The Case of Samsung Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The of Samsung - Case Study Example Answers for the three issues require the consideration of dynamic, key arranging, and objective setting. The issue of rivalry can be fathomed by procuring upper hand (Mars, 2009). Samsung can obtain this preferred position by concentrating on making all the more engaging highlights to their items in order to pull in more clients and set up client steadfastness. The issue of ineffective showcasing procedures can be understood through market specialization in explicit ability for explicit markets. Value change can be explained by building up an arrangement that assists with deciding outside nations trade rates (Lindros, 2014). With this information, an organization can take monetary activities in a progressively orderly way. What the instance of Samsung tells about key administration is that it is a complete procedure that includes a methodical arrangement of exercises that depend on assets and obviously characterized activities. As far as asset, the organization depends on human and m aterial assets just as crude materials to have the option to convey. Key administration additionally depends on collaboration explicitly through an item advertising group that guarantees the handset division controls dangers and rivalry from other handset suppliers, for example, Nokia. The Case of ZespriAs a huge exporter of kiwifruit, Zespri encounters three fundamental issues that incorporate; rivalry, showcase unsteadiness and fluctuating remote trade rates. Zespri faces incredible rivalry from different makers of kiwifruit in China and Italy just as rivalry from other elective harvests.

Inflation in Saudi Arabia

Presentation In the ongoing past, there has been a phenomenal facilitating of financial and monetary arrangements in numerous nations. This has raised across the board worries that the strategies may dive the world economy into a time of hyperinflation. As of now in Saudi Arabia, swelling has been rising. This has been credited to the government’s late development of financial loaning, which makes an ascent in swelling inescapable. The primary factors that drive Saudi’s swelling incorporate food costs, high expansion in exchanging partner’s economies, and an ascent in residential rent.Advertising We will compose a custom paper test on Inflation in Saudi Arabia explicitly for you for just $16.05 $11/page Learn More Methodology In the eighties and nineties, expansion in Saudi Arabia was kept up at a low of 1%. Notwithstanding, since 2003, the expansion rate has increased quickly and by 2008, it surpassed 11%: a marvel that has adversely influenced the residents (Me hran, 2009, p. 3). In spite of the fact that the World monetary emergency came about to a brief decrease in the expansion rate, it again began increasing since 2010. This paper, utilizing the quarterly information from 1980 to 2010, looks at the causes behind the swelling in Saudi, its belongings, and the adequacy of the counter-techniques and approaches the Saudi government has set up to check the rising expansion. The paper will likewise explore the arrangements gave to the issue of rampant swelling and give proposals on the equivalent. The paper uses a procedure that joins both outside and residential components that influence the expansion rate in the Saudi setting. It will inspect the outer factors as a wellspring of swelling in Saudi, given the open exchange nature of the Saudi economy portrayed by oil fares and importation of shopper merchandise from abroad. The ascent in the costs internationally will be inspected close by the Saudi household costs. Given Saudi’s reli ance on sends out, vacillation in the estimation of the US dollar is a key determinant of the pace of expansion in Saudi both for the time being and long haul. Furthermore, the ascent in the household request fuelled by the sharp increment in oil costs has likewise quickened the pace of swelling in Saudi Arabia. By concentrating on each factor thusly, this paper means to discover the connection between's swelling in Saudi’s exchanging accomplices (OECD nations) and the residential expansion rate. The paper will likewise embrace a food value standpoint in the wake of increasing expansion rate and its impacts on Saudi staples, for example, rice and wheat. What is Inflation? Swelling is a typical term in monetary circles, however its importance is regularly misinterpreted. Swelling, in straightforward terms, alludes to a nonstop increment in costs of products and ventures in an economy (Dhakal, Kandil, 1993, p. 414). All the more explicitly, expansion alludes to the persistent i ncrement in costs as estimated by customer lists like the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or a value deflator, for example, that utilized for the assurance of Gross National Product (GNP) (Juselius, 1992, p. 401).Advertising Looking for article on business financial aspects? How about we check whether we can support you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Inflation can likewise be portrayed as the free of the buying influence of a country’s cash in light of a lot of cash available for use, or ascend in shopper request. Under these conditions, more money is expected to buy products recently purchased at a lower cost. In this manner, in characterizing swelling, two terms must be explained. To begin with, is the general or total; this suggests the expansion rate establishes the ascent in costs of the whole merchandise in an economy rather than concentrating on a disengaged increment in the cost of a given ware (Juselius, 1992, p. 402). Here, the suggestion is that an ascent in costs of a solitary item can't fill in as a sign of swelling in an economy. Be that as it may, in certain conditions, an ascent in the cost of a solitary item can prompt an ascent in the costs of different items. A model here is oil costs. All things considered, such a disengaged ascend in costs of a given product doesn't show expansion, except if the cost instigates the total value level of an economy to rise. Second, the expansion in the total value level must happen over a given period; that is, it must be continued for swelling to happen. At the end of the day, the total cost level must ascent ceaselessly over a given period or period interims isolated by one sharp increment in the value level. Kinds of Inflation The sorts of expansion are recognizable dependent on the extent of the ascent in yearly costs and the period over which it keeps on rising. All things considered, expansion expectedly runs from gentle swelling to extreme swelling. A yearly value ascent of 1% for qui te a while sums to mellow expansion, which doesn't warrant a lot of consideration given that the value record figures may not be astoundingly exact. For example, in the midst of war, quality or amount of products may break down coming about to an ascent in the genuine value level, which the value record may not catch. Then again, a total value level that ascents at a normal of 2 or 3 percent yearly can't be overlooked particularly in the event that it proceeds over a drawn out period (Juselius, 1992, p. 404). It may not be not kidding on the off chance that it proceeds for a couple of years after which the costs decay or settle at a lower level. In any case, if the yearly value rise is persistent without any ranges of lower costs, at that point it presents a significant issue even at 2 or 3%.Advertising We will compose a custom article test on Inflation in Saudi Arabia explicitly for you for just $16.05 $11/page Learn More Inflation can be assembled into four general classes depende nt on its size; crawling swelling, strolling expansion, running expansion and hyperinflation (Juselius, 1992, p. 407). Crawling expansion is the swelling that happens when the yearly value rise is low. A ceaseless yearly value ascent of not more than 3 % per annum is a crawling swelling. It is viewed as incapable and fundamental for financial development. On the off chance that this swelling proceeds for a drawn out period, it is alluded to as constant crawling expansion, which can be irregular or persistent. Strolling Inflation-is the expansion that happens when the yearly value rise is moderate. The swelling rate for this situation is a solitary digit for the most part above 3% yet under 10% per annum. Strolling expansion demonstrates that the administration must actualize strategies to control it before it turns into a dashing or jogging swelling. Running Inflation-is the expansion that happens when the value rise is quick and quickened at a pace of 10 to 20% every year. It is ot herwise called dashing or jogging expansion. Running expansion has significant unfriendly impacts on the working class and the poor populace of a nation. It calls for solid financial and money related strategies to control it. At the point when it occurs, loan bosses request security from foreseen lose of the currency’s buying power while indebted individuals get the feeling that they will procure from the higher rates. Hyperinflation-is the expansion that happens when the yearly value rise is surprisingly high with twofold or triple digit swelling rates. At hyperinflation stage, the swelling rate is vast and wild. In that capacity, the costs of items can rise ceaselessly in a brief timeframe coming about to a nonstop decrease in the currency’s buying power. Reasons for Inflation in Saudi Arabia Previous investigations on the explanations for swelling in many nations recognize some residential and outer factors as the reasons for expansion. These variables incorporate interest, financial elements, cost-push, and remote inflationary patterns. Hasan and Alogeel (2008, p. 45), while concentrating on Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, built up that cash flexibly and request influence the swelling rate in the short run while expansion in outside exchange accomplices impacts swelling in the two nations over the long haul. Interestingly, Darrat (1985, p. 211) built up that expansion in Libya, Saudi Arabia and Nigeria is influenced by negligible development in genuine pay and higher cash flexibly. He likewise settled that Saudi’s inflationary rate is more influenced by costs in universal markets than by financial or money related arrangements. Another examination by Alshathree (2003, p. 12), analyzed the reasons for swelling in the nations that make up the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) of which Saudi is a part. He found that inward factors, for example, GDP development and cash flexibly and outer factors, for example, high world costs, import costs and loa n costs all around affected swelling in these nations. Also, Alshathree (2003, p. 17) set up that expansion is anything but a genuine danger to Gulf nations in any event I the short run. In any case, it has the capability of making hurt the economies of these nations at long last. In this manner, the world costs and loan fees is a main source of expansion in the GCC economies in light of their dependence on imports. Be that as it may, Kandil and Hanan (2009, p. 4) accept the opposite; that world costs are not the primary driver of expansion in GCC economies, rather oil costs are. They battle that oil costs impact the world costs prompting a sharp ascent in the costs of imports. Furthermore, the expansion in oil costs results to expanded government spending because of an ascent in oil incomes, in these nations. This thus results to an ascent in local interest pushing up expansion. By utilizing a strategy that incorporates both inward and outside variables, this paper will explore swe lling in a Saudi setting. The economy of Saudi Arabia is an open exchange economy given that the nation is a huge exporter of oil items and a net shipper of an assortment of products.Advertising Searching for exposition on business financial aspects? We should check whether we can support you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn Mo

Global Health Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Worldwide Health - Essay Example Crichton’s suppositions are reverberated underway of Santer and his Co-creators while the human exercises assume a job in the changing worldwide meteorological structure, it isn't totally to fault for the climate designs. Composing for the IPCC in their 1996 paper, Santer and his Co-creators said that the temperature change being knowledgeable about the climate is ‘partially because of human activity’. In the film, Day After Tomorrow, the climatologist, Jack Hall, predicts a reoccurrence of the ice age. In the forecast, the hour of the ice age is evaluated to happen in the following 100-1000 years. Be that as it may, this can possibly quickened if the human exercises that dirty nature are not required to be postponed. This suggests the conviction in Jack Hall of the critical commitment of human exercises to an unnatural weather change and worldwide meteorological change. With roughly 90% of human time spent inside, the significance of value open air has been thought little of. Such carelessness is because of the obliviousness of the measure of contaminations one is presented to at whatever point they get into dirtied outside. Nitrogen dioxide and ground level ozone are a portion of the poisons that are openly accessible in the intensely contaminated outside. The way that numerous individuals will in general incline toward playing out their exercises indoor is justifiable given the straightforwardness in controlling the nature of indoor air. The elements, for example, home tidiness, plant and irritation nearness, and home synthetics are inside the control of the property holders. Be that as it may, performing exercises, for example, practicing inside doesn't assist one with maintaining a strategic distance from these toxins. The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) essential guidelines are basic in setting up an encompassing air quality. The Clean Air Act is one of the guidelines applied by the EPA to guarantee clean outside air. These norms are significant in deciding the contamination levels that are viewed as adequate for the outside air. Regardless of the accessibility of these norms and its best

The Chinese Exclusion Act by the United States Congress - 825 Words

The Chinese Exclusion Act by the 47th United States Congress (Essay Sample) Content: Chinese Exclusion Act:Name:Instructor:University:Course:Date:The Chinese Exclusion Act was passed by the 47th United States Congress and signed into law by the late former President Chester A. Arthur on 6th May 1882.It remains to date one of the most severe restrictions affecting free immigration in US history. The exclusion act banned immigration of all Chinese labourers. The act was projected to last for ten years but was renewed in the year 1892 as the Geary Act and ten years later made permanent. This act became famous because it was the first ever law executed to bar a certain ethnic community from accessing United States (Newman Schmalbach 2002).The essence of the Chinese Exclusion Act can be traced in the year 1848 when most Chinese immigrants entered United States during the California gold rush. A lot of gold had been discovered at Sutter Mill and Chinese who were at the time undergoing miserable poverty in their country due to Taiping rebellion relocated to United States. The population of Chinese increased once more during 1960s during the construction of the Central Pacific Railroad. During these times Chinese were treated with respect and dignity due to manifesting hard work and passion in their work (Newman Schmalbach 2002).As time went by, the supply of the gold declined and this increased competition between the Chinese and Americans in search of the precious gold. As a result the Americans started hating the Chinese as well other foreigners and the hatred increased day by day. Riots were undertaken by Americans and Chinese-Americans deportation calls made by most Americans. The American economy was performing dismally at the time due to the ended civil war. Attributing the economic poor performance to the Chinese immigration staged political attacks against the Chinese community and the Chinese Exclusion act was introduced (Newman Schmalbach 2002).These had a lot of negative impacts against the American Chinese who lived in the country and those who wished to immigrate to US. This exclusion act affected the skilled and unskilled labourers and all those Chinese who were working in mining's. The Chinese lived in fear and could not afford to see their relatives either in China or America for fear of being denied an entry or re-entry in the United States. The Chinese Exclusion Act syndrome continued for approximately 30 years full of racial discrimination and hatred. During this period the Chinese Americans underwent a lot of injustices (Brody, 2009).In addition, the Chinese Exclusion Act had negative impacts on America economic prosperity. After the civil war America required a lot of money and capital to put it economy back on track. However, indirect problems persisted for instance, wage labour was exercised as the major form of employment and labour force increased because of high level of immigration and a lot of workers were laid from employment due to industrial depressions (Brody, 2009).To restor e the economy to normal proved hard because very few people from America especially the Caucasians, were willing to provide blue-collar labour and effort at the cheap cost the Chinese provided. Thus barring Chinese from immigration meant disgusting United States economy. The Chinese Exclusion Act led to the dwindling of economic productivity of the United States. This is because the people who were making the most and beneficial contribution were denied that opportunity (Brody, 2009).The Exclusion Act had other impacts as it was further exercised by other countries like Canada twenty years later, which greatly affected the Chinese Canadians. The Canadians enhanced a head tax liability to Chinese entering Canada. However, Mexico did not introduce an immigration act and most Chinese moved to Mexico and this made US to boost it security levels along the Mexican border. Other impacts included China refusal to acknowledge US Senator Mr Henry Blair as the US Minister to China in the year 1891, due to his derogatory remarks to China when the Chinese Exclusion Act was being discussed (Brody, 20...

Asking and Giving Directions in English

These dialogues focus on asking for and giving directions. Practice these  English  dialogues that give directions to different locations in a city. Once you feel comfortable with the vocabulary, ask for directions in your city with a partner or a classmate. Pretend you are  traveling in your city. Key Grammar Points to Remember Imperative form: You should use the imperative form when providing directions. The imperative form is comprised of only the verb without any subject, and it tells someone directly what to do. Here are some examples of the imperative from the dialogue. Take the blue line.Continue going straight.Change to the grayline. While you would not use the imperative form in normal polite speech as it is considered too abrupt, it is appropriate when providing asked-for guidance. Asking questions using how:  How combines with many  adjectives  to ask information about details. Here are some common  questions with how: How long?  Used to ask about the length of timeHow much or many?  Used to ask about price and quantityHow often?  Used to ask about repetition Key Vocabulary Words and Phrases Related to Directions There are a few important grammar and vocabulary points to remember when asking for and giving directions.   Take a right/leftGot itI understandDo you understand?Go straightOppositeTake the first / second / third /  rightGo right / left / straight at the light / corner / stop sign  Continue straight onTurn right / left at the light / corner / stop sign  Get on the bus / subway at 12th Ave. / Whitman Street / Yellow Lane  Follow the signs for the museum / exhibition center / exit   Common Questions When Asking for Directions Is it far? / Is it close?  How far is it? / How close is it?Could you please give me directions?Where is the nearest bank / supermarket / gas station?Where can I find a bookstore / restaurant / bus stop / restroom?Is the museum / bank / department store  near here? Practice Dialogue: Taking the Subway John: Linda, do you know how to get to Samsons and Co.? Ive never been there before.Linda: Are you driving or taking the subway? John: The subway.Linda: Take the blue line from 14th Ave. and change to the gray line at Andrew Square. Get off at 83rd street. John: Just a moment, let me write this down.Linda: Take the blue line from 14th Ave.  and change to the gray line at Andrew Square. Get off at 83rd street. Got it? John: Yes, thanks. Now, once I get to Andrew Square, how do I proceed?Linda: Once you are on 83rd street, go straight, past the bank. Take the second left and continue going straight. Its across the street from Jacks Bar. John: Can you repeat that?Linda: Once you are on 83rd street, go straight, past the bank. Take the second left and continue going straight. Its across the street from Jacks Bar. John: Thanks, Linda. How long does it take to get there?Linda: It takes about a half-hour. When is your meeting? John: Its at 10 a.m. Ill leave at 9:30.Linda: Thats a busy time. You should leave at 9. John: OK. Thanks, Linda.Linda: Not at all. Practice Dialogue: Taking Directions Over the Telephone Doug: Hello, this is Doug.Susan: Hi Doug. This is Susan. Doug: Hi Susan. How are you?Susan: Im fine. I have a question. Do you have a moment? Doug: Certainly, how can I help you?Susan: Im driving to the conference center later today. Could you give me directions? Doug: Sure. Are you leaving home?Susan: Yes. Doug: OK, take a left onto Bethany street and drive to the freeway entrance. Take the freeway toward Portland.Susan: How far is it to the conference center from my home? Doug: Its about 20 miles. Continue on the freeway to exit 23. Take the exit and turn right onto Broadway at the stoplight.Susan: Let me repeat that. Take the freeway to exit 23 and turn right onto Broadway. Doug: Thats right. Continue on Broadway for about two miles and then turn left onto 16th Ave.Susan: OK. Doug: On 16th Ave., take the second right into the conference center.Susan: Oh thats easy. Doug: Yes, its very easy to get to.Susan: How long does it take to get there? Doug: If theres no traffic, about 25 minutes. In heavy traffic, it takes about 45 minutes.Susan: Im leaving at 10  in the morning, so the traffic shouldnt be so bad. Doug: Yes, thats right. Can I help you with anything else?Susan: No thats it. Thanks for your help. Doug: OK. Enjoy the conference.Susan: Thanks, Doug. Bye.   Practice Dialogue: Directions to the Museum (On the street corner) Tourist:  Excuse me, can you help me? Im lost!Person:  Certainly, where would you like to go? Tourist:  Id like to go to the museum, but I cant find it. Is it far?Person:  No, not really. Its about a five-minute walk. Tourist:  Maybe I should call a taxi.Person:  No, Its very easy. Really. (pointing) I can give you directions. Tourist:  Thank you. Thats very kind of you.Person:  Not at all. Now, go along this street to the traffic lights. Do you see them? Tourist:  Yes, I can see them.Person:  Right, at the traffic lights, turn left into Queen Mary Ave. Tourist:  Queen Mary Ave.Person:  Right. Go straight. Take the second left and enter Museum Drive. Tourist:  OK. Queen Mary Ave., straight on and then the third left, Museum Drive.Person:  No, its the second left. Tourist:  Ah, right. The second street on my left.Person:  Right. Just follow Museum Drive and the museum is at the end of the road. Tourist:  Great. Thanks again for your help.Person:  Not at all. Practice Dialogue: Directions to a Supermarket Tom:  Could you go  to the supermarket and buy some food? Theres nothing to eat in the house!Helen:  Sure, but I dont know the way. Weve just moved in. Tom:  Ill give you directions. Not to worry.Helen:  Thanks.   Tom:  At the end of the street, take a right. Then drive two miles to White Ave. After that, its another mile to...Helen:  Let me write this down. I wont remember it! Tom:  OK. First, take a right at the end of the street.Helen:  Got it. Tom:  Next, drive two miles to White Ave.Helen:  Two miles to White Ave. After that? Tom:  Take a left onto 14th Street.Helen: Left onto 14th Street.   Tom:  The supermarket is on the left, next to the bank.Helen:  How far is it after I turn on to 14th Street? Tom:  Its not far, maybe about 200 yards.Helen:  OK. Great. Is there anything special you want? Tom:  No, just the usual. Well, if you could get some beer that would be great!Helen:  OK, just this once!

The Sarbanes Oxley Act Of 2002 - 1274 Words

In the history of the United States, we have experienced numerous financial crisis, where millions have been affected. Some of them include the great depression in 1929, World War II, and recently the financial crisis of 2008. The government has tried to learn from these past events and implement new procedures that would prevent from occurring once again. However, it seems like there is always something new to learn from when these type of events occurs. As such, the government always tries to addressed the issues, but in some instances are praised and in some criticized. Two of the most important legislature that have been passed in order to prevent financial crisis and protect the consumers and the economy of the United States are the†¦show more content†¦Companies such as Enron from approximately 1996 to 2001 were thriving and the stock price rising constantly. Such a move on the company’s stock was attracted millions of investors who wanted to invest in a stable company they could trust. Little did they know that the company with over 60 Billion dollars in market capitalization at one point, was about to collapse. The company’s stock reached a high of approximately 90 dollars per share in 2000, and the following year shares plummeted to less than one dollar. As one can imagine, investors were terrified, millions lost the entire retirement savings, and other were just afraid to trust the financial markets. Enron, and others were taking advantage of the loose accounting regulations to recognize revenue improperly, make use of special purpose entities to create â€Å"fake† revenue, and weak corporate governance. Sox Implemented The similar circumstance occurred with other companies. As such, the government decided that they must do something about this issue and in 2002 Congress passed the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Not only this act had an immediate effect on us corporations, but the accounting profession was revolutionized by this new introduction. The act gave more regulatory power to lawyers, analysts, and auditors. WorldCom, who was one of the biggest bankruptcies in history, admitted to overstating profits by billions throughout the years. The

Functional Analysis of Team Problem Solving free essay sample

Function Analysis for Team Problem Solving Tom Warwick, CVS Vice President NT Associates Jupiter, Florida This document was presented at the 1994 International Conference of the Society of American Value Engineers (SAVE) in New Orleans, LA. It was published in the SAVE Annual Proceedings and is copyrighted ( ©SAVE, 1994), Permission to upload this document to the LEAP Forum Library has been given by SAVE. Theodore C. Fowler, CVS, Fellow, SAVE Tom Warwick, author of many technical papers and recognized for several patents, has directed value studies, seminars and workshops saving hundreds of millions of dollars. He has graduate degrees in engineering from RPI and the University of Florida. Before joining NT, he served as value manager and in other senior positions at Pratt Whitney. ABSTRACT This paper presents an early up-front demonstration of function analysis for team problem solving. It presents a problem solving exercise with three function analysis examples to show that The Way to conduct function analysis is really many ways. We will write a custom essay sample on Functional Analysis of Team Problem Solving or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page This paper is a sequel to a 1993 SAVE Proceedings paper, â€Å"Value Assessment of Team Problem Solving. INTRODUCTION Function analysis is the principle means for individuals and teams to achieve extraordinary problem solving, outstanding outcomes with superior value. Function analysis provides a multi-dimensional structure to study, both separately and together, partially or completely, numerous existing and alternative value solutions at many different levels of abstraction. Most problems have many solutions, so many that they can overwhelm us. The analysis of function, top-down or bottom-up or both, is a systematic disciplined means to better address these many solutions. When function analysis is inadequately performed or is not performed at all, quite often symptoms are solved rather than root causes, real requirements and expectations. The systematic disciplined analysis of function differentiates Value Engineering (VE) from other problem solving methods. Function analysis understanding and use can be difficult for both VE practitioners and participants. Before working VE projects, function analysis training and education are essential. Early instruction during the beginning hours of a study, seminar or workshop allows VE practitioners and participants to obviate function analysis difficulties that occur while working live projects. EXERCISE A brief introduction of function analysis with a VE study job plan is presented before value program participants perform an up front â€Å"ice breaker† problem solving exercise. Because exercise problem solving is similar to live project problem solving, exercise problem solving helps value practitioners to really know and positively respond to individual and team weaknesses and strengths. For example, not infrequently the exercise approach taken to problem solving by value program participants lacks a needed and thorough function analysis. Problem solving performed under real world conditions sometimes skips VE study job plan steps needed to first analyze, brainstorm and evaluate project functions. The result invariably is a less than satisfactory low value outcome. Exercise problem solving excites and motivates value program participants. As will be shown, it also can and should be applied to improve individual and team knowledge and use of function analysis. Lost at Sea With your private yacht slowly sinking after a fire of unknown origin, you are adrift in the South Pacific, â€Å"Lost at Sea,† approximately 1000 miles south-southwest from the nearest land. You have a serviceable rubber life raft with oars large enough for yourself and crew. You and crew together have 1 package of cigarettes, several books of matches and 5 one dollar bills. You all also have 15 additional items. The exercise problem to be solved is to rank these 15 additional items by considering their survival value. Similar Exercises Other similar problem solving exercises nearly identical to the â€Å"Lost at Sea† exercise are available but only the â€Å"Lost at Sea† problem solving exercise is presented here. The other similar problem solving survival exercises, such as â€Å"Lost on the Moon,† are interchangeable with the â€Å"Lost at Sea† exercise. They all require correct ranking of the 15 survival items, performed first by team members as individuals, and then again by team members working together to reach a consensus, a genuine accord by all team members. Early Up-Front Instruction Essential As previously mentioned, not infrequently the approach taken by problem solving participants lacks a needed and thorough function analysis. The â€Å"Lost at Sea† exercise demonstrates this difficulty early up-front before live projects are worked. Rather than first determining function and value, VE participants invariably rank the 15 survival items immediately, not withstanding that an instruction review of function analysis and the VE study job plan are given just before starting the â€Å"Lost at Sea† exercise. That is, participants skip both function analysis and job plan steps, when problem solving as individuals as well as when problem solving together as team members. Many new and some veteran value program participants simply do not perform problem solving exercises in a systematic disciplined manner and do not conduct a thorough function analysis. The result is that participants frequently disagree with each other and with the Officers of the United States Merchant Marine who determined the â€Å"correct† ranking list for the 15 survival items of the â€Å"Lost at Sea† problem. It is within this real setting of value program participant frustration, following less than satisfactory â€Å"Lost at Sea† problem solving exercise results, that value practitioners have an excellent JIT (Just-In-Time) opportunity. It is the time for value practitioners to provide additional â€Å"learn by doing† training and education before starting live projects. At this early stage of a value study, seminar or workshop, function analysis training and retraining is the right thing at the right time to do. The following three â€Å"Lost at Sea† function analysis examples are representative of this JIT â€Å"learn by doing† approach. FUNCTION ANALYSIS EXAMPLES Of the three function analysis examples presented, the first is relatively easy. The next two are more difficult but are more informative. These three function analysis examples analyze, brainstorm and evaluate â€Å"Lost at Sea† survival items to reveal their ranked survival value. The three examples demonstrate to individuals and teams alike cardinal requirements and benefits of function analysis for team problem solving. â€Å"Butcher Paper† Documentation Value program participants are reminded to think before acting. In this case, before value ranking each of the 15 survival items, they are requested to consider many functions required for survival and to document these needed survival functions in a format of active verbs with measurable descriptive nouns. Judgment is required for ranking. Because suspended judgment improves creativity and free unconstrained associative thinking, immediately ranking functions as they are documented on â€Å"butcher paper† is not recommended. No additional instructions are given other than to request teams organize their own team functions. That is, each value team must assign positions of esponsibility to its members such as chairperson, scribe, gatekeeper and presenter. Each team also must review and tailor its own operating norms. Even though its function analysis frequently is incomplete, â€Å"butcher paper† documentation is a â€Å"starter† toward more disciplined function analysis problem solving by both individuals and teams. A typica l example of this relatively simple function analysis is shown. FAST DIAGRAM Over the years the Function Analysis System Technique has been expanded and improved with many variants making it increasingly complex. However, FAST fundamentals remain deceptively easy: â€Å"How† reads to right â€Å"Why† reads to left Basic function of a project or product is highest order primary function within scope lines Having functions documented on â€Å"butcher paper† allows both individuals and teams to more rapidly and easily create a FAST diagram. Instructions for FAST diagram creation are simple and concise: Identify primary functions Identify secondary functions Construct FAST diagram The FAST diagram is an important step for thorough and effective function analysis problem solving by both individuals and teams. It systematically connects and illustrates â€Å"How† and â€Å"Why† bi-directional interrelationships of many functions. The FAST diagram shown is a typical example. Function Structure Chart The functions listed by a function structure chart fully meet the primary overall objective of a project or product. Unlike some â€Å"butcher paper† documentations and FAST diagrams, a completed function structure chart at each of its function levels captures all the functions required to meet objectives 100%. A function structure chart offers a â€Å"middle-ofthe-road† approach to function analysis. That is, constructing a function chart is more difficult than â€Å"butcher paper† documentation but frequently is less difficult than a FAST diagram. Similar to FAST diagram creation, having functions documented on â€Å"butcher paper† allows both individuals and teams to more rapidly and easily construct a function structure chart. Instructions for function structure chart preparation also are simple and concise: Determine overall function objective Identify top-down all level 1 and subsequent functions Identify bottom-up all level N and subsequent functions Function structure chart levels are all equal. No function level is subordinate to another, they are just of different order to each other. Functions listed at each level must add up no holes. That is, each function level must be 100% complete as determined by the functions of the levels next to it. While not required by some value practitioners, ranking functions listed at each function level often helps make needed analyses and evaluations better. A function structure chart frequently has many levels each with a relatively large listing of functions. That is, its structure by design is very open, both broad and deep, to assure a thorough function analysis. Because of this completeness, a function structure chart improves baselining, benchmarking and best composite development and often serves as a template for brainstorming an entire class of projects or products. A completed function structure chart is an entry point to Value Control. The function structure chart shown is a typical example. (See Table 1) DISCUSSION When facilitating value activity, we somehow find lacking sufficient means for achieving and sustaining full utilization of function analysis by independent individuals and by team members problem solving together. The â€Å"new† and the â€Å"different† can surface a fear of personal embarrassment that is an ever present VE challenge and function analysis difficulty. Function analysis is a â€Å"new† and â€Å"different† technique to many people. Problem solving a benign survival exercise such as â€Å"Lost at Sea† offers a relatively safe way to expose, explore and resolve function analysis technical and emotional difficulties that otherwise would not be revealed before live projects are worked. The three examples presented by the previous section are only typical function analysis examples that might be performed together or separately or in a different sequence. The Way is really many ways. The presented examples and function analysis itself are no exception, they can and may be performed many, many ways. For example, for brevity and ease of understanding, the presented FAST diagram is incomplete. It lacks scope lines and, unlike the function structure chart, it does not include the 15 survival items, function level N. Both the FAST diagram and the function structure chart incompletely identify the â€Å"Lost at Sea† primary overall function objective as â€Å"Be Rescued† rather than â€Å"Save Life. † Also, additional function levels (such as level 4, level 5, are not shown by either the FAST diagram or the function structure chart, Figure 4 and Table 1. Function analysis sometimes is performed by participants with little or no direct involvement with the value practitioner. That is, the practitioner, â€Å"us,† outlines how it is to be done and then stands back as participants, â€Å"they,† do function analysis starting with a clean sheet â€Å"zero baseline. † An alternative and frequently more effective â€Å"jump start† approach is the value practitioner prepares â€Å"stake in the ground† baseline function analyses (â€Å"butcher paper† documentations, FAST diagrams, function structure charts, etc. . Then, participants with the practitioner, â€Å"we,† work in a close direct partnership. Together, we review the baseline and then benchmark and conduct best composite development followed by brainstorming for world class innovation and excellence. Doing function analysis only one way or another is a disservice to all. Creativity can be stifled by too much or too little mandated procedure; just enough systematic discipline is a needed delicate balance. Function analysis should be taught and done the common sense way or ways that best fit real needs of the particular situation at hand. CONCLUSIONS and RECOMMENDATIONS Function analysis with a disciplined VE study job plan is a principle means for individuals and teams to achieve outstanding results with superior value. A function structure chart might be a â€Å"middle-of-theroad† approach to function analysis for many people. It is a good motivator because it directly demonstrates the usefulness of function analysis for completely understanding and solving a problem systematically, front to back, back to front, top-down and bottom-up. â€Å"Butcher paper documentation† is a useful function analysis â€Å"starter. It can assist conducting and preparing more difficult function analyses such as the FAST diagram and the function structure chart. Value practitioners are encouraged to use â€Å"ice breaker† problem solving exercises such as â€Å"Lost at Sea† since these exercises are a means for JIT â€Å"learn by doing. † Early up-front problem solving exercises assist value practit ioners and participants by providing an opportunity window relatively risk free from personal embarrassment. Requirements and benefits of function analysis for team problem solving are many and require demonstration and additional training, preferably before starting live projects. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The assistance and encouragement of Bob Bartlett, PE, Consulting Engineer, were most helpful. The interest and comments of Dan Sedam, PE, CVS, Florida Department of Transportation, and Steve Foster, PE, Foster Engineering, are appreciated. The support of Joe Lambert, CVS, Martin-Marietta, also was helpful and is appreciated. BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Chaplin, Charlie, Modern Times, Magnetic Video, Twentieth Century Fox. , 1936. 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