Research propsal - Operation Managerment (TQM) Essay

Research propsal - Operation Managerment (TQM) - Essay Example The study shows that though economies of scale, access to technology and sales operations channels remain significant factors to the advantage of big companies, they remain vulnerable to price wars and product switching schemes initiated by smaller players in the industry. The conclusion is that companies need to focus globally competitive strategies while remaining local in approach to consumers. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) (2004), the retail and consumer industry is one of the industries exhibiting one of the highest growths today. Though the UNCTAD subsequently report reduced the expected growth rate projections in 2006, the industry remains to be an attractive industry (Awbi, 2006a; Tesco expands in Japan, backtracks on China, 2006). As early as 2001, analysts have already predicted a developing price war among UK's supermarkets due to jockeying in the UK for market position as a platform of expansion (UK 'poised for supermarket wars'). Another important factor contributing to the competition in industry has been due to the entrants of small and big players into the industry which included the vigorous expansion of Wal-Mart in the UK (Schrage, 2005) However, indicators from the second half ... ed growth rate projections in 2006, the industry remains to be an attractive industry (Awbi, 2006a; Tesco expands in Japan, backtracks on China, 2006). Research Rationale As early as 2001, analysts have already predicted a developing price war among UK's supermarkets due to jockeying in the UK for market position as a platform of expansion (UK 'poised for supermarket wars'). Another important factor contributing to the competition in industry has been due to the entrants of small and big players into the industry which included the vigorous expansion of Wal-Mart in the UK (Schrage, 2005) However, indicators from the second half of 2006 have indicated that earlier projections in 2004 may still be achievable due to market growth in Europe (Awbi, 2006b). The UK supermarket industry has is critical in establishing market presence in the European Union (EU) and this is the motivation behind most companies in the industry vying for position in the local supermarket industry. This highlights the importance of developing TQM strategies that secure a retailer's position in the supermarket industry (Easterby - Smith et al, 2001). Objectives At the end of the study, the research aims to be able to enumerate the key TQM strategy elements that companies need to be competitive in the UK supermarket industry. The study will be able to identify key industrial characteristics that drive the market's movement as well consumer motivations and expectations. The study will provide insights on the dynamics of the UK supermarket industry as it continues to grow in significance globally. The study does not aim to prescribe the strategy to be taken but rather highlights what TQM programs are being utilized in the industry and their value in the formulation of individual companies'

International Relations Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

International Relations - Research Paper Example In fact, it â€Å"refers both to a process of growing material interconnectedness as well as to the ‘idea’ or consciousness of that process† (Ravenhill 302). The purveyor or enforcer of such idea is the WTO. Although the WTO is supposedly a consensual type of organization, where the majority, which consist of the underdeveloped and developing countries, is theoretically the more powerful group, it is actually the few developed and advanced capitalist countries that are most influential in the formulation of its policies. Since its founding, the WTO has been accused of making the economic conditions of the poorer nations worse. According to Global Exchange, an international human rights advocacy organization, the WTO has made the world’s richest become richer at the expense of the poorest as it has â€Å"hastened these trends by opening up countries to foreign investment and thereby making it easier for production to go where the labor is cheapest and most easily exploited and environmental costs are low† (Top Reasons to Oppose the WTO). The WTO was established in January 1995. However, the basic principles behind it were already being implemented since 1948 through the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade or GATT (World Trade Organization). ... However, there are developing countries with governments that have continued to adhere to the policies of the WTO despite the massive protests that have been held in their respective countries. Behind these are the corporations who have accumulated profits because of globalization (Berberoglu 68). Since the WTO regularly meets in order to discuss the implementation of trade liberalization, the agendas that it often tables are scrutinized by different people’s organizations. One contentious issue that has been the subject of intense protest campaigns from farmers is agricultural liberalization. The WTO calls for â€Å"the removal of exemptions for import controls and supply management regimes† (Shrybman 50). The net effect of this policy is that a less developed nation that could not compete well can be dumped with agricultural products coming from the more developed countries. This naturally puts the farmers of the said country at a grave disadvantage because of unfair competition resulting from it. With inadequate subsidy, the farming sector of the less developed country would certainly not be able counter the heavy importation. Another major criticism of the WTO is that it tends to ignore the impact of its policies on other important aspects of society. It is said that in every forum that is held by this multilateral body, â€Å"global commerce takes precedence over everything – democracy, public health, equity, the environment, food safety and more† (Wallach & Sforza 20). There are two other issues that have been consistently raised against the WTO; these are on matters of the environment and labor. When it comes to the environment, there have been calls by environmental groups to use trade sanctions as a means to pressure erring nations to comply with