Information Security in Supply Chain Security Research Proposal

Information Security in Supply Chain Security - Research Proposal Example However, this ‘information security’ aspect in the supply chain security is not as greatly investigated as the other areas are. Given the fact that supply chains involve crucial information about organizations, nations as well as about individuals, it is a necessity to ensure the security of all the information. Large supply chains that include borders of different countries involve number of agencies that share information among themselves. Such a process requires a strong system that would ensure the security of information. This research proposal is an attempt to provide a guideline regarding the research that will be conducted on the information security systems that are used by the agencies like customs in various countries. The proposal includes details of research objectives, possible structure of literature review as well as the research methodology. Research Objectives The main purpose behind conducting this research is to identify and analyze the present inform ation security systems that are used by various key players in the supply chains. Furthermore, the research is also aimed at finding out the alternative security system models that may be used. There may be several aspects or parameters based on which a particular security system model can be analyzed. ... It is found that ASYCUDA (Automated System for Customs Data Acquisition) is one of those systems that are widely used by important agencies that are involved in the global supply chains. Hence, this research will aim at gathering sufficient information about this system, its usage, advantages and disadvantages. This will certainly be another main objective of the research. In addition to all these objectives, the research will also focus on identifying the requirements of changing the existing systems and having a new one that will be more efficient and effective. Hence, the following research question arise form these objectives. Is there any need of developing a new standard information security system that will be used across the world? Literature Review A preliminary study of literature reveals that supply chains have evolved in several respects over the past few decades. They have become more global than they were ever before. Today, major stakeholders in a supply chain’s security are the industry, governments and terminal operators. According to the findings of a research paper which is published by IT major IBM, key elements of the security of a supply chain include physical security, risk analysis, personnel security, information security and procedural security (Knight, 2003). As far as information security is considered it is certainly one of the most significant elements as the supply chain processes are managed by the information systems. Acknowledgement of the importance of information security must come with the acceptance of the fact that there are several problems that challenge the safety and security of information that are exchanged across the supply chains. Andrew R. Thomas has opined that one of the major problems

Research and critical evaluation on the M&M (Modigliani and Miller) Essay

Research and critical evaluation on the M&M (Modigliani and Miller) models and the production of a report - Essay Example The paper presents the elementary propositions of the Miller-Modigliani approach and after presenting their models, put forward a categorical analysis and criticism with respect to optimization for shareholders’ returns in the context of arbitrage scenario (Chandra, 2002, pp.411-412, 417-418). Financial Decision Making in Achievement of Specified Business Objectives Financial Decision Making The financial decisions taken by a business firm to meet financial objectives must also fulfill the goals of specified business objectives. Finance is considered to be the lifeblood of a business concern. Hence management of the financial resources for an organization must be conducted in a manner as to satisfy the organizational goals. The gamut of financial decisions focus on key activities like planning, organizing, directing the capital requirements and the usages of the funds incorporated in a business organization. These financial activities must be pursued in order to meet key finan cial objectives like achieving a strong rate of return on the amount of capital invested. The business must target at achieving such levels of profits as would not only help in meeting the amount of investments made but also for helping the business to accumulate funds for the future. However, organizations must not only focus on achieving huge profits to augment the capital value of the stakeholders but must generate a holistic view in bettering the economic position of the firm (Joseph, 2005, pp.170-172).. The short term financial needs of a firm center on acquiring of short-term business assets in meeting the short-term liabilities of the concern. This aspect is known as the management of working capital, which is conducted to take care of the current solvent position of the concern (Chandra, 2002, pp.4-5). Maximizing Shareholder Value Most business organizations render importance to the issue of augmenting the value of the owners and shareholders of a business firm. The value of the owners or shareholders of a business firm reflects on the market value of the total amount of stock possessed by such. Market value of the stocks refers to the price quotes of such while being traded in stock exchanges. Wealth of the shareholders is maximized by the business organization through the augmentation of the present value of some future returns expected by the owners. Future returns depend on the accrual of dividends or of future sale proceeds of company stocks. The present value of such future income is calculated based on a specific rate of discount accounted on receiving cash dividends in the future period (Moyer, McGuigan, & Kretlow, 2008, p.5). Financial Strategy A business organization to perform effectively must formulate an adequate financial strategy to satisfy the business goals. An effective financial strategy drawn by any concern revolves around accomplishing two specific business needs. Firstly it endeavors to cite the sectors from which the firm can dra w in adequate amount of funds to meet its business needs. Secondly, it sets guidelines for the proper management of such funds within the organization to generate an efficient financial structure. The business organization must also look forward in maximizing the return on the investments made and in minimizing the rate of risks adhered to it (Bender & Ward, 2008, pp.4-6). The