Importance Of Outsourcing Of Logistics Function - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 14 Words: 4251 Downloads: 2 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Statistics Essay Did you like this example? Outsourcing and 3PL, as important business functions, have drawn attention of business operators as well as academic and scholars. A large number of studies have analyzed these areas from a theoretical perspective and a practical point of view. This section will start with the review of outsourcing regarding its definition and importance as well as motivations and concerns. Then, based on the correlation between outsourcing and 3PL, the section presents the concepts of 3PL and most challenges 3PL providers are facing. Lastly, the section shows what could be the current situation of Chinaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s 3PL industry. Outsourcing of logistics function 2.1.1 Definition and importance Razzaque and Sheng (1998) defined outsourcing as multiple logistics services provided by a single vendor on a contractual basis. Outsourcing is becoming more important today. Due to economic and competitive pressures, it is imperative for different enterprises to pay attention to their core competencies and turn to third-parties to undertake responsibility for other secondary corporate functions. Outsourcing can create profits by improving customer service level, providing high added-value to products, benefiting in exploiting new markets, and offering dedicated resources (Foster and Muller, 1990). By means of outsourcing, companies can obtain competitive advantage through cost reduction and increased responsiveness to market change. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Importance Of Outsourcing Of Logistics Function" essay for you Create order Motivation of outsourcing Several reasons lead private business as well as government agencies to outsource logistics functions: Avoid Capital expenditures à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" It reduces capital investment in facilities (Richardson, 1995). This allows the using firm to spending where it can get the best return as in research, manufacturing, marketing, or other functions core to the organization. Increase flexibility à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" This can enable firms to focus on the core business, question any function or department that is not producing revenue and adapt to changes in the market and access to leading edge technology. A third-party will be invited to help a company when demand increase dramatically beyond the capability of the company to fulfill (Razzaque and Sheng, 1998). Many 3PL providers specialize in logistics functions such as transportation, warehousing management and information technology. Cost savings à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" To save costs is identified by most literature as one of the most popular reasons for why outsourcing occurs. In principle, outsourcing will occur to companies for cost reduction when their suppliers offer a service for a low price which however still can cover added overhead, profit, and transaction costs (Harler, 2000). Those companies which outsource their logistics functions to 3PL service providers usually agree that it is more cost saving than to fulfill the same logistics task in-house (Candler, 1994). According to Bradley (1995a), there are some other reasons of logistics outsourcing such as improving service level and customer satisfaction, using 3PL providerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s logistics IT systems, acquiring outside sophisticated professionals, combining service and minifying number of suppliers, integrating the process of supply chain, and increasing productivity. Concerns of outsourcing Despite the fact that outsourcing is now favored by most organizations, there are still many recognized potential barriers and problems related to outsourcing. Normally the most mentioned reservation which restrains enterprises from employing 3PL service providers is loss of control of 3PLs (Richardson, 1993a). Such tendency can be caused by different objectives and attitudes of the logistics service providers and users towards strategy, profits and service or skills (Axelrod, 2004, p49). The adoption of outsourcing might also lead to a situation in which critical knowledge associated with process and customers would leak to potential competitors (Jennings, 2002). Moreover, unrealized savings with a potential for increased costs, employee moral problems, losing touch with important information, unreliable promises of the providers, their inability to respond to changing requirements have been mentioned as potential risks as well. Each of these concerns should be recognized carefully by organizations that intend to outsource their logistics function, otherwise contract logistics can be another issue to deal with, rather than a catalyst or improvement (Razzaque and Sheng, 1998). Third-Party Logistics 2.2.1 Concept of 3PL à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Third party logistics serviceà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? has been described in a few ways, including outsourcing of one single service such as transportation, and outsourcing of a set of complicated processs (Vasiliauskas Barysiene, 2008). Generally, 3PL provide not only just separate warehouse or transport functions but also multiple, bundled services (Leahy et al., 1995). It is also worth mentioned that freight forwarders and shipping lines are included in broad definitions of the 3PL industry (Rao and Young, 1994). On the basis of above definitions, Leib et al. (1993) used the following definition: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Third-party logistics involves the use of external companies to perform logistics functions that have traditionally been performed within an organization. The functions performed by the third party can encompass the entire logistics process or selected activities within that process.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? The authors refer to the 3PL as a new industry and growing business environment has more expectations on 3PL. The usage of 3PL has been considered as logistics alliances at strategic level. Bagchi and Virum (1996, p.193) have developed the following definitions: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“A logistics alliance indicates a close and long-term, relationship between a customer and a provider encompassing the delivery of a wide array of logistics needs. In a logistics alliance, the parties ideally consider each other as partners. They collaborate in understanding and defining the customerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s logistics need. Both partners participate in designing and developing logistics solutions and measuring performance. The goal of the relationship is to develop a win-win arrangement.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? Compared with the prior definition, which focuses on the logistics functional activities, the final one emphasizes the duration of the relationship between the logistics service provider and user, and also covers an extensive range of promising logistics services (Halldorsson Larsen, 2004). Many articles have disclosed that 3PL industry has progressed steadily for ages (Liu, 2008). 3PL providers started as a traditional transportation or warehousing service providers from 1980s. Nowadays, 3PL companies provide a variety services including basis logistics service as well as value added services. Main challenges to 3PL service providers As the 3PL industry has continued to evolve, the 3PL provider, sitting in the middle between the manufacturers or suppliers (the buyers of the 3PL service, known as shippers) and the end customers (the consumer of the products), will need to balance the dynamic pulls generated by upstream and downstream entities, and thus faces challenges are unique to its position. Financial issues Although 3PL providers should develop skills, improve competencies, and provide more value-added service so as to survive and expand business successfully in this flourishing market, the main challenge for them is how to obtain business and achieve acceptable financial performance. Maintain profits under price pressures from customers The economic crisis has caused serious situations for both 3PL users and providers -82 percent of shippers now are implementing cost-cutting strategies and 60 percents are reconsidering their supply chain and relationships with 3PLs accordingly (Capgemini Consulting et al, 2009). As a matter fact, economic factor is a strong motivation for outsourcing, of which cost reduction and cost saving are the main concerns. One of the most significant motivations for outsourcing logistics functions to third parties is their professional knowledge and valuable experience in logistics industry which are costly for their customers to have in-house (Byrne, 1993). However, the decision of employing 3PL providers is usually influenced by the evaluation of cost/service trade-offs (Selviaridis and Spring, 2007). Hence, no matter what strategic stances the logistics providers take, they have to keep upgrading and improving their operational potentialities in the business environment (Sum Teo, 1999). Meanwhile, as price competition is inevitable and most customers are also price sensitive at present, 3PL providers still need to be cost conscious to achieve higher margins, and to prevent themselves from being priced out of the market. Financial stability Many articles have placed emphasis on financial firmness as a critical essential for logistics providers (Bottani Rizzi, 2006). Based on the empirical survey conducted by Boyson et al. (1999) financial stability was ranked as the most significant selection criteria for choosing 3PL providers because it reduce the risk in relationship. A 3PL services provider with stable financial standing can not only better satisfy its clients and implement cost reduction through a dedicated resource, but also diminish risks for logistics partners (Bowersox Daugherty, 1990). Accordingly, Boyson et al. (1999) assert that firms prefer providers demonstrating outstanding customer service level with low price and possessing solid financial stability. Nevertheless, the financial tsunami which has weighted down the world economy has resulted in steep decreasing in logistics demand with no doubt. On the one hand, according to Li Fung Research Center (2009), the clients of the logistics enterprises asked for price cut and longer credit term, and it is difficult for them to collect the payments form clients during such hard times. Bad debts and financial losses will be easily incurred by any imprudent credit management. On the other hand, the confidence for the banks to lend had been damaged by the tsunami. Banks are now only willing to provide loans to selected enterprises or projects, which limits the financing options of the logistics enterprises (Li Fung Research Center, 2009). Clearly, it has always been important for 3PL providers to maintain a sound financial condition to survive in the recession as well as to rise superior to others in the market. Information technology (IT) Capability of information technology IT-based logistics services is considered as significant factor by 88% of shippers, but only less than half (42%) of the shippers are satisfied with the IT capableness of their providers (Capgemini Consulting et al, 2009). Accordingly, such IT capability gap result in a few difficulties for both shippers and 3PLs to collaborate in an adaptive supply chain (Capgemini Consulting et al, 2009). Information is one of the most important elements in logistics management (Cheong, 2004) and it is definitely essential to assist logistics process with effective IT (LaLonde and Masters, 1994). IT capability can be enhanced by employing advanced software, such as electronic data interchange (EDI) networking, enterprise resource planning environments, simulation software, vehicle routing packages, carrier loading optimization tools, etc. (Qureshi et al, 2008). Hardware also may be utilized to facilitate operations and to increase the production efficiency, including radio frequency devices, servers, bar code printers and scanners, global positioning system (GPS), networking and internet/intranet connections, satellite tracking devices, etc. (Qureshi et al, 2008). 3PL services providers which adopt tracking and tracing devices can grant better services to users with quick responsiveness (Rahman, 2004). According to Byrne (1993), the need of sophisticated information technology is impe rative for logistics management to link members like manufacturer, carrier and customer in the supply chain. Sauvage (2003) proposed that to fully satisfy the variety of customersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ demand, LSPs should continuously employ advanced information technologies in order to enhance their service performance. It is unlikely for a firm which is lagging in a technology to move to a position of leadership (Jennings, 2002). Security of information systems The sharing of so much information inevitably leads to security concerns. It can not be denied that logistics service providers usually still lose customers annually due to issues of trust in privacy and security, though they keep attracting new clients (Pattel Conners, 2008). One possible mentioned security issue is that when a 3PL provider has to serve several direct competitors, the information in relation to all of them should be kept confidential (Grover et al., 1994, p. 38; Lacity and Hirschheim, 1993a, p. 24). Other than cost, security and privacy are also considered as major concerns by many companies when outsourcing. Compatibility of information systems IT compatibility acts an essential role in logistics activities such as forecasting, order purchasing, inventory replenishment and life cycle management (Anand, 2010). According to Arshinder et al. (2007), the information system of the whole supply chain is expected to be compatible. A compatible information system means comprehensible data are quickly shared among the parties throughout the supply chain (Arshinder et al, 2007) while incompatibility will lead to costly and time consuming process because information, though can be shared as well, is rarely in synchronization. At present, it is difficult for information to seamlessly flow throughout the network as international logistics often includes some different transportation modes and carriers. Moreover, there are diverse IT systems in the different trading areas. For example, Europe adopts Administration, Commerce and Transportation (EDIFACT) standards for EDI systems while the US follows the standards of the American National Standards Institute (Rao Young, 1994). These difficulties in global supply chain have challenged 3PLs regarding how to capitalize the gap to provide a distinct competitive advantage. Reliability of information systems As one of the major industry focus in the global logistics market, the field of information systems paid special attention to user satisfaction as an important performance measure (Ives and Olson, 1984; Robey and Farrow, 1982). Bailey and Pearson (1983) have pointed out that reliability is one of the critical criteria of customer satisfaction. There could be many unknown increased reliability risk which result from two major sections of technology. One is that new technology innovations or adoptions of 3PL providers may have an unclear reliability performance. The other is that an existing technology may be applied to a new market with unknown increase failure rates (Collins, 2005). To fulfill the promised logistics service reliably and exactly, 3PL providers must identify and remove uncertainty involved with technology reliability performance. Human Resource (HR) Lack of expertise There is a tendency that firms desire to acquire the expertise from third-party logistics providers who possess particular local knowledge of customs and infrastructure of destination countries in such a growing global market (Razzaque Sheng, 1999). Although one of the drivers for companies to outsource is to acquire resources and logistics professionals (Selviaridis Spring, 2007), the results of the research conducted by Georgia Institute of Technology et al. (2009) show that many outsourcing users donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t believe that 3PLs are in the capacity of strategic partners currently, 40% of shippers in the survey expect their 3PL service providers to continue focusing on execution, and a good many of them reckon that 3PL providers lack logistics expertise that would support userà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s increasing outsourcing. Often-cited problems range from misunderstanding the demand of customerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s supply chain to inadequate professionals in given products and m arkets (Selviaridis Spring, 2007). In fact, customers are looking for 3PL providers that have expertise in multiple phases of the logistics process. An annual surveys of US 3PL firms indicates that à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“company employee/expertiseà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? is regarded by CEOs as the most important asset of the company for business success in the competition, however those same CEOs also agree that currently the most critical problem facing 3PL companies as à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“finding qualified peopleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? (Leib and Randall, 1996b). Different culture Almost all members in the supply chain, including third party, have their own company culture which is definitely different from each other (Babics, 2005). According to Pagell (2004), the capacity of how to harmonize its own internal culture with the external different cultures of its customers is one significant factor that 3PL providers should note in the integration of operational services in supply chains. Mckeon (1991) states that for both 3PL providers and their customers, understanding each otherà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s cultures and organizational structure is an essential factor to ensure a win-win outsourcing. Compatibility of culture and values is one of the keys to successful partnership which can result in long-term partnership (Qureshi et al, 2008). Culture conflicts often result in change orders, unexpected costs, and sometimes a negative impact on relationships (Kremic et al, 2006). In general, the ability of 3PL providers to understand the customer organizationà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s culture is a basis for partnering. Inadequate education and training In order to remain competitive in the logistics market, 3PL providers have to be vigilant and agile to their customersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ needs, and continually seek to meet customer expectations as much as possible. Logistics executive should be aware that, due to rapid growth in the logistics industry, there could be a shortage of qualified logistics expertise (Yeung, 2006). Therefore, it is necessary for governments and educational services to allocate more resources, put logistics on formal curriculum, and provide more correlated training programs to fulfill the demand of the whole supply chain. The development of logistics, otherwise, might be constrained by lack of trained logistics personnel (Sum Teo, 1999). Ulengin and Uray (1999) indicate that in Turkey, senior management that is void of professional knowledge of logistics is the fundamental factor limiting the progress of logistics industry. Kerr (2005b) describes poor training as a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“black holeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? in China because neither the central government nor Chinaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s regulatory authorities do much to promote logistics training programs. Obviously, a firm with higher quality of human resources such as better education or training will have superior core competence in the market. Hence, it is imperative for 3PL service providers to offer more training programs to employees so that they can cope with competition in the future (Wang et al, 2006) Business Landscapeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Globalization of 3PL market à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" delivering service in new geographic regions The internationalization and globalization of 3PL providers has been boosted by the economies of scale and scope, by the internationalization and globalization of the competitors and by à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“customer followingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? i.e. the internationalization of manufacturing firms, which à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“may demand that the service supplier provides a global network and/or global experienceà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? (Arvidsson, 1997, p.74). 3PL providers that take charge of their customersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ outsourced logistics function normally need to build up a logistics network to deal with the flow of the goods from the customerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s factory to the end customers (Cheong, 2004). In current global economic environment, manufacturing companies tend to establish partnerships with 3PL service providers and they desire to cooperate with some global freight forwarding companies (Lemoine et al, 2003). 3PL service providers with well-content characteristics, such as far geographical spread and wide range of services are popular among the shippers (Qureshi, 2007). As per Bottani and Rizzi (2006), companies favor the 3PL providers with wide range of advanced services more than those traditional ones which can offer mere single logistics functional service. However, supply chain requirement keep changing. Customer demand can change in spatial and temporal terms. In response to the shippersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ new requirement, 3PL service providers endeavor to extend service coverage geographically and to expand breadth of service so that they can fulfill the interest of their customers as an integrated logistics provider (Qureshi et al, 2008) Relationship with customers 3PL service providers are normally very concerned with the relationship with their customers because they attempt to establish a long-term one with the users (Cheong, 2004). Long-term customer relationships can enable 3PLs to provide more sophisticated services, reduce the risk of replacement, achieve more earnings, and avoid expense of developing new customer (Cahill, 2006). In addition, long-term relationship is built on the basis of mutual trust and sharing of risk and reward (Qureshi et al, 2008). Bothe shipper and 3PLs will benefit from such long-term relationship (Qureshi et al, 2008). Most of 3PL services users agree that logistics costs could decrease even more through strategic relationships with 3PL service providers. Langley et al. (2004) point out that the successful relationship with 3PL service providers will assist the users to achieve their major objective. Customer relationship management is necessary once a 3PL provider first establishes a relationship with a shipper. To keep customers satisfied and coming back, 3PL providers must demonstrate their capabilities and the value these capabilities provider to customers (Wisner et al, 2005). Third-party logistics service providers in China: China has become the most attractive country for more and more foreign investments, manufacturers, and retailers from all over the world, which results in the fast growth of the Chinese economy (Liu, 2008). Accordingly, the development of 3PL has been spurred in China and 3PL industry has achieved significant achievement. Currently, most logistics companies offer extensively various value-added services and have confidence in the continuous development of Chinaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s logistics industry. Many literatures have research the Chinese logistics area from diverse perspectives and some supply chain-related difficulties facing foreign 3PLs are identified. High transport cost It is not deniable that Chinese government has invested a lot in the logistics sector to improve traffic in recent years. However, poor transportation is still considered as one significant challenge for logistics industry in China, which may result in the increase in logistics cost and the decrease in company profits (Lau Zhang, 2006). Li Fung Research Center (2009) notes that the transportation occupies more than 50 percent of the total logistics cost in China, and undoubtedly the operation costs of 3PL service providers will still be ascending due to the price upswing of commodity and fuel. Another culprit is high local road tolls and other hefty transportation fees (Kerr, 2005b). Underdeveloped physical infrastructure Many MNCs find that it is difficult for them to implement coherent strategies in China because underdeveloped transportation system hinders their distribution and sourcing throughout the country (Speece and Yukiko, 1995). Although Chinaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s economy and industrial production have been developing rapidly, the current logistics system is loaded with new challenges as it can barely keep pace with the growth rate of economy (Carter et al, 1997). The undeveloped logistics infrastructure in China, including deficient highways, aged port facilities, and limited runways and airports, can hardly fulfill the growing logistics demand in the progress of new economy (Pollit, 1998). The insufficiencies of present distribution system have restricted foreign enterprises to immensely exploit the plenty opportunities in Chinaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s market (Goh and Ling, 2003). It is thus imperative that the distribution of products and services be supported by a reliable transportation system. The need for guanxi Literally, guanxi means relationship. It is noted that Chinese culture is quite distinct from Western culture in numerous aspects, including the way to conduct business (Jiang and Prater, 2003). Guanxi, which is an important concept for successful business in China, refer to à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“relationship between peopleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? (Michailova and Worm, 2003). It suggests a conveyable, reciprocal, invisible and useful responsibility to dyadic personal relationships (Luo, 2000). It is not surprising that Chinese prefer to deal with people they know and trust. As Wang et al. (2003) indicated, guanxi which is created on the basis of mutually beneficial can lower risk as well as competition in business circles. Millington et al. (2006) also state that when looking for satisfying vendors, guanxi is more useful than other information from website, trade market or media. This implies that the knowledge and expertise to understand local circumstance and the communication skill with foreigners are absolutely necessary for establishment of a successful cooperation (Lightfoot and Almeida, 2007). Government regulation Kerr (2006) identifies that government regulation is still 3PL providersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ biggest challenge. The development of 3PL in China is obstructed by some barriers such as underdeveloped infrastructure and entrenched regulatory circumstance (Lau Zhang, 2006). In the meantime, various regulations set up by different provinces forcefully influence business activities so that the founding of national networks is hindered (Kerr, 2005). It also has made it difficult for 3PL providers in China to fully meet the requirements of their clients. Moreover, there are many regulations and rules for foreign 3PL providers who plan to enter China logistics market. According to Lai and Hsu (2007), foreign 3PL providers must apply for the class à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Aà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? license issued by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Co-operation (MOFTERC) if they plan to establish subsidiaries as international freight forwarders in China. A survey conducted by Li Fung Research Center (2009) also identifies that the regulations and policies associated with logistics industry are not unalterable because the government will supervise the execution and analyze the effect of the existing ones and then will formulate new ones accordingly to boost the growth of the industry. It is true that a number of government departments which are involved in policies related to logistics industry have impact on the rhythm of changing regulation (KPMG, 2008). Local 3PL providers Chinaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s local logistics providers have been growing rapidly because foreign firms are increasingly looking to source there. To contend with foreign logistics providers, domestic companies have to upgrade facilities and enhance their service level (KPMG, 2008). Jiang and Prata (2002) indicate that in contrast with foreign 3PL entrants, local players are always in the close association with local or central governments. For instance, Sinatrans is a state owned company and is the only 3PL service provider in China who can provide a nationwide logistics service with full license. The authors also mention that a number of local 3PL providers at regional level have their own special strength in specific areas or specific business. Some of them even look for individual connection built directly with government officials à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" which may be valuable in their daily business. Literature review summary This section has reviewed the literature ranging from some fundamental definitions of outsourcing and 3PL, to challenges for 3PL industry globally and especially in China which represents the current situation foreign 3PL providers are facing in China. In table 2.1, we summarize the above referred articles in each of the focus challenges. Table 2.1 No. Main Challenges Sub-challenges Author (Yr) Financial 1 Price pressure Selviaridis and Spring, (2007); Byrne, (1993); Sum Teo, (1999) 2 Financial stability Boyson et al. (1999); Bowersox Daugherty, (1990); 3 High transport cost Lau Zhang, (2006); Kerr, (2005b) Technological 4 Capability of information technology Cheong, (2004); LaLonde and Masters, (1994); Byrne (1993); Qureshi et al, (2008); Rahman, (2004); Sauvage, (2003) 5 Security of information systems Pattel Conners, (2008); Grover et al., (1994); Lacity and Hirschheim, (1993a) 6 Compatibility of information systems Anand, (2010); Arshinder et al. (2007); Rao Young, (1994) 7 Reliability of information systems Bailey and Pearson (1983); Collins, (2005) HRà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s 8 Lack of expertise Selviaridis Spring, (2007); Leib and Randall, (1996b); Razzaque Sheng, (1999) 9 Different culture Babics, (2005); Pagell (2004); Mckeon (1991); Qureshi et al, (2008); Kremic et al, (2006) 10 Inadequate education and training Kim et al, (2008); Lai and Hsu (n.d.); Capgemini Consulting et al, (2007) Business landscape 11 Globalization of 3PL market Arvidsson, (1997); Cheong, (2004); Lemoine et al, (2003); Bottani and Rizzi (2006) 12 The need for guanxi Jiang and Prater, (2003); Michailova and Worm, (2003); Millington et al. (2006); (Lightfoot and Almeida, 2007) 13 Local 3PL providers Jiang and Prata (2002); 14 Government regulation Lai and Hsu (2007); Kerr, (2005); Kerr (2006); Lau Zhang, (2006) 15 Underdeveloped physical infrastructure Speece and Yukiko, (1995); Carter et al, (1997); Pollit, (1998); Goh and Ling, (2003)

Essay about John Donnes Loves Alchemy - 930 Words

John Donnes Loves Alchemy In Loves Alchemy,; John Donne sets up an analogy between the Platonists, who try, endlessly, to discover spiritual love, and the alchemists, who in Donne’s time, tried to extract gold from baser metals. This analogy allows Donne to express his beliefs that such spiritual love does not exist and those who are searching for it are only wasting their time. Donne cleverly uses language that both allows the reader to see the connections between the alchemists and the Platonists and that allows for a more sexual interpretation of the piece. The poem opens with two lines that lay the groundwork for the analogy and that have a sexual implication. The word â€Å"digged; and the image of â€Å"love’s mine;,†¦show more content†¦It seems as if Donne is implying that the Platonist’s claims that they are striving to attain spiritual love is all a hoax because all they are truly after is more sexual pleasure. Donne’s belief of the Platonist’s and alchemist’s fraudulence and deceit is further expressed in lines 3-6 along with further sexual implications. The explicit sexual â€Å"get; and â€Å"got; convey his experiences with physical love, but he is upset that he has not found that so-called â€Å"spiritual love,; even though he has followed a number of steps in a specific sequence, like an alchemist with a formula would do. He has (1) loved (2) got and (3) told (here meaning kept count). And since nothing that he has done or will do in his search has worked or will ever work, he concludes that everything Platonists claim is falsified. The conceit of Platonists being like alchemists is made more explicit in the second half of the stanza. Donne says that just as no alchemist ever discovered the â€Å"Elixir; so too does the Platonist never find that ideal and pure love that he claims to exist. He further explains that the alchemists and Platonists both glorify things that are and will always remain physical. The alchemist ridiculously lauds over his â€Å"pregnant pot; and the Platonist over the woman’s womb, both being things that will never allow for perfection, purity or anything ideal to appear from within them. Similarly, lover’s who try to find the â€Å"hiddenShow MoreRelatedThe Attitudes to Love Addressed in Loves Alchemy and Twicknam Garden747 Words   |  3 PagesLove Addressed in Loves Alchemy and Twicknam Garden Twicknam Garden was a poem written by John Donne in 1607. It is one of John Donnes late pieces of work and is thought to be written about his patron and his feelings for her. Compared to his patron he was a much lower class, almost a beggar compared to her. Twicknam Garden shows a very unique outlook on love, it shows definate bitterness towards love, but in a more reserved way than Loves Alchemy, Twicknam Garden disdainsRead MoreContemporary Academic Deliberations Of Love s Alchemy By John Donne And On My First Son1428 Words   |  6 PagesContemporary academic deliberations of â€Å"Love’s Alchemy† by John Donne and â€Å"On My First Son† by Ben Jonson has given rise to one controversial issue: whether love should be labeled as uncertainty. In fact, some argue that the poem â€Å"Love’s Alchemy† expresses the cynical love, whereas, the poem â€Å"On My First Son† focuses more on pious love. These contrasting views have also been articulately conveyed through words, such as, â€Å"Alchemy† and â€Å"Farewell† in the individual poetic works of both Donne and JonsonRead MoreThe Relationship Between Donnes Religious and Secular Verse.2284 Words   |  10 PagesDonnes love poetry and his religious verse have an extremely close relationship and this manifests itself in the presence of religious imagery and reference in his love p oems, the presence of imagery in his religious poems that is more akin to that from courtly love, and in his style and technique. It is this sense of Donnes individuality that creates two types of poetry that, for all their differences, are strikingly similar. The holy sonnets refer to the old love poet characteristicsRead MoreRepresentations of Romantic Love in Poetry Across the Periods1480 Words   |  6 Pagesby the social and cultural values of the time. Thus, across time, attitudes towards romantic love have shifted with changing values and beliefs. ‘Sonnet 130’ by William Shakespeare from the Elizabethan period, ‘Valediction: Forbidding Mourning’ by John Donne from the metaphysical period, and ‘Lullaby’ by W.H. Auden from the modern period are three poems that clearly reflect the changing representations of romantic love across time. The Elizabethan period in which William Shakespeare wrote was a

Advanced Decision Making and Practice - Free Sample Assignment

Question: Describe about theAdvanced Decision Making and Practice of nursing incident? Answer: The second scenario has been selected to critically analyze a nursing incident. This piece of work will include incident description, concerning points, role of inter-professional communication, and role of the registered nurse and concluding lesson for future practice. Section 1 Aspects of the critical incident Being in the third week of a first year in her career, the registered nurse in this case study is taking part in the emergency department and has been assigned to take care for four critical patients. All the three patients are comfortable with stable vital indications and all are waiting for their diagnostic test results. But the fourth patient, who is a 26years old female suffering from constant headaches which is intense and she could not even able to sleep for last two days. This condition can be identified as a critical factor in this case. This is because nursing care focuses on the reduction of pain to enhance the quality of life of the patient. In this case, the patient has been referred to a medical officer who has recommended for an MRI scan. But in this case, as the patient is immensely suffering from head ache, the nurse could have intervene and treat this particular condition as the first treatment option. Then she could have asked for MRI scan. Undoubtedly MRI scan is a good option to recommend for this patient but as priority wise, reduction of pain should have come to the first place (Calloway and Young, 2014). This patient is on complete neurological observations hourly. The time has come when the registered nurse need to undertake the net set of hourly neurological observation. To perform this the registered nurse have entered into a darken cubicle and before the nurse say anything the mother of this patient asked the registered nurse not to disturb her daughter as she has gone to sleep after almost two days. Here comes another issue. The registered nurse should perform what she is supposed to. She should not encourage the instructions given by the patient family member (Daniels, 2004). But in this case study, it is seen that the registered nurse consulted the prior observation charts and come to an decision point that prior two sets of observations were within normal range, so this time the result would also be the same. Hence, the registered nurse did not wake the patient up (Thompson and Dowding, 2009). The registered nurse also did not note on the emergency chart that she was requested not to wake the patient by her mother (Loke et al., 2014). So, here another issue arrived. It is an offense that instead of taking the actual neurological reading the registered nurse just supposed her neurological condition and left noting any observational signs, which was also influenced by the patients family member (Braddock, 2010). After that, the registered nurse had also ignored to note on the emergency chart that she was requested no to awake the patient by the patients m other. During the lunch break she has handed over the patient to the coordinator, who assured that she will take care of the patients. Finally, the patients condition got deteriorated and the registered nurse was enquired why she ignored taking note on her neurological observations for the third time (Washer, 2009). This could be another issue (Secord, 2005). The registered nurse knew the condition of the patient (Lai, 2012). Yet, she left for her lunch, handing over the patient to a coordinator. She could have inform the medical officer regarding the issue, that is her mother was unwilling to wake up her daughter and she did not note any neurological condition of the patient for the third time (Standing, 2011). The nurse should have been little more conscious and focused on her responsibility while she is working in an emergency department (Jasper, 2012). She could have followed proper process, so that her patient did not undergo an unconscious state. To avoid this situation the registered nurse need to be more careful while making decisions and working in the emergency department (Johansen and O'Brien, 2015). At the very beginning she needs to focus on pain control and then go for the proper intervention of her immense headache. She should only focus on the correct medical process. If it is mandatory to check for her neurological data at particular intervals, nurse should perform so, instead of skipping any step to obey the patient parties. Here comes the situation of decision making. In this type of critical condition she should have directly speak to the medical officer regarding this matter and solve clarify the confusion immediately with proper intervention (Walker and Breitsameter, 2014). She has also got ready to go for lunch after handing over her patients to the coordinator. The registered nurse could have consult this situation immediately with the medical officer and then proceed further as the medical officer recommend s. Instead, the registered nurse assumed about the patients stable neurological condition freely went for her lunch. The registered nurse should write the entire details she has been performing with each and individual patient. In this case study it is seen that she ignored taking note on the emergency chart that she was requested not to wake up the patient by her mother. The registered nurses did not even bother to take a note of it, which is again against the nursing guidelines (Holland and Roberts, 2013). The registered nurse should understand that she is a fresher nurse and should always follow the rules set by the nursing board or regulation agency. Section 2 Analysis of this situation Different situations might have caused this incident to occur. First of all in this case study the registered nurse is just a fresher who is participating in the emergency management and only within the third week of her career, she has been assigned four critical patients under her. This might present a huge pressure on a fresher. Also, there is no senior or experienced registered nurse within the emergency ward, who can assist her while the fresher nurse performing her tasks. Assistance from senior member is always important and effective for a fresher nurse to enhance his/her practical experience (Husted and Husted, 2008). In this case study her lesser experience also thought to be one of the most important factor in deteriorating the patients condition. It is not a good decision to assign four critical patients under a fresher registered nurse (Pines and Everett, 2008). The factors which are associated with this condition might include her lack of experience, inability to properl y make a strong decision, nervousness, lack of awareness and lack of responsibility. The main players who are responsible for this situation might include patients mother, the registered nurse, the coordinator and to some extent the medical practitioner also. From the mothers maternal instinct it is obvious for her to mention not to give her daughter a wakeup call, as she has slept after two long days. But it is the nurses responsibility to make her understand that the wakeup call would be for her daughters own good (Guido, 2010). The mother should also have the understanding that the healthcare professionals know their actual responsibility and should not interfere in their interferences. The coordinator has been assigned for some work but the professional failed to properly keep a track on the patient. If this staff would have concentrate more on his/her function for that particular time, this patient might not have undergone to her unconscious state (Penrod, 2011). During the deteriorating condition of the patient, the coordinator should have given a call to the m edical officer or the other experienced nursing staff. The medical officer when checked the patient and recommended for her MRI scan, the medical officer have understood the critical condition of this young female patient, yet the officer left the emergency department without arranging any special facility for this patient. For example: recruiting an experienced nurse instead of the fresher registered nurse. It is a true fact that practical experiences immensely support individuals to learn more in their life and help in their long professional career. It also supports the fresher nurses to obtain more professional knowledge (Ulrich, 2012). Hence, it would be good if the medical officer took the responsibility to pace an experienced nurse in the first place regarding this young patients care and the registered fresher nurse should follow how the experienced nurse is performing the tasks as per the priority (Elliott, Aitken and Chaboyer, 2012). Another analysis which can be included in this discussion is the communicative nature of this registered nurse. If the nurse is facing any kind of confusion or difficulty she could have asked any of the experienced staff present within the department or she could have directly call the medical officer when the mother of the patient asked her not to give her a wakeup call for further neurological observations. Two factors can be discussed here in this context (Kerschner and Cohen, 2002). One is her sense of fear where she might have felt that if she calls the medical officer or a senior nursing staff, they might not assist her properly as she is a fresher or they might have scold her. Another factor can be her ego issues or out of shame she might not consult this condition with any other staff to clarify her confusion (Foreman, Milisen and Fulmer, 2010). The nurse has demonstrated her irresponsibility completely by skipping the documentation of the patients neurological observations. It is also mentioned in this case stud y that the registered nurse did not even documented that she skipped taking note on neurological observations of this patient (Sollins, 2007). This represents her negligence towards her role as a registered nurse. From the starting point of the nursing education it is taught that the nurses are responsible for each and every step of nursing care and intervention (Meacher, 2006). They should follow certain rules and regulations and should always focus on patient wellbeing to improve their quality of life. But in this case study the registered nurse have failed to properly focus and maintain her nursing responsibilities within the emergency department. Section 3 The action Had I been a registered nurse in her place, I would have definitely spoken to my mentor or the medical officer about my capacity whether I can take the responsibility of four critical patients during my initiation of nursing career within the department. I would have definitely ask for assistance from my senior colleagues and communicate any little issues so that I can easily resolve it in near future (Albini, 2010). I would always prefer to assist my seniors so that I can gain some practical knowledge about critical nursing and also can develop the power of making decisions during critical situations (Jarrett-Williams, 2012). My preliminary focus would be the reduction of her immense headache. Then I would have recommended a family counselor for the patients mother. The counselor could have make her understood the importance for each and every nursing steps, so that in near future she will not interfere in her daughters critical and necessary treatment (Aston, Wakefield and McGown, 2010). I would have also asked the medical officer for further nursing assistance. Prior handing over my patient to the coordinator I would have definitely check whether that person is capable enough to take such responsibilities. I would have not skipped taking neurological observations for the final time and never assumed about her final neurological indications based on the prior two observations. I would have understand the significance of documenting neurological observations of the critical patient and also briefing of the same to the medical officer to avoid such accidental situations, like whatever has happened in this case study. Being in the higher authority post within a healthcare set up, the respective person should take proper action against this registered nurse (Ankner, 2007). Human error is very common and can happen at any point of time during care. But that error should not be life-threatening and in nursing no errors should be present while taking care of a patient (Iszatt-White, 2007). In this situation it is mentioned that the medical officer has enquired about the reason why the last neurological observations has not been documented (Naeem, Ahmed and Rabbani, 2013). To respond this it is pretty clear that the irresponsibility and lack of knowledge of the registered nurse would be prominent in this regard. Hence proper punishment should be given to this registered nurse against such breach (Roberts, 2010). The higher authority of the health care set up should understand the capacity of the registered nurse, prior they assign a critical patient in the emergency department. Allotting a fresher regi stered nurse for four critically ill patients is really a big blunder. The critical situation of the patient needs to be stabilized as early as possible to reduce internal chaos. Proper planning should be implemented prior starting up a nursing intervention. It is quite obvious that prior giving serious responsibilities the higher ups should evaluate and understand that whether the person has the capacity to perform it in an appropriate manner or else chances of errors are high. In this case study it is apparent that the registered nurse has failed to take proper decisions in several times. To avoid this kind of errors in near future, it is the responsibility of the hospital authority to arrange for a proper training structure for the fresher registered nurses who are participating in critical care and emergency department. The Code of Ethics for nurses has been structured for nursing profession in Australia (Nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au, 2015). The codes include various factors; th ese are: nursing staff value quality nursing care for people; they value kindness and respect for self and other members; they value people diversity; they value quality nursing and quality care for all the patients; they value informed decision making and also value cultural safety. So, in this context, the registered nurse of this case study has violated the code of ethics (decision-making). According to this code, nurses should make informed decisions regarding their practice in the limits of their specialized function and compliant with legal and ethical requirements. Nurses should perform the same without unnecessary pressure or any type of compulsion. Nurses should be accountable for making sure their decision is depend upon relevant, contemporary and well-structured information and knowledge. In this case study the nurses performance has created a questionable behavior. Hence, the higher authority should decide whether to provide her a second chance or the form of the punishm ent would be much severe. Whatever the case it is, from previous risk analysis and research studies it can be said that education and prevention are the best methods to diminish the risk for the clients as well as the care providers (Holmes and Perron, 2007). During nursing training or education, boundary theory need to be discussed along with some critical topics, such as: practice standards, ethics, therapeutic touch and personal space. References Albini, E. (2010). Medical students' penal responsibilities.Emerg Care J, 6(3), p.41. Ankner, G. 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