Management Information System †Nokia Essay

1.1 History of Nokia Nokia started as a wood-pulp mill in southern Finland and started to manufacture paper in 1865 by engineer Fredick Idestam. Since the demand for paper and cardboard was high and there was European industrialization, Nokia become successful. In 1895, Nokia is passed to Gustaf Fogelholm. In 1920s, the Rubber Works started to use Nokia as their brand name. Nokia produced footwear, tyres, rubber bands, industrial as well as raincoats. After World War II, the Finnish Cable Works, which was a company that had increased its market share massively as there was increasing demand for power transmission, telegraph and telephone networks. Over a period of time, the ownership of the Rubber Works and the Cable Works companies consolidated. In 1967 the companies were merged to form the Nokia Group (link to Nokia company logos). The products of the Finished Cable Works were cables for telegraph and telephone networks. In 1960’s, research was conducted into semiconductor technology by Nokia ´s Cable Work’s Electronics department which was established in the 1960. This marked the beginning of Nokia into telecommunications. In 1967, the digital switch (Nokia DX 200) which was developed by Nokia. Nokia DX 200 was equipped with high-level computer language and Intel microprocessors which had gradually evolved into the multifaceted platform that is still the basis for Nokia’s network infrastructure today. In 1981, Nordic Mobile Telephony (NMT) was formed by Nokia. It is the world’s first multinational cellular network. At the end of the 1980s, Nokia developed a a common standard for digital mobile telephony which was Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). In 1991 Nokia made agreements to supply GSM networks to nine European countries and by August 1997 Nokia had supplied GSM systems to 59 operators in 31 countries. During the 1980s, Nokia’s operations rapidly expanded to new business sectors and products. Nokia was a large television manufacturer and the largest  information technology company in the Nordic Countries in 1988. Nokia’s telecommunications and mobile phones divisions supported Nokia during the deep recession in Finland at the beginning of the 1990s. In May 1992 Nokia changed its business strategies to fully focus on telecommunications. The company’s 2100 series phone was an amazing success. In 1994, the goal was to sell 500,000 units of phone but Nokia sold 20 million. In 1999, Nokia launches the Nokia 7110. It was a phone that had rudimentary web-based functions, including email. Then in November 2001 Nokia launches its first phone with a built-in camera, the Nokia 7650, and in September 2002 its first video capture phone, the Nokia 3650. In 2005, Nokia sells its billionth phone – a Nokia 1100 – in Nigeria, and global mobile phone subscriptions pass 2 billion. Two years later, Nokia is recognised as the 5th most valued brand in the world. By 2010, smartphone market is growing and competitors such as the iPhone and Android-based devices are affecting the sales of Nokia. However, Nokia realises it and is on its way to beat its competitors. 1.2 Mission and Strategy Nokia’s mission is simple: Connecting People. Nokia aims to build great mobile products that enable billions of people worldwide to enjoy more of what life has to offer. Nokia’s mission statement is powerful. Connecting people from all over the world is what Nokia planned to achieve. The mission statement of Nokia can be seen in its logo. Its mission statement is so powerful when people think of Nokia, they will immediately think of its mission statement. In order to achieve Nokia’s mission, Nokia has formed a strategic partnership with Microsoft in the hope to conquer smartphone market. Nokia-Microsoft ecosystem will deliver differentiated and innovative products with unrivalled scale in terms of product breadth, geographical reach and brand identity. On the other hand, Nokia’s strategy is to is to leverage its innovation and strength in growth markets to connect even more people to their first internet and application experience Nokia will continue the renewal of its Series 40 platform in QWERTY, touch  & type, dual SIM, Nokia services, including Maps, Browser, Life Tools, Web apps and  Nokia also develops its assets (platform, software, apps) from time to time to bring a modern mobile experience to consumers and enable business opportunities for developers. 1.3 Business Process Every company has its own business process in order to carry out its business activities such as planning, managing, production as well as sales in order to achieve the company’s goals. The same goes to Nokia Company. People are important to any organization as they are the asset of all the company while customers are equally vital as without them, the company will not be able to sustain the business. In Nokia, the management of people or employees is stressed. Nokia uses Human Resource Management System to manage its company personnel. On the other hand, to manage a good relationship with the customers, Customers Relationship Management (CRM) which is under Knowledge Management System is used. As in planning for Nokia’s future plans, Decision Support System (DSS) which is under Knowledge Management System is used to help managers to make decisions. The managers or leader of Nokia need to make tremendous decisions daily in operating Nokia’s business. In order to make Nokia’s business more productive, Supply Chain Management System is used to interlinked Nokia’s supplier, manufacturers, sales and logistics providers as well as customers. In conclusion, the business process of Nokia is carried out with the help of information technology and information system. 1.4 Leadership Team Stephen Elop is the President and CEO of Nokia Corporation. He is Nokia Board member since May 3, 2011 and Nokia Leadership Team member and Chairman since 2010. He joined Nokia as President and Chief Executive Officer as of September 21, 2010. He is assisted by Nokia’s Executive Vice Presidents. 2.1 Knowledge Management (KM) Information System 2.1.1 Introduction Knowledge Management is the discipline about learning, managing, and using the knowledge in terms of people, organization, technologies, technique, and other knowledge-based things. As the environment of cell phone industry has become more challenging where Nokia has to face a series of competitor such  as Apple. Inc, Sony Ericsson and Samsung Company, adapt into the new business world, survive in the market and make profit. In order to achieve these objectives and improve business performance in this knowledge era, elements such as critical thinking, creative and innovation, technology usage, ability and knowledge of employees are extremely important. Therefore, knowledge management information system is used by Nokia in order to keep up the pace of competitors and to improve the value and performance of the organization. Basically, there are three approaches to knowledge management which are system-theoretical, humanistic approach as well as sociotechnical approach. i) System theoretical approach System theoretical approach is the study of managing the information that can be applied. ii) Humanistic approach Humanistic approach is the study of how to manage the people or employee as well as emphasizing on leadership of every level of management. ii) Sociotechnical approach Sociotechnical approach is the study of the system that combines the advantages that can be achieved from both of the previous approaches. Knowledge management system that have been applied by Nokia is not necessary to be a computer system but it can be the process of various knowledge management activity such as organizing and utilizing the information, as well as other business action like strategic planning, solving problem and decision making. Input, Process, and Output Basically, there are three main elements in this information system which represents the input, process and output of the system respectively. These elements are people (input), process (process), and system (output). 2.1.1 Input (People) The system will enable Nokia company to form a long term program team which will last for one and a half years to unite the members and make sure everyone is on the right path towards the goal. Members are required to over communicate at every levels and the culture of knowledge sharing and collaboration must exist within the group. 2.1.2 Process (Process) In the process, a product taxonomy will be created to define the management process and the content acquisition for every source. In order to ensure all employees are able to access to validate the system, clear use cases are created. During the process, key metrics such as customer satisfaction, knowledge management cycle time, and other business aspect are defined. The process of information sharing also occurs within the group. The process also will identify the modification of Nokia business process. 2.1.3 Output (System) The output of the system is the better performance of business and higher ability of Nokia’s employees which represented by the knowledge management system. There is a mirror test system which enables the employee to access for testing as well as the demo of new information. This knowledge management system emphasize on the stability and efficiency of the employee that lead to higher business performance of Nokia. Diagram 2.1.1: Input, Process and Output of Knowledge Management System 2.2 Supply Chain Management System (SCM) 2.2.1 Introduction In order to ensure the entire product delivering process is undergoing correctly in term of date, destination, and quantity, Supply Chain Management (SCM) System is used by Nokia. One of the examples is Nokia-China has established an important department called Supply Logistics. Aspects such as production, material planning, resources allocating, inventories management, shipping and other supply chain activities are related to this department. The modern logistics is being described in term of the process of planning, organizing and controlling the flow and storage of products and services and these definitions are prompt to ensure customer satisfaction. The logistics activities can be divided into three parts which are supply logistics, business logistics and also sales logistics. The supply chain management system is an operational management technology that helps to manage Nokia’s activities involved from producing a product from raw  materials until the delivering of the product or service to the customers. The supply chain management is the expansion version of the integrated management of logistics with the goals to connect supplier’s partner, production and customers. 2.2.2 Input In this phase, customer order and the planning of manufacturing element are the main element for the system. The Nokia supply chain management system will receive the customer’s orders and start the planning of the manufacturing element such as resource preparation and distribution for production. The information about the delivering destination, type of product and quantity also will be identified during input processes. 2.2.3 Process During this stage, the supply chain management will complete the production proposal based on the information retrieved from the input stage. The system will allocate the production work to the available factories and distribute the amount of production based on the factor such as amount of worker and geographical reason. At the same time, the system will now start planning on the shipment schedule for the product as well as preparing the export quarantine QA form. The system will have to arrange the transportation route such as truck on land, cargo ship on sea or the flight on air, based on the location of final destination of products delivered. Once the products are finished, the production department staff will be required to attach a job ticket on the product in term of variance or not variance. Besides that, the system also needs to confirm the payment in order to release the shipment of the product as well as ensure the products are in good condition. 2.2.4 Output After the finished products are prepared to be delivered, the system will make the auto billing and perform the customs declaration. The goods will now be delivered to the final destination of the order via the decided route based on the efficiency of the route. 2.3 Human Resource Management System (HRMS) 2.3.1 Introduction HRMS is the structure and system which is progressing at the joint between human resource management (HRM) and information technology (IT). It combines HRM as a discipline and in precise its basic HR activities and processes with the information technology field, whereas the programming of data processing systems evolved into standardized procedures and packages of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. In Nokia, HRIS helps it to automate and manage their company’s activities, including human resource, payroll, and management, accounting activities. Throughout the process, HRIS able to allow strategic analysis of key business trends for better planning and informed decision-making. HRM is in charge of appealing, choosing, training, assessment, and rewarding of Nokia’s employees, also to manage an organization’s workforce. HRM also involve in overseeing organizational direction and philosophy, and guaranteeing obedience with employment and labour laws. HRM can be classifies into five main activities, which are Employee Record Management, Promotion and Recruitment, Training, Evaluation, Compensation and Benefits Management. 1. Employee Record Management(ERM) is an electronic and digitized system which allows Nokia members to modernise key administration tasks in easier way without looking back at filing cabinets, spread sheets or other complex processes, for example, using Microsoft Access to keep all personal info in soft copies. ERM keep and organize all personnel records of all organizational members by Human Resource department to satisfy laws requirements, for tax calculation and deposit and periodic reporting. 2. Promotion and recruitment of present and new Nokia’s employees both can be nominated by automating the process through searching database of applicants and present employees with precise requirements. Announcement of position vacancy through intranet, that works and supports Web application within organizational network able to reduce time and spending for open recruitment by allowing wide exposure. 3. Training of Nokia’s employees to increase and improve employees’ knowledge and skills is one of the important functions of Human Resource. Multimedia software training which include 3D  virtual reality simulated environment using information technology cuts training costs intensely, at the same time, reduces the risks and time taken in actual and traditional way of training. 4. Evaluating performances of Nokia’s employees periodically by supervisors, then up flow to Human Resource department is important to review individual working ability and to analyse future possibilities and planning. Employee’s practical capability, communication skills, professional behaviour and general performance are included using evaluation software to standardize the evaluation process and future comparison. 5. Compensation and benefits management that involves in Human Resource management which includes salary, wages, commissions and bonuses earned by individual and other benefits such as health and life insurance, and leave days, meanwhile, programs use by HRM could calculate pay and taxes automatically. All these are essential to encourage and compensate Nokia’s employees so they would improve and perform better in future, soon generate greater achievements for Nokia. 2.3.2 Inputs The input function of HRMS offers the capabilities needed to get the human resource information into HRMS. Some of the main things that must be established are the procedures and processes required to gather the essential data. In other words, they are the how, when and where the data will be collected. After collection, data must be entered into the system after classification. Once the data has been inserted, it must be authenticated to guarantee that it is correct. Validation tables may be used to determine if the data is acceptable. The system should have the ability of effortlessly updating and changing the validation table. For example, while open recruiting for new employees, personnel information and resumes are well kept and computerized in accordance to their experiences and performances. 2.3.3 Process The process or data maintenance in HRMS function is responsible for the actual updating of the data stores in the storage devices. As changes arise in human resource information, these should be attached into the system. As new data is brought into the system, it is often necessary to maintain the old data as future reference. For example, evaluation of employees’ performance by supervisors are noted and gathered with constructive upcoming steps and suggestions, current salaries fixed and planned increment of salaries in certain periods, and keep updating the latest information about employees include personal details. 2.3.4 Output The output function of an HRMS is the most acquainted one because the majority of HRMS users are not involved with collecting, editing/validating and updating data, but they are concerned with the information and reports produced by the system. Most human resource reports contain of selecting sections of the total population for further assessment, performing some type of calculations, using the population and providing a report containing specific information concerning the particular population and the calculation of results. The demands on the output function are the major factors that affect the specific type of software to be used. For example, departments of company are assessable into database of company with exact and current information enables to ease the process of planning and implementing new ideas and projects, information of talented and capable employees are displayed when there are vacancy for certain positions. Diagram 2.3.4 Input, Process and Output of Human Resource Management System 3.4 Information Requirements 3.4.1 Knowledge Management System There are three levels of management which are strategic level, middle level, and operational level that need to acquire different information and make different decision based on the levels of management respectively. Examples of the scope of technologies for knowledge management are business intelligence, document management, intelligent agents, knowledge resource directories, groupware and collaboration technologies, and other related technologies. The below is the information requirement for the three levels of managements: Strategic level Strategic level of management makes long term planning and decision for the company and a great deal of uncertainty is involved during the process. The  knowledge management information system provides the strategic level management with analytical information such as data mining and data warehousing, and application of other information system such as decision making system, business intelligence, and other related information system. The knowledge management systems improves the usage of these information systems by the members of the organization and retrieve data to make strategic planning and gain competitive advantage. There are some technologies are enabled as well to contribute to the strategic planning decision making process such as intelligent agents, data analysis, and reporting tools. Middle level (Tactical Planning) The middle level management that makes tactical planning can retrieve information such as asset management from knowledge management information system. Information or skills such as intellectual property, knowledge valuation, knowledge repositories document management, and content management can be acquired from the knowledge management system. As an example, the document and content management as well as the knowledge valuation allow middle level management makes better and more precise planning such as working capital, budgets formulating, production scheduling. Tools that can help in this management level are document management tools, knowledge maps and library systems. Operational level The knowledge management system plays an important role in this level of management because the system provide information that help to increase Nokia’s operational worker’s ability as well as introducing new way to smoothen the business operation process and improve efficiency. Types of information that can be retrieved from this system are transactional (case-based reasoning, help desk application, service agent support applications), process (Process improvement, lessons learned, methodology, quality management), and developmental (skills development, staff competencies, learning and teaching). The technologies available are process management tools, rule-based expert system and computer based training. 3.4.2 Supply Chain Management In Nokia-China , the supply chain management system can help out the performance of the company as the system has the following function: i.) Improve the efficiency and the exchange of information between organization by simplifying the management. ii.) Provide the goods and services to the customers within a shorter period of time. iii.) Fully utilize the available resources. Strategic level The information that can be acquired by this strategic level manager are strategic alliance formulation, focused customer service analysis, development and refinement of ability and chances where all these information are help in strategic planning. This allows manager makes strategic planning and decision to achieve higher business performance in long term. Tactical level There are two type of information that can be acquired from the supply chain management system: i) Decision analysis The decision analysis information helps Nokia’s managers to do their planning and scheduling with information like route of transportation, inventory management, network location configuration and also vertical integration with the third party. ii) Management Control The management control provides the measurement information such as financial, assets, productivity and quality that enable the manager of Nokia to do effective budgeting and controlling the product quality. Operational level Under operational level management, the information that is required are mostly related to the transaction-based information such as order entry, shipping details, pricing and invoicing, order verification and customer inquiry. These information allow Nokia’s operational manager to make a better performance in especially the production lines as well as increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the production work. 3.4.3 Human Resource Information System (HRMS) Strategic level At strategic management level of Nokia Company, HRMS is used mainly for formulation of long term plans to make decisions by company’s decisions makers, such as Chief Executive Officers and other active stockholders. Information requirement in this level will be external, very wide and aggregate in nature. HRMS is used to improve the organization’s consciousness of its surroundings situation and its competitive position in terms of attraction and maintenance of talented individuals that could contribute in its competition of certain industry. HRMS is important in strategic management level for the top users to access into information, for example the effectiveness, profitability and cost of different departments members, the availability and cost of raising new internal talent pool, total cash need and capital equipment needs to upgrade existing employees and to make decisions whether to increase or reduce costs of human resource in overall. The enterprise widespread decision support system (DSS) is a HRMS that supports decision at the top management. Here, the HRMS is more interactive and is capable of developing decision models on many tactical issues. Tactical level At the middle or tactical level, normally derives from informal sources and is collected, evaluated, investigated and measured by the manager personally. HRMS is uses to evaluate and report on the organizations activities such as, over shooting of expenses on overtime payment for employees, estimation of funds by competitors to train and improve their employees, new legislation and labour laws, industrial relation HRM trends, and so on. Statistical analyses, predicting, investments, appraisal models by HRM are important for future planning of a company, such as forecasting the amount of human resource needed while opening a new franchise company within or outside country, how much to invest to generate better production of products and services, and other future planning that relates to other departments. The importance in this level is shifting from EDP level to management information systems (MIS) level with more inquiry and report generation flexibility. This is intended for middle level managers to control operation, matching budget or projection. Operational level In operational level, Nokia is interested in mechanizing processing of routine information, where the information required is largely internal, well defined, narrow and detailed. HRIS focuses is on data storage, processing and information flows at operational level of organization. Information required in this level is linking to routine or short term information needs of the organization for example, working hours of part time employees, rate of pay per hour, detail of employees deductions and additions, attendance records of the employees, or daily working syllabus and requirements by supervisors or HRM, with the purpose of wages examines details of the time each man spent on individual work during the week or month. Due to its capabilities to provide information for processing transaction of the organization, the information system is known as Transaction Processing System or Data Processing System. Some examples of information provided by such systems to other departments such as Finance and Production Departments are processing of orders, posting of entries in bank, evaluating overdue purchaser orders etc. In HRMS it is called Electronic Data Processing (EDP) which enables data and files storage. HRMS is mainly accessible by all the operational level operators, but only showing the basic information of each and every of the employees. Management Activity Level| Human Resource Management Strategic| Strategies for recruitment, salary, training, and benefits. Analysis of shift pattern of employment, education and wage rate etc.| Tactical| Variance analysis in hiring and firing, cost of recruitment, composition of skills inventory, cost of training, salary paid, and distribution of wage rates.| Operational| Decision on hiring, training, termination, changing pay rates and issuing benefits.| Table 3.4.3Matrixes of Management Activity Level and Human Resource Management (R. Panneerselvam) Chapter 4: Importance of Each Information System 4.1 Importance of Knowledge Management System As the business world is getting more competitive since the advantage of technologies and changing of customer preference and buying trends, company  like Nokia need to improve the overall ability of the organization in order to maintain the market status. Effective knowledge management can lead to a greater revolution in business such as bringing innovative elements into business in order to create new innovative product or services. As the knowledge management system can help to improve the ability and knowledge of the workers or managers, therefore, the overall performance of everyone in Nokia can be improved. Eventually, Nokia is able to gain competitive advantage by employing higher knowledge-based worker and achieve greater business performance in the market. 4.2 Importance of Supply Chain Management System One of the key factors that enable the company to gain competitive advantage in the market and improve business performance is to have an effective and efficient SCM system to work on daily operations. The SCM system plays an important role in Nokia since it is related to other business activities such as marketing, customer relationship management and product sales. By having a good supply chain management system within the company, Nokia is able to achieve competitive advantage such as low-cost production and value-added service. Diagram 4.2.1: Importance of Supply Chain Management System 4.3 Importance of Information System towards Organization An operative HRIS delivers information on just anything Nokia needs to track and study about employees, former employees, and future employees. With an appropriate HRIS, Nokia’s Human Resources staffs enable employees to do their own benefits updates and address changes, thus freeing HR staff for more strategic functions. Additionally, data necessary for Nokia’s employee management, knowledge development, career growth and development, equal treatment is facilitated. Finally, Nokia’s managers can access the information they need to legally, ethically, and effectively support the success of their reporting employees. The Human Resources Information System provides details on administration, payroll, recruitment, and training. This system is expected to deliver valuable results to their human resources division and their organization as a whole. It is a critical tool that aids  management in making strategic decisions. An HRIS can attest to be useful in the following ways: * Management of all Nokia’s employee information. * Reporting and analysis of Nokia’s employee information. * Company-related documents such as Nokia’s employee handbooks and safety guidelines. * Benefits administration comprising enrolment, status changes, and personal information updating. * Complete incorporation with payroll and other Nokia monetary software and accounting systems. * Candidate tracking and resume management. 5.0 Impact of Usage of Information System 5.1 Advantage of Knowledge Management Information System First of all, the knowledge management system enables the business analysis to collect more precise report in a shorter period of time by retrieving only the important and relevant information from the documents. The knowledge management system provide more significant advantage to Nokia that business is conducted globally where the system allow the manager from different location to communicate by using the accurate and relevant information that facilitated by the knowledge management system. Besides that, the systems also offer intelligent search which only search for the relevant information that helps the managers in their decision making g process. Furthermore, knowledge management system also helps to improve Nokia’s customer services as the system can adapt the customer feedback and provide a better solution or services to the problem faced. 5.2 Disadvantage of Knowledge Management Information System One of the disadvantages of using the knowledge management system is the inability of the system to consistently deliver the expected performance in term of information retrieving. Other than that, integrating information  technology to knowledge management requires acceptance from all aspects of an organization. 5.3 Advantage of Supply Chain Management System Supply Chain Management System allows Nokia to provide faster responses to customer needs as the advancing information technology able to shorten the time of good product delivering. The system also changes the focus of the operation from forecasting into customer demand which maintain providing efficient service at the same time. The system also using small variation of management in order to be fault-tolerance in case the unexpected accident or any damage to the system occurs. The examples of the events are the delay of receipt issue, damage of material or product and incorrect deliver destination. Other than that, the system also maintains the low inventory level with the aim to decrease the burden of stock and material as well as improved the turnover rate to ensure the fully utilization of the stock. In term of saving cost in transportation, the system has made an innovative change which gathers the shipment of small quantities with great quantities of integrated transport where this change will decrease the cost of transportation. As the system has strengthen the requirements of quality of the product and the improvement on quality control, production process are controlled well to make sure no damage is occurred and the quality of the product is maintain before delivered to customers. There will be reduction happens in the inventory that attributed to the use of supply chain information system. The company can actually use the saved money from the reduction to spend it in other resources. 5.4 Disadvantage of Supply Chain Management System Even though the usage of the supply chain management is able to bring out a lot of advantages to Nokia, yet there are still some barriers or disadvantages. In order to create a great-performance and high-security supply chain management system, a large amount of investment of time and money is required to be made into aspect such as machinery, customer needs, shipping planning and supplier selection. 5.5 Advantage of Human Resource Management System Human resource management system is a system that human resource department used to manage the process of recruitment and keep all the date and records of all the employees under Nokia company. There are a lot of benefits can be obtain from this system. A case in point, all the data and records are gathered together in one system for external as well as internal use. By this way, it allows the management team to easily access to the details of each and every single employee in their company. Besides that, this system also makes use of the advance of technology with the big storage of data that can store thousands or millions of employee’s data and records. Furthermore, the information in the human resources management system are more accurate compare to the manually records data. There will be no changes or errors made after all the details are key in. Besides that, the data can only be access by the members allowed with high privacy and password. As such, this system can protect the privacy of the information of their company. In addition, not only the managers, the employees can also get all the human resources information in a high speed and not need to personally go to the human resources department to ask for the information needed. 5.6 Disadvantage of Human Resource Management System On the other hand, there are also some disadvantages of this system. Although everything can be computerize, but human error might occurs during the process of input. There might be some typing errors or wrong information that key in into the wrong profile. Therefore, the person in charge has to beware of these mistakes to be happened. Next, the technology of this system has to be upgraded as there might be not enough application to support the system of the current human resources needs. This upgrading of the technology might cause to the increment of expenses happen as the system upgrades are very costly. Last but not least, the demands of the expertise in the information technology are high and these expertises are getting lesser and lesser. It is being more difficult to find a qualified person in this field. Chapter 6 Conclusion In a nutshell, information technology (IT) is important to all organization in order to attain competitive advantages and success in the competitive  world. Nokia understands the importance of utilizing IT and hence Nokia involves the use of IT in the company. Information system helps Nokia to make decisions in strategic, tactical and operational levels of Nokia. We get to understand why information system is so important nowadays and why is it there is a growing trend of people or organization using IT. In Nokia, Knowledge Management (KM) System helps it to learn, manage and use the knowledge of people, organization, technologies, technique as well as other knowledge-based stuffs. On the other hand, Supply Chain Management (SCM) System helps Nokia to manage the activities from procurement of products to handling Nokia’s products to the customers. Resource Management (HRM) System helps Nokia to manage its personnel in a better way. From this assignment, we understand that information technology (IT) helps Nokia in surviving in the competitive cell phone industry. IT helps a company to remain competitive in the growing competitive market. Now we understand why Nokia can remain competitive in the market as Nokia utilize massively information technology References 1. Dresser & Associates, Inc (2012) What is a Human Resources Information System (HRIS)?. (online) (cited 11 Mar 2012) Available from: http://www.dresserassociates.com/what-is-hris.php 2. eNotes (2012) Human Resource Information Systems. (online) (cited 11 Mar 2012) Available from: http://www.enotes.com/human-resource-information-systems-reference/human-resource-information-systems 3. Itinfo.am (2012) Human Resource Management. (online) (cited 17 Mar 2012) Available from: http://www.itinfo.am/eng/human-resource-management/ 4. Itinfo.am (2012) Human Resource Management. (online)(cited 19 Mar 2012) Available from: http://www.itinfo.am/eng/human-resource-management/ 5. Jouni Meriluoto, 2003. Knowledge management and information systems : finding a sociotechnical golden mean (online)(cited 20 Mar2012)Available from : http://www.knowledgeboard.com/download/629/KM_IS.pdf 6. Techriz.com (2009) techriz.com-Week-1-Systems Analysis and Design – Complete Tutorial for Software Engineering. (online) (cited 13 Mar 2012)Available from: http://www.techriz.com/SA-Week-1.html 7. Nokia (2012) The Nokia Story. (online) (cited 14 Mar 2012) Available from: http://www.about-nokia.com/history/ 8. Nokia (2012) Nokia Leadership Team. (online)(cited 15 Mar 2012) Available from: http://www.nokia.com/my-en/about-nokia/company/governance/leadership/nokia-leadership-team/ 9. Jouni Meriluoto, 2003. Knowledge management and information systems : finding a sociotechnical golden mean (online)Nokia Research Center (cited 17 Mar 2012)Available from : http://www.knowledgeboard.com/download/629/KM_IS.pdf 10. R. Panneerselvam. (2005) Production and Operations Management, 2nd Ed.,New Delhi: Pertice-Hall, p.3. 11. Techriz.com (2009) techriz.com-Week-1-Systems Analysis and Design – Complete Tutorial for Software Engineering. (online)(cited 20 Mar 2012) Available from: http://www.techriz.com/SA-Week-1.html

Campari Case

CAMPARI CASE STUDY Andrea Dimichele 4105507 QUESTIONS: * What are the functional areas in the supply chain function and which is the guiding element of the whole function? * What may be the advantages and the disadvantages of a stable production cycle producing batches of large dimensions? * How do Campari's distribution flows work and which logics do they satisfy? * What is the role of customer service and what do the people involved in this function do? * How does the online auction system work? The functional areas in the supply chain of Campari are: Procurement of materials Production: sites where the products are made and ready to the first delivery, to the distribution center there are 13 all over the world. Logistics and transports: that is probably the guiding element of the whole supply chain. A huge products portfolio let Campari’s group to focus the attention on the distribution process. It is split in two different channels, the modern one (GDO, DO) and the traditi onal one (wholesalers, liquor stores and ho. e. ca day and night). Certain areas let Campari to distribute its products directly to customers such as disco for spirit segment or directly to restaurants for Wine segment (i. e. Sella ; Mosca). Distribution strategy so is fundamental to GARANTIRE a constant and efficient position and to be close to customers. For this reason Campari group in Italy decide to outsource this process of supply chain. In fact the central distribution center is owned by ‘’Gruppo Zanardo’’. As DonatellaRampinelli, Customer management director, highlight ‘’ the choice to outsource the distribution process in founded on logics of efficiency and EFFICACIA. Until 1991 distribution process was owned by Campari but this generate very high cost for the company so starting from 1995 they decide to outsource the process (also more focused in GDO channel) and this permit also to maximizing the effect on warehouse management ( sto cking, order management, inventory). Export Management: that involve foreign order, management of commercial border and custom paperwork and physical delivery management.Administrative: that involve administrative and physical paperwork related to import/export, management of warehouses, or the introduction of new products (custom codes and quantification of taxes). Customer management * The advantages of having a stable production cycle producing batches of large dimensions is that it could facilitate planning of production, warehouses, distribution, and order. Standardization of the process. Another could be cost saving in terms of production process, using economies of scale or the fully disponibilita of products in order to maintain customer loyalty.On the other hand disadvantages are related to higher stock and warehouse costs (also due to taxes) †¦.. * The distribution process start from the order of the customer, it could be inserted directly from headquarters (fax-mail) or arrive from the SAP CIS through EDI (electronic data interchange) or via CRM (customer relationship management) through the sales force. The process of distribution end with the shipment that could be shipped from production plants directly to customer or passing through distribution centers.The process of shipment as already said is outsourced in order to reduce transportation costs, in order to obtain better quality and have on time information on the status of deliveries. Obtaining information in real time about the status of the shipment is fundamental in order to be able to inform the customer in real time and also in order to a better planning of next shipment, warehouses and problem solving (returns, substitutions, delays, urgencies, and so on). * Customer service†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ How does the online auction system work? *

Credit Card Fraud Essay - 3025 Words

Credit Card Fraud: Overview, Analysis, and Recommendations Credit card fraud is a significant problem in the U.S. with losses exceeding $5.718 billion annually (Sullivan, 2010). Perpetrators are continually developing new methods to circumvent established and evolving fraud prevention controls. With economic expansion continuing its advance into the digital era and electronic forms of payments increasingly common, the problem of credit card fraud is likely to increase. Internet-based credit card fraud is nearly 15 times higher than in-person transactions (Bhatla, Prabhu Dua, 2003). Advances in investigative methods, legislation authority, and technology innovations are required to combat this broadening problem. Credit card†¦show more content†¦Within 2 years, the popularity of the Diners Club Card expanded to over 20,000 cardholders and created the opportunity for the emergence of American Express. The Diners Club Card and American Express operated on a closed loop system, meaning the c ard issuer handled all aspects of the transaction. The modern credit card most commonly associated with today’s revolving balances was created in 1966 by MasterCard and Visa (Woolsey Gerson, 2014). Unlike Diners Club and American Express, MasterCard and Visa are not independent merchants, but rather they are payment networks that create an electronic system that links banking associations with consumers by utilizing an open-loop system. Banks grant the credit, credit card companies process the credit, and consumers use the credit. This created an efficient, cost-effective system and grew in popularity exponentially. Soon after, other card issuers such as Discover and various other department cards joined the credit card momentum (Woolsey Gerson, 2014). Despite the efficiency of the credit processing system, it created a unique environment for various kinds of frauds to prosper. Credit card fraud can change through the technology and methods employed. To combat credit card fraud, it is first important to understand the various types of methods used and the modus operandi of fraudsters. The main fraud schemes are account takeovers,Show MoreRelatedCredit Card Fraud1910 Words   |  8 PagesRunning Head: Credit Card Fraud Impact of Credit Card Fraud Outline Card Credit Fraud Thesis Statement: Credit card fraud is an inclusive term for larceny and deception committed using a credit card or any similar payment mechanism as a fraudulent source of funds in a transaction. The purpose may be to attain goods without paying, or to achieve illegal resources from an account. Credit card fraud is also an appendage to identity theft. According to the Federal Trade Commission, while identityRead MoreCredit Card Fraud Essay2919 Words   |  12 Pagesform of credit card, brought in convenience and made life simpler for us, but along with it came the Pandora’s Box. 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Regulation of Violent Video Games - 2128 Words

Issue: Video games are the primary source of entertainment for children nowadays. Be it in form of Wii Games, Nintendo or Xbox; children nowadays seems to be practically smitten with video games. It was also shown as evidence in some cases that the influence of such games is so huge that few children start speaking and acting like characters in the video games. Many video games, dating back to 1976’s Death Race, contain some or other aspect of violence, such as killing the bad person, driving dangerous vehicle etc. With advancement in graphic technology including software, modern computers and other game related technology, the way in which such violence and other extreme sports are being depicted has become more vivid and realistic. Further, as more and more children are getting exposed violent games, there is a growing awareness among both parents and the government for regulation of such games. Also, apart from the fact that people were, in general, becoming more aware and consci ous, numerous studies were also being done to find connection between violent video games and the rate at which violence and crime is growing. Some of these studies showed existence of a positive correlation. Incidents such as the massacre at Columbine High School in 1999 heightened concerns of a potential connection between video games and violent actions. Many independent social workers including politicians were continuously trying to evoke public response towards sale of such violent videoShow MoreRelatedVideo Games Should Be Legal1585 Words   |  7 PagesViolent video games have been a source of controversy since 1976. Though there are many issues surrounding these games, there is one that is quite fickle: whether or not the descriptions for violent video games should be more thorough and if parents or adults should be able to purchase violent video games for minors. 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The Vs. Formula For Infants Essay - 1090 Words

Boobies Vs Formula When a woman delivers a baby, she has many questions to think about, like what shots to give them, where the baby should sleep, and what type of diapers they should use. One of the hardest decisions a new mother has to make is whether or not to breastfeed their baby. For years, mothers have been debating what would be more beneficial for the baby, breastfeeding or formula. â€Å"Several health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Medical Association (AMA), and more support the position that breast milk is the best and most complete form of nutrition for infants† (Tish 2013). It seems now with our endlessly growing schedules, many mothers find it hard to take the time to sit down and breastfeed or pump every time the baby is hungry, making formula feeding more popular because of the little time it takes to prepare a bottle. Many mothers and doctors believe breastfeeding is more beneficial to the baby and mother in th e long run of life. Compared to formula feeding, breastfeeding overall has more financial benefits, health benefits and emotional benefits for the baby and the mother. Financially having a baby can be tough on families, with the costs of doctor visits, diapers, and baby clothes. The highest cost for new parents is formula, averaging at twenty dollars a can or more, which only lasts about a day or two. â€Å"Based on studies showing advantages for breastfeeding mothers and infants, pediatriciansShow MoreRelatedStudy Analysis : Breast Feeding Vs. 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Food of Mexico Essay Example For Students

Food of Mexico Essay Food is probably the most important element of Mexican culture. Much of the daily routine and tradition in Mexico revolves around the ritual of preparing and eating food. In history, women made their way to the local markets to fill their basket with vegetables, fruits, meat, and fish. Once collecting them the women would return home to begin grinding the corn and flour to make fresh tortillas for the afternoon meal. Mexican food is rich in color and flavor. The richness of their cuisine comes from their concern for the sensory experience of eating. It is often said that cuisine is culture, and to understand the development of Mexican cuisine it is important to know about the history of Mexico. In the pre-Colombian time corn was greatly used to make tortillas, tamales, or also made into flour. The diet of corn was placed with meats, vegetables, and many flavorful spices. However the countrys cuisine changed dramatically with influences brought by the Spanish. They brought rice, olives, wines, spices from India, and beef along with many others. The traditional food was combined with the spanish influence. This was the result of the blending of the two different heritages. In the 19th century, Mexican women played a important role in the home. To be a good woman in Mexico is to have extensive knowledge and great skills in the culinary arts. A testament to them, has been a demand for their wonderful dishes around the world. Mexicans are very proud of their cuisine. It gives them a sense of unity and identity everywhere in the world.

Opera and Wozzeck free essay sample

Summary for Wozzeck by Alban Berg Title: Wozzeck Composer: Alban Maria Johannes Berg (1885-1935) Librettist: George Buchner (1813-1837) Circumstances of composition and place of the work in the composer’s output The roots of Bergs opera stretch back a century before its creation to 1824, when Johann Christian Woyzeck, soldier, barber and drifter, was publicly beheaded for murder, despite a then-novel defence of insanity stemming from the oppressive turns of his failed life. The troubling issues of the case gripped Georg Buchner, a young physician, political radical and budding playright, who died of typhoid in 1837 at age 23, leaving unfinished a gritty play envisaging the social pressures Woyzeck had faced. Four decades later, 27 scenes were found, some of only a few lines, but the faded ink, scrawled handwriting and disparities among several fragmentary manuscript drafts posed daunting challenges. In 1914, Alban Berg, an Austrian composer saw a realization in Vienna and was captivated. We will write a custom essay sample on Opera and Wozzeck or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page His own service in the Austrian military during World War I gave him a sense of Wozzeck’s life as a soldier and provides details for the opera. [1] Over the next three years, he tightened Buchners material into three acts of five scenes to be joined by orchestral interlude and took a final year for the orchestration. [2] Though Berg began to work on the opera in 1914, he was delayed by the start of World War I and it was not until he was on leave from his regiment in 1917 and 1918 that he was able to devote his attention to it. Completing Act 1 by the summer of 1919, Act 2 in August 1921, and the final act during the following two month (with orchestration finalized over the following six months), Wozzeck was completed in April 1922. [3] Wozzeck is regarded as the first opera produced in the 20th century â€Å"Avant garde† style and is also one of the most famous examples of employing atonality. Berg was following in the footsteps of his teacher. Arnold Schoenberg, by using free atonality to express emotions and even the thought processes of the characters on the stage. The expression of madness and alienation was amplified with atonal music. Berg’s bold structure and spare sound stress precision and economy. It is indeed the rawest of any opera. [4] Berg’s opera presents us with such a â€Å"Heightened and distorted† actuality rather than with a documentary realism. There is no attempt in Wozzeck, as there is in Britten’s Peter Grimes for example, to depict the title figure as a misfit in a normal society in which people are going about their everyday business and leading the recognizably ordinary lives. The picture with which Berg presents us is that of a society in which the underprivileged are at the mercy of an unfeeling, selfish and sadistic ruling class, a class that keeps the less fortunate in their place through its financial domination and its appeals to various moral ideals. [5] Date and place of first performance Erich Kleiber (1890-1956), the Berlin State Opera institutions music director, conducted the world premiere at the Berlin State Opera on 14 December 1925. Reception on first performance and brief subsequent reception history The opera’s first performance received excellent reviews from the audience. It led to a stream of productions in Germany and Austria, before the Nazis consigned it to the dustbin of decadent art after 1933. Initially, Wozzeck established a solid place for itself in the mainstream operatic tradition and quickly became so well-established in the repertoire of the major European opera houses that Berg found himself able to live a comfortable life off the royalties. He spent a good deal of his time through the 1920s and 30s travelling to attend performances and to give talks about the opera. now it is regarded as one of the most successful modern operas and by far the most popular atonal opera. [6] Vocal and instrumental forces and their deployment Vocal deployment: In Wozzeck Berge employed a style of singing and of declamation totally different from traditional style s of German opera, although foreshadowed in certain passages of the operas of Strauss and Schoenberg. Berg expounded his views on this subject in his lecture on Wozzeck of 1921: â€Å"there are, to be sure, almost no recitatives in my opera. But I believe I have liberally compensated for this omission with the so called â€Å"rhythmic declamation: introduced by Schoenberg nearly 20 years ago in the declamatory choruses of â€Å"Die Gluckliche hand â€Å" and in the â€Å"Melodrama† of his â€Å"Pierrot†, which I was the first and for a long time the only person to use on a large scale in opera† [7]. Berge employs in turn different techniques of musical declamation. They range from emotional â€Å"Sprechgesang† in the manner of Wagner and the style of popular song, to the normal speaking intonation of words spoken to synchronized music. Midway between these extremes of vocal expression are the transitional styles of â€Å"Sprechstimme† and rhythmic declamation†, used in Schoenberg and expressly mentioned in Berg’s lecture. In the treatment of the voice parts Berg paid special attention to the question of â€Å"Intonation†. This becomes particularly noticeable in the rare cantabile sections. Berg deliberately blurs the outline of melodies in folk style by the intrusion of the atmospheric orchestral background music. [8] Instrumental deployment: Berg scores for a fairly large orchestra in Wozzeck, and has three onstage ensembles in addition to the large orchestra (a marching band in Act I, Scene 3, a chamber orchestra in Act II, Scene 3, a tavern band in Act II, Scene 4 as well as an upright piano for Act III, Scene 3). The large score contains massive wood wind and brass section which suggests a work rather in line with the mammoth scores of Richard Strauss and early Schoenberg. However, the orchestral style of Wozzeck differs from that of wager and Strauss chiefly by the fact that its â€Å"fortissimo† effects are almost exclusively confined to the interludes between the scenes, while the scenes themselves are accompanied by smaller, selected groups of instruments. For example, the whole first scene, the structure of which closely corresponds with that of the old harpsichord suite is played throughout to the above accompaniment of chamber music line dimensions. The first orchestral tutti occurs in the following orchestral interlude. This relationship between scene and interlude is found throughout the whole score[9]. Berg also uses a variety of musical techniques to create unity and coherence in the opera. The first is the use of leitmotifs. Each leitmotif is used in a much more subtle manner than being directly attached to a character or object. Even so, motifs for the Captain, the Doctor and the Drum Major are very prominent. Wozzeck is associated with two motifs, one often heard as he rushes on or off stage, the other more languidly expressing his misery and helplessness in the face of the pressures he experiences. Marie is accompanied by motifs that express her sensuality, as when she accepts a pair of earrings from the Drum major. The most significant motif is first heard sung by Wozzeck himself, to the words Wir arme Leut (poor folk like us). Tracing out a minor chord with added major seventh, it is frequently heard as the signal of the inability of the operas characters to transcend their situation[10]. Use of the set musical forms Berg decided against the use of the classic operatic forms such as aria or trio for this opera. Instead, each scene is given its own inner coherence by the use of forms more normally associated with abstract instrumental music. The second scene of Act II for instance, consists of a prelude and triple fugue. The fourth scene of Act I, focusing on Wozzeck and the Doctor, is a set of passacaglia variations. The various scenes of the third act move beyond these structures and adopt novel strategies. [11] Each scene is a set of variations, but where the term ‘variation’ normally indicates that there is a melody undergoing variation, Berg identifies different musical elements for ‘variation’. Thus scene two is a variation on a single note (B natural, heard continuously in the scene, and the only note heard in the powerful orchestral crescendos at the end of act two, scene two); scene three is a variation on a rhythmic pattern, with every major thematic element constructed around this pattern; scene four is a variation on a chord, used exclusively for the whole scene; the orchestral interlude is a freely composed passage that is firmly grounded in the key of d minor; the final scene is a moto perpetuum, a variation on a single rhythm. 12] It is then can be said that the opera Wozzeck is a through composed work. [1] J. Peter, Burkholder and Claude V. Palisca. Norton Anthology of Western Music. New York: W. W. Norton , 2010. Print, p. 87 [2] Peter, Guttmann. â€Å"Classical Notes-Berg’s Wozzeck, Classical Notes, Peter Gutmann, CD Reviews, Articles, Expaned Goldmine Colums. 2003. Web. 11 Aug. 2011. . [3] Souster, Tim. Alban Berg and His Life. Cambridge UP, 1969. 65-6 7. Print. [4] Peter Guttmann, Op Cite 5] Larry J. Soloman. â€Å"Wozzeck. † Solomons Music Theory Reorusces. Web. 11 Aug. 2011. . [6] J. Peter, Burkholder and Claude V. Palisca, Op Cite, P. 87 [7] H. F. Redlich. Alban Berg: The Man and His Music. London, 1957. Print. P. 74-110 [8] Ibid, p. 74-110 [9] Ibid, p. 74-110 [10] Larry J. Soloman, Op Cite [11] Jarman,Douglas. 1979. The Music of Alban Berg. London and Boston: Faber Berkeley: University of California press. [12] J. Peter, Burkholder and Claude V. Palisca, Op Cite, P. 87