Research Topics: Research Methodology Dissertation

Predictors health risk behavior in high school student

RECKLESS BEHAVIOR THAT LEAD TO HEALTH RISK   1.0 Background of the Study It is undeniable that high school students nowadays are engaged in behaviors that are deemed risky and unacceptable for their age. However, facing the reality that it is a natural occurrence and a part of someone’s adolescent life will broaden one’s understanding. Behaviors that pose risk to an adolescent’s health will be part of our world; accepting this reality leads to a focus on reducing risk-related harm rather than eliminating precarious behaviors. Many adolescents today have problems and are getting into trouble. There are a lot of pressures for kids to deal with among friends and family. For some youth, pressures include poverty, violence, parental problems, and gangs. Kids may also be concerned about significant issues such as religion, gender roles, values, or ethnicity. Some children are having difficulty dealing with past traumas they have experienced, like abuse. Parents and their teenagers are struggling between the youth’s wanting independence while still needing parental guidance. Most of the time all these conflicts result in behavior problems. A number of behavior problems are represented by delinquency– shoplifting, truancy, a fight in school and drug or alcohol ingestion (2002). Risky behavior, including both substance abuse and premature sexual activity, is a major problem in adolescence. Many studies have examined the predictors of risky behavior among high school students. This includes the ability of peers to influence the behavior of adolescents to engage in alcohol and drug abuse or pre-marital sex.   2.0 Statement of the Problem What are determinants that will lead an adolescent to engage in reckless behavior? What are the possible health risks associated with it? How can parents or the people concerned combat such behaviors in adolescents? Positive parental and peer pressure, stress, and involvement with extracurricular activities would influence the experience with risky behaviors. What are the signs of trouble? Many adolescents get into trouble and the big question for parents is how to know when a youth is headed for more serious problems, or when bad behavior is just “a kid being a kid.” Focus on patterns of behavior rather than on an isolated event would be a key in a deeper understanding on why an adolescent executed such acts. In other words, does the behavior happen repeatedly despite efforts to change it? 3.0 Research Objectives             An evaluation of risk in this age group will identify interventions that prevent risky behaviors before they start. In addition, the objective of this study is to determine what factors influence a spectrum of risk taking behaviors among high school students. This study is also to analyze the several activities or events that lead to risky behavior and which is conducive to the sacrificing of health. This research, specifically, purports to determine how certain activities affect an adolescent’s behavior and to distinguish the role of the people around the adolescent. This research takes into account the practices that influence the minds of high school students as to why they engage in such behaviors. The study also seeks to evaluate how the parents and peers mold the psychological landscape of a particular adolescent. 4.0 Research Methodology             This study will use the descriptive type of research. A descriptive research intends to present facts concerning the nature and status of a situation, as it exists at the time of the study and to describe present conditions, events or systems based on the impressions or reactions of the respondents of the research (1994). It is also concerned with relationships and practices that exist, beliefs and processes that are ongoing, effects that are being felt, or trends that are developing (1970). In this study, primary and secondary research will be both incorporated. The reason for this is to be able to provide adequate discussion for the readers that will help them understand more about the issue and the different variables that involve with it. The primary data for the study will be represented by the survey results that will be acquired from the respondents. On the other hand, the literature reviews to be presented in the second chapter of the study will represent the secondary data of the study. The research will be presented in written form with the addition of data charts which will present the project’s results. Pie charts and network charts will be needed to illustrate some of the analyzed data. This cannot be confirmed, however, until the research data have been analyzed.                                               Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Predictors health risk behavior in high school student

RECKLESS BEHAVIOR THAT LEAD TO HEALTH RISK 1.0 Background of the Study It is undeniable that high school students nowadays are engaged...

Usage of ICT in construction in order to improve the Energy Efficiency in the building

USAGE OF ICT IN CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES   1.0 Background of the Study Applications of information and communication technology (ICT) have influenced business strategies, organisational structures, and management processes in the construction industry. ICT is one of the important driving forces for modern development. (2004). With the advancement of ICT, one can live in the global village irrespective of distance, national and international boundaries. The term ICT springs from the convergence of telecommunication, computing and broadcasting through the use of digital information. ICT encompasses the broad fields of information and communications by means of computer and telecommunication tools that are being increasingly used for organizational/personal information processing in all sectors of economy such as the construction industry, and the society as a whole. Moreover, any assessment of the extent of the economic benefits for the construction sector from technological change is difficult to determine accurately but in view of the construction sector’s contribution to a nation’s economy, it is important that the impact of technological change on the industry is properly recognized (2006). One area of technological change in the industry the increased use of information and communication technology (ICT) is considered in this study, which examines the evidence concerning the crucial role of ICT usage and investment in generating growth and improving technical productivity in the construction industry and considers the question of how the gains from ICT can be evaluated at the industry level.   2.0 Statement of the Problem The benefits from investment and use of ICT in the construction industry are expected to show themselves as improved efficiency and productivity but an evaluation of the economic benefits for the construction sector is notoriously difficult to accurately determine. How does the construction industry compare to others in its adoption and use of ICT? And what is the contribution of ICT to economic growth in the construction industry would be another issue to deal with. Analyzing the benefits from ICT use and investment at the construction industry will provide a comprehensive review of prior studies of the impact of ICT investment. The construction industry certainly is among the foremost industries in its use of many categories of ICT and  the significance of the efficiency gains from the use of ICT in the construction sector will be further understood.   3.0 Objectives of the Study             The aim of this paper is to explore the current use of state-of-the-art ICT applications by construction companies. This paper will report on the findings obtained from a questionnaire survey that will be conducted and thus will represent  various construction companies. This study will determine the barriers for  the effective implementation of ICT in the construction industry. In addition, this study will  analyse the obstacles and preconditions for an effective use of ICT by focusing on characteristics of interorganizational communication in construction projects.   4.0 Research Methodology Interorganizational communication and ICT are studied by elaborating on these phenomena from the perspective of two paradigms – the traditional functionalist and the radical humanist – and theories representative for these paradigms – the agency theory and Habermas’ critical social theory. By using the method of metatriangulation, it is shown that in addition to the functionalist perspective, the critical social theory of Habermas is an appropriate theory for analysing obstacles and preconditions for an effective interorganizational communication and the use of ICT. Based on this analysis, a critical research agenda on communication and ICT in construction is formulated. It is concluded that this type of research will lead to a more articulated view on the alignment between ICT applications and communication in construction projects and will show new directions for ICT development in the future ( 2004). In addition, the findings will be presented in written form with the addition of data charts which will present the project’s results. Pie charts and network charts will be needed to illustrate some of the analyzed data.         Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Usage of ICT in construction in order to improve the Energy Efficiency in the building

USAGE OF ICT IN CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES 1.0 Background of the Study Applications of information and communication technology (ICT) ha...

FRANCHISING FOR INTERNATIONAL RETAILERS IN EMERGING MARKET

International Franchising of the Emerging Markets     1.0 Background of the Study                              Franchising is not the business per se, but a way of doing business. It is fundamentally a marketing concept – an innovative method and radical approach of distributing products and services. Franchising is a “continuing relationship in which the franchisor provides a licensed privilege to do business, plus assistance in organising training, merchandising and management in return for a consideration from the franchisee” (2006). Franchising has four common franchise relationships. These include: 1. Manufacturer-Retailer – Where the retailer as franchisee sells the franchisor’s  product directly to the public. (eg. New motor vehicle dealerships). 2. Manufacturer-Wholesaler – Where the franchisee under license manufactures and distributes the franchisor’s product (eg. Soft drink bottling arrangements). 3. Wholesaler-Retailer – Where the retailer as franchisee purchases products for retail sale from a franchisor wholesaler (frequently a cooperative of the franchisee retailers who have formed a wholesaling company through which they are contractually obliged to purchase. (eg. Hardware and automotive product stores). 4. Retailer-Retailer – Where the franchisor markets a service or a product, under a common name and standardised system, through a network of franchisees. This is the classic business format franchise. The emerging market in Russia, China, Eastern Europe and Asia is undeniably competing and leveling in the international scene. It provides an opportunity for the talented locals of each nation to globally compete and it offers economic benefits of employment. It increases the entrepreneurial spirit and managerial inclinations of the people in the labor force. “The unique nature of internationalfranchising may, however, create social pressures, culturalclashes, and perceived challenges to national cultures” (2004). 2.0 Statement of the Problem The full-blown achievement of the emerging market today relies heavily on the opportunities the manufacturers are giving them. The wide range of possibilities retailing offers is the gateway to emerge successfully in the business world of international franchising. Not being one of the purveyors in the market world, the “coming out” of new markets will surprise the international market. The factors that would contribute to the success of the new entrepreneurs—the emerging market—is another issue to be discussed in this study. The underlying structures of a well-executed franchise, legal aspects and methods of practice in utilizing one’s resources would also be taken into account in this research. Maintaining an open mind and heart, then, is important for the local people in the emerging market to possess.   3.0  Objectives of the Study The main purpose of this study is to analvze and investigate the ins and outs of the emerging market on how international franchising would benefit their economy. Developing countries like them would put them in the global perspective—if they would be unparalleled to their beliefs, to the “way” they would do business. It would boost their economy and could possibly make them one of the first world countries. This research will also tackle the social, cultural and cost-benefit analysis of the said franchise. 4.0 Literature Review International franchising as an overall concept basically is the link between manufacturing—the making of goods or wares by manual labour or by machinery on a large scale and retailing—the selling of products and services to consumers—is what makes the franchising world going. Retailers are a vital part of the business world and provide value to products by making it easier for manufactures to sell and consumers to buy.  It would be unreasonably costly and time consuming for you to locate, contact and make a purchase from the manufacturer every time you wanted to buy a something. Similarly, it would be irrationally expensive for the manufactures of these products to locate and distribute them to consumers individually.  “By bringing multitudes of manufacturers and consumers together at a single point, retailers make it possible for products to be sold, and, consequently, business to be done” (2006). 5.0 Reference                                                                   . Thisarticle discusses a framework to assess the potential economicand social benefits and costs of international franchising.It then discusses the implication of this framework and an agendafor future research. As international retailers continue to employ franchising as a major method of market entry, the control of these international retail franchise networks becomes of significant importance. The aim of this paper is to examine the methods by which UK-based international fashion franchisors control franchisees and their international franchise businesses. The paper employs a qualitative methodology and a multiple case design. Six UK-based fashion retailers with international franchise operations form the empirical basis of the study. The franchise contract, support mechanisms, franchise partner selection, the franchise relationship and the use of master/area franchising were found to be the major methods by which international retail franchisors exert control over their franchise networks. While coercive and non-coercive sources of power were identified in the form of the franchise contract and support mechanisms, the paper also identifies sources of relationship power and organisational power. The paper provides practical information to existing international franchisors and those firms considering the move into the international marketplace via the franchise mode of operation. By highlighting additional sources of power in the form of organisational and relationship power, franchisors are offered further means by which to control their international businesses than hitherto identified in the international franchise literature. Traditional franchise research suggests that there is a dichotomy in the sources of power available to franchisors, that is, coercive or non-coercive sources of power. While acknowledging the existence and importance of these sources of power and their related methods of control, this paper adds further dimensions to the academic debate by introducing relationship power and organisational power. Therefore, franchise partner selection, the franchise relationship and the use of master/area franchising emerge from the qualitative findings as further control mechanisms available to international retail franchisors.   Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

FRANCHISING FOR INTERNATIONAL RETAILERS IN EMERGING MARKET

International Franchising of the Emerging Markets 1.0 Background of the Study Franchising is not the...

Research Proposal on Corporate Governance Practices of Listed Companies in Ghana: An Evaluation.

Introduction             Corporate governance is more than just board processes and procedures. It involves the full set of relationships between a company’s management, it’s board, its shareholders and its stakeholders, such as its employees and the community in which it is located (Witherell 2000, p. 25).             The focus of corporate governance activity is normally directed toward the internal workings of the company and involves the balancing of the advantages of the corporate form which includes the separation of ownership and management functions that ensures limited individual liability for corporate losses with the need to exert effective oversight over managerial decision-making. It normally combines a strong measure protection for shareholder interest over both the short and long term, while also balancing those interests with those of a wider stakeholder community. Mechanisms of corporate governance do this by reviewing corporate strategy, regulating the company’s overall exposure to financial and other risks, and ensuring that stringent procedures for internal and external auditing and fiscal transparency are in place. The typical governance structure includes a board of directors composed of a number of senior company executives and outside non-executive members who are not involved in the day-to-day management of the company (Dematosi 2002, p. 423). Corporate Governance according to Tricker (1997), is concerned with holding to account the modern corporation, whether it be a large or small holding company and subsidiaries, listed, private, government or non-profit entity (cited in Kakabadse 2001, p. 19). One influential interpretation of corporate governance is to find a way to maximize wealth creation in a manner that does not impose inappropriate costs on third parties or on society as a whole (Monks and Minow, 1996 cited in Kakabadse 2001, p. 19). Within this definition, wealth creation is assessed fro a macro (stakeholder) perspective, including the wealth created for employees and the community as well as investors, thus requiring control and supervision in order to prevent stakeholder claims. Hence, the aim of corporate governance is to evaluate options by measuring them against the goal protecting individual liberty, maximizing wealth in a sustainable way and managing change, which requires a balance of power between the distinct elements of the corporation. From this perspective, corporations are seen as having multiple responsibilities, needing to balance competing conditions, such as long and short term notion gain, profit and sustainability, cash and accounting concepts of value, democracy and authority, power and accountability. Thus the focus is on the way enterprises are governed, as distinct from managed, highlighting the relationship between boards and their shareholders, the company regulators, the auditors and other legitimate stakeholders inside and outside the enterprise, and between directors and top management (Kakabadse 2001, p. 19). Overall, effective corporate governance application requires a system of checks and balances to define appropriately the parameters of authority, and limit the abuse of that authority or power through accountability, while assuring that the right questions get asked of the right people. Moreover, considering that the pace of change is increasing, corporate governance is viewed as being needed to enable corporations to respond to, effect, and even lead, change (Monks and Minow  1996 cited in Kakabase 2001, p. 20). The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) Principles of Corporate Governance cover five areas (Sparkes 2002, p. 235). These are: 1. The corporate governance framework should protect shareholders’ rights, they should receive timely and accurate information about a company where they are investors, and they should have the right to participate in major decisions. 2. The corporate governance framework should ensure the equitable treatment of all shareholders, including minorities and foreign shareholders; in particular, members of the board and executives should disclose any material interests in transactions. 3. The corporate governance framework should recognize the rights of stakeholders in corporate governance, there should be cooperation between corporations and stakeholders on issues like jobs, the local communities, suppliers and the environment. 4. The corporate governance framework should ensure that timely and accurate disclosure is made on all material matters regarding the corporation. This includes ownership and governance as well as financial disclosure, and information material should be audited. 5. The corporate governance framework should ensure the strategic guidance of the company, the effective monitoring of management by the board’s accountability to the company and the shareholders.   The principles can be summarized in terms of four values. These are: 1. Equitable treatment/Fairness 2. Responsibility 3. Transparency 4. Accountability             These values link corporate governance to important elements of governance in broader sense: the battle against bribery and corruption; corporate responsibility and ethics; public sector governance; and regulatory form (Witherell 2000, p. 28).   Research Question             This research aims to answer the question “What are the corporate governance practices of listed companies in Ghana?” Specifically, this research aims to answer the following questions: 1. How is corporate governance being implemented in Ghana? 2. What are the government policies related to corporate governance in Ghana? 3. How do public listed companies in Ghana implement OECD principles in corporate governance? 4. Are the Corporate Governance Code of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Ghana being followed by public listed companies? 5. What are the provisions of the Listing Rules of the Ghana Stock Exchange on Corporate Governance? 6.How effective is corporate governance in Ghana and what are the possible steps that the government and public listed companies can employ to ensure transparency and accountability?   Research Methodology             The planned methodology is secondary research. The researcher will make use of published materials such as books, magazines and newspapers to collect data and information regarding the topic. The researcher will also make use of the internet to obtain information about the company such as its background and other related information. For the research, the researcher will mainly rely on secondary data in obtaining the information. Due to inaccessibility of the subject or the case study, other research methods are not applicable. Secondary data are data that have been collected for some other purpose. Secondary data can provide a useful source from which to answer the research question(s). Punch (1998) mentions several advantages of using existing data. Expenditure on obtaining data can be significantly reduced and data analysis can begin immediately, so saving time. Also, the quality of some data may be superior to anything the researcher could have created alone (Thomas, 2004, p. 191). On the other hand, the chosen research method also has several disadvantages. Data that have been gathered by others for their own purposes can be difficult to interpret when they are taken out of their original context. It is also much more difficult to appreciate the weak points in data that have been obtained by others. The data may be only partially relevant to the current research question (Thomas, 2004, p. 191).       Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Research Proposal on Corporate Governance Practices of Listed Companies in Ghana: An Evaluation.

Introduction Corporate governance is more than just board processes and procedures. It involves the full set of relationshi...

Research Proposal on Competition in the Banking Industry in Kenya

Competition in the Banking Industry in Kenya Introduction Banking industry is expected to remain strong even in the midst of adversities and challenges. In every nation, the banking institutions are different and unique among the other type of business. And because of the uniqueness of the banks, there is a great interest paid by the government in strengthening the financial institutions as accordance to their needs, which is an indication of the continuous growth and competition in the industry. Background and Problem Statement The Banking industry in Kenya is governed by the Companies Act, the Banking Act, the Central Bank of Kenya Act and other various prudential guidelines issued by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). All of the policies and regulations that administer the entire banking industry centers in lifting the controls towards the management and equitable services.  With the help of the monetary policy theirs is a formulation of policies that fosters the liquidity, solvency and proper functioning of the financial system. Along with the various developmental changes in the environment, Kenya’s banking industry recognized the growth in assets, deposits, profitability, and adoption of banking services and products (PwC). As a result of the growth in the financial streams and increased innovative programs, the competition in the banking industry tightened.       Research Aim and Objectives The aim of the study is to provide the current situation, implication, and future effects of the competition in the banking industry particularly in Kenya. To navigate in the continuous investigation on the competition in banking industry, there are three objectives that can serve as guidance. First is to recognize the underpinning factors that increase or triggered the continuous growth in the industry. Second is to determine the strategies that moved the entire industry in reaching the progress. And third to give emphasis on the complex needs that contribute to the large number of services and banking products being offered. Literature Review For over the years, the banking industry in Kenya recognized the growth in various financial aspects which makes the note the increase in competition. The growth was traced through looking on the times since there is a successful introduction of innovation and new entrants in the market (PwC). Banks are identified to be one of the major players that support the Kenya’s socio-economic development. Its role in the society is admired because it boosts the confidence in terms of entrepreneurship. The innovative products in the banking industry serve a great advantage not only on the business but also to provide satisfaction on their long-time customers. The continuous excellent performance of the banks reflects in the improvement and stability of the economy. One of the best examples that benefited in the progress of banking sector is the strong existence of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which became the source of livelihood in Kenya (Ndung’u, 2007). From the past examination and studies regarding the growth in the competition in the banking industry, it is identified the factors such as the internationalization, openness of the financial markets, and banking harmonization which creates an obvious changes in the banking activities, as well as on their performance (Bikker, Spierdijk, and Finnie, 2007). In the continuing adoption of the banking in the area of technology and innovation, there is a great expectation on the mobile payment and mobile banking systems. The banking industry in Kenya exceeds to what is needed in the formal financial sector that leads in the continuous operation in terms of mobile payment. In the long-run it will definitely create an impact in the banking activities and substantially delivers an impression of a strong economy. According to the reports in the financial performance of Kenya, it is noticeable that the mobile banking activities of the customers delivers the best attribute of a bank and thereby, the products and services can adequately provided in Kenya’s population. The value assessed from the person-to-person money transaction, which summarizes the traditional banking activities, is expected to be doubled by the innovative changes in the banking environment (Liu and Mithika, 2009). Methodology The suggested method in the study is the use of secondary data that might lead to the recognition of the study objectives. Secondary information can be obtained from the yearly reports connected in the banking industry and its performance for the past years. In addition, there are also essential data coming from the IMF (International Monetary Fund) and/or ADB (Asian Development Bank) to determine the level of competition being interpreted in the banking industry.   References: Bikker, J.A., Spierdijk, L., & Finnie, P., (2007) Misspecification of the Panzar-Rosse Model: Assessing Competition in the Banking Industry [Online] Available at: <http://www.rug.nl/staff/l.spierdijk/panzar_rosse.pdf> [Accessed 16 June 2010]. Liu, A.T., & Mithika, M.K., (2009) Mobile Banking – The Key to Building Credit History for the Poor?, Kenya Case study: Linking Mobile Banking and Mobile Payment Platforms to Credit Bureaus, (USAID) United States Agency for International Development [Online] Available at: <http://www.microfinancegateway.org/gm/document-1.9.37062/49.pdf> [Accessed 16 June 2010]. Ndung’u, N., (2007) Innovative Products in the Banking Industry in Kenya, KCB Biashara Banking Launch 28 June [Online] Available at: <http://www.bis.org/review/r070817d.pdf> [Accessed 16 June 2010] PwC Kenya: Banking Industry, PricewaterhouseCoopers© [Online] Available at: <http://www.pwc.com/ke/en/industries/banking.jhtml> [Accessed 16 June 2010].   Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Research Proposal on Competition in the Banking Industry in Kenya

Competition in the Banking Industry in Kenya Introduction Banking industry is expected to remain strong even in the midst of adversities...

Research Proposal on The Impact of Supply Chain Management to the Competitive Advantage of Dell

The Impact of Supply Chain Management to the Competitive Advantage of Dell         TABLE OF CONTENTS     CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION                                                                                2          CHAPTER 2: BACKGROUND                                                                                  3   CHAPTER 3: OBJECTIVES                                                                                      4          CHAPTER 4: METHODOLOGY                                                                               9   4.1       Research Perspective                                                                                                9 4.2       Research Approach                                                                                        9 4.3       Research Design                                                                                            9 4.4       Data Collection                                                                                               10 4.5       Scope and Limitations                                                                                    11   CHAPTER 5: PROJECT PLAN                                                                                 12   REFERENCES                                                                                                          15         CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION   This paper presents a proposal to research and explore how Dell Computers manages its supply chain through investigating the supplier relationships, internal supply chain and customer relationships for the purpose of acquiring the competitive edge how do you propose to find out about it’s supply chain?. It discusses the concept of supply chain management and evaluates its role as a value-added practice for Dell. This current study proposal is based on the rationale that as new information and communication technologies are introduced, markets and industries moved along with the changes especially those industries with direct contact with recent technological innovations. The new information age, as according to Stanford-Smith and Kidd (2000, p. 399) whom?, caters to the ever-changing computer business environment especially in the area that competition has more weight compared to the sum of all its parts challenging every player of the computer industry to formulate strategies that will ensure them of the competitive advantage in the long run and sustaining such. Will you identify their competitive edge, or just generalize? As such, this study will identify the extent to which supply chain management specifically customer relationship management could contribute to the competitive advantage of Dell through determining the company’s competitive edge.   Important to e-business processes is the supply chain management (SCM) as a tool for securing a large market share. As the basis of providing superior service, through e-business the organization should obtain cost leadership, differentiation and focus on specific niche in terms of procurement, distribution strategies and delivery strategies. Nonetheless, the practice of each company varies with the extent of how they perceived their supply chain to contribute to the quality of the products and services and how they could make sense of the process. Dell Computers, for example, is very particular with costing and delivery as well as customer relationship whereby first value innovation is the priority.   However, from the period of late 2006 to 2007, a competitor Hewlett Packard (HP) had overtaken the company in terms of market share towards becoming the top PC manufacturer worldwide. Evidently, the pioneering of a unique model of selling PCs directly to the customers known as the Direct Model no longer served its purpose. Though the model enabled Dell to manage its supply chain more efficiently, the inherent drawbacks of the model contributed to the lessening of competitive advantage. Exacerbated by the lack of new products, poor customer service, lack of retail presence and the limitations of the model (ICMR, 2007), as industry experts which ones? such as Govindarajan and Gupta (2001) put it, calls for a drive to reassess the supply chain management unique to Dell. How will this help with poor customer service? Through such process, the interfaces among the suppliers and customers and Dell could be addressed. For instance, poor customer service could be dealt with by means of integrating efficient and convenient purchasing processes and speed of delivery (Administration, 2008).           CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND   For this research proposal and for the base of the research, I started to collect and read the literature that covers the main areas of the research objectives. William Hoover (2001) notes that reaching the number ? position in the US and in the world at certain point in time is brought by Dell’s value offerings especially of providing the build-to-order product configuration to customers though there is the risk of the changing preference of the customers and also their purchasing processes. The benefits of this are keeping costs down while also increasing the volume and market share for Dell. As such, Dell becomes an integral part of the purchasing process as co-branding. This doesn’t make sense, please proof-read   For this research proposal, I started to collect and read the literatures that cover the main areas of the research objectives. William Hoover (2001) notes that reaching the leadership position in the US and in the world at certain point in time is brought by Dell’s value-adding activities. One of these activities is providing the build-to-order product configuration to customers despite the marketing challenges that Dell faces. Such challenges include the changing preference of the customers and the purchasing patterns of these customers. These value-adding activities benefits Dell through increasing the volume and market share while also keeping costs down.   Direct selling to consumers is what sets Dell apart from its competitors, as it is only the company which sells through catalogues before without the obstruction of in-store inventories, separating bond between inventory and product selection. Dell also had embraced online PC retailing making the company a leader in providing customers requirements through “configurator” software; which allows customers to select from an array of choice while also proving online technical support. As Philip and Thomas (2000) put it, Dell had developed elaborate and sophisticated decision-support software to help its own technical staff troubleshoot problems and purports on extending this richness back into its supply chain.   Kraemer and Dedrick (2002) maintain that although the company only entered the electronic industry in mid-1980s it became a global phenomenon enabling it to serve and take advantage of the capabilities of the otherwise complex and multi-level PC industry. The authors reasoned that “market potential is the driving force behind Dell’s general location decisions, while costs and capabilities are the driving forces behind the specific location of Dell’s activities”. As such, though Dell generally appears to be receptive to its business model, the company was enabled to serve those markets by means of effective production capabilities and cost structuring.   Frederick Betz (2001) contends that that there are three strategic challenges for information strategy and Dell is not an exception. These are: using the new electronic medium to its full advantage, upgrading information capability and improving the flow of information in the entirety of the business. Responding to these challenges means to position the business component in the strategy in order to put focus on the application of the information system to business purposes. It would be also necessary to implement the strategy within plans and training to implement changes in information systems and business processes. Dell did just that. How? Dell focused the business on direct selling to large companies and on outsourcing PC assembly using just-in-time manufacturing principle. When the Internet emerged as a major business channel, Dell adopted its use to Dell’s business model. Dell envisioned the Internet as an effective mode of direct sales to customers.   Kraemer and Dedrick (2001) also claim that the superior supply chain is driven by Information Technology (IT), e-commerce and virtual corporation. Initialising in horizontally-segmented industry structure, Dell strategically assembled its own computers from standard parts and components which is traditionally not the practice while focusing on the customer relationship. To proactively respond to the growing demands of the consumer database, Dell established a complex web of relationship that seemed to be serving its purpose. As such, the key strategy that Dell implemented is the consolidation of the three technical aspects. Will you detail these aspects? These aspects are online sales, online support and infrastructure. Dell resorted to online selling outside the US but met with various challenges such as the uncommon use of credit card and inadequate distribution and delivery systems and strict regulations of some state regarding direct sales. Nevertheless, online selling strategies are backed by online support and Infrastructure. Dell applied the globalised, then regionalize philosophy wherein a global application is localised whenever necessary. To host the content of online stores in different regions, Dell developed separate infrastructures with data centers in Ireland, Singapore and US.     Kraemer and Dedrick (2001) emphasise that there had been a sound interplay between customer focus, supplier partnerships, mass customisation, or just-in-time and coordinating IT for example in traditional business boundaries that include in the value chain among suppliers, the manufacturer, service and support partners and end users towards the evolution of the virtual corporation. Dell also invested in the capability of the Internet as a way to improve internal processes such as ordering, assembly, delivery and support, to coordinate its broader value web, and to enhance the customer relationship. Governed by the idea that information can be diffused, Dell codified information about product offerings to simplify processes. Detail Continually, Dell logs the interfaces with its customers to determine purchasing behaviour, demand patterns and satisfaction levels. Through the process of direct contact with end customers, Dell was enabled to know how customers buy computers and what motivates them in purchasing as well as to anticipate demands. The knowledge in replacement cycles also enabled Dell to forecast demand carefully and target customers with its direct sales force.   If there are words to describe the general strategy Dell have chosen it would be – optimised integration whereby the supply chain is integrated to meet and exceed suppliers’ and customers’ expectations while not sacrificing quality and relationships. Dell takes into account the collective performance in the creation, distribution and support of an end-product (National Research Council, 2000, p. 27). True enough, Dell increased integration to boost the overall performance of the supply chain through focusing and coordinating the relevant sources of the needs of the supply chain. Dell benefits from this process as evident in increased functional and procedural synergy, faster response to the industry and market changes and increased competitiveness and profitability (National Research Council, 2000, pp. 27-33).   For Dell, there are core and non-core activities. The already mentioned are the core activities and those non-cores could be outsourced especially if it means furthering the managerial, financial and informational control over the operation. Provide that with IT sourcing must start with the business imperative, Dell accentuates cost and capability by delegating certain functions as internal and external so as to facilitate value-added outsourcing, equity holdings, ‘co-sourcing’, multiple suppliers and spin-offs (Willcocks et al., 2002, pp. 174-177).   As such, the existing business model at Dell cannot be easily imitated. Basically because competitors lack the know-how to make it work to their advantage, or they may embed conflicts into the models in use. Henry Lucas (2002, pp. 105-110) highlighted that the direct ordering strategy and the Internet largely impacted Dells’ business model making it well positioned in the adoption of e-commerce and take advantage of the Internet. Following the business model within Dell is due to wide use of technology allowing it to substitute information for physical parts and buffer stock and thus exhibiting a competitive advantage that is built-in (Lucas, 2002, p. 110).                 CHAPTER 3 OBJECTIVES   The project proposes to analyse and evaluate how computer giants such as Dell Computer sustain its industry leadership albeit with extensive changes, and how its SCM practices contribute to the process of sustaining the competitive advantage.These are very wide objectives which will require a lot of research Because of time constraints, the study will focus on one the major activities in the supply chain: customers relationship management. Notable is that though Dell Computer is a leader in its own right. However, the incessant presence of competitors and the price war market could jeopardise Dell’s competitive advantage. How and Why?. Competition in the IT industry is high because of the continuous wave of innovation which in turn determines the longevity or the life of the products in the market. Powerful reliable technology is what will give IT firms an advantage, and in the case the Dell would not be able to deliver new innovations in the market, it will lag behind its competitors. The condition has effectively led to increasing challenges experienced because of the new industry standards and hence the narrowing profit. The case of Dell Computer will be thoroughly scrutinised to obtain in-depth analysis of its company background and the internal problems encountered relating to supply chain management. What resources will you use to gather this information? Informations will be obtained through various resources such as the corporate website, online statistics, related studies about Dell’s supply chain management and company reports.   In line with this, the project will seek to analyse the problems experienced regarding customer relationship management and recommend strategies to be adopted to make certain the sustainable competitive advantage while also continuously growing to be an important player in the computer industry. Toward this end, the research must examine the factors that affect the implementation of SCM particularly customer relationship management at Dell within the e-business context and eventually benchmark processes and provide guidelines for computer industry best SCM practices.   The study, in general, aims to learn about the internal processes at Dell taking into account the core components of the supply chain management system and extract from the customer relationship management practices the most pertinent practices that could be considered as industry best practices. The necessity to identify the role and function of customer relationship management and how Dell optimizes the process is one of the most basic foundations to gaining competitive advantage. In this regard, the research presents an understanding of the computer industry as viewed through Dell and the completion of this study will provide understanding of the concepts presented so as to generate data and information that very organisation could utilise in order to come up with plans, designs and strategies that could strategically position them within a highly competitive, diverse and complex business environment that is experienced at present.   This project is of particular importance to me as upon graduation, I anticipate assuming a role within the business environment that will encompass the value chain management functions. Hence, it will be my job to maximise the supplier chain management in order to contribute to the competitive advantage of any business organisation I may worked for in the future and that this research, whilst fulfilling the academic requirement, will be of great benefit to my future career and my organisation’s direction. It is of my best belief that addressing the problems at Dell and providing set of actions and/or strategies and hopefully resulting to process improvements within Dell will help to maintain the high levels of motivation for completing the project throughout the course of research.     You have a very broad range of objectives here which should be looked at carefully.  You have a limited time available in which to cover a great deal. I limit the focus on the topic on one of the three major SCM activities which is the customer relationship management.     CHAPTER 4 METHODOLOGY     4.1 Research Perspective               According to Saunders et al. (2003), research perspectives usually consist of three parts, the perspective of the positivist, interpretivist and the realist approaches. In my research I will be using the Interpretivist approach, (in between the continuum) albeit the fact the research is basically descriptive in nature wherein I will be describing the fundamentals of supply chain management within Dell and distinguish how such process contribute to gaining competitive advantage. In particular, as the researcher I will demonstrate the benefits and downsides of Dell’s Direct Model and critically evaluate the e-business processes Dell converged into. Thereby, using an inductive approach to form a theory as to how SCM can be optimised to use in obtaining the competitive advantage.     4.2 Research Approach               As a descriptive research, the study intends to present facts concerning the nature and status of a situation, as it exists at the time of the study as well as present conditions, events or systems based on the impressions or reactions of the respondents of the research (Creswell, 1994). In addition, descriptive research concerns relationships and practices that exist, beliefs and processes that are ongoing, effects that are being felt, or trends that are developing.          4.3 Research Design               The research will use a multi-method approach to gather the pertinent data as it can yield to two major advantages. As Saunders et al. (2003) puts it, on the one hand is that different methods can be used for different purposes in the study and on the other is that it enables triangulation to take place. The research will operate within the cross-sectional as I will be collecting data for a single case which is Dell, using questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, structured observation, and document analysis for the purpose of focusing on the breadth of the research and thereby increasing the validity and the truthfulness of the research.               For my research, I have chosen the survey strategy because it can gather a large amount of data from a sizeable population in a highly economical way from where and when? (Saunders et al, 2003). The questionnaire will be data gathering instrument used for the survey and would be composed of two parts. The first part will contain information regarding the researcher and the purpose of the study; details about the respondents. The second part of the questionnaire is the survey proper. It would be composed of 8 categories each adapted from the review of related literature. The questions will be non-threatening and easy to accomplish.               Case study method will be also applied. Robson (2002) defines case study as a “strategy for doing research which involves an empirical investigation of a particular contemporary phenomenon within its real life context using multiple sources of evidence.” This research would employ telephone interviews which allow the researcher to have a contact to participants with whom it would be impractical to conduct an interview on a face to face basis because of the distance and restraining costs involved and time required to conduct the interview. This is appropriate for the study because the researcher would then benefit from the easier access, speed and relatively lower cost of conducting telephone interviews.      4.4 Data Collection               For this, both the qualitative and quantitative approaches to research will be employed. Qualitative data will be collected from questionnaires and interviews which will involve employees of Dell with direct authority on supply chain management. Qualitative data will be also gathered from the representatives of computer/electronic industry administrators. Through this method, qualitative elements that do not have standard measures such as behavior, attitudes, opinions, and beliefs within the organizational domain will be analyzed.   As a qualitative study, the research will make use of both primary and secondary data. The primary source of data will come from the researcher-made questionnaire and interview questions. The primary data frequently gives the detailed definitions of terms and statistical units used in the study. These are usually broken down into finer classifications. The secondary sources of data will come from published articles, social science journals, theses and related studies on corporate management. Acquiring secondary data are more convenient to use because they are already condensed and organized. Moreover, analysis and interpretation are done more easily. Quantitative research will be gathered from the survey conducted. Quantitative research was chosen for the study so as the results can be generalized. Data will analyzed with the use of a 5-point Likert Scale and weighted mean and percentage analysis.     4.5 Scope and Limitations               The research will only center on the supply chain and competitive advantage of Dell though other issues directly connected to the business environment will be also considered. The research will also incorporate issues concerning supply chain dilemmas inside Dell and how the revitalisation plan achieves its objectives with respect to sustaining the competitive advantage. Others would be the impact of supply chain management practices and collaboration in relation to the efficiency of the supplier relationships, internal supply chain and customer relationships.   Do you really think that you have the time to look at all these factors? The three factors are important in supply chain management. Because of time constraints, the study will focus on customer relationship management.     CHAPTER 5 PROJECT PLAN   Table 1.0: Dissertation timetable Week Activity Date Remark 1 Preparing Work Space Jan 08   2-4 Thinking of a topic and browsing for inspiration Jan – Feb 08     Chinese New Year holiday 7 & 8 Feb 08   5-7 Preparing project timetable and starting literature searching Feb – March 08   8-10 Define topic area and prepare topic choice form March 08   11 Submit topic choice proforma 1 April 08 Milestone   Local Workshop at SCMPC, Penang 5-6 April 08   12-13 Literature searching and details project planning. Preliminary literature review, reading on methodology, definition of research question, and plan of research approach.     April   14-17 Supervisor allocated – contact supervisor by email Continue literature searching 30 April 08     Labour Day holiday 1 May 08   18 Email supervisor draft proposal for comment May   19 Revisions of draft proposal May     Wesak Day holiday 19 May 08   20-21 Submit Proposal 1 Jun 08 Milestone 22 Bolton ICT Exam 14 Jun 08   23-33 Continue literature searching, background reading and plan research methods. Start writing full literature review.   July – August     National Day holiday 31 August 08   34-36 Submission of literature review and proposed methodology to supervisor September     Bolton Workshop at SCMPC, Kuala Lumpur 5-7 Sept 08   37-42 Revision of literature review and methodology (due to feedback from supervisor and receipt of new material Sept – Nov 08   43-47 Continue write literature review, refine research question. Devise questionnaire and submit to supervisor for comments Dec – Jan     My Birthday 6 Dec 08     Christmas Day holiday 25 Dec 08     New Year’s Day holiday 1 Jan 09   48-50 Submit 2nd revised version of literature review, methodology and revise questionnaire. Jan 09   51 Submit Interim Report 12 Jan 09 Milestone 52-54 Develop data collection instruments (questionnaires, interview question, search strategies etc.) Jan – Feb     Chinese New Year holiday 26-27 Jan 09   55-56 Data gathering – Send questionnaires & undertaking interviews Feb 09   57 Chase questionnaires and compiling results Feb 09   58 Data analysis Feb 09   59 Writing up findings March 09   60-61 Submit draft literature review, methodology chapter and results to supervisor March 09   62 Revisions of draft April 09   63 Generate conclusion and recommendations April 09   64 Compiling references/bibliography and appendices April 09   65 Preparing presentation (MS PowerPoint) April 09   66 Submission of final draft (all chapters) April 09   67 Submit Final Report 27 April 09 Milestone   Too generalized.  You need to identify minor as well as major milestones.       Figure 1.0: Dissertation timeline   REFERENCES   Administration (2008) ‘Strategic Innovation: How Dell Redesigned the Value Chain.’ 2 July. http://www.unitedbit.com/strategic-innovation-how-dell-redesigned-the-value-chain/ [6 January 2009]   Betz, F. (2001) Executive Strategy: Strategic Management and Information Technology. New York: John Wiley and Sons, Inc.   Creswell, J.W. (1994) Research Design: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches.  California: Sage Publications   Govindarajan, V. and Gupta, A. K. (2001) ‘Strategic innovation: a conceptual road map’. Business Horizons, July-August   Hoover, W.E. (2001) Managing the Demand-Supply Chain: Value Innovations for Customer Satisfaction. New York: John Wiley and Sons, Inc.   ICMR Center for Management Research (2007) ‘Dell’s Supply Chain Management Practices’. http://www.icmrindia.org/casestudies/catalogue/Operations/OPER063.htm [28 April 2008]   Kraemer, K. L. and Dedrick, J. (2002) ‘Dell Computer: Organization of a Global Production Network’. Irvine, California: Center for Research on Information Technology and Organizations http://repositories.cdlib.org/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1027&context=crito [28 April 2008]   Kramer, K. L. and Dedrick, J. (2001) ‘Dell Computer: Using E-Commerce To Support the Virtual Company’. Irvine, California: Center for Research on Information Technology and Organizations http://www.crito.uci.edu/GIT/publications/pdf/dell_ecom_case_6-13-01.pdf  [29 April 2008]   Lucas, H.C. (2002) Strategies for Electronic Commerce and the Internet. Cambridge, Massachusetts: MIT Press   National Research Council (2000) Surviving Supply Chain Integration: Strategies for Small Manufacturers.  Washington, DC: National Academy Press   Phillip, E. and Wurster, T. S. (2000) Blown to Bits: How the New Economics of Information Transforms Strategy. Boston, Massachusetts: Harvard Business School Press   Robson, C. (2002) Real world research 2nd ed. Oxford: Blackwell   Rudd, D. (2007) Cite Me, I’m Yours – Harvard Version: References, Bibliographies, Notes, Quotations, Etc. Bolton: The Library, University of Bolton http://data.bolton.ac.uk/learning/helpguides/studyskills/harvard.pdf [19 March 2008]   Rudd, D. (2005) Preparing for Dissertations and Projects. Bolton:  Learning Support and Development, University of Bolton http://data.bolton.ac.uk/learning/helpguides/studyskills/dissertations.pdf  [19 March 2008]   Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2003) Research methods for business students 3rd ed. London: Prentice Hall   Stanford-Smith, B. and Kidd, P. T. (2000) E-Business: Key Issues, Applications and Technologies. IOS Press   Willcocks, L. Petherbridge, P. and Olson, N. A. (2002) Making IT Count: Strategy, Delivery and Infrastructure. Boston: Butterworth-Heinemann     BIS 3100 Project   Proposal Mark Scheme Assessor name     Date of assessment 25/08/08 Title   The Impact of Supply Chain Management to the Competitive Advantage of Dell Student Name   Choo Say Leong Student ID     Aspect to be addressed 70+ 60+ 50+ 40+   Comments  / areas to concentrate on Introduction Excellent, other students could pick this up and work with it if required Clear, easy to follow, supervisor can clearly see what’s to be done Got focus and concept Some concept of focus but lacks relevant detail Waffle, no scene setting, no clear outcomes See comments on script Background Clear and easy to follow scene setting May need to focus to aid development Needs minor guidance to focus aims Needs huge guidance to focus aims Needs to reconsider See comments on script Objectives Clear, complete and will match requirements May need to focus to complete development Needs minor guidance to focus Needs huge guidance to focus Needs to reconsider See comments on script Methodology Clear, complete and will match requirements May need to focus to complete development Needs minor guidance to focus Needs huge guidance to focus Needs to reconsider See comments on script Resources Clear, complete and will match requirements May need to focus to complete development Needs minor guidance to focus Needs huge guidance to focus Needs to reconsider Not really identified. Bibliography Several, all appropriate few Poor specification Inappropriate none   Plan Major & minor milestones clear and appropriate All major, some minor, good presentation Textual, major & minor Textual, major only Weak – none See comments on script General comments on strengths, weaknesses, areas for improvement including writing style, use of English, Spelling, Punctuation, Grammar, Harvard Also encourage to use 1 ½ line spacing, Arial 11 with proper section headings to aid use of table of contents in Word Please remember to proof-read your work before submission.  The project has a very wide scope which should be looked at to gain a main focus for the investigation.         Assessor signature     Date of feedback to student   Student comments regarding feedback       Student signature     Grade awarded   58%                                       Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Research Proposal on The Impact of Supply Chain Management to the Competitive Advantage of Dell

The Impact of Supply Chain Management to the Competitive Advantage of Dell TABLE OF CONTENTS ...