Logistics Policy Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Logistics Policy - Research Paper Example rategic design of structures and policies, as well as decision making dwelling on material and information flows, fashioned at supporting and enhancing competitive advantage (Waters, 2003). Strategic decisions hinge on aspects such as warehouses, distribution centres, as well as transportation modes to be employed. The logistics industry has undergone massive changes in recent decades, especially in areas of integration of information, transportation, inventory, warehousing, packaging, material handling, and security; it is no longer home-based and functions in a global market. The North America Free Trade Agreement involves U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and entails harmonization of the members’ logistics policies and procedures, as well as making logistics systems interoperable. The size of U.S. economy and its geographical location have motivated the United States in taking a factual leadership position in matters regarding facilitation of intermodal logistics and transport within the region, inclusive of cross-border facilitation. The move towards a unified and interconnected modal system has been critical in the growth of logistics systems. Benefits arising from an integrated intermodal system include lower transport costs, lower environmental impact, enhanced national productivity, and efficiency. Intermodal transport and logistics is mainly driven by the industry via its search for the low cost solutions. Other factors playing a part include market deregulation and competition between shippers and carriers, which lead to a reduction in transport-related transaction costs for business (Murphy & Wood, 2010). The global sourcing of parts, goods and services, and raw materials has heightened the importance of logistic networks. Besides, trends towards internationalization and innovation have enhanced the need for organizations to be more alert and receptive to the contextual changes. The evolving trends in the creation of an international logistics hub demands

Time Management Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Time Management - Research Paper Example The pressure to keep deadlines and to deal with increasing work load within the limited time available urges to have scientifically designed time management plans. Researchers have been focusing in this area and there are literature available confirming the impact of time management on different areas including management, education and personal life. It has been confirmed that positive approaches on time management results in effective outcomes in terms of the psychological well being of the individual and also the organizational effectiveness. This in turn results in positive personal and organizational outcomes. Time Management Processes The primary approach towards effective time management includes time assessment, goal setting, planning and monitoring (Claessens et al., 2007). Observing oneself while engaging in a particular task and reviewing it both quantitatively and qualitatively in terms of time is the primary step which is referred to as time assessment. This gives precis e information on the average time taken for a particular task. For instance, time assessment assesses time taken by the individual to travel from residence to the college or to the office. Similarly, time estimations on every task involved in the routine of the individual can be closely done through this process. This would serve as an indicator of the effective time required to undertake a specific activity (Claessens et al., 2007). It will also help to calculate the number of effective hours. Time discounting which has been confirmed as a major issue in time management also can be identified here and dealt with (Koch & Kleinmann,2007) With time assessment done, one can have measurable indicators on his or her capability to undertake a task. In other words, the time required for the successful completion of a particular task is understood completely through this estimation (Claessens et al., 2007). Thus the person is ready for the goal setting to be done. Here, an achievable goal i n accordance to the observations made through the time estimation is done. This goal will be achievable in terms of time, as this has direct reference to the estimation of time which is specific to the person involved. For instance, with reference to the time estimation, if a person sets an objective that a particular technique will be learnt within two days, this is the goal set by that person. In ideal situations, these goals can be achieved within the set limit of time (Claessens et al., 2007). The next step involves creating a plan facilitating the achievement of this goal or in combination with other goals. Here the complexity is that these goals will be coinciding with a number of other activities. Thus it is important to prioritize goals and other activities to have a prioritized list of activities (Claessens et al., 2007). However, there could be some unforeseen circumstances which could come in during the implementation of this plan. Apart from these there could be factors which would consume time and were missed to be considered while doping the planning. To investigate the effectiveness of the time plan implementation, it is important to monitor the effectiveness of the implementation. The unforeseen and missed out time consumers will be identified in this stage. This process will help to confirm the effectiveness