George Bohoris, Jonathan Coombes, Tony Hamer and Alan Pickering
Deals with two main areas of the quality system of a world leaderin the vehicle lighting industry: conformance to recognized motorindustry quality standards (such as the Ford Q101…
Abstract
Deals with two main areas of the quality system of a world leader in the vehicle lighting industry: conformance to recognized motor industry quality standards (such as the Ford Q101 discipline) and implementation of a TQM programme. First discusses improvements to ensure compliance to standards then describes an approach employed to gain certification to the ISO 9000 standard. The strategy developed for achieving certification ensures that the problems encountered during the development of the quality system improvements will not be repeated. The second strategy is the TQM programme. Deals specifically with one element of this ‐quality costing. Describes how the costing system is being implemented, the problems encountered and the ways in which the company plans to overcome them. One of the main conclusions is that the resultant benefits are already extensive and are likely to prove essential to the future performance of the business.
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Giuseppe Arbia, Vincenzo Nardelli and Chiara Ghiringhelli
Traditional epidemic models, like the classical SIR, are fitted to real data using deterministic optimization techniques. As a consequence, their performances cannot be properly…
Abstract
Traditional epidemic models, like the classical SIR, are fitted to real data using deterministic optimization techniques. As a consequence, their performances cannot be properly assessed and, more importantly, the estimates of the critical epidemic parameters (which are of dramatic importance in monitoring the epidemic evolution) cannot be complemented with the calculation of confidence intervals. The aim of the present work is to remove such limitations and to compare the results obtained using two stochastic versions of deterministic SIR models. We describe the two alternatives and the associated estimation procedures, and we apply the two methodologies to a set of COVID-19 data observed in Italy in the 2020 pandemic wave. Our estimates of the basic reproduction number are comparable with the official sources, but using our methods uncertainty can also be properly assessed.
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Jonny Villatoro, John Chang and Samuel Lane
The purpose of this paper is to study ethics, values and cross-cultural differences in China, Mexico or the United States. Three distinct and unique nations, the USA, Mexico and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study ethics, values and cross-cultural differences in China, Mexico or the United States. Three distinct and unique nations, the USA, Mexico and China, have different political structures, historical backgrounds and economical systems. While each of these nations can be considered an integral part to the world economy, each nation has their own distinct ethics, values and culture which serve as the backbone of the particular region. To be successful in international business, knowledgeable as an expatriate and culturally or ethically aware of key nations in the global market, individuals need to have researched information pertaining to the ethics, cultures and values of the USA, Mexico or China to blend in and succeed with the foreign cultural environment.
Design/methodology/approach
This research paper will focus extensively on the impact values, ethics and cultural differences (based majorly and solely on the Rokeach Values Survey, Forsyth Studies and Hofsteade’s Model) have on the societies of the USA, Mexico or China. A review of the empirical studies will demonstrate the importance values, ethics and culture have on individual life or business environment for the USA, Mexico or China.
Findings
Culture can be a factor which heavily influences a region or nation’s ethics and values.
Research limitations/implications
When discussing culture, there are many factors such as values, religion, societal norms, customs, beliefs or deeply rooted faiths which can impact a nation’s overall collective culture. As a result, cross-cultural differences among a variety of nations, countries, regions or sub-regions may vary when compared with one another. Through more empirical investigation, research or study of a nation’s cultural values may there be a more profound, detailed and legitimate basis for assessing a nation’s ethical constructs.
Practical implications
Understanding the differences of ethics, values and culture of the USA, China or Mexico can impact an individual’s experience if serving as an expatriate at the particular location. Each nation has its own distinct and unique social, business and cultural environment. To successfully accomplish international business or to operate a multinational corporation in a global market, individuals need to have a prior understanding of varying cultures, ethical standards or values in a particular region.
Originality/value
This research paper will present and deliver pertinent information to individuals interested in serving as an expatriate in the USA, China or Mexico. Individuals can also read this paper to understand, comprehend or consume more general knowledge of the ethics, values and culture of the researched locations.
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Presents suggested titles for libraries to obtain, selected from the 2001 Poets House Showcase at which 1,300 books of poetry from various publishers were displayed. Suggests a…
Abstract
Presents suggested titles for libraries to obtain, selected from the 2001 Poets House Showcase at which 1,300 books of poetry from various publishers were displayed. Suggests a further source of information in this field.