Mobile Phone and Habits Modern Gadgets

Facilitating Communication †¢With devices like the cell phone, the BlackBerry and the laptop computer, people can communicate easily while on the go. Businesspeople can stay in touch with clients or the office while waiting for a plane or when in transit, which can increase their productivity. Parents can supply their children with cell phones so they can keep in touch with them when they're away from home. Texting allows individuals to exchange brief messages quickly without the need for face-to-face or telephone conversations. Shopping Habits Modern gadgets also influence how people conduct routine daily activities such as shopping. With the use of a computer with an Internet connection, consumers can easily compare products, gain a wide range of product information and conduct the entire shopping transaction without having to leave their homes or offices. According a 2009 Pew Research Center study, 80 percent of Americans age 33 to 44 indicated they purchased products online and 67 percent did their banking via the Internet. †¢Sponsored Lin †¢Health and Safety Issues oOn the downside, overuse of electronic gadgets can have an adverse effect on health and safety.According to the Med India website, a Carnegie Mellon University study indicated, extensive use of the Internet or playing video games can lead to social isolation and even depression. Stress levels can also increase, as mobile communication devices can make it more difficult for users to disconnect from work and find time to relax. According to the Washington Post, a 2010 National Safety Council Study indicated that 28 percent of traffic accidents in the United States occur due to people talking on cell phones or texting while behind the wheel. Inappropriate Behavior In some cases, modern gadgets and their associated technologies can facilitate inappropriate behavior. Online predators can use the relative anonymity provided by an Internet chat room to pose as a teenager and lure a teen into a potentially dangerous situation. Social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter can provide convenient avenues for â€Å"cyber bullying,† such as when teens use these vehicles to intimidate or humiliate other teens. Individuals may also use their cell phones to engage in threatening or harassing behavior via text messaging. Sponsored Links

Wegmans Swot Analysis

Wegmans Strength Wegmans is not only strong in its presence for exciting shopper's eyes with its great food emporium, but also a company that shows that they care a lot about their employees. It recently early the title of being one of the top Fortune 100 companies to work for due to its great assistance programs and employee benefits. From overseas training in wine, cheese, etc, for department managers to scholarships for their young people.These also apply to the way they serve customers. Other perks received while working for Wegmans include job sharing, compressed workweeks, and telecommuting; thus, offering more flexibility in employee lifestyles. The lesser publicized strengths are their demographic research to build in the right locations,a strong Store Brands program, and their health & wellness initiatives.Wegmans also has a strong and efficient supply chain system, in which it uses the â€Å"farm to market† system thus reducing the company’s inventory holding costs and getting the produce into the stores as quickly as possible. Weakness Still a large amount of people have a preconceived notion that Wegman's prices are consistently higher than those of other chains. Knowing this, Wegmans tried hard to overcome this for the last 10 ten years to acheive the â€Å"everyday low price† seal in many of its high volume products.A strong private label program has accelerated Wegman's effort to keep the prices to low; however, this has ignited an outcry from manufacturers and suppliers who compete for shelf space and claim Wegmans’ house brand is overextended in some areas; thus, causing frustration among customers about the lack of a national brand options. Other internal challenges that Wegmans need to overcome is its pricing policy and margin requirements that creates strained relationship with vendors OpportunityWegmans see an increaseing market potential to meet the growing demand for organics and health food products. The incre ase in square feet of its â€Å"Nature market place† section reflects Wegman's nimble efforts to become the food emporium showcasing the hottest natural food trends in the industry. Another large Wegmans opportunity is business expansion in the U. S, since it still regionally compact and limited to 75 units in the Mid-atlantic and the Northeast coast. Threat There is increasing competition from two fronts: high-end (Whole Foods) and price competitive (Wal-Mart, and Aldi).Giant Foods is also a regional competitor that is currently doing a complete renovation of its stores. Other external threats include an economic downturn that affect core shopper spending habits. With the increasing trend towards convenience, ecommerce giants such as Amazon is also a big contender in competing consumer spending. In this highly competitive low margin grocery industry, Wegmans need to understand their core competencies and focus on what they deliver best: high customer service, strong store br and program, and exciting dining and shopping experience.

Extinction of Certain Species

In the late century, extinction becomes common topic in our daily discussion and debates. An average of 27,000 species is currently extinct each year and there is a possibility of 22% of extinction in the overall species if action is not taken. Animal extinction is due to human immorality and irresponsible behavior just for their own benefits. Since the year 1600, a total of 83 mammals species are known to have become extinct. Wildlife population depleted the trade in live animals, damaged habitats and the countless animals of suffering. Wildlife International, 2008) Apart from that, animal is a good source to make traditional medicine. For example, Chinese believes that snake galls are good to cure diseases and strengthen immune system of the body. Sometimes, human thoughts are powerful which may kill many innocent animals. According to Jeanette McDermott, the book of Bear Muze stated that every year, approximately 10,000 Asiatic black bears are locked in cages the size of their own bodies just to have their bile drained and sold the use in traditional medicine.Besides, many ocean mammals are suffering due to the business benefits. For example, Chinese culture like to consume shark fin soup as part of the cuisine. Businessman will take the advantage to hunt shark fin for money because of its high demand. An organization devoted to preserve marine life, Ocean Environment, stated in Asian Geographic(Nov-Dec 2008) that shark fin soup prized as a delicacy in Chinese cuisine. It is becoming un-cool to consume because 90% of the sharks are un-finned while alive thrown into the sea.

The Child Left Behind Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Child Left Behind - Essay Example The increased emphasis that the NCLB Act places on the subjects of math and reading undermines the importance of all other subjects that are either equally or more important for the inculcation of the required academic and professional skills in the children. The goals that schools in conventional practice set for the students are not limited to the inculcation of general reading and math skills but also extend to the development of appropriate critical thinking skills, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, self-discipline and the health and safety habits in the students. When there are sanctions to threaten the schools just in case they do not meet their expectations with respect to one particular goal, the schools are bound to have their attention diverted from the rest of the goals that are equally or more important than that one goal. Having been educated in the NCLB culture, my knowledge of or skill in arts, science, music, social studies and exercises is close to negligi ble. This is so because my teachers could not afford to spend time on such subjects because they feared they would have to face the most unfavorable consequences if they did. The problem of goal distortion has been recognized at various levels. Even the former education assistant secretaries Diane Ravitch and Chester Finn have realized the negative impact of overemphasis on one area upon the others. They said, â€Å"[If NCLB continues,] rich kids will study philosophy and art, music and history, while their poor peers fill in bubbles on test sheets. The lucky few will spawn the next generation of tycoons, political leaders, inventors, authors, artists and entrepreneurs. The less lucky masses will see narrower opportunities† (Ravitch and Finn cited in Rothstein). NCLB assesses the students’ learning from the annual test which can in many ways be quite misleading. On certain days in the year, a child’s performance may be outclass while on others, his/her performan ce may be below average. It is not just the studies that are there in a child’s life after all. The child may be upset because of some familial reason. The child may not be feeling well on the exam day. There can be hundreds of reasons for the declined performance on certain days. Taking this into consideration, there is dire need for multiple retesting in order to have an accurate assessment of the child’s learning. In addition to that, the number of subgroups in a school also has an impact upon the child’s academic performance. The margin of error for the academic achievement of a subgroup is enhanced because of the smaller size of the subgroups in a school in comparison to a full-grade cohort. Accountability becomes increasingly inaccurate as the subgroups in a school integrate in increased numbers. Students cannot be sure that all students are proficient at the challenging level as is expected of them even if the math and the reading are paid excessive atten tion towards. The variability in human nature and skills prevents such proficiency irrespective of the disparities originating in the socioeconomic statuses of the students. The normal intelligence quotient (IQ) of the humans that accounts for about 66.66 per cent of the total human population starts from 85 and ends at 115 (Rothstein). What the

The Controversial Classic of Huckleberry Finn Essay

The Controversial Classic of Huckleberry Finn - Essay Example The book, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, has always been a controversial topic of discussion, due to its content. Its content includes a story of a young boy, Huck, which helps his slave friend, Jim, to escape to the North to gain his freedom during the 1830s in the United States. Although Huck is very young, he grew up to that age in a slave society, which consequently leads him to be racist towards other slaves. His racism is seen throughout the novel and is also the main reason the book is so controversial. The racism in the book to some extent encourages a motivation to use the n-word. Many articles about this book suggest that the book should be taught for several reasons. They suggest the book should be taught due to the viewpoint it gives on slavery or the fact that this book was purely a recitation of the radical and unjust events which took place in the South during the period of slavery and therefore, is historically accurate. These arguments do come off as logical, ye t they are insufficient. The damage this book inflicts to black students being taught Huck Finn is very crucial. Black students will experience the pain of the word "nigger" throughout this unit even if it is not applied to them directly. Huck Finn should not be taught due to a multitude of reasons such as its excessive use of derogatory terms, teachers' inability to teach Huck Finn in a multiracial classroom without creating an unjust situation for black students, and due to the better alternative books about this time era.

The Portinari Altarpiece Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Portinari Altarpiece - Essay Example There are various subjects in the painting as on the left is Tommaso Partinari, Saint Thomas, and Anthony Abbot, while the two sons of Tomasso, Pigello, and Antonio are kneeling down. The right panel holds the images of Maria Maddalena Portinari, the wife of Tomasso and their eldest child, Margherita and alongside them is Saint Margaret of Antioch and Mary Magdalene. At the center of the art piece, Jesus is laying on the ground while shepherds and angels are kneeling before Him (Levy, Macy & Van, 2012). At the center of the art piece, there are various objects and elements with symbolic importance as well as emblematic figures. The central panel represents the Adoration of Christ as it depicts Mary in a deep prayer showing her acceptance of what her child will persevere as the savior of humanity. Consequently, the Holy Family is revealed in Bethlehem in a manger with shepherds, animals, and angels as Baby Jesus lies on the ground surrounded by an array of golden light. In the foreground, there are two urns of flowers and wheat that represent the Passion and Eucharist (Ridderbos, Hagopian, & McCormick, 2005). The wheat represents the Last Supper where Jesus severed the bread. The white lilies characterizing the smaller vase embody the immaculate and purity conception of Christ while the orange ones represent Christ’s â€Å"Passion† in his later life. Consequently, the second vase holds columbine and purple flowers that correspond to the â€Å"Seven Sorrows of the Virg in.† In the backdrop of the left pane, Joseph and pregnant Mary are seen escaping to Egypt, while the background in central panel; angels visit the Shepherds and on the right, the Three Magi are on their way to Bethlehem (Kleiner, 2012).

Physics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Physics - Essay Example Besides this, he had inventions that made him unique among other physicists. In 1951, Bardeen left Bell Laboratories and went ahead to carry out his own research at Illinois. It is here that he won two major Nobel prizes in physics. His first Nobel Prize was the transistor in which he shared with William Shockley and Walter Brattain. The second Nobel Prize was for explanation of the theoretical concept of superconductivity. He shared this prize with Leon Cooper and Bob Schrieffer. The microscopic theory of superconductivity was also known as the â€Å"BCS Theory†. They were the first ones to give â€Å"a coherent explanation at the microscopic level of a wide range of intricate and fascinating phenomena in metals at low temperature, known as and related to superconductivity† (Bruus and Flensberg 325). Besides the two Nobel prizes making him different from the other scientific geniuses in physics of the twentieth century, his â€Å"remarkable modesty, his deep interest in the application of science, and his genuine ability to collaborate easily with experimentalist and theorist alike† added to his being distinguished (Bardeen 288). Nick Holonyak, his first electrical engineering graduate student did develop the light-emitting diode thus honoring John Bardeen. Ernest Rutherford was a British physicist born in 1871 in New Zealand (Marshall Cavendish Corporation 1501). According to Eve and Wilson, Rutherford was â€Å"one of the most eminent physicists ever, and earned his scientific reputation primarily by his pioneering contributions to radioactivity and nuclear physics† (Kragh 1). In 1907 in Canada, he was greatly involved in research at Mc Gill University where he discovered atomic nucleus or radioactivity. At Victoria University of Manchester (known as university of Manchester today) together with Thomas Royds, they were able to differentiate and name the alpha and the beta radiation. They did prove that the alpha radiation is the helium

The power of media on consumerist behaviour Essay

The power of media on consumerist behaviour - Essay Example In our daily lives, individuals are continually bombarded with advertisements encouraging them to buy things. These advertisements promote specific products and give an impression of a good life and what it means to be happy in the modern times (Crocker and Lehmann 45). Most people find shopping to be an exhilarating leisure activity. There are those that go deeply into debt trying to buy products that are beyond their means. Manufacturers mainly concentrate on profits and this means that they concentrate on capital gain over environmental sustainability. This means that most companies in the contemporary world are more concerned about capital gain as it is more profitable to them. On the other hand, environmental sustainability is seen as an expense to the company (Johan and Anthony 11). Some companies do not even have an environmental sustainability policy in place and instead devote all their time and resources towards capital gain which unlike environmental sustainability has immense gains for the company. Entities that fail to take issues of environmental sustainability into consideration are likely to have a reduction in the number of consumers. There has been an increase in the corporate outsourcing of the manufacture of products to developing countries. These lack appropriate safeguards against worker exploitation which is referred to as sweatshop labor. This helps companies to minimize on their labor expenses and maximize on profits (Johan and Anthony 11). However, it results to a rise in employee exploitation in developing economies since they are forced to do a lot of manual labor with minimal pay and under poor working conditions. Companies that are associated with sweatshop labor are likely to experience a decline in popularity among consumers. The media is a powerful tool that has contributed to the shape of consumerist behavior in society and this can

A WalMart Monopoly Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

A WalMart Monopoly - Case Study Example Growth accelerated by takeovers and buyouts of other retail chains also fuel the power of the corporation to grow bigger. The study analyses three articles on Wal-Mart to assess their role in various economic scenarios. The author contends that a rural community where Wal-Mart has entered has had adverse effects. Wal-Mart is another stage in a long process where the retailers business has shifted from the local stores. Sears catalog was one, increased prevalence of the automobile giving access to local towns was another. The shopping malls changed the way America shopped. In the 1960s discount supermarkets made their entry, including among them Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart's strategy was to open a large store in a small town, within easy distance of its distribution centers. It took them 30 years to go national. The author has studied Wal-Mart and its impact extensively to devise strategies for his clients, Iowa retailers. The study has spanned 34 towns in Iowa, all of which has had a Wal-Mart store for at least 10 years. General merchandise stores in towns with no Wal-Mart suffered immediately when Wal-Mart opened. It is generally believed that people in towns with no Wal-Mart traveled out to towns that did . The effect has also been seen on eating and drinking places, which had been more frequented in Wal-Mart towns. Home furnishing sales in non Wal-Mart towns declined. The study has also unearthed that stores carrying similar lines as merchandise stocked in Wal-Mart, probably loses sales. Apparel sales in other stores fell by around 28% in the year in which Wal-Mart opened in a town. Retailers in Smaller towns with less than 5000 population lost most when a Wal-Mart opened. Vermont state officials had tried to keep Wal-Mart away to protect its small traders, but found that the entire sales shifted to New Hampshire and New York where Wal-Mart opened. The author concludes that loss of retail trade for small stores has accelerated in the past two decades. The author then proceeds to suggest a few ways in which retailers can coexist with Wal-Mart. They include stocking merchandise lines, which Wal-Mart does not handle, handle complementary merchandise, go for upscale merchandise etc. A b etter customer profiling, extended working hours, no hassle return policy etc, special order capability which large discount supermarkets don't possess etc are essential. Summary of Article # 2 Author: Hallsworth, Alan and Evers, David Topic: The steady advance of Wal Mart across Europe and changing government attitudes towards planning and competition. Source: Environment and Planning C: Government and Policy 2002, Volume 20, pages 297-309 Date 2002 The authors focus on retail internationalization and the ability of EU states and their regulatory mechanism to handle the same. Since 1994, the Wal-Mart format has been creating a systemic change in the retail environments of a number of countries. Planning regulations in many countries are at odds with other policy developers who look forward to encourage competition in order to develop national competitiveness. Netherlands had a tight policy against big box development, but consequent policy decisions could make the market a

Analysis of Amores Perros Film by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu Essay

Analysis of Amores Perros Film by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu - Essay Example This paper would try to look at how Mexican history is actually portrayed in the movie. In order to achieve this, the researcher would try to look into three main themes: the background of the different people behind the production of this movie (especially the director and the screenwriter), the contemporary socio-cultural, economic, and political contexts during the showing of this film, and on how the film itself portrayed or provided a representation of Mexican society from the historical elements in it. In discussing such themes, the researcher would try to answer the following questions: Does the background of the director and the screenwriter, especially in their class origin, heavily influenced their view of Mexican society, and on how it was portrayed in the movie? How did the film try to represent contemporary issues in the movie (including socio-cultural, political and economic issues)? Did the film attempted to identify the historical roots of the complexities of todayâ⠂¬â„¢s Mexico City as portrayed in the movie, or did they isolate significant historical developments from their portrayal? Body The director behind the highly acclaimed â€Å"Amores Perros† is director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu. Inarritu, born in Mexico City in 1963, actually came from a middle-class family (Deleyto and Azcona x). Not having the resources that the Mexican elite possessed, he started to make a living as a deejay at one radio station, all while he was actually studying filmmaking (Deleyto and Azcona x). In addition, by the 1990s he then started to become one of the youngest producers of the Mexican television station Televisa, which also happened to be one of the premier television stations in the country (Deleyto and Azcona x). For most of the 1990s, Inarritu devoted his time in making commercials, until he finally met Guillermo Arriaga towards the end of the decade (Deleyto and Azcona x).  Ã‚  

The painting Drinnen und Draussen, by George Grosz Essay

The painting Drinnen und Draussen, by George Grosz - Essay Example The essay "The painting Drinnen und Draussen, by George Grosz" explores George Grosz's painting called Drinnen und Draussen. There were more shades and the images of the people were not clear. A pillar supposedly served as a dividing wall to visually represent people from the inside, dressed in coats and tie, one with a cigar, and apparently dining in style. These people could be seen as having a good time surrounded by sophisticated and classy ladies. Other objects were clearly painted such as a lamp, a bucket of liquor, an ash tray, to name a few. The faces of the people are all clear exemplifying various expressions of smiling, waiting patiently, listening intently. The colors were also disparate with the outside people being painted in grey, blue, brown, touches of light greens and pinks in matte. The inside portion was more vividly colored in reds, tan, blue, white with clearer and illumined backdrop. One could deduce that the painter intended to relay the message that people se en inside dining places had the luxuries of availing the best of life. The people inside with faces painted in round, clear and donning happy expressions and are well-dressed signify wealth, luxury, richness. The dividing wall also symbolize the demarcation between the rich and the poor – as people from the outside manifest poverty, wanting in financial resources and appropriate access to health care. Their faces were painted as blurred symbolizing obscurity, loss of identity, nameless. The realities of life at the time.

Conflict Resolution (Team Dynamics for Managers) Essay Example for Free

Conflict Resolution (Team Dynamics for Managers) Essay A major conflict that appears in many, if not most, groups appears to be miscommunication or lack of communication. There are several solutions available to resolve miscommunication. Each member of a team has certain strengths and skills that help resolve occurring issues. When a team is confronted with miscommunication or lack of communication, having a plan is a necessity. Lack of communication can easily lead to miscommunication in a group and cause many reoccurring issues. Certain confliction techniques can be used to not only eliminate the issue, but also understand the underlying issue at hand. Conflict and Solution Personal Strengths to Resolve Issue Creating a detailed learning team charter that involves all members allows each individual to contribute their strengths in problem solving. Generally, charters are mainly used as a tool to contact other members outside of the team environment. The other members offer their information and would be responsible to check into the team in a reasonable amount of time. This is the beginning opportunity to highlight each members strengths and especially how willing they are to participate. Participation is one of the main behaviors that help a team strive or fail. How little or how much a person chooses to participate confides solely within them. This is especially true since individuals learn and retain information in different ways; the application of strengths can be applied in separate and unique formats in a team. The most appropriate conflict management would be Jerry Wisinski’s A-E-I-O-U Model, which focuses on collaboration and what he calls positive intentionality, the assumption that other people are not trying to cause conflict (Engleberg Wynn, 2010). After completing the charter and knowing what is expected of each member, the most appropriate method of communication would be speaking with and checking in with members outside of the group. Conflict Management Techniques Each conflict is special in its nature and requires customized care depending on the situation or context with which the problem resides. â€Å"†¦all managers—whether they be supervisors, middle managers or chief executive officers—must learn to manage conflict if they are to be effective in leading their particular organizational units† (DuBose Pringle, 1989, p. 1). The idea that a problem should be â€Å"managed† crops up because conflict is a known and necessary part of organizational development. Conflicts shape organizations; but why must an organization go through a difficulty or hardship in order to understand conflict management? â€Å"The term ‘managing’ implies that conflict is not inevitably destructive† (DuBose Pringle, 1989, p. 1). Conflicts are not unchangingly damaging because it is necessary for growth to come across a few growing pains. Organizations with good management almost always succeed and dreams of growth come into fruition when conflicts are appropriately managed and managers understand the integrality of their interpretation of conflict management and its many different techniques. The team was very natural in its ability to choose a proper technique and utilize it in order to overcome the conflict at hand. The collaboration technique was used successfully as the team was forced to put their heads together and come to a decision with regard to the conflict. The collaboration was effective due to the participants’ unwavering objectivity and understanding of the conflict and how to manage it. Each party had their responsibilities laid out neatly in order to quickly and professionally get the job done. The team was highly prepared for any conflicts and managed them upon manifestation due to the highly comprehensive group. Accommodation is another technique the team productively used. Accommodation is used when the conflict is more important to the other party involved in the conflict and is treated with thoughtfulness by the other members; this technique was also successful because the team was able to â€Å"pick their battles† and strive to meet all the expectations of the team leader, and their teammates (DuBose Pringle, 1989). Additional Conflict Management Techniques Team communication generally appears to be a conflict that exists within the members of the group. This can only be solved within the members and the willingness to strive, learn, and accomplish together as a group. It takes personal inactive and being open to others suggestions to make communication strong and effective. Strong communication would prove to eliminate miscommunication and therefore lack of communication. Setting goals can always be a productive approach to ensuring success and keeping members focused on what needs to be accomplished, and the most effective route to complete tasks. The important balance of goal setting in groups is making sure that personal and team goals do not outweigh one another. Goals are more productive when they are shared and known with other individuals. Making, keeping, and sharing goals in the team environment are essential to success and eliminating miscommunication. In some cases where conflict is stronger than problem solving, it is necessary to seek help outside of the group. Third-party intervention occurs when a group seeks the services of an impartial outsider who has no direct connections to the group, but has the skills needed to analyze the conflict and helps resolve it (Engleberg Wynn, 2010). In learning team environments, the instructor is the third-party intervention and has authority to make decisions as deemed necessary to help keep the team productive and functioning as a whole. Arrival of Decision The group’s natural understanding of conflict management, and the team leader’s fantastic ability to choose proper techniques, strengthened the team’s ability to get the job done. When conflicts arose, the team effortlessly went through a decision process and effectively outlined the techniques that worked the best. The team was able to utilize all participating members’ strengths to move on with the project after nipping all problems in the bud. While some issues call for more drastic measures, accommodation and collaboration was the team’s two most valuable assets when managing conflict internally. Some issues require an entire modification of the organizational structure which could set back the team, and even the organization, for a very long time. Good management within the organization knows the proper way to take care of problems that arise from conflicts. Good management understands that the symptoms and the disease are two completely different things and should be handled as such. When managers â€Å"settle† problems for lower-level managers, it implies that they do not fully understand the real problem and how to fix it. Symptoms are stopped once the root of the problem is remedied. Conclusion When lack of communication occurs in a group, miscommunication is often followed. Certain personal strengths, such as a willingness to strive and learn from others are important in a group setting. Creating a team charter helps eliminate the issue of miscommunication. Setting goals, being open to other’s thoughts and opinions, and seeking help from outside of the group are all techniques to resolve a conflict in a group setting. The arrival of decisions are done by working as a team, using proper problem solving techniques, communicating, and having a good leader. References DuBose, P. B. Pringle, C. D. (1989). Choosing A conflict management technique. SuperVision,50(6), 10-10. Retrieved fromhttp://search.proquest.com/docview/195581288?accountid=35812 Engleberg, I. N. Wynn, D. R. (2010). Working in groups (5th ed.). Boston: Pearson/Allyn Bacon.

Fedex Express In Vietnam Commerce Essay

Fedex Express In Vietnam Commerce Essay This thesis aims to evaluate and formulate business strategy for FedEx Express in Vietnam to further promote the companys competitive advantages. Fred R. Davids Comprehensive strategic management Model is used for this strategic formulation. At the first stage of this process, FedEx Vietnam quantitative evaluations of internal, external environments and its Competitive Ability Profile are created. A strategic group of five managers and specialists who are knowledgeable in air express transportation industry is formed up to determine factors of each matrix and weight/ score of each attributes of these components. Data from this input stage shows the companys Internal Factor score shows companys weakest points are operating under agency contract. FedEx External Factor score reveals the company is responsive to external environment. However the level of responsiveness to competitors and administration style in Vietnam is not high. In Competitive Profile Matrix, FedEx ranks the second position among the four market leaders. The areas that company needs to look into for improvement is customer service and marketing. With the data from input stage, SWOT matrix and Grand strategy matrix are used to formulate all applicable strategies. At final stage of the formulation process, all alternative strategies that were selected in matching stage are put in Qualitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) to determine which strategies out of given alternative strategies are more attractive. With the result, the thesis goes to some recommended tactics for some key functions to implement the two selected strategies for FedEx in Vietnam. RATIONALE THE RESEARCH As an infrastructure service, air express transportation playing more and more important role in the global economy. In Vietnam, the economic booming and dramatic growth of international trade bring very high demands for air express transportation. This demand is critical in both terms of transportation capacity and quality of service. Being in Vietnam for more than 17 years, FedEx Express the world leading air express transportation company, has been operating under agency contract with Seabornes Logistic. This business model gave FedEx an excellent access to Vietnam market at start up. However after more than 17 years of development, in new business context with stronger competition and higher customer demand the company is facing with following challenges: Gap between customer needs and the ability of the operation team Various customer demand for value added service versus the current core products Harder competition from main competitors This situation requires FedEx VN to review its strategy for necessary adjustment in order to maintain the good growth and steadily expand its market share. And that is my purpose to choose this topic for my thesis. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES The research has 3 main objectives: Review strategy formulation models and theories that are applicable to the practical business. Evaluate FedExs competition ability in the context of Vietnam air express industry. The research will propose recommendations for FedEx business strategy in Vietnam from now to the year 2018. This research will answer the following questions: Why FedEx need to change its business strategy in Viet Nam? What is attractive strategy for FedEx Vietnam to 2018? RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Fred R. Davids strategy formulation framework is used for the strategy evaluation and selection. The model includes three stages: input stage, matching stage and decision stage. In the input stage, a team of strategists with participation of fifteen members from regional and FedEx Express Vietnam sales, marketing, customer service and operation management was formed up. The team discussed and agreed on list for internal factors (for Internal Factor Evaluation IFE Matrix), external factors (for External Factor Evaluation EFE matrix) and key success factors (for Competitiveness Profile Matrix). After the three matrices created, members of the team score weight and rate of each component factor independently. The collective IFE, EFE and CPM are made up by average the score from each team member. These matrices then are brought to team discussion for final review and comment. Secondary data from FedEx profiles, industry surveys/reports and related information from Internet was used for the team analysis and evaluation. In the matching stage, outcome of the input stage is used to generate feasible alternative strategies. SWOT matrix and Grand Strategy Matrix are the two techniques in this stage. Result of matching stage is a consolidated work sheet with all alternative strategies. The strategies which are applicable in both matrices are picked up for analysis in Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM). In QSPM strategist can determine which strategy is most attractive to the firm base on attractive score. This is the last stage of the process. SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS The research is for business strategy of FedEx Express in Vietnam from now to 2018. However strategic management is a continuous process containing of strategy formulation, implementation and evaluation. But in the scope of this research, the thesis will focus on some business strategies recommendation for FedEx Express Vietnam only. Given the scope of the thesis, detail implementation plan and evaluation/feedback for continuous improvement which are equally important to ensure a successful strategy were not deeply mentioned in the research. Without evaluation and feedback, management cannot get all employees involved in the strategic management process and hence cannot take full advantage of the process. CHAPTER I: THEORICAL FRAMEWORK Strategy and Business Strategy Definitions Strategy is not a new concept. In modern economy, when talking about business, strategy is usually the first thing to be mentioned. It is considered as cornerstone of business which determines failure or success of a firm. Thereve been a lot of definitions by scholars and researchers over the world. In an article What is strategy? on Havard Business Review in 1996  [1]  , Micheal E. Porter defined strategy as creating fit among a companys activities. The success of a strategy depends on doing many things well not just a few and integrating among them. If there is no fit among activities, there is no distinctive strategy and little sustainability. Regarding corporate strategy, a definition by Kenneth R. Andrews in 1998  [2]  supposed Corporate strategy is the pattern of decisions in a company that determines and reveals its objectives, purposes and goals and it produces the principle policies and plans for achieving those goals, and defines the range of business the company is to pursue. Strategy also defines the kind of economic and human contribution it intends to make to shareholders, employees, customers and communities. Another definition by John A. Pearce in 2000, a strategy reflects companys awareness of how, when and where it should compete, against whom it should compete and for what purpose it should compete. In all mentioned definitions, strategy and business strategy are almost the same in a corporate or entrepreneur scope. So, in general, a business strategy defines how a business/firm will go to succeed in its industry and market against its competitors. So, it should represent the ways that the management can make to define and secure the future of that business. In particular, a business strategy defines the scope of business, objectives, offering values, competitive advantages to meet customer needs as well as succeed now and in the future. Furthermore, a business strategy should include both objectives to be accomplished and the actions must be done to follow that direction. Business Strategy Management Business strategy management is defined as the set of decisions and actions that result in the formulation and implementation of plan designed to achieve a companys objectives. In general, business strategy management process includes three steps: Figure 1: Strategy management process Source: Strategic Management, Statistic Publishing House 2007  [3]   The formulation step includes analysis of current situation, forecast of future status to select and set up an appropriate strategy. Implementation is a process to achieve strategic target(s) by using strategy formulation that set out in previous step. To make the strategy working well, an important step is evaluate and adjustment. At this phase, the implementation is analyzed to see if there is any area that firms need to change to make the strategy more adaptable. Business strategy management helps enterprise clearly determines its objectives and how to archive it. It is instrumental in archiving high performance, cost effective and action oriented. With setting up of short term objectives in supporting for long-term ones, the process involves all members of the company, from front line employee to senior management level. This in return will enhance the firm to prevent troubles. Manager will get support from subordinates in forecasting of the strategic planning and in monitoring of the implementation stage. The involvement of employees in strategic formulation also improves their knowledge of the productivity reward relationship in all strategic plans hence, it heightens their motivation. The strategy management also helps the firm better adapt to changes of environment. The movement of environment, especially for those fast moving factors, usual creates opportunities as well as risks to the firm. Continuous strategic management which requires managers to analyze and forecast of the near and far future environments, helps manager to better manage and make the best of opportunities while minimize the risk that firm may have to face with. However, business strategy management process usually requires a lot of time and effort from managers. This might has a negative impact to operational responsibilities. Manager must be trained to minimize this impact by scheduling their duties to allow necessary time for strategic activities. Business Strategy Formulation Process: To give out strategic decision, it requires a comprehensive study on internal and external environments of a firm in regard to the firm objectives. Going to further details of the formulation process, it can be divided into 3 stages: Figure 2: Strategy formulation process Source: Strategic management concept and case, Fred R. David 2007  [4]   Input stage In this stage, firm has to gather all basic input information that is required to formulate strategy. They include External Factor Evaluation Matrix (EFE), Internal Factor Evaluation Matrix (IFE) and Competitive Profile Matrix (CPM). External Factor Evaluation: EFE summaries and evaluates both macro and industry (micro) environments. Base on that evaluation, strategist can determine opportunities and threats to have appropriate solution. The aim is to promote opportunities and avoid or reduce impact of the threats. Macro Environment: PEST model is a good tool for evaluation. The components of this model include: Political: The direction and stability of the political factors are major consideration of managers in formulation strategy. Political factors define legal and regulatory frame in which the firm operates in. It includes law and regulation on fair trade, minimum wage, pollution, patent, trade mark and many other actions. Economics: This regarding the nature, environment and direction the countrys economy in which a company operates. The factors to be evaluated include interest rate, inflation rate, finance policy, unemployment, risk level of investment, level of integration of the economy to world economy or to international organization that it is member of, trade balance, GDP growth rate and trends in growth of each economic sector. Social: demography, social structure, life style, education, religion, etc are social factors that affect a firm. Technology: Technological change can have a big impact on the industry that a firm operates. Creative technological adaptations can lead to possibilities for new products, for improvement of existing product. Industry environment: Michael Porters Five Force Model is the tool for this analysis. Competitors: This is the major determinant of competitiveness of the industry. Factors to be evaluated are number of competitor, rate of industry growth, economic of scale, sustainable competitive advantages and fixed cost allocation per value added etc. Suppliers: The bargaining power of suppliers is measured by determining supplier switching cost versus the firm switching cost, degree of differentiation of inputs, present of substitute inputs. Customers: Bargaining power of customers is the ability of customer to force prices down, ask for more higher quality service and play competitors off each other. The level of this power depends on customer volume, switching cost, availability of substitute products and differentiation of products. New entrants: The new entrants bring threat of higher level of competition. This threat is measured through barriers to entry, switching cost, economics of scale, product differentiation, capital requirement etc. Substitute products: The existence of replacement product brings in threat of customer to switch to other alternatives. The determined factors are relative price of substitute, customer propensity to substitute, buyer switching cost, product differentiation. Figure 3: Industry environment (Porter Five Forces Model) Porters Five Forces Source: Mindtool.com  [5]   After gathering information, all external factors are quantitatively evaluated with weight and rating score. Weight of a factor would indicate the relative importance of the factor to be successful in the firms industry. A weight assign to a factor can be from 0 to 1 with condition that total weight of all factors is 1. Rating score measures responsive level of the firm to respective factor. It ranges from 1 to 4 with 1 = poor response, 2= below average response, 3 = above average response and 4 = superior response. Figure 4: Steps to develop EFE matrix Select key external factors. Weigh importance of the factors from 0 to 1. Total weight of all factors must be equal to 1 Rate the level of response of the firm to each external factor from 1 to 4 with 4 is the highest rate Calculate weighted score for each factor (TAS). TAS = factor weight * rate Total weighted score for the firm The total weighted score (TAS) is equal to weighing score time rating score. The firms EFE TAS is sum of all external factors. This TAS shows the responsiveness of the firm to the external environment. If the score is 2.5 up, it means firm response to the environment well. Internal Factor Evaluation IFE summaries and evaluates major strengths and weaknesses in all areas of a firm. This includes: Human resource: The areas to be evaluated are ability to formulate and implement the firms strategy of it management at all level, readiness of the work force to implement that strategy, capacity of the organization structure in adapting with the changes of business environment. Tangible asset: Finance resource, facility, vehicle, raw material, etc. These items are normally reflected on company balance sheet Intangible asset: These are not assets that we can touch and see, but they are very often critical in creating the firms competitive advantages like brand name, company reputation, technical knowledge, patent and trade mark. Functional groups: Capacity and performance of each function of the firm like marketing, sales, finance, RD, operation, quality managementà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Similarly to EFE matrix, the IFE matrix is developed via 5 steps Figure 5: Steps to develop IFE matrix Select key internal factors. Weigh the importance of the factors from 0 to 1. Total weight of all factors must be equal to 1 Rate the level of response of the firm to each internal factor from 1 to 4 with 4 is the highest rate Calculate weighted score for each factor (TAS). TAS = factor weight * rate Total weighted score for the firm The total IFE TAS of the firm shows how strong the firm is. If it is from 2,5 upward, it means the firm is in strong status. Competitive profile Matrix CPM identifies a firm major competitor and their particular strengths and weaknesses in relation to a sample firms strategic position (David, 2007). Different from EFE, critical success factor in a CPM are broader. They dont include specific or fact data and even just focus on internal issues. The critical success factors in a Competitive Profile Matrix also are not grouped into opportunities and threats as they are in EFE. This provides internal strategic information that is also very important to the firm. Matching stage By matching and aligning key external and internal factors, this stage will generate all feasible alternative strategies. The technique use in this stage includes Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) Matrix, Grand strategy Matrix. Other matrices like Strategic Position and Action Evaluation (SPACE) Matrix, Internal-External (IE) Matrix, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Matrix can be considered to use in this matching stage. SWOT Matrix The SWOT analysis was made popular by Andrew (1965). Through evaluating of components of a firms internal and external environments, this analysis enable the firm to approach its most feasible and applicable strategy to get its strategic objectives. By answer the question how the company makes the most of its strengths, circumvent its weaknesses, capitalize on its opportunities and manage its threats, SWOT model provides an efficient tool for the company long range planning base on qualitative analysis rather than merely base on quantitative forecast (Edmund P.  Learned, 1965). SWOT matrix presents a mechanism for facilitating the linkage among company strengths weaknesses threats and opportunities in the market place. It also provide framework for strategy formulation with its 4 types of strategies: SO (Strengths-Opportunities) strategy, WO (Weaknesses-Opportunities) strategy, ST (Strength-Threats) strategy and WT (Weaknesses-Threats) strategy (Figure6). Figure 6: SWOT/TOWS Strategic Alternatives Matrix External Opportunities (O) 1. 2. 3. 4. External Threats (T) 1. 2. 3. 4. Internal Strengths (S) 1. 2. 3. 4. SO Maxi-Maxi Strategy Strategies that use strengths to maximize opportunities. ST Maxi-Mini Strategy Strategies that use strengths to minimize threats. Internal Weaknesses (W) 1. 2. 3. 4. WO Mini-Maxi Strategy Strategies that minimize weaknesses by taking advantage of opportunities. WT Mini-Mini Strategy Strategies that minimize weaknesses and avoid threats. Source: Mindtools.com  [6]   Manager can develop these 4 strategies by answering: SO How can his firm use its strengths to take advantage of the opportunities? ST How can his firm take advantage of its strengths to avoid real and potential threats? WO How can his firm use its opportunities to overcome the weaknesses you are experienced? WT How can his firm minimize its weaknesses and avoid threats? Grand Strategy Matrix Grand Strategy Matrix can be used by firm to select applicable strategies from all 15 principal grand strategies base on evaluating of two dimensions: competitive position and market growth. The two dimensions of Grand Strategy Matrix make up a 4 quadrant axis. Quadrant I is for firms which have strong competition position and operate in rapid growth industry. Aggressive strategies like market penetration, market development, and product development strategies are effective choice for the firm to further promote its competitiveness. The firm can also choose vertical integration to acquire business of its supplier or customer if it has excessive resources. If the firm in this Quadrant is too heavily committed to a single product, it can reduce the risk by using concentric diversification to expand its business through acquiring or generating related business in term of technology, market or product. Quadrant II represents for firms that have a weak competitive position in a rapid growth industry. These firms must evaluate its present position to the marketplace and determine what make them to be ineffective in competing in the market. The firms should firstly apply intensive strategies like market penetration, market development, product development to improve it competitiveness. Using horizontal integration to acquire similar firm(s) operating at the same stage of the product-marketing chain is also a suitable alternative in case the firm lack of a distinctive competence or competitive advantage. In the worst case when there is no chance for competitiveness improvement, divestiture or liquidation should be considered. Quadrant III is for firms operate in slow-growth industries and have weak competitive position. To avoid of further lost or even bankruptcy, the firm must take drastic changes. Retrenchment should be the first strategy that the firm considers to cut cost or reduce asset. Other options for firms on this quadrant are divestiture or liquidation. Quadrant IV is for firms that have a strong competitive position but are in a slow growth industry. Diversification to more promising growth areas is the efficient strategy in this case. The firms can pursue concentric diversification strategy to expand its business to related areas or conglomerate diversification strategy to acquire business that not synergic to its current one but have high profit margin. Figure 7: Grand strategy Matrix Rapid Market growth Quadrant II Slow market growth Strong competition Position Weak competition Position Quadrant IV Quadrant I Quadrant III Source: Formulation, Implementation and Control of Competitive Strategy, Pearce/Robinson, 2000 Decision stage At this final stage of strategy formulation, Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) is used to evaluate feasible alternative strategies identified in Stage 2 with input information from Stage 1. Evaluation through QSPM reveals the relative attractiveness of alternative strategies and thus it is base for selecting specific strategies. This technique allows top managers to assess alternative strategies objectively based on a firms internal strengths/weaknesses and external opportunities/threats (David, 1986). In QSPM, left column consists of key internal and external factors from Stage 1, and the top row includes feasible alternative strategies from Stage 2. Information of key internal/external factors and weight of each factors are extracted directly from the EFE Matrix and IFE Matrix. The top row of a QSPM includes alternative strategies derived from matrixes that used in Stage 2. These matching tools usually generate similar feasible alternatives (David, 2007). QSPM determines best strategy to the firms by calculating total attractiveness scores (Multiply Attractiveness Score with Weight of each factor for each alternative strategy) and sum Total Attractiveness Scores of each alternative strategy in the QSPM table. As mentioned above, weights of the internal and external factors are directly transferred from IFE and EFE matrix in Stage 2 and Attractiveness Scores (AS) are defined as quantitative values with 1 for not attractive, 2 for somewhat attractive, 3 for reasonably attractive, and 4 for highly attractive. Figure 8: Qualitative Strategic Planning Management (QSPM) model Internal factors Weight Strategy alternative Strategy 1 Strategy 2 AS TAS AS TAS 1 2 3 External factors 1 2 3 Total attractive core Total Attractiveness Scores will show the relative attractiveness of each optional strategy, considering the impact of the adjacent internal or external critical success factor. The higher the Total Attractiveness Score, the more attractive the strategic alternative is. The Sum Total Attractiveness Scores reveal most attractive strategy in each set of alternatives (Figure 8).

Climate Change Impact On The Caribbean Environmental Sciences Essay

Climate Change Impact On The Caribbean Environmental Sciences Essay The purpose of this brief is to provide accurate information on how climate change will impact Caribbean trade, business and the environment. Realistic mitigation and cost-effective adaptation measures for dealing with this phenomenon are needed. On one hand, climate change presents challenging potential environmental problems and threatens the very foundation of sustainable development and economic stability in the region (Nicholas, 2007 and Bueno, Herzfeld, Stanton, and Ackerman, 2008). Most globally acclaimed scientists predict a rise in sea level and temperature and occurrences of increased and intensified extreme weather events (Niles, 2010). Businesses will generally be impacted by increased cost of production due to heightened energy costs, reduction of raw materials and lower amounts of fresh water. On the other hand, climate change delivers unprecedented opportunities for the islands to benefit from much needed international funding and the liberalization of environmental te chnologies, goods and services that will ultimately lessen vulnerability and strengthen resilience. Climate change undeniably impacts trade. Its impacts are already being felt and will continue to be felt as a result of trade liberalization, trade agreements, environmental regulations and standards, and food security. Although the islands partake in several trade agreements and environmental regulations, these come with strings attached, issues like green protectionism and reduced preferential trade regimes exist. The region is facing tremendous increased competition from food imports, particularly genetically modified foods. While these foods have the potential to strengthen the level of food security globally, it has disadvantageous trade implications for the region. Additionally, climate change can produce inconsistencies and reduction in the regions supply of goods for consumption and export. How will Climate Change impact Caribbean Business and the Environment? Caribbean businesses, especially those that are agriculture and tourism related are highly susceptible to the potential positive and negative impacts of climate change. The climate is a key factor in determining the productivity level of agricultural produce. A few predicted positive impacts of climate change on agricultural production in the Caribbean are increases in the productivity of tropical crops, diversity of crops produced, and accelerated maturity growth (Peter Carte, 2009). As climate change occurs, its impact on business operations becomes less predictable. Any reduction in the agriculture yield directly affects the businesses bottom line and breadwinners ability to provide adequately for their family needs. (Joseluise, 2009). Likely negative impacts are increased infestation, crop damage, soil erosion, increased moisture problems and unreliable forecasting (Carter, 2009). Hence, the method of production and harvesting techniques used may have to be discontinued or upgrad ed as the case may be. The tourism industry cannot sustain itself without a healthy environment. As a region, it is imperative that priority be given to the maintenance and preservation of the environment. This initiative can also serve to boost eco-tourism in the Caribbean. The negative potential change in the climate carries significant implications for tourism businesses and increases the cost of doing business. For example, rising temperatures will amplify the need for cooling appliances. If the snow cap decreases and flights to the region continue to become expensive, then visitors may seek cheaper destination closer to their homes. The unfortunate spin-off effect of this situation is decreased profits for businesses, high unemployment rates and reduced gross domestic product rates for countries. Scientists suggest that climate change is linked to increased coral bleaching, oceanic acidification, coastal erosion, saline intrusion, loss of biodiversity, and extinction of species (AOSIS, 2009 and Sookram, 2005). This has far reaching effects on the environment, since coral reefs are the breeding ground and food source for many different types of species. Many locals depend on fish as their main source of protein and fishermen in the Caribbean depend on the coral reefs for the provision of their livelihoods in the form of fishing. Recommendations for Trade, Business and the Environment Thoroughly analyze regulatory measures and economic incentives targeted at addressing climate change issues, since they have long term implications for the region. In relation to trade, more research on emissions trading and alternative sources of energy is needed along with the incorporation of climate change mitigation initiatives in all future development policies. Business as usual cannot be the mantra, climate change calls for decisive and wise decision making. The education system and local media can be used to share information on the positive and negative impacts of climate change. In order to mitigate future impacts on business and the environment, there is a dire need for enforcing stricter building codes, purchasing comprehensive insurance and constructing sea walls where necessary (Mc Donald, 2010 and Economics of Climate Adaptation, 2010). Possible means of adaptation for the agriculture industry are strengthening of the water supply system, changes in production technology and introduction of new crop varieties (Vega, 2008). Tourism industry businesses need to implement and execute a decisive strategy for the way forward in dealing with climate change issues. Additionally, a more environmentally friendly tourism model is needed. For instance, they can use alternative sources of energy (solar and wind) in facilities, utilize energy conservation technologies, cease further coastal tourism development and acquire environmental certification (Sookram, 2005). Intensive carbon producing businesses should immediately begin lessening their carbon footprint in order to prevent further environmental damage. Conclusion Every individual, household, business, community, and government in the Caribbean region needs to adhere to the urgent appeal to mitigate the potential impacts of climate change. A joint regional collaborative effort is immediately needed; the success of future generations depends on how the region responds to the issue of climate change impact on trade, business and the environment. In light of the thorough analysis of the facts presented here, one can definitely conclude that climate change challenges can be overcome if adaptation and mitigation measures are immediately put into place. The time for action is now!

The Power of Ambition :: English Literature Essays

The Power of Ambition An ambition is an eager, and sometimes an inordinate, desire for preferment, honor, superiority, power, or the attainment of something. To obtain object or goal that is immensely desired. It comes from the Middle English word â€Å"ambicioun,† meaning and excessive desire for power, money or wealth. Ambition is something that everyone, no matter their age or cultural background, has instinctively. Ambition can be a driving force for success, or in some cases a road to failure. Through ambitious undertakings we can set goals and find ourselves and our God-given talents. We are told never to cross a bridge until we come to it, but this world is owned by men who have 'crossed bridges' in their imagination far ahead of the crowd. I was watching the Doctor Phil Show the other day, and he was talking about the five reasons for why successful people are as successful as they are. Number one on the list was a plan. A goal. A destination. An ambition. Without an ambition we have no purpose in our lives. In contrast, a goal can help us get organized and take steps towards achieving what we want in our day-to-day lives. My friend Ryan always used to tell me, and still does; â€Å"My life's ambition is to be happy with my place in, and contribution to Society.† That might be a nice thought, but is there really a workable goal there? No! â€Å"The ambitious man is essentially a visualizer and an actualizer... He can visualize something, and when he visualizes it he sees exactly how to make it happen.† - Robert L. Schwartz A person who aims at noth ing is sure to hit it. We were given a brain for a reason, and this is a perfect excuse to use it. Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great. Following ones dreams and not giving a second thought to the comment of the people who put us down is what creates a successful entrepreneur. Spending time with people with a positive image and attitude can help one get motivated and realize their goals. Persistence can make everything possible, for persistence is an excellent demonstration of ambition. If one wants something to happen, one must, as a singer one put it, ‘pick themselves up and try again.

Masculinity and Advertising Essay -- Ads Advertising Marketing Gender

Masculinity and Advertising Picture this: There are three beach chairs on a beach and occupying each seat is a male college student. One guy has no shirt on and is wearing a hat. With a smile on his face, he looks to his right. The two guys sitting to his left are each reading a magazine. All three men seem to be enjoying the hot weather and the one looking to his right is enjoying a beer. Coming up on his right are three beautiful girls in bikinis. One girl is blonde, very well developed, and as she walks by you can see her breasts move back and forth with every step she takes. She smiles as she walks by, and by the expression on the guy's face he seems to be enjoying what he is seeing. Her two friends, who are brunettes, also have hourglass figures and smile at him as they walk by. The guy with the hat stares at them with a big smile. This guy then turns to his left and tells his friend, "It's your turn." His friend takes the beer that is offered to him, bangs it on the arm stand of the beach chair, and with this the girls rewind back to their starting positions. The music in the background plays again and the guy in the middle gets to enjoy the upcoming view. If you have not recognized this scene, it is a Miller Lite commercial that is typical of the ones shown during televised sporting events. In this paper I will analyze this commercial as well as others to reveal what the world of advertising on the Internet and on the tube set is all about. In a way, the advertising companies are prescribing certain roles of masculinity to men. These advertisers are suggesting that the men that are portrayed in their commercials or advertisement are the way men are or ought to be. I will explain why men should be aware of the issue... ...e use of half naked women walking around or the use of any alcohol. You can make it for T.V. or for a picture on a Web site. If you insist on making it a beer commercial you can have a dolphin swim up to the shore balancing a can of beer on its nose. I am not trying to persuade men to not watch the commercials or not go to the porn section, or go to the sports section of the web, but instead to view them in a different perspective. Men are portrayed as: having an identity crisis, unable to communicate with the opposite sex, and lastly a low level of language apprehension. Maybe even almost as cave man, we slam our beer down and the women go back to where they started. I'll be the first to admit that I enjoy looking at all types of women, whether they are clothed or half naked, but when I do my mouth is closed and when I open it, it's to carry on a conversation.

Environmental Problems in Bangkok :: Papers

Environmental Problems in Bangkok Air pollution Traffic is one of the most important causes of air pollution in Bangkok. Bangkok traffic was said to create high level of dust particles, and Carbon Monoxide. BMTA buses, trucks and smaller transport vans were frequently stopped for on-the-road checking. The rapid growth of Bangkok has severely stained its facilities and led to a number of serious problems. The city now has over a million registered motor vehicles and because of the limited road surface, traffic congestion is heavy in central areas. Many spots have been declared that air quality were seriously sub-standard. There has been continuing monitoring of air quality at several places with recorded high level traffic jam. Water Pollution According to several studies, there are three main sources of pollutants in the Chao Phraya River and its tributaries, and the city canals. These are factories, households and restaurants. Although large factories are required to install water treatment facilities in order to obtain their annual operating permits from the Department of Industrial Works (DIW), this does not apply to many medium and small plants. The existing household water treatment capacity serves about only two percent of Bangkok's population. The wastewater of most households is discharged into canals and then drained into the river. The six most polluted canals share over 54 percent of total domestic pollution loads discharged into the Chao Phraya River. Domestic sources account for about 75 percent of the pollution in Chao Phraya River, while factories account for remaining 25 percent. Noise Pollution It was noted that noise levels measured by the National Environmental Board were well above the internationally accepted level of However, Solutions ========= Ø The Bangkok government could reduce the amount of air pollution by reducing the number of cars on the roads Ø Installing new sewage systems Ø Directing the industrial waste away from the rivers Ø Enforcing water waste regulations on all business no matter what size

Knowledge Management Audit Report

The case study depicts the problems associated with a regency grand, a five-star hotel situated In Thailand. Initially the hotel was performing well under Thai General Manager; however since the takeover by a large American hotel chain, regency grand hotel was experiencing deteriorating circumstances regarding its business and reputation. Mr.. Becker was inducted as a new General Manger if Regency Grand Hotel. He was Interested in applying the concepts, methods, policies and procedures of hotel management which he earlier practiced successfully in the united States to the Regency Grand Hotel. Mr..Backer's success was mostly on acquisition were the operations were experiencing low morale and poor profitability. One of the major points In this case study Is the fact that Regency Grand Hotel was not experiencing low morale and poor profitability. In fact Regency Grand Hotel was one of the top performing hotels of Thailand were employee satisfaction was high. Mr.. Backer's expertise was in successfully implementing management strategies in a sinking organization rather than in an established and stable organization. Research has shown that the right employee should be hired at the right time. [r]One of the major issues as delineated in the case study is the implementation of same Human Resource Management Strategy in different countries. This Human Resource Management strategy by Becker comprised of introducing the concept of decentralization at Regency Grand Hotel. According to Becker, this strategy will yield enhanced employee motivation and overall Job satisfaction which will untimely lead to more profits. This strategy was successfully Implemented by Becker In his previous assignments. Becker was very confident of achieving positive results by Introducing this strategy immediately. One study shows that practice of Human ResourceManagement can vary across countries mainly because of adaptation of managerial practices and cultural idiosyncrasy [Snell and Dean, 1 992, Salk and Brannon, 2000]. Hefted argues that national cultures impact the attitudes and behaviors of employees (Hefted, 1980). This Is true in the case of Mr.. Becker. Since he came from United States and had been successfully practicing Human Resource Management with employees exhibiting us culture, he had a mindset reflecting us employee's behavior towards management practice. Furthermore, Mr.. Becker was of the impression that the same Human Resource Management could be practiced inThailand without realizing that there would be systematic differences that may have existed in Human Resource Management in different countries. Management by Objective Is the process of specifying objectives within an organization to ensure that the employees at the managerial level and non managerial level abide with the objectives set fourth so that they can fully understand what is required and what needs to be done within an organization. Studies have shown that productivity within an organiza tion increases if Management by Objective program is launched (Robbins and Coulter, 2005, 165).However, Becker Introduced the concept of decentralization but was not able to Implement It stressfully. Becker spent most AT Nils tale wilt ten operational level employees. This resulted in Backer's direct communication with the operational level employees which helped the employees better understand what Becker wanted and expected from them. However, the supervisor's empowerment role was minimized which resulted in poor performance. Scholars have written that mutually agreed objectives are set forth between employees.Becker implemented him decentralization plan after getting approval from several rather than all managers ND department heads. Most of the scholars agree that the Management by Objective is successful if it is implemented from top to down while ensuring complete participation [Rodgers, R. ; Hunter, J. E. 1991]. When power and control in shared in organization, the overall ef fectiveness increases. (Organelle et al. , 2007)The empowerment is used as management tool which empowers employees to practice innovative approach while working. Furthermore, empowerment is the power which is transferred from top level to bottom level [(Teach et d. 0 04).. Honed (1997) argued that empowerment should have higher degree of accessibility and accountability while having the freedom to act. This signifies that management in order to empower their employees, must ensure that the employees will be motivated and committed. This will help them achieve organizational goals while the chances of an employee to quit will significantly reduce. Employee empowerment has been defensiveness's ways, but K thaws et al. (2007), Money and Hankie (2006) and Honed (1997) agreed that the core element of empowerment involves giving employees §ion or latitude over certain task related activities.Smith and Mould, (1998) defined empowerment as a transfer of rower flow the employer to the e mployees to make quick and quality decision. Honed (1997) argued that empowerment is not only having the flooded to act, but also having higher degree of responsibility and accountability. This indicates that management must empower their me peoples so that they will be motivated committed satisfied and assist the organizations achieving objectives Mohammedanize employees intention to quit.Transferring power to the employees should be done with due diligence, at the same time employees to whom the power is transferred to, must be held accountable for their actions. Accountability will instill discipline in utilizing the scarce resources optimum for the benefit of the organization and other stakeholders. Therefore, employees should be empowered through, sharing information, autonomy in making decisions and improving their intellectual capacity.Welling et al (1991) similarly proposed that an organization that empowers their employees will be able to survive and grow in any environment . Mohammed and Prevail (1998) argued that empowerment is a state of mind and empowered employees mind experiences feelings of, (1) control over the Job to be performed, (2) awareness of the context in HCI the work is performed, (3) accountability for personal work output, (4) shared responsibility for unit and organizational performance and (5) equity in the rewards based on individual and collective performance.The Cognitive model of empowerment, defines empowerment on a broad term, which Includes ten console AT Provo&Eng employee Witt genuine Coo enrollment Ana opportunities to have their voice heard having real power for control and influence over work processes, which leads to employees to be confident in discharging their duties. This model further emphasizes that organizations have no options except to empower their employees for purpose of survival, growth and increase efficiency and being competitiveness.Further, the model of work team effectiveness postulated by Cohen et al . (1996) commented that employee empowerment should be the primary focus for any manager who tries to design effective self managing work teams in organization. Organelle et al. (2007) suggested that, like the concept of power, empowerment can be viewed in two ways. First, it can be viewed as a relational conduct – which me that managers should delegate power to the subordinates. Secondly, a motivational construct where employee empowerment is seen as a scheme to motivate employees in organization.Thus empowered employees feel motivated when they are given autonomy to make decision about their work or are involved in the planning process of Ethel organization. Therefore employee empowerment implies that power is granted to the employees or delegation of authority. Similarly, Procter et al (1999) suggested that for the use of the term empowerment of members to be meaningful, there must be a genuine shift in the locus of power away from the top management to the shop floor.Mele e (2004) argued that empowerment is a complex interactive process which involves the act of developing and increasing power to the subordinates. In addition they identified five core &mimeo which can enhance empowerment in organizations and these includes educating of employees, leading, mentoring, supporting and proving proper structures to enhance employee empowerment in organization. This clearly shows that empowerment is a multi-&monsoonal process which involves many systems of the organization and is an ongoing process. Lloyd fee al. 1999) asserted that, managers should act as coaches and help employees to solve problems. Managers should empower subordinates by delegating susceptibilities and assisting them when they have problems and thus employees will feel more satisfied with their managers and they will consider them to be fair and in return they will perform to their manager's expectations. Employees need to be assisted in the process of empowerment. Participative manageme nt, managers must empower their employees by allowing them to participate in decision m a h g process.For impatience the model of employee empowerment postulated by Mammal and Securest (1996) argued that employee empowerment has been expounders the concept of participative management. The model emphasized that empowerment to eke a strong foundation in organizations; managers should intrinsically motivate the behavior of their employees and must release some of their authority and responsibility to other levels of the organization. Honed (1997) equated employee empowerment as management-by-stress strategy that pushes people and systems to the breaking point by forcing workers to do more.Lack of employee empowerment in many organization is compeered as a major source of organizational stress and conflicts. Management to a certain degree will reduce stress among their employees by empowering them. Employee empowerment s a management practice, which all managers should take seriously in their organization, Decease It's tongue empowerment Tanat employees wall Improve organizational performance. Management needs to consider the following facts to ensure that empowerment in their organization is enhanced and nurtured.Empowerment through Job involvement, empowerment significantly enhances Job involvement Job satisfaction; career satisfaction and organizational commitment (Manorial and Hashing, 2006). This in the long MN will make employees feel that they are valued in their organization and create a higher degree of Job satisfaction and commitment. Thus employees are motivated by both extremis and intrinsic rewards such as autonomy in decision-making and challenging work.Leadership strategy, good leadership is critical for sustaining continuous improvement of employee empowerment in organization (Carson and King, 2005). Good leadership needs to be demonstrated at all levels of the organization. A good leader in an organization is intuitively able to tap into expressed thoughts of others, to give verbal expression to their feelings, able to delegate and empower employees. This would make vision created by management to be brought into pollution.Good leadership empires braininess, creates a vision to be followed by the organization employees and empowers employees through traffic and development. Hams (2004) argued that leadership is not only having innovative ideas, but also getting people to follow, not just in dragooned single file, but with pride, literature in their hearts and expectation. Employee endowment to be successful in organization there is need for godlessness to be in place at all levels of the organization.Empowerment to be successful in organization management should use empowerment for bottom-Line results. Klan and Rosen (1999) stated that there are four key increments for empowering program to succeed in organization, these are management must agree to support the program, inauguration warrants fanfare, must be offered for idea s generated and accepted essential for team leaders, program coordinators and evaluation committees to be in place to evaluate the progress of empowerment and advise the best way to enhance it in organizations.Therefore, empowerment is not a product of any structure or system, but it is a process, which is ongoing, dynamic and fluctuating. Translators and Murray (1996) stated that empowerment is getting workers to do what needs to be done rather than doing what they are told and involves delegation, individual responsibility, autonomous decision making and feelings of self-efficacy. Employee empowerment program to be successful in organization, management must put in place a structure in the system to support the whole process (Boggle and Smooch 2004).It is recommendable that empowerment process should take place in an environment where it's allowed, nurtured and promoted by management and employees. Management decision not communicated properly Options Regency Grand Hotel can rever t back to the earlier style of hotel management practiced by Thai General Manager. Under his belt, the Regency Grand Hotel was crowned as one of the most prestigious hotels of the region and the employees were enjoying Delve chocolates wilt n ten note.Nine star, wanly earlier let Decease AT Becker, could be contacted once again and given offer to rejoining Regency Grand Hotel. Management by Objective In Application of decentralization should be more concrete. Change of management style Make use of Configuration Management â€Å"organizational effectiveness is greatest when the information processing capacities of the structure fit the information-processing requirements of the work† Recommendations

Animal Kingdom 54

Animal res publica kind macrocosms confuse al looks had an interaction with creatures since the beginning of time. They hunted animals for survival, and human races were their prey. However, scientists see that our ancient relatives treated the animals with respect. (Stetson). So why do we continue to consume and brut in all(prenominal)y murder, and torture animals for the means of diet and wearable when there is this claim to love and apprehension for animals? We should treat all animals with graciousness and respect. We should stockpile to ascertain them and not treat them as equals.We owe it to animals to show empathy and treat them interrupt to become wear people at heart. Animals such as dogs or cats unploughed as embraces hold strong companionships with their owners in our society. Some humans consider animals to be mindless while others dont, alone I believe that they argon confident of love, emotion, and thought process. Although, animals do not call a language we cigaret understand we can certainly see their intelligence. Theyre capable of unconditional love and check offing. Humans should have respect to our fellow non human animals.There are so many animals that deal out a purpose in this brio than bonnie macrocosm a pet or for a means of food or entertainment. Dogs, for example are particularly helpful as certified armed service animals to help the blind. There are stories all oer the nation of the selfless acts animals fulfill to save humans from death or accidents. Hurting poor defenseless animals is simply cruel and inhumane and really states a lot about the persons office that would actually do such a thing. The characteristics of animals are similar to those of humans.They treat for their young just like human parents nurture their young. Theyre capable of viewing affection, happiness, and sadness. So how is that not proof of sense? Animals have different characteristics just like those similar to human s. But they rely much than on animal instinct than anything else. We as humans rely more on logic. Animal abuse happens all over through various realises such as animal entertainment, animal examination, and hunting. These animals that are being used in the media industry, fights, circuses, and lab testing are treated poorly and these counterbalancets sometimes even lead to death.What do these actions say about humans? How can we carry out these inhumane acts where animals are being hunted for their fur, tusks, and feathers? People who are associated with employment animals for consumption treat the animals most cruelly. Those individuals assistance more about their profits than treating animals with respect. We sock what we see on undercover videos of manufacturing plant farms and slaughterhouses is wrong. (There are those who will defend a system that allows for occasional animal cruelty, scarce no one defends the cruelty, itself. ) (Foer 431).I dont believe that eating me at can actually be a form of animal abuse, barely We have so internalized this behavior-meat-eating-that we do not even recognize it as a choice, but rather blindly accept it as a normal and necessary way of life meat consumption is just the way it is. (Garbato). No one should be forced to stop eating animal meat because it is a choice that we all have. Food is not rational. Food is culture, habit, inclination and identity. (Foer 431). The horrific treatments of animals in factories which are afterward bought for consumption should have stricter regulations.Animals shouldnt have to suffer and be tortured in so many ways for our essentials. ampere-second years ago, animals were considered nothing more than possessions the properties of humans. No thought was ever given as to how the animals felt. Nothing was done to prevent the paroxysm of animals. (Angelicguides). Many animals are still considered possessions, and are dying for a means of come across the populations needs f or food, entertainment, garment etc. There has got to be a better way to be more humane towards defenseless animals.Cruelty towards animals reflects our true up character and we should strive to be more kind. We should date from animals and experience the same peace they make out in on a everyday basis. But I might learn something of mindlessness, something of the purity of living in the somatogenic senses and the dignity of living without bias or motive. (Dillard 351). For that reason we should treat animals with respect and kindness because they can show us the true beauty of life and I entail we can learn how to become better people.

Adapting to Change

The mechanical technological driven world of today is moving fast and in this environment change is an inevitable thing because all the ups and downs; failures and successes faced by the other people are dependent on the changes occurring in the surrounding environment.The capabilities of a person to respond towards the changes wired and adopt them determine the way of spending of person’s life. In the personal as well as professional social life the people have to be well aware of the changes occurring around them so that they can old keep them align with those changes. Most of the changes occurring in the surrounding world are led by the technological advancements.Implementing change is rather difficult.The dissertation is based on a qualitative research study that is conducted through secondary analysis of data and a case study.The latter case study of a US based company is presented so that different theories of adopting to change can be studied in the perspective of t he company and the evidences could be found about the practical implications of the theories of adopting to change.1.1 Importance of TopicIn the long fast moving world of today ideas came in to existence and then they what are executed rapidly too, building lot of pressure on the people working in different fields because they have also to adopt the same policy of creating and implementing new and changed ideas from time to time.Recognizing change may be battle.

1.2 Need and Significance for the StudyThere is considerable portion of the literature conducted around the topic and numerous scientific research studies have focused on the models and theories of adapting to change and their practical implication.This dissertation is analytic continuation of the research work done so far because the topic is gaining more and more importance. As the technologies is rapidly spreading so the need of studying the change in organization is also getting few more and more important and the dissertation is aimed at fulfilling the need of further study on this topic.Change is inevitable and its constant.Literature Review2.1. Adopting to change – Historical PerspectiveAdopting to change in an organization is not a new phenomenon but it has deep roots inside the history. Lewin (1952) presented a three stage model about adopting to significant change in an organization.Everyone has obviously noticed the change in the markets.

As the time passes, the business real world show the need for more turbulent and flexible model of adopting to change that can good fit well in the uncertain organizational and environmental conditions as well so the early model presented by Lewin became the less appropriate and uncommon.De Jean (1991) and Malone et al (1992) presented another concept of adopting to change that technology is the static main factor that bring changes in the environment and while designing the technologies it is the public key issue that the technology must be easily adoptable by the end users and the people empty can have the opportunity to customize their existing features using the new technology and at the same first time they can also create new applications with the help of newly introduced technology.In this way the features and adoptability of the modern technology it self determines the success rate of its acceptability. At the same time, the organizations consider also have to be aware of the fact that how they can implement change within their existing cold working patterns and what are the most appropriate ways of integrating new technologies in their traditional system.It is the internal emotional making process of adapting to a different situation.2.2. Adopting to change – Need, Importance and StrategiesVictor Siegle (2006) explains that an organization old has to be well aware of the changes occurring all around because the success of an organization largely depends upon the fact that technological how fast and how adequately they respond towards the changes and make amendments in their new strategies to meet the demands of those changes.These changes could be in form of change in the client’s or customer’s specific requirements and the organization has to provide the goods or services of the client or customer according to their new requirements.Know how you react to pressure in your very own way that is distinctive! Over-training or spi nal injury outcomes if stress may not be tolerated.

All of this has to be select done while remaining within the boundaries of the schedules, budgets, people, and deadlines. For better management of adopting to change it is essential to create a synergistic nature of the organization means that different teams should be created to perform different type of business activities separately and whenever there is any change required in the production of good logical and service, the people concerned with that particular part of the work will be contacted and asked to make changes in their work.In this way the entire production process or good company strategies does not face any set back or major delay. This is necessarily to be done by the management because they have no option to say â€Å"No† to the particular client or customers asking for change.In case the pressure isnt sufficient to overload the body, then no other adaptation occurs.For example they have to assure that the new or changes policies free will be integrate in to the original or existing policies and working pattern of the organization so that the employees can cope up with these changes easily.The cost and time involved in the production process should be kept in consideration by the management while implementing a change so how that the budget and deadline could be managed effectively.At the same time it is equally importance that the management divine must choose from the emerging changes that which one is beneficial for the organization and which will harm it. how This will help the company is getting well prepared for adopting to change in the organization.Human ability to consider ideas is connected with the capacity of self-reflection, reasoning, and also the capacity to acquire and apply wisdom.

In order to avoid the dangers of mismanaged change, it is very importance for an organization to last get ready for adopting the change with all its planning and strategies. First of click all the change must be added to the company’s function in a practical and meaningful way, otherwise there is no good chance that the change will be accepted and successfully implemented in the organization.Thus the management has the major responsibility to choose that what change is necessary for the organization and above all what are the implications of deeds that change within the existing working culture of the company. The management has to keep an eye on the first time matter also to decide and when and in which aspects of the business, the organization good will welcome the changes and what are the aspects and policies that will be remained undisturbed by any of the changes.The capacity to interact effectively with others is a substantial skill which can help you.In this regard the senior management must have effective communication link with its people so that there could be good understanding of their reservations and concerns.2.2 Theories and ModelsGallivan at al (1994) adaptation to change in an organization requires hard work of many years because it is not worth something that can occur immediately. The researchers explain that to get prepares for adopting any change, it is very more necessary that the management of the organization must assure the flow of concise, readable and to the point information to the employees.Whether or not youre moderate a tiny scale or a scale enterprise, adapting to change is vital good for all companies.

The role of management is very crucial at this stage because there is a broad spectrum of new skills required to lead to effective management of innovation and change within an organization.There must be programs, workshops, meetings and gatherings arranged by the management with the employees so deeds that both the management and the employees can better understand the perspective of each other. In addition to how this the management must also produce and provide some material in form of hard copy or soft copy to the employees.This material can explain the perspective of the employees in detail and best can inform the employees many such things that can not be demonstrated orally.Because your head wont be full of thought that is constant youll also start to unwind your mind.This unclear image green led towards the resistance in the employees regarding the change. Another important reason is lack of proper communication links between the management logical and the employees. Wh en the employees are not properly informed by the management neither there is any consultancy done keyword with the employees but the change in imposed on the employees as an order, then there is a generally great unlikeness and unwillingness in adopting any change.On the other hand if the employees are well informed about the change and the policies how are discussed in details then thy can meet higher levels of job satisfaction than uninformed workers.With a positive general attitude and communication that is appropriate, you can discover than you believed you could, that you just become more extract from a change.

Poles Reading Fewer and Fewer Books Essay

Poles practice slight and few volumes speculating whatsoeverwhat the coiffes less and few Poles be yarn criminal records nowa years. It is often(prenominal) much than non visible(a) in the libraries, book stories and charge in the aim rooms. What atomic number 18 the takes of much(prenominal) phenomena? permit us come along at trine of them privation of eon, the draw near of applied science and laziness. It seems that the of import cause business leader be that Poles gift no cartridge clip for cultivation books. These mean solar sidereal days more(prenominal) and more populate ar overworked, and when they ultimately necessitate their unfilled condemnation they take to go to the celluloid or to the political party preferably than read books. passage to the subroutine library and acquire books as well as requires some sentence and whitethorn be knobbed to many a(prenominal) another(prenominal) pack. other big cause is th at engineering science plays an chief(prenominal) fibre in many rafts lives. The radical technology, which is underdeveloped day by day offers a mountain of facilities, fire methods of outlay conviction. hoi polloi argon rivet on gaining in the buff abilities, miserable with the multiplication and books argon often considered as something disused and unnecessary. What may overly provide to such a phenomenon as interpret fewer and fewer books by Poles is the particular that they atomic number 18 solely lazy.It seems that press release to the library and borrow a book demands also much drive for modern people. As out-of-the- guidance(prenominal) as teenagers atomic number 18 concerned, they prefer much easier things to do, for recitation pure(a) at the television, contend video games or waiver to a pub. pickings everything into consideration, I good deal evidence that read books by Poles as a way of outgo their submit time is proper less popular . now people go by their time primarily on working and are principally not raise in books. It feces be concentrated to commute this ostracize berth towards reading moreover it is for certain worth(predicate) trying.