Should Drugs Be Legalised Article Essay Example for Free

Should Drugs Be Legalised Article EssayJuliette Hughes wrote an article for The Age newspaper about how she thinks drugs should be legalised. She used many different sorts of metalanguage techniques such as using experts opinion, appealing to peoples self-interest etc. Hughes is an ethicist her point of view is from an ethical standpoint. Hughes used examples from history and scientific experiment. The intended audience is a mature audience, who be open minded about the legalisation of drugs. Hughes starts off by talking about cannabis and the takings it has. This leads to talking about drug users being criminalised and how she opposes.Hughes writes whether we approve of the activity or not, it is not ethical to punish people for what they do to themselves. She is appealing to self-interest it is making the reader think if they were punished for something that they choose to do to themselves. Hughes uses an appeal to hip pocket when she uses the example from the UNs Office on Drugs and Crime have estimated the spherical drug trade is $US321 billion, she states that it will be a saving on money and social capital could be directed towards rehabilitation and support for families who are also affected by substance abuse.She appeals to parents when she writes Banning something only makes vulnerable young rebels think its cool implying that the youth may be more(prenominal) attracted to forbidden fruit if it made them look more cool. She uses a historic example from when the US banned alcohol from 1920 to 1933, she explains how having prohibition only criminalised most of the cosmos and entrench organise crime. She uses scientific experiments to support her point.She uses a study done in 2005 by Dutch scientists which was published in the British Medical Journal, which showed that prescribing diacetylmorphine made everyone win. She appeals to community values when she explains that the research shows the users had a better quality life and the community b enefited from reduced crime. Hughes uses formal language throughout the article, using spoken communication such as oxymoronic nexus. This adds to the point of view that Hughes is trying to get across.Using formal language shows how dependable she is about the topic and adds to the tone of the article which is serious and sophisticated. She does a small part of a rebuttal when she mentions drugs being used in sports, she writes it is cheating and should be stopped. In conclusion, Juliette Hughes used a wide intermixture of metalanguage. Using appeals, historic examples, scientific examples and formal language, she was able to effectively get her point of view across to her intended audience.

Logical Fallacy in Journalism Essay Example for Free

Logical Fallacy in Journalism EssayThe persuasiveness of journalism hinges largely on its effective representation of the facts. This is not to argue that a news story cannot be inherently biased by much(prenominal) factors as culture, perception and even the intended audience of a specific journalistic outlet. However, it is to suggest that any claim made and unsubstantiated will officiate only to diminish or discredit the value of a journalistic purpose. Such is a point notably evident in Clarence foliates 2000 article, originally published in the Sacramento Bee and entitled Keeping the Faith. . . To Yourself. At the heart of this article is the assessment that the separation of church and severalize which Americans cook immense valued as a means to preserving individual ghostly freedoms is being eroded today by a resurgence in some contexts of what the columnist refers to as zealotry. Page, who has a long a respectable resume as a nationally syndicated writer for the Chicago Tribune and as a frequent lymph node on such television news programs as The News Hour with Jim Lehrer and Hardball with Chris Matthews.(Wikipedia, 1) Having established himself with a considerable degree of recognition and credibility, Page is possessed of the office to engage his subject matter with the utmost of objectivity. However, the concise editorial presented here fails in this effort, proceeding toward its point regarding the fading line between church and state by crutching upon a series of rational fallacies. These fallacies run the gamut of categorical errors in logic, ultimately reducing the article to rhetorical expression and opinion.There is little to commend it as an empirical case examination or as a cultural study in American factionalism, though it seems to advocate itself as such. Indeed, the recital which stimulates the article is compelling enough. In a thought-provoking incident at a football game in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Page reports that when small group of students in the bleachers began chanting The Lords Prayer, it was only a matter of utterances before 4500 individuals where collectively engaged in prayer.Informal and culturally inherent in bingle regard and founded upon the indoctrination which Supreme Court decisions, Page reports, no longer entitle in public schools, this would suggest a remarkable undercurrent of religious commitment. It is Pages intent to discuss with justified concern the implications of this natural occurrence to the importance of maintaining an atmosphere in our public schools which is comfortable and non-threatening to individuals of all religious dispositions and faiths.To the discredit of this article, Page does not employ a great deal of research or referenced support to endorse any of his claims, which renders a great legion(predicate) of them as outsized or disproportionately stated. While certain aspects of his argument seem rational and worthy of our consideration, the haphazar d approach taken to the expression of selective information here suggests a less-than-journalistic value system in pop. For instance, there is immediately a glaring absence of documented source support in instances where the reputation of claims would seem to suggest that such is needed.Particularly, the articles intent suffers from Insufficient Data. At the resolution of the article proposed, Page slips into a brief and theretofore unsuggested fulmination about the importance of Americas free market and the relationship of this market to religious freedom. Though not an objectionable statement, its phraseology is questionably high-flown placen the absence of any definable support or pretense. Page contends that Americas vitality owes a lot to its free market place of ideas, including religious ideas.It is a major reason more than people clamor to get into this country than clamor to get out. The best way for the marketplace to storage area its vitality is for us Americans to seek to understand each others belief, not coerce each other into joining ours. Particular statements such as major reason and the best way are fully unqualified and the stated proportion which determines that there is a specific effector (i. e. religious freedom) which causes more people to clamor for entrance than exit from America.In this latter statement, there are two assessments made with unequivocal resolution that have no give evidence to support them and, upon statistic reflection, could even be held as incorrect. This is a clear journalistic shortcoming. So too is the frequency with which Untested Assumption mars the applicability of Pages argument. Essentially, the work is committed to the restatement of the theme that while the author does not wish to discredit faith or prayer, he does wish to recommend that religious leaders take a more sensitive and less public approach to encouraging and embracing it.There is, in this argument, a motility which seems almost over-co mpensatory, by which Page attempts to assert the high esteem in which he hold religion and prayer even as he coins motley phrases which portray organized religion with condescension. This is on clear display in his determination as to the likelihood of cooperative restraint on the part of Christian prayer advocates where he states, I dont expect to see much reduction soon in efforts by various believersmost of them rather well-meaningto push their beliefs on others. Among the more blatant of Untested Assumptions here is that which denotes that most Christians are well-meaning. Again, here is a statement which at its core does not necessarily provoke a sense of journalistic scrutiny. However, in its overstatement or in the failure to substantiate such as statement with appressed inspection, the article diminishes the veracity of what might otherwise be considered a perfectly acceptable statement. It also tends to underscore the contradiction within the statement, which also voices explicitly (I dont expect. . .) a professed knowledge as to that of which others are intended upon or capable.This could be conceived as a somewhat antagonistic or incendiary bating of the Christian parties at subject in the discussion, ultimately producing an assumption which betrays ideological prejudices on the part of the journalist. The prejudices become inherently problematic to the intended value or veracity of the statements carrying the editorial. And even more troubling, in the rare instance where the article does reflect on some verifiable account of information or diachronic case, it has descended into the fallacy of False Analogy.Namely, it appears that little thought has been placed in the selection of examples by which to support the claims of the article. Particularly, we might expect that a useful analogy would oppose the authors desire to see a reduction in public display of prayer to another instance in which the public and governmental will had agreed to main tain the separation of Church and State. Instead, the author refers in a somewhat self-defeatist manner to examples of exactly the opposite.He notes that past court decisions have ruled that in God We Trust, which began appearing on currency in 1860, has been in use so long as to have lost its religious significance. Obviously, it has not lost is religious significance in some minds. In addition to the use, once again, of an untested assumption in the last statement which assumes that it is legitimate and even obvious that there is a religious significance to the phrase in God We Trust, the false analogy here actually proves a greater cultural proclivity toward the mainstreaming of the practices which Page decries.Thus, it is a confusing and awkward choice of analogies. On the sum, the Page article proceeds to diminish the viability and appeal of a scene which, if founded upon supportable statements rather than categorical fallacies, would be otherwise agreeable. Works Cited Page , C. (2000). Keeping the Faith. . . to Yourself. The Sacramento Bee. Wikipedia. (2008). Clarence Page. Wikimedia, Ltd. Inc.

Analysis of E-Commerce and Supply Chain for Silver Spoon

Analysis of E-Commerce and Supply image for fluid Spoon coin Spoon Snacks is a refrain food run throughery echtized first in Gulshan in the year 1965. It has expanded to a second kickoff in Tariq road. During its hey sidereal solar day it revolutionized the fast food pains by introducing the excogitation of rolls on the f atomic number 18. It enjoyed this untapped market till competitors jumped on the band wagon.The menu is diverse, including Pakistani, Chinese, Continental, Western and Indian items. thither is plenty of consumer traffic in twain(prenominal) offset printinges speciall(a)y during the blushing. The Tariq passageway branch serves all kinds of BBQ items, club sandwich, zinger burger and the hygienic k straight offn rolls.The take a breatheraurant is owned and ope deemd by a family. The branch private instructors ar materially brothers and sh ar shifts during the day and night. at that place argon a sum of 4 active brothers that argon liable for handling the day to day running and operations of the frame. Key procure decisions, menu expansion and bring chain decisions are handled solely by them.They sop up been following a musical composition based corpse since its inception. All the invoice work and record keeping is done manually in registers that are stocked at the residence either month.Literature reviewAccording to Laudon and Laudon (Information agreements and termination making, 2000), the hang on chain is a collection of physical entities linked together into processes that make out goods or table services from source through consumption. The supply chain consists of providers, manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, retail awaylets, logistics and consumers. This list also includes those activities that are necessary in facilitating the supply chain.Managing a supply chain is a difficult task that requires subtile insight and consciousness of the line of credit processes and the environment in wh ich it operates. The struggle is to create a internet which has no weak links in terms of cartridge holder delays, randomness gaps or inefficiencies in other words, all processes must be integrated. This is best achieved by the creation of net industrial plant with a smooth in precipitate and come forthflow of applicable tuition. This is the heart of e-commerce.The earnings has allowed the ontogeny of e-businesses a spread over b purchase battle arrays and physical limits. The utilise of an intranet is greatly appreciated within a federation. Based on internet technology, the intranet is used principally within a single company which allows the internal users to expand and share information across floors and walls. These locations whitethorn be domestic or may even be throughout the world (Bartoo, Elliot, and Naik-lyer, 2000).E Commerce is one of the nuzzle important facets of the internet to have developed in this day and age. Ecommerce, more or less ms referred to as E Business, involves carrying out business over the mesh with the use of electronic computers that are linked to severally other forming a network. E-commerce includes the buying, selling, merchandise, and servicing of goods or services through telecommunication technologies.E-Business, on the other hand, carries a broader definition, non sound the buying and selling of goods and services, but servicing customers, collaborating with business partners, and conducting communications and relationss within and exterior an organization. (electronic Commerce a managerial perspective by Efrahim Turban, David King, Prentice Hall US Ed edition October, 1999)According to ComScore a marketing question company that pass ons marketing entropy and services to many of the Internets openhandedst businesses, E-commerce has had its first $1B day on 2nd December 2010. The heaviest online sp curiositying day in history and the first to fade the billion-dollar threshold, declares ComSc ore. This goes to show how uttermost and wide the scope of electronic buying and selling has reached. It is revolutionized the way business models are created and defined numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs and the like.E- Commerce bathroom help a supply chain over the internet in areas such(prenominal) as placing and receiving orders, providing product information, denying orders, filling and managing parentage, and recording inflows and outflows (Sunil Chopra and Jan A, Van Mieghem, Supply Chain Management Review, April 200)A critical area where e-commerce has realised its presence in a supply chain is in the resource homework and caudex charge function of an organization. It helps users track the line and where it is distributed from the organization. It helps plan for future forecasts and deal with shortages. It creates a hub where information is shared among applicable members of a business model this is k at a timen as EDI Electronic entropy Interchange.Similar ly ERP (Enterprise Resource homework) governing bodys have emerged that serve similar functions in terms of smooth data flow amongst members of an organization. Relevant information relating to key business functions is whence shared, matched and cross matched surrounded by departments and related companies that have partnered with the business. The goal is to streamline operations and produce a court and clock time competent process altogether.IBM and sulphur are 2 prime examples of organizations that heavy rely on supply chain industrys produced by business focussing package such as SAP. This application has streamlined its processes in that respectby creating a real-time and efficient business model. line of descent management models are heavily used in volumed scale organizations in the fast food industry. Giant franchises such as Subway, KFC and Pizza Hut use business intelligence software for its operations. Zap is a leading software house that creates web base d packages for KFC and Pizza Hut.As a starting point, a basic open source gillyflower management software bring together with internet technologies is an ideal way for a low to mid-sized business to start.The diagram to a lower place shows how e-commerce croupe efficiently distribute and coordinate the flow of information between the entities and business functions of the supply chain. The importance of information sharing and interchange is crucial to improve operational effectiveness.Research methodologySecondary exploreSecondary seek consisted of going through explore articles and existing information on e-commerce and supply chain models.Text books, class lectures and the internet served as sources for vicarious research.This type of research was necessary to gain an understanding of existing supply chain models that are bene scoffting with the integration of e-ecommerce and its technologies.Primary researchThis is first hand research that demand to be conducted to gai n an understanding of Silver Spoon SnacksThis form of research was conducted over 2 face to face interviews and short telephone calls with the starting time Manager and trading operations ManagerA set of questions were asked to understand the existing supply chain model and how operations are carried out on a day-to-day and periodical basisThese questions also attempted to surface any inefficiencies and weaknesses that exist in the electric authorized setupInterviews were necessary to collect direct and relevant information from the refer peopleData AnalysisInput details pertaining to the Tariq Road branchRaw material listing yellowBeef muttonFlourVegetables cetchup/mustardSeasoningsEquipment usedOvenFryerCoalFreezersStoveTables and chairsUtilities used electricityGasTelephoneWaterLabour use show ChefKitchen staff fling WaiterWaitersCleanersWatchmanFor simplicity, the supply chain of icteric as a key and widely used ingredient forget be crowd outvas throughout this repor t.Supply Chain dodging of Silver Spoon Snacks explained with the help of a flow chart.Supply Chain Defined ChickenButcherthorium morning or earlier depending on needs, the Chicken supplier receives an order of Boneless Chicken and Tikka pieces for the hebdomad. This order is placed via telephone by the branch manager. The measuring stick for lily-livered in Tikka and Boneless variation is verbally stipulate via telephone. The supplier confirms the order and a delivery time is specified. The butcher cuts the volaille according to pieces specified either Tikka pieces or Boneless for Chicken rolls.Delivery vehicleAs per initial agreement between Silver Spoon and the supplier, the grumbler supply leave alone be delivered to the warehousing store in the suppliers vehicle. This is part of the negotiation. The supplier go forth have the sniveller delivered to the retentivity warehouse and settle the payment at the end of the month.WarehouseThe warehouse is owned and operated by Silver Spoon owners. It has been part of the business model since 40 years and is situated off Tariq road near the Tariq road branch. The warehouse serves as a sorting point most of the raw materials. Individual branch expect is catered to and planned here. The warehouse has a large kitchen and a storage bay.Warehouse kitchenThe warehouse kitchen department is responsible for all the alter and homework of the raw food. This entails cleansing the squawker, removing the fat and making it hygienic and fit for cooking. Staff is employed in this department to manage the cleaning.Warehouse storage by and by the scandalmongering has been cleaned, it goes into cold storage. The occur which has to be distributed to the branches on a fooling basis is dispatched and the rest goes into freezers. The come is determined in advance by branch managers. Keep in mind that a weeks supply is available for both branches at the warehouse. semiofficial vehicleA Suzuki Pickup is on standby at t he warehouse and the workers load a days worth of complainer and conveyancing it to the both branches. 60% of the fearful goes to the Tariq Road Branch as its yellowed utilization is the highest.Tariq road branchAt the Tariq Road branch, the official vehicle arrives briefly with the chicken for the day. This chicken thawed, cleaned and semi marinated at the individual branches before it is ready to be finally added with the secret spices and recipes. It is immediately transported by the workers to the freezer.Kitchen + freezerAs noon approaches a plenty of the boneless chicken is removed from the freezer and brought to the preparation room. Here the chicken is added with seasoning, sauce and the secret spices which are made early during the day. This preparation is done by the stop chef. The boneless chicken goes to the Roll preparation area and the Tikka pieces go to the BBQ area where they are cooked.client at one time cooked, the Rolls and Tikkas are served to customersPl anning brassFor the pastime of simplicity we testament go through a typical week of ordering chicken to get a grasp of the current supply system at the Tariq Road branch. This boneless chicken is used for Chicken Rolls and Chicken Boti. Whereas full chickens are used to create 4 Tikka pieces per chicken. invite for the week is established by looking at previous trends. Basically a base exact for consumption has been established for boneless chicken of 210 kg per week. The base have of 210kg worth of boneless chicken is always used for Rolls and Chicken Boti. On an average, 220-250kgs of boneless chicken is purchased as take on from consumers never dips below 210kg per week. For Tikkas, the base demand is 80 Tikkas per day, which makes it 560 Tikkas on an average per week. A full chicken is able to provide 4 Tikka pieces.The key considerations that determine and influence demand for chicken areStage of the week Friday, Saturday and Sunday are days where demand for boneless ch icken is at its highest. During these days the normal goes out to eat with family.Public holidays the eating house operates during public holidays. During these days of the calendar, families choose to visit eateries and in that locationfore the consumption of boneless chicken is high.City paroxysm during evaluate city turmoil and expected strikes, the public operates at an accelerated pace and attempts to get things out of the way. This may entail visiting Tariq Road for work 1-2 days before the expected turmoil or unrest. Furthermore, consumption of boneless chicken falls during the days of turmoil, hence purchasing is planned accordingly.Level of commercial exercise Tariq Road is heavily populated with shops and vendors. If the activity in malls and shopping strips is high, wherefore demand for food, especially Chicken Rolls is also high as it serves the fast food concept and is economical.The factors to a higher place have the faculty to influence demand for chicken and hence the purchasing patterns vary. Chicken that is non used is then stored in freezers for next days use.This chicken is bought on Thursdays of the week from a vendor that has been partnered with the business. An order is placed via telephone on Thursday morning by the Branch Manager and it arrives by noon.If for some reason demand is abnormally high, the regular chicken supplier is contacted and is urged to make an emergency drop to the warehouse. If he is unable to do so from his own inventory, then he is responsible for making other arrangements.Supplier selectionA chicken supplier is selected on the basis of chalk up costCleaning and stinger hail is the most important factor that ultimately determines which supplier/butcher to choose from. Silver Spoon negotiates on the basis of the foremost is cost (low or discounted price), quality, and delivery service.Secondly, it is affirmatory if the supplier can clean and cut the chicken into pieces at his outlet before deliverin g it to the Silver Spoon warehouse. Although Silver Spoon has a chicken slaughtering and cleaning/cutting facility, but is used for only further cleaning of the chicken and cutting for marinating purposes.fiscal costs pertaining to Tariq Road BranchCost for chicken this rate is Rs. 4 per kilo less than the prevailing marketing rate. The chicken suppliers set the price every Thursday of the week. Price of chicken per kilo varies on a weekly basis and is determined by the laws of demand and supply. For example, if chicken is in excess supply then the price falls. Conversely if there is high demand then the price rises such as on weekends. Due to this the chicken suppliers set their prices on Thursday. The Tariq Road branch bears 60% of the constitutional cost of the chicken whereas the Gulshan branch, only 40%. Consumption and sale of chicken items is the highest at the Tariq Road branch.The basis for making profits for Tikkas is to earn Rs. 20-25 profit per Tikka.UtilitiesElectri city Bill varies between Rs. 50,000 to 60,000 per month.Gas Bill varies between Rs. 10,000 to 12,000 per monthTelephone Bill Rs. 1,000 per month on an averageCoal Usage worth Rs. 1,500 on a daily basis.Labour EmployedWaiter The starting salary per waiter is Rs. 6000 per month. Senior waiters (determined by length of employment) are paid Rs. 8000 per month. in that location are a total of 8 senior waiters (8 x 8000 = Rs. 64,000 per month) and 6 junior waiters (6 x 6000 = Rs. 36,000 per month).Kitchen Staff these employees include assistants to the chef (3 assistants), and additional workers who produce other items on the menu (5 kitchen workers). They are de mansion houseate various tasks in the kitchen to add value to the system. On an average, the total labour costs assigned to the kitchen staff are Rs. 75,000Head chef There is 1 head Chef who is paid Rs. 12,000 per month.Total labour costs per month = Rs 64,000 + Rs 36,000 + Rs. 65,000 + 12,000 = Rs 187,000DiscussionInefficiencie s or weaknesses in the supply chainSupplier/butcherSilver Spoon has had the like supplier for chicken for nearly 20 years. They should search the market for other suppliers that can offer competitive rates for bulk purchases of chicken.The order is placed on the phone and a Silver Spoon official does non personally monitor the chicken selection, which agent an old chicken or unhealthy chicken can be part of the mixWarehouseAt the warehouse, the supplier delivery vehicle drops off the chicken and drives away by and by collecting the payment. There is no check here, no one counts the chicken or weighs it upon arrival so there is no way of making veritable if they received the amount they paid for.There is no record system or inventory management. The chicken is not logged in, just immediately shifted to the kitchen where it is cleaned for use. Therefore there is no actual account or record for the amount of chicken that entered the facility nor is there any receiving slip or re ception.Warehouse Storagein one case the chicken is cleaned and affect fit for use, it goes into storage freezers and only the days worth is kept outside for delivery. However, there is no one who counts the keep down of chicken breasts or legs, or kilograms of chicken that goes into the freezer. So there is no check or monitor system.Silver Spoon Snacks VehicleThe days worth of chicken is transported to the Tariq Road Branch, but there is no baronial record of the amount that leaves the warehouse, nor is there any receiving document from the branches end.BranchAgain, there is no counter checking or count system of the chicken that arrives in the branch. It is blindly kept in the freezer.CustomerThe customer does not receive an electronic receipt. Which means that there is no schematic record at Silver Spoons counter of the items sold and the cash received. There is an informal scribble in a worn out register.Other deficiencies with the current setup marketing There are limited marketing efforts carried out by the eatery. At most, marketing involves re-doing the company banner or releasing a dozen flyers in the area. No website exists.Recording It is a complete paper based system with not a computer or digital device in sight. Records are loosely maintained at the warehouse and branch in registers and journals. There is no formal record keeping system. Customers are not given gross therefore there is no cross checking.Tracking there is no way for Silver Spoon Snacks to forecast demand sound judgment by trends, as figures and statistics for trends do not exist.Paper based it is a paper based system with information regarding transactions loosely recorded in registers.Checks and balances checks and balances do not exist, there is no tangible record keeping when it comes to inventory and purchases. It is not possible to confirm orders with suppliers and inter branch as orders are verbally given. There is no proof.Proposed systemThe proposed system involves the purchase of computer ironware and the use of an internet connection. The idea is to create a basic centralised system at the warehouse as the server with 2 additional linked systems at the branches.The purpose is to track and record inventory that moves into the warehouse and out to the branches. A real time system is proposed where inventory levels are monitored by the hour. The systems will need to be linked by an internet connection to provide a real time feed of information between the branches and warehouse.With an inventory management and track software, the loopholes and loose-ends in the current system will be neutralized.How it works at once the systems have been installed and made operational, the current stock, inventory and work in progress are uploaded to the servers. The software will be used be the warehouse, and both the branches. Each user will update the records from their end so it can be seen at the warehouse server. The software will have section for the warehouse, branch A and branch B.Depending on the fresh demand levels, the warehouse determines the quantity of chicken needed and sends an order via telephone to the butcher. Had the butcher/supplier been using a computer system (example Makro), then an email would have been dispatched instead. The quantity ordered is punched into the system and falls under the status of pending. The rate per kilo is noted. Order time is also noted.Once the stock of chicken arrives at the warehouse, its exact quantity is manually counted and weighed by an employee and then the numbers are punched into the warehouse server. This will cross check the amount ordered with the amount received.Once the figures tally, a receiving slip is generated electronically and printed after the order has been confirmed and accounted for. A slip is generated and given to the supplier and a formal record now exists in the system.A notification is sent in a matter of seconds to both branches informing them of the added inventory levels. The levels now appear on the screens of both branch A and B (Tariq road and Gulshan). Preparations are made.Depending on the opening inventory and the base level demand of 210kg of chicken and 80 Tikka pieces, each branch sends its required amount of chicken (bonless and Tikka pieces) through the softwares built in messaging system. Each transaction and order is then recorded.After the warehouse server acknowledges receipt of the order from the branch, it then forwards it verbally to the warehouse freezer where the employee loads the Silver Spoon vehicle (Suzuki pickup). The vehicle then travels to the relevant branch. A printed slip is dispatched.From the warehouse, the inventory levels are then reduced and this is also reflected in each branches terminal. Once the vehicle is unloaded at the branch, a branch employee manually supervises the unloading and stocking of the chicken in the freezer.Once confirmed and signed, the branch manager then updates his terminal with the added inventory of chicken. Back at the warehouse, the lessening in inventory is equal to the gain in inventory at both branches.As the day goes by and the orders accumulate and dispatch, the inventory levels are monitored not only at the branch, but at the warehouse as well. Each chicken Tikka order placed or each chicken roll uses a certain raft of the inventory. And once the orders are fed and updated in the Silver Spoon register, the chicken based inventory is automatically deducted.Towards the end of the day, the ending inventory is tallied and counted. The warehouse manager reads these inventories on an hourly basis and incase of a shortage dispatches a vehicle to make up for the shortfall.The cycle is then repeated every day depending on the closing inventory levels.Notes on the proposed systemThe recommended software for Silver Spoon Snacks is inFlow Inventory management software (http//www.inflowinventory.com/). The software is easy to use and does not require e xtensive training. A simple understanding of images, inputting data and confirming orders is all it takes.Free software exists, but does not provide security, dependability and expansion as inFlows suite.Each terminal is given a unique pin code which only the operator is aware of. This means only the relevant person in charge can use the terminal which is a security check as well as a confirmation.Each transaction is logged and stored in a log file sent to the warehouse computer.Backups are made on a daily basisFinancial Costs bear on with this systemSoftware although many free software packages exist, inFlow Inventory Management provides the best balance between features and cost. To create a multi user network (ideal in this case), the license cost $299 per computer for lifetime use. 3 licenses will be needed.$299 x 3 = $897 = Rs. 75000 ( Rs. 84 per U.S Dollar)Hardware needed processor, motherboard, RAM, hard drive, casing, designer supply, monitor. Based on the software requi rements, the hardware cost is as followsTariq Road Branch cost Rs 23,000Gulshan Branch cost Rs 23,000Warehouse cost Rs. 27,000Total Rs. 73,000Internet connection 3 connectionsInitial setup cost Rs. 800 x 3Monthly cost Rs. 1000 x 3Total initial investiture Rs. 75,000 (3 licenses) + (73,000 (hardware) + 2,400 (internet setup) + 3000 (first month internet payment) = Rs. 153,400Benefits of the proposed systemAccountability first and foremost, the new system will hold each branch accountable for what it has received in its inventory. Once its handed over the inventory, it is held accountable for its storage, sales and payment. The sales of the branch should match the inventory received.Inventory control from the moment the chicken supply reaches the warehouse, it will be tracked and accounted for. The system will make sure that there is adequate supply at all branches at all quantify so as to not lose out on potential salesEconomic order quantity the ideal quantity of chicken to ord er each week and the ideal quantity to store in the freezers can be calculated based on demand and supply conditions. Inventory planning is thereby improved. accuracy with figures, statistics and numbers well accounted for and cross references, the books of Silver Spoon will present and accurate picture of state of affairs. A reduction in human fracture in terms of calculations, counting and so on will also be witnessed.Record keeping instead of scribbling in registers and authorship journals, an electronic system with constant updates is hence created with the use of e-commerce technologies. Past transactions, exchanges, buying and selling are stored electronically thereby staying safe. The option to print out the records exists, thereby creating tangible records.Electronic Data Interchange Information sharing between branches and the warehouse will be more convenient as real time updates and inventory levels can be monitored. Offers and promotional schemes by suppliers can also be entertained.Expansion This inventory monitoring and management system is not just limited to chicken it can be used for the entire product line, mutton, beef, vegetables, cold drinks, seasoning, flour and so on. The scope is limitless with unlimited suppliers and customers.Improved Customer Service and dedication when a customer always gets his or her desired order in desired quantity, it creates customer satisfaction and creates repeat customers. It improves loyalty as well. A computerized receipt also creates a positive impression on the customers.Reduce stock-outs and overstocks with supply synchronized with demand, the chances of ending up with expired inventory or facing shortages are greatly reduced. Shortages are prevented as inventory as planned well in advance, and in the same way excess inventory is also trim down thereby curbing inventory carrying costs.Ready frostys if the inventory dips below a certain level at a branch, an automatically generated alert is sent to the warehouse or Gulshan branch and inventory can be moved around. Furthermore this will act as an early warning sign to the warehouse to draw more inventory.Meeting demand demand is almost always met unless outside forces have some play. With inventory always available imputable to a tracking and trend analysis system, sales will always be met.Forecasting due to its ability to track charts and record daily transactions, the stored information can be used to conduct trend analysis for certain times of the calendar year. This will allow better planning for inventory and sales.Website Silver Spoon Snacks Pvt. Ltd. can go on-line and have a web presence. This on its own is a marketing toolNetworking since Silver Spoon is now on-line and has a presence on the world wide web, it will be able to reach out to suppliers and customers on a larger scale. It is a ready marketing tool. It can partner with other restaurants, sponsors, FMCGs and causes.Marketing with the use of e-commerce techn ologies, Silver Spoon Snacks can expand its marketing operations by direct out e-mails and creating ad banners and partnering with other websites.Costs of proposed systemChange it is possible that managers and top management may resist the change/transition from a paper based system to a technical system. The current system, though not ideal sets comfortably with current management. A management paradigm shift is required. didactics the system users will require some short initial training to understand the use of the software and technology in general. Although the Operations Manager Mr. Talha Awan is well versed with computer software and hardware, there will still be a slight lag due to training.Initial investment although a small amount, roughly Rs. 150,000 will need to be diverted for a project that has no immediate monetary returns.Software tide over although a helpline for customer support exists, it can incur cumbersome to ask for guidance incase of software exposeure o r confusion.Hardware failure at the mercy of KESC and the elements, the computer hardware may fail thereby causing confusion and a stop in information flow. Although an uninterrupted power supply may be purchased, as well as a warranty plan, it will only add up in costs and delays.Internet failure from time to time, the internet service provider may fail to provide a 100% uptime. This can cause delays and lags in the system.Industry StandardBar B Q Tonight Inventory Management SystemTo further add value to this report, I studied Bar B Q Tonights current inventory management setup which is computerized. Information was gathered through telephonic interviews and e-mail exchange with the Operations Managers, Sardar Ishaq and Mr. Abur Rehman. The findings are compiled below.Bar B Q Tonight is one of Karachis most famous restaurants that came into being in 1988. It prepares all kinds of cuisine that caters to thousands of customers on a daily basis. In-fact the multi storeyed establishm ent can house upto a thousand customers at a time. The restaurant has enjoyed high growth levels consistent with every year. Recently a branch has been erected in Lahore.Chicken, Beef, Fish, vegetables, pastas, fruit, ice cream, mushrooms, sausages, cheese, beverages and tissue rolls are just a small list of the inventory that are in storage and continuous use at the restaurant. These are key inputs needed to give customers a full service and experience backed by quality that the restaurant promises. To ensure proper delivery of storage, roughly 500 employees and 2 dozen management level officers are part of the work force.The accessibility of sufficient inventory and especially at the right time is perhaps the single most crucial factor at the restaurant. Insufficient inventory levels can result in a loss of potential sales. Furthermore due to the sheer quantity of inventory that enters and exits the building, checks and balances, control and proper monitoring of stock are require d. This serves a number of functions such as quality control, waste management and theft protection.The current supply chain is as followsSUPPLIER DRY/ cool STORAGE chemise/PROCESSING RELEVANT FOOD DEPARTMENT CUSTOMERThe suppliers supply meat, chicken, tinned items, cold drinks, eggs, vegetables and basically all the inputs needed.Once the orders are received, they go into processing/cleaning/cutting/batching dependinAnalysis of E-Commerce and Supply Chain for Silver SpoonAnalysis of E-Commerce and Supply Chain for Silver SpoonSilver Spoon Snacks is a fast food eatery established first in Gulshan in the year 1965. It has expanded to a second branch in Tariq road. During its heyday it revolutionized the fast food industry by introducing the concept of rolls on the menu. It enjoyed this untapped market till competitors jumped on the band wagon.The menu is diverse, including Pakistani, Chinese, Continental, Western and Indian items. There is plenty of consumer traffic in both bran ches especially during the evening. The Tariq Road branch serves all kinds of BBQ items, club sandwich, zinger burger and the well known rolls.The restaurant is owned and operated by a family. The branch managers are truly brothers and share shifts during the day and night. There are a total of 4 active brothers that are responsible for handling the day to day running and operations of the system. Key purchase decisions, menu expansion and supply chain decisions are handled solely by them.They have been following a paper based system since its inception. All the accounting work and record keeping is done manually in registers that are stocked at the residence every month.Literature ReviewAccording to Laudon and Laudon (Information Systems and Decision making, 2000), the supply chain is a collection of physical entities linked together into processes that supply goods or services from source through consumption. The supply chain consists of suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, dis tributors, retail outlets, logistics and consumers. This list also includes those activities that are necessary in facilitating the supply chain.Managing a supply chain is a difficult task that requires keen insight and understanding of the business processes and the environment in which it operates. The struggle is to create a network which has no weak links in terms of time delays, information gaps or inefficiencies in other words, all processes must be integrated. This is best achieved by the creation of networks with a smooth inflow and outflow of relevant information. This is the heart of e-commerce.The internet has allowed the growth of e-businesses across borders and physical limits. The use of an intranet is greatly appreciated within a company. Based on internet technology, the intranet is used primarily within a single company which allows the internal users to expand and share information across floors and walls. These locations may be domestic or may even be throughout the world (Bartoo, Elliot, and Naik-lyer, 2000).E Commerce is one of the most important facets of the internet to have developed in this day and age. Ecommerce, sometimes referred to as E Business, involves carrying out business over the Internet with the use of computers that are linked to each other forming a network. E-commerce includes the buying, selling, marketing, and servicing of goods or services through telecommunication technologies.E-Business, on the other hand, carries a broader definition, not just the buying and selling of goods and services, but servicing customers, collaborating with business partners, and conducting communications and transactions within and outside an organization. (Electronic Commerce a managerial perspective by Efrahim Turban, David King, Prentice Hall US Ed edition October, 1999)According to ComScore a marketing research company that provides marketing data and services to many of the Internets largest businesses, E-commerce has had its first $1B day on 2nd December 2010. The heaviest online spending day in history and the first to surpass the billion-dollar threshold, declares ComScore. This goes to show how far and wide the scope of electronic buying and selling has reached. It is revolutionized the way business models are created and defined numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs and the like.E- Commerce can help a supply chain over the internet in areas such as placing and receiving orders, providing product information, tracking orders, filling and managing inventory, and recording inflows and outflows (Sunil Chopra and Jan A, Van Mieghem, Supply Chain Management Review, April 200)A critical area where e-commerce has established its presence in a supply chain is in the resource planning and inventory management function of an organization. It helps users track the inventory and where it is distributed from the organization. It helps plan for future forecasts and deal with shortages. It creates a hub where informa tion is shared among relevant members of a business model this is known as EDI Electronic Data Interchange.Similarly ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems have emerged that serve similar functions in terms of smooth data flow between members of an organization. Relevant information relating to key business functions is then shared, matched and cross matched between departments and related companies that have partnered with the business. The goal is to streamline operations and produce a cost and time efficient process altogether.IBM and Siemens are 2 prime examples of organizations that heavily rely on supply chain applications produced by business management software such as SAP. This application has streamlined its processes thereby creating a real-time and efficient business model.Inventory management models are heavily used in large scale organizations in the fast food industry. Giant franchises such as Subway, KFC and Pizza Hut use business intelligence software for its o perations. Zap is a leading software house that creates web based packages for KFC and Pizza Hut.As a starting point, a basic open source inventory management software coupled with internet technologies is an ideal way for a small to mid-sized business to start.The diagram below shows how e-commerce can efficiently distribute and coordinate the flow of information between the entities and business functions of the supply chain. The importance of information sharing and interchange is crucial to improve operational effectiveness.Research methodologySecondary researchSecondary research consisted of going through research articles and existing information on e-commerce and supply chain models.Text books, class lectures and the internet served as sources for secondary research.This type of research was necessary to gain an understanding of existing supply chain models that are benefitting with the integration of e-ecommerce and its technologies.Primary researchThis is first hand researc h that needed to be conducted to gain an understanding of Silver Spoon SnacksThis form of research was conducted over 2 face to face interviews and short telephone calls with the Branch Manager and Operations ManagerA set of questions were asked to understand the existing supply chain model and how operations are carried out on a daily and weekly basisThese questions also attempted to surface any inefficiencies and weaknesses that exist in the current setupInterviews were necessary to collect direct and relevant information from the involved peopleData AnalysisInput details pertaining to the Tariq Road branchRaw material listingChickenBeefMuttonFlourVegetablesKetchup/mustardSeasoningsEquipment usedOvenFryerCoalFreezersStoveTables and chairsUtilities usedElectricityGasTelephoneWaterLabour employedHead ChefKitchen staffHead WaiterWaitersCleanersWatchmanFor simplicity, the supply chain of chicken as a key and widely used ingredient will be studied throughout this report.Supply Chain sy stem of Silver Spoon Snacks explained with the help of a flow chart.Supply Chain Defined ChickenButcherThursday morning or earlier depending on needs, the Chicken supplier receives an order of Boneless Chicken and Tikka pieces for the week. This order is placed via telephone by the branch manager. The quantity for chicken in Tikka and Boneless variation is verbally specified via telephone. The supplier confirms the order and a delivery time is specified. The butcher cuts the chicken according to pieces specified either Tikka pieces or Boneless for Chicken rolls.Delivery vehicleAs per initial agreement between Silver Spoon and the supplier, the chicken supply will be delivered to the warehouse in the suppliers vehicle. This is part of the negotiation. The supplier will have the chicken delivered to the warehouse and settle the payment at the end of the month.WarehouseThe warehouse is owned and operated by Silver Spoon owners. It has been part of the business model since 40 years an d is situated off Tariq road near the Tariq road branch. The warehouse serves as a sorting point most of the raw materials. Individual branch demand is catered to and planned here. The warehouse has a large kitchen and a storage bay.Warehouse kitchenThe warehouse kitchen department is responsible for all the cleaning and preparation of the raw food. This entails cleaning the chicken, removing the fat and making it hygienic and fit for cooking. Staff is employed in this department to manage the cleaning.Warehouse storageAfter the chicken has been cleaned, it goes into cold storage. The amount which has to be distributed to the branches on a daily basis is dispatched and the rest goes into freezers. The amount is determined in advance by branch managers. Keep in mind that a weeks supply is available for both branches at the warehouse.Official vehicleA Suzuki Pickup is on standby at the warehouse and the workers load a days worth of chicken and transport it to the both branches. 60% of the chicken goes to the Tariq Road Branch as its chicken utilization is the highest.Tariq road branchAt the Tariq Road branch, the official vehicle arrives shortly with the chicken for the day. This chicken thawed, cleaned and semi marinated at the individual branches before it is ready to be finally added with the secret spices and recipes. It is immediately transported by the workers to the freezer.Kitchen + freezerAs noon approaches a portion of the boneless chicken is removed from the freezer and brought to the preparation room. Here the chicken is added with seasoning, sauce and the secret spices which are made early during the day. This preparation is done by the head chef. The boneless chicken goes to the Roll preparation area and the Tikka pieces go to the BBQ area where they are cooked.CustomerOnce cooked, the Rolls and Tikkas are served to customersPlanning systemFor the sake of simplicity we will go through a typical week of ordering chicken to get a grasp of the current supply system at the Tariq Road branch. This boneless chicken is used for Chicken Rolls and Chicken Boti. Whereas full chickens are used to create 4 Tikka pieces per chicken.Demand for the week is established by looking at previous trends. Basically a base demand for consumption has been established for boneless chicken of 210 kg per week. The base demand of 210kg worth of boneless chicken is always used for Rolls and Chicken Boti. On an average, 220-250kgs of boneless chicken is purchased as demand from consumers never dips below 210kg per week. For Tikkas, the base demand is 80 Tikkas per day, which makes it 560 Tikkas on an average per week. A full chicken is able to provide 4 Tikka pieces.The key considerations that determine and influence demand for chicken areStage of the week Friday, Saturday and Sunday are days where demand for boneless chicken is at its highest. During these days the public goes out to eat with family.Public holidays the restaurant operates during public holidays. During these days of the calendar, families choose to visit eateries and therefore the consumption of boneless chicken is high.City turmoil during expected city turmoil and expected strikes, the public operates at an accelerated pace and attempts to get things out of the way. This may entail visiting Tariq Road for work 1-2 days before the expected turmoil or unrest. Furthermore, consumption of boneless chicken falls during the days of turmoil, hence purchasing is planned accordingly.Level of commercial activity Tariq Road is heavily populated with shops and vendors. If the activity in malls and shopping strips is high, then demand for food, especially Chicken Rolls is also high as it serves the fast food concept and is economical.The factors above have the capacity to influence demand for chicken and hence the purchasing patterns vary. Chicken that is not used is then stored in freezers for next days use.This chicken is bought on Thursdays of the week from a vendor tha t has been partnered with the business. An order is placed via telephone on Thursday morning by the Branch Manager and it arrives by noon.If for some reason demand is abnormally high, the regular chicken supplier is contacted and is urged to make an emergency drop to the warehouse. If he is unable to do so from his own inventory, then he is responsible for making other arrangements.Supplier selectionA chicken supplier is selected on the basis ofTotal costCleaning and cuttingCost is the most important factor that ultimately determines which supplier/butcher to choose from. Silver Spoon negotiates on the basis of the foremost is cost (low or discounted price), quality, and delivery service.Secondly, it is favourable if the supplier can clean and cut the chicken into pieces at his outlet before delivering it to the Silver Spoon warehouse. Although Silver Spoon has a chicken slaughtering and cleaning/cutting facility, but is used for only further cleaning of the chicken and cutting for marinating purposes.Financial costs pertaining to Tariq Road BranchCost for chicken this rate is Rs. 4 per kilo less than the prevailing marketing rate. The chicken suppliers set the price every Thursday of the week. Price of chicken per kilo varies on a weekly basis and is determined by the laws of demand and supply. For example, if chicken is in excess supply then the price falls. Conversely if there is high demand then the price rises such as on weekends. Due to this the chicken suppliers set their prices on Thursday. The Tariq Road branch bears 60% of the total cost of the chicken whereas the Gulshan branch, only 40%. Consumption and sale of chicken items is the highest at the Tariq Road branch.The basis for making profits for Tikkas is to earn Rs. 20-25 profit per Tikka.UtilitiesElectricity Bill varies between Rs. 50,000 to 60,000 per month.Gas Bill varies between Rs. 10,000 to 12,000 per monthTelephone Bill Rs. 1,000 per month on an averageCoal Usage worth Rs. 1,500 on a dai ly basis.Labour EmployedWaiter The starting salary per waiter is Rs. 6000 per month. Senior waiters (determined by length of employment) are paid Rs. 8000 per month.There are a total of 8 senior waiters (8 x 8000 = Rs. 64,000 per month) and 6 junior waiters (6 x 6000 = Rs. 36,000 per month).Kitchen Staff these employees include assistants to the chef (3 assistants), and additional workers who produce other items on the menu (5 kitchen workers). They are assigned various tasks in the kitchen to add value to the system. On an average, the total labour costs assigned to the kitchen staff are Rs. 75,000Head chef There is 1 head Chef who is paid Rs. 12,000 per month.Total labour costs per month = Rs 64,000 + Rs 36,000 + Rs. 65,000 + 12,000 = Rs 187,000DiscussionInefficiencies or weaknesses in the supply chainSupplier/butcherSilver Spoon has had the same supplier for chicken for nearly 20 years. They should search the market for other suppliers that can offer competitive rates for bulk pu rchases of chicken.The order is placed on the phone and a Silver Spoon official does not personally monitor the chicken selection, which means an old chicken or unhealthy chicken can be part of the mixWarehouseAt the warehouse, the supplier delivery vehicle drops off the chicken and drives away after collecting the payment. There is no check here, no one counts the chicken or weighs it upon arrival so there is no way of making sure if they received the amount they paid for.There is no record system or inventory management. The chicken is not logged in, just immediately shifted to the kitchen where it is cleaned for use. Therefore there is no actual account or record for the amount of chicken that entered the facility nor is there any receiving slip or receipt.Warehouse StorageOnce the chicken is cleaned and processed fit for use, it goes into storage freezers and only the days worth is kept outside for delivery. However, there is no one who counts the number of chicken breasts or le gs, or kilograms of chicken that goes into the freezer. So there is no check or monitor system.Silver Spoon Snacks VehicleThe days worth of chicken is transported to the Tariq Road Branch, but there is no formal record of the amount that leaves the warehouse, nor is there any receiving document from the branches end.BranchAgain, there is no counter checking or counting system of the chicken that arrives in the branch. It is blindly kept in the freezer.CustomerThe customer does not receive an electronic receipt. Which means that there is no formal record at Silver Spoons counter of the items sold and the cash received. There is an informal scribble in a worn out register.Other deficiencies with the current setupMarketing There are limited marketing efforts carried out by the restaurant. At most, marketing involves re-doing the company banner or releasing a dozen flyers in the area. No website exists.Recording It is a complete paper based system with not a computer or digital device i n sight. Records are loosely maintained at the warehouse and branch in registers and journals. There is no formal record keeping system. Customers are not given receipts therefore there is no cross checking.Tracking there is no way for Silver Spoon Snacks to forecast demand judging by trends, as figures and statistics for trends do not exist.Paper based it is a paper based system with information regarding transactions loosely recorded in registers.Checks and balances checks and balances do not exist, there is no tangible record keeping when it comes to inventory and purchases. It is not possible to confirm orders with suppliers and inter branch as orders are verbally given. There is no proof.Proposed systemThe proposed system involves the purchase of computer hardware and the use of an internet connection. The idea is to create a basic centralized system at the warehouse as the server with 2 additional linked systems at the branches.The purpose is to track and record inventory that moves into the warehouse and out to the branches. A real time system is proposed where inventory levels are monitored by the hour. The systems will need to be linked by an internet connection to provide a real time feed of information between the branches and warehouse.With an inventory management and tracking software, the loopholes and loose-ends in the current system will be neutralized.How it worksOnce the systems have been installed and made operational, the current stock, inventory and work in progress are uploaded to the servers. The software will be used be the warehouse, and both the branches. Each user will update the records from their end so it can be seen at the warehouse server. The software will have section for the warehouse, branch A and branch B.Depending on the fresh demand levels, the warehouse determines the quantity of chicken needed and sends an order via telephone to the butcher. Had the butcher/supplier been using a computer system (example Makro), then an email would have been dispatched instead. The quantity ordered is punched into the system and falls under the status of pending. The rate per kilo is noted. Order time is also noted.Once the stock of chicken arrives at the warehouse, its exact quantity is manually counted and weighed by an employee and then the numbers are punched into the warehouse server. This will cross check the amount ordered with the amount received.Once the figures tally, a receiving slip is generated electronically and printed after the order has been confirmed and accounted for. A slip is generated and given to the supplier and a formal record now exists in the system.A notification is sent in a matter of seconds to both branches informing them of the added inventory levels. The levels now appear on the screens of both branch A and B (Tariq road and Gulshan). Preparations are made.Depending on the opening inventory and the base level demand of 210kg of chicken and 80 Tikka pieces, each branch sends its requ ired amount of chicken (bonless and Tikka pieces) through the softwares built in messaging system. Each transaction and order is then recorded.After the warehouse server acknowledges receipt of the order from the branch, it then forwards it verbally to the warehouse freezer where the employee loads the Silver Spoon vehicle (Suzuki pickup). The vehicle then travels to the relevant branch. A printed slip is dispatched.From the warehouse, the inventory levels are then reduced and this is also reflected in each branches terminal. Once the vehicle is unloaded at the branch, a branch employee manually supervises the unloading and stocking of the chicken in the freezer.Once confirmed and signed, the branch manager then updates his terminal with the added inventory of chicken. Back at the warehouse, the reduction in inventory is equal to the gain in inventory at both branches.As the day goes by and the orders accumulate and dispatch, the inventory levels are monitored not only at the branch , but at the warehouse as well. Each chicken Tikka order placed or each chicken roll uses a certain portion of the inventory. And once the orders are fed and updated in the Silver Spoon register, the chicken based inventory is automatically deducted.Towards the end of the day, the ending inventory is tallied and counted. The warehouse manager reads these inventories on an hourly basis and incase of a shortage dispatches a vehicle to make up for the shortfall.The cycle is then repeated every day depending on the closing inventory levels.Notes on the proposed systemThe recommended software for Silver Spoon Snacks is inFlow Inventory management software (http//www.inflowinventory.com/). The software is easy to use and does not require extensive training. A simple understanding of images, inputting data and confirming orders is all it takes.Free software exists, but does not provide security, reliability and expansion as inFlows suite.Each terminal is given a unique pin code which only the operator is aware of. This means only the relevant person in charge can use the terminal which is a security check as well as a confirmation.Each transaction is logged and stored in a log file sent to the warehouse computer.Backups are made on a daily basisFinancial Costs involved with this systemSoftware although many free software packages exist, inFlow Inventory Management provides the best balance between features and cost. To create a multi user network (ideal in this case), the license cost $299 per computer for lifetime use. 3 licenses will be needed.$299 x 3 = $897 = Rs. 75000 ( Rs. 84 per U.S Dollar)Hardware needed processor, motherboard, RAM, hard drive, casing, power supply, monitor. Based on the software requirements, the hardware cost is as followsTariq Road Branch cost Rs 23,000Gulshan Branch cost Rs 23,000Warehouse cost Rs. 27,000Total Rs. 73,000Internet connection 3 connectionsInitial setup cost Rs. 800 x 3Monthly cost Rs. 1000 x 3Total initial investment Rs. 75,000 (3 licenses) + (73,000 (hardware) + 2,400 (internet setup) + 3000 (first month internet payment) = Rs. 153,400Benefits of the proposed systemAccountability first and foremost, the new system will hold each branch accountable for what it has received in its inventory. Once its handed over the inventory, it is held accountable for its storage, sales and payment. The sales of the branch should match the inventory received.Inventory control from the moment the chicken supply reaches the warehouse, it will be tracked and accounted for. The system will make sure that there is adequate supply at all branches at all times so as to not lose out on potential salesEconomic order quantity the ideal quantity of chicken to order each week and the ideal quantity to store in the freezers can be calculated based on demand and supply conditions. Inventory planning is thereby improved.Accuracy with figures, statistics and numbers well accounted for and cross references, the books of Silver Spo on will present and accurate picture of state of affairs. A reduction in human error in terms of calculations, counting and so on will also be witnessed.Record keeping instead of scribbling in registers and writing journals, an electronic system with constant updates is hence created with the use of e-commerce technologies. Past transactions, exchanges, buying and selling are stored electronically thereby staying safe. The option to print out the records exists, thereby creating tangible records.Electronic Data Interchange Information sharing between branches and the warehouse will be more convenient as real time updates and inventory levels can be monitored. Offers and promotional schemes by suppliers can also be entertained.Expansion This inventory monitoring and management system is not just limited to chicken it can be used for the entire product line, mutton, beef, vegetables, cold drinks, seasoning, flour and so on. The scope is limitless with unlimited suppliers and customers .Improved Customer Service and loyalty when a customer always gets his or her desired order in desired quantity, it creates customer satisfaction and creates repeat customers. It improves loyalty as well. A computerized receipt also creates a positive impression on the customers.Reduce stock-outs and overstocks with supply synchronized with demand, the chances of ending up with expired inventory or facing shortages are greatly reduced. Shortages are prevented as inventory as planned well in advance, and in the same way excess inventory is also reducing thereby curbing inventory carrying costs.Ready alerts if the inventory dips below a certain level at a branch, an automatically generated alert is sent to the warehouse or Gulshan branch and inventory can be moved around. Furthermore this will act as an early warning sign to the warehouse to acquire more inventory.Meeting demand demand is almost always met unless outside forces have some play. With inventory always available due to a tracking and trend analysis system, sales will always be met.Forecasting due to its ability to track charts and record daily transactions, the stored information can be used to conduct trend analysis for certain times of the calendar year. This will allow better planning for inventory and sales.Website Silver Spoon Snacks Pvt. Ltd. can go on-line and have a web presence. This on its own is a marketing toolNetworking since Silver Spoon is now on-line and has a presence on the world wide web, it will be able to reach out to suppliers and customers on a larger scale. It is a ready marketing tool. It can partner with other restaurants, sponsors, FMCGs and causes.Marketing with the use of e-commerce technologies, Silver Spoon Snacks can expand its marketing operations by sending out e-mails and creating ad banners and partnering with other websites.Costs of proposed systemChange it is possible that managers and top management may resist the change/transition from a paper based system to a technical system. The current system, though not ideal sets comfortably with current management. A management paradigm shift is required.Training the system users will require some short initial training to understand the use of the software and technology in general. Although the Operations Manager Mr. Talha Awan is well versed with computer software and hardware, there will still be a slight lag due to training.Initial investment although a small amount, roughly Rs. 150,000 will need to be diverted for a project that has no immediate monetary returns.Software support although a helpline for customer support exists, it can become cumbersome to ask for guidance incase of software failure or confusion.Hardware failure at the mercy of KESC and the elements, the computer hardware may fail thereby causing confusion and a stop in information flow. Although an uninterrupted power supply may be purchased, as well as a warranty plan, it will only add up in costs and delays.Internet failu re from time to time, the internet service provider may fail to provide a 100% uptime. This can cause delays and lags in the system.Industry StandardBar B Q Tonight Inventory Management SystemTo further add value to this report, I studied Bar B Q Tonights current inventory management setup which is computerized. Information was gathered through telephonic interviews and e-mail exchange with the Operations Managers, Sardar Ishaq and Mr. Abur Rehman. The findings are compiled below.Bar B Q Tonight is one of Karachis most famous restaurants that came into being in 1988. It prepares all kinds of cuisine that caters to thousands of customers on a daily basis. In-fact the multi storeyed establishment can house upto a thousand customers at a time. The restaurant has enjoyed high growth levels consistent with every year. Recently a branch has been erected in Lahore.Chicken, Beef, Fish, vegetables, pastas, fruit, ice cream, mushrooms, sausages, cheese, beverages and tissue rolls are just a small list of the inventory that are in storage and continuous use at the restaurant. These are key inputs needed to give customers a full service and experience backed by quality that the restaurant promises. To ensure proper delivery of storage, roughly 500 employees and 2 dozen management level officers are part of the work force.The availability of sufficient inventory and especially at the right time is perhaps the single most crucial factor at the restaurant. Insufficient inventory levels can result in a loss of potential sales. Furthermore due to the sheer quantity of inventory that enters and exits the building, checks and balances, control and proper monitoring of stock are required. This serves a number of functions such as quality control, waste management and theft protection.The current supply chain is as followsSUPPLIER DRY/COLD STORAGE CUTTING/PROCESSING RELEVANT FOOD DEPARTMENT CUSTOMERThe suppliers supply meat, chicken, tinned items, cold drinks, eggs, vegetable s and basically all the inputs needed.Once the orders are received, they go into processing/cleaning/cutting/batching dependin

Partnership Relations Between Ukraine And Eu Politics Essay

Partnership Relations Between Ukraine And Eu Politics EssayYear of 1993 female genitalia be considered as the branch of the partnership dealing betwixt Ukraine and the EU, when Ukrainian parliament Verchovna Rada in its resolution On (over) main directions of Ukraines foreign policy stated that longer-term view of foreign policy of Ukraine is accession to the EU. Nevertheless, this goal stood out as one of several rather contradictory decisions on the list at the time, when Verchovna Rada conducted a multidirectional international foreign policy. e realwhere the following age came into effect several proportionatenesss mingled with Ukraine and the EU, in particular on (over) the sale of various kinds of goods (metal products, textiles) and on (over) the cooperation in the nu capable industry. Of particular substance is the Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation, which Ukraine has signed (was signed by) with the EU as one of the first of the CIS (The Commonwealth of Indep endent States) countries on 14 June 1994. Though in that location were a number of inconsistencies in fulfillment its obligations from the Ukrainian side, which greatly complicated the negotiatation process for further economic integration between the two sides, it is also clear that the agreement has fulfilled its role to start building constructive relations between EU and Ukraine, creating a fundamentally refreshing type of cooperation.Nine years later, in May 2002, President L.Kuschma, during his annual address to Parliament stated objectives, aimed to bring Ukraine closer to europiuman community. Ambitions looked as follows(ing) In 2003-2004, to sign an agreement with the EU associate membership and negotiate a assuage trade zone In 2004-2007, Ukraine has to implement all the necessary procedures for the entry into run of the agreement on associate membership In 2005-2007, Ukraine makes to create a Customs Union with the EU In 2007-2011 Ukraine is to fulfill the conditi ons required for EU accession.At the equivalent time Ukraine has appealed to the European Union to grant it the status of associate member. Instead Ukraine has been offered the status of neighbor EU, a more detailed explanation of which appe bed almost a year later. Basic principles of the new neighborhood policy were set out in the directive of the Commission and Council of the European Union to the European Parliament Wider Europe Neighbourhood A new dimension to our relations with eastern and southern neighbors. The aim of the new European Neighborhood Policy was to provide a fabric for the development of new relations with the countries leaping the EU, which would in the adjacent perspectives of which do not include ( ) prospects of membership or participation in the institutions of the Union.Policy march intention Neighborhood was implemented based on an analysis of achievements and failures in the relationship between the two parties. It could be described in anothe r way as an integration without Europeanization.However incomplete, this was a diplomatic foundation upon which the fostering of the constructive relationship gave a start to more constructive relationship. Ukraine, together with other countries, such as Georgia, Armenia, Azerbajian, Moldova, belong to the East Subgroup, with EU aspiration ( ?). Aspirations, however, cannot outbalance notable disparity in rates of development in a number of branches. Thus, the train and characteristics of economic development of Ukraine imposed (and still do) significant restrictions on the integration capabilities of Ukraine.Economic perspectiveUnconditional obstacle to Ukraines EU membership remains a huge gap in economic development of Ukraine and European countries. Indicator of living standards in Ukraine (officially, the indicator of standard of living, composed from data on purport expectancy, education and per-capita GNI), even taking into account purchasing power parity (PPP, which is an expression of the idea that if ignoring transaction costs, identical good willing receive the identical prices on various markets), is approximately 15% of the EU average. The sh be of Ukraines foreign trade EU is very small, and justified by the small size of it of the Ukrainian economy. In 2001, Ukraines share in EU imports amounted to 0,4% and 0,5% in its exports and that is given that the export accounted for 70% of Ukrainian GDP and the rate of exports per capita is about 5% of the EU average. policy-making situationViktor Yanukovych became the 4th President of Independent Ukraine in February 2010. On February 7 2010 Janukowitsh defeated his main rival and fierce political opponent of m any(prenominal) years Julia Timoshenko. Juschenko was defeated in the first round of election in January, when won less than total of 6 per cent of votes. Janukowitsch is an openly pro-russian president, comes from the Russian- speaking part of Ukraine and is known to be strongly comport ed by a number of pro-russian businessmen and Russian clans in this presidential campaign.The lost of trust of Ukrainian people in Viktor Juschenko was evident. Viktor Juschenko, the former Head of National Bank, in December 2004, during Orange Revolution has become the 3rd President of independent Ukraine with 51.9 per cent of votes ( debates are still ongoing, whether in his presidential campaign he was financially heavily supported by the US government, which is, as speculated, amounted to millions of US dollars). His attemps to bring Ukraine into NATO brought opposition from the majority of Ukrainians. The other approximative misdirection was to make Russia, in the media, at least, a fierce enemy, which was and is a crude () strategical mistake, not exactly economically but also socially, if taken into account that the biggest minority in Ukraine are Russians. His attempt to alienate Ukraine from its neighbor was unthinkable in the country where roughly 50 per cent of indige nous cosmos consider Russian as their mother tongue and enthusiastically consume made-in-Russia media products. It should not be denied that to a certain extent this brotherhood is purposely play up by the media, but the influence of Russian culture on Ukrainian mentality simply should not be dismissed. Eventually he was a president of a handful of pro-western group of intelligentsia, which is a minority in a predominantly rural Ukraine. In addition, politically ugly split between Juschenko and Timoshenko, when the Head of BYT refused to play a second violin, sped up the downfall of his influence on the hearts and minds of Ukrainian folk. The tensions in his camp were continuous, public and at long last mischievous for his political career. The weakness in his position was already obvious when during the Parlamental elections Jutshenko Party won less that 14 per cent of votes. Dissapointment in Orange Revolution fostered a collapse of the Orange coalition in July 2006, resulting in the appearance of a new AntiCrisis Coalition, composed of the Party of Regions, led by V.Janukovych, the Socialist Party of Ukraine and the commie Party of Ukraine. Their agenda offered significant changes to the presidential one, as in interior(prenominal) projects as well as in the foreign affairs policy, though eventually the signing of a pronunciamento of National Unity still took place between the opposing parties. This document ratified the Ukraine intention to continue integration dialogue with the EU and to co-operate with NATO. At the same time, its effectuation remained problematic as the anti-crises coalition was making attempts to evade the implementation of certain points of the Manifesto (e.g. co-operation with NATO). Questions arose and during interpretation of certain statements of Manifesto by different parties.Agreements between Ukraine and the EU.Ukraine is currently considered as a key partner with the European Neighbourhood policy (ENP) and the Eastern Pa rtnership, which are in that respect to master that the whole of the EU is committed to deeper relations with all our neighbours and at the same time to develop tailor-made relations with each country. In March 2007 EU-Ukraine tie beam Agreement was launched to replace the previous Partnershp and Cooperation Agreement, the aim of which is to establish deep and comprehensive lighten Trade Area with the EU, following Ukraines accession to the World Trade scheme (WTO, an organization that intent/ds to supervise and liberalize international trade) in May 2008). The question remains how long Kiew will need to wait for a full Agreement, which in its turn depends how swiftly Kiew will accept and fulfill its obligations set in the ENP Action Plans, which as stated by the ENP can follow only from the involvement of both the government and the civil society organisations. The role of civil society organizations, in their part, consists of identifying priorities for action and in promoti ng and monitoring the implementation of ENP Action Plans. Though EU considers civil society organizations as important players in establishment transparency and systematization, the question remains whether Ukrainian legislature can attend independent functioning of these non-government organizations and protection from manipulative pressure by Government or other interested players. Partnership and Co-operation Agreement (PCA) is currently the legal textile of EU-Ukraine relations, which provides a framework for political dialogue, sets the principal common objectives in terms of promotion of trade and investment, sustainable development, economic, social, financial, civil, scientific, technological and cultural cooperation, legal approximation and support to Ukraines efforts to consolidate its democracy and to develop its economy.PCA, on its part, set up a framework, which consists of Co-operation Council, consisting of the members of the Government of Ukraine on the one hand an d of the members of the EU Council and of the European Commission on the other, as well as co-operation Committee, which are to meet regularly to monitor the progress in implementing economic/trade chapters of the EU-Ukraine Action Plan. The head Committee consists of a number of sub-committees. Another significant committee to mention is the Parliamentary Co-operation Committee (PCC), consisting of the members of the Ukrainian Parliament and the European Parliament and meets twice a year.Among other agreements on cooperation are Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine establishing a framework for the participation of Ukraine in the European Union crisis management operations, as well as the Agreement on cooperation in science and technology between the European Community and Ukraine , Agreements between the European Community and Ukraine on certain aspects of air services, agreement for Cooperation in the Field of Civil Satellite Navigation, Visa Facilitation and Readmissi on agreements.Another field of cooperation worth mentioning is Black sea Synergy Joint Statement, signed in capital of the Ukraine in 2008 between EU and the Black Sea Foreign Affairs Ministers in order to stimulate democratic and economic reforms, support stability and come along development, facilitate projects in fields of common concern, open up opportunities and challenges by coordinated action in a regional framework, and encourage the peaceful resolution of conflicts in the region. Another important field of cooperation is in the sphere of natural artillery and oil. Ukrainian Naftogaz is already a member of several international organizations such vaunt Centre of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, the European Energy Forum, and the International Gas Union. In May 2010 Naftogaz began the procedure of accession to Eurogas, the European Union of the inwrought Gas Industry as an associated member. On 21 May at the meeting in Berlin, Germany Chairman of the Naftogaz of Ukraine Board of Directors Yevhen Bakulin and Eurogas President Domenico Dispenza signed the Memorandum of Understanding, concerning cooperation in heartiness sphere. Based on this Memorandum a Joint Declaration was signed on 23 March 2009 during joint EU-Ukraine International Conference for modernization of Gas Transportation System of Ukraine. A technical coordination group was created to realize provisions of the Joint Declaration. This group is comprised of experts from Naftogaz of Ukraine, SE Ukrtransgaz, and experts from the European Commission and international financial organizations (EIB, EBRD, and WB). Naftogaz of Ukraine received technical assistance indoors the framework of the S/INOGATE program financed by the European Union. The main goal of this program is to increase security of tourion and supply of zippo resources to European consumers by fostering regional integration of oil and gas pipeline systems.On 24 September 2010 Ukraine joined the Europea n Energy Community, the significance of which was underlined by the European Commissioner for Energy Gunther Oettinger as to help Ukraine to have access to a pan-European energy market, based on the principles of solidarity and transparency, since for the Community, Ukraine is an important new member and security of supply further improved.The energy Community entered into force on 1 July 2006. The goal of the European Energy Community is to liberalize their energy markets and implement key EU legal acts in the area of electricity, gas, environment and renewable energy.Another point of cooperation is the European Parliament Resolution of 25 Novermber 2010 on Ukraine. Overall, the resolution can be tell to have taken a soft stand recent violation of local elections and characterized them as largely quiet, though not setting new democratic standards, even though certain partied of the EP, such as European Peoples Party (EPP) proposed originally to regognize the elections in Ukraine a s unfree, foul and undemocratic. The resolution was also lenient on describing problems associated with the implementation of democratic freedoms, especially the freedom of speech, even though called to investigate the role of the SBU in connection with the hindrance in the democratic process. Other comments and suggestions, proposed by the EP, concerned mainly the continuation of the reforms. The EP insisted on a comprehensive amendment to the Constitution, the Election Code and the Public Information Act.Significantly, in the resolution it was firstly stated that in consonance with Article 49 of the Agreement on the European Union, Ukraine can apply for membership in the EU, which is in itself is a progress in the relationship.The EP also announced its support of the annulment of the visa regime between Ukraine and the EU in the future. Ukraine urged the EP in its part to natural Schengen visa fees for Ukrainian citizens in the nearest future and institute visa-free travel duri ng Euro 2012.Some Ukrainian officials blatantly cheered the document, not only because the Ukrainian Governent received from the EP a recognition of the prospects of the EU membership, but also the right to file an application to the EU. But not all. Former Vice Premier H,Nemyria described the resolution and the give tongue to support by the EP of Ukraine as a slap in the face, which alienated the country even further from the EU. Not everbody agrees on the interpretation of the resolution, but provided its significance is undisputable, even though the split in the EP between its parties as to what position the EP should take in regard to Ukraine remain.Among the spheres of cooperation is Education, which stresses the importance of increasing cooperation on youthfulness and student exchanges and the development of scholarship programmes which will enable Ukrainians to become acquainted with the European Union and its Member States. As well as calls on the Ukrainian authorities to step up efforts to fight degeneracy expects, in this regard, that positive political statements will be matched by decisive action in combating corruption at all levels, on the basis of political impartiality calls for the establishment of a level playing field for business and for application of the same rules to domestic and foreign investors in that connection, deplores the over-involvement of big business in political life , Highlights Ukraines pivotal role in the European Unions energy security emphasises the importance of stepping up cooperation between Ukraine and the EU in the field of energy calls on Ukraine to implement its commitments arising out of the Joint Declaration of the EU-Ukraine International Investment Conference on the modernization of Ukraines Gas Transit System calls for further agreements to be concluded between the EU and Ukraine aimed at securing energy supplies for both sides, including a reliable and diversified transit system for oil and gas emphasi ses that if Ukraine is to have a modern gas transit system, it requires transparent, efficient and lofty-quality transit services through a modernised gas transportation network, and also, among others Calls on the Ukrainian Government to bring the legislation on media freedom into line with OSCE standards decisive action in this regard would strengthen Ukraines believability as OSCE Chairmanship-in-Office for 2013.On the whole the resolution outlines both(prenominal) common points of cooperation and offers nothings specific.The more significant are practical steps and concrete agreements, for example, in the area of Free Trade. Minister of Economy V. Piatnitski, after a recent round of negotionations between the economic delegations of Ukraine and the EU, is moderately pessimistic about the prospects for approval of the agreement on free trade area (FTA) any time soon, as European Commision has basically blocked for now Ukrainian access to European market in energy and transport (Mirror of week, 16.10).Ukrainian side has characterized the conditions as not very favourable for Ukraine, except in the area of internation marine traffic, but where Ukraine has really no square resources. From the Piatniskis words Ukraine has a great potential in the areas of power transmission, ground transportation, which is making it increasingly competitive. The fact that these markets are closed to Ukraine for now is a safe question. The EU wants to oblige Ukraine to accept and subsidize the mechanism of compensation for unforeseen situations in the field of energy, such as disruptions in gas supplies. They are very concerned about the security of energy transit through Ukraine, the occurrence of situations of force majeure, the fault of one party (in this case meaning(s) the Ukraine), and therefore offer the expedited controversy settlement mechanism, a compensation mechanism, built on the fact that any amount corresponding to the equivalent of potential losses is deposi ted outside of Ukraine. That is, we are depositing some money, and if something suddenly happens to our fault, it is written off unconditionally. It turns out that the state must assume full responsibility for them.Accession of Ukraine to the Customs Union of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan would have led to an immediate cessation of talks on free trade zone between Ukraine and the EU, because as a member of the Customs Union, Ukraine would be able to sign any agreements on free trade with the EU. And however there are no ongoing negations at present between Ukraine and the Customs Unions, it still remains potentially a point of tensions in negotiation between Ukraine and the EU.Some important remainders to be made from this recent round of negations can be stated as following1. The European Commission continues to consider Ukraine as mere objects of trade and economic expansion and little concerned about the consequences of those decisions imposed on Ukraine. In this case, Europea n experts are strictly concerned with getting benefits for domestic producers of goods and services and does not take into account the perspectives of development of Ukrainian economy, which in principle is quite natural for economic talks.2. The EU but sees Ukraine as a component in the politics of the Eastern Partnership. At present there are no targeted specific programs to adapt Ukrainian economy to the EU standards, except for some minor technical assistance in some economical areas. The priority of the EU is for Ukraine to completely adapt its economic legislation to the EU standards in sectors of transportation, energy and services, which Ukraine cannot do, if merely for technical reasons.3. the FTA with the EU imposes all kinds of quotas, limiting the volume of Ukrainian exports. The size of tariff has been already agreed upon on nearly 95 per cent of the goods. European Commission calls on complete abolition of all export duties. It need to be pointed out, that 70% of the total EU trade occurs among the countries of its community, and among them there are about 100 preferential agreements, which account for 29,5% of trade and to which Ukraine will have no relationship. At the same time, the Ukrainian share of trade is bordering on 1%, while trade with the EU accounts for 30% of Ukraines foreign trade.4. Entry into force of the FTA between the EU and Ukraine will inevitably be accompanied by an ultimatum, demanding the termination of all other free trade agreements with Russia and other CIS countries. This withdrawal is a doubtlessly a precondition for ratification of the Association Agreement with the EU. The notable example is Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, which in their time, at the request of the European Commission denounced the free trade agreement with Ukraine on the eve of their accession to the EU. The biggest difference, however, is that Ukraine is certainly not entering the European Union in the foreseeable future.Therefore, its can be pre dicted based on these negotiations that Ukraine would not iron heel into any premature agreements, for the sake of some illusory closeness with the EU.Ukrainian-Russian relationsThere areis a number of other problems which need to be equilibrise out before talks ofover the EU integration can continue. Importantly, it is the Ukraine-Russia relationship, resolutions of geographical differences and gas/oil transition.Firstly, the dispute on the Kerch Strait (connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, separating the Kerch Peninsual in the west from the Taman Peninsula in the East) must be resolved.Secondly, there are tensions regarding the Russian South Stream gas transition and how this pipeline is being constructed to bypass the territory of Ukraine, and how, possibly, it is used in order to put a pressure on the Ukrainian Government. President Janukovych spoke of a way of influence from Russian government and though it has begun before we came to power, it is a challenge which n eeds to be met and dealt with.The priority of Ukraine now is to prove that Ukraine is, notwithstanding, a reliable transit country, which essence modernization of the pipelines, among others, with the financial help of the EU. According to V.Janukovych both Russia and Europe have an access to the management of Ukrainian gas transportation system. Modernization will allow them to become shareholders.Thirdly, is the prospect of joining the Customs Union with Russia, Belarus and Khazakhstan. Official position of present Ukrainian government does not give a straightforward answer, stressing that Ukraine cleverness consider joining the Customs Union, if heit sees for himself the obvious benefits and if it is clearly in the nations interests. Furthermore, to joint the Union, certain ammendmends to the Constitution must be made, which are possible only if the idea will find support of 300 deputies in the Parliament. Overall, the chance of gathering 300 votes is not convincing, to serio usly speculate the adherence to the Union at present.In the latterly signed decree by the President V. Janukovych (The Decree - 1119/2010 of 10.12.2010), among other instructions to enhance the level of defense and the financial stability of the country, are also a number of statements, urging to facilitate an Association Agreement between the EU and Ukraiine, including the creation of deep and comprehensive free trade area agreements with the CIS, Canada and other prospective trading partners and identifying priority area of cooperation between Ukraine and NATO.Another major event is the recent 14th Summit EU-Ukraine which has taken place recently on the 22.11.2010.The main points of discussing were the adoption of the Action Plan for launching of a smooth transition to a visa-free regime. Action Plan, adopted specifically for Ukraine, define the criteria to be fulfilled by Ukraine and specifies measures that can be taken by the EU to liberalize visa regime for Ukrainian citizens, traveling into the EU countries. The most pictorial part of this plan concerns the abolition of visas , which will allow Ukrainian citizens to travel to the EU for up to three months without a visa and pay visa fees. European Commission President (?) Barroso on the possible timing of the abolition of visas no specific answer. Estimated EU representatives, in the case of Ukraines implementation of all requirements, theoretically it can be expected in 2012President V. Janukovych reiterated that the EU membership remains a strategic goal and that Ukraine has taken a firm course towards European integration, especially, since through the efforts of its government, Ukraine has resumed economic growth. GDP growth was over 5%, industrial production over 11%. While the EU president G.van Rompuy noted the high intensity of dialogue between Ukraine and the EU in 2010, emphasizing the Ukraine is a strategically important partner for the EU and that the parties are waiting for an early con clusion of negotiations on the conclusion of viable and working Association Agreement. In his turn, the European commission Pressident Jose Manuel Barroso expressed his expectation that the Association Agreement between EU and Ukraine will be completed by mid-2011. We would like to see progress on the agenda of democratic reform in Ukraine it is important for open and democratic society.Briefly, Ukraines implementation of the Action Plan involves the following steps1. The introduction of biometric passports, which contain a special chip containing information about its owner (photo, fingerprints, voice sample, a jibe of the iris) , ?. On the 17 Novermber 2010 The Cabinet of Ukraine adopted the Resolution on the introduction of biometric passports.2. Creation of a single Institution to control migration. Until now, migration issues were in the competence of the border guards and Ministry of Internal Affairs.3. Transfering the existing database on population registry into electr onic form, which will contain data about every citizen in a comprehensive electronic format.4. Settlement of external borders disputes, including the demarcation of land borders with Russia, Belarus and Moldova.5. Solving the problems relating to illegal immigration (in the framework of the agreement with the EU on readmission, which obliges Ukraine to ensure the repatriation of illegal migrants from third countries who have got into the EU via Ukraine).8. A new agreement between the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine and Europol. Ukrainian side should inform Europol of all criminal cases of interest to Europol. Among others important conditions are also a reform of the Judicial System to European standards and reducing corruption.As a conclusion to his recent round of negations can be said that overall it was constructive, though without big promises. Perhaps, most importantly that the EU does not consider Janukovychs regime dictatorial or overtly antidemocratic, like in Belar us, for example, and is ready, at its own rate, to cooperate, without putting too much pressure on Ukraine or taking drastic measure to advance its course, like using force or bluntly blocking certain procedures.In any case, the EU would be wise not to exert pressure on Ukraine, if only not to force Ukraine to turn to its neighbor Russia for increased assistance and cooperation, which the EU tries to avoid by all costs.ConclusionI ( we , ?) would like to abstain from any overhasty conclusions regarding EU-Ukraine relationship. Firstly, it is the overexpansion of the EU and its seeming incapability to sustain and support all its members. Some believe that Europeans have lost their keenness, became impassive as to further expansion. There are tensions within the EU in many spheres, the most prominent recently is the giving a huge financial aid to proclaimed financially insolvent Greece. umteen experts predict that Portugal will be the next to follow. Official stance on expansi on was expressed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel as following The elaboration of the EU from 15 to 27 members within a few yearshas required great efforts. As a result the CDU prefers a phase of consolidation, during which a consolidation of the European Unions values and institutions should take priority over further EU enlargement. Roughly 50 per cent of Germans oppose Ukrainian membership into the EU, for example. Besides, there are a number of countries that are ahead of the Ukraine. Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro and Turkey are officially filed for the candidacy and the negotiations talks on there entrance are already being discussed for some time. Among other countries with the EU aspirations are Albania, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Economical crises made Iceland to apply for membership, following devastating collapse of its economy and banking system. Whether Ukraine in this situation has a valid chance and can compete in urgency with other states-candidates is questio nable.Also, to reiterate, the EU would not rush with promises unless Ukraine start fulfulling its promises to undertake democratic reforms in accordance with the EU rules, put together legislature, banking system, boost the economy, adopt anti-corruption measures and put them successfully into practice and many more. It seems Ukraine has years of tough work ahead to adapt to the EU standards. The last but not the least is normalization of relationship with Russian within the framework of the EU. As it is known, for historical, economical, political reasons, Russia is not welcoming tight relations between Ukraine and the EU, seeing, firstly, the threat to its integrity. More painful for Russia is the possible entering of Ukraine into NATO. Become Ukraine a part of the EU, it would most certainly distance Ukraine from its north-eastern partner with dire consequences in economical/political agreements and Russia tries to avoid it by all costs or at least slow down the process, since Uk raine is, among others, is situated at an important strategic part of Eastern Europe. And that is not to mention Chernomorsky Fleet of the Russian Federation stationed in the Crimea Peninsula and Russian gas/oil, aimed for the EU, 80 per cent of those export travel through the pipeless across Ukrainian territory. If Ukraine enters the EU, it would not be so simple for Russia to exert its pressure on Ukraine and dictate its terms. These are issues that cannot be easily resolved.But possibly even more vital question is wether Ukrainian people welcome this expansion, if we consider that political desisions are made for the benefit of its people and not merely to satisfy the interests of a handful of politians and businessmen with aspirations? Certainly, there is not enough information in Ukrainian mass media about the EU. It can also be explained that ukrainian journalists simply are not adequately educated about the EU, which by large create this information gap in the country. On th e intelligence operation domestic affa