Relationship Between Knowledge Management And Decision Making Free Essays

Relationship between knowledge management and decision making In today’s complex and turbulent environment, knowledge management has become increasingly important in decision making. Unlike in the past where organizations employed consultants or experts to aid with the decision making process, these actors have today been replaced by knowledge managers and decision making is increasingly being supported by decision support systems with built in knowledge base (Gamble 2001). In this view, this paper examines the relationship between knowledge management and decision making. We will write a custom essay sample on Relationship Between Knowledge Management And Decision Making or any similar topic only for you Order Now There is no universally accepted definition of the term ‘Knowledge management’. However, in this context, it will be used in reference to the strategies and practices used by an organization to capture, store and distribute knowledge that is either embodied in individuals or embedded in the process and practices of the organization (Holsapple 1995). As noted by Joshi (2001), knowledge management has important implications on decision making in an organization. Effective KM should support the process of decision making and strategic planning. For example, knowledge management plays a major role in the planning phase of a project. Based on the current information, forecasters guide decision makers in making complex decisions in the business world characterized by increased risks and uncertainty. The entire decision making endeavour is made based on the outcome of forecasting, a knowledge intensive activity (Mohammed Jalal 2011). Knowledge management is thus important in tactical decision making. Knowledge management in organizations is supported by information technology. That is, Knowledge Management Systems rely on routines programmed in the logic of computational machinery (Malhotra 2004). The expertise and experiences of employees are stored in computerized databases. Both the tacit and explicit knowledge are stored in computerized databases and software programs for re-use in future (Malhotra 2004). In fact, most of the knowledge management experts acknowledge that technology contributes around 15% of the solution (Gamble 2001). However, technology in itself is not sufficient. Of great importance are the people with knowledge. People are the main determinant of the success or failure of knowledge management. But still, managing knowledge is no easy task. As suggested by Karlin Taylor (1998), acquiring knowledge is not the real problem that organizations face, rather the main challenge is the lack of skills to manage such knowledge in order to ensure effective decisions. It is a major challenge to capture knowledge such as data, information and experiences from individuals that possess them and to use such ingredients and transform them into knowledge that would enhance decision making (Mohsen et al. 2011) Practical examples where knowledge management guide decision making A perfect case where knowledge management can guide decision making is in the PC market. Given the competitive environment which has resulted in diminishing margins in the PC markets, Dell may need to shift focus to hosting services (Malhotra 2004). To do so more effectively, Dell would first have to harvest knowledge through experimentation, adaptation and innovation (Malhotra 2004). Then it would need to redefine both the business and customer value propositions. Another area where knowledge management has proven to be useful in decision making is the banking sector. Due to increase in competition and the growing integration of financial institutions, most banks are increasingly targeting at improving on customer satisfaction in order to continue to thrive. As such, the process of knowledge creation, storage and distribution has become essential such that banks have assigned specialized personnel to manage these critical processes (Mohsen et al. 2011). Knowledge management in banks is particularly evident in the fields of risk management, performance management, customer relationship management and marketing management (Jayasundara 2008). Banks have invested heavily in knowledge management systems such as Decision Support Systems, Data Mining and Data warehouses (Jayasundara 2008). Through such systems, banks have been able to improve and attain more efficient results in decision making. According to a survey by Reuters, it was found that 90% of the companies that deployed a KM solution had more efficient results in decision making (Malhotra 2001). The survey also revealed that 81% of the companies that deployed a KM solution experienced an increase in their productivity (Malhotra 2001). A similar study by Lui Young (2007) in the manufacturing sector showed that global manufacturing businesses utilized knowledge management systems such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Product Life Cycle Management (PLM) and Customer Relations Management to enhance their manufacturing decisions. Given the vital role that knowledge management plays in decision making, it is not surprising to find many organizations transforming knowledge from being an abstract concept to a tangible and manageable one (Oduoza 2010). But, whilst there is a general agreement that knowledge management enhances the decision making process and leads to worthwhile decisions, there are certain instances where such systems can fail. Why knowledge management systems may fail? Where knowledge management information systems are seen an end in themselves, failure is guaranteed. ‘Knowledge’ and ‘information’ have different meanings. Knowledge resides in the user and happens only through the processing, analyzing and filtering of data via human brain (Liew 2007). On the other hand, information refers to refined data that can be re-used (Liew 2007). The two are not the same yet many organizations fail to understand the difference and become frustrated when significant investments in technology fail to deliver the expected results (Paprika 2001). In order to harvest employee knowledge and to turn it into corporate knowledge that can be widely shared, strategic thinking and planning must come into play. Without a strategic plan or a guiding strategy for increasing margins, knowledge management information systems are bound to fail. For example, if the technology department is only department mandated with a knowledge management initiative, then such systems are unlikely to deliver the expected outcomes. To ensure the success of knowledge management systems, it is important to foster an environment that allows for knowledge sharing. Yet most organizations are still defined by hierarchical structures that do not support interdepartmental collaboration (Paprika 2001). Creating an organizational culture that supports sharing of knowledge is important to avoid such systems from failing. Also, too much focus on IT-based knowledge management may impair a firm’s capacity for knowledge creation (Malhotra 2000). Solutions often tend to specify the ‘minutiae of machinery’, ignoring the human psychology of how people in the organization acquire, share and create knowledge (Malhotra 2000). Such constrained and restricted perspective of knowledge management can be detrimental on a firm’s learning and adaptive capabilities (Malhotra 2000). In fact, it becomes more problematic in a dynamic environment that requires multiple interpretations and ongoing evaluation (Malhotra 2000). In order to address this weakness inherent in IT-based knowledge management, it is equally important to focus on the synergy of innovation and human creativity. Nonetheless, the process of decision making is a knowledge intensive activity. Explicit knowledge that is obtained from repositories and the tacit knowledge that is obtained through a one on one interaction between a manager and an employee can be used to support decision making. Reference Gamble, P.R., 2001. Knowledge management: a state of the art guide. Kogan Publishers Holsapple, C.W., 1995. ‘Knowledge management in decision making and decision support’. The international Journal of knowledge Transfer and Utilization, vol.8 (1), pp.5-22 Jayasundara, C.C., 2008. Knowledge Management in Banking Industries: uses and opportunities. Joshi, K.D., 2001. ‘A framework to study knowledge management behaviours during decision making’. Journal of the University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka, Vol. 12, PP.68-79. Karlin, S., and Taylor, H. 1998. An Introduction To Stochastic Modeling. Orlando, Fla.: Harcourt Lehaney, B., 2004. Beyond knowledge management. Idea Group Inc Liew, A., 2007. ‘Understanding data, information, knowledge and their inter-relationships’. Journal of knowledge Management Practice, vol.8 (2) Malhotra, Y., 2004. ‘Why Knowledge Management Systems FailEnablers and Constraints of Knowledge Management in Human Enterprises’. In: Michael E.D. Koenig T. Kanti Srikantaiah (Eds.), Knowledge Management Lessons Learned: What Works and What Doesn’t, Information Today Inc. American Society for Information Science and Technology Monograph Series, 87-112. Malhotra, Y., 2001. Expert Systems for Knowledge Management: Crossing the Chasm between Information Processing and Sense Making. Expert Systems With Applications, 20,1, 7-16. Malhotra, Y., 2000. ‘From information management to knowledge management: beyond the ‘hi-tech hidebound’ systems’. In: K. Srikantaiah M.E.D. Koenig (eds), knowledge management for the information professional. Medford, N.J., Information Today Inc., pp.37-61 Mohammed, W. and Jalal, A., 2011. ‘The influence of knowledge management system (KMS) on enhancing decision making process (DMP)’. International Journal of Business and Management, vol.6 (8) Oduoza, C.F., 2010. Decision support system based on effective knowledge management framework to process customer order enquiry, UK. Paprika, Z.Z., 2001. Knowledge management support in decision making. Budapest, Hungary Publishers Ltd. How to cite Relationship Between Knowledge Management And Decision Making, Essay examples

Contract and Agency Law

Question: Discuss about the Contract and Agency Law. Answer: Introduction: Business law is the framework of those laws that regulate the business and commercial activities. The laws of business have some major functions and these are creating benchmark, preserving order, solving arguments and safeguarding freedom and rights. The main function of any law is protection of the interests of the masses. Other important functions of law include the following, peacekeeping; keeping check on the exercise of power by government and promotion of personal freedom; promoting social justice; protecting the environment; promoting economic growth through free competition. The functions of law impart us with regulations and guidelines for the things or circumstances which can take form in future. In Singapore, business laws also follow these key functions. This is done through various acts and legislations applicable on a business carrying commercial activity in the country. To regulate commercial business law in Singapore, various legislations have to be followed which include the Singapore Company Law, the Law of Contract, Competition Law, the Law of Negligence, the Law of Guarantees, Economic Torts, Forms of Business organizations among the others. To better understand the applicability of these key functions an example has been taken. Companies carrying business in Singapore have to follow the Companies Act for various functioning of a company. This act contains provisions from the incorporation to the dissolution of a company. Section 3 of this act contains provisions of separation in the ownership and management, the statutory duties of a director, responsibility to behave in the best interests of company, responsibility to evade conflict of interest, responsibility to act for genuine purposes and effects of breach of fiduciary duties. Taking a closer look at this section clarifies that these have been drawn keeping in mind the basic principles of business law specially the principle of protection of interests of the company. By defining duties of directors, a check on power of directors can be carried. In any agreement, arbitration is a crucial clause for dispute redressal. An arbitration clause should be clearly and carefully drafted. To reduce the risks of dispute between the parties, certain key elements should be included in an arbitration clause of the agreement. This clause should clearly state the governing law which will be applicable in matter of a dispute. This clause should also define the governing law of arbitration that will be applicable. In case a previous dispute has been present in the past and otherwise, the clause should cover the scope of dispute. In other words, the clause should state all past disputes and possible disputes which may arise in future. The clause should also include how or who will appoint an arbitrator or the clause may state the name of arbitrator. The number of arbitrators should also be clearly stated in the clause as it varies from case to case. An example of arbitration clause in case of pre-existing dispute is given below: Any falling out or claim resulting out of or connection to this contract, or the violation thereof, has to be solved by arbitration regulated by the Singapore International Arbitration Centre as per its Arbitration Rules of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre. The number of arbitrators shall be three. The place of the arbitration shall be Singapore. Judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The language of the arbitration shall be English. This contract is governed by the laws of Singapore Companies Act. A successful case of arbitration can be seen in the case of Yahoo Inc. v. Microsoft Corporation, No. 13 CV 7237 (PART I) (S.D.N.Y. Oct. 21, 2013). As per the definition of a contract, it can be oral or written. Even though it is preferred to have a written contract but an oral contract is also acceptable. But even in the oral agreements, consensus ad idem has to be present. The main elements of any contract are offer, acceptance, consideration and intention. In the given case, Ken had applied for a position as a driver. Lina, the HR, had laid down the terms of employment, on behalf of the company. After the interview was over, an offer for the position of driver was made to Ken and he had accepted the offer. The pre contractual statements made by the HR contained the terms of employment. This included the working hours of the company (from 9 AM to 5 PM). An assurance about the working days being Monday to Friday was given and also about weekends being off. The statement also included a work uniform to be worn by the driver. HR had also stated that being a new company, not many orders would have to be delivered. These pre contractual statements were made to induce Ken to enter into the contract of employment. These pre contractual statements of the HR are in the nature of misrepresentation which form a part of Vitiating factors. Vitiating factors of misrepresentative nature are voidable. The HR cannot assure whether the flow of work would be less or more. The misrepresentation here is of the fact. Taking inference from the case of Bisset v Wikinson (1972) , the HR cannot know about the flow of work as the company was new. Also, she stated the working hours as the usual and that there would be no need to work on weekdays. These statements have been made vaguely, and these may be false. Here, she failed to cross check whether these were the working hours of the company. So a misrepresentation by the virtue of failure in verification occurred. The most important part of misrepresentation here was inducement. All these statements were made to induce the driver in accepting the job offer. Ken had relied on these statements and hence the contract is voidable at the instance of Ken (driver). The statements about the remuneration package and the dress code would form part of the employment contract. If HR could prove that she knew that the working hours mentioned by her were the actual working hours of the company, even those would be covered in an employment contract and would be considered valid. References Mallor, J., Barnes, A.J., Bowers, L.T. and Langvardt, A., Business Law: The Ethical, Global, and E-commerce Environment, 14th edn, McGraw Hill, Boston, 2010. Mulcahy, L., Contract Law in Perspective, 5th edn, Routledge-Cavendish, London, 2008 Law 360, Microsoft Case Is Great Example of Emergency Arbitration, New York, December 13 2016, https://www.law360.com/articles/495144/microsoft-case-is-great-example-of-emergency-arbitration (accessed on 24 August 2016) London, A., Anatomy of an arbitration Part II: Key elements of an arbitration clause, Ashurst, https://www.ashurst.com/doc.aspx?id_Content=9363, July 2013, (accessed on 24 August 2016) Singapore Law, Commercial Law, https://www.singaporelaw.sg/sglaw/laws-of-singapore/commercial-law, 2016, (accessed on 24 August 2016) Singapore Law, The Law of Contract, https://www.singaporelaw.sg/sglaw/laws-of-singapore/commercial-law/chapter-8, 2016, (accessed on 24 August 2016)

Simulation Models for Supply Chain Design

Simulation of the supply chain is vital for companies. Simulation identifies the market and product dynamics of a company. It also improves the services rendered to a company’s clients. Nikon has lately focused its attention to improving the effectiveness of its supply chains.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Simulation Models for Supply Chain Design specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More UPS has helped the company to have a fully synchronized supply chain that is quite effective. UPS took up the task of coming up with an integrative supply chain to help the company to introduce a new product line (Nikon, 2010). United Parcel Services was able to come up with an integrated, yet not sophisticated, supply chain solution that saw Nikon have the capacity to control inbound flight and ocean freight. The concept was put in simulation and the company was quite happy with progress that was realized. Initially, the compan y would have to wait and to have its products shipped specifically due to their delicate nature (Nikon, 2010). The goods had to be repackaged using other human resource which added onto the cost for the company. UPS however came up with software that could disembark the whole product into parts way before the departure of the flight. This was meant to enable it use as minimal space as possible which is one of the requirements of an effective supply chain. This also ensured there was little space used when packaging products which is also important to save on the cost associated with the supply chain. This was highly beneficial to the company as it reduced the length of the supply chain which served the purpose of increasing the availability of the company‘s products in the market. Therefore, it increased profits for the company (Nikon, 2010). The software employed the use a machine that could easily dissemble products of a company that had similar features quite fast. Once tha t was done a person would be involved in putting the parts together for a particular product. This was very fast and efficient. When all was complete the company would employ the services of cranes that would pack the goods either in a ship or an aero plane.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The software can even estimate the space that would be needed for a particular product sample to be fully packaged (Chang et al. 2010). Compared to human product handling, the software is quite economical as it reduces the advent of damaging the product as the process of transfer from one mode to another is done. The process also upholds most of the principles of an efficient supply chain. These include ergonomic principle, safety principle and cost principle among others (Saunders, 2000). In the modern world it is paramount to focus energy on the effectiveness of the whole supply chain an d the above software ahs the capacity to deliver just that. Once the journey is complete, the software is able to get the product to shape (Winsberg, 2001). Some of the products that use this software, which gets instructions from a central person, are cameras. It helps to keep them in god condition and to enhance the need for lesser human handling. It is also used in manufacturing as it is able estimate the different sizes of the diverse parts and to inform the engineers. It is computer aided and has the capacity to make supply chains more efficient in future (Hertel, 2002). References Chang, Y. et al. (2010). Supply Chain Modeling Using Simulation. Simulation Journal, 2(1), 21-35. Hertel, J. (2002). Using Simulations to Promote Learning in Higher Education. Sterling, Virginia: Stylus. Nikon. (2010). Nikon Focuses On Supply Chain Simulation. Web.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Simulation Models for Supply Chain Design specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Saunders, D. (2000). The International Simulation and Gaming Research Yearbook. London: Kogan Page. Winsberg, E. (2001). Simulations, Models and Theories: Complex Physical Systems and their Representations. Philosophy of Science 68(4), 442–454. This essay on Simulation Models for Supply Chain Design was written and submitted by user Angela S. 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.

The poem Extenuating Circumstances Essays

The poem Extenuating Circumstances Essays The poem Extenuating Circumstances Essay The poem Extenuating Circumstances Essay Krogs use of imagery throughout this poem conveys her message with emphasis. For example, when she mentions how every word stubbornly (1) tilts into writing, the personification there could be interpreted to say that her writing has a mind of its own and how they dont want to be only a piece of writing but more. She also refers to how it leaks (4) strangely. The connotation implied by the word leaks is negative, because when something is leaking, the substance leaking is not wanted to be dripping out. This could be interpreted to mean that she has almost full control over what she writes but she cannot control everything. In addition, when the speaker expresses how writing brings mildness afterwards (11) it shows the speakers appreciation for writing as she has done before, it could be interpreted as once she has expressed herself she feels relieved after. . A striking feature of imagery in the poem is when the speaker refers to her family being beheaded (15), the use of a single word line in the middle of the longest stanza of the poem provides the mild shock of a family without heads. The lines leading up to this line gradually get smaller creating emphasis on piece of imagery. All of these striking examples of imagery convey her message of the power of writing, how it can have a mind of its own, how it can help express oneself. The overall effect this has on the poem is to evoke appreciation for writing, but also note that it can be uncontrollable. The most prominent sound features used in this poem are literary devices such as alliteration, sibilance, plosives and nasals. For example, Krog refers to the aortas of her family reeling and staining (16). The nasal sound implied could be intended to balance out the fricative used in the single word line before, beheaded (15), therefore contributing to the undulating tone of the poem. The sibilance used in the next line (through the spittlesoft sounds) reinforces the sound imagery given through the meaning of the words. In addition, when the speaker refers to the blubbering blood swabs (18), through the use of alliteration and plosives, it emphasizes the gruesome imagery. The effect of the sounds would be to enhance the meanings of the words hence create an ominous atmosphere. In conclusion, the impact of the whole poem is quite significant in that it makes the reader see the power of writing. The theme of power of writing is a distinctive feature of Krogs style and can be seen in her other work such as Nightmare of A Samuel Born Krog. The poets purpose is thoroughly achieved through the more striking literary features such as the imagery, language and the sound. In my personal opinion, the poem is beautifully written although the imagery of the beheading didnt come as much of a surprise because it is a characteristic of Krogs style to challenge the modern reader with ideas that no one would want to talk about. This could be seen in the vulgarity of Salad or in the questioning of whether she belongs in Africa in How Long, but overall a very well written poem.

HOW HAS LUSH COSMETICS INCORPORATED THE RISING CONCERNS OF THE Essay

HOW HAS LUSH COSMETICS INCORPORATED THE RISING CONCERNS OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN THEIR CORPORATE STRATEGY - Essay Example These current trends and demands in the market economy stems from the recognition of the reality that the economic realm is not separated from the entire context of the society and that its reality is deeply integrated and interwoven in all facets of the human society – economic, social, cultural, political, and environmental aspects. The aims of this paper are the following: first, is to attain a clearer understanding of corporate social responsibility. Second, is to utilise the gained understanding of corporate social responsibility in knowing how the cosmetic industry in UK in general and Lush Limited in particular are addressing the challenge of corporate social responsibility. And third, to be able to highlight the conditions with which it can be claimed that Lush Limited has responded to the challenge of corporate social responsibility. These aims are to be accomplished via conducting a survey of related literatures. Moreover, the databases Academic Search Premier, Business Search Premier, Google Scholar, and EconLit were searched using a combination of the following key terms: corporate social responsibility, sustainability. Cosmetic industry, UK cosmetic industry, Lush Limited, globalisation, the Body Shop, and toiletries. Articles written only in English and published within the period of 1990 – 2009 were included in the selection. Likewise, books, relevant websites, editorials, commentaries and case studies were also included. Correspondingly, excluded from the selections are memorandums, monographs, pamphlets and position papers. The reference list of the articles was searched to identify additional relevant publications. Furthermore, the paper is structured such that: first, what is found in Chapter I are the introduction, aim of the paper, statement of the problem, the search method, and the structure of the paper. In the second part, which is Chapter II is the survey or review of literature

William Shakespeare Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

William Shakespeare - Essay Example The parents of William were John and Mary, in whom father belonged to a merchant class, and mother land gentry. During his teenage years, William’s dad faced with much financial difficulties and it continued till the success and fame of his son. It is not very easy to track the exact details of the life of William Shakespeare, the greatest, writer, poet and art lover of England. Surprisingly, William married women 8 yrs senior to him and became a proud father of three children not very late. The life of William Shakespeare could be categorized in to three phases : the first 20 years in which he completed his schooling and got married and attained father hood, the next 25 years where he explored and practices his writing and poetry skills, and last 5 years when he retired to Stratford to live a satisfying and successful old age. The distinction of Shakespeare was that, he was immensely talented play writer and wrote his works mostly foreseeing the actors in mind. According to ( Mcevoy,19)â€Å" William Shakespeare just like all other play writers of his time working in London playhouse, did not write with readers in mind. He instead wrote lines to speak for actors to speak which has to be understood as soon as they were heards by the audience†. Part II -The Masterpiece of Shakespeare -Romeo and Juliet i)Plot of the story Romeo and Juliet is a famous play written by Shakespeare in his early literary career, and this work went on to become one of his greatest literary works. This play is all about a young couple, Romeo and Juliet, who passionately fall in love each other, and longs for union in a background of hatred and violence. The families of both the lovers are enemies to each other and strongly oppose the romance shared by the young hearts. Romeo being the Son of Lord Montague meets the charming and beautiful Juliet in an uninvited ball and instantly falls in love with her. Interestingly, on the same night Romeo proceeds to the balcony of Juliet to exchange love vows and further decides to get married to his lady of love. ii)Form of the story This play is classic one written by William Shakespeare and unlike his other prologues it starts with a sonnet. As per (Elizabeth) â€Å"Three main sonnet forms have been in use since the Renaissance: the Italian or Petrarchan sonnet, the English or Shakespearean sonnet, and the Spenserian sonnet. Each is named for a poet who made the form famous.†This story initiates with a prologue and explains the outline of the story and is followed by 5 acts which is the rest part of the story .This play is different from most of other plays of Shakespeare as it had no dream scenes or flashbacks. The main centre of attraction of the story is the male character Romeo, and he carries the story till the climax. Structure of the story a)Exposition : The exposition of the story initiates with a prologue and the scene of fighting servants depicts the rivalry of the two families where Romeo and J uliet belong. This prologue defines the enemity that had been long practiced by the two families and indicate that the two lovers in such a case can never have a romantic union. This fight shows the intensity of revenge and hatred boiling in the hearts of the two families. b)First Incident: The initial incident that occurs in the story is the act by Romeo at the ball party, where he arrives uninvited. He here meets Juliet for the first time and innocently falls in love with her at the first sight. c)Rising Action - The action starts to progress greatly at the scene of balcony where each confess their love for each other. They instantly plan to get married and are talked out

The importance of a Cardiovascular Diet among College Students Essay

The importance of a Cardiovascular Diet among College Students - Essay Example College students are growing up in a completely new environment outside of their parents’ home, which is a completely new experience for most of them. This means that they are making independent choices with respect to their food consumption. Today, most college students lack the right kind of education regarding what is good for one’s body and what is bad, primarily because parents have largely determined their diet in the home and public schools have largely determined their diet in school. For this reason, college students are more and more likely to adopt unhealthy practices as opposed to the healthy, cardiovascular diet options. Nevertheless, college students are perfectly capable of realizing the benefits, and necessity, of adopting a cardiovascular diet. A cardiovascular diet, as the name implies, is a diet that is friendly first to a person’s heart. Because the long-term health of the heart is the best determinant of how long a person lives, a diet that i mproves its general condition is important. Additionally, with the rise in rates of cardiovascular disease as the single most prevalent killer in the United States, people are realizing that protecting the heart even from an early age is imperative. An example of a cardiovascular diet is the so-called Mediterranean diet, which incorporates high olive oil consumption, legumes, unrefined cereals, vegetables, fruits, fish, and wine. In eating only these foods, individuals can cut out much of the saturated fat associated with cardiovascular disease. The beauty of the Mediterranean diet and similar cardiovascular diets is that they are practical. Certainly, it is not difficult to find the kinds of food choices considered acceptable under the guidelines of any cardiovascular diet. Of course, college students who consume a mostly-fatty diet put themselves the most at risk for cardiovascular disease. Students may have such a diet if access to food is limited, such as the case with most dorm itory cafeterias, or the fast food density in their area. Access to exercise also plays a large role in whether a high-fat diet is manifested in being asymptomatic for cardiovascular disease. However, students can have the most impact on their own health by starting on a foundation of good quality foods, which can be as simple as making more intelligent choices in the cafeteria or at the fast food restaurant: such as choosing a smaller portion, choosing a less-fatty food, or eating less often. By adopting these changes, college-aged people can reverse their unhealthy habits. Part of preventing unhealthy eating choices from creating long-term cardiovascular problems is to catch the problem early. For college-age students, the problem can start on the first day of one’s first year eating in the school cafeteria, which tends to offer mass-produced, cheap food that have a high fat content. Colleges and universities can both educate incoming first-year students about the importanc e of smart eating choices and the cardiovascular diet even before they begin eating there. In addition to this, colleges and universities can invest in practical ways to make the food choices in their cafeterias healthier for students. Instead of offering a high fat, high-sodium pizza, for instance, a cafeteria could make a thin-crust, low salt, cheese-free option, which represents the kind of Mediterranean diet that achieves long-lasting cardiovascular health. Young women, who