and  Larke, 2003). Fig1: Complete Operations chain of Zara Fashions    Fig2: Outline of operations at Zara SECTION 2   This section presents the  advantages  /  disadvantages, SWOT, PEST analysis of Zara and evaluation of current operations and logistics at Zara.   2.1 Strategic Advantages Being different from traditional retails, its does not outsources its  operations  or products

Middle-Range Theory of Chronic Sorrow Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Middle-Range Theory of Chronic Sorrow - Essay Example This is the theory in a nutshell and the article expands and repeats it throughout, using certain keywords: Antecedents, Loss Situations, Disparity, Trigger Events, Affected Individuals, Family Caregivers, Bereaved Individuals, Management Methods, (Internal and External). Most of what is written is easily understood and contains a great deal of common sense. The repetitive nature and volume of information may actually only serve to confuse that understanding. Taking each keyword and explaining it simply makes the article more accessible and easily absorbed. Antecedents: These are basically the events leading up to chronic sorrow developing. They have similarities with loss situations, disparity and triggers, all seem to be intertwined resulting once again in confusing repetitions. A good explanation of these by Lindgren et al ., (1993) and Teel, (1991) is as follows: Loss Situations: Only three are emphasized, these being, ongoing or chronic loss, (described as 'ongoing') such as chronic illness or having a physically or mentally disabled child; loss suffered by caregivers as they watch loved ones suffer and deteriorate, and also their own loss of a normal life; finally, loss through bereavement, (described as 'circumscribed), death of a a loved one and the change of roles the sufferer may encounter as a result of this loss. Disparity: The Disparity: The person's current reality is different from what they would like it to be. A gap between the 'actual' and the 'desired' state exists, and as the loss may be experienced periodically, so too is the grief. The gap cannot close and so the grief keeps returning. Trigger Events: Closely linked to disparity, these are situations that bring the realization of the loss into focus and depend on whether the loss is chronic for an individual, or as a caregiver, or due to bereavement. A chronic illness which causes deterioration may bring on the sorrow for that person. Parents seeing a disabled child failing to reach 'normal' milestones will suffer, as will a bereaved person on the anniversary, birthday etc. of the lost loved one. Affected Individuals: As has already been stated, these are sufferers of chronic loss conditions, caregivers and bereaved individuals. The article is repeating the model, key factors and concepts, when it has already identified the people and conditions which bring about chronic sorrow. Management Methods - Effective Internal and External: Once again, the common sense of these is almost lost by the huge amount of words used in the article. However, the information on coping 3. mechanisms is well presented, giving the reader easy access to vital tools for identifying ways to help and support, as well as understanding of the condition and the needs of individual sufferers. Internal Management Methods: These include a