Tax research problem Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Tax problem - Research Paper Example Please prepare a memorandum to me addressing the tax consequences of receiving the $200,000 back-pay and damages award, and any gross up she might receive caused by the bunching effect of receiving the award in a single year. Be sure to cite any authority bearing on these questions. _____________________________________________________________________________ MEMORANDUM TO: S. Partner, C.P.A. FROM: J. Accountant RE: Brenda Broccoli In Brenda’s case, three facts must be considered: structured settlements are a possibility; there is one major tax advantage to having a structured settlement; and there is one major disadvantage to having a structured settlement. The structured settlement itself was devised 29 years ago in order to ensure that people who suddenly came into money due to a jury’s award would not have to suffer financial consequences that come with new-found wealth. â€Å"In 1982, Congress created†¦the structured settlement. Rather than paying [a] plainti ff with a single check of $1 million, defendant pays plaintiff $2 million in increments over the next twenty years. [S]preading the receipt over a long period of time [relegates]†¦settlement monies to periodic payments, creating the structured settlement tax subsidy.†1 One of the major problems that had been plaguing people who won large sums of money from jury trials included the fact that people would be subject to losing or spending all of their money in a very irresponsible fashion. This was partially due to the fact that many people simply were not prepared to deal with such large sums of money, had poor financial planning, and, as a result—would lose all of their settlements in a very short time. The best aspect of making sure that one gets a structured settlement for the payout of $200K is that, most likely, Brenda could maintain her current tax bracket instead of being taxed in the second-highest tax bracket in the country. â€Å"One significant advantage of a structured settlement is tax avoidance. With appropriate set-up, a structured settlement may significantly reduce the plaintiff's tax obligations as a result of the settlement, and may in some cases be tax-free.†2 What would be ideal is if Brenda’s settlement was tax-free. The specifics would have to be worked out with her tax lawyers, but perhaps they could set up a tax shelter in the Cayman Islands by setting up an account there and funneling the money there—either that or in Switzerland. Unfortunately, since all the money in a structured settlement isn’t received at one time, no big purchases can be made—such as buying a house. â€Å"One of the disadvantages to a structured settlement is that you cannot make any changes in the amount you receive or in your schedule of payments. That is why it is imperative when you agree to a structure, that you try†¦to anticipate what your needs will be over [time].†3 Of course, it would really depend upon the payout amount of the structured settlement as to what types of goods and services could be purchased based upon Brenda’s budget. It is recommended that Ms. Broccoli make full advantage of her tax lawyers, who specialize in this very same type of legal dilemma.

Ethics and policies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 2

Ethics and policies - Essay Example Ethics can best be defined as standards of moral behaviour that are accepted by society as right versus wrong (Nickels et al, 2005). Businesses, as much as an individual, are held accountable for their actions in relationship to societys ethical expectations. Most modern companies are struggling to emerge profitable and reputable in a market that is saturated with competition. One of the tactics used to increase positive visibility in the business world is in establishing a distinctive ethical position. As much important as a companys mission or vision statement is the establishment of a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics annual report. The purpose of this statement is to apply ethical standards to all employees, directors, officers, and possibly subsidiary groups that define disciplinary actions for those who breach the code of conduct. What this serves is to separate the company from any possible negative assessments of its policies on behalf of consumers and to send the message t hat any deviation from ethical code will be immediately corrected through new initiatives or employee accountability for the act. In establishing a distinctive ethical position, most companies tend to address issues such as conflicts of interest, confidentiality, fair dealings with other entities, compliance standards, and sometimes cultural ethical standards when dealing with international organisations. The publicity gained from such an ethics code aids not only the business by securing its ethical actions, but also serve the communities, shareholders, and can prevent costly legalities brought on by unfair business practices. These types of lawsuits can be as minor as a breach in employment policy to as extensive as misrepresenting company earnings to inflate company stock. In a world where multiple businesses have been flattened due to false representation of company revenue, offering a It is quite clear to see the

The Global Impact of Wireless Network System on the Individuals and Assignment

The Global Impact of Wireless Network System on the Individuals and the Society - Assignment Example As the report stresses numerous types of wireless correspondence systems exist; however, a distinguishing quality of a wireless network is that correspondence takes the spot between PC devices. These devices incorporate personal advanced assistant’s laptops, personal computers, servers, and printers. PC devices have processors, memory, and a means of interfacing with a specific kind of network. Customary mobile phones do not fall inside of the meaning of a PC device; in any case, more up to date phones and even sound headsets are starting to fuse figuring power and network adapters. In the end, most electronics will offer wireless network connections. According to the discussion findings wireless networks are networks that are not joined by cables of any sort. The use of a wireless network enables enterprises to maintain a strategic distance from the costly process of bringing cables into buildings or as an association between distinctive gear locations. The wireless systems' basis is radio waves, a usage that takes place at the physical level of network structure. Wireless networks use radio waves to unite devices such as laptops to the Internet, the business network and applications. At the point when laptops are joined with Wi-Fi problem areas out in the open places, the association is established to that business' wireless network. As with networks based on wire, or optical fiber, wireless networks pass on data between PC devices. The data can take the type of email messages, site pages, and database records, streaming video or voice.

Parent Education and Learning at Home Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Parent Education and Learning at Home - Essay Example The essay "Parent Education and Learning at Home" talks about the ways and the sources very helpful for parents who feel they need assistance getting down to their children, especially when helping them out in doing their homework since most parents want to help, but don’t know the right way to do it. Parents play the most important role in the education of their children, even more than the teacher, or the teacher can only teach, but a parent helps a child sink it in. For a child, only knowing that the parents are concerned is enough to boost his morale and to motivate him to work harder. According to a research, children whose parents are interested in their studies, work several times better than those whose parents are not. The best possible way for a parent to show concern in the child’s education is to take interest in and help the child do his homework since homework is an essential part of education done away from the supervision of the teacher at home. If a par ent concentrates on the child’s performance, the child is likely to do much better than he would without. A question that may arise to minds of many parents would be that why should they help when they send their children to good schools, and that if they ultimately have to do so, what the teachers are for. A simple answer to this question is that a teacher can only teach a student but a parent shapes a child’s mind. No matter how less time a child spends with his parents, it is the time he values and remembers the most. and the things they do together are integrated in his mind much more deeply. So if parents show concern and take interest in their child's education, it gives them motivation and encouragement to put in more effort n waste less time. It also makes them feel good and more attracted towards education and remember what they have studied for a longer period of time. How to help For the parents who feel confused about how and from where to start and how to get helping their children, this essay might prove to be a guide regarding how to interact and deal with them. Following are some of the numerous steps that can be followed in this regard: Set a regular time and place: Setting a regular time and place helps finish the assignments on or before the deadline and makes it a compulsion to study. If a child knows that he/she ultimately has to study during a certain time, he/she is less likely to get distracted due to thoughts of watching television, calling up a friend, playing outdoors or any other activity in this regard during the specific time. Considering setting the time, it might completely vary from family to family and child to child. Some children might do well in the afternoon after school, while some children might shine in the evening or before going to bed. The parent should decide the time according to the child's capabilities and interests. As far as the place is concerned, a fixed study area motivates to study and creates a healthy environment. A table in the room or a corner of the

Entrepreneurship and Social Enterprise Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Entrepreneurship and Social Enterprise - Essay Example This theory pertains relates to financial investment made in the company. Therefore, this theory seeks to ensure that the investments made in are growing constantly. The Frieze scenario also brings to focus investment theories. These theories elaborate the why people invest well aware of the possible consequences. The theories also elaborate the perception of individuals towards risks. The risk bearing theory introduces risk as a vital aspect of investment. In the above scenario, the three partners risked their finances by investing in such a firm. The partner could have lost the funds invested in the entity if it failed to succeed. The theory outlines risk taking as a vital factor, which triggers investment (Carrillo 2007. P. 100). This write up will evaluate major happenings in this entity. The major happenings include launch of the magazine, introduction of art fairs and the expansion strategies available to the entity at 2008. The analysis of the major happenings will evaluate th e factors, which triggered the entity’s success at each stage. This write will culminate with a detailed examination of the entity’s possible expansion strategies and the possible implications of their adopting any of the strategies. The three individuals had a clear strategy of what they wanted to undertake. A magazine targeted art lovers in England. The founders had identified a specific field, which their magazine would target. The magazine targeted the arts lovers. Clear identification of their segment enabled the company to focus on their customers’ needs. This also enabled the team identify their competition easily. Consequently, they had to provide the clientele in the art world with more value than their rivals. The managerial team had identified the name that their magazine was to assume. This helped the magazine to maintain its values. Therefore, the magazine

Type II Diabetes in African Americans Essay Example for Free

Type II Diabetes in African Americans Essay Introduction                                                    The 1986 report of the Secretarys Task Force on Black and Minority Health called notice to the upsetting excess morbidity as well as mortality from chronic illnesses for instance non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), cancer, and heart disease that exists in minorities in the United States. Besides the added disease burden, restricted research in the area of minority health has exacerbated the problem in the African-American population by reducing the knowledge essential for understanding the contributing factors plus planning effective intervention strategies. Diabetes mellitus, one of the diseases targeted for augmented investigate focus among minorities, carries on to have overwhelming consequences on the African American population. It is anticipated that about 1.8 million African Americans are affected with the disease (Report of the Secretarys Task Force on Black and Minority Health, 1985). Furthermore, the occurrence and mortality from diabetes are almost double as high among African Americans as in the U.S. White population (CDC, 1990). Consequently, there remains a critical need for research intended to explain the aspects contributing to the augmented diabetes-related morbidity as well as mortality in this ethnic group. Biomedical definition and Epidemiology of Diabetes Mellitus Diabetes mellitus is a heterogenous group of disorders that are typified by an abnormal augment in the level of blood glucose. It is a chronic disorder of carbohydrate metabolism ensuing from inadequate production of insulin or from insufficient utilization of this hormone by the bodys cells (Professional Guide to Diseases 1998:849). Diabetes mellitus takes place in 4 forms classified by etiology: Type I (insulin-dependent), Type II (noninsulin-dependent), other special types (genetic disorder or exposure to certain drugs in chemicals), as well as gestational diabetes (occurs during pregnancy). http://etd.fcla.edu/SF/SFE0000527/AfricanAmericanWomen.pdf When studies are performed to evaluate the epidemiology and public health impact of diabetes mellitus on the African-American population, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) plus insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) are most frequently considered. Though, further forms of glucose intolerance have as well been studied, together with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), gestational diabetes (GDM), and other atypical diabetes syndromes. Categorization of these diabetes subtypes is usually footed on standards published by the National Diabetes Data Group (NDDG) (1979) and the World Health Organization (WHO) (1980). The analysis of diabetes is recognized by a finding of fasting plasma glucose (FBS) value greater than 140 mg/dl or a value of 200 mg/dl 2 hours after a 75-gram glucose challenge on the oral glucose tolerance test (OGGT). Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus The initial estimates, footed on national samples, of the incidence of diabetes in African Americans came from data collected on male World War II registrants age eighteen to forty-five, which recommended that the occurrence of diabetes was greater in White than Black males (Marble, 1949). Since these data were collected over age ranges with a prevalence of distribution toward younger age, where diabetes rates may mainly reveal insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, they may not offer a factual picture of the occurrence of NIDDM in the races at that time. More current and dependable data from the National Center for Health Statistics point out that, in the United States, the occurrence of known diabetes is higher among African Americans than White Americans mainly among individuals age forty-five to sixty-four, when the rate for Blacks is 50.6 percent higher (Harris, 1990). The occurrence of diabetes augments with age for U.S. Black adults and is about 1.2 times higher for females (Harris, 1990). Among African Americans, the occurrence of diabetes is inversely associated to educational achievement and is highest among individuals in the low income group. Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus The occurrence of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus pursues a different racial prototype from that of NIDDM: White children have approximately twice the rate of Black children. (Lipman, 1991). Across the United States, there is much greater inconsistency in the occurrence of IDDM for African-American children than White children. It is probable the variability in IDDM incidence among African-American children might consequence from variations in degree of White admixture in the different registry locations. There is proof that White admixture differs by geographic region in the United States with greater admixture in northern areas than in the south. This is reliable with the drift for more European-American genetic admixture in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, where the occurrence of IDDM in African Americans is higher, than in Jefferson County, Alabama (Reitnauer et al., 1982) and the incidence of IDDM is lower. Atypical Diabetes Atypical diabetic syndromes, typified by normoglycemic reduction with ensuing periods of hyperglycemic deterioration, generally needing insulin for glycemic control, have been explained in African-American and further Black populations. Winter et al. (1987), accounted an atypical diabetes in young African Americans that shows with features typical of IDDM however lacks the HLA association’s trait of the disease. The insulin dependence in this syndrome was irregular or steadily declined all through the course of the illness. Diabetic syndromes presenting in adulthood with alike phasic insulin dependence have as well been reported. Whereas further forms of diabetes together with protein deficient pancreatic diabetes and fibrocalculus pancreatic diabetes take place in some Black African populations, so far they have not been revealed to be important for African Americans. Type I diabetes reports for three percent of all new cases of diabetes diagnosed every year in the United States. Type I can build up at any age, thus far the majority cases are diagnosed when the individual is under thirty. Type II, the more widespread form of the disease, normally has a steady start, generally appearing in adults over the age of forty (Managing Your Diabetes 1991). It has an effect on an estimated ninety percent of the six million Americans diagnosed with diabetes yearly. The probability of developing Type II is about the same by sex however is greater in African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans. Main risk factors comprise a family history of diabetes, obesity, being age forty or over, hypertension, gestational diabetes, or having one or more infants weighing more than 9 pounds at birth (Professional Guide to Diseases 1998). Diabetes mellitus is a main clinical as well as public health problem in the African American community. African American men have an occurrence of diabetes that is eighty percent higher than that for European American men, whereas African American women have occurrence ninety percent higher than that for European American women (Herman et al. 1998:147). These diabetes statistics point out that not merely are there characteristic differences between African Americans and European Americans in the occurrence and hospitalization rates related with diabetes however as well that research is required to find out if any other factors, for instance social and cultural, may be causative to the large difference of diabetes-related problems (Bailey 2000). Cultural Perceptions of Diabetes Mellitus In a study to find out differences in self-reported adherence to a dietary routine, Fitzgerald et al. (1997) analyzed one hundred and seventy-eight African American and European American patients at a Michigan suburban endocrinology clinic from 1993 to 1994. They establish that the 2 groups of patients with non insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM) reported similar adherence to dietary recommendations; similar on the whole adherence, beliefs, plus attitudes as calculated by their diabetes care profile scale; and a similar percentage of ideal body weight (Fitzgerald et al. 1997:46). Further analyses, though, exposed that African Americans and European Americans differed in the opinion of diabetes and the view of adherence to the dietary routine for diabetes. Fitzgerald et al. (1997) speculated that among African American women the inspiration to lose weight frequently is not for health reasons however for improved look. The significance of weight loss to ones diabetic condition is de-emphasized, and more significance is placed upon losing weight for better look. If weight loss does not take place, then unconstructive beliefs and attitudes may reduce the individuals inspiration and endorse a â€Å"why bother† attitude, in that way causing nonadherence to the dietary regimen for diabetes (Fitzgerald et al. 1997:46). To work against this â€Å"why bother† attitude as it affects weight loss and dietary adherence, Fitzgerald et al. (1997) recommended that health educators require to assist patients distinguish their feelings regarding diabetes, recognize the habits that their feelings influence their behaviors, and build up tactics for managing with their feelings. The cultural/social functions of food and what food â€Å"means† plus â€Å"represents† to the individual must be measured when developing meal plans and educational interventions for the African American diabetic patient. So as to study more of the fundamental cultural health beliefs related with diabetes mellitus, Maillet et al. (1996) carried out a focus group of African American women with NIDDM and those endangered for this disease. Six African American women susceptible for noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus contributed in the northeastern urban medical university in a tranquil and relaxed classroom. The main themes that appeared from the focus groups were the significance of family and social support, a tendency to binge or overindulge when food limitations were placed by family members, difficulties with dietary changes, incapability to build up an exercise program due to multiple barriers, lack of clarity regarding diabetes complications, value for however lack of knowledge regarding prevention of complications, as well as a need for future programs that are ethnically responsive to African American women (Maillet et al. 1996:44). Additionally, a constant theme of this focus group was that family support or a lack of support had an impact on ones stated capability to make dietary alterations. Particularly, Maillet et al. recommended that older African American women discover it hard to make dietary changes for the reason that altering their diet disturbs a lifetime of culture within the context of family. Culture may directly manipulate diabetes education and have to be understood and included into intervention programs to persuade success (Maillet et al. 1996:45). Consequently, when providing care to African American women of all ages, Maillet et al. recommended that the primary health care providers have to be sensitive to the role that culture plays in diet, weight loss, plus diabetes self-management. By means of qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques to examine health beliefs and health care-seeking outlines of African American and Euro-American diabetics, the fieldwork project was performed in 2 phases at the diabetes clinic in the Regenstrief Health Center at Indiana University, Indianapolis. The qualitative phase 1 occurred from June to August 1991, and the quantitative phase 2 from June to December 1992 (Bailey 2000:178). From 9 total site visits over the 5 months, the following noteworthy themes come into view regarding the African American diabetic patient: Appraise the source of the patients diabetes; Effort to dispel any delusions of diabetes; Make active the patient for self-care of diabetes; Carry on to reeducate the patient on blood glucose monitoring as well as insulin injection; and Hearten social and familial support for devotion to diabetic regimen.   Besides, other qualitative results pointed out that physicians required to (1) recognize the sociocultural restraints of a patients keeping appointments; (2) regulate the dietary alteration of the patient to his or her lifestyle and cultural dietary pattern; (3) build up more permanence of care; (4) find out new skills to build up understanding and trust with patients; and (5) give emphasis to the significance of the diabetic condition to the patient (Bailey 2000:182).   Phase 2 (Bailey 2000) consisted of performing qualitative and quantitative observations and interviews of African American and Euro-American diabetic patients. For instance, during the six-month period of phase 2, African American patients shared the following comments:   Patient Informant #1 (African American female): Im not sure what caused my diabetes. I know that there is a family connection to diabetes and my weight has something to do with it, but I dont take all of it too seriously. www.ecu.edu/cs-dhs/ah/upload/Bailey.ppt When asked to assess her capability to pursue the doctors set diabetic dietary regimen, patient informant #1 stated:   My sons and husband want their meals the way they normally have it. They dont want no unseasoned meals, so what am I supposed to do? www.ecu.edu/cs-dhs/ah/upload/Bailey.ppt Patient Informant #2 (African American female): I was on those diabetic pills, but I had to be placed on insulin injections. I hate taking these injections, but I have to do it. www.ecu.edu/cs-dhs/ah/upload/Bailey.ppt   Fascinatingly, patient informant #2 was placed on diabetic pills and told to watch her diet years ago. Though, she stopped taking the pills on a regular basis and did not stick to the diabetic diet routine. Now that she is on insulin injections and closely adhering to the diabetes dietary routine, her insulin injections have slowly been reduced.   Patient Informant #3 (African American male): I was really not shocked when I was diagnosed with diabetes simply because my father and aunt have diabetes and I knew it was a matter of time before I would develop it. www.ecu.edu/cs-dhs/ah/upload/Bailey.ppt   Diabetes is widespread among African Americans and this is because of dietary eating pattern—fried foods and not sufficient vegetables.   Even though patient informant #3 thought that it was a matter of time before he would build up diabetes, he is still unsure of the procedure and the reasons why he developed Type II diabetes. He came to the clinic merely to discover what was wrong with his stomach. To his shock, he was diagnosed with Type II diabetes. The qualitative findings that tend to be more related with the African American diabetic patients than with the Euro-American diabetic patients were as follows: The doubt of the real source of ones diabetes; The lack of perceived importance of ones diabetic condition; The perceived incapability to stick to the diabetic routine; The lower ranking of ones health as compared to other social and family obligations. These qualitative outcomes pointed out that numerous sociocultural issues still require to be further examined in the African American diabetic population (Bailey 2000:184).   Lastly, the former president of the National Medical Association, Yvonnecris Smith Veal (1996), utters that there are three fundamental causes why diabetes carries on to plague the African American community. First, there is the way of life and behavioral patterns related with African Americans for example poor eating habits, obesity, restricted access to enough medical care, and restricted funds. African Americans generally tend to eat foods high in calories and loaded with saturated fats and sugar and to have an inactive lifestyle—all of which are causative factors to being overweight. Second, African Americans have a history of making foods with lard and other heavy oils. This sort of food preparation, together with the incapability to get a balanced diet, contributes to the risk factors related with diabetes. Third, African Americans require more choices to decide dietary diabetic routines that fit the preferences for certain foods plus eating practices among all segments of the African American population (Bailey 2000).   Factors Influencing the Occurrence of Diabetes in African Americans Significant factors influencing the incidence of diabetes mellitus in African Americans comprise personal characteristics for instance genetics, age, sex, plus history of glucose intolerance (IGT, GDM). Further routine factors for instance physical activity plus obesity, which are related with altering socioeconomic as well as cultural climates within countries, to a great extent have an effect on the risk of developing the disease. Even though the exact etiological interactions remain arguable, it is definite that a mixture of most of these factors is accountable for precipitating the disease. Genetics An individuals risk of developing diabetes mellitus is significantly influenced by his/her hereditary background. Individuals who are first-degree relatives of diabetes patients are at noticeable augmented risk of developing the disease compared to unrelated individuals in the general population. (W.H.O. Multinational, 1991). Proof from studies of identical twins specifies a concordance rate of about ninety percent for NIDDM and fifty percent for IDDM, representing that the influence of genetics is greater in the former than in the latter (Barnett, Eff, Leslie Pyke, 1981). The investigation for the hereditary reasons that rates of diabetes fluctuate in different ethnic groups has caused hypotheses that try to report for the observed frequencies of NIDDM and IDDM in African Americans. (Tuomilehto, Tuomilehto- Wolf , Zimmet, Alberti Keen, 1992) Thrifty Gene Hypothesis Neel (1962) recommended that populations exposed to intermittent food shortage would through natural selection augment the incidence of genetic traits, thrifty genes, that incline to energy conservation. These genes would augment survival during times of famine by permitting for adept storage of fat in times of abundance. In the absence of feast and famine cycles, in times of continued profusion, these genes would turn out to be detrimental, predisposing to the growth of obesity and an augmented frequency of NIDDM. This hypothesis would be constant with the observation of much higher rates of diabetes and obesity among African Americans and urban Africans compared to Black Africans residing in conventional environments. Age and Sex In the majority populations the occurrence of diabetes differs with age and sex. For African Americans, the peak age range for diagnosis of IDDM is about fifteen to nineteen years of age, whereas NIDDM occurs more often after age fifty-six, when it is 3 times more common than in the White population (Roseman, 1985). African-American females are more probable to build up IDDM compared to Black men are more probable to develop NIDDM than Black men, White women, and White men, correspondingly (Harris, 1990). The sex discrepancy for IDDM may be because of differences in vulnerability or experience to etiologic agents (Dahlquist et al., 1985). Differences in NIDDM by gender may be because of differences in the levels of related risk factors such as obesity plus physical activity.   Socioeconomic Status (SES) Racial differences in disease rates may reveal socioeconomic differences. In the United States socioeconomic status and the frequency of NIDDM have a converse relationship. The impact of SES on NIDDM rates among African Americans may be particularly strong. Studies concerning socioeconomic status to the development of IDDM have been contradictory. Some studies establish a positive relationship. Others have found a negative (Colle et al., 1984) or no relationship at all. It appears improbable that socioeconomic status contributes considerably to racial differences in the frequency of IDDM in the United States. Obesity Obesity, usually measured as body-mass index (BMI)), is the most important risk factor for NIDDM. Overweight is a severe problem for the African-American female, with the level of obesity (that is BMI 27.3) being greater than fifty percent among women older than age forty-five (Van Itallie, 1985). Compared to White women, African-American women are more overweight. African-American men demonstrate a similar prototype of obesity when compared to White men (Van Italie, 1985).   The development of NIDDM is not merely influenced by the presence of obesity however as well by where the body fat is distributed. The danger of developing NIDDM is greater for individuals with central or android obesity. African Americans have been accounted to have a greater propensity to store more fat in the trunk than Whites, which could clarify part of the excess occurrence of NIDDM in the Black population (Kumanyika, 1988). Physical Activity There is proof that physical inactivity is an independent danger factor for developing NIDDM (Taylor et al., 1984). On the other hand, exercise perhaps a strong defensive factor against the development of the disease. On the whole there is a converse association between levels of obesity and physical activity. Consequently, higher levels of obesity among U.S. Blacks compared to Whites propose that reduced levels of physical activity among African Americans may donate to their higher rate of diabetes. Insulin Resistance The danger of developing NIDDM is absolutely related with fasting levels of circulating insulin. It has been revealed that insulin resistance, typified by hyperinsulinemia, can predate the development of NIDDM for years. besides diabetes, insulin resistance causes numerous interrelated disorders together with hypertension, body fat mass and distribution, as well as serum lipid abnormalities (Ferrannini , Haffner, Mitchell Stern, 1991). This has encouraged speculation that hyperinsulinemia and/or insulin resistance may be the phenotypic expression of the thrifty genotype anticipated by Neel (1962). Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) and Gestational Diabetes Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are 2 types of glucose intolerance that are strong risk factors for developing NIDDM and IDDM. Gestational diabetes denotes the development of diabetes during pregnancy and a subsequent return to normal tolerance following parturition, whereas IGT is the class of glucose tolerance where fasting glucose values are between normal and diabetic. (OSullivan Mahan, 1968). The risk of developing obvious diabetes among individuals with IGT is associated to the severity of impaired tolerance plus presence of further risk factors, together with a positive family history of diabetes and obesity (Harris, 1989). Numerous risk factors for GDM have been recognized among African-American women, including age, gravidity, hypertension, obesity, plus family history of diabetes (Roseman et al., 1991).   Diabetes Mortality At present, diabetes mellitus is the 3rd most recurrent cause of death from disease among African Americans. Higher rates of diabetes mortality in African Americans compared to the White population may partly be because of their higher occurrence of diabetes. When mortality among individuals who have developed diabetes is measured, though, it emerges that African Americans have a lower mortality rate than Whites with the disease (Harris, 1990). In recent years, there has been a leveling off in the rate of mortality from diabetes for both races.   Diabetic Complications Chronic diabetes mellitus is related with numerous overwhelming complications that reduce the quality of life and cause early mortality. These comprise hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, as well as macrovascular complications.   In the United States, African Americans with diabetes have higher rates of hypertension than Whites. The constancy of high rates of hypertension among African Americans and Afro-Caribbean populations (Grell, 1983) has caused the proposition that Western Hemisphere Blacks are offspring of a highly selected group of Africans who were efficient at retaining salt, which permitted them to uphold sodium homeostasis and survive the long sea voyages from Africa (Grim, 1988). Recent proof proposes that high rates of hypertension among African Americans might be associated to hyperinsulinemia plus abnormal renal sodium transport (Douglas, 1990). Information on the incidence and impact of other diabetes-associated complications are limited. Though, retinopathy, neuropathy, and stroke emerge to be more recurrent in African Americans than Whites with diabetes (Roseman, 1985). The rate of lower limit amputations ensuing from diabetes has been reported to be considerably greater among U.S. Blacks than Whites. Occurrence rates of diabetic end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have been revealed to be greater for African Americans than for Whites. After developing ESRD though, U.S. Blacks emerge to survive longer than Whites. There is as well some implication that certain cardiovascular complications including angina and heart attack may take place less often among African Americans than among Whites with diabetes (Harris, 1990).   It has been recommended that the on the whole higher rates of diabetes complications among African Americans might be associated to poorer metabolic control. Additionally, the high rate of hypertension among African Americans with diabetes may make worse or make haste the start of other complications for example retinopathy and nephropathy. Other significant risk factors for diabetes complications comprise age of onset, education, cigarette smoking, socioeconomic status, plus access to medical care (Roseman, 1985).   Prevention and Intervention Strategies The main metabolic defect of type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance in association with a relative and progressive deficiency in insulin secretion. This insulin resistance, present in many tissues, makes its primary contribution to hyperglycemia by reducing peripheral glucose uptake in muscle and failing to suppress hepatic glucose output. Additionally, resistance in adipose tissue to insulin-mediated suppression of lipolysis results in an elevation of free fatty acids (FFAs) and a further aggravation of hyper-glycemia. The degree of insulin resistance observed in diabetic subjects may vary according to a subjects ethnic background, body mass index (BMI), and physical activity. Pharmacologic intervention with either metformin, a biguanide, or a thiazolidinedione (TZD) has been successful in reducing insulin resistance in subjects with type 2 diabetes. In the management of the majority forms of diabetes, there is a need to be concerned concerning the acute complications of hypoglycemia and ketoacidosis and/or development of acute hyperosmolar crises. Hypoglycemia, a major treatment concern in type 1 diabetes, is much less frequent with type 2 diabetes and is discussed later in association with specific therapies. Although DKA and hyperosmolar crises have been reported in children with type 2 diabetes, they are uncommon, in our experience after initial presentation, but such crises have been reported. About 10-15% of children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes present at diagnosis with DKA, hyperosmolar crisis, or a combination of these states. The long-term goals in the management of type 2 diabetes are twofold: first, the prevention of microvascular complications, including retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy; secondly, the prevention of macrovascular complications such as atherosclerosis of the coronary, cerebral, and large arteries of the lower extremities. These lead to myocardial infarction, stroke, and amputation, and are the major causes of morbidity and mortality with type 2 diabetes. The development of these complications is multifactorial, but is influenced by associated hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperinsulinemia in addition to the effects of hyperglycemia. The aim of therapy in type 2 diabetes is to specifically target the underlying metabolic defects of this disorder, which are obesity, abnormal insulin secretory function, and the insulin resistance present in the three primary insulin responsive tissues skeletal muscle, fat, and liver. The first approach is to reduce obesity through lifestyle interventions in diet and exercise. In addition, the introduction of an ÃŽ ±-glucosidase inhibitor may be considered to delay carbohydrate digestion and absorption, reducing peak postprandial hyperglycemia. A second therapeutic approach is to address insulin secretory dysfunction with insulin secretagogues such as sulfonylureas or meglitinides. Alternatively, or if these secretagogues are ineffective, exogenous insulin can be initiated. A third approach is to address tissue-specific insulin resistance. Metformin can decrease hepatic glucose output and improve peripheral insulin sensitivity. Thiazolidinediones have been successful in improving peripheral insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes in adults; however, experience with these therapeutic agents is limited in children. At present, diabetes mellitus remains a serious problem tackling the African Americans population. High diabetes mortality rates reflect merely part of the problem. The viewpoint of increasing diabetes occurrence rates casts a threatening shadow over the future for the African Americans community. The morbidity related with diabetic complications places a great financial burden on individuals and communities least able to bear the cost of such an illness. Evidently, the challenge of addressing the problem of diabetes mellitus in the African Americans population is great and will need a multidisciplinary approach involving government, researchers, educators, as well as members of the African Americans community. Health Promotion Of main importance is the requirement for distribution of information regarding diabetes and its consequences into the African-American community. An uneducated African-American community may be inclined to undervalue the diabetes problem or to pay less attention to the signs and symptoms of its commencement. This may outcome in late diagnosis or care, thus raising the probability of rapid start of complications. Consequently, ethnically sensitive strategies intended to get involved and educate African Americans on the subject of the behavioral and environmental risk factors for diabetes plus its complications are necessary. Undoubtedly, in order for African Americans to take steps to lessen the diabetes linked morbidity and mortality in their communities they have to have the capability to make informed decisions regarding the disease. Cooperative Efforts for Provision of Health Services Rates of diabetes mortality and complications may depend on the accessibility and permanence of care. There is some sign that African Americans with diabetes may be underserved regarding medical care (Harris, 1990). Cautious study of this problem is needed, and innovative solutions have to be developed. The African-American community must as well become empowered to expect and demand the essential care they deserve. To have an effect on such change, community based institutions, for instance the church, can build up programs for using the health professionals within their congregations to offer care or therapy to diabetics and their families. Organizations concerned with minorities, for instance the UrbanLeague, can comprise diabetes and further health problems in their national agendas to generate concern and act at the community and national levels.   Governmental agencies and institutions engaged in training health professionals, for example medical schools and schools of public health, must institute action to augment the pool of African Americans in the professions concerned with the care of individuals with diabetes. Federal agencies, for instance the National Institutes of Health, may as well offer special grant programs to hearten submission of research grants to study diabetes in African Americans and to improve the growth of minority researchers in the area.   Research The inadequate data presently accessible on diabetes among African Americans raise numerous questions however deliver few answers regarding the etiology and natural history of diabetes plus its complications in this racial group. Up to now, a small number of studies of diabetes in the United States have included representative samples of African Americans. This inadequacy has to be addressed if future studies are to give way valid conclusions concerning the factors accountable for the incidence of the disease in the African-American population. In the Report of the Secretarys Task Force on Black and Minority Health (1985), numerous research priority areas for addressing the health disparity between Black and White Americans were recognized. These areas are mainly pertinent to diabetes mellitus and comprise the following: (1) investigation into risk-factor recognition, (2) investigation into risk-factor occurrence, (3) investigate into health education intrusions, (4) investigation into prevention services interventions, (5) investigation into treatment services, as well as (6) investigation into sociocultural factors and health outcomes. The recognition of these target areas for investigation and other recent efforts by the Department of Health and Human Services to endorse the study of diabetes in the African-American population (Sullivan, 1990) are significant steps toward addressing the gap in awareness of how diabetes have an effect on African Americans. In the future we have to translate the knowledge achieved from new and continuing studies into efficient preventive action.    References:   Bailey, Eric (2000). Medical Anthropology and Africans American Health. Westport, CT: Bergin Garvey. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). (1990). Diabetes surveillance: Annual 1990 report. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control, Division of Diabetes Translation, Atlanta GA Colle E., Siemiatycki J., West R., Belmonte M. M., Crepeau M. P., Poirier R., Wilkins J. (1984). Incidence of juvenile onset diabetes in Montrealdemonstration of ethnic differences and socioeconomic class differences. Journal of Chronic Disease, 34, 611-616. Dahlquist G., Blom L., Holgren G., Hogglof B., Larsson Y., Sterky G., Wall S . (1985). The epidemiology of diabetes in Swedish children 0-14 years: A six year prospective study. Diabetologia, 28, 802-808. Douglas J. G. (1990). Hypertension and diabetes in blacks. Diabetes Care, 13 (Supp. 4), 1191-1195. Ferrannini E., Haffner S. M., Mitchell B. D., Stern M. P. (1991). Hyperinsulinemia: The key feature of a cardiovascular and metabolic syndrome. Diabetologia, 34, 416-422. Fitzgerald, James, R. Anderson, M. Funnell, M. Arnold, W. Davis, L. Aman, S. Jacober, and Grunberger (1997). â€Å"Differences in the Impact of Dietary Restrictions on Africans and Caucasians with NIDDM.† The Diabetes Educator 23: 41-47. Grim C. E. (1988). On slavery, salt and the greater prevalence of hypertension in black Americans. Clinical Research, 36, 426A. Harris M. I. (1990). Noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in black and white Americans. Diabetes Metabolism Review, 6, 71-90. Herman, William, T. Thompson, W. Visscher, R. Aubert, M. Engelgau, L. Liburd, D. Watson, and T. Hartwell (1998). â€Å"Diabetes Mellitus and Its Complement in an Africans American Community: Project DIRECT.† Journal of National Medical Association 90: 147-156. Kumanyika S. (1988). Obesity in black women. Epidemiology Review, 9, 31-50. Lipman T. H. (1991). The epidemiology of Type I diabetes in children 0-14 years of age in Philadelphia. Doctoral dissertation, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania. Report of the Secretarys Task Force on Black and Minority Health. ( 1985). Volume 1: Executive Summary. DHHS Publication No. 017-090-00078. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office. Maillet, Nancy, G. Melkus, and G. Spollett (1996). â€Å"Using Focus Groups to Characterize the Health Beliefs and Practices of Black Women with Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes.† The Diabetes Educator 22: 39-46. Marble A. (1949). Diabetes mellitus in the U.S. Army in World War II. The Military Surgeon, 105, 357-363. National Diabetes Data Group (NDDG). (1979). Classification and diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and other categories of glucose intolerance. Diabetes, 26, 1039-1057. Neel J. V. (1962). Diabetes mellitusA thrifty genotype rendered detrimental by progress? American Journal of Human Genetics, 14, 353-362.   OSullivan J. B., Mahan C. M. (1968). Prospective study of 352 young patients with chemical diabetes. New England Journal of Medicine, 278, 1038-1041. Professional Guide to Diseases (1998). Springhouse, PA: Springhouse. Reitnauer P. J., Go R. C. P., Acton R. T., Murphy C. C., Budowle B., Barger B. O. , Roseman J. M. ( 1982). Evidence of genetic admixture as a determinant in the occurrence of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Diabetes, 31, 532-537. Roseman J. M., Go R. C. P., Perkins L. L., Barger B. D., Beel D. A., Goldenberg R. L. , DuBard M. B., Huddlestone J. F., Sedacek C. M., Acton R. T. ( 1991). Gestational diabetes among Africans American women. Diabetes and Metabolism Review, 7, 93-104. Sullivan L. (1990). Opening remarks. Diabetes Care, 13 (Supp. 4), 1143. Taylor R., Ram P., Zimmet P., Raper R., Ringrose H. ( 1984). Physical activity and the prevalence of diabetes in Melanesian and Indian men in Fiji. Diabetologia, 27, 578-582. Tull E. S., LaPorte R. E., Vergona R. E., Gower I., Makame M. H. ( 1992). A two-fold excess mortality among Africans American IDDM cases compared withWhites: The Diabetes Epidemiology Research International experience Van T. B. Itallie (1985). Health implications of overweight and obesity in the United States. Annals of Internal Medicine, 103, 983-988. Veal, Yvonnecris (1996). â€Å"Africans Americans and Diabetes: Reasons, Rationale, and Research.† Journal of the National Medical Association 88: 203-204. WHO Multinational Project for Childhood Diabetes. (1991). Familial insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) epidemiology: Standardization of data for the DIAMOND Project. World Health Organization Bulletin OMS, 69, 767-777. Winter W. E., Maclaren N. K., Riley W. J., Clarke D. W., Kappy S., Spillar R. P . (1987). Maturity-onset diabetes of youth in black Americans. New England Journal of Medicine, 316, 285-291. World Health Organization. (1980). Report of expert committee on diabetes mellitus. Technical Report, Series no. 646. Geneva: World Health Organization. http://etd.fcla.edu/SF/SFE0000527/AfricanAmericanWomen.pdf www.ecu.edu/cs-dhs/ah/upload/Bailey.ppt

Organisational Structure and Corporate Strategy of Toyota

Organisational Structure and Corporate Strategy of Toyota There are many factors other than organizational structure that have a significant bearing upon the performance of an organization. However, organizational structure is a particularly important aspect as, if properly designed, it allows the other aspects e.g. strategic work, to function properly. For example, Alfred D Chandler (in Foss, 1997) argues that firm structure follows strategy. That is not to say that, if an organization is inappropriately designed, it will not perform adequately (Walker, 1996). ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURES All organized human activity give rise to two basic and differing requirements: the distribution of labour into various tasks to be performed, and the coordination of these tasks to complete the activity. The structure of an organization can therefore be defined merely as the sum total of the ways in which its labour is divided into distinct tasks and how its coordination is achieved amongst these tasks (Mintzberg, 1983). To design an effective organizational structure the elements of structure, (the organizations niche, how large it grows, and the methods used to produce) should be selected to achieve an internal consistency, as well as a basic stability with the organizations context (its size, its age, the kind of environment in which it functions, technical systems used and so on) (Mintzberg, 1983).Coordinating an organization engages a range of means. These can be referred to as coordinating mechanisms and are equally concerned with control and communication as coordination. Fiv e coordinating mechanisms appear to explain the basic ways in which organizations coordinate their work: mutual adjustment, direct supervision, standardization of work processes, standardization of work outputs, and standardization of worker outputs. Mutual adjustments realize the coordination of work by the simple process of informal communication. Meaning, the control of the work rests in the hands of the doers. Direct supervision attain coordination by having one person in charge for the work of others, issuing them instructions and monitoring their actions. Work can also be coordinated without mutual adjustment or direct supervision, through standardization. Workers that constantly work in a certain way and know what is expected, proceed accordingly. Work processes are standardized when the contents of work are specified, or programmed. Outputs are standardized when the results of the work, for example, the dimensions of the product or the performance, are specified. Skills and knowledge are standardized when the kind of training required to perform the work is specified. As organizational work turns into more complicated activities, the preferred means of coordination seems to shift from mutual adjustment to direct supervision to standardization, preferably of work processes, otherwise of outputs, or else of skills, finally reverting back to mutual adjustment (Mintzberg, 1983). As is illustrated in the figure above, Mintzberg (1983) illustrates and describes an organization in five basic parts: Strategic apex, techno structure, middle line, support staff and operating core. The strategic apex mission is to ensure that the organization serve its mission in an effective way, and also that it serve the needs of those who control or otherwise have power over the organization (its owners, government agencies, and unions of the employees). This involves three sets of duties. First, direct supervision, which is already discussed. To the degree that the organization relies on this mechanism of coordination, it is the managers of the strategic apex who affect it. They allocate resources, issue work orders, authorize major decisions, resolve conflicts, design and staff the organization, monitor employee performance, and motivate and reward employees. The second obligation is the management of the organizations relations with its environment such as negotiating major agreements, ceremonial activities and informs the organizations external stakeholders about the organizations activities. The third set of duties relates to the development of the organizations strategy. Strategy could be seen as an intervening force between the organization and its environment Formulating strategy entail many aspects as will be discussed more in further chapters. However, the managers of the strategic apex should develop an understanding for its environment and try to adapt the strategy to its strengths and needs. Yet, the process of strategy is rather complex and is not as cut and dried as it seems. What should be said is that he strategic apex typically has the most important role in the strategy process. In general the strategic apex takes the widest and most abstract, perspective of the organization. Work at this level is normally characterized by a minimum of repetition and standardization, considerable prudence, and relatively long decision making cycles. Mutual adjustment is a favoured mechanism for coordination among managers of the strategic apex itself (Mintzberg, 1983). The strategic apex is united to the operating core by the chain of middle line managers with recognized authority. This chain runs from the senior managers to the first-line supervisors, who have direct authority over the operators, direct supervision. Like the top manager, the middle manager is required to do more than simply engage in direct supervision. He also has boundary conditions to manage. Each middle line manager must maintain liaison contacts with other managers, analysts, support staffers, and outsiders whose work is mutually dependent with that of his own unit. The middle line manager, like the top manager, is concerned with formulating the strategy for his unit, although this strategy is, of course, significantly affected by the overall strategy. But managerial jobs shift in nature as they fall in the chain of authority. They become less abstract and comprehensive and more focused on the work flow itself (Mintzberg, 1983). In the techno structure the analysts is found who serve the organization by affecting the work of others. The analysts are separated from the direct operative work flow but they may design it, plan it, change it, or train the people to do it, but they do not do it themselves consequently, the techno structure is only effective when it can use its analytical techniques to make the work of others in the organization more efficient. In a fully developed organization, the techno structure might perform at all levels of the hierarchy. At the lowest level of the manufacturing firm, analysts standardize the operating work flow by scheduling production, carrying out time and method studies of the operators work, and instituting systems of quality control. At middle levels they try to standardize the intellectual work of the organization. At the strategic apex, they design strategic planning systems and develop financial systems to control the goals of major units (Mintzberg, 1983). If one gl ance at almost any large organization, a large number of units is exposed, all specialized, and exist to provide support to the organization outside its operating workflow. Those make up the support staff. None is a part of the operating core. Nevertheless, each gives indirect support to these basic missions. CORPORATE STRATEGY The operating core of the organization encompasses those members that perform the basic work related directly to the production of products and services. The operators perform four prime functions: They secure the inputs for production, they transform the inputs into outputs, they distribute the outputs and they provide the direct support to the input, transformation, and output functions. The operating core is the heart of an organization, the part that produces the essential outputs that keeps it alive. Yet, all organizations need the administrative components described above as well (Mintzberg, 1983). Centralized- and decentralized organization The terms centralization and decentralization have historically been used in many different ways and with different definitions. This thesis discusses the issue of centralization and decentralization in terms of decision making power in organizations. When all power for decision making rests at a single point in the organization, eventually in the hands of one person, one shall call the structure centralized; to the degree that the power is dispersed among many people, one shall call the structure decentralized. As could be understood, centralization and decentralization should not be thought of as absolutes, but rather as two ends of a scale (Mintzberg, 1983). Mintzberg (1983) separates the two terms in vertical and horizontal centralization and decentralization. Vertical decentralization is concerned with the delegation of decision making power down the chain of authority, from the strategic apex into the middle line. Horizontal decentralization includes the transfer of power from managers to non-managers, more exactly from line managers to staff managers, analysts, support specialists, and operators. Strategy In the complex world of organizations it must be stated that there is no best way to generate strategy and strategic management, and nor is there any one best form of an organization (Mintzberg, Ghoshal and Quinn, 1998). The context in which the strategy is set is therefore of great interest. Strategy context and content has been discussed and considered of by mankind, since organizations exist to fulfil a purpose and to create value (Schilling, 2005, De Witt Meyer, 2005). Strategies are then employed to guarantee that the organizational purpose is realized (De Witt Meyer, 2005). In the generic literature a split is made between the strategy analysis stage, the strategy formulation stage, and the strategy implementation stage (Thompson Strickland, 2001; Mintzberg, Ghoshal and Quinn, 1998; De Witt Meyer, 2005). In the analysis stage, strategists recognize the opportunities and threats in the environment, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the organization. Next, in the formulation stage, strategists decide which strategic options that are obtainable to them, evaluate each and select one. Lastly, in the implementation stage, the selected strategic option is translated into a number of actual activities, which are then carried out (De Witt Meyer, 2005). Those di fferent stages will be discussed and explained further in the sections below. However, as the thesis focus on implementing strategies the analysis and formulating section  will not be as vast as the implementing section. TOYOTA Toyota management leads the way in many aspects of business strategy and strategic management and numerous companies have followed the lead of the Toyota business model. A key architect of the Toyota management style was Taiichi Ohno, who developed the Toyota Production System. Ohno summed up his theory behind the management of Toyota thus: I feel strongly that the word work refers to the production of perfect goods only. If a machine is not producing perfect goods, it is not working. On that philosophy the Toyota Production System was built, in which sensors halted machines when they started to malfunction. Those machines were operated by the workforce who could likewise halt the production line when imperfections occurred. The Production System adhered to the Toyota corporate strategy of cutting waste, listing specific advice such as: Cut down on the distance that things move throughout the plant. Another example of this advice, representative of Toyota strategic management and its attitude towards its workforce is: Utilise the inherent talent of your workers. Toyota business strategies include the development of hybrid cars. Part of Toyota strategic planning is developing a premium position in hybrids in tune with present consumer values. Seisei Kato of Toyota summed up a further example of the Toyota leadership model by saying: Never fail to reward merit, but never let a fault go unremarked. All the Japanese triumphs were personified by Toyota, including, of course, the worldwide drive to setting new standards of production engineering that left Detroit far behind. The foundation of the engineers breakthroughs was quality. Americans had seen the promise of a new philosophy of raising quality standards by systematic approaches. The pioneering hero, W. Edwards Deming, was credited with exporting these new ideas to Japan. They were just as valid for US use and would have won the same painless rewards. But Detroit didnt want to know a wilful ignorance repeated time and again in industry after industry. The Toyota Production System became the world standard, bringing fame to a simple engineer named Ohno whose pupils demonstrated their methods without any fear of successful imitation from the West. It was easier; it seemed, to write off the Japanese revolutions as products of a different culture which was inimical to Western ways. That was nonsense. The cultural advantage, put simply, lay in defining what needed to be done and working out better systems of doing it. That included rigorous methods for checking that the task was indeed better designed and done. At Toyota, the recalls of cars and vans to check on faulty brakes and accelerators represent a staggering failure of this basic philosophy. There must have been a breakdown in the mental conditioning at the Toyota factories, resulting in design and production faults that were as systemic as the traditional hit-or-miss performance of the Western rivals. Since these are beset by troubles enough of their own, such as GMs sorry bankruptcy, there is no room for self-congratulation. Toyotas fall isnt just a Japanese incident, but rather a sign that management in general is failing to deliver. If the management knew about the problems, did it fail to identify the root causes? If the causes had been identified correctly, was the reaction delayed while the company ignored the damage to its market status? If Toyota was capable of timely repair, why wasnt this put in hand? Remember the simple problem-solving rules: Identify the task that needs to be done. Work out systematically better ways of doing it. Employ rigorous methods for checking that the task is better designed and executed. The Toyota affair emphasises some basic points of management. First, any company, no matter how large and how famous for its merits, can stumble into grave error. Second, damaged pride and nervous fear make it difficult to correct the error in good time. Third, management decisions should normally never be taken on the basis of profit forecasts alone. RED CROSS Positioning We will make sure key people and groups know what we do and why and how they can help. By investing more in promoting our work, we will encourage beneficiaries, volunteers, the government, service commissioners, potential supporters, educators and the media to understand us, work with us or join us. We will also speak out more and advocate for change that will improve the lives of vulnerable people and promote our mission. Organisational development We will ensure those who use our services, and who support us in other ways, trust us and have confidence in how we work. We need to clearly demonstrate the difference we make to the lives of people vulnerable to crisis. It is important to us to be accountable to our beneficiaries, supporters and partners. Through doing this we will listen and learn from our beneficiaries, supporters and each other, and continually improve what we do. Funding the strategy We will maximise our net income as cost-effectively as possible. Every donation we receive strengthens our ability to respond to emergencies and help people prepare for and recover from crises. We will inspire more people to support our work by giving what they can, especially through regular donations, bequests, and the relationships we build with trusts and companies. Our charity shops will continue to provide a place for people to donate and shop on the high street and support our work at the same time. There are a variety of perspectives, models and approaches used in strategic planning. The way that a strategic plan is developed depends on the nature of the organizations leadership, culture of the organization, complexity of the organizations environment, size of the organization, expertise of planners, etc. For example, there are a variety of strategic planning models, including goals-based, issues-based, organic, scenario (some would assert that scenario planning is more of a technique than model), etc. Goals-based planning is probably the most common and starts with focus on the organizations mission (and vision and/or values), goals to work toward the mission, strategies to achieve the goals, and action planning (who will do what and by when). Issues-based strategic planning often starts by examining issues facing the organization, strategies to address those issues and action plans. Organic strategic planning might start by articulating the organizations vision and values, an d then action plans to achieve the vision while adhering to those values. Some planners prefer a particular approach to planning, e.g., appreciative inquiry. Some plans are scoped to one year, many to three years, and some to five to ten years into the future. Some plans include only top-level information and no action plans. Some plans are five to eight pages long, while others can be considerably longer. Quite often, an organizations strategic planners already know much of what will go into a strategic plan (this is true for business planning, too). However, development of the strategic plan greatly helps to clarify the organizations plans and ensure that key leaders are all on the same script. Far more important than the strategic plan document, is the strategic planning process itself. Major differences in how organizations carry out the various steps and associated activities in the strategic planning process are more of a matter of the size of the organization than its for-profit/non-profit status. Small nonprofits and small for-profits tend to conduct somewhat similar planning activities that are different from those conducted in large organizations. On the other hand, large nonprofits and large for-profits tend to conduct somewhat similar planning activities that are different from those conducted in small organizations. (The focus of the planning activities is often different between for-profits and nonprofits. Nonprofits tend to focus more on matters of board development, fundraising and volunteer management. For-profits tend to focus more on activities to maximize profit.) Also, in addition to the size of the organization, differences in how organizations carry out the planning activities are more of a matter of the nature of the participants in the organization than its for-profit/non-profit status. For example, detail-oriented people may prefer a linear, top-down, general-to-specific approach to planning. On the other hand, rather artistic and highly reflective people may favour of a highly divergent and organic approach to planning. CONCLUSION Corporate Strategy is concerned with the overall purpose and scope of the business to meet stakeholder expectations. This is a crucial level since it is heavily influenced by investors in the business and acts to guide strategic decision-making throughout the business. Corporate strategy is often stated explicitly in a mission statement. Operational Strategy is concerned with how each part of the business is organised to deliver the corporate and business-unit level strategic direction. Operational strategy therefore focuses on issues of resources, processes, people etc.