The Importance of Demographics in the Long Term Plans

Strategic management can be viewed as one of the management tools that have been widely applied in many organizations across the world. Strategic management is one of the most important business activities that have enabled many organizations to conduct its activities towards the realization of its goals (Cole 2003).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Importance of Demographics in the Long Term Plans specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It is through the strategic management that an organization is enabled to direct the members such that they work towards the realization of organizational goals (Hill Jones 2006). Strategic management therefore involves the efforts in which an organization is involved in and plays a significant role to determine what an organization is as well as what it does. Demographics are very significant in strategic planning. In fact, demographics are all what matter in planning in the long t erm. OECD is one of the organizations that heavily rely on demographics in making critical long term decisions (OECD 2011). The main objective of OECD is to come up with the most effective policies that will promote both economic and social well being in the society (Kusek Rist 2004). This strategy is even more beneficial to the less developed countries where the majority of the people are living below the poverty line (Office of State Budget and Budget and Management 2011). In order to be able to come up with most effective policies in various circumstances, OECD must be able to access the appropriate demographics. Through demographics, OECD will be in a position to know the characteristics of each population, an understanding which helps in coming up with the most feasible decisions. OECD also looks at the issues that affect the ordinary people (Sadler Craig 2003). In order to be able to achieve this, an organization must be able to access the necessary data about a specific seg ment of a population. For instance, it will be possible to identify a particular group of the people which is adversely affected by a certain problem (UNFPA 2010). This can be easily understood by having a thorough analysis of the appropriate demographics about a place. For instance, the organization will be in a position to identify specific segments of a population which has been adversely affected by insecurity (Noel 2011).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This can easily be identified by analyzing the past trends of the data collected. Armed with such information, it will be easier for OECD to come up with the most effective long term policies addressing such issues in such a segment (OECD 2001: Public Sector Leadership for the 21st Century). According to Jeffs (2008), demographics information in a specific country is very useful in making appropriate policy formulation. Such information includes information about structures, movements, living conditions, distribution and natural resources in a country. The effectiveness of the course of action taking in particular cases will significantly be determined by the ability of a country to collect, analyze, and use the available information about various aspects in the community. This information will also be useful in implementation of the policies. For instance, it will help in identifying specific population segments that are adversely affected by a certain problem. Through such understanding, the policy makers will be in a position to identify the organizations which needs the first priority (Joyce Wood 2001). One of the areas where this can effectively be applied is in poverty eradication policies. First priority can be given to those segments that are more affected. This promotes equality within the society. This discussion has clearly revealed the importance of demographics in making the long term plans. In connection to this, it is important to collect and analyze the appropriate data on a certain population. It is also necessary to collect the appropriate data on the development issues that play a major role in policy making (Howes Tah 2003). There are several ways through which such information can be retrieved. Over the past years, most countries have been conducting census in order to collect information on various aspects among the population. Important demographics can also be retrieved from administrative registers (Haberberg Rieple 2008).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Importance of Demographics in the Long Term Plans specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More For instance, information about deaths, births among others can easily be got from such registers. Thematic and demographic surveys can also be employed in retrieving useful information about a population (Berson 2011). In order to have effec tive policies, it is always advisable to implement the policies based on truth. Therefore, the data collected plays a pivotal role in determining the effectiveness of the policies adopted. However, this requires the responsible parties to conduct, analyze, and use the collected data in the most effective way (OECD 2001: Government of the Future). Conclusion This discussion has clearly revealed that demographics play a major role in making long term plans in OECD. By collecting and analyzing available data or information about a population, it will be easy to come up with the most effective policies for a certain population segment. OECD is mainly concerned in promoting policies that contributes in improving the overall well being of every person in the society. In other words, demographics provide direction while making policy recommendations depending on different aspects of a certain population segment. This helps in improving the overall well being of every person in the society as well as reducing disparities among the people. Reference List Berson, D. 2011. The Importance of Demographics in Economic Analysis: The Unusual Suspects.  Web. Cole, G. 2003. Strategic Management. London, Cengage Learning EMEA. Haberberg, A. and Rieple, A. 2008. Strategic Management: Theory and Application. New York, Oxford University Press.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Hill, C. and Jones, G. 2006. Strategic Management: An Integrated Approach. U.S.A, Cengage Learning. Howes, R. and Tah, J. 2003. Strategic Management Applied To International Construction. London, Thomas Telford Jeffs, C. 2008. Strategic Management. London, SAGE Publications Ltd. Joyce, P. and Woods, A. 2001. Strategic Management: A Fresh Approach to Developing Skills, Knowledge and Creativity. U.K, Kogan Page Publishers. Kusek, J. and Rist, R. 2004.Ten Steps To A Results-Based Monitoring And Evaluation System.  Web. Noel, L. 2011. Strategic Enrolment Management in an Era Of Changing Demographics. Web. OECD. 2001. Public Sector Leadership for the 21st Century. New York, OECD Publishing. OECD. 2001. Government of the Future. U.S.A., OECD Publishing. OECD. 2011. Social and Welfare Statistics. Web. Office of State Budget and Budget and Management. 2011. Economic Analysis. Web. Sadler, P. and Craig, J. 2003. Strategic Management. U.K., Kogan Page Publishers. UNFPA. 2010. Data for Devel opment. Web. This essay on The Importance of Demographics in the Long Term Plans was written and submitted by user Madison C. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

or being Italian portrayed in the stories you have studied compare and contrast at least two short stories.

How is Italy and / or being Italian portrayed in the stories you have studied compare and contrast at least two short stories. This essay will discuss the portrayal of Italy and being Italian in the short stories I have studied. I have split this broad theme into smaller themes which are most prominent in the stories, they are also the themes that reflect Italy and the notion of being Italian.Italy as we know it has only been in existence for just over 140 years. Before this time it was a feudal unbalanced, divided collection of separate kingdoms. Before 1860 when Giuseppe Garibaldi and his red shirts set out to unify the kingdoms. Many kingdoms had their own rulers, languages, customs and Identities. These geographically enhanced differences still occur in Italy. It is quite possible for two Italians from different locations to speak very different forms of Italian and to have a completely different notion of what it is to be Italian. The North South divide is well noted as being one of the most dramatic divisions in any European country.Abu Simbel: alba lungo il viaggioToday there is even a northern separa tist party called the Liga Nord. The North with its arable land and closer links to opulent Europe always had a better chance of being rich. These favourable conditions have made the north and the golden triangle especially wealthy and is in stark contrast to the south. The depiction of Sicily and Sicilians in ' Il Lungo Viaggio ' exemplifies what it is to be southern Italian. While the north raced ahead with modernisation the South remained poor and many inhabitants dreamt of a better life and leaving for America. This story brings out a warm but very stereotypical view of an average poor Sicilian. They are even described as backwards by Nick Roberts, ' Il Lungo Viaggio, the story by Leonardo Sciasca, was published in 1973 in the collection ' Il mare colore del...

A governing body Essay Example for Free

A governing body Essay Choose cite format: APA MLA Harvard Chicago ASA IEEE AMA Haven't found the essay you want? Get your custom sample essay for only $13.90/page ? A governing body is eminent in every populace. Although the governing bodies of the United States and Sweden are both administered by Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches, the role they play in the politics of their respective countries differs greatly. Both countries are subject to laws set forth by age-old constitutions. There is also variance in the number of representative parties for the population of each country. It is important to look at the age of the country and its influence on the government. The period of time in which countries are founded is very important in showing why certain countries have the institutions that they do. The early Swedish government was formed by aristocrats who nominated a king that used his rule to influence religion. This aspect of Sweden’s political history differs from that of the U. S. , which was founded hundreds of years later to be ruled by representation. U. S. Government The United States is the world’s oldest representative democracy. The government is regulated by a system of checks and balances defined by the Constitution. Citizens are subject to three levels of government: federal, state, and local levels; most areas are subject to multiple local governments, such as county or metropolitan governments in addition to municipal government. The federal government is comprised of three branches, which are designed to check and balance one another’s powers. The Legislative branch is made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives, which makes federal law, declares war, approves treaties, and has the power of making decisions regarding the budget and taxation, also known as â€Å"Power of the Purse. † The Executive branch is comprised of the President, who appoints, with Senate approval, the Cabinet and other officers. The Cabinet administers and enforces federal laws. The president is also Commander-in-Chief of the military. The Judicial branch is the Supreme Court and lower federal courts, whose judges are appointed by the President with Senate approval. The Judicial branch interprets laws and can overturn laws they deem unconstitutional. The United States Constitution is the supreme legal document that governs the American system. The document is considered a social contract for the people of the United States, regulating their affairs through government chosen by and populated by the people. All laws and procedures of both state and federal governments are subject to review, and any law ruled by the Judicial branch to be in violation of the Constitution can be overturned. The Constitution can be amended by two methods, both of which require the approval of three-fourths of the states. Officials at all three levels are either elected by voters in a secret ballot or appointed by other elected officials. Executive and legislative offices are decided by a plurality vote of citizens in their districts. Judicial and cabinet-level offices are nominated by the Executive branch and approved by the Legislature in the federal government and most states, although some state judges are elected by popular vote. American politics is dominated by the Republican Party and the Democratic Party. Members of these two parties hold the majority of elected offices across the country at federal, state, and lower levels. Independent or third party candidates tend to do better in lower-level elections; however, there are currently two independent members of the Senate. Within American political culture, the Republican Party is considered conservative and the Democratic Party is considered liberal. Swedish Politics Information published by Nations Encyclopedia advises Sweden is a constitutional monarchy, of which King Carl XVI Gustaf is currently the head of state, but royal power is limited to official and ceremonial functions. The nation’s modern legislative body is the Swedish Parliament, also known as Riksdag, with 349 members, which chooses the Prime Minister. The Riksdag holds supreme authority in modern Sweden. The Riksdag is responsible for choosing the Prime Minister, who then appoints the ministers. The legislative power is then shared between the parliament and the Prime Minister-led government. The executive power is exercised by the government, while the Judiciary, unlike that of the United States is independent. Sweden’s judiciary system also lacks the ability to review laws that may be in violation of the constitution. Acts of the parliament and government decrees can be made inapplicable at every level if they are against constitutional laws. Legislation may be initiated by the Cabinet or by members of Parliament. Members are elected on the basis of proportional representation, or full representation versus the plurality voting system used in the U. S. The Constitution of Sweden can be altered by the Riksdag, which requires an absolute majority and two decisions with general elections in between. Since 1932, the Cabinets have been dominated by the Social Democrats. The following political parties currently hold seats in the Riksdag: Social Democrats, Moderates, Centre Party, Liberal People’s Party, Christian Democrats, Left Party, and Greens. There are six other parties, however, they do not currently hold any of the seats of the Riksdag. The six parties are: Swedish Democrats, Feminist Initiative, The Pirate Party, June List, The Health Care Party, and National Democrats. Religious and Cultural Aspects of Government Historicizing the formation of the Swedish government is to review the affects of aristocracy on government and government on religion. In the middle ages, struggle for power between powerful families and Great Men, also known as Stormannen, caused politically unstable situations. Sweden was a kingdom where the king was elected by members of a council of aristocrats; therefore, the throne was not inherited. The presence of powerful Great Men and chiefs meant that the king’s influence was often quite limited. His political and fiscal control over the country depended upon support from the aristocracy. During the late Middle Ages political anarchy came about in Sweden. Constant struggle for power between a number of families and the Danish King Kristian II ended in the Bloodbath of Stockholm in the early 1500s. The result of this struggle enabled Gustav Vasa to become king in 1521. The most important reform Gustav Vasa made was the reformation of the Church. â€Å"The king was able to gain political control, as well as control the property of the Church, all Swedes suddenly became Protestants instead of Catholics†(History World, 2007). This made it possible for the king to establish himself, not the Pope, as head of the Church, and also to use the Church as a pedagogic tool on the people according to History World. Because everyone had to attend church on Sundays, the state could reach almost the entire populace with information, propaganda, and a certain amount of education. The Bible was, for instance, translated from Latin to Swedish during this time. This had a positive impact on literacy among the ordinary people. In the United States, the formation of the government was influenced by agenda and innovationists rather than religion or how politics could influence religion. â€Å"Our Founding Fathers were not known to practice Christian orthodoxy†(White House, 2007). Although they supported the free exercise of any religion, they believed there could be dangers in incorporating a religion into the creation of a government to serve all people. Most of them believed in deism and attended Freemasonry lodges. According to John J. Robinson, â€Å"Freemasonry had been a powerful force for religious freedom†(Free Masons, 2007). Freemasons took seriously the principle that men should worship according to their own conscious. Masonry welcomed anyone from any religion or non-religion, as long as they believed in a Supreme Being. Washington, Franklin, Hancock, Hamilton, Lafayette, and many others accepted Freemasonry. According to the Free Masonry Organization, in order to be a Free Mason, one must believe in the existence of a â€Å"Supreme Being,† which includes the â€Å"gods† of Islam, Hinduism, or any other world religion. Although many believe the anti-Biblical and anti-Christian beliefs and practices of this organization are partially hidden beneath an outward appearance of a supposed compatibility with the Christian faith, the organization supports every religion. The influence of a non-uniform Christian society on the U. S. government was probably due to the combinations of cultures and backgrounds of the individuals making up the fairly new society. The compilation of cultures that continues to make up U. S. society varies greatly from those of the Swedish culture at the time their government was developed. Sweden was a very old country; therefore, the majority of the inhabitants had lived there most, if not all, of their lives. The governments of the United States and Sweden both represent their diverse populations through their respective governments. The greatest variance in the way branches operate is in the Judicial system. In the United States, the Judicial System ensures that laws are upheld and amended to meet changing times without going against the Constitution. The Swedish Judicial branch lacks the ability to review laws that may be against their constitution. A governing body. (2017, Mar 02).

Alexander Hamilton Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Alexander Hamilton - Essay Example Hamilton served as Secretary of Treasury during the Washington administration from September 1789 until January 1795. During his stint, hew was deemed to have significantly helped position the US under a sound economic regime. He presented a comprehensive financial program to the first Congress ("Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia"). To illustrate this point, his works such as the Report on Public Credit (1790) proposed to the federal government the redemption of confederation government securities and full payment of debt accumulated by the Continental Congress. As part of his financial program, this provision resolved and nationalized financial chaos inherited from the Revolution (Foner & Garraty). Apart from this, Hamilton also generated the Report on Manufactures (1791), wherein he impelled the federal government to encourage manufactures and proposed protective laws including the imposition of tariff on imported manufactured goods and series of excise tax both for the purpose of preserving of home market and generating revenue for the government to pay its debt (Burt).

Identifying stakeholders and Interest Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Identifying stakeholders and Interest - Article Example Therefore, because of their contributions towards educational provisions in the district, parents will be involved in the formulation of this policy. It will directly affect them because it concerns the safety of their children. Meaning, their input will be required (May, S. & S. Aikman, 2003). Before making any final decision, the parents will have to be consulted, if they approve the new policy, it will be enforced. They know what is good for their children hence, they can not be overlooked. The police department will have to be incorporated as a party to this policy. Their contributions are important. As professional law enforcers, they have a wider knowledge on how the issue of pupil security can be tackled. Hence, it implies that they must be consulted anything is done. Meaning, their suggestions will be taken into account and given a lot of considerations. If they object to it, necessary amendments will be made in order to refine it and make it be up to the required standard. As community elected leaders, the politicians will have to be considered as part of the stakeholders. Both the local civic leaders, senators and the congressmen will have to be consulted. As opinion leaders, the politicians will be included because they are representatives and can speak on behalf of the larger community (Bruce S., 2007). In this regard, they will be urged to participate in the drafting of this new policy since it will have to affect them. As people’s representatives, it is their responsibility to support educational provisions in their areas of jurisdiction. However, everyone knows that such a goal can not be accomplished if there is no safety both within and out of schools. Before making such a new policy, the school management boards will have to be consulted. As school managers, they have a lot of say on whatever activity that happens in schools. They must be involved in the formulation of this new policy because it will affect the success of their schools. They

Shirley Temple Essay examples -- Biography

America's little darling, everyone knows her but where did she come from? George Francis Temple was her father (Shirley Temple). He was born in 1888 and eventually became a banker (Shirley Temple). Her mother's name was Gertrude Amelia Krieger, she was born in 1893(Shirley Temple). They had two sons whose names were: Jack Temple and George Jr. Temple (Shirley Temple). While expecting their first daughter Gertrude played the phonograph and attended dance recitals (Shirley Temple). Finally on April 23, 1929 a beautiful baby girl was born (Shirley Temple). Shirley was a baby who would bring smiles to everyone’s face during the great depression (Hall). They named her Shirley Jane Temple. Shirley was born at 9:00 p.m. She once said " Too late for dinner, and so i started life one meal behind. Ever since then I have tried to make up for that loss"(The Official Shirley Temple Website). Shirley began dancing extremely early (Shirley Temple). Even as early as eight months old, as she swayed back and forth in her baby crib (Shirley Temple). Her love for dancing continued. As Shirley got older she took dance lessons at Ethel Meglin Dance Studio, which was only ten miles from Hollywood (Bankston 6-7). It was the day before Thanksgiving and the family had travel plans arranged, so Shirley took dance class early that week (Bankston 7). While in a hurry her mother did not have time to curl her hair and Shirley had on very casual clothes, not knowing that this would be the day her fame would begin (Bankston 7). This is the day in 1931 that producers Jack Hays and Charles Lamont discovered Shirley (The Official Shirley Temple Website). Shirley's family became very protective of their little girl (Shirley Temple). She attende... ...he received many awards even after her acting career had ended. In September of 2005 the Screen Actors Gold proclaimed that Shirley," who captivated the world as no other child star has done before or since, then served her country as an eminent diplomat over more than three decades"(U-S-history). She received a Life Achievement Award for her many accomplishments (U-S-history). Also, in 2005 Premiere Magazine put her at number thirty-three on the Greatest Movie Stars of all-time list (Shirley Temple). She was voted the thirty-eighth greatest movie star of all time by Entertainment Weekly (Shirley Temple). At one point, Shirley's fan club in England had 650,000 members (Lindeman). Located at 1500 Vine Street is her Hollywood Walk of Fame star (Shirley Temple). All in all, Shirley Jane Temple had a very full life and accomplished so much.

Li & Fung

A critique of the case â€Å"Li & Fung (A): Internet issues† is presented below in light of the following two key methodologies: SWOT analysis Porter's five forces model A SWOT analysis of Li and Fung: Strengths of the firm Reputable name and branding. Well informed and educated management Tightly integrated supply chain management with client base. Established decentralized management style Ability to operate in both hard and soft markets. Existing internal capital Successful acquisition strategy (bought suppliers and competitors). Flexible and interactive design process. No inventories to manage. Weaknesses Lack of initial knowledge on developing an e-commerce B2B profile. Lack of qualified personnel and subject matter experts to implement such a large undertaking. Poor information gathering and research prior to adopting the B2B portal strategy Insufficient knowledge about the behavior of SMEs in similar portals The initial plan of developing a B2B portal was based on the old economy model, change was not sufficiently accounted for. Opportunities The internet is a true enabler to incorporate a more streamlined supply chain management system. Allow customers to be able to be an intricate part of the design process up to the point of product manufacture. Allow SMEs to participate in product procurement while enjoying a smaller commission rate. Ability to establish a business plan to develop markets in which surplus products could be sold (Electronic Stock Offer – eSO) Threats Phasing the â€Å"middle man† out of the trading scheme is a risky strategy and an attempt to alter an existing market mechanism. Possible loss of key employees to other Internet companies through the promise of greater wage compensation for newly acquired skills. Fear that an online company would acquire or partner with an old economy trading company, becoming an overnight competitor. If the technology was outsourced, then the company could become dependent on that outside company for their IT needs especially when an upgrade was needed. The possibility of outside companies being able to access proprietary information, strategy, or the complete Li & Fung business model. Exposing the business to a new business environment with insufficiently prepared change strategies Service quality issues in an area where the firm has never operated before could tarnish its reputation and result in loss of value The new e-commerce endeavor made some of their larger customers nervous in that they were afraid that Li & Fung would be compromising their business by working with their direct competitors. Porter's five forces model: Traditional Rivalry – most of Li & Fung’s rivals have been acquired. Bargaining power of suppliers – sold raw materials to suppliers at a premium. Bargaining power of buyers – efficient and considered high value. Threat of new entrants – low threat of entry. Threat of substitute products- possibilities of threat in this area. Business Concept Li & Fung is a long standing Hong Kong based company that that has evolved from an export trading company to a coordinator of value-added services across the entire supply chain in a global, open manufacturing environment. They assess the clients’ product and delivery needs and orchestrate supply, manufacture and delivery in a very tailored and specialized way. Capabilities Li & Fung achieve their high level of service through an executive relationship of two close brothers who form a unique synergy of strategy and execution. In addition, they give senior managers sufficient autonomy to respond to needs of specific customers. They are aided by a centralized IT as well as financial and administrative support in Hong Kong. Managers have their own compensation package, and bonuses are based on profits with no ceiling. There is great incentive to achieve goals. Li & Fung use a three year planning approach in which a goal is established and a gap analysis aids in identifing steps to get there. Each three year plan had a short name or slogan for the ultimate goal. Through strategic acquisitions to expand reach of service into new markets such as Europe and India, Li & Fung had grown to nearly five times that of its closest competitor by 2000. Value The value Li & Fung provided its clients is the view and reach into a global range of choices for performing tasks. Through their knowledge of the various raw materials suppliers, manufacturers and shippers, Li & Fung could provide a high degree of quality and reliability in all aspects of order fulfillment. This knowledge coupled with sophisticated centralized information management made its services quick and reliable. Threat of Competitors The threat of e-commerce over the Internet was not as direct as expected. The brothers were concerned about disintermediation but found that most Internet businesses were not well conceived. Instead they learned that the threat came from the hype of Internet businesses capturing more investment capital thus enabling those companies to invest greatly in their companies and hire away talent from Li & Fung, for example. Continuing Threats In the next three year plan, Li & Fung will need to assess the possibility and cost/benefit of end-to-end supply chain communications based on improved technology in developing countries. Li & Fung maintain their own staff, on the ground, with each supplier, thus ensuring valid business data in their system. From a market assesment viewpoint they will have to prove the value of that cost versus other entrants into this field that may assess suppliers differently. Channel conflict would continue to be a threat with each increasing IT improvement. They will also need to attend to the legacy clients and how they fare against the B2B portal. Li & Fung 1. What has been the historic strength and strategy for Li and Fung? Since Li and Fung was founded in 1906, the company has more than 100 years of history and it is the main historic strength of Li and Fung. It accumulated lots of information and experience, which other competitors couldn’t have owned without such a strong historic background. Li and Fung is a publicly traded family company. Speed, Solidarity, authenticity, trust, and control are the benefits to running a family business.For example, in a family business, people can think something in the morning and begin working on it in the afternoon; after all, the family is a natural team. Trust is essential in all business and family businesses get a high level of trust among family members. In the early 1970s, Fung brothers who were both educated at Harvard Business School returned from the United States. Fung brothers’ returned heralded Li and Fung’s transition from a family- owned business to a professio nally managed firm, with a planning and budgeting system in place for the first time.As more source of supply emerged in the rapidly industrializing Asian economies, Li and Fung expanded its regional network of offices throughout the Asia-Pacific region and this can be contributed to the fact that Li and Fung was Hong Kong based. By 2000, Li and Fung became a $2 billion global export trading company sourcing and managing the global supply chain for high-volume, time-sensitive consumer goods. 69% of Li and Fung’s sales were in the United States and 27% in Europe.With 48 offices in 32 countries, the company provided value-added services across the entire supply chain in a so-called â€Å"borderless† manufacturing environment. Therefore, Li and Fung clients benefited in several ways: supply-chain customization could shorten order fulfillment from three months to five weeks, and this faster turnaround allowed clients to reduce inventory costs. Moreover, in its role as a mi ddleman, Li and Fung reduced matching and credit risks, and also offered quality assurance to its customers.Furthermore, with a global sourcing network and economies of scales. Li and Fung could offer lower cost and more flexible sourcing than its competitors. Li and Fung even started offering clients virtual manufacturing, or product design services. Li and Fung was entrepreneurial, allowing senior managers to run 90 small, worldwide management teams as separate and individual companies. These dedicated teams of product specialists focused on the needs of specific customers and were grouped under a Li and Fung corporate mbrella that provided centralized IT, financial and administrative support form Hong Kong. This decentralized corporate structure allowed for adaptability and rapid reaction to seasonal shifts. In Li and Fung, performance-based promotion and compensation were cardinal principles. Each Li and Fung’s top executives negotiated individual compensation packages. L i and Fung bonuses were based on profits without ceiling.