Case Study Analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Case Study Analysis - Assignment Example Analysis In the first case analysis the company under consideration is Charles Schwab. There are a number of key issues facing this organization. One of the predominant considerations is related to online trading, namely the e.Schwab product. Charles Schwab is an equity brokerage firm and a significant amount of this business occurs through online trading options. One of the main questions that the organization faced in relation to its online trading platform was whether to offer all customers significantly discounted trades while at the same time provide the same amount of service options that had previously provided. The organization had considered two solutions to this quandary. The first solution involved potentially granting customers complete access to the organization’s services, while at the same time offering a 20% discount on trades. The second solution involved granting customers an even greater discount on trades, but at the same time curtailing the services provid ed. The major dilemma was whether it was worth sacrificing service for price discounts. Another prominent consideration was challenges from outside organizations. A great amount of discount brokerages emerged that challenged Schwab’s position as one of the preeminent stock traders. In response to these challenges the organization was to work towards differentiating itself through innovative product design and services. The main backbone of this innovation was rooted in technology that, â€Å"to both generate productivity improvements and to develop superior customer service† (‘Charles Schwab Corporation.’ 2001, p. 3). As such, a multi-channel strategy was implemented. Still the organization was faced with further questions of whether to expand deeper into Internet trading. While organizations such as E*Trade had been coming on strong, Schwab recognized that they retained significant portions of the market. These considerations factored into whether the org anization should assume a lower pricing strategy per trade or if they should continue with the traditional mode of business based heavily on attention to service. Fig. 1 Charles Schwab In the second case analysis the company under consideration is Zara. There are a number of key issues facing this organization. Zara is recognized as the chain of stores of the main organization Inditex. One of the main issues facing Zara specifically is whether the point-of-sale (POS) terminals should be upgraded. One of the negative aspects of the current point-of-sale (POS) terminals is that they run on DOS. While DOS was once the major language used by computers, in the current environment it had become outdated and was no longer even compatible with Windows. Even as members of the organization believed an update was necessary these individuals were challenged on the grounds that even while the point-of-sale (POS) terminals are outdated they still function to maximum effectiveness. Still, individu als in the organization that support the implementation of new point-of-sale (POS) terminals argue that store managers within the organization have been accessing for updated software, as it would greatly contribute to functionality and ease of use. However, this poses a challenge. If the organization were to update the software to Windows there would be compatibility issues between antiquated hardware

Education is Important Because It Develops the Individual Essay

Education is Important Because It Develops the Individual - Essay Example The syllabus itself where learning to read, write, count, draw, take physical exercise, hear music, play games etc., serves to develop the mental and physical abilities. Once basic literacy and numeracy are achieved, many doors are opened for independent thought and action. The imagination expands, the world of books is available and with it, all areas of knowledge. Communication skills also grow, and with these comes the ability to relate to others and the world at large. Of great importance too, are the relationships formed with others in and outside of school. The other children, teacher, janitor, head teacher, classroom aide and so on, a great number of individuals outside of the family are now a part of the child's experience and serve to widen it.Such a world reflects society at large and the learning within is applied outside. The need to be polite to others, to respect those who help, serve or share knowledge, to learn to share, to participate and contribute, all these are vital elements within a good educational structure. Social skills developing thus are taking the child towards becoming an adult who can learn and who can contribute positively to society. Already we can see the value of education, both to the individual and the world. 'Social, emotional and beh... Recent research on social, emotional and behavioral skills suggests that by encouraging the attainment of these, 'Social, emotional and behavioral skills underlie almost every aspect of school, home and community life, including effective learning and getting on with other people' (Developing Children's Social, Emotional and Behavioral Skills: Guidance) The suggestion is that integrating such skills contributes to the individual's 'whole person' development, and their attainment is part of true education, which enables the person to reach their full potential. For example, the skills involved in self-motivation include the practice of sustained effort and learning, belief that a goal is attainable, the ability to deal with setbacks and to be proud of achievement. By using self-awareness too, a child or adult in fact, recognizes how thoughts, feelings and behaviors all interact and affect each other and devises ways to deal with this. Consider a child who discovers a talent or love for music, dance, art or books, or whatever. The good feelings this discovery bring about, encourage them to work at that talent and achieve goals, their potential in this area. Being 'good' at something then spills over into other aspects of life and learning, the confidence gained helps them towards a positivity which can only benefit 3. society. The ethic of working towards a goal, understanding how to deal with what goes wrong and still trying, makes for a rounded, fulfilled adult. Thus a structured education, in which formal knowledge-based education is underpinned by what is often described as 'emotional intelligence' is of vital importance to the individual and the wider society in