Thinking About Success

Luck, Opportunity, Skill, Hard work

1. Hard work
2. Skill
3. Opportunity
4. Luck

Hard work is arguably the most important quality for economic success, far more than skill. An unskilled person who works tirelessly is completely able to surpass a skilled person who does very little. Personal skill means nothing if it is not put into action. Opportunity is ranked in the third position because without skill or hard work, opportunities for economic success will never arise or never go far. If a businessman wishes to be successful, he first has to be hard working and skilled before he can properly take advantage of his opportunities. Luck is listed lastly for obvious reasons. Luck is completely arbitrary and impossible to control. Someone may think they are "lucky", but fail time and time again or consider themselves "unlucky" and win the lottery. It is a mindset, rather than some situation changing variable. The existence of luck can even be argued. Every person on this planet makes conscious decisions for some reason or another, so why wouldn't everything happen for a reason?

After reading an article on H&M's approach to Supply Chain Management and Supply Chain Digest's article on the top 10 Supply Chain Innovation, I learned that the business world is largely shaped by new technologies. Successful businesses excel both in marketing and efficiently delivering their products.
IT departments play a massive role in the success of a supply chain, and the internal connection between all business assets is crucial. Formulas that calculate sales potential in new areas and computers that keep track of inventory in real time have reshaped the corporate world. H&M's IT infrastructure allows corporate managers to have access to every step of the manufacturing process, leading to more effective management.
    In order for a business to succeed in the modern world, it must intelligently and quickly understand consumers' needs and provide convenient ways to shop. H&M is excellent at responding to new fashion trends, owing its success to its supply chain. With a network of 30 production offices all located near their individual supplies, H&M can quickly produce new products.
The FedEx Tracking system, the Ford assembly line, and the steel ocean shipping container are all examples of innovations that reshaped the consumption process int he past. Steel containers and tracking systems ensured customer satisfaction, while the Ford assembly line started a breakthrough in fast and cheap automobile production. A business may excel in marketing or customer service, but having well managed logistic is just as important, if not more so.

I would like to learn more about modern Supply Chain Management. I am still curious about the how a supply chain becomes successful.

Supply Chain Management Visual

Dear Father,

It is difficult adjusting to life in the city. Life here is completely different than on our farm. Every day I hear so many different languages and see so many strange things, and I sometimes get lost in the chaos. Not only do I have to get used to a new country and culture, but I have to get used to city life as well. Walking through the streets and neighborhoods on a normal day I see people from all across Europe and Asia. People speak in Russian, German, Chinese, and Danish. There are places where newspapers are sold and plays are performed in our native language. Foods of mixed cuisines are sold in shops and on the streets. I am encouraged to speak English everyday, and the new culture excites me.

From the few moths I've been here, I had noticed how diverse America is. Everyday I see hundreds of young, new faces, and I want to embrace being here. I want to be an American. I wish I could say I missed home, but I love America too much. I am proud to say I am an American. Other immigrants feel the way I do. I hear reports and see arguments between other Europeans who have conflicting ideas and cultures, but mostly we are all bound together by our common experience.

At work in the factory, I am treated differently. People seem to hate me, saying that I don't belong and that I should leave. Native born Americans take an elitist pride in the fact that they we born in the country. There are movements to restrict further immigration. Chinese immigration was banned by the government and people are scanned for literacy tests. Standards and rules are often unfairly applied to me because I immigrated. I miss you, but know that I am enjoying my new life.

Love,
your Son

Early Skyscrapers- Wikipedia