Zero Tolerance Essay -- School System Education Discipline Essays

Zero Tolerance   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are many disciplinary actions that have been used and are still in use in order to deal with problems in the school system today. However, it seems that zero tolerance is now the most widely used and most controversial policy that has came into effect. Zero tolerance means absolutely no mercy for students when accused of doing something wrong. This policy leaves no room at all for error. These cases are not judged for their individual qualities. They are all treated the same regardless of the circumstances.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When zero tolerance is thought of, it seems like a very practical way of dealing with the problems that we face everyday in the school system. However, we then have to ask ourselves if it is fair to give all â€Å"offenders† of a crime the same punishment without looking at the circumstances of each case. There have been many cases of zero tolerance use that shows just how unfair this policy is. An example of the misuse of zero tolerance is this; a student was kicked out of school for writing a paper that involved guns. This paper said nothing about harming anyone but the student was still kicked out. Is this to say that by having the word â€Å"gun† in my paper that I will be kicked out of school too?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Zero Tolerance has a very good literal appeal. Parents and some students alike are happy to have this disciplinary action. However, zero tolerance would not have stopped the school shootings that have recently plagued the country. A recent po...

An Evaluation of the Significant Factors that Contribute towards the Success Of Companies Operating in the Bulgarian Property Market

There are several factors that had come together to give an exceptional boost to the real estate market in Eastern Europe. The major factor that contributed to the boom was the abandoning of central planning, which was a system that was embraced by all communist countries before the fall of the Soviet Union. After that every Soviet block and East European countries had started introducing the market economy. That automatically opened the door for property speculation and currently many investors are buying property in Eastern Europe with a mixed result.Among the East European countries Bulgaria had finished ahead simply because it became among the hot tourist destinations in a few years time and it started to attract both investors and tourists in a big number. The outcome was mixed and there are some who say that Bulgaria’s property market is saturated whereas there are others who say it is still possible to make money by investing in Bulgaria’s real estate. It was in l996 that Bulgaria was able to topple the communist regime.From then on, it had decided like many East European countries to introduce the market economy. While doing that, as European countries it was inevitable that they would join the EU. However, before doing that they had to go through a preparation phase that had a considerable amount of aid earmarked to it. Using whatever was getting into their system these countries were working to transform their economy that had been under a central planning for all those years and eventually they started showing some positive result. (Angelov, Ivan et al. 1992-2001)Bulgaria was not different from similar Eastern European countries in such a way that there was a lot of activity in the capital Sophia where there was some kind of a construction boom simply because the workforce was able to make more money hence they were able to afford to pay for better accommodations. The commercial sector also saw some activity where offices and other comm ercial properties were in high demand. This started attracting investors since the country had opened its doors for outsiders as long as they met certain requirements.What took place was a boom by any standard even if it was not different from what was happening in the other countries that were selling properties cheap simply because they were starting out from a system where property did not have any value since they were under communism. (Petrov, Georgi 1969) In all this Bulgaria got another advantage because of its tourist industry that became very popular to the point where it started to compete with other destination such as Spain, Greece and Portugal. One of the reasons for this was the low price that includes both cost of living and the price of buying property.The second one was Bulgaria has a tourist sector that has a ski resort, a mountain hiking trails and summer vacation spots in the coastal regions of the Black Sea. None of the other countries had all three facilities i n one location. In addition, there is a spa and mineral water that needed development. Once the location became popular, it started attracting tourists in big number. Some of them were only visitors attracted by the beauty of the surrounding area and the low price for the amenities.Some also started buying property because other locations such as Spain were very crowded and the price of property was not as cheap as it was in Bulgaria. In addition, property development companies were also attracted and they had been building apartments, hotels and houses for a while now. However, after all the buying and investing that took place the demand for housing is not accommodated and there is some distance to go before that becomes a reality. The value of property is not where it was at the beginning yet, it is still cheap even if it had been steadily appreciating.This means whether they are investors or people are buying homes for vacation or retirement it is still easy to get a good value for their money even if it is not going to be like those who invested earlier that had paid very cheap price for whatever they bought. Hence, since the demand for housing and other facilities that the tourist population needs is in short supply, especially companies and entrepreneurs who want to invest in the country will see a good return on their investment since the number of the tourist population is growing steadily.There are various sectors to invest into. The office, commercial and industrial sectors go in parallel to the kind of economic growth the country attains, because currently the capital city seems to be saturated and the cheapest properties could be bought around there. However, the development is reaching the other major cities, which means it is still possible to make money by investing in the office, commercial and industrial sector since there is always economic activity. The tourist sector’s demand for various amenities is not met.It means there is enough room for new entrants to make a hefty profit on their investment. What are hot now are apartment buildings, hotels, living accommodation around the spa and the spring water that are scattered around the country, luxury housing that is picking up, and golf courses are among the few areas that are requiring accommodation. Among the East European countries, Bulgaria has become one of the hot investment destinations. There are many reasons contributing for that and among them are its coastal, mountainous and recently its cities are attracting investors in a big number.Although, at this particular juncture it is possible to say there is an on and off signal since some of the markets have started cooling down simply because of the close to 31% annual property value growth that was attained in the last three years alone. Yet there is still a huge price advantage when compared to any European country as well as there is a capital growth that is unmatched anywhere else. The other obvious at traction factors are the sun, sand, sea, skiing, spa and mineral water. It also has a stunning landscape with a moderate temperature that goes with it.All this are coupled with a booming economy that started after the country abandoned its communist system and embraced a market economy. Bulgaria has similar size with Britain but its population is around 7. 45 million people. The country is located in the southern east of Europe and it borders Greece, Macedonian, Romania, Serbia, Montenegro and Turkey. Currently the investment business in properties has cooled off in Sofia the capital where the property price was the highest in the country and since the country had joined the EU the growth rate had accelerated requiring more housing and commercial properties.At the same time because of its 354 km of Black Sea coast and its 37,500 hiking path, mountain trails, blended with its ancient history, it has become among the best tourist destinations in Europe. Many people are buying property at this location as a vacation home, or for future retirement or simply to speculate on the booming and overheated real estate market. The Property Market The property market in Bulgaria had focused on the capital city even if it was taking place across the country. It is possible to buy a decent cottage for ?5000 whereas the average price could be between ? l0,000 and ? l80,000 yet ? 50,000 could also buy a well-maintained property in a good location. The nature of the property market focuses on various sectors. There is the tourist industry that needs accommodation that is not yet saturated, in fact, there are some areas that are not meeting the standard, yet they have become tourist attractions availing huge opportunities especially for property managing companies. The second area is for individual investors who want to buy a property whatever the reason behind it might be.It is possible to use the property as a cottage and renting it out when it is not in use. It is also possib le to plan for retirement or for speculation, because a property bought three years ago would have appreciated up to 30% in addition to the rental income it would generate. And it seems that the market is saturated with such a growth rate, but it is not, which means anyone who is buying property at this point in time certainly will see it appreciating in the coming years although there are a few caveats to look out for.(Property Showrooms) However, the other sector that had become lucrative was the capital Sofia where the demand was high simply because of what was taking place in the capital. The city was attracting a huge amount of investment from outside by creating a prevalence of young and educated work force that needed modern accommodation and it had taken a lot of building to meet the demand creating a lot of opportunities for companies to head that way. (Baytchinska, Krassimira et al.1998) It is not only that a huge amount of commercial development was required as the (Annua l Reports 1991-2000) demand was growing at a fast pace, another opportunity that was attracting big developers. Another reason why bigger, experienced, and well funded companies had a good chance to be successful in that area is it is only such companies that will be in a position to obtain permission as they can meet the strict environmental standards that is being put in place.As well, paying a particular attention to the natural beauty of the surrounding and the country parks is also important. What this meant was anyone that meets the requirements can go in there and buy built property and rent it out until the price appreciates and when it becomes profitable it is possible to put it on the market. While such opportunities are available even for individual investors, it is bigger developers that benefit more since they could be involved in a bigger scale development. (Due, J. M. and Schmidt, S. C. 1995) TourismThe other driver is tourism that has created an unprecedented opportu nity in the country by making it the newest attraction among the international tourist industry. Accordingly, the summer months see over 50% of the overall tourist population who are there to visit the coastal regions. The winter months come in second by attracting around l4% of the tourist population who are coming there to take advantage of the ski resorts. The forecast for 2010 estimates the number of tourists visiting the region would surpass 20 million making it among the emerging tourist attractions.One of the reasons that is contributing to the success displayed in the capital city was its close proximity to one of the popular ski resorts at Vitosha where visitors are looking for high quality accommodation that is creating the dual market advantage fuelling the property investment. (Polycontact) LITERATURE REVIEW Real Estate Cycle Real Estate cycle had always been influenced by how the economy was performing. At the same time the population growth also has a direct effect on the demand of real estate since they will need more amenities.It also requires accommodation, hence the amenities need to be at a given location to tend for all the needs. Because of that real estate is considered to be a cyclical industry that reflects what goes on in the economy. The first individual who discussed real estate cycle was Homer Hoyt in the year 1993 when he analysed the Chicago market scene. Prichett (1984) confirmed that there is a real estate cycle that always lag demand, but it was possible to determine the cycle when both demand and supply go the opposite direction.Accordingly, he stated that the best time for investors to go in is when there is a decline in the market and when the market starts to pick up. Witten (1987) continued on the same idea by saying that every location has its own unique cycle that it introduces into the market and stated that supply is mostly determined by the availability of capital. That is proven to be true in Bulgaria where the deman d is not met simply because the number of investors and developers is still very low even if the demand is already there and is growing.Brown (1984) was not different from the others in that he stated that the main determining factor as far as cycles are concerned was what was happening in the economy. But he stressed on the length of the time such studies will be conducted since he believes that the longer the time is the finding will be better. According to him if the aim is to avail a reliable feasibility analysis, investment advice or credible market analysis, trends and seasonal components will have to be removed from the study that will be conducted.Wheaton (1987) studied ten cities and determined markets for office space have 10 to 12 years time span and that had been demonstrated to be true in Bulgaria as it will be demonstrated later where the cycle is the outcome of how the economy performs and factors such as GDP, interest rate and employment growth have a direct effect o n the cycle. Wheaton and Torto (1988) studied both rent and the available vacancy and found out that it is possible that there is a drop of 2% on a yearly basis for the glut that will be created in space for rent.Phyrr, Born and Webb (1990) based their real estate analysis on a theoretical cycle model that focuses on demand, supply and the effect of inflation and arrived at a conclusion that the timing in acquiring and desposing off a property is crucial in realising profit for would be investors. Phyr, Born, Robinson and Lucas (1996) took their research further by comparing a traditional valuation model against what they called cyclical assumptions by taking into consideration demand, supply, absorption, occupancy rate and the rent difference between new and older units.The conclusion they arrived at was cyclical assumptions could affect how properties are valued, but the better method was the cyclical model, which is a better indicator for a long term investment when compared to k nowing the value of a property at one point in time. Mueller and Laposa (1994, 1995) took into consideration sub markets by stating, on the outset it seems that sub markets move differently, but in the long run they tend to fall back in place with the overall markets.The case in Bulgaria had been different simply because of the number of drivers that can function independent of each other and have their own unique characteristics that are not influenced by the others, yet they can be labelled as sub markets. Muller (1995) came up with two cycle types, a physical cycle that looks at the demand, supply and occupancy rate and the second one that looks at the capital flow into real estate that will affect the property price. If there is excess capital finding its way into the market it will bring down the price of both rent and property value.What is taking place in Bulgaria is the opposite simply because it is a new market and there is lack of capital coming into the country to satisfy the existing demand that is on the rise. It is also worth mentioning Grenadier (1995) who developed a theoretical option pricing model studying by how vacancy rate and rent are interacting. The finding was both follow the economic trend where when there are booms and growth rents will start to get higher as there is surging demand.That is exactly taking place in Bulgaria now where owners or investors that buy property to rent will always see their rent income appreciating simply because the demand is rising consistently. The Price Factor When examining the factors that are influencing the property market in Bulgaria they are not different from what the academician above touched on. Because of that the FDW Model that came into existence when DiPasquale and Wheaton (1992) published a diagrammatic integrated property and asset market model on the website of Curtin Business School is used on this research.The particular publication was followed by an article written by Fisher, DiPasqua le and Wheaton that became FDW Model that focuses on a given real estate market, asset market variables and factors that contribute in establishing the equilibrium of demand and supply of a particular market. This particular model is applied here to examine the factors that are influencing the Bulgarian real estate market. One fact that ascertains a good future for the country is it has managed to keep property prices reasonably low when compared to other European countries that have joined the EU recently whose cost of living had risen considerably.On top of that this particular country is managing to mix two sectors together in such a way that since what it avails for the tourist industry is vital there is a need for adequate and modern accommodation that is not met yet and that will be on the rise for as long as the number of tourists is on the rise. The other area is the country’s economy is also growing and it would create enough demand in the capital for now that will s pread to the other regions over time. The demand in the capital is somewhat met and is saturated currently yet, as a growing economy there will continue to be a surge in demand as the economy grows.Another area that is adding lustre to what is taking place is the new demand for secure and luxury development that is another challenge that has to be harnessed by companies that have specialisation in that area. (Eastern Europe Property) Hence, since it is possible to say the country is new in its endeavour it would mean that it still has more room and potential to grow its economy as well as raising the standard of living of its people that is not advanced yet, especially in the rural regions.(Minassian, Garabed, Totev, Stoyan 1996) When that takes place over the years any company that has a good presence will be in a position to spot the opportunities and capitalise on them. Since the country is already a member of the EU that has a master plan for all its members to attain a certain amount of growth in a given period of time, it cannot become stagnant until it meets that requirement that will take years.Moreover, as the living standard of the local people improves their demand for accommodation will be much higher than it is now creating a sustainable boom that is not easy to exhaust in the near future. In addition to that it is a tourist attraction that has seen an increase of 50% between the years 2000 and 2004 where 90% came from the EU countries. This means there will be a similar growth rate going forward into 2010 that is expected to reach 20 million and all that influx definitely requires accommodation that is going lacking now as there are busy destinations that are barely managing.This means a huge opportunity mainly for developers that can build bigger housing complexes that are available for rent as well as for sale by the unit. Big hotels are needed badly and the amount the best hotels are charging now is very low compared to what is happening in th e other part of the world, which means more opportunities for companies that want to open bigger hotels since there is an obvious shortage.

Bush Boake Allen Case Marketing Study

Bush Boake Allen Case Marketing Study Company Overview Bush Boake Allen Inc. is a company involved in the manufacture and distribution of fragrance and flavor chemicals and other aroma chemicals. Fragrances are used as primary raw materials for air fresheners, soaps, cleaners, toiletries, and detergents while aroma chemicals form major compounds in fragrances. Flavors and fragrances account for over 80% of the company’s total revenues. Major products from the company include spice extracts, seasonings, and oils that are essential in adding desired smell and tastes to different assortment of products. Bush Boake Allen Inc. supplies products primarily to pharmaceutical, beverage, food, and household product industries. Bush Boake Allen Inc. was incorporated in 1982 and listed in the New York Stock exchange. Situational Analysis Background to the Issue Bush Boake Allen, the fragrance and flavor, is involved in a situation that calls for the implementation of strategic options aimed at integrating customers into its product developmental process such as the flavor developmental process through an internet-based design framework. The increase customer participation in the flavor innovation initiative is heavily reliant on a half-million dollar machine. However, Julien Boyden, the Chief Executive Officer of Bush Boake Allen, could face dramatic changes both to the nature of the business operating model and as well, relationships with customers in all operating market segments. Equally worrying are serious oppositions faced by the CEO from other senior management officials from the company due the need to introduce the new project into the company’s operational activities. As such, Bush Boake Allen is faced with a situation owing to the several changes in its operating environment and other operating activities. Key Processes within the Company Bush Boake Allen success factors in the industry has been influenced by several factors that include trade secrets, production of a diverse range of flavors and fragrances, creativity in the art flavor innovation, committed workers, purchasing suppliers, corporate structure, and customer relationships and brands. The introduction of the internet-based technology in the flavor production process will most likely bring changes the operational activities within these processes. Trade Secrets Bush Boake Allen has been invisible in the development of scents in the extent that it could only be rivaled by its on innovations. Most of players within the industry not only depend on intellectual rights to their innovative initiatives but also the maintenance of their trade secrets. These factors have been critical in enabling management executives to make decisions promptly and address challenges depending on the needs of large-scale buyers. Bush Boake Allen’s trade secrets cover a range of operational and management processes. First, the decentralized structure is a key factor in the facilitation of the decision-making processes within the company. The structure also plays a significant in the management of the centralized financial control, despite the existence of regional autonomies. Information sharing is facilitated by a centralized computer system. Second, customers purchased flavors from a segment of selected suppliers and interrupted supply was achieved by obtain ing raw materials from diverse sources all over the world. Third, distribution of sales offices and open communication lines is another important point that ensured customers kept informed on matters related to flavor development. Finally, extensive research and development enabled Bush Boake Allen to remain ahead in new product development processes. Range of Flavors and Fragrances Dominance in the flavor and fragrance industry is dependent on a company’s ability to develop a diverse assortment of flavors and fragrances (Thomke 4). Clients from all over the world have different tastes that must be satisfied through the development of different varieties of flavors and fragrances. Different components must be mixed in varying concentrations to come up with a flavor that suits the needs of many a consumer. Even a single trace of elements is capable of delivering unrivalled difference (Thomke 4). Government rules and regulations Many countries have rules and regulations that govern flavor production processes and such regulations are specified in particular constitutions of the country in question. For instance, the Food and Drug Administration act provides rules and regulations to govern flavor production activities throughout the United States. Further, in some regions, it is a necessity to register all samples with the government to enable the process of ascertaining the safety of ingredients used in the flavor development process. The art of producing unique and innovative flavors entails a combination more than one ingredient through complex processes. These processes ought to be compliant with the rules and regulations governing production processes in such regions. People Flavorists play a critical role, in terms of creativity and imagination, to the process of blending ingredients. These individuals commit their creativity and innovative capabilities in the development and recreation of flavors through their creativities (Thomke 5). Additionally, flavorists hold accumulated experience that took time and resources to realize. The flavor and fragrance industry is also characterized by a shortage of flavorists given that the entire career of flavorists is risky in itself. This is partly due to the need to study and train for several years before ones’ fate can be determined and as well the increased cases of flavor rejection. The flavor making process is a subject to the development of substandard flavors due to low accuracy levels and poor formulae of mixing ingredients. Higher customer expectations also influence the flavor generation process. Research and Development Although the idea to develop particular flavors might be based on ideas from customers, majority of work in the flavor development process is obtained from research and development laboratories. The flavor producing company has to undertake research initiatives to test and design the flavors according to the parameters provided by the customer. Research and development expenses are footed by the flavor producing company and hence, the companies to should put in more efforts to ensure that research and development costs are reduced and higher profits margins are registered (Thomke 6). Technology Advancement in technology has facilitated the process of process on analyzing within the shortest period. Technologies have also made it easier to reveal chemical formulations and gather data for relating to production costs. The incorporation of technologies in flavor producing processes at Bush Boake Allen calls for the change of the business model. Technologies would make it possible to do away with tedious and complex flavor producing processes related to dispensing, measuring ingredients and assortments, and mixing different fragrances and batches to obtain the desired flavor. Equally important, the majority of production processes can be automated. It is through technology that the need to include customer in flavor development processes whereby they will be involved in the development process in different stages. The internet-based technology will enable the company to manage raw ingredient inventory (Thomke 7). Competition The fragrance and flavor industry is very volatile due to the presence of more than 300 competitors in the industry. For instance, the International Flavors and Fragrance (IFF) from the US and Givaudan Roure from Switzerland are among the top competitors to Bush Boake Allen. The top nine companies control three-quarters of the market share of the industry. However, growth rates and market shares varied depending on the operating regions. This is evidenced by the ability of Bush Boake Allen to control substantial share in the Indian market due to capitalization of relationships that had already been developed during the British colonial times. Competition of flavor manufacturing industries in most markets is also dependent on a company’s ability to study and understand the needs, tastes, and preferences of the people, and instituting measures that facilitate the development of varied flavors and fragrances. Customer Reactions The success of technologies and fragrances in the market depend reactions from the customers within the industry. Flavors are developed depending on the needs and ideas of consumers and hence, all flavor-developing processes should consider the views and expressions of customers (Thomke 8). Concerning the Project Mercury initiative at Bush Boake Allen, majority of enthusiast customers who got the opportunity to visit the facility became very delighted. However, it is not yet clear whether customers will be willing to pay for utilizing the facility given that the Project Mercury Technology involves huge costs of installation. Project Mercury Technology Objectives Before Bush Boake Allen can implement the Project Mercury Technology that will involve customers in the flavor development process, it needs to address a few statement issues. The introduction and implementation of this technology should clarify these factors based on their contribution to the company. These issues cover different processes and operations within the company that include: Knowledge, innovation, and decision-making processes- will the new technology allow the company or customers to develop new products or will this initiative make customers to bring ideas that might affect the flavor production process negatively (Cairncross, Ch. 1). Similarly, assessment needs to be made to ascertain the extent with which the technology will be critical in shaping the entire innovation process (Cairncross, Ch. 2). Will the process of implementing the technology lead to knowledge accumulation? The community and corporate culture-given that Bush Boake Allen operates in an open culture, will the introduction of the technology affect this culture? This objective must be considered before the implementation of the project mercury technology (Cairncross, Ch. 5). Customers and brands customer relationships and reactions are fundamental factors in determining the competitive advantage within the industry. Will the new technology bring an impact to the nature of customer relationships or will it enable customers to expand their relationships as soon as the technology operates (Cairncross, Ch. 3). With regard to the company’s brand, can the Project Mercury Technology strengthen the brand of Bush Boake Allen? Will the technology bring threats or opportunities to the BBA brand? Purchasing and corporate suppliers supplier and customer relationships are essential for the flavor development process at BBA and hence, it is essential to consider the effects that might face BBA as a major supplier to its customers, and as well the role of the company as a purchaser from its suppliers (Cairncross, Ch. 6). Recruiting, retaining, or training users – it is highly likely that the implementation of the Project Mercury Technology will bring an impact to the staffing activities of BBA. For instance, it is essential to consider whether the new technology will make it easy or difficult to retain key personnel such as flavorists (Cairncross, Ch. 6). Other things that must be considered are incentives that can be designed to encourage personnel to utilize the Project Mercury Technology and at the same time, enable Bush Boake Allen to recruit or retain the most essential personnel. Equally important is the assessment of whether the Project Mercury Technology can be used as an essential tool in training key individuals within the company. Leadership and management processes Majority of flavorists at Bush Boake Allen are virtuosi who are independent in their innovative strategies. Flavorists are often difficult to manage and hence, the Project Mercury Technology might bring different challenges with regard to their management. It is also evident that other senior executive members are opposed to the introduction of the new technology. To resolve these cases, top management officials need to identify ways of resolving this issue. What actions will BBA take to ensure that all personnel involved in management processes adopt agree to the Project Mercury Technology. Individuals that must participate in the decision making process to discuss matters concerning the deployment of the Project Mercury Technology (Cairncross, Ch. 9). Corporate Structure – since the Project Mercury Technology involves customers in the flavor development process, it likely that customers will be granted with more power and control on matters regarding flavor development processes. Is there likelihood that the new technology will affect the corporate structure? How will issues relating to intellectual property rights handled given that customers will be involved in the development of products and flavors? Will patents affect development processes (Cairncross, Ch. 8)? Traditionally, Bush Boake Allen depended on trade secrets and trusts to enhance its competitive advantage other than depending on patents. Will the implementation of the technology affect this strategic capability? Lastly, will the implementation of the technology affect the decentralized corporate structure? Will it lead to the adoption of a centralized corporate structure? Available Options to address the above objectives Bush Boake Allen can find solutions to the objectives identified above through the implementation different options depending on the nature of the objective. Solutions should be designed to address the prevailing concepts within individual objectives. The following are possible options that can be undertaken by Bush Boake Allen. Management, Innovation, Knowledge, Information and Technology, Decision Making The implementation of the project mercury technology identified the above factors as the essential factors that must be allocated significant consideration. Bush Boake Allen is an established company comprising of people and values and hence, its strategic capabilities lies in innovative ideas and knowledge. At this moment before the implementation of the Project Mercury Technology, it is crucial that the company involves intelligent individuals to communicate information, manage decision making processes, and set central standards to facilitate the knowledge management process1. Such processes will enable the BBA to assess the situation and maximize the value of knowledge and ideas from customers and employees. Community and Corporate Culture Since the implementation of Project Mercury Technology might have an influence on the BBA’s corporate culture; it is advisable that BBA devise measures that will ensure customer’s participation in the development process does not have a direct influence on major processes within the company. This setting limits and specifying their contributions to ideas related to the flavor development process. BBA should organize and shape its corporate culture to match the aspects presented by the implementation of this technology. Customers and Brands regarding this matter, BBA should not only concentrate in development processes that involve the identification of new markets but instead, it should consider the development and implementation of strategies that seek to strengthen the prevailing relationships with customers and suppliers. Internet-based technologies should be used to communicate information to customers and purchasers. This will be critical in creating a memorable brand within the company. Staffing Requirements on matters regarding recruitment, retaining, and training of employees, BBA should consider finding the best personnel to manage objectives presented with the use of the technology. BBA can train or educate employees on emerging trends to ensure that their skills remain up-to-date. Purchasing and Suppliers – Since Internet Technologies have an effect of altering purchasing processes for most companies, the management of Bush Boake Allen has the option of developing clear and open relationships that will enable buyers and suppliers to gain extraordinary access to the flavor producing database and other integrated operations. BBA can also consider the development of a user-friendly technological kit for its customers to enhance their flexibility in the production process. Leadership and Management – BBA has the option of protecting the responsibilities of Flavorists and other personnel who are virtuosi must be recognized and their duties, responsibilities and ideas differentiated from those of the customers. BBA should also consider holder an executive meeting whereby all members of the executive board can reach a consensus and agree on the way forward for Project Mercury Technology. Corporate Structure and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)- BBA has the option of changing the traditional decentralized corporate structure because customers are now involved in the flavor development process. Trade secrets will no longer play a key role in development processes but rather patents should be used to protect ideas and innovations. Speaking of patents, Bush Boake Allen owns the Internet-based technology and hence, it should specify that all innovations that can be patented belong to the company. It might be critical to acknowledge the contributions of the involved customers and award them incentives that should be discussed within the company and the affected customers. Evaluation of options Involving Knowledgeable Personnel in Management and Information Sharing The evaluation of options available for this objective will be dependent on the quality of the idea concerning the contribution of that idea in the flavor production process. First, the idea or ideas from customers or should be sampled efficiently and effectively to ascertain their viability or feasibility. This process should be undertaken by knowledgeable individuals who are selected on merit and experience basis. Second, the idea will be assessed to ascertain any negative or positive values that might arise with the implementation of the idea. Third, information should be shared among the executive management to determine the effects they might bring to virtuosi who are influential in the flavor development processes within BBA. Fourth, the effects of the idea will be ascertained to determine it contributions to the knowledge sharing process within the organization. Last, knowledgeable personnel will make the necessary decisions concerning the contribution of the idea into the int ernet-based technology of the flavor generation process. In turn, the knowledgeable individuals should provide a report regarding the knowledge sharing process. Management and Leadership The executive management and other senior officials should call an executive meeting that involves CEOs from all regions to discuss the issue of the implementation of the Project Mercury Technology. This will enable the executive management to iron out issues involving opposition with the implementation of the internet-based technology. Voting should be used to obtain to enable them reach a consensus. Still on management issues, the responsibilities and duties of flavorists should be discussed in the executive meeting. This should be done to prevent to erosion of their skills and talents. Implementation of Measures to govern the corporate culture and Community The participation of customers in the flavor development process is likely to affect the development process. Measures should be put in place to prevent customers having a direct influence on the flavor development process. Limits should be placed with the extent of their contributions in the process. The evaluation process followed in the implementation of such measures will be based on the benefits that will be derived from the ideas. Strengthen Relationships between brands and customers This will involve the identification of existing relationships among customers and integrate internet related measures that will strengthen or enhance relationships. Once the relations are identified, the Project Mercury Technology can be designed to incorporate flexibilities that will facilitate flexibility and user friendliness with customers. Speaking of the BBA brand, the internet-based technology should be tooled, and redesigned with information features to enhance the information sharing process among consumers and as such, it will lead to the creation of a memorable brand. Training and educating users The implementation of the internet-based technological project will mean that employees will need to update their skills and application. The management of the entire project also needs knowledgeable individuals. In light of this needs, flavorists and customers with feasible ideas should be trained to facilitate their understanding of the framework and as well to improve their contributions in the flavor generation process. Equally important would be the need to use merit in the process of selecting talented individuals to manage the entire internet based technological platform. Developing open relationships with buyers and suppliers These individuals will be largely involved in the flavor development process and hence, it would be advisable to design the technology to fit their needs. This process will involve the development of a user-friendly technology for them, increasing the flexibility of their contribution to the flavor development process, conducting a careful selection of customers and suppliers who will be selected to utilize the internet based technology. Others measures that will be implemented to enhance this process include rapid and continuous evolvement of the technology to satisfy the needs and requirements of customers, and teaching them to adopt BBA’s new business model. Changing the corporate structure and management of Intellectual Property Rights The change from the traditional corporate structure to a new corporate structure will be critical during the adoption of the new technological platform of flavor development. The change of the corporate structure will be a decision that will involve members of the management executive who will in turn communicate the changes to other employees within the organization. On matters regarding Intellectual Property Rights, legal advice can be sought from the legal authorities regarding the manner with which the situation should be handled and/or managed. Recommendations for the Bush Boake Allen After assessment and evaluation of critical factors determining the feasibility and implementation of the internet-based flavor development process at Bush Boake Allen, the following recommendations can be offered: The situational analysis revealed the need for implementing strategic decisions and process following the integration of the internet-based â€Å"Project Mercury† flavor development process. Trade secrets, the people, creativity and innovation, and technological advancement were all found to be strategic factors in development initiatives for the project. First, Bush Boake Allen should consider strengthening its information sharing, innovation, and decision-making process by hiring knowledgeable individuals to manage operations that fall under this segment. These individuals would oversee the idea generation and incorporation process into the flavor development process and make critical decisions regarding how the ideas and relationships should be incorporated into the Project Mercury Technology process Second, BBA should allocate resources into strengthening its management structure to ensure that all individuals with authority or those who hold significant powers agree in unison on developmental projects within the organization. Third, BBA should implement measures that implementation of measures to govern the corporate culture and community. This will entail putting measures in place to determine the extent with which contributions from suppliers and customers will bring an impact on operational processes within the organization. Specific rules and guidelines should be implemented to limit the effects of contributions and ideas of customers in the flavor development process. Fourth, relationships between BBA’s brands and customers the customers should be strengthened through communicating new developmental initiatives with the respective customers. Improved communications has an effect of creating a memorable brand in the minds of customers. Fifth, BBA should consider training and/or educating users of the new technology to facilitate the use of the technology in developmental processes within the organization. Users such as flavorists and customers with feasible ideas should be trained to facilitate their understanding of the framework and as well to improve their contributions in the flavor generation process. These individuals will also get a chance to update their skills and talents. Sixth, BBA should encourage the process of developing open relationships between buyers and suppliers. This process can be realized through the development of a user-friendly technology for them, increasing the flexibility of their contribution to the flavor development process, conducting a careful selection of customers and suppliers who will be selected to utilize the internet based technology. Additionally, their contributions can be enhanced by implementing measures such as rapid and continuous evolvement of the technology to satisfy the needs and requirements of customers, and teaching them to adopt BBA’s new business model. Finally yet import, Bush Boake Allen should change its corporate structure to suit the needs of the new business model. The new business model is not based on trade secret but rather it depends on patents due to the involvement of customers in the flavor development process. This measure will be