Economics Commentary- Prices of onions jumped yesterday, buoyed by a ban by India on the export of the item Essay

Fuel Price

Incredible Impact of Rising Fuel Price Fuel is another transportation framework part. Ascending of fuel cost is one of the significant issues confronting the transportation business in Malaysia. Fuel might be gas, gaseous petrol, diesel fuel, ethanol, methanol, coal, and so on. The expenses and proficiency of transportation powers are impressive intrigue. (Joseph Sussman; Introduction to Transportation Systems; Transportation System Components; 2000).Fuel cost unpredictability alongside by and large cost increments has been an issue with transportation bearers, aircrafts, and even some water transporters and is a proceeding with challenge to the budgetary feasibility, making a few bearers petition for financial protection. By and large, it very well may be contended that is a sign of world interest and the gracefully of unrefined petroleum. The interest for oil as a wellspring of vitality to control transport hardware and for private use has been developing consistent, however unrefi ned petroleum is restricted common resource.New oil fields have been found since World War II, yet the known accessible gracefully of oil has not stayed up with the expanded interest. Thus, the general pattern at fuel costs has been upward. This pattern in cost has been exacerbated by the area of the best oil fields in removed nations and the unbalanced portion of oil utilization. Two variables referenced have affected the cost of oil to be specific the development sought after from different nations and the theory that happens in the prospects market.An extra factor is the disturbance that can happen with psychological oppressor activities and political change in specific pieces of the world. Rising fuel costs could place a spanner in progress of the locale's recouping economies, Malaysia notwithstanding, if the market doesn't chill off soon. The greater expenses brought about by transportation organizations are as of now causing nerves that they may need to offload a portion of th e weight onto end-buyers soon.Malaysia Airlines, for instance, has been campaigning for a considerable length of time for a residential air admission increment to counterbalance higher direct operational expenses, of which fly fuel and lamp oil are the biggest segments. - (Pui Kiew Ling, Jamal Othman, Noorasiah Sulaiman ;Macroeconomics and Industry Effect of an Increase in Fuel Price in Malaysia; 2012) Already there are fears in the US that the runaway oil costs would bring the economy's decade-long extension to a sudden stop, with every one of its suggestions on the remainder of the world, especially send out driven economies ike Malaysia which rely vigorously upon the US, European and Japanese markets. - (Transport, Trade and Climate Change; Carbon Footprints, Fuel Subsidies and Market-based Measure; 2011) The test, at that point, in transportation industry particularly for bearers and shippers for instance will be manage the vulnerability and unpredictability of fuel costs and th e desire that the cost will be expanding after some time. In any case, the effect will change among the methods of transportation since some are more eco-friendly than others because of their diverse working and economic situation in or outside our country.In by and large, looking to the future and considering the difficulties related with unpredictability in fuel costs and nature on the opposite side, much exertion will be aimed at the idea of the green flexibly chain. There is each sign that isn't only an idea but instead a developing responsibility that has monetary just as natural advantages to shippers and bearers and furthermore for all sort of transport in Malaysia transportation industry for the most part.

Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline, & Treatment

Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline, & Treatment Addiction Drug Use Marijuana Print How Long Does Withdrawal From Marijuana Last? By Elizabeth Hartney, BSc., MSc., MA, PhD Elizabeth Hartney, BSc, MSc, MA, PhD is a psychologist, professor, and Director of the Centre for Health Leadership and Research at Royal Roads University, Canada. Learn about our editorial policy Elizabeth Hartney, BSc., MSc., MA, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on September 02, 2019 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD on September 02, 2019 More in Addiction Drug Use Marijuana Cocaine Heroin Meth Ecstasy/MDMA Hallucinogens Opioids Prescription Medications Alcohol Use Addictive Behaviors Nicotine Use Coping and Recovery In This Article Table of Contents Expand Overview Signs & Symptoms Coping & Relief Warnings View All Back To Top Cannabis (marijuana) is the most commonly used illicit drug. For many years, marijuana has been considered a soft drug, exempt from the usual concerns about addiction. However, recent research has shown that cannabis withdrawal can and does occur when heavy pot smokers discontinue its use. As a result, the diagnostic criteria for cannabis withdrawal is included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5).?? Verywell /  JR Bee   Overview If you have been smoking pot heavily for at least a few monthsâ€"whether as a regular pattern, in binges, or if you have become addictedâ€"you may experience cannabis withdrawal if you abruptly stop using. A Duke University study of 496 adult  marijuana smokers  who tried to quit found that 95.5%  of them experienced at least one withdrawal symptom while 43.1% experienced more than one symptom. The number of symptoms the participants experienced was significantly linked to how often and how much the subjects smoked prior to trying to quit. Those who were daily smokers experienced the most symptoms, but even those who reported using marijuana less than once a week experienced some withdrawal symptoms of moderate intensity. Marijuana withdrawal symptoms are not life-threateningâ€"their main danger is causing someone who really wants or needs to quit cannabis to relapse. You might feel extra edgy and irritable, have trouble sleeping and eating, and may even get a stomachache or headache. Some people compare it to the feeling you get when you try to quit caffeine. Although marijuana withdrawal typically lasts one to two weeks, some marijuana users experience several weeks or months of withdrawal symptoms, known as Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). Why PAWS Can Be a Barrier to Recovery Signs Symptoms One persons experience of cannabis withdrawal might be quite different from anothers, and the severity depends on a whole host of factors, including frequency of use as well as overall health. However, there are certain common withdrawal symptoms that usually occur within 24 to 72 hours of stopping heavy use. Cravings Although many regular smokers of marijuana do not believe they are addicted to the drug, many former marijuana users report drug cravings  in the early days  of abstinence. This is a hallmark of addiction, whether its heroin, alcohol, gambling, or  sex addiction. In one study, 75.7% of participants trying to quit reported an intense craving for marijuana.?? Irritability Irritability can range from mild and relatively easy to control annoyance to excessive anger and even aggression. This is a normal reaction to withdrawing from marijuana.?? If the irritability lasts for more than a week, it is a good idea to seek support from a doctor, drug counselor, or psychologist, as the symptom may be part of another issue that your cannabis use was masking. More than half of those who try to quit marijuana report mood swings, irritability, or anxiety. Others report aggression, nervousness, restlessness, and a loss of concentration. Anxiety Anxiety can be a symptom of both cannabis intoxication and cannabis withdrawal.?? The distinctive paranoid feelings that occur when high on marijuana are well known among users, but it can be worrying when anxiety continues or worsens even after you quit. As with the irritability, it can be helpful to remember that your fears are probably a natural part of drug withdrawal. If you continue to feel anxious after a week of discontinuing cannabis, see a doctor. Cannabis use can sometimes cause substance-induced anxiety disorders, and there may have been an existing anxiety problem before you started using cannabis.?? If you experience extended paranoia, especially if you also experience hallucinations or delusions, it is very important to be properly assessed by a mental health professional, ideally with expertise in substance issues?? such as an American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM)-certified physician or a psychiatrist. Depression Depression, characterized by a persistently sad mood accompanied by several other symptoms like decreased interest in daily activities and difficulty concentrating, is another possibility of cannabis withdrawal.?? Occasional depressed feelings are natural, but it is not unusual for people coming off cannabis to also become more aware of some of the negative consequences of their drug use as well as emotional states the marijuana have been masking. For example, many people who cease marijuana after using for several years can feel they have wasted a considerable part of their life. These feelings are normal and can often be used to bring about positive changes you want to make in your life. If the feelings of depression dont lift after a week or two, are impacting your functioning, or if making changes in your life seems overwhelming, seek help from your doctor or a drug counselor. As with other mood changes, depression can be substance-induced or pre-existing to your cannabis use, and it is treatable. If you are having feelings of wanting to harm yourself or anyone else, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. Sleep Problems An estimated 46.9%  of former pot smokers report sleep disruption problems, including insomnia (trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep), unusually vivid or disturbing dreams, and night sweats during cannabis withdrawal.?? Insomnia symptoms after you stop using weed can last a few days or a couple of weeks. Some people find that they can experience occasional sleeplessness for a few months after quitting. Others who have quit smoking report having using dreams in which they dream they smoke marijuana. Frequent, vivid dreams typically begin about a week after quitting and can last for about a month before tapering off. Although some former users have reported having these types of dreams years after they stopped  smoking pot. Headaches Not everyone who stops smoking marijuana experiences headaches, but for those who do, the headaches can be very intense, especially during the first few days after quitting.?? Headaches,  like most other symptoms  of withdrawing  from marijuana use, will usually begin one to three days after quitting and will peak two to six days after stopping. Symptoms usually fade after two weeks, but some former smokers report continued symptoms for several weeks or even months later. Other Physical Symptoms Physical symptoms of marijuana withdrawal tend to be less intense, peak sooner, and fade more quickly than the psychological symptoms associated with quitting. The frequency and  amount of marijuana used prior to stopping affects the severity and length of the withdrawals,?? which may include: Stomach painChanges in appetiteWeight loss or gainFlu-like symptoms, such as headache, sweating, shakiness and tremors, fever and chills Coping Relief Making a few healthy lifestyle changes and employing some coping strategies can help you get through this period of withdrawal: Stay physically active to help ease bodily tension.Let friends and family members know when you need support or space.Avoid situations that you find anxiety-provoking, such as loud, crowded parties.Practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation.Establish sleep rituals and avoid caffeine too close to bedtime. Warnings There are no dangers in quitting marijuana cold turkey or detoxing on your own. That said, consulting a medical professional can help you better manage the physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal and prevent relapse. Just as people with alcohol use disorder who are trying to quit drinking may pick up a drink to relieve the  symptoms  of alcohol withdrawal, marijuana users may be tempted to light up a joint to relieve the discomfort they experience when they try to stop smoking. One study found that 70.4% of users trying to quit smoking marijuana relapsed to relieve  the withdrawal symptoms. Long-Term Treatment In many cases, the symptoms of marijuana withdrawal will dissipate with time and can be treated without medical attention. However, if your symptoms last for more than a couple of weeks, you should see your doctor or mental health professional. Make sure you tell your doctor that marijuana withdrawal is playing a role in how you are feeling. If you just say you are depressed or anxious, you may be prescribed medication, like benzodiazepines, that can present its own set of dependence issues. Fortunately, many non-addictive pharmacologic options exist for anxiety, as well as non-drug treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).?? Resources If you have decided to quit smoking weed after regular use, chances are you will experience some kind of withdrawal symptoms. Depending on how much and how often you have been smoking, these symptoms could become intense enough to drive you to relapse to find relief. But you dont have to do it on your own. Seek help from your healthcare provider to deal with the physical symptoms of withdrawal or seek help from a support group like  Marijuana Anonymous  to handle the psychological symptoms. A Word From Verywell Experiencing the symptoms of cannabis withdrawal can be unpleasant and may temporarily interfere with performance at work, school, and daily life. While withdrawing from marijuana use can present challenges, remember that what you are going through will pass. Be patient. Making life changes is always challenging, but with the right support, they can be transformative.

Why I Became A Gang Member - 900 Words

Before I was a mathematics major, a tutor in college for math and physics, or even a high school graduate, I was a gang member. I belonged to a local street gang in my community since the age of fifteen. I have survived, seen, and done things that people only see in movies. I got involved with gangs at the young age of eleven. Growing up in my neighborhood I didn’t really have a choice I got raised into it, I became a product of my environment influenced by the streets. At school in the classroom I was always a very intelligent person, a 4.0 student. However, during lunch time and after school I was a gang leader. My teachers knew it and never could understand why. They tried to give me advise but I never listened to anyone. I myself did not understand why I was a gang member. All I knew was people respected me and I was no longer a nerd people picked on. I was known to be a violent and aggressive person, always looking for a fight in school. I felt invisible with my reputation people knew I knew how to box and wouldn’t mess with me. Along with the fellow gang members when I spoke they listened and no one was of the contrary. At home however, I was not of charge. My mom always seemed to be mad so I disliked to be home, I instead roamed the streets witch had made me the alpha. I never knew what being a gangster would lead up to, never crossed my mind the change it would bring to my life so far it had only positive impacts. Girls thought I was cool for the first time and noShow MoreRelatedColors, Letters and Numbers Essay1180 Words   |  5 Pageswant to be apart of a gang because it seems cool, or maybe they just had nothing else better to do. The whole gang theme seems to be catching on through out all aspects of life. There are even reports of a homosexual gang that wears the rainbow as their calling card. 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After watching an old movie about Native Americans on television, they cut themselves to exchange blood and became â€Å"blood brothers.à ¢â‚¬  The opening of the book starts off at a funeral of a fourteen year old boy who was aRead MoreEssay on Hells Kitchen and the Capeman Murder1185 Words   |  5 Pagescodes of honor. They fought and sometimes killed to expand their territory. The youth gangs were a colorful and controversial part of the urban landscape made famous by the West Side Story and infamous by the media (Schneider, 1959). The violence and the gangs on the streets formed ethnic ties as well as disparities among the people that led to a great amount of hostility and extreme violence. But before the gang wars began, there were some contributing factors that led to this hostility among theRead MoreMy Bloody Life, By Randall Shelden, Sharon Tracy, And William Brown Essay1264 Words   |  6 Pagestheories that can explain involvement in gangs or gang activity. I think there may be several theories used to explain involvement in gangs, but I think the best theory used to explain why there are gangs is the â€Å"control or social bond theory†. Sanchez illustrates several instances of this theory throughout his book. I will discuss some of these instances and show how they are an example of control/social bond theory. Furthermore, the book, Youth Gangs in American Society by Randall Shelden,Read MoreYouth Participation In Gangs Essay1141 Words   |  5 PagesYouth participation in gangs actually decreased from 1996 to 2004, but the violence within these gangs has not. Homicides committed by youth gang members still remain as a monumental problem across the United States of America. The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention reported in its 2004 survey of youth gangs that there were an estimated 760,000 gang members that year. 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Pmbok Integration and Scope Management - 1044 Words

Master of Project Management Cover Sheet for Assignments Name: Srinivasan Ranganathan | Student ID No: 1601708 | Course Name: Applied Project Management 1 | | Assignment number: 1a | | Due Date: 14th March 2011 | | KEEP A COPY Please be sure to make a copy of your work before you submit it. On rare occasions an assignment gets lost in the system. In such a case you must be able to provide another copy. PLAGIARISM Plagiarism is the presentation by a student of an assignment that has been copied in whole or in part from another student’s work, or from any other source (e.g. published books or periodicals or internet sites) without proper acknowledgment in the text. COLLUSION Collusion is the presentation by a†¦show more content†¦Documents details. * Closes project documents all details from planning phase to the closing phase Outcomes of project scope management Outcomes of project Scope Management is a well defined project objective and control of other knowledge areas within the defined boundaries. * Scope management effectively integrates the user requirements with market dynamics stake holder or sponsor needs. It also acts as a reference to identify the project boundaries. * Iterates and uses various techniques like group meetings, conducting survey to collect relevant data deliver precise requirements documentation. * Define and deliver Project Scope Statement, with elements of assumptions, deliverables, Cost, major milestones, product acceptance criteria other approval requirements. * Justifies the requirement of project with defines and controls the project inclusions and exclusions. * Breaks the project scope statement into sub projects and sub activity to the smallest detail to create Work Breakdown structures. Here the organizational assets are evaluated and project groups are formed. 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Information System of Air Asia Free Essays

2. Information System of Air Asia Information systems are implemented within an organization for the purpose of improving the effectiveness and efficiency of that organization. Capabilities of the information system and characteristics of the organization, its work systems, its people, and its development and implementation methodologies together determine the extent to which that purpose is achieved. We will write a custom essay sample on Information System of Air Asia or any similar topic only for you Order Now Air Asia has carry out three type of information system such as yield management system (YMS), customer reservation system (CRS), and enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. This system make Air Asia more effective and efficiency and possibly able to reduce the cost and eliminated inefficiency in their business. 2. 1 Field Management System (YMS) Yield management system as revenue management system it understands, anticipates, and reacts to the behavior of customer to maximize revenues for the organization. In this system, Air Asia used it to takes into account the operating costs and aids Air Asia to optimizes price and allocate capacity to maximize expected revenues. Air Asia has done two level of optimization that is Seat and Route. For Seat is considered an opportunity to maximize revenue. Seats are available at various prices in different time. A reservation done at a later date will be charged more than the one done earlier (for the same seat). Next is Route, Route is the adjustment of price through a demand when the demand is higher compared to other. The effective method however is to combine these two levels for all flights, all routes so that both the seat and the route are effectively priced for all the flights. Air Asia can more understand the behavior of customer and offering the effectives and efficiency strategy. It also can allocate capacity to maximize the expected revenue. Air Asia can make efficiency to know their customer using IT technology with lowest cost by using this system. 2. 2 Customer Reservation System (CRS) Customer Reservation System is the second system that Air Asia implemented. It is an integrated web-based reservation and inventory system. It is includes Internet, call center, airport departure control. It also a direct sales engine that effectively eliminates the travel agents and the sales commissions that need to be paid to them. By using this system, Air Asia can reduce the cost and eliminates the travel agents and the sales commission to pay them. After that, this system are very customer friendly because the entire customer if want to buy or make a reservation a ticket directly via online, and no need to come to the ticket counter. In conclusion, by using this system effectively, efficiency, customer satisfaction, fast and secure in buying a ticket already met. It means the lowest cost can possibly achieve. 2. 3 Enterprise Resource Planning System (ERP) The last system that Air Asia used in maximized IT to meet the lowest cost during their business activities is the implementation of enterprise resource system (ERP). ERP can represent a comprehensive software approach to support decisions concurrent with planning and controlling the business. ERP is the system that integrated comprehensive software to make the information technology system more effectively and efficiently. By implementing this package, Air Asia is looking to successfully maintain process integrity, reduce financial month-end closing processing times, and speed up reporting and data retrieval processes. In addition, it is a system focusing on capturing transactions in daily operations and helping Air Asia to save its operational costs as well as to increase the efficiency and integrity in its operation. REFERENCE http://itsaboutmymot. wordpress. com/2009/08/31/the-airasia-company-strategic-management-%E2%80%9C-how-airasia-can-be-a-leader-in-the-lowest-cost-carrier-in-the-airplane-industry%E2%80%9D/ How to cite Information System of Air Asia, Papers

The mega and task environments are external influencers to an organisation Essay Example

The mega and task environments are external influencers to an organisation Paper 1. Introduction The mega and task environments are external influencers to an organisation and need to be recognised, analysed and managed for the business to experience sustained success and competitive advantage in the market. These external stimuli include factors such as technological, economic and legal-political elements and customers, competitors, suppliers and employees (Bartol et al, 2003).. Organisations must look outside of their behaviour product markets only and include political and social factors, labour training and employment norms and legislation as well as culture and values when making sound business decisions (North, 1990). The elements made up in the mega and task environments are explored in this discussion as they relate to SecurityMail, an organisation specialising in the direct marketing industry. Tony Revell, the Sales Business Solutions Manager at SecurityMail, was interviewed to gain an understanding of the external factors influencing business sales operations at SecurityMail. This discussion aims to analyse the mega and task environmental elements that effect the organisation and whether all the elements are identified as being important. We will write a custom essay sample on The mega and task environments are external influencers to an organisation specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The mega and task environments are external influencers to an organisation specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The mega and task environments are external influencers to an organisation specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer 2. SecurityMail SecurityMail was founded in 1980 in response to a demand for a secure mailing house and is the third largest mail house in Australia. SecurityMail has grown into a sophisticated information systems management business with an annual turnover of $120 million. They employ 700 people at operations in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and their core business activity is defined as data and document management (SecurityMail National Employee Handbook, 2002). SecurityMail has created a niche in the market by providing a personalised service, tailored to meet the individual needs of their customers. They recognise that many clients have specific requirements that may be unique to them or their industry. SecurityMail also recognises that in order to be able to meet the requirements of their client base they must also seek and foster a responsive and co-operative approach from their suppliers (SecurityMail Company Profile, 2001). Tony Revell, the General Manager, Victoria Sales Business Solutions is well placed to observe and comment on SecurityMails relationship with its external environment. Tony joined SecurityMail in April 2001 having come from within the mail processing and fulfilment industry. He has over 24 years management and sales experience in the direct mailing and chemical and scientific industries and also has an MBA and a Bachelor of Business majoring in Economics and Marketing. At Security Mail Tony Revell manages the Sales and Business Development activities and also the Project Management arm of the operations in Victoria (refer to Appendix 1.1 for SecurityMails Organisational Chart). He is in constant contact with the external environment and is required to manage the effects and influences of both the mega and task environments and talked in depth about the effects these environments have on SecurityMails operations. 3 Mega and Task Environments 3.1 Mega Environment The term mega environment refers to the external environment that reflects conditions and trends in the society that an organisation operates within. There are five major elements to the mega environment; technological, economic, legal-political, sociocultural and international. These elements are often external to the span of control of the organisation and as such are often unable to be influenced directly (Bartol et al, 2003). 3.1.1 Technological Element SecurityMails emphasis is on harnessing technology to get information moved intelligently, reliably, quickly and securely. It is therefore paramount that management stay abreast of changes in technology. They do this through memberships on industry groups, journals, suppliers and through information extracted from the market by the sales team and by attendance at overseas trade shows. Continual re-investment of capital into technology and equipment has been essential for the organisation to remain competitive. This re-investment has ensured that SecurityMails products and services are meeting or exceeding the demands of their clients. Many of these new technologies are at the forefront in the market in which it operates. SecurityMail has invested in new equipment harnessing the latest in technology to process client work faster and more efficient than ever before. 3.1.2 Economic Element Tony Revell concluded during his discussions that the economic element does have an important impact on the operations of SecurityMail. The importance extended to national issues such as inflation and interest rates. This effect was felt recently on market forces impacting the financial services segment. Declining share prices of some of their major clients impacted the clients marketing dollar and as such SecurityMail experienced reduced marketing campaign work, a factor of which they could not exert control over. 3.1.3 Legal-political Element The organisation functions under the required legislation governing the operation of companies within Australia. This does not have a huge impact on the operations of the organisation but does still play a factor in its business decisions and application of corporate governance. The new privacy legislation that became effective in December 2001 impacts the ways in which SecurityMail can store, transfer and use the data it collects from its clients. The impact felt was relative to new processes of operation it had to adopt to comply with the legislation but has now just become part of the way the company does business. Positive legal and political impacts have been felt through the deregulation of the financial, telecommunications and utilities markets. Changes impacting SecurityMails clients through political and legal changes has created additional growth opportunities for SecurityMail. Client legislative requirements can impact the operations of SecurityMail such as legal mailings advising customers of a bank rate change. This form of communication is legislated and equates to penalties being imposed to the financial institution if mail is not received by customers by a pre-determined date. The legal environment experienced by its clients is therefore transferred to SecurityMail. The organisation recognises that it must keep abreast of legal and political changes in the external environment to ensure it complies with relevant legislation and reacts to identified business opportunities. It also must keep abreast of the legal and political factors experienced by its clients to ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty and the avoidance of penalties. 3.1.4 Sociocultural Element The sociocultural element focuses on the attitudes, norms, values, beliefs and behaviours of the demographic region in which an organisation operates (Bartol et al, 2003). As SecurityMail only operates within Australia the impact is not seen as having a major influence on SecurityMails operations. When questioned further Tony Revell elaborated on regional sociocultural elements impacting the organisation: * The adoption of flexible work practices to accommodate demands in society for family friendly employers. * Recognition of language barriers and systems for overcoming these for the unskilled manufacturing labour force. * Challenges in the future with the introduction of new technology. Additional training resources will be required by the organisation to skill up its blue-collar workers. * New technology will also require labour with higher skills sets which will be harder to draw upon in the local area. * Occupational Health Safety issues with an ageing mostly female blue-collar workforce. 3.1.5 International Element This element was not seen as having a major impact on SecurityMail. The only international dealings relate to information seeking regarding new technologies and equipment. There is no move at this stage for SecurityMail to enter the international arena. 3.2 Task Environment The second external environment segment impacting on organisations is the task environment. The task environment encompasses the elements an organisation must deal with when interfacing during the course of conducting its business. Elements included in this segment are customers and clients, competitors, suppliers, employees and government bodies. As organisations confront these elements during the course of its operations the organisation is more likely to have an impact on these elements rather than those in the mega environment (Bartol et al, 2003). 3.2.1 Customers and Clients SecurityMail has a diverse client base interacting with blue-chip companies in the financial services, telecommunications, utilities and advertising sectors. Since SecurityMails inception it has been their aim to provide a customer oriented service that meets the changing needs of their clients and to create a total solution that is integrated, flexible and cost effective. They have created a niche in the market by providing a personalised service, tailored to meet the individual needs of their customers. SecurityMail works closely with their clients to ensure that requirements are understood and met and that service level agreements are both reflective of the needs of the client but also the resourcing and capacity levels at SecurityMail. Regular work in progress and client meetings are held to discuss the progress of campaigns and redevelopment work and also to address quickly any issues that require resolution. The organisation also conducts regular customer satisfaction surveys and has implemented a corrective action system to ensure any client complaints and non-conformances are communicated to senior management and are acted upon in a timely manner to achieve the best outcome for both the client and SecurityMail. Each client in excess of $50,000 has a dedicated Account Manager to service their needs and add value to their operations thereby cementing further the relationship with SecurityMail. SecurityMail manages many customer relationship programs for their clients and therefore has the opportunity to observe and adopt best practice in terms of customer relationship management principles practiced by blue-chip Australian companies. The relationship between SecurityMail and its clients is seen as having the utmost importance to the sustained success of the organisation. 3.2.2 Competitors There are many players in the mail processing industry but only five organisations who compete in SecurityMails market space and competition is fierce for new work. The market is not boyant with most work available being already won by various mail houses. New opportunities are obtained via official tender processes when contracts expire, outsourcing (of which there are not many companies who have not outsourced their direct mail needs), and company acquisitions. Competitive advantage in most cases comes down to price and service. Customer retention is a quality and customer satisfaction issue. There is little technological differentiation in the industry with no new major players surfacing for several years due to the high capital required because of the costs of technology and equipment. The mail processing industry is highly competitive and new initiatives do not remain secret for too long. Industry gossip is rife. Information on competitors is sourced predominately from personal contacts but also from the market, industry journals and publications, published materials such as annual reports, stock market reports and market research. SecurityMail is aware of the activities of their competitors and conducts various benchmarking, pricing, efficiency and customer satisfaction exercises to obtain a competitive advantage. 3.2.3 Suppliers SecurityMail is always looking to strengthen its portfolio of offerings through strategic relations with key suppliers and partners. Partnerships with suppliers exist across all aspects of the service offerings of SecurityMail. Suppliers provide service and maintenance agreements on all equipment and also provide letterhead and envelopes and printed marketing material and receive outsourced work that SecurityMail is not able to process in-house. It is imperative that these relationships are nurtured as the service provided by their suppliers impacts on the ability of the organisation to meet service level agreements with their clients. The performance of all suppliers is monitored and preferred supplier agreements are set up to ensure that the organisation receives the most cost effective, efficient and reliable service possible from their suppliers. Clients are encouraged to allow SecurityMail to source items for them such as letterhead which it does through their preferred supplier s. This ensures that SecurityMail not only makes margin on the purchase but also allows SecurityMail to control the process. 3.2.4 Labour supply and the importance of managing diversity The attraction and retention of skilled personnel is of high importance to SecurityMail. One of the organisations aims is to become an employer of choice. Career development and mentoring programs, competitive remuneration, training and development opportunities and employee benefit packages have been developed to both attract and retain staff. The mail processing industry is highly specialised and as such it is difficult to source experienced staff. The aim is to retain experienced staff and develop the skills of less experienced staff. As the organisation adopts new technologies more highly skilled staff will be required. Sourcing initiatives will need to be developed to attract potential staff from outside the local area due to a lack of the skill base available in the community within which SecurityMail operates. SecurityMail enjoys harmonious relations with the AMWU (Automaotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union). This relationship is of high importance to the success of the organisation and will continue to be developed and fostered to promote opportunities for labour force flexibility such as weekend shift work and twelve hour shifts. 3.2.5 Government Agencies SecurityMail interacts with various government agencies such as employer organisations, WorkCover and the Australian Tax Office. Interactions with these bodies are seen as being a necessary activity in the operations of SecurityMail but is not seen as being a concern in the sales process. 4 The Importance of the Mega and Task Environments Tony Revell recognises the important part each external factor has to play in the operations of SecurityMail. The only factors not viewed as being important to the sales process were government agencies and the international element. Interactions with government agencies were viewed as being a Finance function and not related to the sales process. The organization still views the element as being important but it does not impact upon Tony Revell and his team. The international element is not relevant to SecurityMail as the company only operates within Australia. Mr Revell conceded however that if operations moved off-shore then this element would become an important consideration for SecurityMail. The ability to grow and prosper in the external environment is recognised as not being the documenting of a list of policies or institutional structures but rather an ability to incorporate external stimuli into coherent internal systems (West, 2001). SecurityMail has adopted this practice and incorporates the threats and opportunities of all of the relevant factors of the external environment into their operations. 5 Conclusion Since SecurityMails inception it has been their aim to provide a customer oriented service that meets the changing needs of their clients. They have to continually respond to the increasingly complex demands of the markets in which they operate. The increasing trend during recent years to out-source non-core activities together with technological advancements has seen those demands become more time critical and sophisticated in their application. All aspects of the external environment need to be monitored for any business to experience sustained success and competitive advantage in the market. This is recognised by SecurityMail and the success of this approach has resulted in them enjoying continued growth and expansion. Monitoring the external environment has also enabled them to keep abreast of changes and opportunities within their industry and to continue to expand and improve upon their product and service base.