Thursday, January 30, 2020

MRF Madras Rubber Factory Essay Example for Free

MRF Madras Rubber Factory Essay Solutions and Services Implementation Highlights Time-frame: 9 months, strict adherence to time-schedules Top Managements support Highly dedicated team Comprehensive change management SAP ERP success story MRF Limited MRF Limited is engaged in the manufacturing, distribution and sale of an extensive ange of superior quality tyres for various kinds of vehicles. The companys operations relate to manufacture of rubber products, such as tyres, of applications. MRF has six production facilities in India and around 80 sales offices. From its humble origins in 1946, the company has come a long way to become the market leader in the tyre manufacturing industry. MRF exports its products to over 75 countries worldwide. Today, global tyre manufacturers have to plan and adapt to changes in customer demand, fluctuations in raw material prices and availability, while keeping pace with timelines for shipments; in the face of increasing ompetition in the global marketplace. The Need for SAP Before becoming an SAP customer, MRF was running several outmoded legacy systems that could no longer keep up with the companys expanding operations, and, as a result, the company was plagued with inefficiency. Problems of slow availability of information, tedious manual entry and data transfer, lack of system flexibility, excess manpower utilization and costs started to have a negative impact on the business. Consequently, the company was spending a lot of time in consolidating the information, getting the data together, and on time. It did not take long for MRF to know that it had to replace its nonintegrated, independent systems if it wanted to gain strategic insight and higher productivity to manage rapid business growth. The company wanted a flexible solution to allow IT to keep pace with changes while offering a low total cost of ownership. MRF decided to reengineer its entire IT landscape by implementing SAP ERP and SAP CRM solutions, based on the SAP NetWeaver platform. A Core Team called the Power Users team was formed to determine the requirements of the company and the selection of a suitable ERP olution. MRF brought in IBM Global to facilitate the process and the Core Team was sensitized to the process of reengineering. The company did a detailed evaluation based on various criteria such as experience in the manufacturing sector and product-offerings; Oracle and SAP were short listed. MRF participated in a SAP summit which helped the company to take the final decision. SAP came out on top in terms of product superiority, post-sales support, and record customer satisfaction. We were confident that SAP will support our plans for continued growth, says Prince Azariah, Chief Information Officer, MRF Limited. SAP offered a clear solution for MRFs manufacturing operations which include process as well as discrete production. We have moved onto a mature product with SAP. We have made a very good decision in selecting SAP, adds Sathya Gautham, Manager IT Services. Implementation MRF chose Siemens Information Systems as the implementation partner after a thorough selection process. The project went live on December 1, 2007. There were around 60 members from MRF and 35-40 members from Siemens involved in the implementation process. The core team nd the partners team worked in full collaboration, while ensuring that the implementation was carried out according to time schedules. One of the complications was that our systems were in silos. Change management has been a big challenge, says Gautham. There were many instances when MRF looked to SAP India and SAP Labs for assistance and support during the implementation. SAP ERP has been implemented at the companys Head Office in Chennai, 6 factories in Sales Offices. MRF went in for all core modules including Financials and Controlling (FICO), Sales ; Distribution (SD), Materials Management (MM), Production Planning PP), Quality Management (QM), Plant Maintenance (PM), Human Resources (HR), and SAP NetWeaver Business Intelligence (SAP NetWeaver 81). Today, there are around 700 users who have accepted the implementation in a positive manner. Benefits With SAP ERP, the company has one harmonized, standardized and integrated solution. The solution has enabled MRF to transform its business operation management from time consuming and inflexible to real-time and adaptable. The users can now count on easy access to accurate, complete, and up-to-the minute information, thanks to entralized, integrated data. This has led to quicker decision making and improved business transactions for MRF. SAP is the best thing that has happened to MRF, Sathya Gautham, Manager IT Services The implementation of SAP has brought in a major shift in the work-culture in the company. The core team was clearly aware that they are responsible for creating their future. Earlier, we were a top-driven company. Now, we have close to 60 personnel at the middle management level who have been empowered to take business decisions, and who are advising top management on what needs to be done o set up processes in the company. There is so much of enthusiasm among the core team members and the end-users. Also, we used to be a very silo-ed company. With SAP, the Heads of different Departments look to these people for resolution of problems.

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

3M Essay -- essays research papers

12 Basic Immutable Tenets   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As we all know Warren Buffett may be the most successful investor in the world. Some people try to dismiss Buffetts’ prowess of picking successful securities on the basis of a certain degree of luck or inside information that the regular small investor could never hope to have. However what many people do not understand is that, according to Robert G. Hagstrom, Buffett does not invest in stocks but in companies and their underlying businesses. and instead of luck Buffett uses his twelve immutable tenets. These twelve tenets are broken into four sections of the companies: 1) Business, 2) Management 3) Financial and 4) Market. By analyzing 3Ms’ annual report, its financial statements, and by examining all aspects of the company and its’ industry we can come to a conclusion of whether or not 3M would make an attractive investment to Buffett.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The first group of Buffetts’ tenets is the Business tenets. The business tenets are broken into three areas of concentration. The first business tenet is the business must be simple and understandable. 3M has thousands of different products, a few of which are simple (and thus interesting to Buffett) such as Post-It Notes, Scotch Tape, adhesives, and cleaning agents. But some of 3Ms’ other products are not as simple such as flexible circuits, and electronic and liquid crystal displays. These highly technical products would be out of Buffetts’ â€Å"circle of confidence†, products that Buffett does not know very much about and therefore Buffett would not be able to interpret and react to developments with as much confidence. The second business tenet is that the business must have a consistent operating history. Companies with a consistent operating history are firms that are in a stable industry, have spent years producing the same prod uct, and that are not currently involved in changing directions. 3M could easily be categorized as having a consistent operating history as shown by its strong core products (Post-It notes, Scotch tape, Scotch guard etc†¦) which have dominated their market for years. Also 3Ms’ consistency can be measured by its’ longevity in the fact that 3M was established over 100 years ago in 1902. The last of the business tenets is favorable long term prospects. Favorable long term prospects ca... ...he last group of tenets, the market tenets, helps the investor decide if the price of the shares is acceptable. The first market tenet is deciding the value of the business. To value a business Buffett estimates a companies total future cash earnings and discounts the owners’ earnings by a risk free rate (30 year T-bond). 3M had total owner earnings of $2,690,000,000 in 2003. If we assume that owners’ earnings will grow by 12% per year for the next ten years (which is what analysts predict as the industry as a whole is expected to grow 11% per year) we can calculate that 3Ms’ intrinsic value in 2003 would be $35,085,216,000. Even if 3M grows at 5% per year the company would still be worth $25,780,818,000. The final market tenet, buying at attractive prices, is buying at a sensible price that will give your investment a â€Å"margin of safety†, and also buying at prices that are below their indicated value. 3Ms’ value is calculated at $63,480,000 ,000. This value is almost double our calculated intrinsic value, which would indicate to us that the stock price is too high and that 3M would not represent a good investment until the price falls to a level that would give a margin of safety.

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Langston Hughes’s “Theme for English B”

African American Literature can often be characterized by having a dual identity, especially in the early to mid-twentieth century. This dual reality is reflective of the African American’s heritage and present circumstances. With a heritage of forced immigration into the country, and limited rights and racism after slavery is abolished, there is a borderline pride and hatred. It is very possible to have both of these feelings, and authors reveal this confusing notion through the expression of poetry.Yes, the writers are proud of being Americans, but at the same time, are always conscience of the fact that in the land of opportunity, the color of their skin will perhaps always be not only noticed but also will limit them and their children. There are many texts that portray this dual identity of the African American, including Langston Hughes’s â€Å"Theme for English B† and Claude McKay’s â€Å"America†. Through â€Å"Theme for English B† Hu ghes explores his mixed identity: â€Å"So will my page be colored that I write? Being me, it will not be white† (26-27).Before this, he identifies himself as the only black student in his class, which seems to be away from Harlem, and that he resides in Harlem. He spends his time both in the majority black Harlem, but he is learning in a mostly white area, from white professors. He hears both Harlem and New York, and therefore can identify with the black (Harlem) and the larger picture of New York (America). He explains this is part of being American, different and yet working together, if not for the benefit of each other, then for the benefit of the country.He understands that his professor and himself often â€Å"don’t want to be a part† (35) of each other, but neither of them have a choice. I think that it is important to note that Hughes emphasizes his own unwillingness to be a part of the white man This may reflect the forced immigration of slavery, or si mply his own deterrence away from â€Å"whiteness†, even though it is necessary for him to achieve his education. McKay has a much bitterer viewpoint of his America. The poem â€Å"America†, as compared to â€Å"Theme for English B† has a much darker and critical tone of America, beginning with the first line â€Å"Although she feeds me bread of bitterness†(1).Starting off the poem like this immediately creates the feeling of paradox that McKay is trying to convey. Although the speaker is being fed, it is with foul tasting nourishment, not the kind that you would expect in the United States. The paradox is further heightened through the idea of life and death occurring simultaneously: â€Å"Stealing my breath of life, I will confess I love this cultured hell that steals my youth† (3-4). A â€Å"cultured hell† is an interesting phrase to use because it is so unexpected. It highlights the culture of America, perhaps both of black and white cul ture that is creating such a tumultuous environment.But, I doubt that this would be any better than an uncultured hell. It is this country that creates and destroys, loves and hates at the same time. It is in this paradox of impossibilities that unlocks multiple possibilities. It is all of this confusion and acknowledgement of inequality that creates the speaker â€Å"strength against her hate† (6). But this one man going against the country and the culture of hate and appeasement of that hate can hardly make a dent if â€Å"Her bigness sweeps me like a flood† (7).The stand that the speaker is taking against and for the country may not be going anywhere, but the can see a time in the future where â€Å"beneath the touch of Time’s unerring hand, like priceless treasures sinking in the sand† (13-14) America’s current culture would be buried. Although this can be interpreted as the downfall of the country, I see it as the downfall of the current cultu re of America. This is not an anti-America poem, but rather one dedicated to a better one, and towards the construction of a culture that embraces all Americans.

Monday, January 6, 2020

Legalization Of Marijuana Should Be Legal - 930 Words

Since the 1970’s, marijuana has increasingly taken the forefront as the next â€Å"socially harmless† drug of choice, akin to the likes of alcohol and tobacco. Many state legislatures have begun a decriminalization process, and in some cases, full legalization and regulation. Though the scope of the following research is not to discuss the differences in legislation, the broad spectrum between completely illegal and legal use of marijuana should be noted. Regulation varies greatly from incredibly restricted medicinal use, to open recreational use and finally, legalization. At the very far end of this spectrum is complete legalization, commercialization, and regulation. The intention of this research is to show that full legalization of marijuana is not in the best interest of the people of The United States. The three most alarming factors leading to this conclusion are increased use under legalization, a detrimental effect on rate of incarceration, and finally, dramati cally increased economic costs. When contemplating the legalization of marijuana, it is very important to look at how the increased availability of this drug will affect its use in society. Because some states have already changed their regulation surrounding this drug, America has begun to see an alarming increase in the number of users. In fact, according to the survey presented by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the number of daily marijuana users over the age of twelve hasShow MoreRelatedShould Marijuana Legalization Be Legal?1532 Words   |  7 PagesMarijuana Legalization Marijuana legalization is an issue that the United States is currently facing. Through all branches and aspects of government, the concept of marijuana legalization can be applied and understood. In order to better frame the policy issue, the policy should be viewed through different lenses and all aspects of government. In this essay, it will be shown how marijuana legalization truly incorporates all areas of government interest. First, the politics of marijuana legalizationRead MoreThe Legalization Of Marijuana Should Be Legal Essay1264 Words   |  6 PagesThe legalization of marijuana has been controversial topic throughout recent decades, however the legislature just appears to normally decrease. Marijuana is being utilized wrongfully by means of numerous Americans nowadays of any age. Some people concur with that the legalization of marijuana is best suitable for logical purposes. Supporters contend that it ll significantly benefit economically and it is not any more unsafe than cigarettes or liquor. Others encounter that marijuana is a portalRead MoreThe Legalization Of Marijuana Should Be Legal994 Words   |  4 PagesThe legalization of marijuana has been a very hot topic across Canada since the 2015 federal elections. This is because elected Liberal leader, Justin Trudeau has suggested the legalization, regulation and taxation of Marijuana. This essay will touch upon the Marxian explanation of why marijuana could be come legal, why the use of marijuana is seen as an illegal/legal activity from a Durkheimian perspective, and lastly how people view marijuana use and how they view the use of the law to regulateRead MoreThe Legalization Of Marijuana Should Be Legal917 Words   |  4 Pages The legalization of marijuana is one of the most talked about subjects in the news today. With millions of opinions on this certain topic I think the legalization of marijuana should not be allowed in America. Although some might disagree, marijuana is an unnecessary substance in life. With the legalization, it will affect millions of people between the ages of 1-100. Marijuana should be illegal in the United States because if legalized marijuana will lead to child use, addiction, and health problemsRead MoreThe Le galization Of Marijuana Should Not Be Legal1238 Words   |  5 PagesArthur Jackson Prof. O`keefe English Composition 30 march 2015 THE LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA No matter what side of this issue a persons beliefs land them on, there is definitely no denying the amount of money the states who have legalized are bringing in on tax revenue is truly astounding. Despite how you divide the money there will more than likely be enough to go around, seeing how Colorado is poised to rake in nearly $800 million in 2015. Can you imagine if our state had this kind of extraRead MoreThe Legalization Of Marijuana Should Be Legal Essay1767 Words   |  8 Pagesthat are not crimes.† This statement is still relevant in today’s society regarding the illegal use of marijuana. Citizens for the legalization and regulation of marijuana have proposed that legalization would reduce the profits of criminals, direct law enforcement dollars to more serious crimes and gain a new source of tax revenue (Government of Canada, 2016). People against legalizing marijuana argue that is not a harmless drug. They believe that legalizing it might encourage more people to useRead MoreThe Legalization Of Marijuana Should Be Legal3190 Words   |  13 PagesStates the legalization of marijuana has been one of the most controversial topics around the country. It is controversial to many people because under federal law the drug â€Å"marijuana† is illegal. However due to the positive medical purposes of the drug, under state law marijuana is legal in certain states either medically or recreationally. When you look back at this history of our country, we have been through many periods of growth, expansion, and prohibition. Topics such as the legalization of alcoholRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?1449 Words   |  6 PagesSince the first efforts to legalize marijuana in the 1960s, Americans have become progressively more accepting of requests to liberalize laws restricting possession and use of marijuana, but the shift has not been a straight line. After 11 states decriminalized marijuana possession in the 1970s, recoil led by sub urban parents led too much harsher implementation of drug laws. But since California legalized medical marijuana in 1996, outlooks toward the drug have relaxed significantly.(A Brief HistoryRead MoreThe Social Benefits of Legalization of Marijuana1459 Words   |  6 Pagesgive the definition of Marijuana that is important for my research. â€Å"Marijuana is a mixture of leaves, stems and flowering tops of the hemp plant.†(Marijuana, 317). Today in most countries soft narcotics and especially narcotics like marijuana are illegal. Marijuana is a misunderstood drug that is thought of as dangerous but it isn’t. Because of people’s ignorance and gullibility marijuana has become illegal for all the wrong reasons and should be re-examined for legalization. Society today cannotRead MoreMarijuana Decriminalization and Legalization636 Words   |  3 PagesThe validity of marijuana decriminalization (and even legalization) is illustrated in the following analysis of the social, fiscal, political, and medical attributes and conceptions associated with the drug. Marijuana has been used for thousands of years, in 2008; archeologists discovered over two pounds of cannabis in a 2,700-year-old grave of a shaman found in Central Asia. (Armentano, 1) Should marijuana be legalized or at least decriminalized in America? The following information may give the