Ultimate Checklist After Youve Been Accepted to College

Life and work Essay

Brahmagupta is accepted to have been conceived in 598 AD in Bhinmal city in the province of Rajasthan of Northwest India. In antiquated occasions Bhillamala was the seat of intensity of the Gurjars. His dad was Jisnugupta.[2] He likely lived an amazing majority in Bhillamala (current Bhinmal in Rajasthan) during the rule (and perhaps under the support) of King Vyaghramukha.[3] accordingly, Brahmagupta is regularly alluded to as Bhillamalacharya, that is, the educator from Bhillamala. He was the leader of the galactic observatory at Ujjain, and during his residency there composed four messages on arithmetic and cosmology: the Cadamekela in 624, the Brahmasphutasiddhanta in 628, the Khandakhadyaka in 665, and the Durkeamynarda in 672. The Brahmasphutasiddhanta (Corrected Treatise of Brahma) is seemingly his most well known work. The history specialist al-Biruni (c. 1050) in his book Tariq al-Hind expresses that the Abbasid caliph al-Ma’mun had an international safe haven in Indi a and from India a book was brought to Baghdad which was converted into Arabic as Sindhind. It is for the most part assumed that Sindhind is as a matter of fact Brahmagupta’s Brahmasphuta-siddhanta.[4] Although Brahmagupta knew about crafted by cosmologists following the convention of Aryabhatiya, it isn't known whether he knew about crafted by Bhaskara I, a contemporary.[3]Brahmagupta had a plenty of analysis coordinated towards crafted by rival space experts, and in his Brahmasphutasiddhanta is discovered one of the soonest validated splits among Indian mathematicians. The division was fundamentally about the utilization of science to the physical world, instead of about the arithmetic itself. In Brahmagupta’s case, the contradictions stemmed to a great extent from the decision of galactic parameters and theories.[3] Critiques of opponent hypotheses show up all through the initial ten cosmic parts and the eleventh section is completely given to analysis of these spec ulations, albeit no reactions show up in the twelfth and eighteenth sections.

Drug and Substance Abuse of Deaf People

Drug and Substance Abuse of Deaf People Addiction Drug Use Print Drug Abuse in the Deaf Community By Jamie Berke facebook Jamie Berke is a deafness and hard of hearing expert. Learn about our editorial policy Jamie Berke Updated on October 11, 2018 Towfiqu Photography / Getty Images More in Addiction Drug Use Cocaine Heroin Marijuana Meth Ecstasy/MDMA Hallucinogens Opioids Prescription Medications Alcohol Use Addictive Behaviors Nicotine Use Coping and Recovery When I was in junior high, I had a close encounter with drugs. One day a small group of hearing teens invited me to try some stuff, and they showed it to me. It was white and powdery. I had no idea what it was, but my intuition told me that it was something bad. Looking back, I believe it was cocaine. Fortunately, at the time I had enough sense to say no. In the 70s, they didnt teach me about drugs and what little I knew came from reading. Drug Education for Deaf Students There are captioned and signed videos available through the Described and Captioned Media Program under the Drug Abuse subcategory, which can be found within the Health and Safety category. An article that addresses drug education for deaf students is Drug abuse resistance education (D.A.R.E.): special consideration for students who are deaf or hard of hearing, Journal of the American Deafness and Rehabilitation Association p 9-11, vol. 26, no. 2, Fall 1992. Research on Deafness and Drug Abuse Many articles have been written on substance abuse among deaf and hard of hearing people. The Minnesota Chemical Dependency Program provides several articles online, many of which have bibliographies. Topics include ethics, access to treatment, and an analysis of the Minnesota treatment model. Additional papers include: Isaacs, Morton J. (1979). Patterns of drinking among the deaf. American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 6 (4), 463-476.Providing chemical dependency treatment to the deaf or hard of hearing mentally ill client, Journal of the American Deafness and Rehabilitation Association, p 1-14, vol 27 no 1, summer 1993.Substance abuse among the deaf population: an overview of current strategies, programs barriers to recovery, Journal of the American Deafness and Rehabilitation Association, vol 22 no 4, April 1989, p 79-85. Gallaudet University library in Washington, D.C. has the Masters thesis Alcohol and cigarette use expectancies among deaf and hard-of-hearing participants in a substance abuse treatment program, by Eleanor C. Dunai (2001). Another thesis also on file at Gallaudet University library is An analysis of variables that impact treatment outcomes of chemically dependent deaf and hard of hearing individuals, by Debra Sue Guthmann-Ternus (1995). Both these  may also be available through University Microfilms International. How Smoking Can Increase Health Risks in Alcoholics Support for Deaf Drug Abusers Support groups for deaf substance abusers exist although there are apparently few of them. For example, according to one reader, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings take place in Frederick, Maryland on Wednesdays in the evenings. The same reader said there is an AA meeting with an ASL interpreter in Washington, DC on Sundays at noon, at 1623 Connecticut Ave. Treatment Centers Some treatment centers have added services for deaf substance abusers. A National Directory of Alcohol and Other Drugs Prevention and Treatment Programs Accessible to the Deaf, is available through the Rochester Institute of Technology Substance and Alcohol Intervention Services for the Deaf (SAISD). This downloadable directory can be used by either deaf people seeking help or counselors seeking programs for clients in need. State Programs Some states have substance abuse services for the deaf: MarylandDeaf Addiction Services At Maryland (DASAM)MinnesotaMinnesota Chemical Dependency Program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals New JerseySigns of Sobriety, a program in New Jersey.New YorkSubstance and Alcohol Intervention Services for the Deaf at the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York. They provide services for both clients and professionals working with deaf substance abusers.FEGS-New York Society for the Deaf offers a substance abuse program.Washington, D.C.The Mental Health Center at Gallaudet University offers an alcohol and substance abuse program. Professional Organizations ADARA, formerly the American Deafness and Rehabilitation Association, is a professional organization for service providers to the deaf and hard of hearing. Among its special interest sections is a section on Chemical Dependency. Books on Deafness and Drug Abuse These books on deafness and alcoholism/drug abuse are available: Deaf Sober: Journeys Through Recovery, by Betty G. Miller. (compare prices)Signs of Drug Use: An Introduction to Some Drug and Alcohol-Related Vocabulary in American Sign Language (compare prices)Counseling the Deaf Substance Abuser (ISBN 0966375300), by Frank Lala. Available through Gregory Kassel, Midas Management Company, PO Box 610393, San Jose, CA 95161 Education on Deafness and Drug Abuse Gallaudet Universitys Department of Social Work offers a course, Alcohol and Drug Addictions: Intervention Strategies. The course description in the Gallaudet catalog reads: This course prepares the student in one of the helping professions to understand the primary issues related to the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs, including narcotics, depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, and marijuana. The impact of drug use on the individual, the family, and society will be examined, including the psychological ramifications of children of alcoholics and drug abusers. Emphasis will be on the development of intervention skills and identifying the person who is abusing chemicals. Knowledge of community resources and programs, with attention given to accessibility to deaf substance abusers, will be covered. In addition, The Distance Learning Center for Addiction Studies (www.dlcas.com/) offers courses  on deafness and substance abuse: Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Substance Abuse.

Small Group Instruction Reduces Student-Teacher Ratios

Small group instruction usually follows whole group instruction and provides students with a reduced student-teacher ratio, typically in groups of two to four students. Whole group instruction is a teaching method where the teacher provides direct instruction to the whole group—usually a class. By contrast, small group instruction allows teachers to work more closely with each student on a specific learning objective, reinforce skills learned in whole group instruction and check for student understanding. Small group instruction gives students more of the teachers focused attention and a chance to ask specific questions about what they learned. Teachers can use small group instruction to intervene with struggling students as well. The Value of Small Group Instruction In part because of the increased popularity of programs such as Response to Intervention, a strategy for early identification and support for students with learning and behavior needs, small group instruction is now commonplace in most schools. Teachers see the value in this approach. Student-teacher ratios have always been a factor in school improvement conversations. Adding small group instruction on a regular basis can be a way to improve that student-teacher ratio. Small group instruction gives teachers a natural opportunity to provide targeted, differentiated instruction for small groups of students. It gives the teacher an opportunity to evaluate and assess more closely what each student can do and build strategic plans around those assessments. Students who struggle to ask questions and participate in a whole group setting may thrive in a small group where they feel more comfortable and less overwhelmed. Furthermore, small group instruction tends to proceed at a fast pace, which typically helps students maintain focus.​ Small group instruction can occur in groups of students with similar academic needs or in cooperative groups of students with diverse abilities, putting higher achieving students in the role of ​a  peer mentor. Small group instruction encourages student involvement in lessons and can help them learn how to work well with others. The Challenge of Small Group Instruction Small group instruction makes it more challenging to manage the other students in a classroom. In a class of 20 to 30 students, you may have five to six small groups to work with during small group instruction time. The other groups must work  on something while they wait their turn. Teach students to work independently during this time. You can keep them occupied with engaging center activities designed to reinforce skills taught during whole group instruction that do not require further instruction and free you to focus on one specific small group.   Take the time to establish a routine for small group instruction time. Students need to know what you expect of them during this class period. Making small group instruction work may not always be an easy task, but with commitment and consistency, you can make it effective. The preparation time and effort become worth it when you see the powerful opportunities it provides, paying big dividends for your students. Ultimately, a high-quality small group instruction experience can make a significant academic difference for all of your students, regardless of their level of achievement.

Ptsd and Trauma Focused Cbt - 4144 Words

PTSD and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Many children are exposed to traumatic events before they even become adults. All around the world they are exposed to child abuse, rape, natural disasters, terrorism, car accidents, and school violence among many others. Studies have shown that these traumatic events, if left untreated, can result in significant psychological problems, such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other anxiety disorders, depression, or a number of other behavioral difficulties (Cohen, Mannarino, Berliner Deblinger, 2000). These difficulties can become chronic and produce negative effects which could last into adulthood. It is therefore imperative that effective treatment strategies be†¦show more content†¦Along with TF-CBT, if trauma symptoms are primary, their other psychiatric problems will also need to be addressed (Cohen Mannarino, 2008). TF-CBT consists of both individual child and parent sessions and child-parent sessions. There are eight components to TF-CPT represented b y the acronym PRACTICE (Cohen, et al, 2008). One of the core principles of TF-CBT is that of â€Å"gradual exposure† in that each of the components involves a graded exposure to the traumatic experience. As the child and parent move through the hierarchy, the intensity of the exposure increases. The use of gradual exposure in decreasing PTSD symptoms is supported by research (Kendall, Chansky, Kane, Kim, Kortlander Ronan, 1992). This can be done in a number of ways, including the use of creative media in order to develop a trauma narrative and also to desensitize the child to trauma triggers within a safe therapeutic environment (Yule, Smith Perrin, 2005). In particular, sand play therapy has been shown to be clinically useful for children in processing abuse and violence (Grubbs, 1994; Parson, 1997). The therapist can help the child to learn that they can approach their fears without consequences, leading to a reduction in both anxiety and trauma symptoms in their everyday life. The first component in TF-CBT is psychoeducation and parenting skills. It isShow MoreRelatedThe Most Damaging Types Of Trauma1730 Words   |  7 PagesIn the immediate, as well as long-term aftermath of exposure to trauma, children are at risk of developing significant emotional and behavior difficulties (CWIG, 2012). The most damaging types of trauma include early physical and sexual abuse, neglect, emotional/psychological abuse, exposure to domestic violence and other forms of child maltreatment (Hoch, 2009). Research has shown that children that are exposed to these types of trauma will experience developmental delays including language and verbalRead MoreDifferent Methods Of Cognitive Behavior Therapy1474 Words   |  6 Pageswill provide the reader with different methods of Cognitive Behavior Therapy. CBT can be used for multiple populations and is known for changing the way one thinks. This summary will focus on the use of CBT with children who have experienced a trau matic event in their life, also known as post traumatic disorder (PTSD). The articles that have been reviewed provide different interventions for children who have experienced PTSD and determine how effective the methods were. According to (Cary McMillenRead MoreTrauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy1720 Words   |  7 Pagesfact be suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PSTD could develop after a traumatic incident which threatens one’s safety or makes one to feel helpless (Dalgleish, 2010). Coping with traumatic events could be very difficult, but confronting one’s feelings and seeking professional assistance is usually the only way to properly treat PSTD. Many kids and adolescents worldwide experience events that are traumatizing. If exposure to trauma is not treated, it could lead to various mental healthRead MoreTrauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy1560 Words   |  7 Pagesviolent crime; natural disasters, war, or the death of loved ones under traumatic situations. Countless experience several types of trauma. Although some children exhibit amazing strength in the aftermath of these incidents, many have pain or develop psychological issues that can be long l asting, and very serious... Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is parts -based psychosocial treatment model that includes elements of cognitive-behavioral, attachment, humanistic, empowerment, andRead MoreThe National Child Traumatic Stress Network ( Nctsn )1060 Words   |  5 Pagesby Congress in 2000 and brings a comprehensive focus to childhood trauma. This network raises the average standard of care and improves access to services for traumatized children, their families and communities throughout the United States. The NCTSN defines trauma‑focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF‑CBT) as an evidence‑based treatment approach that is shown to help children, adolescents, and their caregivers overcome trauma‑related difficulties. It is designed to reduce negative emotionalRead MoreTrauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Case Study700 Words   |  3 PagesMatt’s diagnosis of PTSD and depression symptoms, it was imperative to utilize an approach that if possible, could decrease all symptomology. Empirically, research shows that with the successful treatment of PTSD, comorbid symptoms of depression and anxiety are also greatly reduced (Blachard et al., 2003; National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health (UK, 2005). Thus so it seemed utilizing an empirically supported treatment for PTSD will assist in decreasing Matt’s depression PTSD symptomatology. DueRead MoreEffectiveness Of Chosen Intervention For Children With Refugee And Asylee Youth1273 Words   |  6 Pageswith refugee and asylee youth. The pliability of CBT allows this intervention to mold to the unique needs of this population and serve the vast degree of trauma and mental health conditions this population is vulnerable to. CBT provides an opportunity to research a variety of symptoms related to the refugee experience, including PTSD and depression, to combat the vast amount of trauma this population often has experienced (Murray et. al., 2008). CBT is a malleable therapy that has been explored andRead MoreCbt And Narrative Therapy For My Client s Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Diagnosis Essay1747 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction Throughout the semester, we analyzed two very different treatment modalities of therapeutic interventions. These methods were Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Narrative Therapy. The framework and strategy behind each of these concepts could benefit a particular client depending on diagnosis and various other factors. Moreover, in some instances, a combination of both therapeutic interventions may be most constructive. In this paper, I will introduce my client and provide detailsRead MorePost Traumatic Stress Disorder Essay912 Words   |  4 Pagespost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD) is very prevalent. The rate of PTSD and SUD in adults receiving chemical dependency services ranges from 12% to 34% and the rates of trauma throughout the lifetime is even greater (Kessler, Sonnega, Bromet, Huges, Nelson, 1995; Langeland Hartgers, 1998; Najavits, Weiss, Shaw, 1997; Stewart, 1996; Stewart, Conrod, Pihl, Dongier, 1999; Triffleman, 1998). Moreover, a dual-diagnosis of PTSD and SUD is two to three times moreRead MoreTrauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ( Tf Cbt )882 Words   |  4 PagesInterventions (5) Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) will be used to meet the treatment goals for Neveah’s case. According to Child Welfare Information Gateway (2012), TF-CBT is an evidenced-based treatment approach for children and adolescents experiencing trauma-related mental and/or behavioral health difficulties. The treatment approach is applicable to a variety of clients as it is designed to be used with children ages three to eighteen (Lawson Quinn, 2013). TF-CBT utilizes individual

Why society is unfair with teen male Free Essays

The way in which my son is branded and spoken of is very exaggerated and unfair. Through the past month he experienced a difficult time going through a split with his fellow peer. He tried to reach for help through his teachers and a social worker, hoping to find a way to cope and instead he was abused with statements such as â€Å"this young man Is experiencing significant mental health Issues. We will write a custom essay sample on Why society is unfair with teen male? or any similar topic only for you Order Now † This all occurred because he dared to cry and show sorrow when he was told by the peer that she felt uncomfortable talking to him. Furthermore, after this incident that occurred on March 24, 2014, the peer contacted my son first on the same day. Approximately two weeks after, I was phoned at work by the principal, informing me that she would call the police if I was not able to come and pick up my son after school. I asked her to wait for me around 5-10 minutes, and moments after we had finished our conversation, she called the police nonetheless. She had also told my son that she would not call the police unless he left the school. He did not leave and the police was still called. My son was escorted by the police to the RE per the principals statement that my son was having a â€Å"suicidal crisis. The principal came to this conclusion based on a Faceable conversation between my son and the peer which was shown to the principal by the peer. Recently, I read the messages In which my son stated â€Å"I’m always going to be there for you. † These words obviously show no intentions to commit suicide. My son was assessed by the RE team by DRP. Doe, a psychiatrist at H ¶tell-Died Grace Hospital where he was escorted by the police. He was released in the same night from the hospital as the RE team claimed that he was not in a crisis. The psychiatrist had not considered he needed any follow-up appointments or medication. He was not diagnosed with ant mental health illness. I communicated all of the results to the principal; however, she didn’t accept my son to go back to school for a week now, though he was not suspended. During the ten school years of his life, I never once heard a complaint from any of his teachers regarding his behavior. His average mark Is over 90%. He has won numerous awards for his academic success and he was only ever praised by his teachers. Please help me rehabilitate my son’s reputation at school and gain fair treatment by his principal and social worker at school. This incident was a small part of his school fife and his great sorrow was misinterpreted as a mental illness. Based on this event we cannot throw away and ignore all his years of hard work, and great behavior. Why society is unfair with teen male? By conspire â€Å"this young man is experiencing significant mental health issues. † This all occurred was shown to the principal by the peer. Recently, I read the messages in which my intentions to commit suicide. My son was assessed by the RE team by DRP. Doe,a communicated all of the results to the principal; however, she didn’t accept my son to regarding his behavior. His average mark is over 90%. He has won numerous How to cite Why society is unfair with teen male?, Papers

The Crucible Power and Manipulation Essay Example

The Crucible Power and Manipulation Paper Abigail Williams is one of the major characters; she is easily established and is clearly the villain of the play. Abigail is a good liar, she can be very manipulative and overall she is a very vindictive character. Abigail is an orphan and an unmarried girl; therefore she occupies a low rung on the Puritan Salem social ladder (the only people below her are the slaves like Tituba). In the play John Proctor has an affair with Abigail Williams; however, by terminating their affair he unexpectedly stimulates her spiteful jealousy. It is for this reason that Abigail begins to manipulate the truth and abuse her power. By aligning herself, in the eyes of others, with Gods will, she gains power over the Salem society and her word becomes virtually indisputable. Abigails motivations never seemed more complex then simple jealousy and a desire to take revenge on Elizabeth Proctor (John Proctors wife), who fired Abigail as a maid from their home after she discovered that Abigail and her husband (John) were having an affair. Abigail is driven by sexual longing and desire for power. Gaining power meant that Abigail could now express withdrawn feelings and act on long-held grudges. Abigail took full advantage of the situation which was occurring in Salem by accusing Elizabeth Proctor of witch craft; hoping to have her sent to jail or even killed. Abigail was conscious of the fact that this lie would result in pure success, having made prior preparation for this charade. Such explicit evidence could not be doubted nor questioned so Abigail took this opportunity to seek revenge on Elizabeth; the woman whom she despised for being the wife of her ex-lover John Proctor, and since Elizabeth had discharged Abigail from their home after the affair was exposed, Abigail was extremely motivated to get vengeance. We will write a custom essay sample on The Crucible Power and Manipulation specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Crucible Power and Manipulation specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Crucible Power and Manipulation specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Moreover, at the end of Act 3, Mary Warren is defeated by Abigail and has no choice but to side with her once more. Abigail succeeds in defeating Mary Warren by again, lying and manipulating the truth. Mary stands before the court to expose the truth about how Abigail and the other girls were not in compact with the devil and that they were all lying about their convention with the devil as well. Mary also attempts to reveal that everything the girls had done and were doing was entirely pretence. However, it is not long before Abigail begins to twist and manipulate the truth. Abigail fallaciously claims that she can see Mary with the devil and that she could also feel a strong wind. Abigail pretends to feel threatened by both Mary and the devil before the court. At first Mary pleads with Abigail and asks her to put a stop to her acting; Abigail: (looking about in the air, clasping her arms about her as though cold) I- I know not. A wind, a cold wind, has come. (Her eyes fall on Mary Warren) Mary: (Terrified, pleading) Abby! Abigail: (Shivering visibly) It is a wind, a wind! Mary: Abby, dont do that! However when she realises that her efforts are pointless and she would be much better off lying along with the girls, she points the finger at John Proctor and tells Judge Danforth that John is in touch with the devil and that John had threatened to kill her if she did not attend court to give a testimony. Mary: (hysterically pointing at Proctor fearful of him) My name he wants my name. Ill murder you he says if my wife hangs! we must go and overthrow the court, he says! Proctor: (turning, appealing to Hale): Mr Hale! Mary: (her sobs beginning) He wake me every night, his eyes were like coals and his fingers claw my neck, and I sign, I sign Mary: (Sobbing, she rushes to Abigail) Abby, Abby, Ill never hurt you more! Furthermore, even though Abigail is unsuccessful in this attempt she still tries to abuse her power and use it to her full potential by lying to Judge Danforth that a woman, whom she believes to be Reverend Hales wife, comes to her every night threatening to kill her. However, Danforth rejects this accusation made by Abigail as he claims that it is impossible for a ministers wife to be in compact with the devil. The reasons as to why Abigail may have abused and manipulated her power throughout the play might have been the following: To take revenge on Elizabeth Proctor, to be recognized by the Salem society and more importantly to be recognized and acknowledged my John Proctor. A further character in the play who also abused her power was Tituba. Tituba was Reverend Parriss West-Indian slave originally from Barbados. Tituba initially agreed to perform voodoo at Abigails request and lead the other girls to dance around a fire in the forest, at the beginning of the play. Tituba, whose status is lower than that of anyone else in the play by virtue of the fact that she is black, manages to deflect blame of herself by confessing apologetically and then condemning others who she claimed were also in touch with the devil. Not only did Tituba abuse her power but she succeeded in manipulating the situation by lying to Parris about her session with the devil. Tituba manages to rise even as a black slave who was substandard when she obtains a voice; this voice gives her power as well as control over the situation.

U.S. States With No Income Tax

U.S. States With No Income Tax While individuals and businesses in all 50 states pay federal income tax, residents in 41 states also pay state income tax. Seven states have no state income tax  at all: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. In addition, the states of New Hampshire and Tennessee tax only the interest and dividend income of their residents gained from financial investments.   Of particular interests to retired persons or those nearing retirement, while federal taxes still apply, there is no additional state income tax on Social Security benefits, withdrawals from IRAs and 401(k)s, and payouts from pensions in these nine states. State income tax is typically based on the taxable income or adjusted gross income reported on the taxpayers annual federal income tax return. Key Takeaways The states of Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming do not tax the incomes of their residents.The states of New Hampshire and Tennessee tax only income from interest, dividends, and financial investments.Due to the needs of these nine states to provide services and maintain infrastructure, other non-income taxes, such as sales taxes, property taxes, and fuel taxes can be higher than in states with income tax. Not Always Cheaper to Live There The fact that a state does not have an income tax does not necessarily mean that its residents pay less in taxes than residents of states with an income tax. All states must generate revenue and they do so through various taxes including income taxes, sales taxes, property taxes, license taxes, fuel taxes, and estate and inheritance taxes, just to name a few. In states without state income tax, higher sales, property and other assorted taxes can exceed the annual cost of a state income tax. For example, all states except Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon currently charge sales tax. Food, clothing,  and prescription drugs are exempt from sales tax in most states. In addition to states; cities, counties, school districts, and other jurisdictions impose real estate and sales taxes. For cities that do not sell their own utilities, like electricity and water, these taxes represent their main source of revenue. Still, it is worth noting that during 2006 and 2007, the seven states with no income tax whatsoever, Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming, led the nation in net population growth. However, the nonpartisan  Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has reported  that a states income taxes have little influence over whether people ultimately decide to live there. How Do These States Get By Without Income Tax? Without revenue from income tax, how do these states pay for the basic functions of government? Simple: their citizens eat, wear clothes, smoke, drink alcohol, and pump gasoline into their cars. All of these and more goods are taxed by most states. Even states with income tax tend to tax goods and services in order to reduce their income tax rates. In states without an income tax, sales taxes and other fees, such as vehicle registration fees, tend to be higher than in states with income tax. For example, Tennessee, where only investment income is taxed, has the highest sales tax in America. When combined with local sales taxes, Tennessee’s 7% state sales tax results in a combined effective sales tax rate of 9.45%, according to the independent and bipartisan Tax Foundation. That’s more than twice the combined sales tax rate in tourist-laden Hawaii. In Washington, gasoline prices are usually among the highest in the nation, largely due to its gasoline tax. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Washington’s gas tax, at 37.5 cents per gallon, is the fifth-highest in the country. Non-income states of Texas and Nevada also have higher-than-average sales taxes, and according to the Tax Foundation, Texas also has higher-than-average effective property tax rates.   And So, Higher Costs of Living for Some Those extra taxes help to result in higher-than-average costs of living in some of the non-income tax states. Data from the independent Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness, Florida, South Dakota, Washington, and New Hampshire all have higher than the median costs of living than in most states with an income tax. So the bottom line is that there is just not enough concrete evidence to say whether or not it is really cheaper to live in a state with no income tax.

A Guide to Using the TClientDataSet in Delphi Applications

A Guide to Using the TClientDataSet in Delphi Applications Looking for a single-file, single-user database for your next Delphi application? Need to store some application specific data but dont want to use  the Registry / INI / or something else? Delphi offers a native solution: The TClientDataSet component located on the Data Access tab of the component palette represents an in-memory database-independent dataset. Whether you use client datasets for file-based data, caching updates, data from an external provider (such as working with an XML document or in a multi-tiered application), or a combination of these approaches in a briefcase model application, take advantage of the  broad range of features that client datasets support. Delphi Datasets A ClientDataSet in Every Database ApplicationLearn the basic behavior of the ClientDataSet, and encounter an argument for the extensive use of ClientDataSets in most database applications. Defining a ClientDataSets Structure Using FieldDefsWhen creating a ClientDataSets memory store on-the-fly, you must explicitly define the structure of your table. This article shows you how to do it at both runtime and design-time using FieldDefs. Defining a ClientDataSets Structure Using TFieldsThis article demonstrates how to define a ClientDataSets structure at both design-time and runtime using TFields. Methods to create virtual and nested dataset fields are also demonstrated. Understanding ClientDataSet IndexesA ClientDataSet does not obtain its indexes from the data it loads. Indexes, if you want them, must be explicitly defined. This article shows you how to do this at design-time or runtime. Navigating and Editing a ClientDataSetYou navigate and edit a ClientDataSet in a manner similar to how you navigate and edit almost any  other dataset. This article provides an introductory look at basic ClientDataSet navigation and editing. Searching a ClientDataSetClientDataSets provide several different mechanisms for searching for data in its columns. These techniques are covered in this continuation of the discussion of basic ClientDataSet manipulation. Filtering ClientDataSetsWhen applied to a dataset, a filter limits the records that are accessible. This article explores the ins-and-outs of filtering ClientDataSets. ClientDataSet Aggregates and GroupStateThis article describes how to use aggregates to calculate simple statistics, as well as how to use group state to improve your user interfaces. Nesting DataSets in ClientDataSetsA nested dataset is a dataset within a dataset. By nesting one dataset inside another, you can reduce your overall storage needs, increase the efficiency of network communications and simplify data operations. Cloning ClientDatSet CursorsWhen you clone a ClientDataSets cursor, you create not only an additional pointer to a shared memory store but also an independent view of the data. This article shows you how to use this important capability Deploying Applications that use ClientDataSetsIf you use one or more ClientDataSets you may need to deploy one or more libraries, in addition to your applications executable. This article describes when and how to deploy them. Creative Solutions Using ClientDataSetsClientDataSets can be used for much more than displaying rows and columns from a database. See how they solve application problems including selecting options to process, displaying progress messages and creating audit trails for data changes.

Aviation Law Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Aviation Law Assignment - Essay Example In the Warsaw Convention chapter, three expounds three types of assertions to which liability confers: The claims based on individual injuries (Article 17), those based on damaged or lost luggage (Article 18) and those based on costs due to delays in the course of transportation (Article 19). Article 17 clearly states conditions that an international air transporter can have liability for damages to passengers. It provides that the transporter is only liable for injury sustained by a bodily harm to a passenger, their hurting, or the incident of death. Another way is if the mishap that caused the harm took place in the airplane or in the sequence of any operations of boarding and disembarking. Under the same Article, an air carrier is solitarily liable for passenger harm when the three circumstances are met: The occurrence of a mishap, in which the traveler succumbs to death, physical harm, or physical expression of the injury and the misfortune must have taken place inside the plane in the occurrence of operation of boarding and landing. Article 18 clearly explains that a transporter will have responsibility for injury sustained from obliteration or damage to any checked properties, if the incidence took place in the course of the transportation by flight. In relation to Article 19, a carrier will have accountability in the event of injury caused by delay in carriage of passengers by flight, and their goods, or baggage. In relation to Article 25, a carrier need not be obliged to avail themselves of the requirements of the Warsaw Convention. That exclude or limit their accountability when it is presented that the carrier has caused the loss suffered by the applicant was triggered by the carrier’s misconduct, as defined in the Law of forum.4 The Warsaw Convention impedes passengers from upholding an action for costs for personal harm under local law once the claim does not gratify the Convention’s conditions for carrier’s obligation for inter national air carriage. In article 29, Warsaw convention it outlines a two-year decree of restrictions. In this article, the right to compensations will be dismissed if no action is done accordingly within the first two years from the arrival date at the destination, or when the aircraft should have arrived, or when the transportation stopped.5 â€Å"The Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules for International Carriage by Air drafted in Montreal known as Montreal Convention amended the Warsaw Convention†.6 In relation to the Montreal Convention, a carrier holds liability for any damage incurred in the occurrence of bereavement or body injury of a passenger with the condition that the accident that caused the harm or demise occurred on the plane or in the course of operations of boarding or debarking. This convention only applies to worldwide carriage of individuals, luggage, or cargo that originates in one of the state’s gathering to the Convention and dismisse s in that of an alternative. The Montreal convention has been labelled as an agreement that is beneficial mainly to passengers than airlines in contrast to the Warsaw Convention. The Montreal Convention offers four conditions that may be used by a court to base its authority. A complainant may take an action in the U.S for compensations in relation to the

Bio-ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Bio-ethics - Essay Example Following a close analysis on the issue, I think that surgeon’s desire for fame has no effect on their work. To begin with, surgeons are human beings although they have an extra ordinary gift and therefore their desire for fame is human nature and therefore has no negative effect on their work. Their desire for fame only contributes to confidence on their work with little or no effect on the patient’s wellbeing. Secondly, Surgeons are trained persons who value their profession and therefore their desire for fame is for personal interest with little or no effect on their patient. Becoming a surgeon is not an easy affair since they have to go through intensive and extensive training before qualifying for the job. This makes them value their job and patients more than any other personal desire such as fame. Fame is not given but earned and most surgeons would agree with this fact, this implies that a surgeon who desires to have fame must strive to earn it through genuine methods (Scott 101). The only possible genuine method through which surgeons can earn the much-needed fame is by improving the care they give to their patients and this has no interference on a patient’s

Malaria Essay -- essays research papers fc

Malaria is regarded as one of the world's deadliest tropical parasitic diseases. It claims more lives than any other communicable disease except tuberculosis. In Africa and other developing countries, it also accounts for millions of dollars in medical costs. Malaria, however, is a curable disease if promptly diagnosed and adequately treated. Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by the parasite plasmodium. In recent years, most cases in the U.S. have been in people who have acquired the disease after travelling to tropical and sub-tropical areas. Over 200 million cases worldwide are reported each year. Estimates of deaths caused by malaria exceed 1 million each year, with the majority being African children. Other groups at risk include pregnant women, foreign travelers, refugees, and laborers entering endemic areas. Malaria is prevalent in over 100 countries around the world, the most of which located in Africa and South America. Predominance of Malaria Today, malaria is a public health problem in more than 90 countries. Worldwide prevalence of the disease is estimated to be over 200 million cases each year. More than 90% of all malaria cases arise from sub-Saharan Africa. The geographical area affected by malaria has shrunk considerably in the past 50 years. Yet measures to control this epidemic are becoming less and less effective. Increased risk of the disease is linked with expansion projects in undeveloped areas, particularly in the Amazon basin and in Southeast Asia. The rise of malaria is also linked to factors such as global warming, poor health services, political upheavals and armed conflicts. Other causes of this spread include growing resistance of the parasites that cause the disease to new drugs. And with the growing popularity international travel, malaria is now showing up in developed countries. It is also re-emerging in areas where it has previously been under eradicated. Symptoms Symptoms of malaria vary depending on the specific type of parasite involved. These symptoms include high fever, chills, sweats, vomiting, and headaches. This would explain why malaria is often misdiagnosed as the flu. In severe cases the illness can progress to lethargy, respiratory failure, coma and death. If left untreated, the symptoms may persist for weeks or even months. With some types of malaria, relapses may occur for years after treatment. ... ... infection from mosquitoes. Health departments assist travelers in determining what precautions are needed. Drug and Vaccine Development Drugs designed to treat malaria are available on a very limited basis. Because of increasing resistance to drugs in many parts of the world, adequate treatment of malaria is becoming increasingly difficult. Although a few new drugs have appeared in the last 20 years, they are not economically available to many people who need them. In the last decade, considerable progress has been made in the search for a malaria vaccine. An effective vaccine would create a powerful addition to malaria control. More than a dozen candidate vaccines are currently in development, some of them in clinical trial. The hope is that an effective vaccine will be available within the next 7-15 years. REFERENCES A bibliography on the behavioral, social, and economic aspects of malaria and its control. c1978. World Health Organization. Geneva, Switzerland. (April 2000). Malaria Foundation International. [On-line]. Available: http://www.malaria.org/ (April 2000). Travel health online. [On-line]. Available: http://www.tripprep.com/travinfo/timala.html

Five Force Analysis of Southwest Airline Essay

1. The threat of new entrants. In terms of economies of scale, Southwest fleet grew to 537 Boeing 737 aircraft providing service to 64 cities in 32 states throughout the United States, with 397 city pairs being served nonstop, by the end of 2008, thus has reached sufficient economies of scale. And Southwest Airline gains its cost advantage through the implementation of â€Å"low-cost strategy†. It not only flew planes point-to-point—short-haul flights bypassing the expensive hub-and-spoke operations but also chose less popular, less congested airports to achieve quicker turnarounds which enabled the airline to operate with fewer planes and gate facilities than would otherwise have been necessary. Cost consciousness has been a part of its culture. Training people for technical skills is possible but imitating SWA culture is out of question. The high initial investments and fixed costs to enter the airline industry makes it difficult to compete financially with profitable Southwest for entrants. When compared with key competitor, Southwest Airline got the largest net income(TTM) and EPS(TTM) in 2009(Exhibit 5). Since Southwest Airline was the first major airline to introduce ticketless travel and one of the first to put up a Web site and offer online booking, it has won the high product differentiation. As a pioneer of â€Å"low-cost strategy†, SWA has set up its reputation and won a large number of loyal customers. However, SWA has no special control over distribution channels. On the other hand, since the publication of in 1978, there is low barrier to set up airline company in the US. 2.The threat of substitutes. Southwest Airline focuses on the short-haul flight, so customers are likely to switch to other transportation means, such as train. And the low-cost airline has been a emerging industry. There are more choices for customer which posts high threat for SWA. To reduce the threat, Southwest provides low price or time-optimized tickets, good service to their customers. Price for trains, or gasoline cost for self-driving are comparable to the price of Southwest ticket for the same route, not much cheaper. Moreover, the switching costs for customers to train or car for the Southwest routes requires more travel times,cause a lot of inconvenience.The company even  created the â€Å"Southwest effect†, an explosion in the number of people traveling by plane, including many who would have gone by car before. 3.Rivalry among existing firms. There are many new airline with opposite strategies with Southwest Airline. They offered far more attractive service, such as leather seats and in-flight entertainment systems, for almost the same fare.With the increase of living standard, people prefer comfort to low-cost. The loyalty of Southwest’s customers will be questioned. And due to the expensive and highly specialized equipments, the high barriers for exit leads to the white-hot competition. 4.Bargaining power of buyers. Travel agents buy large volumes, there’s a concentration of buyers, therefore their switching to a different supplier might have larger impact on the profits. As for individual buyers have almost no strong bargaining power. And switching to an alternative product is relatively simple and is not related to high costs. The airline is not of strategic importance for the customer because there are many other short distance transportation means. 5.Bargaining power of suppliers. The market is dominated by a few large airplane suppliers including Southwest Airline. As for the catering, gift services and other indirect materials, there are many fragmented sources and therefore their power is of almost no significance. The cost of switching from Boeing 737 to Airbus A320 is very high. Apart from purchase price, the company should pay for the training of employees and the maintenance of new airplanes. The suppliers’ customers are fragmented, so their bargaining power is low.

Analysis Of The Book The Future Of The American Negro

In the book The Future of the American Negro, Booker T. Washington related that the African-Americans â€Å"only a few centuries ago†¦ went into slavery in this country pagans, that they came out Christians; they went into slavery as so much property, they came out American citizens; they went into slavery without a language, they came out speaking the proud Anglo-Saxon tongue† (24, 25). Washington’s focus was on assimilation, forging the black identity not as individuals with a proud heritage and strong sense of self, but as a productive class of laborers unified in economic contribution with a hope of garnering good favor within white America. However, Washington never saw the African-American community as second class citizens, noting that â€Å"The Negro is behind the white man because he has not had the same chance, and not from any inherent difference in his nature and desires† (27). There is a similar sentiment expressed in the Langston Hughes†™s poem â€Å"I, Too† that in due time the African-American will be recognized as equals, but the poem goes further in expressing the legitimacy of the African-American recognizing that they are not just black-Americans, but simply Americans. The poem begins and ends with a declaration from the speaker, â€Å"I, too sing America† (Hughes 1, 18) on the surface it’s evident that the speaker considers himself an American but the declaration also acts a chorus. Hughes leaves a space between this line and the first line of the following stanza.Show MoreRelatedCritical Book Analysis: The Fire Next Time. James Baldwin1144 Words   |  5 PagesCritical Book Analysis: The Fire Next Time James Baldwin is a renowned and celebrated African American writer who came to prominence during the civil rights movement of the 1960’s. The Fire Next Time is often regarded as one of his best works and cemented his role as a leading spokesman for the African American community. Baldwin spoke out against all kinds of discrimination. Baldwin’s ultimate message was that the redeeming power of love, understanding and self-determination would free AfricanRead MoreReoccurring Themes in the Work of Langston Hughes Essay1649 Words   |  7 Pagesmost reason to despair but show the least evidence of it† (Bloom, â€Å"Thematic Analysis of the ‘Weary Blues’† 14). He tells the story of their life and times to voice his displeasure with the oppression of blacks (â€Å"Langston Hughes† 792). His work opens the public’s eye about what it is like to be black in America (â€Å"Langston Hughes† 792). In Hughes’ short poem â€Å" Harlem,† the speaker of the poem questions how the African American dream of equal opportunity is being constantly deferred and suppressed byRead MoreThe Impact Of Migration On African American History913 Words   |  4 Pagesthe United States. African Americans participated in migration just as much as whites did and have been migrating all throughout the United States since the first African slave ship made its way to Jamestown in 1619. Florette Henri’s Black Migration: Movement North, 1900-1920 (1975) focuses on the beginning of the large-scale relocation of black people from the South to the North and West. The book’s overall theme is, as Henri states in the preface, that black Americans in the early decades of theRead MoreA Color Problem in a Post Racial Nation Essay1637 Words   |  7 PagesIt appears that the color of your skin whether it be black, white, brown, red, or yellow doesn’t matter in America anymore. One might assume that this statement is a plausible one, given the fact that we have a male â€Å"African American† president, and America is now considered to be a â€Å"Post-Racial Nation† (Rush Limbaugh, 2010), where skin color is no longer an inhibiting factor. The truth of the matter is that race has most certainly played a significant factor in America’s history since the earlyRead More C. Vann Woodwards The Strange Career of Jim Crow Essay1719 Words   |  7 PagesC. Vann Woodwards The Strange Career of Jim Crow In the field of history, it is rare that an author actually comes to shape the events discussed in their writing. However, this was the case for C. Vann Woodward and his book, The Strange Career of Jim Crow. First published in 1955, it discusses this history of race relations in America, more specifically the Jim Crow laws he equates with the segregation of races. Woodward argues that segregation itself was a fairly new development withinRead MoreIdentity in the Novel Jasmine1470 Words   |  6 Pages The novel jasmine follows a Hindu women, Jyoti, who leaves her homeland in hopes to obtain a new identity in the American Dream. In her country we see Jyoti struggle to follow the guidelines made to obtain a happiness in here country. Later she is told by a fortune teller that she is destined to be a widower and an exile. In an effort to run away from the foreseer she fails and gains a mark on the middle of her forehead. The mark is a metaphoric representation of Jyotis gift of great insightRead MoreRhetorical Analysis Of Maya Angelou s I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings 1036 Words   |  5 PagesFily Thiam English 002 Mrs. Vilato 9 April 2015 Rhetorical Analysis on â€Å"Graduation† by Maya Angelou In Graduation, a chapter in her autobiography â€Å"I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings†, Maya Angelou talks vividly about her middle school graduation in the segregated South. Graduation is an important milestone in most people’s life, as they get a degree and move on to their next level, something better and more important, with the hope that they can use their new knowledge to achieve their life goals andRead More Social and Economic Equality of African Americans in America1715 Words   |  7 PagesSocial and Economic Equality of African Americans in America The struggle for social and economic equality of Black people in America has been long and slow. It is sometimes amazing that any progress has been made in the racial equality arena at all; every tentative step forward seems to be diluted by losses elsewhere. For every Stacey Koons that is convicted, there seems to be a Texaco executive waiting to send Blacks back to the past. Throughout the struggle for equal rights, there have beenRead MoreBaseball : The Rise And Ruin Of A Black Institution Essay1886 Words   |  8 PagesBaseball, America’s so-called national pastime, has a history that closely mirrors the country’s own. Specifically, for most of the first half of the twentieth century, white and black Americans played in entirely separate leagues like much of the heavily segregated society at the time. White owners and general managers would simply not allow black ballplayers on their teams, regardless of their skill level. While whites had organized baseball, a rig id professional system complete with minor leaguesRead MoreSouls Of Black Folk, By B. Dubois1673 Words   |  7 Pagesterms of race, the answer to this question was similar among most African Americans. Living like they are a problem, consists of a majority of their lives. Different documents ranging from 1903 to our present day in 2015 mirror this same ideology. People such as W.E.B DuBois, Anne Moody, Martin Luther King Jr., and Barack Obama, expressed the same concern. Many people in our society, past and present, see being African American as a sign of inferiority. Race shouldn’t be the distinguishing factor between

15 posibilidades para regularización de indocumentados

Describe investment terms that are important to mutual fund buyers Essay

Essays on Describe investment terms that are important to mutual fund buyers Essay Describe Investment Terms that are Important to Mutual Fund Buyers Affiliation with more informationabout affiliation, research grants, conflict of interest and how to contact. Describe Investment Terms that are Important to Mutual Fund Buyers. This paper discusses the investment in mutual funds along with a discussion on the case study. Mutual funds are a type of new investment opportunities available to investors today. Mutual fund investments are gaining a growing demand these days because of its cautious nature in which money is handled in the mutual fund markets. â€Å"The single most important benefit of mutual funds is the fact they are a bundle or portfolio of stocks† (Buying Mutual Funds: Part 1, 2004, para 3). Some of the important terms associated with mutual fund investments are 12b-1 fee, annual return, beta value, capital gains, dividends, closed end funds and net asset value (NAV) etc. Investigating the case of the Garners that has been provided for case study, it is understood that both Joe and Mary Garner had not made any investment plan. The lack of any investment plan has affected the savings of the Garners and they are facing a fund tight condition even to go for a vacation, which they had been planning from a short time. The options available for Garners to invest are either in the stock market or in the mutual funds market. Both the stock markets as well as the mutual fund market have advantages and disadvantages. Both the markets have associated risks as well as high returns but the risk in mutual fund market is comparatively very less than the stock market. Therefore it is advised to the Garners family to invest in mutual fund market rather than the stock market. The Garners did not recognize lack of an investment plan as a cause of their financial meltdown until recently. â€Å"Mutual funds and stock market investments are probably the most attractive investment options as they have the potential to yield high rate of returns† (Candid, 2011, para. 1). The total monthly income, which enters the Garner household, is $ 4520. Their monthly expenses were also calculated. In their monthly expense account $ 1385 was a fixed expense, which would be incurred in all the months while $ 920 was a variable expense, which varied from month to month. Therefore, the saving was $ (4520 – 1385 – 920) = $ 2215. Since the month expense of $ 920 was a variable expense, therefore an approximate value of $ 2000 can be invested by the Garners as a part of their investment plan. The best possible option for them since they are very cautious investors is to invest in mutual funds. â€Å"Mutual funds are a lucrative investment, ensure higher returns, better tax benefits and carry minimalist risk† (Why Mutual Funds are Better than Fixed Deposits, 2011, para. 1). Mutual funds offer fixed maturity plans, which are far better than the fixed deposits offered by the banks. Fixed maturity periods could range from 1 year to several years and one of the most important factors is that fixed maturity plans are not invested in equity market. Debt and money market comprises the fixed maturity plans. Only the fluctuation in the NAV needs to be considered in the mutual fund market. Another important benefit is that mutual funds’ fixed maturity plans do not have any taxation condition in comparison t o the fixed deposits in bank, where interests on bank deposits are taxable. The Garner family can put $ 2000 in the fixed maturity plans of the mutual fund scheme in order to increase and develop their investment plans. Reference List Buying Mutual Funds: Part 1, (2004). Money-Zine.com. Retrieved on 25, Dec. 2011. http://www.money-zine.com/Investing/Mutual-Funds/Buying-Mutual-Funds-Part-I/ Candid, S. (2011). Investment Basics: Mutual Funds vs. Stock Market Investments. Hub Pages. Retrieved on 25, Dec. 2011. http://sidcandid.hubpages.com/hub/Investment-Basics-Mutual-Funds-vs-Stock-Market-Investments Why Mutual Funds are Better than Fixed Deposits, (2011). IBNlive.com. Retrieved on 25, Dec. 2011. http://ibnlive.in.com/news/why-mutual-funds-are-better-than-fixed-deposits/45407-16.html

Microsoft Office suite Free Essays

Over the past decade, Microsoft has produced its best selling software devices for computer products such as Microsoft Windows operating system and the Microsoft Office suite. In 2007, the Microsoft Corporation generated $51.12 billion and its product market share estimated as 90% in 2003 for Microsoft Office and 2006 for Microsoft Windows. We will write a custom essay sample on Microsoft Office suite or any similar topic only for you Order Now In the mid-1980’s, Microsoft dominated the home computer operating system and has been accused of being monopolistic, although considered a developer centric-business culture.   The company’s website is one of the most visited on the World Wide Web having received more than 2.4 million page views. In the founding years between 1975-1985, Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems were founded in Albuquerque, New Mexico then later moved to Bellevue, Washington of January 1, 1979, and then Bill Gates succeeded as CEO in 1980. DOS (Disk Operating System) had brought the company real success. In 1981, IBM awarded a contract to Microsoft for providing a version of the CPM operating system that would become IBM Personal Computer. In the 1990’s, Microsoft rose and launched Windows 3.0. the new operating system introducing new features. Windows generated more revenue popularity, and became the favored PC. Then Microsoft went onto release Windows NT. 3.1 and Windows 95. Furthermore, it expanded its product line into computer networking and the World Wide Web. Then afterwards, MSN network became a major online service competing against AOL and went along with NBC to create a new 24/7 cable news station MSNBC. In 2001, Microsoft released Windows XP that changed the face of the old fashioned Windows. Then the Windows XP Home Edition and Windows Vista. â€Å"Since the 1980’s, Microsoft has been the focus of much controversy in the computer industry. Most criticism has been for its business tactics, often described with the motto â€Å"embrace, extend and extinguish† Microsoft initially embraces a competition standard or product, then extends it to produce their own incompatible version of the software or standard, which in time extinguishes competition that does not or cannot use Microsoft’s new version† (Rodger, 1998).                                        How to cite Microsoft Office suite, Essay examples

Market Research Logistic Relationship

Question: Discuss about a Report on Market Research for Logistic Relationship? Answer: Collecting Primary and secondary data To ensure that the data collection process and measurement systems are stable and reliable several crucial steps are to be followed by Facelift bungee. The company needs to incorporate the following steps into data collection plan. Pre-data collection stage During data collection Post-data collection Pre-data collection Objective of the Organisation: The objective of the company is to launch in United Kingdom and establish itself successfully. Purpose of the research: As the product Facelift Bungee is already popular the company wants to research about the frequency at which the product is used by the customers. Data collection will take place at UK-London/Manchester/Lanchester/Scotland/Riverpool Interview sample in each major city-100 Types of data: Primary Data and Secondary data Mode of Data collection Primary Data: use of primary data collection is that the researchers collect the data themselves. It helps to also note the expressions and gestures of the subject; which is missed out in secondary data collection method. Use of multiple sources of primary collection is required. The sources used will be Interview, Surveys and Questionnaire technique. Secondary Data: the data of sales and enquiries, financial data, transport data and storage data of companys existing customers in UK will be utilized, along with data from existing market research done on cosmetics sector would be utilized. Collection of secondary data will take place from MM/DD/YY to MM/DD/YY Data management and evaluation is very critical, as it helps the researchers to clear out misunderstandings and after analysis of the data collected it can be converted into useful information-used for decision making process. (Phillips Stawarski, 2008) Use of quartiles, percentiles and correlation coefficient The statistics use for analysing the collectd data enhances efficiency and effectiveness of a business decision. Quartiles mean fourth of a data set. The data are arranged in increasing order that is from lowest to highest and then divided into groups of four, one gets quartiles. Thus one, two and three quartiles are derived which are then calculated using the methods used to calculate median. (Ott Longnecker, 2008) A certain percentage of a set of data is a percentile. How many given set of data fall within a certain percentage set are observed using percentiles. Correlation Coefficient is the relationship between two variables. The use of correlation coefficient, quartiles and percentiles a business can investigate the determinants of sales, the variations in prices, incomes, product, tastes and preferences. The nature of the relationship can be used to test the goodness of fit. Forecasting can be done with the use of these statistical tools. The use of thee tools in research helps to measure and interpret the strength of a logistic relationship between prices and sales of a product or a service. (Federer, 1991)

Border Wars free essay sample

According to a new series on The National Geographic Channel, the United States is involved in a â€Å"Border War† with Mexico. However, Mexico has not declared war on the United States nor has the latter on the former. Why then would the creators of a supposedly factual and accurate depiction of life at the border advertise the situation as a war? Perhaps the extensive use of emotionally-charged images, action-movie-like clips, and fiery narration in the trailer for this new series is used simply to gain viewers. The exact details that constitute a war are debatable, but is it acceptable to advertise this situation as war and depict the Mexicans as the negative force while portraying the Americans as the crime-fighters needed at our border as seen in this trailer? This is not the first time the situation at our border has been referred to as a â€Å"border war.† A newspaper article was published in The Nation on November 12, 1990 entitled â€Å"The Mexican Border War† written by Miriam Davidson. We will write a custom essay sample on Border Wars? or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page It discusses the intolerance of Mexican immigrants in America, especially near the border. Also, a documentary called â€Å"Border War: The Battle over Illegal Immigration,† written and directed by Kevin Knoblock was released in 2006. This documentary follows five individuals involved with illegal immigration and the border. Grant it, these titles are eye-catching and interesting, but the question of whether or not this situation is actually a war, in the universal sense of the word, is still questionable. The trailer for the series â€Å"Border Wars† depicts the jobs of U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents and officers working at the border between the United States and Mexico. The Americans in the trailer are depicted as heroic and brave—riding helicopters, carrying guns, using medical equipment, catching criminals, and basically keeping the peace—while almost every non-American is wearing handcuffs, handling drugs, or being searched by American officers. The trailer does not give viewers a chance to judge for themselves. It breeds hate against the Mexicans, portraying them as criminals and blaming them for the â€Å"border war† that is supposedly happening. However, criminals make up only seventeen percent of immigrants crossing the border, according to the article, â€Å"No ‘Typical Days for Border Patrol† by Heather Trujillo. This is not what the trailer for â€Å"Border Wars† shows. The trailer ignores the eighty-three percent of the non-criminal Mexicans that cross our border simply looking for a better life, but those people are necessary if the show is going to be an accurate depiction of the situation at our border and of the Mexicans themselves. Images of guns, weapons, and handcuffs are frequent in the montage of clips. This trailer illustrates a war-like situation, reflecting the series title, â€Å"Border Wars,† but does it reflect what is actually happening there? People are dying. Violence is a constant concern. Drug and human trafficking is occurring. The question is: do these things alone qualify the situation as war? The majority of lives of Mexicans crossing the border are claimed by the desert heat and treacherous journey into America. In fact, an article by Sanjeeb Sapkota and others entitled â€Å"Unauthorized Border Crossings and Migrant Deaths† states that in a semi-recent study, environmental heat exposure was the leading cause of death, accounting for 61.1% of immigrant deaths with the next highest being only 8.1%, which was vehicle crashes. The gun-wielding agents with the advanced technology from the â€Å"Border Wars† trailer are not hunting down and killing illegal immigrants like some kind of action movie as implied by the video. The real defender, the major deterrence of illegal immigrants, is the barren wasteland they must cross to come to America. The United States / Mexico border conflict is not without other casualties, however, and the jobs of the border patrol agents are by no means un-heroic. Reports of agents being murdered are numerous. Foxnews.com, usatoday.com, and nydailynews.com all have articles about murders and usually the investigations following. The job is dangerous and these people put their lives on the line daily. As for the majority of violence at our border, an article from USAToday.com calls the United States and Mexico â€Å"Allies in a border war.† The author, Navarrette, asserts that both sides are responsible for the increasing violence at our border, and he has this to say after spending time in Mexico: â€Å"Mexicans think it is ironic that Americans are being warned to stay away from the border out of fear of drug violence. The Mexicans I spoke with say that the closer they get to the U.S. border, the more they fear becoming a casualty of that violence, and they blame the U.S.† Both sides fear the other, at least to a certain extent, and both groups blame the other. If the situation at our border is to be considered a war, I agree with Navarrette in that the United States and Mexico are allies, and not enemies, in a drug war at our border. Why then would a reputable newspaper, documentary, and television station as well as other unmentioned media, call this situation a war? These titles involving the words â€Å"border war† easily grab the attention of an action-loving audience. Portraying the Americans as heroes and crime-fighters also gathers viewers. The explicit goal of the â€Å"Border Wars† trailer, for example, is to advertise a new and exciting series, but it also implicitly manages to portray Mexicans as criminals. Perhaps this implicit agenda is not intentional. Some people may not even notice how poorly the Mexicans are being depicted, but it is unfair nonetheless. The violence endangers those on either side of the line and creates animosity between the two nations whose border has become a dangerous battlefield. The fault lies with both the United States and Mexico, and it is unreasonable to place the blame solely on the Mexicans. If war is characterized as declared and armed conflict between two groups, the United States is not at war with Mexico. The situation at our border must be addressed because of the violence that is mounting, but it should not be advertised as a â€Å"Border War.†

Learning from the Fashion Industry Essay Example

Learning from the Fashion Industry Essay Example Learning from the Fashion Industry Essay Learning from the Fashion Industry Essay CRANFIELD UNIVERSITY ELEFTHERIA DIMITRAKOU LEARNING FROM THE FASHION INDUSTRY: A STRUCTURED LITERATURE REVIEW CRANFIELD CENTRE FOR LOGISTICS SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT MSc THESIS CRANFIELD UNIVERSITY CRANFIELD SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT CRANFIELD CENTRE FOR LOGISTICS SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT MSc THESIS Academic Year 2006-2007 ELEFTHERIA DIMITRAKOU Learning from the Fashion Industry: A Structured Literature Review Supervisor: Dr. Chris Morgan August 2007 This thesis is submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science  © Cranfield University 2006. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the copyright owner. ABSTRACT This research study is a Structured Literature Review focused on identifying the learning points which can derive from the fashion industry regarding supply chain management solutions. Manufacturing, distribution and marketing issues that enable a more robust analysis of the sector are investigated. A review of business models used by companies in the fashion industry is conducted to gain insights into the way that fashion firms manage demand. An extensive review of the literature reveals that the fashion industry is marketorientated and characterised by short life cycle products and low demand predictability. Lead time reduction enables the development of flexible manufacturing and logistics systems. Short lead times enable reduction of forecast errors and improvement of supply chain responsiveness towards volatile market conditions. The main supply chain solutions in the fashion industry are based on quick response, fast fashion, agile, lean and leagile concepts. Use of information technology, automated manufacturing systems, production and distribution planning based on real-time demand and transparency of information across the whole supply chain are some of the primary characteristics of the fashion supply chains. In the light of the unpredictable and volatile nature of the fashion industry, this is considered to be worth noting. Based on the segmentation of the industry in terms of volumes and varieties, a model presenting the structure of the sector and the different supply chain approaches is developed. The model allows a comprehensive analysis of the way that the fashion industry works, in terms of manufacturing, distribution and marketing operations, in different volumes/variety levels and product characteristics. i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to my supervisor, Dr. Chris Morgan, for his guidance and support. His willingness to discuss and advise benefited the completion of this study. I would also like to thank the members of the advisory group who contributed to this study. Especially, I would like to express my appreciation to Mr Sanaul Mallick, for his availability and contribution. I would also like to thank my friends at Cranfield University and in Greece for their support during this demanding year. Last but not least I would like to express my gratitude to my family for their everlasting trust and support. ii â€Å"True knowledge exists in knowing that you know nothing†. â€Å"And in knowing that you know nothing, that makes you the smartest of all. Socrates (469 BC 399 BC) iii TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION.. 1 1. 1 INTRODUCTION 1. 2 BACKGROUND TO THE RESEARCH .. 1 1. 2. 1 Background to the fashion industry 1 1. 3 IMPORTANCE OF THE TOPIC .. 3 1. 4 AIM OF THE PROJECT AND OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH .. 4 1. 5 SCOPE OF THE PROJECT .. 4 1. 6 RESEARCH QUESTION .. 1. 7 METHODOLOGY OF THE RESEARCH .. 5 1. 8 STRUCTURE OF THE THESIS 6 CHAPTER 2 METHODOLOGY. 8 2. 1 INTRODUCTION 8 2. 2 DEFINITION OF STRUCTURED LITERATURE REVIEW (SLR) 8 2. 2. 1 Differences between Structured Literature review and Traditional Review. 9 2. . 2 Advantages of the Struc tured Literature Review 10 2. 3 STRUCTURED LITERATURE REVIEW PROCESS.. 10 2. 3. 1 Mapping the study field (Stage 1) .. 11 2. 3. 2 Developing the search strategy (Stage 2) 13 2. 3. 3 Assessment of the literature (Stage 3).. 20 2. 3. 4 Material Analysis (Stage 4) 2 2. 3. 5 Synthesis of the material (Stage 5). 22 CHAPTER 3 DESCRIPTIVE RESULTS. 23 3. 1 INTRODUCTION . 23 3. 2 CONTENT DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS ACADEMIC PAPERS .. 23 3. 3 HISTORICAL EVOLUTION OF THE IDEAS ACADEMIC PAPERS 25 3. 4 JOURNAL CLASSIFICATION- ACADEMIC PAPERS .. 28 3. AUTHORS’ CRITERION ACADEMIC PAPERS .. 30 3. 6 TYPE OF STUDIES- ACADEMIC PAPERS .. 31 3. 7 GEOGRAPHICAL ORIGIN ACADEMIC PAPERS .. 34 3. 8 OTHER PAPERS SOURCES NEWSPAPERS/TRADE PUBLICATIONS/REPORTS/WHITE . 35 3. 9 OTHER SOURCES- BOOKS. 36 iv 3. 0 OTHER SOURCES CASE STUDIES .. 37 CHAPTER 4 LITERATURE REVIEW: ANALYSIS OF THE FASHION INDUSTRY 39 4. 1 INTRODUCTION . 39 4. 2 FASHION DEFINITION . 40 4. 3 THE LEVELS OF THE FASHION INDUSTRY.. 0 4. 4 APPAREL CATEGORIES .. 42 4. 5 FASHION INDUSTRY CHARACTERISTICS 43 4. 6 FASHION TRENDS . 43 4. 7 FASHION INDUSTRY SUPPLY CHAIN . 45 4. 8 FASHION LEAD TIMES. 46 4. FASHION SUPPLY CHAIN APPROACHES . 47 4. 9. 1 Quick response (QR). 48 4. 9. 2 Fast fashion concept. 51 4. 9. 3 Lean supply chain.. 54 4. 9. 4 Agile supply chain approach 55 4. 9. De-coupling point approach . 58 4. 9. 6 Leagile supply chain approaches 59 4. 10 GLOBAL VS LOCAL SOURCING . 61 4. 11 MANUFACTURING IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY 63 4. 11. 1 Definition of fashion manufacturing. 63 4. 11. 2 Manufacturing types.. 3 4. 11. 3 Manufacturing operations .. 65 4. 11. 4 New manufacturing trends . 72 4. 12 DISTRIBUTION IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY .. 72 4. 12. 1 Distribution channels 73 4. 12. 2 Retail buying process . 73 4. 12. Retail logistics 75 4. 12. 4 Supply chain relationships.. 78 4. 13 MARKETING IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY .. 83 4. 13. 1 Definition of fashion marketing .. 83 4. 13. 2 Fashion marketing in practice.. 83 4. 13. 3 Fashion marketing rocess. 85 4. 13. 4 The role of consumer behaviour in marketing.. 89 4. 13. 5 Marketing communication.. 92 4. 14 SUMMARY . 93 CHAPTER 5 BUSINESS MODELS IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY 96 5. 1 INTRODUCTION . 6 v CASE STUDY 1 96 GUCCI’S AGILE SUPPLY CHAIN . 96 CASE STUDY 2 99 MARKS AND SPENCER’S REFINED SUPPLY CHAIN 99 CASE STUDY 3 . 03 ZARA’S FAST SUPPLY CHAIN 103 CASE STUDY 4 . 111 TESCO: THE GROWTH OF SUPERMARKET FASHION . 111 5. 2 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE CASE STUDIES 115 5. 3 SUMMARY . 119 CHAPTER 6 DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION.. 120 6. INTRODUCTION .. 120 6. 2 DEVELOPMENT OF THE MODEL .. 120 6. 4 DISCUSSION OF THE PROPOSED MODEL .. 123 6. 5 DISCUSSION OF THE RESULTS IN TERMS OF THE AIM OF THE SCOPE . 129 6. 6 CRITIQUE OF THE RESEARCH .. 134 6. 7 FURTHER RESEARCH 36 REFERENCES . 137 APPENDICES 148 vi LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. 1: Thesis structure . 7 Figure 2. 1: SLR implementation process 11 Figure 2. 2: Field scope- main elements of the S LR 12 Figure 2. : Snowball search strategy 19 Figure 3. 1: Percentage of each content area. . 24 Figure 3. 2: Percentage of SCM/Logistics and marketing in the fashion industry. 25 Figure 3. 3: Percentage of SCM/Logistics and marketing in the apparel industry. 25 Figure 3. : Articles per year. 26 Figure 3. 5: Articles referring to apparel and fashion industry per year. 26 Figure 3. 6: The evolution of the fashion sector. .. 27 Figure 3. 7: The evolution of the apparel sector. .. 27 Figure 3. 8: Percentage of articles per Journal 29 Figure 3. 9: Authors who have written journal articles focused on the clothing/apparel industry and supply chain. . 31 Figure 3. 10: Theoretical/ Conceptual studies 32 Figure 3. 11: Theoretical/ Conceptual studies per year.. 32 Figure 3. 12: Analogy for studies per year for the fashion sector.. 33 Figure 3. 13: Analogy for studies per year for the apparel sector.. 33 Figure 3. 14: Types of empirical studies. . 34 Figure 3. 15: Percentage of articles per country. .. 5 Figure 4. 1: Route map of the chapter. .. 39 Figure 4. 2: The apparel supply chain 45 Figure 4. 3: Apparel business process. .. 46 Figure 4. 4: Generic supply chain strategies 48 Figure 4. 5: Cycle Time Compression through Quick Response 51 Figure 4. 6: Apparel supply chains.. 3 Figure 4. 7: The foundation for agility in a fashion business .. 56 Figure 4. 8: Approaches to agility in the supply chain 58 Figure 4. 9: De-coupling point locations.. 59 vii Figure 4. 10: Time compression methods in leagile supply chains .. 60 Figure 4. 11: Lead-time and forecast error relation. 62 Figure 4. 12: The fashion flow chart. . 6 Figure 4. 13: Production stage chart for the fashion supply chain. 67 Figure 4. 14: Sourcing types in the fashion industry 78 Figure 4. 15: Sourcing model for fast fashion. .. 81 Figure 4. 16: The fashion marketing process.. 85 Figure 4. 17: The marketing environment. .. 86 Figure 4. 18: Fashion internal market environment. 7 Figure 4. 19: Fashion ex ternal market environment. .. 88 Figure 4. 20: Fashion market environment strengths and weaknesses. .. 88 Figure 4. 21: A model of consumer behaviour .. 89 Figure 4. 22: Drivers of fashion change 90 Figure 4. 23: Maslow’s pyramid. . 91 Figure 4. 24: Brief summary of the literature results .. 5 Figure 5. 1: Business operations in the luxury sector . 98 Figure 5. 2: Gucci’s supply chain. .. 99 Figure 5. 4: Marks and Spencer revival.. 102 Figure 5. 5: Price-fashion brand positioning. .. 104 Figure 5. 6: Zara’s value chain. . 107 Figure 5. 7: Product pre-commitments: Zara vs Traditional Industry 108 Figure 5. 9: UK clothing specialists (Market positioning 2006). 111 Figure 5. 10: Non-food items bought from main supermarket in the last 12 months (January, 2007). .. 112 Figure 5. 11: Where consumers bought clothing from for themselves in the last 12 months (June 2006). 113 Figure 6. 2: Proposed fashion matrix .. 22 Figure 6. 3: Matching supply chains with products .. 128 viii LIST OF TABLES Table 2. 1: Differences between traditional and structured literature review. 9 Table 2. 2: Key words and search strings 13 Table 2. 3: No. of articles in each search string for ABI database 16 Table 2. 4: No. of articles in each search string for EBCO database. . 17 Table 2. 5: Relevant article results per database. . 21 Table 3. 1: No. f articles per Journal and star ranking. 28 Table 3. 2: Number of articles and year of publication per Journal. 30 Table: 3. 3: Number of articles per country 35 Table 3. 4: Other sources (newspapers etc. ) . 36 Table 3. 5: Book results. . 37 Ta ble 3. 6: Case studies results 38 Table 4. 1: UK fashion retail seasons. . 44 Table 4. 2: QR benefits 50 Table 4. 3: Differences between traditional and â€Å"fast fashion† retailing. . 54 Table 4. 4: Product characteristics for lean and agile supply chains 58 Table 4. 5: Agile manufacturing principals and benefits.. 71 Table 4. 6: Fashion supply chain relationships . 83 Table 4. 7: Two views of fashion marketing. 4 Table 4. 8: The fashion marketing concept. 85 Table 4. 9: Fashion industry levels 94 Table 4. 10: Product classification . 94 Table 5. 1: Marks and Spencer product ranges. . 103 Table 5. 2: Key differences between Zara and traditional retailer’s business model. . 110 Table 5. : Companies’ characteristics.. 116 Table appendix-A: No. of articles in each search string for Emerald database. 148 ix LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix A: Search Result of Databases .. 148 Appendix B: Questionnaire- Interview notes 149 Appendix C: Garment Production Process 152 x LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS CAD- Computer Assisted Design CAM- Computer Assisted Manufacturing CMI- Co-Managed Inventory DC- Distribution Centre EDI- Electronic Data Interchange EPO- Electronic Point of Sale IT- Information Technology JIT- Just-In-Time MRP- Material Requirements Planning NOS- Never-out-of-stock PDM- Product Data Management POS- Point of Sale QR- Quick Response RFID- Radio Frequency Identification SCM- Supply Chain Management SKU- Stock Keeping Unit SLR- Structured Literature Review SR- Systematic Review TQM- Total Quality Management UPC- Universal Product Code UPS- Unit Production System 3PL- Third Part Logistics xi Chapter 1 Introduction CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1. 1 Introduction The purpose of this chapter is to provide a prologue to the research. The background and the importance of the research are presented. The aim, the objectives are stated and the research questions are developed. Finally, the structure of the thesis and the scope are covered. 1. 2 Background to the research Recent business trends have been characterised by demand unpredictability, fast moving markets, expansion of product variety, short product life cycles, increased outsourcing, globalisation and explosion of information technology (Lee, 2002). Therefore, how to be successful in today’s rapidly changing environment is a key issue for many companies across different industries (Tang, 2005). According to Christopher (2005), today it is not companies that compete but supply chains. Supply chain management has been regarded as one of the main areas for companies to enhance competitive advantage (Lee, 2002). Consequently, companies have had to learn how to make critical decisions that would affect not only their present performance, but also their future success (Tang, 2005). 1. 2. Background to the fashion industry The fashion industry has faced many changes in terms of supply chain management during recent years. These changes emerged due to the characteristics of the market. In the past fashion retailing was dominated by several large retailers which increased the competition levels in the market (Barnes and Lea-Greenwood, 2006). 1 Chapter 1 Introduction During the 90’s, firms such as New Look and supermarkets s uch as Tesco, heavily influenced dominant fashion retailers’ markets and traditional market shares. Many retailers, in order to survive; moved production towards low wage, overseas countries. These countries offered cost efficiencies, and enabled these retailers to be focused on price competition. However, the overall result of this strategy has led to long lead times, and inflexible and complicated supply chains. This cost efficiency did not always ensure supply chain effectiveness due to the distance between the production and consumption points. Consequently, speed to market and quality levels were decreased (Bruce and Daly 2006; Barnes and Lea-Greenwood, 2006; Birtwistle et al. , 2003). The situation became worse due to the changes in the fashion market, such as consumers’ attitudes, lifestyles and the information explosion. The information explosion enabled consumers to be well informed of the trends around the globe and they became wiser about what they demanded. Entering the 21st century many firms such as Zara, recognising these changes, moved their focus from cost efficiencies to faster responsiveness to the trends and demand, and decrease of time to market performance (Hines, 2007b; Barnes and Lea-Greenwood, 2006). Nowadays, the fashion industry is characterised by aggressive competition levels. In the light of this high competition, fashion companies have to present not only price benefits for the consumer but also be focused on â€Å"newness† and constant â€Å"refreshing† of their product ranges (Hines 2007b; Hoffman, 2007; Barnes and Lea-Greenwood, 2006). Today’s retailers recognise that the customer is king. However, regarding the fashion sector, the customer is ever more fickle, impatient and fussy, and that leads to even more complications for the supply chain management. Michael Barrat, Retailer Researcher Director at AMR Research said that â€Å"information and trends are moving around the globe at speeds we have never seen before. As a result the consumer has more options and thus shops more often† (Hoffman, 2007, p. 1). Due to these challenges the supply chains in many cases have been reconstructed with the aim of serving the customer in a highly timely manner. 2 Chapter 1 Introduction 1. 3 Importance of the topic There are a number of factors behind the author’s decision to choose this topic as the thesis project. The decision was based on the fact that this sector presented interesting supply chains based on time dependence. Fashion markets have long attracted the interest of researchers. In terms of supply chain management there was a challenging sector which had been beset by the problems of volatility and demand unpredictability (Christopher and Peck, 1997). The fast pace of the fashion industry was a great challenge for companies involved in this sector. Across the seasons trends were changing. Thus the success or failure of a fashion company depended on effective purchasing decisions, inventory planning, manufacturing efficiency and product delivery. So in this case time urgent was fundamental. Those companies that assured product availability within days were regarded as the market winners (Worthington, 2006). In the fashion industry, pipelines have been notoriously long, inflexible and complex. Consequently, long buying cycles have been developed, resulting in inappropriate structures for the requirements of the modern fashion industry. Moves to improve supply chain responsiveness in the fashion industry have been made with the introduction of concepts such as quick response, Just-in-Time systems and agile philosophies (Bruce and Daly, 2007; Hines, 2007b). A review of business odels developed from companies such as Zara and Gucci and several others, has signalled that the fashion industry had successful supply chain solutions which were able to effectively meet consumer needs. Therefore, there were potential solutions and techniques that other industries might consider to improve the way in which they organised and managed their supply chain operations (Gutgeld and Beyer, 1995). 3 Chapter 1 Introduction 1. 4 Aim of the project and objectives of the research AIM: The aim of the research is to identify opportunities for other sectors to learn from the fashion industry. OBJECTIVES: The thesis has three objectives. Firstly, to review the literature on the theory and implementation of supply chain and marketing processes in order to identify the extent to which the fashion industry is able to create, anticipate and keep abreast of consumer demand. Secondly, to undertake case study reviews to identify the business models used by companies in the fashion industry, e. g. Zara and Gucci, that enable them to meet consumer needs. Finally, through analysis and synthesis to identify lessons that other industries can gain from such fashion retailers in how they organise and manage their supply chain operations. . 5 Scope of the project The fashion industry includes the design, manufacturing, marketing and sale of clothes, footwear and accessories. Nevertheless, in the literature or in the media, it is common when referring to the fashion industry to regard it as a clothing sector (Jackson, 2007). For that reason the focus of this research is on the garment ind ustry. Consequently, issues not related to the garment industry such as fibre, yarn and fabric manufacturing are excluded from the scope of the project. Whilst the research is primarily focused on fashion products, basic products that are not considered as fashionable are eviewed as well in order to develop a more comprehensive and holistic analysis of the total apparel product spectrum. The scope 4 Chapter 1 Introduction includes analysis of the fashion industry structure in general and the characteristics of several participants. Specifically, the analysis embraces common supply chain solutions in the industry such as quick response and agile approaches, as well as the type of relationships across the different actors in the pipeline. Referring to processes, a description of the manufacturing, distribution and marketing of fashion items is undertaken. Specific marketing issues are not included in the analysis. The scope of this project includes an evaluation of the theory through case study analysis. The purpose of this is to identify the ways that companies use in practice so as to meet demand. The case study review enables a comparative analysis across different investigated companies in terms of possible similarities and differences. Finally, the scope includes the development of a model which enables the author to crystallise the whole industry in terms of levels and products, and the related supply chain issues in each stage. 1. Research question Based on the objectives, the research question of the thesis is: â€Å"Why is the fashion industry able to provide lessons to other industries? † The fulfilment of this question is based on the answer of another question which is: â€Å"How do the several actors in the fashion industry organise and manage their supply chain operations? † 1. 7 Methodology of the research The logic of the research is based on a structured literature review. Descriptive analysis of the literature material is conducted along with critical review of the thematic contents of the literature findings, with he aim of discovering potential literature gaps. The literature review is based on academic papers and books. However, trade publications, 5 Chapter 1 Introduction newspapers and case studies are reviewed due to the nature of the topic. This enables the author to gain a more holistic and robust approach towards â€Å"real-world† issues. 1. 8 Structure of the thesis The thesis is structured as follows (Figure 1. 1) Chapter 1 The aim of this chapter is to develop an initial engagement with the reader of the broad field of the study and further focus on the research problem. The aim, the objectives and the scope of the project are outlined. Chapter 2 In this chapter the methodology adopted by the author in order to approach the research is outlined. A description of the implementation process is developed. Chapter 3 In this chapter, there is a descriptive analysis of the literature related to the fashion sector in terms of supply chain and marketing issues. The description particularly refers to the characteristics of the selected articles based on a set of criteria which are highlighted in chapter 3. Chapter 4 The content of this chapter is the review of the academic literature to gain insight into the fashion industry. This thematic section refers to the first objective of how the fashion industry works towards consumer demand. Chapter 5 In this chapter case study reviews are conducted. Identification of the business models used by companies in the fashion industry is developed. This thematic section aims to approach the second objective. 6 Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 6 This chapter is divided in two sections. Firstly, it aims to consolidate the main findings in the literature review (from the two previous chapters) and develop a comprehensive model of how the fashion industry is structured and works. Secondly, it refers to the reflection of the overall work in order to define the main supply chain strategies and related tools adopted in the fashion industry and can be the base for providing lessons to other industries. Furthermore, it includes evaluation and review in terms of strengths and limitations of the research and proposes further future research. Figure 1. 1: Thesis structure Source: Author 7 Chapter 2 Methodology CHAPTER 2 METHODOLOGY 2. 1 Introduction The underlying thinking of the overall methodology strategy adopted in this project is to critically review the literature in the light of the three objectives of the thesis (See paragraph 1. 4). This chapter presents the methodology which has been chosen to meet the stated objectives. As the title declared, the thesis is a Structured Literature Review (SLR) by nature. In so doing, the definition of the SLR is presented along with its differentiation from a traditional literature review. Finally, the advantages of the SLR and the implementation process are demonstrated. . 2 Definition of structured literature review (SLR) The structured literature view is an evolution of the Systematic Review (SR). These two approaches present similar characteristics, but their differences are based on the implementation process. According to Morgan (2007, p. 2) the systematic literature review is more rigorous than the SLR. Maylor and Blackmon (2005, p. 98) de scribe the literature review as â€Å"a process of finding more about a research topic, in particular a theoretical problem it is the record of other people’s research†. According to Morgan (2007, p. ), â€Å"a (Structured) literature reviews are a method of making a sense of a large body of information, a †¦ method of mapping out areas of uncertainty†¦ and a way to tell the difference between real and assumed knowledge. They are methodologically sound (and lead to)†¦ results (that give) †¦. a good representation of the ‘truth’†. Denyer (2002, p. 14) states that SR is â€Å"a review of the evidence on a clearly formulated question that uses systematic and explicit methods to identify, select and critically appraise relevant primary research, and to extract and analyse data from the studies that are included in the rearview†. Finally, Boaz, Ashby and Young (2002, p. 2) define that the SR approach â€Å"acknowledges the large body of existing research and seeks to synthesize the findings from all relevant studies†. 8 Chapter 2 Methodology 2. 2. 1 Differences between Structured Literature review and Traditional Review The Systematic Literature Review (and consequently SLR mentioned before as an evolution of the systematic) is based on spotting the phenomena and is focused on a more â€Å"replicable, scientific and transparent process, ( , that aims to minimize bias through exhaustive searches of published and unpublished studies † (Cranfield Online, 2007). In comparison, in the traditional approaches of the literature review, the author included merely subjective information and thus irrelevant information, which did not fit in the research content, was excluded (Denyer, 2002). Regarding the traditional literature review, it was focused on a specific investigated area and did not provide detai led critical analysis to the degree that SLR did. The following table (2. 1) illustrates the major differences between these two areas. Structured Literature Reviews Scope of study Narrow Review question Organising the study Identifying studies Selecting studies Synthesising study results Clear, well-developed question/hypothesis Structured, clear process Rigorous and comprehensive search of published and unpublished information Pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria of studies Conclusion based on the most methodologically sound studies Traditional Reviews Wide General discussion, often without a developed question or hypothesis Unplanned/unfocused, permits creativity Searching is probing. Usually doesn t locate all the literature. Reasons for the inclusion and exclusion of studies may not be explicit No differentiation between methodologically sound and unsound studies Table 2. 1: Differences between traditional and structured literature review. Source: Nikolaidi, (2006). So the main difference between the structure literature review and the traditional approaches of literature review is the systematic approach of the SLR. Furthermore, traditional approaches have been deemed as solely descriptive without providing any new information, as well as lacking of any critical assessment (Tranfield et al. , 2003). 9 Chapter 2 Methodology 2. 2. Advantages of the Structured Literature Review The main advantages of the structured literature review are, firstly, that the evidencebased approach offers a scientific and objective quality to the research. Secondly, there is an effective way to draw together and analyse extensive literature, as well as, eliminate any bias and error issues (Tranfield et al. , 2003; Denyer, 2002 ). The author chose the structured literature review as a methodology approach due to the fact it enables the connection of the existing research information and the development of an overall view of the research area via a reliable and valid route. A further reason for selecting SLR, apart from the fact that it constitutes a resourceful technique, is that it enables the integration of all the research areas under investigation, such as the fashion industry, general apparel sector and supply chain management. 2. 3 Structured Literature Review Process In general the steps followed to develop a structured literature review are: 1. Scope the field 2. Develop the research strings 3. Determine the research areas 4. Review the results 5. Conclude the findings The following diagram (2. ) depicts the implementation process of the SLR through which the research is developed and the thesis is accomplished. The sequence of the stages is continuous and each phase is interdependent with the following one. 10 Chapter 2 Methodology Stage 1 Focus of the Investigation Stage 2 Search Strategy High level Stage 3 Assessment of the Literature Material Analysis Low level Stage 4 Stage 5 Material Synthesis Figure 2. 1: SLR implementation process Sourc e: Adapted from Morgan, (2007), Lecture notes. 2. 3. Mapping the study field (Stage 1) The main elements of the structured literature review are supply chain, logistics and fashion industry. These three elements were the starting point in the attempt to explore and comprehend the objectives and border the research scope. The fashion industry was reviewed in terms of supply chain management and logistics operations with the aim of identifying the way that the industry is structured and operated and the main value points that might provide lessons to other industries. 11 Chapter 2 Methodology Supply chain Fashion industry Logistics Figure 2. : Field scope- main elements of the SLR Source: Author. The first objective, which is related to the fashion industry and the way of managing customer’s demand, was covered by reviewing the literature area where the three cycles (figure 2. 2), fashion industry, supply chain and logistics overlap. However, apart from a holistic review of the supply chain, particular issues such as manufacturing, distribution and marketing of fashion items were assessed in detail. The second objective which was related to the identification of business models followed in the fashion industry was approached through case study analysis. A model development enabled the synthesis and the analysis of the fashion industry in a comprehensive way. At this point, worth noting was that the term fashion industry was used with a broad meaning, including the general apparel industry as well. Finally, the above described step was considered to be fundamental in identifying the domains that the research covered, spotting possible overlaps between them; developing the research questions and justifying the investigating approach (Morgan, 2007). 12 Chapter 2 Methodology 2. 3. Developing the search strategy (Stage 2) The aim of this phase is to identify all the relevant studies for the issues investigated and develop a set of arguments with the aim of elucidating the design of the research and giving reasons for decisions taken. Identification of the search strings The literature research started by identifying key words and by developing the search strings (Tranfield et al. , 2003). The searching terms were derived by conducting an initial literature review and by discussing these with the supervisor and the sponsor of the thesis. After identifying the key words, the search strings were developed. The following table (2. 2) presents the key words and the search strings. SLR elements Supply Chain Key words Supply chain Demand chain Value chain Fashion industry Apparel industry Fashion goods Fashion items Fashion industry Textile industry Garment industry Clothing industry Footwear Fashion retail Fashion business Logistics Logistics Manufacturing Distribution Marketing Logistics or manufactur* or distribut* or marketing Fashion or apparel or textil* or garment* or cloth* Supply chain or demand chain or value chain Search strings Table 2. 2: Key words and search strings Source: Author 13 Chapter 2 Methodology Identification of the databases The prime resources in order to conduct a structured literature review were the electronic databases. For the purpose of this research three databases were used: ABI/INFORM Trade and Industry (ProQuest) EBSCO Business Source Premier Emerald Library Journals The academic databases ABI/INFORM Global/Trade and Industry (ProQuest) and EBSCO Business Source Premier were regarded as providing the most relevant literature after conducting an initial search with simple keywords. Emerald Library journals offered a narrower range of results. More specifically, after cross checking, the author figured out that the majority of the articles found in this latter database were included in the two former academic databases. These two top potential sources have the following characteristics: ABI/INFORM Global (ProQuest) This included subjects related to management techniques, theory and practice of business, marketing and business and economic conditions. It provided about 2,770 Journal titles (Proquest Online, 2007). ABI/INFORM Trade and Industry (ProQuest) This covered about 1,210 serials in areas related to companies, trends and products (Proquest Online, 2007). EBSCO Business Source Premier This daily updated database included about 8,800 Journal titles with more than 1,100 peer reviewed publications and full-text articles from high quality marketing and management articles. The main fields that it covered among others are management and marketing (Ebscohost Online, 2007). The research of the publications was narrowed down by overviewing only peer reviewed titles in order to ensure a higher level of research credibility. Peer-reviewed 14 Chapter 2 Methodology publications referred to the fact that the articles are reviewed and approved by experts in similar topic areas (Proquest Online, 2007). Search Results The following two tables (2. 3 and 2. 4) illustrate the search results for titles of each database in relation to each search string. The tables refer to the two main academic databases ABI/INFORM Global/Trade and Industry (ProQuest) and EBSCO Business Source Premier. The relevant table for the Emerald database is cited in appendix-A. These tables aim to present all the likely combinations among the literature review elements and search strings by ensuring a higher possibility for appearing relevant to the investigated articles. â€Å"Refine† refers to the number of titles which were peer reviewed. The tables presented the potential articles from each database. However, the author, in order to proceed to the assessment of the literature which consisted of one of the following steps, decided to focus on one search string which was: (a) Supply chain (or) demand chain (or) value chain AND Fashion (or) textile* (or) garment* (or) apparel (or) cloth*. The reason for that decision was that the number of the resulting titles of this search string was manageable by allowing the search to remain broad but not out of scope. So there was no need to narrow it down further. Indeed, by including the additional search string of â€Å"Logistics (or) distribut* (or) manufact* (or) marketing† the resulting titles became even fewer (figures 2. 3 and 2. 4). However, in order to ensure that no valid information was missing these titles were reviewed in brief, during the literature assessment process, and it was discovered that the majority of them were included in the former (a) search string. 5 Chapter 2 Methodology Source: ABI database Supply chain (or) demand chain No. of articles in each search string Supply chain (or) demand chain (or) value chain Fashion Fashion (or) textile* (or) garment* (or) apparel (or) cloth* Logistics (or) distribut* (or) manufact* or marketing 39, 702 Refine: 6436 315 Refine: 71 54,005 Refine: 3,524 177,020 Re fine: 8140 1,291 Refine: 184 (or) value chain Fashion Fashion (or) textile* (or) garment* (or) apparel (or) cloth* Logistics (or) distribut* (or) manufact* or marketing 16,922 Refine: 2972 9,684 Refine: 953 34,616 Refine: 2227 1,164,875 Refine: 110,267 Three search strings together Supply chain (or) demand chain (or) value chain Fashion (or) textile* (or) garment* (or) apparel (or) cloth* Logistics (or) distribut* (or) manufact* or marketing (ABI) Total 719 articles Refine: 120 articles Table 2. 3: No. of articles in each search string for ABI database. Source: Author 16 Chapter 2 Methodology Source: EBSCO database No. f articles in each search string Supply chain (or) demand chain (or) value chain Fashion 30,526 Refine: 7,127 210 Refine: 84 33,458 Refine: 4,063 Fashion (or) textile* (or) garment* (or) apparel (or) cloth* Logistics (or) distribut* (or) manufact* or marketing 104,139 Refine: 9245 885 Refine: 179 Supply chain (or) demand chain (or) value chain Fashion Fashion (or) textile* (or) garment* (or) apparel (or) cloth* Logistics (or) distribut* (or) manufact* or marketing 18,918 Refine: 4, 988 10,920 Refine: 1,403 39,435 Refine: 3,555 ,774,721 Refine: 267,820 Three search strings together Supply chain (or) demand chain (or) value chain Fashion (or) textile* (or) garment* (or) apparel (or) cloth* Logistics (or) distribut* (or) manufact* or marketing (EBSCO) Total 543 articles Refine: 140 articles Table 2. 4: No. of articles in each search string for EBCO database. Source: Author Other sources Other non-academic sources, such as Google scholar and Mintel reports were investigated in order to approach the researching areas more effectively. Furthermore, due to the difficulty of finding enough sources related to the supermarket clothing departments and fashion marketing, these sources, along with books, provided further information. The additional sources that were used were: 17 Chapter 2 Methodology Google scholar Trade Publications (e. g. Traffic World) Newspapers (e. g. Financial Times) Mintel reports Case studies (e. g. Zara, and Marks and Spencer) Reference/ Reports (e. g. Just-Style) White papers (e. g. CFPIM Intentia Americas) Mintel offered efficient information for the clothing and supermarket sectors. Furthermore, books provided very useful information about the examined issues covering both theory and examples from the practice. The latter enabled the author to decide the case studies to be studied. Google scholar, apart from providing some efficient publications, facilitated a first overview of the issues investigated. Furthermore, it provided a good link to a college (London College of Fashion) which deals with the fashion industry. At this point, regarding the process of searching for relevant information about the issues investigated, apart from the development of the key words search, a â€Å"snowball search† was conducted. According to Maylor and Blackmon (2005), â€Å"snowball search† is the review of the reference and the bibliography list of a relevant article in order to discover any previous useful researches and information (figure 2. 3). 18 Chapter 2 Methodology Snowball search Original reference A References to A B C References to B D E F G Figure 2. 3: Snowball search strategy Source: Maylor and Blackmon, (2005). Case studies According to Yin (2003) the case study, as a method, enables researchers to preserve the holistic and meaningful attributes of real life events. These could include, among others, organisational and managerial processes. The primary aim of examining a case study was to identify the business models used in the fashion industry in terms of their supply chain management and the extent to which they enabled them to meet consumer requirements. As mentioned above, books provided information regarding case studies for some companies. Nevertheless, the majority of the case studies were found in the site of ECCH (European Case Clearing House) (ecch. com). Advisory groups The main advisors in the research were the supervisor and the sponsor of the research project. Furthermore, a formal presentation of the progress of the research was conducted on the 6th of June 2007. During this presentation useful recommendations were given by a panel of academics in terms of the issues investigated. Apart from the above mentioned advisors; the group included an academician (Sanaul Mallick, lecturer in corporative strategy) from the London College of Fashion, who contributed to the 19 Chapter 2 Methodology progress of the research by offering useful information and expertise. The interview was based on a semi-structured questionnaire, which was conducted on the 25th of July 2007 at the London College of Fashion. Finally, librarian staff provided assistance in terms of the source searching. 2. 3. 3 Assessment of the literature (Stage 3) In this stage, evaluation of the articles found in the electronic databases was conducted. For the purpose of this process, inclusion and exclusion criteria were developed. The latter was enabled by the initial search which was conducted in the first stages of the research as mentioned before. These pre-determined criteria which were slightly refined during the whole process enabled the avoidance of any bias and possible errors of judgment. According to Morgan (2007), this phase of the structure literature review is divided into two stages: â€Å"high level assessment of the literature† and â€Å"low level assessment of the literature†. High level assessment of the literature Firstly, the high level assessment of the literature review refers to an initial screening of each article’s title and abstract. In this point the inclusion criteria are: Empirical and theoretical studies. No time-frame restrictions. All the related sectors, for example in the broad meaning of apparel sector apart from fashion, basic clothing was taken into consideration as well. No strict geographical restrictions. Respectively, the exclusion criteria were: No relevance to the investigated area. Not written in the English language. The resulting numbers from this brief screening for each database are illustrated in the following table (2. 5): 20 Chapter 2 Methodology Databases ABI (Proquest) EBSCO Emerald Table 2. 5: Rele vant article results per database. Source: Author. No. of possible relevant articles for fashion industry 67 81 37 The above results were referred to the search string (a) and duplications were included. As mentioned before, from the 81 possible relevant articles founded in EBSCO only 49 articles were not included in ABI’s results, and the majority of the articles in Science direct and Emerald were found in the two former databases. As a result, the total relevant articles for the fashion industry which proceeded to low level literature assessment were around 115. Low level assessment of the literature Low level assessment of the literature is regarded as a more detailed and full text screening of the remaining possible relevant articles. In this stage the previous screening of the abstracts enabled the development of more restricted inclusion and exclusion criteria, closely related with the research scope. Inclusion criteria: Fashion industry background. Fashion industry related only to clothing. Supply chain strategies in both sectors and approaches such as Quick Response (QR) and agile. Related logistics operations in each sector including manufacturing, distribution and marketing. Geographical areas: UK, US, Australia; and generally developed countries. Exclusion criteria: Focus on corporate responsibility. 21 Chapter 2 Methodology Focus on related environmental issues. Geographical restrictions. Exclude countries such as India, Sri Lanka and Hong Kong. E-retailing related to internet sales For the fashion industry exclude fabric industry. The estimated final number from academic journals is 51 academic articles. Regarding other information sources the final number is 8 books, 11 case studies, 5 newspapers, 6 trade publications, 2 reference/ reports (including Mintel) and 1 white paper. 2. 3. Material Analysis (Stage 4) The material analysis included the presentation of the chosen articles in a descriptive way. The descriptive analysis referred to the categorisation of the articles in a number of comprehensive ways in order to present the overall analysis of the investigated issue. The descriptive findings are developed in Chapter 3. 2. 3. 5 Synthesis of the material (Stage 5) The approach of the first objective was based on ac ademic articles and books. However, newspapers, trade publications and white papers were used in order to approach the issue in a more robust way. Furthermore, the second objective, the assessing of business models followed in practice, was approached through case study review. Regarding the third objective, based on the literature and case study findings, a conceptual model was developed based on Hayes and Wheelwright (1979) model. The model presented the structure of the fashion industry and the way that the supply chains were organised and managed. This overall process enabled highlighting the learning points from the fashion industry in terms of supply chain strategies and tools. 22 Chapter 3 Descriptive Results CHAPTER 3 DESCRIPTIVE RESULTS . 1 Introduction The purpose of this chapter is to present a description of the finally selected articles. The descriptive analysis is regarded as findings and contributes to more robust overview of the further thematic analysis. The majority of the descriptive analysis is focalised on the academic papers (total 51 articles). However a brief presentation of the rest of the sources such as case studies and books is undertaken. 3. 2 Content descriptive analysis Academic papers A first review of the papers allowed a classification of the selected articles in terms of content. The four categories that the articles could be categorised into were fashion industry, apparel industry, supply chain management and logistics, and marketing. Supply chain management included manufacturing, suppliers, information issues, relationships and strategies. The following figure (3. 1) presents the percentages of each of these four categories in the total number of articles. Analysis of the fashion and apparel industries separately was conducted. Nevertheless, articles in which the title, the abstract and the keywords referred to apparel or clothing or textile, sometimes referred to fashion, as well. For that reason the classification regarding those two categories was based on the title, the abstract, the descriptors and the main points referred to in the article, reflecting in that way the focused area of each author. 23 Chapter 3 Descriptive Results 4% 29% 31% Fashion Apparel SCM/ Logistics Marketing 36% Figure 3. 1: Percentage of each content area. Source: Author Figures 3. 2 and 3. 3 present a further descriptive analysis of the fashion and apparel industry in terms of supply chain/ logistics and marketing. Regarding the two industries, the majority of the articles referred to supply chain and logistics. However, the percentages of the articles that referred to marketing were more in the fashion than in the apparel industry. But was there a reason for that? The market oriented nature of the fashion industry and the need for effective demand management, indicated that supply chain and marketing issues were both important. In so doing, marketing could be considered as an important factor to the success of a fashion firm; thus attracting the interest of researchers. However, the supply chain management seems to have been the area that has attracted the researchers’ interest more than marketing. This could be explained by the challenging nature of the industry in terms of manufacturing and general logistics issues. 24 Chapter 3 Descriptive Results 25% 75% Fashion SCM/ Logistics Fashion Marketing Figure 3. 2: Percentage of SCM/Logistics and marketing in the fashion industry. Source: Author 6% 94% Apparel SCM/ Logistics Apparel Marketing Figure 3. 3: Percentage of SCM/Logistics and marketing in the apparel industry. Source: Author 3. 3 Historical evolution of the ideas Academic papers In this section the characteristics of the selected articles were described based on chronological criteria. Figure 3. 4 presents the distribution of the articles both in number and percentage during the years. The majority of the selected articles were found after 2000, with more focused on 2006. Figure 3. 5 presents a comparison between the fashion and apparel sectors across the years. 25 Chapter 3 Descriptive Results 14 12 No. of Articles 10 8 6 4 2 0 1979 1989 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1999 Year No. of Articles Percentage 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% Figure 3. 4: Articles per year. Source: Author 00% 90% Percentage of Articles 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 1989 1993 1995 1997 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Years Apparel Industry Fashion Industry Figure 3. 5: Articles referring to apparel and fashion industry per year. Source: Author The following figure (3. 6) presents the distribution of the â€Å"fashion† articles per year. The evolution of the ideas during the years could be that in the 90s most of the articles were referring to general supply chain/logistics and marketing issues whilst in the beginning of the next decade concepts such as quick response and agility became more aggressive. Over the last years, i. e. towards 2005 and 2006, concepts of fast fashion, customer driven, customisation and demand management were deemed as more popular. 26 Chapter 3 Descriptive Results Fashion Industry 60% Percentage of aticles 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 1989 1993 1995 1997 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Years Fashion Industry Figure 3. 6: The evolution of the fashion sector. Source: Author The following figure (3. 7) presents the apparel industry evolution during the years which could be characterised as more mature. Whilst the majority of the articles referring to fashion were found in 2006, the apparel sector presented a more â€Å"smooth† distribution both in number of publications and content. Quick response was always an area of focus. In the recent years, and a reflection on networks, the integration and explosion of technology use was found. Apparel Industry 30% Percentage of articles 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% 1989 1993 1995 1997 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Years Apparel Industry Figure 3. : The evolution of the apparel sector. Source: Author 27 Chapter 3 Descriptive Results 3. 4 Journal classification- Academic papers The following table (3. 1) and figure (3. 8) present the number and the percentage of selected articles in each journal. The ranking in terms of stars was given based on the â€Å"Academic Journal Quality Guide of The Association of Business Schools in 2007†. The majority of the articles, especially for the fashion industry, were derived from the  "Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management†. Journal Title Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management Journal of Enterprise Information Management International Journal of Operations and Production Management Business Strategy Review Supply Chain Management: an International Journal Industrial Management and Data Systems Management Science International Journal of Retail and Distribution Management Supply Chain Europe International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management International Journal of Agile Management Systems The McKinsey Quarterly International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology European Journal of Marketing California Management Review Competition and Change Harvard Business Review Industrial Relations Integrated Manufacturing Systems International Journal of Logistics: Research and Applications International Journal of Production Economics Journal of Marketing Management Technology in Society International Journal of Logistics Management The International Review of Retail, Distribution a nd Consumer Research Total No. of Articles 10 1 3 1 1 1 1 3 1 3 2 2 2 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 4 1 1 4 1 51 Ranking 1* * 3* 1* 3* 1* 4* 1* N/A 1* 1* N/A N/A 3* 3* 2* 4* 2* 2* 2* 3* 3* N/A 2* 2* Table 3. 1: No. of articles per Journal and star ranking. Source: Author 28 Chapter 3 Descriptive Results 8% 2% 2% 8% 2% 2% 2% 6% 2% 2% 2% 4% 2% 20% 2% 6% 2% 2% 2% 2% 6% 4% 4% 6% 2% Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management Journal of Enterprise Information Management International Journal of Operations and Production Management Business Strategy Review Supply Chain Management: an International Journal Industrial Management and Data Systems Management Science International Journal of Retail and Distribution Management Supply Chain Europe International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management International Journal of Agile Management Systems The McKinsey Quarterly International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology European Journal of Marketing California Management Review Competition and Change Harvard Business Review Industrial Relations Integrated Manufacturing Systems International Journal of Logistics: Research and Applications International Journal of Production Economics Journal of Marketing Management Technology in Society International Journal of Logistics Management The International Review of Retail, Distribution and Consumer Re search % of Articles per Journal Figure 3. 8: Percentage of articles per Journal. Source: Author The following table (3. 2) presents the journals in combination with the year of publication of each article. In the brackets are the numbers of the articles published each year for each specific journal. At this point it should be noted that there was no exclusion of papers that were a certain number of years old. The reason that most of the papers were published in 2006, especially in the â€Å"Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management† (where the majority of them were found), might be due to the end of the quota system in 2005; which encouraged even more the sourcing in low wage overseas countries such as China (McKee and Ross, 2005). So there might be an interesting investigated area from several authors on the fashion industry. 29 Chapter 3 Descriptive Results Journal Name Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management Journal of Enterprise Information Management International Journal of Operations and Production Management Business Strategy Review Supply Chain Management: an International Journal Industrial Management and Data Systems Management Science International Journal of Retail and Distribution Management Supply Chain Europe International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management International Journal of Agile Management Systems The McKinsey Quarterly International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology European Journal of Marketing California Management Review Competition and Change Harvard Business Review Industrial Relations Integrated Manufacturing Systems International J