Thyroid Glands - 2730 Words

The thyroid gland is an integral part of the endocrine system in the human body. The thyroid gland secretes the thyroid hormone, which plays an important role in the growth of the body. The thyroid is butterfly shaped, and located at the bottom of the neck. Two important hormones produced by the thyroid gland are thyroxine and triidothyronine. Both of these hormones help the body grow after birth, and they also aid tissues increase their oxygen use within these tissues. The thyroid gland secretes another hormone that plays a part in skeletal growth called thyrocalcitonin. â€Å"It decreases circulating calcium by inhibiting bone resorption and by promoting calcium deposition in the bones,† Haywood and Getchell (2005) state. According to†¦show more content†¦You can also opt to have your thyroid surgically removed because the medication can’t be tolerated by your body or because you do not want to take the radioactive iodine. In the United States, thyroi d conditions affect â€Å"nearly 30 million Americans, and yet more than half of them remain undiagnosed, â€Å" Dr. Simona Scumpia (2006) warns. The disease is more common than diabetes or heart disease. Thyroid conditions can lead a person to develop other health problems, such as heart disease, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, and depression. Dr. Simona Scumpia, Medical Director of the Austin Thyroid and Endocrinology Center, explains: Because the symptoms of thyroidism can be associated with commonly occurring conditions, it is extremely important that people who have the symptoms be checked with a test known as a TSH test.† The TSH test, or Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone test, is a simple blood test that measures the thyroid glands condition. My mother, Connie L. Gullion, suffers from Hashimoto’s syndrome. Connie was diagnosed with the disease in her mid 30’s. Connie’s doctor had her look at a list of symptoms and asked her to let him know which o nes she was experiencing. Connie checked  ¾ of the list handed to her; increased sensitivity to cold, constipation, puffy face, high cholesterol level, unexplained weight gain, pain and stiffness in your joints, swelling in your knees, and excessive or prolonged menstrualShow MoreRelatedThe Function Of Thyroid Gland1988 Words   |  8 Pages The thyroid gland is butterfly-shaped organ located in the front of the neck just above the trachea connected by an isthmus [1]. the major function of thyroid gland is the Production of the T3, T4 and calcitonin hormones. Dysfunction of thyroid gland causes the shortcoming in the production of thyroid hormones. Thyroid disorders related to dyshormonogenesis e.g. (Goiter, Thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Graves disease, thyroid cancer, thyroid nodule, thyroid storm)[2]. For theRead MoreThe Thyroid Gland1243 Words   |  5 PagesHYPERTHYROIDISM- GRAVES’ DISEASE The thyroid gland is very important in proper functioning of the human body. The hormones it releases are vital in regulating growth and metabolic reaction. The thyroid gland is relatively small (about 20g) and is located at the base of the neck, connected to the windpipe and voicebox. Its structure may be described as ‘butterfly-shaped’ as it is composed of two connected lobes. See image: The two main hormones secreted by the thyroid gland are tetraiodothyronine (thyroxineRead MoreThe Thyroid Gland1216 Words   |  5 PagesThe thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped endocrine gland that is normally located in the lower front of the neck behind the adam s apple and along the windpipe. The thyroid gland is very rich with blood vessels. The main purpose of the thyroid is to make, store, and release thyroid hormones into the blood which is then carried to every tissue in the body. How the works is that when you acquired iodine from the food you eat. Some food has a good source of iodine in it, for example iodine is in mostRead MoreThe Function Of The Thyroid Gland944 Words   |  4 PagesHypothyroidism occurs when there is deficient thyroid hormone secretion by the thyroid gland. It is also referred to as an underactive thyroid. This paper will discuss the function of the thyroid gland, as well as the causes, classification, risk factors, clinical features, laboratory val ues, diagnostic imaging, and treatment of hypothyroidism. The thyroid gland is located anteriorly in the lower neck, just inferior to the laryngeal prominence, which is also referred to as the Adam’s apple. ItRead MoreAnatomy And Physiology Of The Thyroid Gland1402 Words   |  6 PagesNot many people know the affects the thyroid gland can have on the body, and how the thyroid gland has a part in regulating the many different systems. This paper will explain the anatomy and physiology of the thyroid gland, the description, sign and symptoms, causes and risk factors, the diagnosis of the disease, and the possible treatment plans for the disease. The thyroid gland, which is the largest endocrine gland in adults, is a butterfly-shaped gland with two lobes that lie adjacent to theRead MoreThyroid Gland ( Tg )1523 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction Thyroid gland (TG) secretes thyroxin and triiodothyronine (Garber et al., 2012). Its main function is to make hormones and main job is to produce hormones T4 and T3 (Mortimer, 2011). To do this the human TG has to take a form of iodine from the bloodstream into the human TG (Garber et al., 2012). This substance then undergoes a numerous of different chemical reactions which resulted in the production of T3 and T4 (Mortimer, 2011). In order to make T4 and T3, TG needs iodine, a substanceRead MorePostpartum Thyroiditis : The Thyroid Gland1612 Words   |  7 PagesThyroiditis : The thyroid gland located in the lower front of neck is a butterfly- shaped endocrine gland. It produces thyroid hormones which help the body use energy, stay warm and keep the brain, heart, muscles, and other organs working normally. Postpartum thyroiditis is caused by anti – thyroid antibodies that attack the thyroid and cause inflammation. In United States, postpartum thyroiditis affect 5 -10% of women . Any women with autoimmune disorders, history of previous thyroid dysfunction, familyRead MoreHyperthyroidism Occurs When The Thyroid Gland1359 Words   |  6 PagesHyperthyroid Disease Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland, a butterfly shape in front of the neck, overproduces thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland is abundant with blood vessels and it secretes thyroid hormone (Kumar 22). Thyroid hormone influences many different internal body functions such as, metabolism, growth, development, turning food into energy, and increases body temperature. Thyroid hormone is very important for brain development and normal growth during infancy; furthermore,Read MoreA Short Note On Thyroid And Parathyroid Glands1133 Words   |  5 PagesStacey Raposa October 11,2014 Module IV Assignment Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands Thyroid The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland with two lobes, one on each side of the trachea, below the level of the larynx. These lobes are connected by a narrow piece of tissue called the isthmus (Johnstone, Farley, Hendry, McLafferty, 2014). The thyroid consists of follicles, which contain follicular cells that synthesize and secrete the thyroid hormones. These hormones are tetra-iodothyronine or thyroxineRead MoreThe Human Body Of The Thyroid Gland1254 Words   |  6 PagesThe thyroid gland is very important in proper functioning of the human body. The hormones it releases are vital in regulating growth and metabolic reaction. The thyroid gland is relatively small (about 20g) and is located at the base of the neck, connected to the windpipe and voicebox. Its structure may be described as ‘butterfly-shaped’ as it is composed of two connected lobes. See image: The two main hormones secreted by the thyroid gland are tetraiodothyronine (thyroxine or T4) and triiodothyronine

Ancient Civilizations - 1009 Words

Ancient Civilizations Ancient Civilizations were more pronounced in the Bronze Age. This historical period lies between 4000 to 1200 BCE. Ostensibly, these civilizations were triggered by the onset of irrigations systems, which concomitantly increased food and water supply. Irrigation schemes and availability of food set precedence for people tens of thousands of people to live together in a common geographical location. Cities, states, and centrally developed kingdoms developed. From historical facts gathered, it is believed that the earliest civilization began in Mesopotamia and Egypt about 4000 BCE and 3500 BCE respectively. In this study, focus is on the developments in civilizations that can be recognized from writing and laws of Mesopotamia and Egypt (Charpin 47). Before focusing on the civilization in Mesopotamia and Egypt, it is essential to understand some of the characteristic features of this civilization. According to Brophy James et al, there are ten main indicators of civilization. They include irrigation agriculture, organized religions and places of worship, social stratification or classes, metallurgy or Bronze Age civilizations, increase in commercial activities such as trade, city or states, and monumental architecture (Brophy et al, 72). Mesopotamian Civilization Mesopotamia Civilization describes the cultures that flourished in the present day Iraq between 4000 and 1600 BCE. The Sumerians inhabited this place and came up with the culture ofShow MoreRelatedAncient Civilization Of Ancient Civilizations2605 Words   |  11 Pagesevent or celebrate or revere a person or God. Mayan stelae monuments are monuments that were fashioned by the Maya civilization of ancient Mesoamerica. They consist of tall sculpted stone shafts and In ancient Maya society, cosmological beliefs encompassed all aspects of life and integrated individuals into a unitary worldview and culture. Inspired by their beliefs, Mayan civilization created some of the most intricate monuments, decorated in colors and hieroglyphics that depicted important imageryRead MoreThe Ancient Civilization1622 Words   |  7 Pagesadvanced civilization is perhaps the most intriguing story of all.To understand what causes great civilizations, it is vital to note the process of collapse in other civilizations, such as the great Roman Empire. Differences in time period, geographical landscapes, and other circumstances mean no direct correlations are possible, but the outstanding point of similarity is that no single factor accounts for a large civilization s collapse. One similarity between these two civilizations is the processRead MoreMayan Civilization : Ancient Civilizations1314 Words   |  6 PagesMayan Civilization The mayan civilization was one of the earliest civilizations that occupied areas that are today known as Guatemala, Northern Belize, and Mexico. The mayan civilization lived through what is known as the Classic Period. Their culture began about 250 C.E. and ended near 900 C.E. While most of the population lived in what is present day Guatemala the population of the mayans rose from 5,000 to almost two million people near the end of the Classic Period. Although the mayans are knownRead MoreThe Differences Between Ancient And Ancient Civilizations1017 Words   |  5 PagesThe different civilizations around the world all have different religions and beliefs. Some may be derived from a past culture and some may be thought up on their own, but they all have a way of doing things regarding their religion. From sacrificing food for their gods, praying to their gods, and building temples in honor of the gods, a civilization can have many different ways to worship the gods and remain devote d to their religion. The three specific religions from the Sumerian, Egyptian, andRead MoreEssay on Ancient American Civilizations635 Words   |  3 PagesAncient American Civilizations Cultural development can be separated into three categories of increasing intellect and complexity. Tribal is the lowest form of civilization, Chiefdom the intermediate level, and finally the state level, which represents the highest form of civilization in Ancient America. The tribal band represented the basic primitive level of civilization. In Ancient America, the tribal level was a loose association of bands or villages. TheRead MoreThe Mayan Civilization : Ancient Civilization1425 Words   |  6 PagesThe Mayan Civilization: For many centuries the Mayan was of life was a mystery to archaeologists. Their geography, social structure, government, economy/trade, technology, writing, and arts were all thought to be forever lost. Now, as archaeologists are still uncovering more information, what was once referred to as â€Å"The Lost Civilization of Maya†, has been awakened from the grave of unknown. Geography: The ancient Mayan Civilization surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean stretchedRead MoreThe Civilizations Of Ancient Civilization1178 Words   |  5 Pages Civilization, derived from the latin word â€Å"civis† meaning â€Å"citizen†, or simply someone who lives in a city. However, what is the difference between a group of people who live in a town and our modern concept of civilization. To find the answer to that question we can turn to the civilizations of ancient times. The beginning of civilization as we know it began in the Neolithic era. This era began with a very distinct change to the way of life, from the old way of migrating constantly to whereverRead MoreAncient Civilizations And The Egyptian Civilization1403 Words   |  6 PagesWilliam McNeill, author of A World History, is in accordance with the belief that ancient civilizations who were in constant contact with conflict and war could develop a more advanced system of law, bureaucracy, an d market prices. By that logic, Mesopotamia would have been far more advanced than Egypt. For example, Mesopotamia frequented attacks from barbarians because of the lay of the land. They also had trouble controlling war between centers of industry due to the inevitable struggle with theRead MoreAncient Egyptian Civilization : Ancient Civilization930 Words   |  4 PagesThe ancient Egyptian civilization is one of the oldest known civilizations in history. It is believed that the ancient Egyptian civilization, based in eastern North Africa, started around 3150 B.C., and survived until 31 B.C. In this ancient civilization, art was considered to be magical. Whether in the form of painting, sculpture, carving or script, art held the power to maintain universal order and grant immortal life by appealing to various gods to act on behalf of people, both in life and inRead MoreWomen in Ancient Civilizations1340 Words   |  6 PagesThe role of women in different civilizations, even though on different spectrums of the world, had many similarities and only a few differences. Women in these four civilizations: Greece, Egypt, China, and India faced many of the same hardships, struggles, and prejudices. Some of this treatment of women didnt even end until present day (1920s). In some of these civilizations women were able to rise up somewhat in their communities but it didnt come without some kind of interference. When it came

My Generation’s Greatest Challenge Free Essays

President Barack Obama once said, â€Å"All across the world†¦increasingly dangerous weather patterns and devastating storms are abruptly putting an end to the long-running debate over whether or not climate change is real. Not only is it real, it’s here, and its effects are giving rise to a frighteningly new global phenomenon: the man-made natural disaster. † The President’s words make it clear that climate change is a great challenge which must be faced, and soon. We will write a custom essay sample on My Generation’s Greatest Challenge or any similar topic only for you Order Now However, it is not the government’s job alone to deal with this crisis. Stopping climate change will be my generation’s greatest challenge. One of the reasons why climate change is such a formidable obstacle is that the needed change will come slowly. One image that comes to mind is a frog dropped into a pan of scalding water. Of course, the frog will reflexively leap away from the danger. However, if the frog is immersed in lukewarm water, and the water is slowly brought to a boil, the frog will remain and will suffer a serious penalty. My generation is the frog, and â€Å"the man-made natural disaster† is the boiling water. The inertia of the past cannot be overcome in a short time. Consequently, the drastic changes needed to combat climate change will not be effected quickly. However, time is of the essence. Society’s prompt reformation of environmentally destructive habits must be the goal if my generation wishes to subdue this serious threat. To deal with this vast challenge, education as well as reeducation must be made priorities. Not only must scientific knowledge about climate change be made readily available to young people, but the desire for improvement must be instilled in them. As harsh as it may seem, teachers need to constantly remind their students of the worldwide destruction that will ensue should young people fail to act proactively. Likewise, reeducation must provide a jolt to the older generation, shocking it out of its passive stupor and igniting passion for change. Finally, motivation will play a key role in stopping climate change. Nothing will happen if no one takes action. Balancing the welfare of the earth with personal desires is mandatory. If people ultimately decide to place their comfort above the health of the planet, it would be akin to an act of war against humanity. Thankfully, climate change can be dealt with if everyone takes small, easy steps against it. This is of paramount importance. Because the earth is the foundation of all man’s success, life without a healthy earth would not be worth living. The greatest test my generation will face is the challenge of stopping climate change. While success may not come quickly or easily, resignation to the imminent prospect of global catastrophe is to abdicate all bonds to our fellow man. Although the world may already have gone a distance down the path to destruction by climate change, there is still hope if everyone takes personal responsibility for the protection of the planet. How to cite My Generation’s Greatest Challenge, Essay examples

Purchasing Management Practices for Sheng Siong

Question: Discuss about thePurchasing Management Practices for Sheng Siong. Answer: Introduction Currently, most businesses are imperatively committed to spending on various expenses that keep consuming their profits. The fixed and variable costs keep rising because of uncertainties like inflation and changes in labor laws (Weele, 2010).This report is intended to explore three most important aspects regarding purchasing management of Sheng Siong Group Ltd. Notably, the areas addressed includes supplier selection criteria, supplier evaluation systems, information and communication technologies for purchasing operations and finally purchasing cost analysis. This discussion has, however, wrapped up by reinstating the main ideas concerning purchasing used by Sheng Siong Group Ltd to enhance quality, maintain competitive advantage, minimize costs as well as maximize profits. Sheng Siong Group Ltd is a retail company headquartered in Singapore with about forty stores. It was founded in 1985 by Lim Hock Chee, Lim Hock Leng, and Lim Hock Eng. Sheng Siong Group Limited sells its products in the grocery stores, supermarkets and the hypermarkets in the entire Singapore. It is ranked the third largest supermarket in Singapore. Despite a starting as a single shop-house, immeasurable changes have occurred which have enabled the company flourish, grow and emerge the main provider of households products. It thus means that Sheng Siong Company targets and serves the entire population of Singapore. The stores are located at various points to enhance access by customers. The company has heavily relied on pricing strategy, offers products at a low price as well as efficient that has significantly assisted to tap a large pool of customers. It has plans for growing and expanding to Malaysia, China and other countries in Asia (Sheng Siong Group Ltd, 2014). However, Sheng Siong Group Ltd faces stiff competition from Prime supermarket, NTUC Fairprice, Jasons Market Place and more. Supplier Selection Criteria Sheng Siong has enacted effective guidelines to enhance strategic fit in the supply chain practices. Through the mission of commitment to quality, Sheng Siong Company has sustained strong trading relations with its suppliers who offers quality goods at the lowest cost. Apparently, Sheng Siong Company has designed various policies to foster healthy relations with the suppliers. Some of the important purchasing goals include optimizing inventory holdings, lowering supply costs, accessing quality supplies, reliability from the suppliers to reduce stock out costs and avoiding a shortage of the supply. Meeting these objectives consequently leads to optimization of objectives (Robert et al., 2008). Procurement of inputs is just part of the direct costs and is the nerve centre of business that handles products primarily produced by suppliers (Wan and Beil, 2008). Besides, the selection of both local and overseas suppliers has to follow a particular procedure. The suppliers should, however, be selected based on the following criteria; the reliability of the supplier, the quality of the products supplied, value for money, the possibility of the supplier providing a strong service (Sherry, 2008). Additionally, the company should consider the previous experience with the vendor, vendor capacity, the total cost of assessment, and the availability of the technical support (Robert et al., 2008). Supplier Evaluation System Usually, companies have to ascertain the reliability and financial soundness of their suppliers to enhance the smooth flow of the operational process. The applauding of the supply chain management creates efficiency and further facilitates continuity even it times of shortage (CIPS, 2013). With the unpredictable trends in the supply of agricultural products due to the fluctuation in the economic factors, the identification of reliable suppliers who gives priority to the supply contracts inked (Dong et al., 2009). As earlier noted, Sheng Siong Group Limited has streamlined its procurement process to enhance the persistent flow of inputs and assists in the realization of the objective of on demand of supply of quality products to customers (Nelson et al., 2009). The evaluation system is structured to measure and monitor performance to enhance mitigating of risk, reduction of costs and driving continuous improvement (CIPS, 2013). However, the recommended supplier evaluation tools include the evaluation forms, spreadsheets, surveys, system metrics and software applications. A crafted survey can be administered to the employees particularly in the supply department to rate the suppliers based on the supplier's selection criteria. Also, QuickBooks enterprise accounting software solutions can be used to evaluate suppliers compliance to quantity, capacity, and consistency (Song-Dijong, 2013). The combination of several tools, therefore, increases the accuracy of the findings. Furthermore, the evaluation tools should ascertain that the following factors like; capacity, competency, suppliers consistency, control of process, commitment, financial soundness, cost, culture communication efficiency and cleanliness. ICT for Purchasing Operations The proliferation of the Information Communication Technologies in most companies has unveiled new avenues through which simplicity and efficiency have been enhanced in the stores and warehouses (Andersen and Segars, 2009). The purchasing operations, as well as the accounting and transactions departments, have immensely benefited by the breakthroughs experienced in the creativity and innovation. Information Communication Technology refers to the use of an integrated system in the collection, processing, and dissemination of information across various departments of the organization (Andersen and Segars, 2009). Simply, it customizes on the use of computers and telecommunication devices to receive, manipulate, store and disseminate data. Regarding the purchasing operations, the ICT is very fundamental in ensuring that there is a smooth flow of materials in and out of the stores (Cantoni Danowski, 2015). For instance, it enhances timely delivery of materials and products based on the c ustomers demands. The integration of the sales and the warehousing departments has assisted them to perform inventory planning appropriately, hence avoiding stock out costs. Activities that were cumbersome to perform in the stores are now swiftly executed. With the integration of information using the current technology has acted as a yardstick that has sharpened the competitive edges of several companies (The International Telecommunication Union, 2013). It is a fact that Sheng Siong Group expanded market needs a sophisticated system to handle purchasing operations. The increased number of stores demands a unique system that can timely transmit inventory data to the responsible parties to alert them the type of products that need to be ordered. Also, the system needs to give information about the slow moving goods to enable the management deliberate about the key causes for the decreased demand for such products. In return, the suppliers will be informed about the need of further developing the goods to suit consumers preferences, or the company can embrace integrated communication marketing to market and promote the product. For Sheng Siong to achieve the objectives of; staying relevant, meeting demand preferences, gaining loyalty among shoppers regarding products availability and further improve purchasing operations, it has to formulate and implement the enterprise resource planning system (ERP) (Olifer and Olifer, 2006). It is a system that integrates internal, external and departmental information across the organization. It is a system that stores and manipulates the accounting, finance, manufacturing, procurement, sales, and management information (Stratman, 2007). The automation of this information can significantly help the management of Sheng Siong timely access essential information and plan accordingly. The system is a modification of Material Requirement Planning and gave it an updated and better focus that captured all key organization departments. The system majorly relies on the database technology to function effectively. Therefore, a successful implementation the ERP system will help She ng Siong realize its procurement objectives and further maximize profits (Croom and Brandon, 2007). Purchasing Cost Analysis The purchasing cost analysis refers to the process of examining the costs of procuring and shipping products to and from the stores (European Commission, 2011). The competitive business environments restrict firms from pricing products expensively. For instance, if companies takes overpricing initiatives, it can result in loss of customers as well as the market share to competitors (Dong et al., 2009). Therefore, it is upon the management to negotiate better terms with the suppliers to provide quality products at a lower price so that the retailers avert passing the impact to the final consumer. Besides, Sheng Siong Group Limited has partnered with its suppliers to ensure quality products are supplied. Also, the partnerships have played a pivotal role in cementing the relationship between the company and the suppliers. As a result, there has been an understanding of various economic influences and thus striking of fruitful supply chain agreements that have significantly enhanced the supply of inputs at low costs. Still, on the cost analysis subject, Sheng Siong centralized its logistics and distribution centre that has enabled it to cater for the increasing number of customer base. For instance, the distribution facility established at Mandai Link centre has significantly assisted in the reduction of purchasing costs hence profit maximization. Additionally, the centre supports the delivery of many products that has helped to reduce the transport costs, optimization of inventory and economize on the human power usage. Few tools can be applied by the management to analyze the purchasing costs. However, the most appropriate approach that Sheng Siong Company should use is the cost-benefit analysis. It involves making a quantitative decision based on various metrics (Garrett, 2008). For instance, the management can quantitatively examine the pros of purchasing the products from the suppliers, pay for the transportation costs and incur storage and handling expenses by storing the products in the company warehouse (Menard, 2011). This postulation can be contrasted by adopting a just in time approach, where inventory is purchased whenever the stock falls below optimal levels. Similarly, the management can apply the tool in evaluating the appropriateness of purchasing inventory from the supplier in large quantities or adopt other possible methods (Grant, 2010). Moreover, the costliness of these options can make the management to further their reasoning by opting to outsource the storage, transportation an d procurement services (Feridun Karagiannis, 2009). This tool is executed through four processes. First, the purchasing department brainstorms the costs and benefits. Secondly, the costs are assigned a monetary value. Thirdly, the monetary value is assigned to the benefits. And finally, the comparison is performed between the costs and benefits to formulate a wholesome option (Wilson, 2008). However, the CBA tool is inappropriate where projects have cash flows over time. Conclusion In conclusion, the turbulent business environment imperatively requires companies to adopt all possible ways in reducing the operational costs. With the ever rising expenses, retailers are taking measures that enhance sharing of the burden with the suppliers through reduced prices for quality products. The most important aspects involve the consideration of the vendor selection criteria that increases compliance with the provisions of the supply agreements. Also, the business adoption of appropriate supplier evaluation system assists in identifying the non-performing products and brainstorming for the better ways of enhancing quality and also exposing the products to new developmental processes to superbly suit customers preferences. The enactment of effective evaluation system further acts as a yardstick in guiding the management about the course of action to take while addressing suppliers issues. Moreover, the current change justifies the incorporation of ICT by Sheng Siong to per fect the purchasing operations and remain competitively fit. Lastly, CBA is an essential tool that Sheng Siong should utilize in determining the best alternative to pursue regarding purchasing of inventories. References Andersen, T. and Segars, A. (2009). The impact of IT on decision structure and firm performance: evidence from the textile and apparel industry, Information and Management, Vol. 39 No.2, pp.85-100. Croom, S. and Brandon, J.A. (2007). E- Procurement: Key issues in e-Procurement adoption and operation in the public sector: 13thInternational Purchasing Supply Education Research Association (IPSERA) Conference, April 4-7, Catania, Italy. CIPS, (2013). Monitoring the Performance of Suppliers: CIPS Positions on Practice. Retrieved from https: // www.metricstream.com/ Cantoni, L., Danowski, J. A. (2015). Communication and Technology. Berlin: De Gruyter Mouton. Dong, S. T., Xu, S. X., and Zhu, K. X. G. (2009). "Information Technology in Supply Chains: The Value of IT-Enabled Resources under Competition," Information Systems Research, 20, 18-32 European Commission, (2011). GREEN PAPER on the modernization of EU public procurement policy: Towards a more efficient European Procurement Market. Feridun, M. Karagiannis, S. (2009) "Growth Effects of Information and Communication Technologies: Empirical Evidence from the Enlarged EU". Transformations in Business and Economics, 8 (2) 8699. Garrett, G. A. (2008). Broaddus, Aaron M., ed. Cost Estimating and Contract Pricing: Tools, Techniques and Best Practices. Commerce Clearing House (CCH). Grant, R.M. (2010). Contemporary Strategy Analysis: 7th ed. John Wiley Sons, p. 239-241 Gunasekaran, A., Ngai., W.T. (2008). Adoption of e-procurement in Hong Kong: an empirical research. International Journal of Production Economics, 113(1), 159-75 International Telecommunication Union (2013) Measuring the Information Society: The ICT Development Index (PDF). p.254 Menard, R. (2011). "Cost Analysis: The Single Most Important Tool of the Purchasing Profession | Purchasing and Negotiation Training" Nelson, R., Moody, E., and Stegner, J. (2009). The Purchasing Machine: How the Top Ten Companies Use Best Practices to Manage their Supply Chain, New York: The Free Press. Olifer, N. and Olifer, V. (2006). Computer Networks, Principles, Technologies and Protocol for Network Design: John Wiley and Sons Ltd, England. Robert ,M., Monczka R. B. Handfield, L.G. (2008). Purchasing and Supply Chain Management: Cengage Learning Stratman, J. (2007), The impact of enterprise systems on corporate performance: A study of ERP, SCM and CRM system implementations. Journal of Operations Management, 25, 65-82 Song-Dijong, C. (2013). "Super brands Volume VI: an insight into many of Singapore's strongest brands" (PDF). Singapore: SB Asia: 6465. Sherry R. Gordon (2008). Supplier evaluation and performance excellence: a guide tomeaningful metrics and successful results. J. Ross Publishing. p.232 Sheng Siong Group Ltd, (2014). Annual Report 2014: Accessed from https://www.shengsiong.com.sg/product_images/investor/2014/Sheng%20Siong%20AR%202014.pdf Wan, Z and Beil, D.R. (2008). RFQ auctions with supplier qualification screening: Forthcoming in Operations Research. Wilson, T. C. (2008) "Purchasing and Total Cost Analysis," in his The SystemsLibrarian: Designing Roles, Defining Skills. Chicago: ALA, p. 105-121. Weele, A. J. (2010). Purchasing and Supply Chain Management: Hampshire: Cengage Learning EMEA.