Summary Of The Mcpheron Brothers - 1121 Words

The McPheron brothers, Raymond and Harold, are the go-to guys of the small town of Holt. It is a safe haven to the pregnant teenager they take in. It is a place of comfort for two young brothers much like themselves, named Ike and Bobby. Raymond and Harold are two brothers who live together on their ranch and take care of their farm animals. The McPheron’s wore jeans and boots, canvas chore jackets, and hats with flannel earflaps. They have a barn full of cattle that they spend most of their time with. They have never been married and their parents were killed when they were longer which left them to raise themselves. They have never had a female live with them nor have they been around any children. They have been independent and lonesome for years. They sit around their table and read the newspaper while drinking coffee. Then they spend most of their days outside in the barn. Even in the cold frigid winter months, they still spend their time outside maintaining the farm. Tom Guthrie who is a friend of the McPheron’s brought his sons, Ike and Bobby, to the farm one day to help out. Ike and Bobby would not give the McPheron’s an hourly wage to be paid; they weren’t sure what to say so they just shrugged their shoulders. After Tom said the boys would help, Harold lubed up his arm and shoved it in the cow to feel for a calf. He pulled out green manure and continued to shove his arm in to see if he could feel anything. When Raymond pulled his arm out of the heifer it was

Labor movement Free Essays

Labor movements is a term that refers to a group of working people who have come together so as to fight for better working terms from their employers. Labor movements started as early as the 18th century and they were faced with a lot of resistance from both the government and other institutions who were opposed to the idea. Some people share experiences and share the same interests and as a result they tend to come against other s whose interests are different from theirs. We will write a custom essay sample on Labor movement or any similar topic only for you Order Now This leads to people with the same ideas coming and together and fighting for their own welfare hence leading to the creation of labor movements. Formation of labor movements even in the early days was faced with several challenges. The major hindrance to these movements is their lack of power to negotiate properly for the workers. Once a workers union has been formed its main duty is to negotiate for better terms for its members but this is not usually an easy task. In America, there’s a process through which a workers union can negotiate with employers for better terms and it’s known as ‘collective bargaining’. For a union to be recognized by the employer it must be an elected one or the employer may recognize it voluntarily. This act requires the employer to bargain in what is known as ‘good faith ‘and this clearly proves to be unfair and not friendly to the labor unions since the employer is not under any pressure to agree to the workers demands but the agreement reached must also be favorable to him.The terms of this process are not also friendly to workers as it provides that all workers including even those who are not members of the union must bargain through this union and at no time can the employer negotiate with individual employees. Whenever negotiations are taking place and the two parties need to come to an agreement, it’s usually a nightmare for the employees’ representatives. This is the case mostly when there needs to be a written agreement between the employees and the employers because the employers bargain without any commitment or willingness to reach an agreement . The employers engage in a hide and seek game with the labor unions .In most cases they cancel meetings with the employees unions and in some cases, they may agree to minor proposals or proposals that are of little importance to the employees while giving considerations to others that are of little importance to the union members . Another hindrance to the labor movement is the refusal by employers to offer counterproposals to the proposals of the unions and they sometimes come up with new ones just when it appears like the two parties are reaching an agreement also in some cases they take back on some agendas that had already been agreed upon. These types of delays are only intended to frustrate the efforts of the unions and eventually force them to give up on their demands. The labor laws in many countries do not provide adequate restrictions or measures to stop these actions by the employers which can be said to be unethical and in bad faith. The labor unions some times become demoralized due to pressure they get from the employees who are always looking upon it to negotiate with the employers on their behalf. A good example is a case where the union goes to court only for the ruling to take too long to pass the judgment and the employers takes advantage of this by putting the blame on the unwillingness or the lack of commitment from the union. During these delays and other hindrances to the employee’s justice, some of the union members may quit, get sick, or even die and this only serves to weaken the union. The law is mainly to blame for all the woes and problems facing workers unions in many parts of the world. This weakness can be seen in cases where the court rules in favor of the employees because the employer is not ordered top pay any monetary fines but is just to go back to the negotiating table with the employees. Mostly, majority of the cases that are forwarded by employees to the courts are ruled in favor of the employers and this discourages new members from the joining the union and all that the union gets from such cases is just recognition. The growth of labor unions during the 19th century The growth of unions during this time took a different direction from what was previously known. Before this time, only skilled laborers or workers were allowed to join unions hence locking their counterparts who were not skilled out of any workers union that could voice their grievances. Before this time too, most of the labor unions were made up specific ethnic groups and they also allowed female employees to join the union unlike in the past where females were locked out of any unions. The old tactics of applying militant like tactics so as to voice grievances were done away with and the new generation of labor unions embraced the new approach of using negotiations as a tool in fighting for their rights. This didn’t work for long since soon afterwards, there rose the IWW (Industrial Workers of the World) which didn’t like the approach used previously and it advocated actions like mass actions and strikes to forward the workers grievances. This new union didn’t discriminate anyone and it was made up of workers (skilled and non skilled) and it also didn’t discriminate members on either race or gender. This new union fought for the freedom of speech for workers which were not allowed there before. Later afterwards, there rose NLRA which came into an agreement with the government. The agreement saw both parties agree that, employees were to forward their complains through unions instead of taking direct actions. In 1950s labor unions became more powerful and were able to negotiate with large companies through a small number of union officials and the members were notified later after the final details of the agreement had been reached. The workers desisted from mass actions and embraced this new idea. Anyway, the union could call strikes anytime the employers showed unwillingness to listen to them. Since this union brought together almost all workers, the employers had little or no workers to replace those who were on strike and so they couldn’t break it. Currently, things have changed in favor of the employers. This change can be attributed to slack labor markets and unfair legal setups. Many modern companies do not encourage labor unions and do not fear actions like strikes since they see them as opportunities to hire replacements. The advancement in technology has also played a role in collapsing of labor unions since machines have taken jobs that were previously done by people. The most effective tool that the labor unions have been left with is negotiations. For good results to be realized, the union needs to establish unity among its members and prepare a document that outlines its goals, and a timetable for the actions it plans to take. These are essential incase the union is engaged by a potential employer over an employment contract. Modern labor laws, unlike the ancient ones, differentiate between mandatory and permissive subjects of bargaining. Lastly, when the terms of the contract between the labor union and the employer have been   Ã‚  finalized, the two parties signs a collective bargaining agreement which serves as the law throughout the duration of the contract. References 1. David Green Lawrence Cromwell (1984) Mutual Aid or Welfare State. Australia’s Friendly Societies. 2. Beverly Silver: (2003) Forces of Labor. Worker’s Movements and Globalization since 1870, Cambridge University Press. 3. St. James Press (2003) .Encyclopedia of Labor History Worldwide. St. James Press 4.   Ã‚  John Hinshaw and Paul LeBlanc (2003) U.S. labor in the twentieth century: studies in Working-class struggles and insurgency. Amherst, NY Humanity Books How to cite Labor movement, Essay examples

Trends Of Purchasing And Supply Management -Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss About The Trends Of Purchasing And Supply Management? Answer: Introduction Supply chain management is the regulation of information and finances as they move in a process from the supplier to the consumer. It involves coordination of these movements within and amongst companies. The main objective of a supply chain management is to reduce inventory. This technology has been embraced in today businesses to identify, get, share and predict events and transactions to translate into useful information to e used in management. This report is based on Wall Mart. This will entail providing an overview of the business, Supply chain/logistics management from the source to the customers, the linkage between Wal-Mart activities and theories in the supply chain (Modern operations management) and explanation of sustainability throughout the chain. Overview of Wal-Mart Wal-Mart occupies the highest position in the world's largest retailer. In the fiscal year 2012, the company produced $446,950 million revenues (4-traders, 2017). Just like most large retail companies, Wal-Mart has both online and offline business. However, most of its revenues are generated from the five types of physical stores; discount store, Sam's club, supercenters, Wal-Mart Express and outlets like a neighborhood market. Started by Sam Walton, the company had its first store in Rogers, 1962. By 2012, it had developed to more than 10, 000 retail outlets in 27 countries (4-traders, 2017). Although various parameters can be used to measure and explain Wal-Mart's growth, its success is often attributed to efficient supply management initiatives (Seuring, 2013). For example, in 2012, a report compiled by the company showed that its distribution cost was 1.7%of the cost of sales (4-traders, 2017). This figure is twice less of its competitors like K Mart and Sears. They have 3.5% and 5% cost of sales respectively. Wal-Mart Supply Chain Management/Logistics According to Supply Chain Digest, Wal-Mart is a true definition logistical and operational triumph. It stocks products made in more than 70 countries. Moreover, it manages inventory worth $32 million and operates more than 11,000 stores at any time in 27countries (Gilmour, 2013).This shows how having an effective supply chain management strategy has been the backbone for Wal-Mart. Thus, this section provides the company's supply chain activities in three categories; procurement and distribution, logistics management and inventory management. Procurement and Distribution To reduce purchasing cost and provide the best prices to customers, Wal-Mart directly procures goods from manufacturers thus bypassing all intermediaries. The company is known for being a good negotiator. It only decides to procure goods from a particular manufacturer when it is certain that no other manufacturer is offering the same product at a lower price (Ellram, 2013). In an interview, Claude Harris explained the reason Wal-Mart is tough on negotiating (4-traders, 2017). He said that when bargaining and negotiating, they always have the customer in mind. They know vendors have their limit but want the most out of negotiations (Ward, 2016). Therefore, they ensure that the negotiation result to the best customer prices. Wal-Mart uses EDI, computer software for procurement purposes. It connects the company's systems with suppliers'. This enables suppliers to access Wal-Mart purchase orders including store-to-store information (Wynstra, 2013). After that, the suppliers distribute ship the required goods to distribution centers. Logistics Management Wal-Mart logistics infrastructure is widely known for being fast and responsive. With more than 3500 company-owned trucks, they can distribute goods within a short period. To ensure efficiency in this phase, the company hires only experienced drives that have driven for 300,000 miles without being involved in an accident (4-traders, 2017). The main strategy implemented by Wal-Mart in logistics management is Cross-docking. This method has helped it replenish inventory efficiently. It entails the direct transfer of goods and products from inbound or outbound truck trailers without extra storage (Heffner, 2014). Meaning, an incoming semi-trailer truck or railroad car is directly unloaded into outbound trucks, rail cars or trailers without in-between storage. The diagram below retrieved from https://www.walmart.com illustrates the cross-docking strategy. Normally, suppliers deliver goods to Walmart's distribution centers first. Then they are cross-docked and delivered to the company's stores. This strategy of logistics management has enabled Wal-Mart to keep transportation and inventory costs low, eliminate inefficiencies and reduce the time taken to transport goods (Aykin, 2016). Similarly, cross-docking strategy enables products to be transported from suppliers to warehouses. Here, they are shipped to Wal-Mart stores without taking long in inventory. Warehousing is the process of organizing, assorting and storing finished goods or materials (Gilmour, 2013). The process involves the utilization of warehouses; local storage for inbound materials before manufacture/ assembly (Ritala, 2014). Warehouses could also be used to store outbound product prior to shipment to customer (Wynstra, 2013).Unlike the common assumption that warehouses are used for storage only; Wal-Mart uses the process to break bulk. That is, they take large deliveri es from a single source, split, and then recombine them into customer order of different product types (Soltani et al., 2011).They can also be used to provide buffer; the quick unloading of large and low-frequency deliveries is then delivering them at a high frequency to customers (Ellram, 2013). Inventory Management To merchandise inventories and track sales in its stores, Wal-Mart has heavily invested in Information System. In 1983, the company created its satellite communication system. This enabled stores to manage stock, mark prices and reduce pack sizes (Souza, 2013). This reduced the overall inventory levels and increased room for products commonly ordered by customers. Each employee at the stores is given a Magic Wand' to keep track of inventories and deliveries (4-traders, 2017). This is a hand-held computer that uses radio frequency terminals to link in-store terminals. Apart from tracking inventories and deliveries, it also tracks backup merchandise within the distribution centers. The Point Of Sale (POS) system is used for store replenishment of goods and order management. This is a type of information system that enables one to track store inventory levels and trends (Sanders, 2016). This technology led the company to introduce voice-based order filling in 1998. It guided staff to order locations. Another important aspect of inventory management is a movement of goods within the store. To enable faster location of and replenishment of goods, the company uses the link system. Although it was costly to build it ($4 billion), it has enabled the company to track details of transactions per day (Sanders, 2016). The link system was improved into the Internet enabled Supply chain Management system with features of Collaborative Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment (Christopher, 2016). Apart from enabling tracking of inventory, it also allows Wal-Mart and suppliers to determine product demand forecasting jointly. Modern Operations Management Wal-Mart organization draws its success from using modern forms of operations to carry out business activities. This makes it appropriate to apply the concept of modern operation management on it. There are four theories involved in this concept; Business Process Redesign, (BPR), Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems, six sigma and lean manufacturing. Therefore, this section provides explanations of two of the theories (BPR and RMS) and their link to Wal-Mart's supply chain management. Formulated in 1993, BPR is a strategy that analyzes and designs workflow and business process within the company. This helps to restructure it by providing a flow of business processes from ground to top level (Kahkonen, 2011). Business analysts claim that BPR invention was a necessary element in business models and it has enabled the establishment of a link in organizational structure, tasks, people, and technology. This statement could not be any truer at Wal-Mart. The organization is using information systems like VOF and CPRF to establish communication long the supply chain to the end customer. Similarly, Reconfigurable manufacturing system is a cost-effective strategy that enables businesses to stay on par with competitors in the global market regardless of varying market demand and economic pressures. It rapidly adjusts changes in product functionality and capacity. This enables businesses to produce multiple products hence meeting demand. For example, through the use of Wal-Mart retail link system, suppliers can track product performance, calculate demand and inventory levels (4-traders, 2017). Wal-Mart applies Both BPR and RMS to enable effectiveness and productivity in the business. Using these systems ensure easier tracking of inventory size and determine a gap in supply. Also, they enable forecasting by tracking consumer-buying trends. Sustainability throughout the value chain Wal-Mart is committed to the protection and sustainability of the environment. This ensures that all products are produced and distributed using methods that have the least impact on the environment. Sustainability at Wal-Mart begins at the point of opportunity identification. The diagram below shows the opportunity identification process. In selecting their products, the company considers the whole value chain. This enables it to reduce costs b evaluating the end-to-end supply chain. Moreover, they coordinate with other organizations like NGOs to establish social and environmental issues in products. According to The Sustainability Consortium (TSC), the hotspots for environmental and social issues in products are dominant from the manufacturer down to the consumer (4-traders, 2017). Therefore, the organization partners with big businesses to determine the issues. This involves using various tools like the Sustainability index. It outlines an overview of environmental and social practices and outcomes across a wide range of products. The following figure shows Wal-Mart Sustainability index retrieved from https://www.walmart.com. Table showing Wal-Mart Sustainability Index PRODUCT CATEGORIES Measurement and Transparency Environmental Impact Affordable and healthier Dignity of workers Produce CDP Supply Chain Block chain pilot Upstream and downstream food waste Sustainable packaging design Food safety Nutrition education Easy healthier choice Promoting responsible sourcing Labor conditions improvements Training farmers Meat Diary Brazilian beef monitoring Sustainable beef and dairy Dairy and beef deforestation Responsible antibiotic use Animal welfare Sea food Sustainable sea food Addressing human trafficking in sea food Packaged food Great for labeling Palm oil deforestation Fertilizer optimization Sourcing sustainability Friendly recycling labels Reformulating food Consumable Chemical Ingredient Disclosure Pulp paper deforestation Palm oil deforestation Optimizing packaging Sustainable chemistry Apparel Factory energy efficiency Waste and energy used in mills Safer working conditions General Merchandise Product efficiency Fertilizer optimization Sourcing sustainability Optimizing packaging In the Index above, it is easy to know that Wal-Mart's concerted efforts in ensuring the safety of products to users, workers, and environment. In conclusion, this study was based on Wal-Mart. It is the world's largest retail shop. Instead of using intermediaries, the company sources for products directly from vendors, distribute to its stores through a strategy called cross-docking. Wal-Mart supply chain is made up of sourcing and distribution, logistics management and inventory management. To enable efficiency and workflow, the company uses CPRF and VOF systems. Similarly, the company uses Sustainability Index to assess social and environmental issues related to vendors' products and their activities. In the Index above, it is easy to know that Wal-Marts concerted efforts in ensuring safety of products to users, workers and environment. In conclusion, this study was based on Wal-Mart. It is the worlds largest retail shop. Instead of using intermediaries, the company sources for products directly from vendors, distribute to its stores through a strategy called cross-docking. Wal-Mart supply chain is made up of sourcing and distribution, logistics management and inventory management. To enable efficiency and work flow, the company uses CPRF and VOF systems. Similarly, the company uses Sustainability Index to assess social and environmental issues related to vendors products and their own activities. References 4-traders. (2017, 7 11). Wal Mart Stores: Enhancing the Walmart Sustainability Value Chain. Retrieved September 18, 2017, from 4-traders: https://www.m4traders.com Aykin, N. (2016). Usability and internalization of information technology. CRC Press. Christopher, M. (2016). Logistics supply chain management. Pearson Higher Ed. Ellram, L. (2013). Offshoring, reshoring and the manufacturing location decision. Journal of Supply Chain Management, 3-10. Gilmour, P. ( 2013). Benchmarking supply chain operations. Physical Distribution Logistics Management, 123-135. Heffner, C. (2014, August 21). Classical and Operant Conditioning. Retrieved September 26, 2016, from Allpsych: https://www.allpsych.com Kahkonen, A.-K. (2011). Conducting a case study in supply management. OSCM Journal, 31-41. Ritala, J. V. (2014). Service Chain Risk Management. Operations and Supply Management, 114-120. Sanders, N. (2016). How to Use Big Data to Drive Your Supply Chain. California Management Review, 26-48. Seuring, S. (2013). A review of modeling approaches for sustainable supply chain management. Decision support systems, 1513-1520. Souza, G. (2013). Closed?Loop Supply Chains: A Critical Review, and Future Research. Decision Sciences, 7-38. Ward, P. J. (2016). The Strategic management of information systems: Building a digital strategy . John Wiley Sons. Wynstra, F. (2013). Past, Present and Future Trends of Purchasing and Supply Management: An Extensive Literature Review. A Review and Outlook. A Journey through Manufacturing and Supply Chain, 199-228.