Publix Super Market and the Effect of Hurricanes Research Paper

Publix Super Market and the Effect of Hurricanes - Research Paper Example Hurricanes result to enormous damages and devastation within the local communities. These natural disasters tend to deter and disrupt supply chains of major products due to the damages inflicted on infrastructure such as roads, rails, and communication channels. Consequently, businesses (especially those that operate a Just-in-Time manufacturing methodology) incur significant supply shortages that run for long durations, resulting to losses due to lost revenues. Other losses emanate from damage on goods and insurance claims that may run into hundreds of million of dollars. One such business that experienced huge losses in the 2004-2005 hurricanes in Miami, Florida is Publix Supermarket and its chain of stores. This paper seeks to examine the effects of external events to a business, drawing from the impacts of hurricanes on Publix supermarket, especially the disruption of its supply chain, damages to goods, and insurance claims (Publix AMC). Publix Supermarket Inc is an employee-owne d chain stores operating primarily in the United States. The company has grown rapidly since its establishment to dominate the retail industry in Florida and the US at large, operating 1086 retail stores, 8 centers for grocery distribution, and nine brand-manufacturing facilities. The product portfolio of the company is majorly grocery, foods and beverages, and other finished products, groceries and food products being dominant. With the headquarters in Florida, the retail giant has over 757 stores, with a grocery distribution center in Miami (Publix AMC). The company has a solid establishment in the Florida region, but the fact that the area is prone to hurricanes and tornadoes downplays its development. Due to the delicate nature of its products portfolio, Publix operates a primarily Just-in-Time manufacturing method. This production methodology emphasizes on problem solving and waste reduction for continuous improvement, thus improving organizational performance. The fundamental principles include having adequate inventory only, improving quality, reducing setup time and queue length, and reducing costs. This production method has quality and cost benefits, but the most significant challenge is supply chain disruptions. Supply chain disruptions occur because of failure of one element of the supply chain and the subsequent failure in the rest of the chain. There are two categories of supply chain risks: disruption or operation. Operational risks refer to uncertainties such as uncertainty in costs, customer demand, and supply. Disruption risks are associated with economic crises or manmade and natural disasters. This paper focuses on the disruption risks in the supply chain of Publix Supermarket Inc. In Miami, the most significant disasters are hurricanes. About eight years ago, the region experienced three catastrophic hurricanes in barely two month, with hurricane Charley in August 13 2004, hurricane Ivan in September 2004, and hurricane Jeanne in September 2004. The impacts of the events were enormous to the people and business in that community. Among the most affected was Publix Super Markets, recording well over $60 million in product losses alone (SEC 17). According to the organization’s Form 10-K submission for the fiscal year 2006 to the US Securities and Exchange Commission, the 2004-2005 hurricanes had significant financial

Does the rise of China represent a threat to U.S. national security Essay

Does the rise of China represent a threat to U.S. national security - Essay Example This continual rise in the global power of China is likely to represent a threat to U.S national security as the country tries to replace U.S as the world’s most powerful nation. Since the end of world war and more specifically in the last thirty years, China has recorded a tremendous growth in the size of its economy. The Chinese economy has been growing at a rate of 10%, which is three times to the global average, and as a result, it has grown to be the world’s second largest economy (Randau & Medinskaya 2015, p.15). In addition, it has claimed the top spot in various economic fields and it is actually revolutionizing the norm of the global economic sector. Since 2009 China displaced Germany as the world’s biggest exporter and it has maintained the position ever since. More automobiles are now being made in China than in any other country and at the same time, the economy has the largest market for new cars worldwide. Its automobiles sales have increased tremendously in the last five years and hence it has completely displaced U.S in the field of making and buying of automobiles. China has also grown to become the largest user of energy globally and actually its energy consumption rate is believed to have increased by more than a hundred percent in the last decade (Hinrichs & Kleinbach 2012, p.15).Majority of this huge demand comes from the manufacturing sector of the country which has largely increased and diversified its operations. Additionally because the standards of living of the people have improved, their energy consumption has also increased since they are able to purchase a wide variety of domestic appliances. All these among other factors have contributed to the high rate of Chinese economy and projections show that the growth of the country economically is likely to continue increasing in the forthcoming years. It has actually been predicted that by 2020, China will be the largest economy in all spheres and U.S is likely to

Batch Distillation Column Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Batch Distillation Column - Assignment Example ., n, and more specifically, when i = 1 gives y1 =xo = xD The straight line in the middle is referred to as the rectifying section. It represents the linear relationship between the heavier component and the lighter component in the mixture. The step wise regions are illustrative of the number of the thermocouples present in the column. It is important to note that though the given column had four thermocouples, five are represented in the diagram. The fifth is the reboiler. While calculating, the number of trays is given as one less those that are shown in the graph. The trays offer equilibrating surfaces, allowing for the vapour and liquid phases of the components of the mixture to equilibrate. The feed line is also used in this process. When the feed is introduced at the fourth stage, it coincides with the operating lines. In the event that this does not happen, it becomes evident that the liquid being used as a feed is not saturated. This experiment exemplifies this scenario. In such a case, the McCabe-Thiele diagram becomes a simple line graph. The McCabe-Thiele diagram is usually used in calculating the number of stages that have been used in the procedure. This is usually necessary when the efficiency of the system needs to be improved. Liquid concentration samples taken at the end of the distillation period are used to work out various other functions that will be required for subsequent calculations. This process normally goes on until such a time that the compositions of obtained samples do not show any changes. This point is known as the steady state, and it is useful in analysis of how efficient the distillation has been. Near-pure samples are obtained by this

The Impact of the Aging Population on Public Health Care Research Paper

The Impact of the Aging Population on Public Health Care - Research Paper Example Immediately afterward the population of old people with sickness will grow rapidly. The outcome could be a massive allotment of resources to the elderly (Callahan 4). An effective solution to the current issue in the medical system should recognize these changes demography, and it should consider not just individual’s wellbeing but also the stability of the society and the well-being of the public. This research paper discusses the impact of an aging population on all aspects of the medical system, and the potential solutions to this health care issue. The impact of the aging population is more striking in the mental health care sector. The percentage of older people across the globe is continuously rising. For the elderly, mental health problems are a major reason for early mortality and morbidity. Severe depression and dementia are the two most common mental health disorders among the elderly. Specific medical needs of the older people should be recognized and provided by the medical system. Long-term care has been a serious issue brought about by the rapid aging of the population. The most evident impacts of an aging population are to be found in highly developed countries and developing nations like Latin America and China (Rao & Shaji 1). Because of the unparalleled rate of population aging, these countries would have difficulties creating health care and social policies on time to address the medical requirements of the older people. The poor priority given to the medical needs of the aged seems to contribute to the public’s insufficient knowledge about older people’s mental health disorders. Dementia and other neuropsychological problems of the elderly are still unknown issues seldom prioritized by policymakers and medical practitioners. General health services are still centralized or hospital-based and normally require long queues in jam-packed hospitals.

Community Profile (demography) - Brisbane City Inner Essay

Community Profile (demography) - Brisbane City Inner - Essay Example Brisbane is the busiest commercial centre of the Queensland, which not only earns significant revenue for the entire state, but also it carries the load of unemployment, educational and health requirements of Queensland. It is therefore the people from suburb regions migrate towards the capital city for business and employment purposes. The history as well as the demographic, cultural, social, economic and religious aspects of the city have been analysed under the following headings: Historical Background: The archaeologists have defined various methodologies while detecting the historical backgrounds of different regions and cities of the world. The same is the case with Brisbane city, where the archaeologists and theorists lay stress upon estimating and analysing the nature, characteristics and features of creeks, hills, meadows and ravines, situated in Brisbane, around which this splendid city has been constructed. â€Å"To discover the early history of Brisbane, one needs to look no further than the oyster shell mounds found along the canyons and ravines of its creeks. From those mounds, archaeologists have unearthed relics of the first inhabitants of the area: the Costanoan Indians.† (Retrieved from ci.brisbane.ca.us) The Costanoan Indians lived in this coastal city for decades with peace and solidarity till the European nations started arriving towards the city and taking its hold through their military might. Though the US, French and other Europea n nations set their foot in the land, it were the British forces officials who captured the control of the country and set up their political and military establishment in Australia. Sir Thomas Brisbane is regarded as the founder person of the Brisbane city in 1825, which established the city on modern lines. The city was divided into zones and councils during the second half of twentieth century, and is still in

Strabag Construction Company Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Strabag Construction Company - Essay Example The firm that is analyzed in the paper is Strabag Construction Company, a multinational construction company that conducts large scale operation and construction activities on a global scale. The company since 1891 is found to perform a large number of construction projects in about 60 countries on a global scale. Construction activities of the company fall in the niche and classical construction categories and ranges from both large scale infrastructural to the completion of building projects to other civil engineering project activities. Strabag’s locus of business operation mainly centers on countries pertaining to continents like Asia, Africa and other Middle East nations. The company also boasts of its large pool of multi-cultural human resources that has helps the concern to gain around 12.8 billion Euros on an annual scale. This company focusing on different categories like civil, infrastructure and building projects is eyeing on Russia to gain a new market in future. H ere the company though faced with initial setbacks owing to economic and infrastructural constraints is endeavoring to develop its hold through separate strategies. A formal look at the research objectives suggests that for the research in question there is a need for both primary and secondary research activities. In regards to secondary research the paper focuses on the company website along with other supportive literary sources like books and online articles. The use of secondary research activities is recommended for it helps in gaining access to a large scale of authentic data through the use of internet. This practice in turn helps in saving both cost and time and also acts as a formidable support to primary research activities (McQuarrie 35). However the research activity also focuses on conducting a primary research to gain meaningful insight into the practical scenario of the company’s expansion to Russia. Primary Research activity is conducted through designing a s et of questionnaires based on which an interview would be taken of the managers of the company (Czinkota and Ronkainen 253-254). The questions would be prepared for conducting an interview on a sample size of 30 respondents that would comprise of senior and middle level managers of the company. Inference would be drawn in regards to the manager’s understanding of the Russian construction market and the strategies taken thereof to counter emerging constraints. Secondary Research The secondary researc

Diversity in America Essay Example for Free

Diversity in America Essay Being in a diverse world I learned ethnic groups went through a lot during slavery. The way minorities were treated in the past was torture no person should experience in their life time. I learned every race has different ways of thinking and beliefs they feel strongly about in their culture [ (Jiwani, 1996) ]. When it comes to being a success some cultures feel you need to be happy and positive to get to the top and others disagree. Important facts I have learned about my racial ethnicity is my culture arrive in the 19th century and they were stereotyped. They were not recognized on applications for employment [ (Jiwani, 1996) ]. My race did not give up and ignored the stereotyped that others thought of them. I also discovered my heritage celebrates in March and we are considered to be 2 years older than the average American. According to (Joel), 2010. In 2050 America will have added 100 million to its population [ (kotkin, 2010) ]. The fertility rate supposes to be less than ever before when the time comes. I think there will be less people having babies because of the recession going on in America. People in the U.S is suffering and struggling to make ends meet. There is too many babies starving in different countries including in the U.S. Americans are being laid off making minimum wage and it hard for them to survive and take care of the children they have now [ (Jiwani, 1996) ]. Older Adults have to live with their children now because they were unable to receive full benefits when they retired. Senior citizens are having such difficulty in today’s society and have to live on social security checks that constantly raise the money than take it away leaving them stuck. Fertility will decrease because America is already over populated now. The challenges America face when it comes to diversity is prejudice and discrimination. People’s lack of knowledge for other people’s culture and beliefs leaves a lot of Americans in the dark because of their ignorance. People who promote ignorance to their children, family, and friends about different cultures and beliefs will never have the privilege to see beyond the color of one’s skin and religion [ (Jiwani, 1996) ]. No one is alike and different groups think different of others who are not similar to them. I feel those who see everyone as equal have respect for others beliefs. Diversity in America brings problems and fighting between people who hate other because of their skin color and beliefs. When hate is involved this brings on discrimination. Discrimination brings on hate crimes  and hurting other people. People who hate other due to their race believe others groups are less then them. Stereotyping of ethnic groups helps continue the ignorance in society ways of thinking. The benefits of diversity are people of all races, belief, and religion can continue to educate themselves about others. Society can learn to see beyond the color of one’s skin and heritage. People will then get to know who an individual or group is by the way they interact with them. I have a friend as well as myself who face racism everyday because of the color of my skin. It hurts both of us at time but we have learned through the way we were taught to have pride and one’ self and keep our head up. Society can learn to see beyond the color of one’s skin and heritage. People will then get to know who an individual or group is by the way they interact with them. I learned my culture was looked down for many of years until the government decided to consider us to join a race. They felt we finally was worthy of being recognized in the way to accept diversity when it comes to culture in America. The people in the United States need to come together and stop trying to separate each other in groups. Teachers, parents, and our communities need to be open-minded to everyone no matter how they look, act, walk, or talk. There is no one perfect in America and if we can just realize no group or person from a different race is better than the other it may work. Hope is all I have and I want my children to see me as a positive role model and not a racist. I have always believed in being a fair person. I feel I have been treated in a mean way from plenty of people because of my race but I believe in god and that’s what helps me smile. People need to learn how to love one another instead of hate each other. Americans need to raise their children in the correct way by showing them its okay to play and be friend with other children who are different and of a different race. A lot of children I find today are afraid to play with other children who don’t look like them because the way they were raised. I remember a time when I was little and I made a friend in class and she told me her mom said not to play with children of my race and if she did she will get in trouble. I was so confused until I went home and asked my mom and she explained to me about how the world viewed me. I then understood and learned to ignore the ignorance of the way people made me feel or looked down on me because of my  skin color. I always found my self trying to prove to others of a different race I was not the lazy person who grew up not wanting to work and make nothing of my life. I have learned I will face this discrimination until I die so I will have to work twice as hard to become a success in life. Media perpetuate prejudice and stereotyping in a negative way. When it comes to ethnic groups the media always show minorities committing crimes and robbing people [ (kareem, 2013) ]. Media help promote hate to people who has lack of education about minority groups so they feel they have a right to be ignorant. This kind of stereotyping makes people continue the hate in schools, communities, and on the internet. Ethnic groups are always showed in the media living in low-income area’s and they make it look like they are lazy, stupid, dangerous and unable to comprehend anything a smart person suppose to be telling or teaching them [ (kareem, 2013) ]. White Americans suppose to be ethnic people’s translators to explain what minorities are trying to say to them. Media promote appreciation for diversity in February when they want America to acknowledge minorities for more than being a problem in America [ (kareem, 2013) ]. I think it’s really contradicting what’s being told for so long about minorities and really making ethnic groups look like a joke. I feel this way because they constantly try to make ethnic groups or a person of an ethnic group look bad. I feel the media tries to make it look like everyone in society is treated the same in America when this is not the case. When the media reports the news I see a low percentage of Black Americans reporting the news and when they do their talking about their own race to put them down. The way people In America can work together to reduce prejudice and accept diversity is by teaching their families in their homes and their neighbors how to embrace others who are not like them [ (kareem, 2013) ]. I will continue to treat others with respect and dignity. I will show those who come around me the same how to treat people of different cultures and beliefs and how they are equal to us.