...Socio-technical systems are organizational systems that are intended to help deliver some organizational or business goal. The emergence of Information Systems (IS) technology has added a new dynamic to socio-technical systems which requires additional planning considerations to meet these organizational or business goals. Applying proven design principles will lead to better integration and management of information technology. “Socio-technical systems include one or more technical systems but, crucially, also include knowledge of how the system should be used to achieve some broader objective. This means that these systems have defined operational processes, include people (the operators) as inherent parts of the system, are governed by organizational policies and rules and may be affected by external constraints such as national laws and regulatory policies.” (Sommerville, 2003) There are three primary factors when utilizing socio-technical systems designing principals in developing information systems, the social or human element, the technology systems factor and the processes, both input and output. “Principles do not constitute a design process. Design as a craft involves exploration, experiment, elaboration and elimination, trial and error, all with the intention of making the most coherent and expressive use of an opportunity framed by a set of outcome goals and constraints.” (Berniker, 1992) In theory the implementation of technology should improve a socio-technical...
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... Home Depot Incorporated Home Depot is a retailer, which is one of the fastest Corporations in the United States. In the early 80s, the company went public with NASDAQ and join with the New York Stock Exchange. There was a tremendous growth in the company between the 80s and 90s. Home Depot began putting home improvement centers in Canada in 1994 and Mexico in 2001. The company expanded the business to China forming a 12 store chain called The Home Way in 2006. The company also develops a strategic alliance with manufacturers leading in the industry to give customers exclusive products. Home Depot advertises different national brands to set standards for the merchandise use by professional contractors and customers. Home Depot has offices in China, Canada, U.S., India, and Mexico. The company is enhancing the relationships between the customers and the manufacturers and changing the customer’s confidence in the international suppliers. The two largest companies in the industry, which is Home Depot and Lowes, are the high entry barriers. These companies hold the high cost to maintain the success factors with other companies. The home improvement industry key factors for success are to sell products, meet reasonable pricing, and distribution in the company (Home Depot History, 2013). Home Depot and Web Use The challenge that Home Depot faces is finding for a way to expedite assess of the strategic information between the store managers and district manager. The...
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...Purpose. There are many reasons to conduct chart reviews such a required by a regulatory agency, justification of billing, and research. Another frequently used purpose of a chart review is to assist in measuring quality of care. This measurement is then used to help determine if a change in process is needed to improvement patient outcomes. There are several models used in process improvement including Juran’s Universal Sequence for Quality Improvement, the Seven-step problem-solving model, FOCUS-PDCA and Six-Sigma DMAIC (Langley, Moen, Nolan, Nolan, Norman & Provost, 2009). Chart reviews can be an integral step in all of these models in gleaning data to measure the depth of the problem or if it even exists. This paper will compare the advantages and disadvantages of reviewing charts, describe the basic considerations in performing chart reviews, and describe issues that can threaten the validity of data. Lastly, this paper will look closer at the Six-Sigma DMAIC process as this is the methodology used to guide process improvement in the facility for which this information is being obtained. Background. In 1966, Donabedian stated that the quality of health care is measured by structure, process, and outcome observation. Structure measurement includes resource quality, availability and accessibility (Donabedian, 1966). Process measurement looks at the health care services that clinicians and providers deliver (Donabedian, 1966). Outcome measurement is the end result...
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...Operation Management The value proposition of Home Depot is to bring unparalleled value to its customers who will most likely make decisions based on value, the best level of customer assistance, convenience of store location and wide assortment product offering. By solving their customer’s home improvement dilemmas, Home Depot offers a unique shopping experience by using the it's own operation strategy to deliver it’s value proposition and meet demand. The home improvement industry is one of the most rapidly growing industries in the world. The global home improvement market is expected to grow at a yearly rate of 2.5% between 2010 and 2015, according to Market Line. The market has a predicted 2015 worth of almost $678 billion. In 2010, building materials led the overall market, generating $389 billion in profit, or 65% of the overall market. So the market demand of Home depot is predictable. According to its 10-K report, “We buy our store merchandise from suppliers located throughout the world and are not dependent on any single supplier. Most of our merchandise is purchased directly from manufacturers, which eliminates ‘middleman’ costs” (Home Depot Inc, 2010). This suggests that due to the diverse supply chain and many suppliers, there is no threat of bargaining. Home Depot also “formed strategic alliances and exclusive relationships with selected suppliers to market products under a variety of well-recognized brand names” (Home Depot Inc, 2010). This suggests that...
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...strategy and direction the company take are defined by what established and unique value propositions the company has when compared to competitors; operations executed to provide different and tailored value to customers; clearly identifies any tradeoffs and clarifies what not to do; focuses on activities that fit together and reinforce each other; and is continually driven for improvement within the organization and while moving it toward its defined vision. I use The Home Depot (Home Depot here-out) for this paper as I have a part-time job with them. Strategy Home Depot’s simple and straightforward strategy is to ensure it diversifies its operations by having several businesses competing in the different product markets of home improvement. (Home Depot, 2008) The Home Depot has positioned itself within the industry based on a strategy of cost leadership. This operating strategy allows the company to earn above-average profitability by dictating prices from suppliers lowering input costs and minimizing distribution transactions eliminating the “middleman.” Home Depot developed a tight cost control system through quality assurance programs which monitor vendor compliance contained by the company’s requirements. Home Depot must position itself for future business by generating distinctive store formats to accommodate a diversified customer base allowing the company to compete in niche markets, such as lawn and garden and...
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...you to one of these two retail giants. The home improvement industry has evolved from small regional and locally owned hardware stores to these superstores. The top two in the industry are Home Depot and Lowe’s. Each has their eye on moving into international markets, each has superstores in all 50 states and each has evolved along different paths to reach their current positions. According to Fortune 500 Home Depot, Inc. is ranked at #25 and the second largest retailer in the US after Wal-Mart. Home Depot Inc. has its corporate headquarters in Atlanta Georgia. What began in 1979 as two 60,000-foot stores that resembled warehouses has grown to about 2,200 stores across North America, Puerto Rico, and China. Home Depot Inc. is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange as NYSE:HD. At the end of 2008 Home Depot Inc. employed 331,000 people. Home Depot sales recorded and posted in 2009 are $71,288.0 mil. Home Depot Inc. is the number one home improvement retailer with Lowe’s coming in second place with sales posted in 2009 at $48, 230.0 mil.. Founded in 1946 Lowe’s went from a small hardware store to the ninth largest retailer in the US. Lowe’s went public in 1961 and began trading on the New York Stock Exchange as NYSE:LOW in 1979. According to Fortune 500 Lowe’s Companies, Inc. is ranked at #47. Lowe’s Companies, Inc. are headquartered in Mooresville North Carolina. Lowe’s competes with Home Depot, Inc. (home improvement) and Sears (appliances) they are second to both...
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...A Strategic Analysis of Home Depot GM599 A Strategic Analysis of Home Depot Introduction The Home Depot (NYSE: HD) is a home improvement, construction products and services retailer operating over 2,000 big-box stores in the United States and abroad. The Home Depot was founded in 1978 by Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank with the vision of one-stop shopping for do-it-yourself (DIY) customers, installation services for do-it-for-me (DIFM) customers and competitive products for the professional market. Their DIFM installation programs include products such as carpeting, flooring, cabinets, countertops, and water heaters. In addition, the company provides installation of various professional products like generators and HVAC systems. The Home Depot developed strategic product alliances directly with industry-leading manufacturers to deliver the most exclusive assortments to customers. Through a combination of national brands and proprietary products The Home Depot exclusively carries several major brands, including: BEHR Paint, G.E., Martha Stewart Living and Thomasville, which sets the standard for the do-it-yourselfer and the professional contractor. The Home Depot revolutionized the home improvement industry by bringing the know-how and the tools to the consumer and by saving them money. According to the founders, the customer has a bill of rights at The Home Depot, and this entitles the customer to the right assortment, quantities and price, along with trained associates...
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...MuhammadSeptember 1, 2014 | Global Fortune 500 Company Home Depot | Economics for SocietyAyesha MuhammadSeptember 1, 2014 | Global Fortune 500 Company Home Depot Home Depot is one of the largest home improvement retailer in the world. With stores in the United States, Canada, Mexico and China. Home Depot was founded in 1978 by Arthur Blank and Bernie Marcus, along with investment banker Ken Langone and merchandising guru Pat Farrah. Their vision was to open a store as a one-stop shopping for the do-it-yourself individual. Home Depot opened their first store on June 22, 1979, in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1981 Home Depot went public on NASDAQ and moved the New York Stock Exchange in 1984. Between 1980’s thru 1990’s the company saw tremendous growth, in 1989 the company celebrate their 100th store opening. The company wish to expand their store globally, so they open the first home improvement centers in 1994 in Canada with the acquisition of Aikenhead’s home improvement centers, in 2001 under the acquisition of Total HOME that expand the vision in Mexico, and 2006 the company extended its reach to China by acquiring the The Home Way, a 12 store chain. Their global expansion demonstrates how The Home Depot combines its vast knowledge of the home improvement industry with the needs, shopping trends and customs of each unique geography to best serve customers. They are committed to being a global company by enhancing their direct relationships with quality manufacturers...
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...Home Depot A. Executive Summary * Introduction * The Home Depot Story - First Stage (1979-2000) * The Home Depot Story – Second Stage (2000 – 2006) * Problem Identification * Case Questions Introduction * Home Depot was founded in 1978 in Atlanta, Georgia by Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank. * Both of them worked at Home Improvement Company in California and were fire by this company. * So instead of looking for a new job they decide to start up their own business based on a vision they had. * This vision was about creating home improvement stores similar to warehouses where customers would be able to find different types of tools and products with the help of experts in home improvement and customer service. * Home Depot created the concept “Do it yourself” (DIY) where homeowners were encouraged to buy products and tools and to use them to build, repair and improve their own homes. * This concept of “Do it yourself” was Home Depot’s main strategy to become successful in the Home Improvement industry. The “Do it yourself concept consisted on: * Prioritizing customer service (special attention to their customers problems) * Providing customers with training workshops and clinics to teach them how to repair their own homes. * Vendors and sale associates went through a rigorous training in product use before servicing customers. * Sales associates develop relationships with customers rather than just merely seeing...
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...Lowe’s By You April 21st, 2014 University of Phoenix ECO-365 Introduction In the United States there are two major players in the home improvement industry. The biggest in The Home Depot. The other, while smaller having 502 less stores, is still a giant of the industry (Cramer, 2013). Through the recession Lowe’s stood while well The Home Depot fumbled. Lowe’s faces competition from opponents other than just The Home Depot as it expands beyond America. As Lowe’s seeks to enter the Canadian and Australian markets it will encounter more diversity than it has experiences so far. The complexities of doing business abroad and opening stores afar will become even more apparent as their international tactics change. Despite the challenges Lowe’s should expand further to become an even bigger player both nationally and globally. Global Competition’s Impact on Lowes In 2009, Lowes had 1,710 stores found throughout Canada and United States, 16 of these found outside the United States, with three stores in Mexico that opened in 2010, allowing for their exposure to bring them to a new level of sales internationally. (“Lowes Companies”, 2012) After much research it is found five competitors could impact Lowes, the #2 home improvement dealer in the world (Racine, 2012), but on different levels. The first competition is the main competition of Lowes, Home Depot, #1 in the world since 2005, (“Lowes Companies”, 2012) is expanding its sales by bringing in more Hispanics...
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..."The Home Depot NYSE: HD, headquartered in Vinings, Georgia, is a home improvement retailer that aims for both the do-it-yourself consumer and the professional in home improvement and construction. It is the second largest retailer in the United States, behind Wal-Mart; and the third largest retailer in the world, behind Wal-Mart and French company Carrefour. The Home Depot operates about 1,900 stores across North America. The company operates stores in the United States (including the 50 states, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands), Canada, and Mexico. The Home Depot also operates EXPO Design Center stores in select U.S. markets, providing high-end home design products and services. Its 2004 sales totaled US $73.1 billion. It was ranked #13 on FORTUNE magazine's FORTUNE 500 The Home Depot also owns a chain of higher-end home decorating and appliance stores. The Home Depot employs over 325,000 people." The company was founded in 1978 in Atlanta, Georgia by Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank, and grew rapidly, with sales topping $1 billion annually by 1986. From the moment of its foundation, HD has continued to grow constantly by targeting strong markets with many new homeowners and young people such as New Orleans. Home Depot managed to grow fast by quickly adapting to change and continued to be successful by holding fast to the culture and values of the organization. The constant renewal and the work to sustain culture that produces good products, employees, and customers...
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...the major players involved with a process improvement (PI) task. Group and individual responsibilities are highlighted. However, your organization may require more—or fewer—groups. Also note that one person can fulfill many of these roles simultaneously or serially, depending on the size of your organization and the complexity of your process improvement effort. Process Improvement Champions, Sponsors, and Groups Process improvement efforts generally require the following individuals and groups: PI Sponsor—The person from the organization responsible for overseeing the entire PI effort. This person generally has the power to allocate funds and personnel. This person is usually at the directorate level or above. PI Champion—This is the public relations person for the PI effort. This personmay or may not also serve as the EPG Lead. This person markets the idea, approach, and results of PI. Engineering Process Group (EPG) Lead—This person leads the group thatreviews processes. This person assigns tasks to the EPG members, monitors their efforts, and plans the daily duties of the EPG. Interpreting the CMMI. A process Improvement Approach. Second Edition. Margaret K.Kulpa, Kent A.Johnson Página 1 EPG Members—these individuals serve on the EPG as committee members. They are responsible for ensuring that process improvement documentation is written and followed. They are also responsible for generating metrics totrack the process improvement process. They lead the PATs. Process Action...
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...Home National Bank 902 Home Avenue Portland, Oregon 97207 March 8, 2008 Mr. George W. Marlon Boston Transit Authority 57 West City Avenue Boston, MA 02110 Subject: Magic Loans Dear Mr. Marlon, At this time, each year, everyone thoughts turn to vacation plans and home improvements. If you are considering a major recreational purchase or home improvement this year, you may want to find out about Magic Loans Home National Bank. Magic Loans is loan that is made against equity that you have in your home. Magic Loans can be used to buy the car or anything you have always wanted. They can also be used for conventional FHA home improvement loans, such a private swimming pool. Of course, a Magic Loans does not have to be used only for recreational items. You may want to use money that is now equity to pay for college expenses for your children. So if you have equity in your home and would like to talk with someone about the possibility of borrowing against that equity, please complete the postage-paid replay card include with this letter. Just drop it in the mail and a Home National Bank loan officer will call you to explain Magic Loans possibilities as well as to answer any question you may have. Let us help make your dream come true. Sincerely, John M. Peters President PS If you need more information on Magic Loans, please contact Home National Bank by calling (350) 421342 or email us here ! Inquiry Letter Sample ...
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...degree of structure, achievement rewards, opportunities for growth, tolerance for risk and change, conflict tolerance, and emotional support will be used to determine if the organization has a Theory Y culture. Introduction Home Depot is considered to be one of the top ranking home improvement organizations. The mission statement of this organization was formulated around being “committed to maximizing long term shareholder value while supporting management in the business and operations of the company, observing the highest ethical standards and adhering to the laws of the jurisdictions within which the company operates” (Homer TLC INC, 2010). The Home Depot transformed the “home improvement industry” by providing a well round reputation for products, corporate governance and strong values within the community. The purpose of The Home Depot remains to build relationships, have social responsibility, and concrete ethics as an organization. Employees are respected, offered growth and reputable incentive plans. Public policy makers and Home Depot collaborates on ideas to assure prosperity in our society. Home Depot delivers great customer service by revealing the best techniques in home improvement for amateur clientele. There are over 2,200 retail stores in the United States and 272 internationally. Overall, these features promote essential organizational communication dynamics. Organizational communication sets the organization apart from the rest. This also promotes a clear...
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...aMM-522 ON_J MARKETING MANAGEMENT Marketing Plan-Final Draft for Mark Marlow Construction February 21, 2010 By Juli Elliott I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Mark Marlow Construction is an independently owned and operated licensed general contractor that provides remodeling services to residential customers in the Silicon Valley, California. Mark Marlow Construction's philosophy has been to deliver a quality product on time and in budget. Their mission is: To perform for their customers the highest level of quality construction services at fair and market competitive prices. To ensure the longevity of their company through repeat and referral business achieved by customer satisfaction in all areas including timeliness, attention to detail and serviceminded attitudes. To maintain the highest levels of professionalism, integrity, and fairness in their relationships with their suppliers, subcontractors, professional associates and customers. Mark Marlow Construction evaluates projects for constructability, provides cost estimates, helps maintain project scheduling, and works with owners to meet quality and time objectives. They also suggest cost effective means of construction and help select the best subcontractors for each project. Once a project has begun, Mark Marlow Construction maintains a full-time foreman who is responsible for scheduling, quality review and timeliness of subcontractors, conducting meeting and maintaining good communications with the...
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