Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Memoization and Fibonacci Numbers for Dynamic Programming
Question: Discuss about theMemoization and Fibonacci Numbers for Dynamic Programming. Answer: Introduction Dynamic programming involves breaking down complex problem into sub-programs that can be solved easily. Once the sub-problem is solved, the answer is combined to get solution to complex a problem. The main problem in this project would be using memoization and dynamic programing concepts in Fibonacci numbers. In many cases, Fibonacci numbers calculation makes use of recursion which is quite iterative in nature. Important to note is that, dynamic programming application in Fibonacci numbers is used to avoid multiple sub-program calculations experienced in recursive algorithms. Memoization in dynamic programming takes both Bottom-pup and Top-down approach in solving the subject problem (Moerkotte Neumann, 2008). The Top-down approach breaks complex problem into sub-optimal problems while Bottom-Up approach combines sub-optimal solutions to desirable solution. The process starts by selecting a problem. Once problem has been identified, the best approach is chosen, Top-down or Bottom-up . Generally, dynamic problem works in cases where problems have right-left inherent order such as sequence of integers, strings ad trees graphs. Memoization involves concepts of storing results from previously computed functions and calling them on demand. On the other hand, recursion takes place when a program function calls itself several times while giving similar results from provided inputs. When results from integers are computed from provided inputs, they are stored in a buffer waiting to be conjoined to one desirable but complex optimal solution. The process might look similar to recursion but dynamic programming does not need recursion in order to work. Dynamic programing has its power on being able to understand which partial results would be required in building up the final answer (Dai, Chen Zheng, 2018). Therefore, the goal of this project would be to implement dynamic programming concepts when calculating an nth value in Fibonacci numbers through memoization. Typical problems There are many cases where dynamic programming has been applied but it is very important to evaluate which approach would work best. To understand the concept of memoization, dynamic programming and its application in Fibonacci numbers, some case studies would feature in the discussion. This section would be analyzed intensively by breaking it down into overview of memoization from inception to present. The background information would give detailed concepts of memoization and its application in dynamic programming. Similarly, it will involve evaluation of the problem, its importance and relevance to the study. It is at this section where key important aspect of memoization and dynamic programming are incorporated. It is at these two levels where implementation of memoization as it has been conjoined in the dynamic programming is done. Background information Dynamic programming date back 1950s when its concept was first introduced with an objective of making complex calculation simple (Cormen et al, 2009). Its operation is based on common phenomenon of principle of optimality. The principle implies that, the general optimal solution is a mere combination of sub-optimal solutions to some of its sub-problems. An evaluation of matrix chain multiplication problem shows that, it is quite wrong to assume the only value of interest is optimal. All values in the matrix table serves as a representation of optimal solution in the problem domain. It is important to note that Fibonacci numbers starts with only two set of values; either integer 1 and 1 or 0 and 1 in relation to chosen starting point. According to Stivala et al (2010), memoization and dynamic programming is applicable in Fibonacci numbers due to the fact that, it can be expressed in a finite sequence of decisions at several stages. The combination of both recursive and memoization was meant to come up with more reliable methodology to increase the performance of program execution. It is very clear from various evaluations of research that, dynamic programming through memoization has a wide array of applications. Finally, though it is highly recommended in many projects, it presents several challenges. However, it has been successfully implemented in various projects. Problem relevance and importance The problem is quite relevant to the study in that, with dynamic programming, the recursive nature of the problem is eliminated in the program. A good example depicts itself when a program to find for nth value such as 100 is run. In this case, instead of generating an array of numbers recursively, the entire set of 99 arrays is generated once and stored in order to be used in capturing desired results (Dai, Chen Zheng, 2018). Similarly, when dynamic programming is used in a program, memoization is the critical idea that improves program execution performance by eliminating the recursive nature of execution. Dynamic programming makes use of recursion and memoization to come up with more improved performance of generating and locating a given set of Fibonacci value (Fender, 2014). Therefore, the most important aspect would be to implement memoization in a program that generates a given value in Fibonacci numbers to improve its performance index. Timeline and milestones Period Milestones 1st Week 2nd Week 3rd Week 4th Week Planning Resources acquisition Coding Testing and deployment References Cormen, T. H., Leiserson, C. E., Rivest, R. L., Stein, C. (2009). Introduction to algorithms. Cambridge: MIT Press. Dai, H. P., Chen, D. D., Zheng, Z. S. (2018). Effects of Random Values for Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm. Algorithms, 11(2), 23. Fender, p. I. T. (2014). Efficient memoization algorithms for query optimization: top-down join enumeration through... Memoization on the basis of hypergraphs: anchor academic publishing. Jaffar, J., Santosa, A. E., Voicu, R. (2008). Efficient Memoization for Dynamic Programming with Ad-Hoc Constraints. In AAAI (Vol. 8, pp. 297-303). Moerkotte, G., Neumann, T. (2008). Dynamic programming strikes back. In Proceedings of the 2008 ACM SIGMOD international conference on Management of data. (pp. 539- 552). ACM. Stivala, A., Stuckey, P. J., de la Banda, M. G., Hermenegildo, M., Wirth, A. (2010). Lock-free parallel dynamic programming. Journal of Parallel and Distributed Computing, 70(8), 839-848.
Monday, December 2, 2019
Working Conditions at Wal
Wal-Mart Stores is a leading American multinational company. The corporation operates numerous chain stores and warehouses in different parts of the world.Advertising We will write a custom article sample on Working Conditions at Wal-Mart Stores specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The company competes with different retailers across the globe such as Nordstrom. Wal-Mart ââ¬Å"markets different products such as electronics, house appliances, food materials, jewelries, clothes, shoes, beauty products, and mobile devicesâ⬠(Gandel, 2013, p. 1). This successful firm has also faced numerous criticisms from different labor unions and community groups. This essay summarizes three articles in order to understand the working conditions encountered by Wal-Martââ¬â¢s employees. These summaries will give a clear picture of the challenges affecting many employees at Wal-Mart. Article One The article ââ¬Å"Wal-Mart Accused of Violating W orkersââ¬â¢ Rightsâ⬠identifies the major challenges encountered by different workers at this multinational company. According to the article, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) had accused the company of mistreating and abusing its employees. The company was discouraging its workers from participating in various protests. Wal-Mart had ââ¬Å"fired nineteen employees for engaging in various demonstrationsâ⬠(Trottman Banjo, 2014, p. 1). However, ââ¬Å"the managers at Wal-Mart stated clearly stated that they were addressing all the issues affecting their workersâ⬠(Trottman Banjo, 2014, p. 1). The article goes further to describe how Wal-Mart Stores has been violating various labor laws. The company was also threatening its employees after participating in various strikes. The NLRB stated that such strikes were legal and constitutional. The ââ¬Å"company had also threatened its employees with reprisal if they participated in any protestâ⬠(Trottman Banjo, 2014, p. 1).Advertising Looking for article on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More However, the managers and leaders at the corporation were against such claims. Wal-Mart Stores ââ¬Å"dismissed Barbara Andridge-Collins after participating in a strikeâ⬠(Trottman Banjo, 2014, p. 1). The authors also explain why ââ¬Å"many workers at the company were complaining of reduced schedules, poor working conditions, and low wagesâ⬠(Trottman Banjo, 2014, p. 2). It is agreeable that the company has failed to support their employees. This situation has affected Wal-Martââ¬â¢s business performance. Article Two The article ââ¬Å"Wal-Mart Challenges Labor Boardââ¬â¢s Complaintâ⬠describes the responses offered by Wal-Mart after firing its employees. This article explores the actions undertaken by Wal-Mart after its employees engage in various strikes. According to the authors, Wal-Mart has fa iled to support its workers using the best remunerations and working conditions. The company ââ¬Å"was also defending itself after dismissing its employee for participating in different strikesâ⬠(Banjo Trottman, 2014, p. 1). According to the company, it was appropriate to set the right examples in order to discourage its employees from participating in such strikes. This situation ââ¬Å"was forcing the company to fire every employee who did not report to workâ⬠(Banjo Trottman, 2014, p. 2). The article identifies poor working conditions and low wages as the leading catalysts of these strikes. However, majority of these workers were losing their legal support after participating in such strikes. Many workers ââ¬Å"had lost their jobs during Christmas and Thanksgiving Holidaysâ⬠(Banjo Trottman, 2014, p. 2). This fact explains why it has been impossible for many workers at Wal-Mart to achieve their goals. The company has always treated strikes as forms of disrupt ion. Such disruptions tend to affect the quality of services availed to different customers.Advertising We will write a custom article sample on Working Conditions at Wal-Mart Stores specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More According to the article, the NLRB is currently examining the challenges affecting many workers at the company. The approach will be critical towards supporting the demands of every employee at the firm. The practice will also ensure the company offers the best working conditions to its workers. Article Three The article ââ¬Å"Why Wal-Mart Can Afford to Give its Workers a 50% Raiseâ⬠explains why the retailer should reconsider the needs and expectations of its employees. The article begins by highlighting the major challenges encountered by many employees at Wal-Mart Stores. For instance, the employees encounter pathetic working environments. This malpractice has forced the workers to look for better jobs elsewh ere. Wal-Mart is currently a leading retailer in the globe. The company has faced numerous criticisms from different agencies and labor unions for offering low wages to its employees. However, statistics show that the company can offer better salaries to its workers without affecting its performance. The ââ¬Å"company is currently in a position of increasing its wage bill because it makes over $17 billion in profitsâ⬠(Gandel, 2013, p. 1). The author of the article expects the company to split its profits in a proper manner. This practice will ensure every employee gets the best salary. This practice will ensure the workers achieve their objectives and goals. The strategy will also ensure the workers support the companyââ¬â¢s goals. Wal-Mart ââ¬Å"has also been reinvesting its profits in the companyââ¬â¢s operationsâ⬠(Gandel, 2013, p. 2). This practice explains why the company has been opening more stores every year. Many investors and analysts believe strongly th at Wal-Mart should be ready to pay its workers better remunerations. According to Gandel (2013, p. 1), ââ¬Å"a 50 percent pay rise can support the companyââ¬â¢s goals and eventually make its successfulâ⬠. This article examines why Wal-Mart continues to face numerous criticisms from different labor unions and government agencies.Advertising Looking for article on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The suggestions presented in this article will ensure the company improves the working conditions of its employees. Reference List Banjo, S., Trottman, M. (2014, February 2). Wal-Mart Challenges Labor Boardââ¬â¢s Complaint. The Wall Street Journal. Web. Gandel, S. Why Wal-Mart Can Afford to Give its Workers a 50% Raise. Fortune. Web. Trottman, M., Banjo, S. (2014, January 15). Wal-Mart Accused of Violating Workersââ¬â¢ Rights. The Wall Street Journal. Web. This article on Working Conditions at Wal-Mart Stores was written and submitted by user Caitlyn Q. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
Battle of Hamburger Hill in the Vietnam War
Battle of Hamburger Hill in the Vietnam War The Battle of Hamburger Hill was fought May 10-20, 1969, during the Vietnam War (1955-1975). In late spring 1969, American and South Vietnamese forces commenced Operation Apache Snow with the intent of driving North Vietnamese troops from the A Shau Valley. As the operation moved forward, heavy fighting developed around Hill 937. This soon became the focus of the battle and additional American forces were committed with the goal of securing the hill. After a grinding, bloody fight, Hill 937 was secured. The fighting on Hill 937 was covered extensively by the press who questioned why the battle was necessary. This public relations problem escalated when the hill was abandoned fifteen days after its capture. Fast Facts: Battle of Hamburger Hill Conflict: Vietnam War (1955-1975)Date: May 10-20, 1969Armies Commanders:United StatesMajor General Melvin Zaisapprox. 1,800 menNorth VietnamMa Vinh Lanapprox. 1,500 menCasualties:United States: 70 killed and 372 woundedNorth Vietnam: Approximately 630 killed Background In 1969, US troops began Operation Apache Snow with the goal of clearing the Peoples Army of Vietnam (PAVN) from the A Shau Valley in South Vietnam. Located near the border with Laos, the valley had become an infiltration route into South Vietnam and a haven for PAVN forces. A three-part operation, the second phase commenced on May 10, 1969, as elements of Colonel John Conmeys 3rd Brigade of the 101st Airborne moved into the valley. Among Conmeys forces were the 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry (Lieutenant Colonel Weldon Honeycutt), 2nd Battalion, 501st Infantry (Lieutenant Colonel Robert German), and the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry (Lt. Colonel John Bowers). These units were supported by the 9th Marines and the 3rd Battalion, 5th Cavalry, as well as elements of the Army of Vietnam. The A Shau Valley was covered in thick jungle and dominated by Ap Bia Mountain, which had been designated Hill 937. Unconnected to the surrounding ridges, Hill 937 stood alone and, like the surrounding valley, was heavily forested. Moving Out Terming the operation a reconnaissance in force, Conmeys forces began operations with two ARVN battalions cutting the road at the base of the valley while the Marines and 3/5th Cavalry pushed towards the Laotian border. The battalions from the 3rd Brigade were ordered to search and destroy PAVN forces in their own areas of the valley. As his troops were air mobile, Conmey planned to shift units rapidly should one encounter strong resistance. While contact was light on May 10, it intensified the following day when the 3/187th approached the base of Hill 937. Sending two companies to search the north and northwest ridges of the hill, Honeycutt ordered Bravo and Charlie companies to move towards the summit by different routes. Late in the day, Bravo met stiff PAVN resistance and helicopter gunships were brought in for support. These mistook the 3/187ths landing zone for PAVN camp and opened fire killing two and wounding thirty-five. This was the first of several friendly fire incidents during the battle as the thick jungle made identifying targets difficult. Following this incident, the 3/187th retreated into defensive positions for the night. Fighting for the Hill Over the next two days, Honeycutt attempted to push his battalion into positions where they could launch a coordinated assault. This was hampered by difficult terrain and fierce PAVN resistance. As they moved around the hill, they found that the North Vietnamese had constructed an elaborate system of bunkers and trenches. Seeing the focus of the battle shifting to Hill 937, Conmey shifted the 1/506th to the south side of the hill. Bravo Company was airlifted to the area, but the remainder of the battalion traveled by foot and did not arrive in force until May 19. Soldiers inspecting the damage in the surrounding area of Dong Ap Bia during Operation Apache Snow, May 1969. US Army Military History Institute On May 14 and 15, Honeycutt launched attacks against PAVN positions with little success. The next two days saw elements of the 1/506th probing the southern slope. American efforts were frequently hindered by the thick jungle which made air-lifting forces around the hill impractical. As the battle raged, much of the foliage around the summit of the hill was eliminated by napalm and artillery fire which was used to reduce the PAVN bunkers. On May 18, Conmey ordered a coordinated assault with the 3/187th attacking from the north and the 1/506th attacking from the south. Final Assaults Storming forward, Delta Company of the 3/187th almost took the summit but was beaten back with heavy casualties. The 1/506th was able to take the southern crest, Hill 900, but met heavy resistance during the fighting. On May 18, the commander of the 101st Airborne, Major General Melvin Zais, arrived and decided to commit three addition battalions to the battle as well as ordered that the 3/187th, which had suffered 60% casualties, be relieved. Protesting, Honeycutt was able to keep his men in the field for the final assault. US Army Photographer and assistant climbing through the devastated landscape on Dong Ap Bia after the battle. US Army Military History Institute Landing two battalions on the northeast and southeast slopes, Zais and Conmey launched an all-out assault on the hill at 10:00 AM on May 20. Overwhelming the defenders, the 3/187th took the summit around noon and operations began to reduce the remaining PAVN bunkers. By 5:00 PM, Hill 937 had been secured. Aftermath Due to the grinding nature of the fighting on Hill 937, it became known as Hamburger Hill. This also pays homage to a similar fight during the Korean War known as the Battle of Pork Chop Hill. In the fighting, US and ARVN forces suffered 70 killed and 372 wounded. Total PAVN casualties are unknown, but 630 bodies were found on the hill after the battle. Heavily covered by the press, the necessity of the fighting on Hill 937 was questioned by the public and stirred controversy in Washington. This was worsened by the 101sts abandonment of the hill on June 5. As a result of this public and political pressure, General Creighton Abrams altered US strategy in Vietnam from one of maximum pressure to protective reaction in an effort to lower casualties.
Saturday, November 23, 2019
Foreign Policy Under Thomas Jefferson
Foreign Policy Under Thomas Jefferson Thomas Jefferson, a Democrat-Republican, won the presidency from John Adams in the election of 1800. Highs and lows marked his foreign policy initiatives, which included the spectacularly successful Louisiana Purchase, and the horrid Embargo Act. Years in Office: first term, 1801-1805; second term, 1805-1809. Foreign Policy Ranking: first term, good; second term, disastrous Barbary War Jefferson was the first president to commit US forces to a foreign war. Barbary pirates, sailing from Tripoli (now the capital of Libya) and other places in North Africa, had long demanded tribute payments from American merchant ships plying the Mediterranean Sea. In 1801, however, they raised their demands, and Jefferson demanded an end to the practice of bribe payments. Jefferson sent US Navy ships and a contingent of Marines to Tripoli, where a brief engagement with pirates marked the United States first successful overseas venture. The conflict also helped convince Jefferson, never a supporter of large standing armies, that the United States needed a professionally trained military officer cadre. As such, he signed legislation to create the United States Military Academy at West Point. Louisiana Purchase In 1763, France lost the French and Indian War to Great Britain. Before the Treaty of Paris of 1763 stripped it permanently of all territory in North America, France ceded Louisiana (a roughly defined territory west of the Mississippi River and south of the 49th Parallel) to Spain for diplomatic safe-keeping. France planned to retrieve it from Spain in the future. The deal made Spain nervous as it feared to lose the territory, first to Great Britain, then to the United States after 1783. To prevent incursions, Spain periodically shut down the Mississippi to Anglo-American trade. President Washington, through Pinckneys Treaty in 1796, negotiated an end to Spanish interference on the river. In 1802, Napoleon, now emperor of France, made plans to reclaim Louisiana from Spain. Jefferson recognized that French reacquisition of Louisiana would negate Pinckneys Treaty, and he sent a diplomatic delegation to Paris to renegotiate it. In the meantime, a military corps that Napoleon had sent to reoccupy New Orleans had run afoul of disease and revolution in Haiti. It subsequently abandoned its mission, causing Napoleon to consider Louisiana too costly and cumbersome to maintain. Upon meeting the US delegation, Napoleons ministers offered to sell the United States all of Louisiana for $15 million. The diplomats did not have the authority to make the purchase, so they wrote to Jefferson and waited weeks for a response. Jefferson favored a strict interpretation of the Constitution; that is, he did not favor wide latitude in interpreting the document. He abruptly switched to a loose constitutional interpretation of executive authority and okayed the purchase. In doing so, he doubled the size of the United States cheaply and without warfare. The Louisiana Purchase was Jeffersons greatest diplomatic and foreign policy achievement. Embargo Act When fighting between France and England intensified, Jefferson tried to craft a foreign policy that allowed the United States to trade with both belligerents without taking sides in their war. That was impossible, given that both sides considered trade with the other a de facto act of war. While both countries violated American neutral trade rights with a series of trade restrictions, the United States considered Great Britain to be the biggest violator because of its practice of impressment- kidnapping US sailors from American ships to serve in the British navy. In 1806, Congress- now controlled by Democrat-Republicans- passed the Non-Importation Act, which prohibited the import of certain goods from the British Empire. The act did no good, and both Great Britain and France continued to deny American neutral rights. Congress and Jefferson ultimately responded with the Embargo Act in 1807. The act, believe it or not, prohibited American trade with all nations- period. Certainly, the act contained loopholes, and some foreign goods came in while smugglers got some American goods out. But the act stopped the bulk of American trade, hurting the nations economy. In fact, it wrecked the economy of New England, which relied almost exclusively on trade to support its economy. The act rested, in part, on Jeffersons inability to craft a creative foreign policy for the situation. It also pointed out American arrogance which believed the major European nations would cave in without American goods. The Embargo Act failed, and Jefferson ended it just days before he left office in March 1809. It marked the lowest point of his foreign policy attempts.
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Customer Relation Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words
Customer Relation Management - Essay Example well as through its online shopping option enabling the customers to buy their required products and avail the demanded services from the comfort of their own home and place of work. It has been observed amongst the competitors as well as the other online and brick and mortar shop based retailers that the businesses are increasing loyalty and retaining customers by employing the strategy of offering them a debit and / or a credit based loyalty cards to them, similar to the strategy employed by Pathmark. These cards provide the customers the facility of buying products on credit while availing loyalty based discounts and benefits on their purchased, in case of a credit loyalty card. With the debit loyalty card the customers are able to pay for their purchases without cash, through their own personal account while still availing loyalty based benefits and discounts on their purchases. The strategy for loyalty cards is being employed by well known retailers like Wal-Mart, Marks & Spencers, Amazon.com, Pizza Hut, Subway, Gap, Banana Republic, Old navy, Victoriaââ¬â¢s Secret etc. ââ¬Å""Loyalty is more important than ever in retailing today, and the way you create loyalty is through credit," says Leonard Leff, president and chief executive officer of MyReceivables.com.â⬠(Murphy, 2001) The loyalty credit & debit based loyalty cards are being using by traditional retailing giants as well as the online retailers in order to attract the customers, motivate them to spend more on their purchases, establish the brand of the company/ retail store as well as increase repeat purchase behavior. Best Buy Stores can initiate a loyalty card based program which is linked to a credit facility provided to the customers. The company will have to form affiliations and a contract with credit providing companies for launching this product. The benefit of this loyalty program would be that the customers would be able to buy the products that they want by simply using Best Buy loyalty card
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Negotiation and Conflict Week 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
Negotiation and Conflict Week 1 - Essay Example The rules and the regulations set by the authorities in the organization have not been accepted by the employees, as a result of which conflict has arisen. Thus, it is required for the teams that work in the organization to discuss with the director of the organization and have a justification of the newly assigned rules and regulations. The employees who worked in a team had disagreed to take the assignments from the manager which initiated the conflict. As the manager is selected by the director to work with the team, it is required for the team to obey the changes made by the manager. The team which worked under the jurisdiction of the organization from the beginning and was working under the manager of the organization had denied working with the manager because of his certain newly enacted strict regulations. The team felt that a few new regulations were unfair to them. However, it can be said that different managers have diverse ways of handling the teams and working for the be tterment of the organization. Thus, it is needed for the team who are working with the managers to know his role and provide their consents to those regulations and ways of his works. It is essential for the team to know the work process of the manager so that it becomes easier for the team to work with. Violating the boundary of the organization or not meeting with the expectations of the organization is also a concern that has arisen from the situation of conflict. The decision earlier taken by the team of not complying with the orders of the manager is needed to be reassessed (McCuddy, 2003). Moreover, it is also required for the team to have a discussion with the manager and communicate with him to know his ideas for obtaining results from the assigned works and to identify and discuss the right ways for reaching the goals. If the expectations are not met by the organization, it is needed to make an assessment of the expectations which are to be made to ensure the efficiency of the organization. If there is any deficiency in the rules and the regulations it should be amended or reallocated and explanation from the higher-level administrators is required to be provided for effective functioning of the organization. The conflict also has arisen due to changes brought in work process and rules. The previous manager had his own rules and schedules of work process which were ultimately changed by the new manger appointed to the organization and assigned to operate the team. The new manager set up his own rules and regulations without informing the team. As a result, the new rules which are set up have been majority of the times disobeyed by the team. The working hours of the organization i.e. the work schedule for the organization had also been changed which has also not been accepted by the teams of the organization. Due to the fact that the new manager is appointed by the organization, it is required for the team to have a discussion about the new work schedu le rather than directly not adhering to the changed work process, which would hamper the working procedure and schedule (Furlong, 2005). Thus, this is the major conflict situation which is required to be amended as it has been creating a significant detrimental effect on the employeesââ¬â¢
Sunday, November 17, 2019
Chicken Run Essay Example for Free
Chicken Run Essay During 2005, Encik Selamat, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), was transferred from another subsidiary of PCK Holding, which dealt in the business of transportation to poultry and meat business, Excel Poultry and Meat Sdn Bhd (EPM). En Selamat was initially reluctant to accept the position as he lack of expertise in poultry and meat industry. However, later, he accepts and undertakes the position of General Manager in EPM as a new challenge to him. For the first three (3) years, he managed to handle the company smoothly. However, during the closing year end of 2008, the company has faced with tremendous operational crises. Thus, this report will identify and give recommendations on the issues arise in the company. There are two main issues or problems is being identified in this company, which are, increase in price of chicken feed and credit control and managerial problems. For the first issue, regarding the rise of chicken feed price, it is recommended for EPM to plant fast growing trees such as maize tree, trichanthera gigantea tree (fodder tree), or mulberry tree. These three trees have been proved by many researches and farmers all over the Asian countries as the alternative or substitute of commercial chicken feed. By consuming half or thirty percent (30%) of the substitute chicken feeds, this may reduce the existing cost of production. Moreover, it is cheap, fast and easy to plant these trees. In addition, the plant can be used for another purpose of business and may generate income. For example, one maize tree can produce 4 corns in a year and EPM can sell them and make money out of it. Same goes to trichanthera gigantea tree, the leaves and plants not only can be feed to chicken but many other animals such as, cows, goats, ducks, pigs, horses and many more. Thus, EPM can sell their leaves to other farmers and this can help them increase their income. Mulberry tree proves to have more uses. By fully utilize the tree, EPM can generates income in short term as well as in long term. The leaf can be made as tea powder, and can raise silk worm thus they can make silk cloth. The fruit itself can be made as foods or drinks such as wine, pies, tart, jelly jams and juice. Also, the bark or wood can be use to produce paper and furniture. Another way to reduce cost is by placing the breeder chickens in a free range farm. When the chickens are freely place in an open farm and freely eat whatever on the field such as worms, trees, and grass, the commercial chicken feeds will be lessen. Thus, this will give cost reduction for EPM. The commercial chicken feed is necessary for the chicken to consume as it contains all nutrition needed by all chicken. Thus, EPM may still bear the high price of commercial chicken feed. The price of chicken feed is uncontrollable by EPM, but not the sales of EPM. Therefore, there are many ways of increasing the income of the company. EPM can sell chicken eggs, chicken manure, as well as chicken feather to boost their income. Other than that, EPM may collaborate with East Coast Economic Region (ECER) and open branch in Mersing, Johor. The collaboration with ECER program will help to bring the companyââ¬Ës name throughout nationwide. It is in line with the goal of ECER to increase the poultry output by 35% between years of 2005 to 2010. ECER program may also helps EPM to transform into major international and local tourism destination and exporter of resources and manufactured chicken poultry. The second issue in the company is on the credit control and managerial problem. Based on the case of financial reports of EPM, the costs of sales incur increasing closely and nearly to the revenue earned each year and the trade receivables amount also increase each year. The account receivable turnover ratio for the year 2006, 2007 and 2008 are 4. 307, 3. 396 and 2. 88 respectively. It shows the decrease in efficiency of a business in collecting its credit sales. Also, the trade receivable percentage of increase for the year 2007 and 2008 are 27. 56% and 60. 49% respectively. This shows that the account receivable increase drastically during the year. Therefore, this proves that ECM is having a weak credit control. It has being identified that the marketing department continued to supply chicken to Gold Cold Sdn Bhd (GCSB) even though GCSB has exceeded its credit limit. Thus, it is suggested for EPM to offer GCSB for cash discount to encourage early debt payment or cash sales. For example, offer 20% discount if they make payment within 1 week. Other alternative is that EPM should limit the supply to GCSB until they make payment of debts. Besides that, instead of Encik Selamat, the credit collection department staff should directly communicate to GCSB regarding the payment and supply of chicken. Not only that, EPM should send monthly credit sales statement to GCSB and remind GCSB about their debts through phone calls for instance. Instead of highly dependent on the sales from GCSB, the company may approach for more supplying tenders and contracts. For example, they can approach Ayamas Food Corporation Sdn Bhd, Ayam A1 Corporation Sdn Bhd, and all giant superstores. Also, they can carry out open tender instead of close tender to promote broader markets. Other than weak credit control, the company also has weak credit management. In this case, Puan Azura only concerned on sending reminders to debtors when she thought that auditors will be checking on that matters. Also, the records produced by Puan Azura are not similar with the figure from the confirmation letter by Mr. Siva. Therefore, the recommendation for EPM to solve the problem is, Puan Azura should be asked to send the monthly debtor statement regardless whether the auditor will be checking on her works or not. Other than that, the duties of employees should be segregated. For example, person whom collects the cash (Encik Munir) differs with the one whom updates the reports (Puan Azura) and the transaction should be verified by other personnel (Ms Choy). Furthermore, all the different personnel from different department must be communicated to each other to avoid error. Besides, managerial problems also arise in the company. From the case, we noticed that there is no supervision of Encik Kassim works by Encik Selamat. This problem can be solved by having more supervision over their staffsââ¬â¢ works by Encik Selamat as well as by board of directors. This can reduce the opportunity of fraud and misappropriate of companyââ¬â¢s assets by their staffs. Other managerial problem is that, Encik Selamat was having personal meeting wih Encik Azman, the executive director of GCSB regarding their business and debt collection. The personal meeting should be avoided as it can lead to personal interest threats. Therefore, EPM must establish proper procedures for debt collection. Furthermore, EPM must as well establish and communicate a code of ethics which includes guidelines to be followed by debtors and employees with regards to debt collection. Even though there are many wrongdoings done by Encik Selamat, directors are reluctant to take any action against Encik Selamat. Therefore, it is highly recommended that PCK holding, the parent company, to change the directors. New directors may give new aspirations and directions for the company to continue to survive and succeed in the poultry industry. By solving all these problems, EPM may boost their performance for the next year onwards.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)