International Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 1

International Business - Essay Example One such country is China or officially named as The People’s Republic of China. China is one of the most populous countries of the world. It is also considered to be a communist state among five other communist states still found in the world. In fact China is both a communist state as well as a socialist state, having being ruled by The Communist Party as well as the Working class. China, in the recent decades, has been able to develop a perception of a country that excels in manufacturing, be it electronics or textiles. Having a population of more than 1.3 billion people, this country has the advantage of providing cheap labor for businesses around the world; and thus China is considered to be the chief option of organizations wanting to open up business units outside their home country. In this paper, an attempt would be made to evaluate the political, economic and technological factors that have led to the consideration of China as an emerging economy. Based on this evalu ation, recommendations would also be made in this paper. Since China is an emerging economy, it is safe to assume that the political, economic and technological aspects of China are far from perfect, thus recommendations developed in this paper would provide a better way forward for the country. Background of People’s Republic of China China, the most populous country in the world, is located in Eastern Asia which a population exceeding 1.3 billion people. The capital city of China is Beijing, known for its trading. After China adopted is economic reforms in 1978, it became the fastest growing economy in the world. However, due to the large population of China, this growth has still not allowed the country to enjoy the position of a developed nation (LeFleur, 2003). China is known for its manufacturing around the world and thus is the biggest exporter of all kinds of goods to the world. Since the population of China is very high, imports also form a substantial part of the ec onomy. This results in China being the second largest importer of products from all over the world (Lardy, 2001). Having a rapidly growing economy, China is often considered as a threat to the United States. This is because China has been able to exercise considerable power over the rest of the world as foreign investment flows heavily in the country and this country also invests in other countries. Thus, this country is a potential super world in the coming times. Despite its growing economy, China is ruled by the Communist Party which has immense control over the economic and other affairs of the country. This to a certain extent has hampered the growth of the economy. Evaluation of Political Factors In terms of political factors, this paper would refer to the political parties ruling the country and their impact on the overall economy of the country. China is a country ruled by the Communist Party, with interference from the working class on some levels. Thus the country is ruled on the basis of both socialist and communist forms of government. These two opposing powers form the two main parties within the China, namely the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)

Course project Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Course project - Coursework Example The company is quite strong compared to the peer group and the top competitors whose current ratio is 2.01 and 1.10 respectively. The strength emanates from the fact that the current ratio of the company is in between to indicate the assets are steering the growth of the company. The profitability ratio will measure the company’s ability to generate profits. Aswath argues that the gross margin indicates the percentage of net sales going towards fixed costs and profit (34-35). Macys aim for high gross margins that mean more money to cover fixed costs and increase profits. Asset management ratio is a good measure of the company’s efficiency and effectiveness in using the assets in revenue generation. Market value ratios relate to the stock price, observable market value and book value will get obtained in the company financial statement. Therefore, Equity Investors can extend credit to investors due to the report found in its financial ratios. The ratios show an upward trend to indicate that the company is

The Concept Of Risk And Public Protection Social Work Essay

The Concept Of Risk And Public Protection Social Work Essay All activities and behaviours that people have can have different positive or negative impacts on their lives, partially because of potential risks which are easy to predict or manage. According to Leitch (2009) the word risk does not have any physical existence; rather it exists only within the mind, like many other abstract words such as idea, concept, attitude, emotion, and culture. This essay will firstly discuss the concept of risk and public protection, and how it has developed, with particular attention on the meaning of risk assessment and risk management. Secondly, it will focus on government inquiry and its effects on legislation and policies, as well as the benefits and failures of inter-agencies and inter-disciplinary policies with particular reference to risk and public protection. The concept of risk can be defined simply as the probability of suffering some damage or injury, catching a disease or in some circumstances even dying. At a more complicated level, it can be defined as the chance or probability of an undesirable event happening with an undesirable result (Duffey Saull, 2005). The term risk, like many other concepts, can be used in different ways. The Oxford English Dictionary defines the term risk as, hazard, danger; exposure to mischance or peril (Alaszewski et al., 1998 p3). Risk could be the probability of losing a valued resource. For instance, the risk of investing money could be losing that money; the risk of going rock-climbing might be getting injured or dying. On the other hand, some people take that risk in order to gain positive outcomes such as profit from investing that money and a feeling of adventure or thrill at going rock-climbing (Neill, 2003). Duffey and Saull (2005) explain that risk is the chance or likelihood of a disaster occurring, and its potential cost, during a specific period of time or under specific circumstances. Giddens (1994) argued that the nature of risk has resulted in a crisis in the welfare systems of contemporary society. However, he had suggested that using it can lead to a rethinking of welfare. Duffey Saull (2005) argue that risks regarding health are defined in terms of the probability that an individual will suffer from disease or injury within a given time period. In fact, there are various sources of risk. For instance, some risks could be environmental, such as those caused by natural disasters, poverty and war. Furthermore, community, family, school, and friends are all causes of environmental risk, while some risks are due to personal lifestyle, such as smoking, lack of exercise, un-balanced diet and so forth. According to Alaszeweski et al. (1998) in the seventeenth century the word risk seems to have appeared in the English language derived from the French risquà ©, that had in turn come from the Italian risco which means to run into danger. When the word risk came into the English language, it indicated both chance and consequences. Most people classify the components of risk as follows; occurrence of something bad, the chance of such an occurrence, and the consequences of occurrence. These components could be used to evaluate risk (Merna Faisal. 2005). Martin (2002) identifies different sources of risk. For instance, Physical- damage to individuals, equipment, and buildings, as a result of accidents or natural disasters. Labour- people unable to do their job because of health problems, career changes, or work pressure. Political/ social: policy change, protests from community, patients, or service users. As it is difficult to admit a mistake, whether personal or professional, most people tend to shift the blame and allocate responsibility to others such as the state, agencies, and officials when things go wrong. Therefore, the concept of blame can be defined as follows; blame is the process of allocating responsibility and punishments when accidents occur (Alaszewski et al, 1998 p13). According to the report of a Thematic Inspection, (1995, p12) a risk assessment can be defined as, an assessment carried out to establish whether the subject is likely to cause serious physical or psychological harm to others. When the term risk is used, it is generally not thought of as having positive consequences, as most people believe that if there is a risk there is less chance of protection, (Kemshall, 2002). Negative risk is represented by possible events that could harm a plan and which should be avoided. On the other hand, positive risk refers to risks that we initiate ourselves because we see a potential chance of success, along with probable failure. There are five steps to risk assessments, which are as follows; Classifying the risk. Stating who could be harmed and in what way. Assessing the risks. Reporting findings and implementing them. Updating evaluations if necessary (Health Safety Executive, no date). Alaszewski et al. (1998) think that risk management is the complete process of identifying, measuring and minimizing the chance of uncertain events affecting resources. Effective assessment and management of risks is a major professional practice in human service professions. It is the main part of any organisations strategic management; it is the process of addressing the risks so as to be able to work with the goal of achieving sustained benefits. Effective risk management should be able to identify and treat these risks so as to increase the probability of success, and reduce the potential for failure. Risk management has to be a continuous and developing process which runs throughout the organisations strategy and its implementation. According to Thematic Inspection by HM Inspectorate of Probation (1995) any effective risk management plan should begin with identifying the potential risks in all its manifestations. Once risk is identified, it must be assessed as to its likelihood of occurence and the extent of any possible damage. After that, all risks should be prioritized so that each can receive the appropriate time and resources. In order to achieve a meaningful and efficient assessment, it must be done thoroughly and accurately and in a timely manner. Public protection can be defined as the desired result of effective risk assessments and successful risk management (Report of a Thematic inspection, 1995). Due to a lack of safety strategies in organisations and drawbacks in some state policies, the idea of public protection was developed mainly by the public (Becks, 1992). It meant that governments and organisations should play a greater role in ensuring the protection of citizens by evaluating and managing risks. Currently, there are many agencies that attempt to produce policies and practices in order to address the issue of risk and public protection for vulnerable people like the elderly, children, people with mental health problems and people with learning disabilities. However, there is the problem of how to implement these policies as there is little practical guidance and training (Kemshall Pritchard, 1996). In fact, there are many kinds of risk, including the risk of specific diseases, accidents, assault, drug abuse, child abuse, adult abuse, heart disease, cancers, disasters, and poverty. As child abuse is a highly controversial issue and a contested area in contemporary society, this essay will now focus on conceptions of child abuse with reference to a government report on the subject and its impacts on legislation and policy. Child abuse or neglect may happen intentionally or as a result of negligence towards a child by an adult. According to the report Childhood Matters, child abuse contains several things which can be harmful to children or which can damage their ability to have a healthy development either directly or indirectly (Hobart Frankel, 2005). Despite the international consensus regarding children, that they should be treated with respect and must be protected from any kind of abusive exploitation, there is still a lack of clarity about what exactly constitutes abuse, (Cloke Davies, 1995). There are four kinds or categories of child abuse: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect, which are explained below; Physical abuse is the type which has been most studied. It is defined as: any non-accidental physical injury to the child (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2009 p1). It is a feeling of pain or injury to the body or even a feeling of intimidation (Suryanarayana et al, 2010). Physical abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning, scalding, drowning, suffocating, or otherwise causing physical harm to a child (Polney, 2001 p129). The explanation of sexual abuse is forcing children or adolescents to take part in sexual activities, regardless of their awareness (ibid). Using pornographic material such as pictures or videos of children or encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways are regarded as non-contact forms of sexual abuse, (Hobart Frankel, 2005). Emotional abuse is considered as the most elusive and damaging form of abuse in childhood (Terreros, 2006 p1). Psychological or emotional abuse includes a child or young person being continually frightened, rejected or berated. There are a number of adverse effects of this type of child abuse. For instance, a child who is brought up in a home where there is no love or warmth will find it difficult to respond to other peoples emotional needs, (Hobart Frankel, 2005). Neglect is when a childs basic physical and psychological needs are not met. Types of neglect include failure to provide adequate food, shelter, clothing or hygiene. In addition to health care neglect, there is also educational neglect and other physical, emotional, and environmental types of neglect, (Polney, 2001). Over the last three decades a number of children tragically died as a result of abuse and resulted in the emergence of a number legislations and many reforms in agencies and policies. For instance, the death of Victoria Climbie was one of the most major news stories in the UK and all over the world, and has led to the revision of newer policies to protect children from any aspects of abuse. According to a public inquiry there were at least twelve chances for either social services or the police to save Victorias life, (Hobart Frankel, 2005). Adjo Victoria Climbie was born near Abidjan on the Ivory Coast in West Africa, and died in the intensive care unit of St Marys Hospital in London in February 2000 after suffering months of multiple injuries as a result of abuse and neglect from her aunt, Marie Therese Kouao and the aunts partner, Carl Manning. Both of them are now serving life sentences in prison (Laming, 2003). According to her parents, Victoria was the fifth of seven children, and she had a good life with them. She was also good at school. The tragic story of Victoria started when her aunt Marie took her from her parents to travel to France, where she had been living for some time, in order to give her a better life and good education. However, they only stayed there for about five months. Victoria began to appear unwell at school and the school was concerned as to whether this was the result of child abuse. Kouao told the school that she wanted to remove Victoria from the school and travel to London in order to ge t her the necessary treatment. They travelled to London in April 1999, (The Victoria Climbie Inquiry Report, 2003). The year 1999 was a year of suffering for Victoria, especially once she moved in with Manning, her aunts partner. Before that Victoria had spent much of her time with a childminder, Priscilla Cameron, while her aunt was at work. Mrs Cameron noticed the way in which Kouao treated Victoria. When Kouao met Manning she and Victoria moved into his flat, and it was at this time the abuse of Victoria started. Mrs Cameron noticed that the bruises and marks on Victorias body and face become worse during the period she was living with Manning. On 13 July, 1999, Victoria was kept overnight in Mrs Camerons house because Manning did not want her living with them. The next day Mrs Camerons daughter took Victoria to the Central Middlesex Hospital, as she suspected the injuries were not accidental. After the examination the doctor performed, he referred her to the paediatric registrar, and although Victoria was admitted to the hospital and Brent social services and the police were informed, none of these agencies intervened to protect her (Laming, 2003). During his trial, Manning said that Kouao would hit Victoria every day using different items such as a coat hanger, a shoe, a cooking spoon and even a hammer. In addition to this, Manning admitted that he would hit Victoria with a bicycle chain. According to the Victoria Climbie Inquiry Report, (2003) Victoria was treated like an animal, barely fed and forced to sleep in the bath in an unheated bathroom. As a result, her death was due to all kinds of abuse, (physical, emotional abuse and furthermore neglect). The outcry about Victorias death led to the Laming Report, which was published in 2003 by the government to investigate the involvement of the various agencies in the case and to make recommendations for change in order to avoid such a death in the future. Moreover, this case led to the reshaping of services for children and the reform of child protection agencies in England and Wales, (Hobart Frankel, 2005). The Laming report discovered the circumstances surrounding Victorias death, and it indicated the failure of the social, health and police services in safeguarding her. Furthermore, it attempted to address the concept that some of the professionals in Victorias case might have been obstructed by accusations of racism if they had followed a particular action. Thus, the Laming Report suggested that, child safety comes first, meaning child protection is the entitlement of every child regardless of his or her cultural heritage or background (Garrett, 2009). There are other cases of children who died as a result of cruel abuse, such as Marria Colwell in 1973, Susan Auckland in 1974, Tyra Henry in 1984, Chelsea Brown in 1999 and many other cases whether known or unknown. While the circumstances of each case might be different there are points of similarity, especially when the following features which occur more than once are taken into account; There is no communication between people and agencies. Inexperienced social workers who lack necessary skills. Lack of resources to meet demands (The Victoria Climbie Inquiry Report, 2003). Every Child Matters was published in September 2003 and issued some recommendations to be implemented in 2004. These included; The job of the Childrens Commissioner is to raise awareness of the interests of children and adolescents. The duty of local authorities is encouraging cooperation between agencies. Legislation for the setting up of databases so that childrens basic information will be there to help professionals in providing support to young people. A director of childrens services and a lead member will be appointed by local authorities in order to be responsible for education and social services with regards to children The production of a single children and young peoples plan would be demanded of local authorities, (Hobart Frankel, 2005). The focus of the Children Act 2004 was on encouraging partnership and collaboration between health, welfare and criminal justice agencies, as well as raising their awareness of responsibility (Stafford et al, 2010). According to Foley et al (2002) the child protection system in the UK for dealing with child abuse and neglect has not been effective enough at dealing with the problems of a large majority of families and their children. The development of such a system can be traced back to a number of high profile child abuse cases and has been dominated by a preoccupation with surveillance and investigation. The major concern of such a system was with only a small number of the total incidences of neglect and abuse; a total which is expected to rise every year. Such a system was also not successful in providing the necessary services which are essential for meeting the needs of most of the families and the children who were investigated. However, over many years the fundamental aim of policies has become to push different agencies and professionals to work together where there are concerns about child protection, or safeguarding and promoting the well-being of children. This was promoted and strengthened in 2006, by the establishment of Local Safeguarding Childrens Boards (LSCBs) for improving safeguarding practices, polices, training and quality control in every local authority area. They identify accountability and compile information for Serious Case Reviews, where a child has died unexpectedly or been seriously injured and abuse is obvious or suspected to be a factor (Stafford, 2010). Interagency means two or more agencies working together in an official way in order to achieve an aim or several aims (Fitzegarld et al, 2008). Hence, each agency supports another by giving information, experience and other provisions when they are needed. It can be said that they act as a public body towards definite purposes. Currently, many agencies such as the police, social services, health services, and other relevant agencies attempt to produce policy documents in order to address the issue of risk, but there is little training or practical guidance with which to apply these policies (Kemshall Pritchard, 1996). Inter-agency co-operation, whether for community care or for child protection, is often directed by central government. However in practice this often causes difficulties and so these organisations tend to keep their own independence rather than attempt to co-operate. Hence, agencies are unlikely to change certain roles unless they are persuaded that it is their duty (The Scottish as Government, 2003). Over the last three decades, the deaths of children in the UK have caused changes to both policy and practice, especially after Victoria Climbies death. This case highlighted a failure by child protection services and indicated a lack of effective communication between health professionals and social workers. The extent of the failure to protect Victoria was lamentable. Tragically, it required nothing more than basic good practice being put into operation. This never happened (Lord Laming, 2003). Due to so many children dying because of different types of abuse, it has led many agencies to improve child protection systems. However, because of the shortage of resources and staff, especially in social services child protection division, there are still concerns that these improvements and changes will not be enough to protect children. Therefore, it is important to increase the quality of child protection in order to raise social awareness (Kendrick, 2004). The main weakness regarding protecting a child was often a lack of proper evaluation of the childs needs and demands. Individual errors, poor investigations and poor communication between agencies are also important factors (Kendrick, 2004). In fact, before the outcry caused by Victorias case, there were many attempts from different agencies to save childrens lives. For instance, in 1986 child line was established by the NSPCC as a confidential help line which children can call when they are unable to get help elsewhere, and in 1999 the UK government published Working Together to Safeguard Children, which focused on setting a national framework for child protection for anyone who wanted to work with children and families. In addition to this, it encouraged the need for protection to be recognised, and for people to take into account the strengths and weaknesses of a family and look more widely at children and families needs (Hobart Frankel, 2005). As doctors are in an ideal position and are often the first to see and treat serious injuries and trauma they can report abuse allegations to Child Protection Service (CPS) social workers who have a responsibility to protect children. This is especially true considering that victims and offenders will not self-report to the CPS and thus the responsibility for reporting it must fall to others (Vulliamy et al, 2000). Polney (2001) highlights the crucial role in protecting a child from harm that must be played by health visitors, because they are well placed to assess whether a familys circumstances may lead to abuse or neglect, and to appreciate whether children are safe or not. As communication and co-operative working is the key, their work must be done in partnership with other agencies and colleagues in order to meet families and childrens needs and to safeguard children from harm. The starting point in providing an integrated service for children and young people was when the UK government published the Every Child Matters (ECM) Green Paper (2003) after the death of Victoria Climbie, and the Children Act 2004 that led to a number of changes in childrens services (Dunhill et al, 2009) The importance of inter-agency cooperation in the development of childrens services was emphasised by the labour policy. For instance, the National Service Framework for children, young people and maternity services reflects a strategy that demands all agencies work in a way which complement each other in order to address some issues like social exclusion and the childrens fund (ibid). However, the priority of the new labour policy was to intervene in childrens lives at an earlier stage to avoid and prevent problems that may occur in the future, such as anti-social behaviour, unemployment and crime, before they become chronic problems. Therefore its concern with child abuse was only partial (Stafford et al, 2010). According to Frost (2005) the way to avoid interference and conflict between inter-agencies is that inter-agency working must be based on formal structures. Moreover, clarity must be one of the aims and objectives of the team members. There are many elements that are a key to the successful work of a multi-agency, including clear leadership and a clear focus, with common purposes and common knowledge between professionals. This process demands commitment by professionals to regular meetings and to allocating time to learn basic and necessary communication skills (Dunhill et al, 2009). According to Fitzgerald Kay (2008) interdisciplinary teams are those who are from various disciplines and backgrounds with different qualifications, experiences and training that play a significant role in making decisions and minimizing risks. The framework for interdisciplinary training introduced by the Green Paper as a part of its proposals on workforce reform had the following key elements: Understanding the developmental nature of childhood Parents and family life Managing transitions Understanding child protection Understanding risk and protective factors Listening to and involving children and young people (Williams, 2004 p422). Parents and carers, early intervention, local and national integration, and workforce are the main four areas of action covered by the Green Paper (ibid). Working Together indicates that inter-agency policy is an initiative to address the needs and demands of the most vulnerable individuals in society. The assumption is that improving co-ordination and co-operation between agencies will lead to better consequences in terms of child welfare. However, the inter-agency cultures and structures must be taken into account (Morrison, 2000). Paragraph 5.54 of Working Together declares that a strategy discussion between the local authority, childrens social care and other services such as school, health and the police should be present whenever there is a suspicion of a child suffering significant harm. The aim of the strategy discussion is to share information, to plan how the enquiries will be carried out and by whom, to agree what action is needed to protect a child, and also to decide whether any legal action is needed (Beckett, 2007). However, inter-agency and inter-professional communication face some inherent difficulties in some common areas which are as follows: }Status differences and different areas of expertise; Negative stereotypes of other agencies or other professionals; Focussing on different aspects of the problem~ (ibid, P: 29). According to Lawrence (2004) active dialogue is needed to be kept between managers and practitioners in order to resolve some problems when they arise. Also, it is vital to interact satisfactorily in the lives of children and their families. Local authorities, differently to other agencies, have statutory commitments and have their own specific aims. However, in working together to protect children, they need to appreciate that they are not only trying to achieve their own purpose, but they are also making a significant contribution in advising and assisting to protect children (Department of Health, 1991). Social services departments, health workers, medical practitioners, the police, schools, and voluntary sector and others working in a partnership is, in addition to being a way to monitor and review child protection policies, is also a basic strategy for child protection (ibid). In conclusion, it can be said that risk is a word that means a probability of suffering harm or damage during life, or even of dying under specific circumstances. There are many sources or factors of risk which threaten individuals lives, in particular the lives of children. These factors include homelessness, financial pressure, living in a disadvantaged community, parental unemployment, environmental factors and many others which impact on peoples behaviour and their treatments of their children. It is undeniable that children rely on their parents or others who care for them to meet their needs, and it is unfortunately also undeniable that sometimes children are abused or even killed by these same people. This has made the relevant authorities develop many policies and strategies to ensure children live in safety and to protect them from maltreatment, as well as to encourage inter-agencies to work together to promote childrens welfare. According to Blair (2003) our children are ev erything to us: our hopes, our ambitions, and our future.

Personal Narrative - First Football Coach :: Personal Narrative Writing

Personal Narrative - First Football Coach One December morning, right before Christmas break, I was talking with a friend when our football coach came over to talk to us. I really respected and admired my coach and we always got along very well. My coach told us he was leaving Melbourne Central High School to go work in California. I had no idea what to say. I was in utter disbelief I was barely able to mutter a simple "Good Luck". One of my goals for the upcoming year was to have a good football season, just for my coach, because I really felt he deserved it. Most days I would have lunch with the coach where we would talk not only about football but also life and current events. When he left, I lost not only a coach but a friend and mentor. I knew I would always miss him. I did not believe that his departure, however, would threaten my football career or my love of playing. I was wrong. New coaches bring the winds of change. With the new coach came a new philosophy about the team. Everything was different from the color of our uniforms to our positions on the field. I think the best symbol of this is the change from green color helmets to gold. During pre-season conditioning, we got to know the new coaching staff. At the beginning of the season, the team was excited and ready to follow the new coach. But as the season progressed we all realized changes taking place with the new coach were heartbreaking. The new coach affected me as a football player and as a person. The football coach often lied and was very manipulative in his attempts to manage the team, its players and me. The entire season was a difficult one with this new coach and I would often come home upset. I turned to my father for advice and he would remind me to never forget the lessons my previous coach taught me about football and about life. My first coach was a great role-model. He taught me to have the courage to stand by my beliefs and to resist intimidation and manipulation.

Kroger Company Case Analysis Essay

A. Case Abstract This is a comprehensive strategic management case that includes the company’s financial statements, organization chart, competitor information, and industry trends. Sufficient internal and external data are provided to enable students to evaluate current strategies and recommend a three-year strategic plan for the company. The Kroger Company, Inc., with headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio (513-762-4000), operates over 2,500 supermarkets, 795 convenience stores, and 436 jewelry stores. The Kroger Company employs approximately 290,000 employees. The company achieved annual revenues of $56.4 million in fiscal year ending February 2005, compared to $53.7 million in 2004. Kroger is ranked #19 on the Fortune 500 list and is ranked as the third largest retailer in the world, behind Wal-Mart (#1) and the Home Depot (#2). The company has been in existence for over one hundred years and is the # 1 pure grocery chain in the United States with over 3,770 (including subsidiary businesses) sto res in 32 states. Kroger and its subsidiary operations market food, pharmacy, and jewelry products. B. Vision Statement (proposed) Our vision is to be America’s supermarket, and to continue to provide innovation and unparalleled value to our customers, employees, and shareholders. C. Mission Statement (actual) Our mission is to be a leader in the distribution and merchandising of food, pharmacy, health and personal care items, seasonal merchandise, and related products and services. (proposed) 1. Provide the freshest food, highest quality products, and exceptional service to our customers all at reasonable prices; 2. Be a leader in the distribution and merchandising of food, pharmacy, health and personal care  items, seasonal merchandise, and related products and services; 3. Strive to have a prominent, profitable presence and positive name recognition in all 50 states and the District of Columbia; 4. Employ the latest and most innovative technology to improve distribution, enhance customer service, anticipate customer needs, cut costs, and compete using an arsenal of consumer data; 5. Continuously review the performance of each and every Kroger store, manufacturing facility, employee, and private label product to insure that every element of the company is contributing to its growth and financial strength; 6. Hold fast to our corporate values of honesty, integrity, respect for others, diversity, safety, and inclusion; 7. Uphold the motto of our founder, â€Å"Be partic ular. Never sell anything you would not want yourself.† 8. Contribute generously to causes that relieve hunger and provide medicine to the poor; and 9. Compensate our employees in a manner that is consistent with the exceptionally high quality of customer service that is expected of them, striving to maintain positive relationships with the labor unions that represent our many associates across the country. This mission statement incorporates all aspects of the company’s interests. The first point relates to the fact that Kroger must differentiate itself on the basis of fresh food, high quality products, and exceptional service. In this respect, Kroger has a strategic advantage, since rivals like Wal-Mart are weak on customer service, and since Kroger manufactures many of its own items, it therefore has more control over quality and prices. The third point is important since Kroger now has a very weak presence on the East Coast. Kroger is missing opportunities by not having grocery stores in places like New Jersey, Maryland, and Florida. The fourth point is supported by Kroger’s new relationship with dunnhumby, a database management company from the United Kingdom, which is partnering with Kroger to better utilize consumer information to improve sales. This is an overwhelming strength against Wal-Mart, which does not even issue loyalty cards to its customers, and therefore, does not have access to nearly as vast a customer database as Kroger does. Point five is key, since Kroger must have the management dexterity and courage to close underperforming stores, execute make-versus-buy decisions, and implement enterprise-wide changes quickly when necessary. D. Class Discussion Questions and Issues 1. Considering Kroger’s current position in the industry, would you advise an international expansion strategy? If so, in what international market(s)? How would you suggest entrance with respect to location selections and number of units? Currently, Kroger has no existence in international markets, it would be advisable for Kroger to enter, perhaps Mexico and/or Canada, with a limited number of locations so it can test and strengthen the market at one or both international arenas. While Wal-Mart seems to exist everywhere, Canada is a promising economy to test 3 to 5 store locations. 2. If international expansion is one recommended strategy, discuss the pros and cons of considering hiring expatriate leadership/management teams. Leading/operating in international markets requires a thorough cultural understanding of the respective country. It’s difficult for expatriates to serve in such a capacity without having a conceptualization of the culture. It is advisable to recruit local leaders from the countries and perhaps examine local operational functions to ensure they are adaptable to business/cultural standards abroad. The use of expatriates can be considered a strength as they are aware of the corporate functions/culture and can operate with minimal direction abroad. 3. Discuss cultural diversity/sensitivity management, as it applies to Kroger Company, Inc. How might it differ and what should Kroger consider/incorporate if international expansion efforts are proposed? Cultural diversity is critical regarding workforce. Kroger should consider recruiting proposed international market leaders and training them at their headquarters. This would constitute leadership that represents the sociological culture of a respective country coupled with the values/operational functions of headquarters as a result of training, etc.  There is more of a ‘buy-in’ when local cultural leaders are in power, where transfer of objectives would take place much easier. 4. Discuss how Kroger can take advantage of the concept of synergy. Kroger operates over 40 manufacturing facilities and should continue to focus on this business to operate the system more lean, where it can achieve optimal operating costs, converting to manufacturing savings and better pricing for consumers relating to corporate brand (55%) goods (www.kroger.com). Moreover, Kroger can benefit from manufacturing dairy/bakery, etc., goods at a reduced price that it sells in its grocery stores, which can be considered a strategic advantage. 5. How can Kroger, if at all, keep competitors at a distance? In your response discuss expansion in the United States, abroad, product line(s), and portfolio management. Kroger should continue to focus on its core business, grocery, by identifying emerging markets (population > 20,000) and expanding. Additionally, continue to focus on product lines (grocery), with respect to buying power and sales. Incorporate more self-checkout units in stores to cut employee costs. Also, expand the jewelry business into more states and perhaps consider international expansion into Mexico and/or Canada too. 6. How effective is the â€Å"Strategic Growth Plan†? Would you change and/or recommend any additions? The growth plan in its current state is worthy; however, should include specific language/objectives with respect to international expansion to better compete with rival competitors. The focus should be to operate more lean and expand businesses that are achieving lucrative sales. 7. What influence, if any, may consumer purchasing behavior affect an organization’s (grocery retail) considerations to transition abroad? Please discuss: Specialty outlets, such as butcher/meat shops, produce and flower outdoor markets, etc. Sociological factors, such as diet and grocery purchasing frequencies, etc. Kroger should always focus on behavior patterns of consumers; one way to monitor this may be by use of a â€Å"club card† where consumer transactions are able to be recorded and reviewed. This is especially valuable abroad as behavior patterns are obviously different, simply just by physically noticing what is purchased and the quantity also. In Europe, butcher, flower markets, and outdoor produce markets are all highly common, where prices are lower as a result of operating expenses are being trimmed. Moreover, a greater part of the world (Asia and Europe) consumption patterns are minimal compared to the United States. It is common for consumers to visit the grocery store to purchase enough items to store in a shopping basket, as opposed to an average shopping visit in the United States which may require the use of a shopping cart. Obesity factors should be considered too. E. External Audit Opportunities 1. Supermarket sales of drugs grew 6.9% to $27 billion in 2004. 2. Wal-Mart has a large, recruitable low-paid, nonunion workforce. 3. Organic food sales are up 19.5% annually over the last 5 years. 4. Hispanic shoppers spend $117/week vs. $87/week average on groceries. 5. Hispanic population growth rate = 13% = 4X average. 6. Margins for private-label products are 35-45% vs. 27% for national brands. 7. 87% of consumers have tried private-label products. Threats 1. Traditional drugstores are focusing on customer service and merchandising. 2. Mail-order pharmacies are the fastest-growing format in the industry (up  17.9%). 3. Health plans allow larger supplies of drugs for Mail-order pharmacies. 4. Drug price inflation has led to illegal drug importation. 5. Supercenters are dominating the market share of grocery sales. 6. Wal-Mart is tops in logistics technology.  7. Labor costs account for >50% of operating expenses.  8. Price pressure was the cause of the Southern California strikes.

A response to The Bell Jar Essay

You would expect anybody to want the story of depression and suicidal thoughts to leave your memory as soon as the last page was over. However, The Bell Jar is more about the spirit of survival when you are trapped inside yourself and frightened because the rest of the world expects something completely different from you – something you cannot give them. Something you don’t want to give them, if it were your choice. This is a highly auto-biographical account by Plath of a young girl finding that when she should be most excited about her life, she instead finds that things aren’t what she expected, and that the culture of the 1950’s doesn’t seem to allow for all that she wants, which begins her descent into depression. The Bell Jar is in the form of a Roman à   clef, with the main protagonist (Esther Greenwood) succumbing to mental illness. Esther begins the book thinking about the executions of Julius and Ethel Rosenburg, and thinking about cadavers, which is a motif that recurs later on in the book. Esther thinks being executed â€Å"must be the worst thing in the world† so we can tell already that she isn’t exactly a light-hearted character. Instead, throughout the novel, we discover that she is brutally honest and self deprecating. She wins a fashion writing contest, but she isn’t overly happy about it, viewing the gifts and girls there superficial: â€Å"Girls like that make me sick.† She appreciates that she is meant to be â€Å"the envy of thousands of other college girls† but her future prospects trouble her: she can either marry, or, become a secretary and then marry. Neither satisfies her. â€Å"So I began to think maybe it was true that when you were married and had children it was like being brainwashed†, so women in the fifties are meant to want to marry and start a family, and Esther knows this too well. It isn’t considered right to think otherwise, so these opinions stay inside her head. Perhaps, this is why mental illness festers within her; she bottles up her emotions and they mix with more menacing thoughts. Buddy laughs at her when she refuses his marriage proposal, saying that she’s â€Å"crazy† and she’ll â€Å"change her mind.† She thinks he is a hypocrite, and no longer sees him in admiration because of his double standards. Esther observes the gap between what society says she should experience at her age and what she does experience, and this gap intensifies her madness and makes her more aware of any problems she may have, because she is now able to see everything wrong with her in somebody else’s eyes. Esther feels she must repress her natural gloom, cynicism, and dark humour and falsify opinions. Esther’s aversion to convention and conforming is perhaps why she feels so alone and her darker thoughts take over: â€Å"†¦it’s really you getting smaller and smaller and lonelier and lonelier†. Esther’s descent into depression and suicidal thoughts begins on the ski slopes, when she begins scared but â€Å"aims straight down.† This is only the first of numerous suicide attempts: she wants to experiment hanging, drowning, pill overdoses and cutting her wrists, but there are flaws in all of them. When Esther tries to kill herself, she finds that her body seems determined to live. Esther believes that she could kill herself if she wanted, but she must remove the barrier of her body. The beating heart symbolizes her life, as her heart beats, â€Å"I am I am I am.† This is again enforced because she never assigns a blame to her depression, but rather lets us see what it feels like to be in it and living through an experience like it, as she wrote – â€Å"I am I am I am.† But I think the whole book can be summarized by something that Buddy said to her on the ski slopes: â€Å"’You were doing fine,’ a familiar voice informed my ear, ‘until that man stepped into your path.’†

Meeting at Night and Parting at Morning Commentary Essay Essays

Meeting at Night and Parting at Morning Commentary Essay Essays Meeting at Night and Parting at Morning Commentary Essay Essay Meeting at Night and Parting at Morning Commentary Essay Essay In the two verse forms. â€Å"Meeting at Night† and â€Å"Parting at Morning† . Robert Browning tells about the meeting of two lovers at dark who are in love with each other. In order to run into the adult female. the adult male undergoes a long journey through the sea and land. However. even after all this problem. he must be close because they are non allowed to see each other. The 2nd verse form. nevertheless. Tells of the very following twenty-four hours. when the adult male leaves the adult female and seems to travel on. Browning constructions these two verse forms in order to give the reader a better apprehension of the significance of the verse form. At the beginning of the verse form. the adult male apparently recounts his journey. briefly depicting his milieus as he passes them. observing any possible significance they may hold to him. Browning incorporates initial rhyme at the terminal of each line in this verse form. as he passed through â€Å"the long black land† and saw the Moon â€Å"large and low. † making the image of the environment which the adult male passes through. The usage of the word â€Å"long† describes his drawn-out trip on land. while the Moon lying â€Å"large and low† in the sky Tells of the clip of his travel. the Moon is low because he is going tardily into the dark. Browning employs the resulting initial rhyme serves the intent of depicting the journey through the senses. The â€Å"pushing prow† of his motion and â€Å"the slushy sand. † which absorbed each measure describes the intent the adult male walked with as he walked across the â€Å"sea-scented beach. † Browning is able to paint the man’s expedition through these initial rhymes. An interesting note of construction I found in this verse form is that each stanza could be read from the last line up to the in-between line ( as opposed to the regular manner of reading ) . By making so. the reader can understand the verse form better as the adult male reaches his ultimate finish of love in the centre of each verse form. In the first stanza. the adult female is described with a synecdoche through her hair as â€Å"fiery coils from their sleep† and â€Å"startled small moving ridges that spring. † This could intend that her hair was her most defining characteristic. harmonizing to her lover ( the adult male ) . In the 2nd stanza. the adult female is described as a â€Å"voice less loud† and a â€Å"quick crisp scratch† coming from within the house. This can be inferred through Browning’s usage of soft. feminine words. The usage of the words â€Å"less loud† could perchance touch to the fact that the two lovers are non allowed to see each other. doing this meeting a secret 1. The â€Å"quick crisp scratch† resembles that of a little. spyhole in the door which the adult female looks through in order to guarantee the individuality of the adult male. When reading â€Å"Meeting at Night† the reader must besides see the verse form â€Å"Parting at Morning† as they relate to one another. Although they can both be read individually. reading them together leaves the reader with a different apprehension. as â€Å"Parting at Morning† provides a different stoping. a different declaration to the two lover’s secret meeting. The usage of anaphora in this short. one stanza verse form indicates exhilaration in the adult male as he looks on to â€Å"a way of gold† taking to â€Å"a universe of men† as â€Å"the Sun looked over the mountain’s rim. This could bespeak that the adult male was traveling frontward from his clip with the adult female and looking frontward to puting sail onto lands unknown. with the promise of gold. This is due to the fact that it was general sailor’s belief that adult females were bad fortune on ships. and therefore was by and large unwelcome. The words â€Å"cape. † â€Å"sea. † and â€Å"strait† evoke images of the sea. as they are all organic structures of H2O. and hence allude to the adult male being a crewman ( which wasn’t as specified in â€Å"Meeting at Night† ) .

Politique essays

Politique essays In the 16th and 17th centuries, European nations had a very difficult job to keep their monarchies in power for an extended amount of time. In order to centralize the nation, they needed to adopt a politique doctrine that would help strengthen the kingdom. In order to have a politique doctrine, the focus needed to be on the country, not just religion. The leader of the nation, no matter what religion required politique regulations in order to remain in power. The politique doctrine had an effect on social, political, and economic aspects of the nation. Politique doctrine affected the social standings of people. Henry Navarre issued the Edict of Nantes which allowed Calvinists to worship and build walls around their cities. This is important because before Navarre came into power, France was struggling under Catholic rule. Once Navarre issued the Edict of Nantes, Calvinists no longer needed to revolt and question the Catholic rule. They were free to worship what they believed. This built nationalism and strengthened the monarchy because the French government no longer had to concentrate on wars within their own country. They could take the money saved and improve the welfare of the people. Henry VIII is an example of how politique doctrine can strengthen the political side of a monarchy. Henry came to the throne as a strong leader and was awarded the title defender of the faith because of his verbal attacks on Martin Luther. But, he soon turns away from that title and begins to try and control the church and keep it from making laws. By selling all the monasteries land, he built up money for the government. This shows he can separate himself from the powerful influence the Church had over his ruling power. In 1530, Henry VIII forces all of the nobles to swear allegiance to him. This puts a stop to them revolting against his authority. Even though he does this, his friend, Thomas Moore, a noble, ...

Need for Speed Reading 10 Hacks to Help You

Need for Speed Reading 10 Hacks to Help You No matter what your major, it’s likely you have between 50-200 pages of reading to get through every night of the week. Especially, when the end of semester is coming, with final exams and projects ahead. For those of us who are slow readers, that can be pretty daunting, especially considering that there are lots of other things that have to be done (think â€Å"laundry† and â€Å"cooking macaroni.†) Did you know there are actually ways that you can improve your reading and retention speed without buying some weird As-Seen-On-TV program? Here are the best speed-reading hacks that actually work. Scan for keywords Look for keywords and new vocabulary, which are usually in bold or italics. Then, read the sentence before and after. You’ll have a better idea of the overall gist of what is happening and be a leg up for the quiz. 10-Second Rule Skim through each page for a maximum of 10 seconds, looking only for the main ideas of the page. When you get to an idea that is new or that seems important, stop and spend another 10 seconds re-reading that section. Summarizing For each page of your book, take a minute and write one or two sentences that help you organize the main ideas of the page. You can even write them at the bottom of the page. This is a great help for when you are trying to find information to study at the end of the semester. First and Last Sentences A great way to get the gist of a paragraph quickly is to only focus on the first and last sentences. That’s where you are going to get 90% of the meat of the content. The rest is mostly filler. Look for Visual Markers Some text is more important than others, and it will show up on your test. Any text that is bold, highlighted, in a box, or a different color is text that is trying to get your attention. Also look for bullets, numbered lists, or any text that â€Å"pops† out from the rest of the page. Numbers Unless you’re reading a math textbook, numbers and statistics are a good thing to stop and look at. Not only are they often included in tests (think years in your History classes), but they will make you look smarter in discussions. How many other people will remember the exact percentage of women holding Congress positions? Color Mark Although highlighting is not a very effective solution generally, it can be helpful if you use it effectively. Instead of using highlighters, though, invest in a pack of colorful mini-sticky notes. Then, as you scan through your textbook, mark your pages with the color that matches. Here’s a good system: Green – Got it! You understand the ideas on the page. Yellow – Some ideas that need to be reviewed. Red – Come back to this page in more depth. Blue – This item WILL BE ON THE TEST. Sentence Snapshot Some of the best research on speed-reading has to do with how you look at the page. Instead of being trapped by word-by-word reading from left to right, try to take a mental snapshot of the whole sentence. Although you might not think you’re getting information, your brain captures and processes even while you’ve moved on to a new sentence. Study Early Speed-reading takes focus and concentration, and that’s the found most often in the early morning. Instead of trying to skim and remember late at night, wake up early. Your brain is primed to comprehend better when it’s not quite so exhausted. Stop Talking To Yourself Subvocalization is the act of internally saying words to yourself, and it has been shown to slow down reading speed. It is also connected with comprehension. While you are skimming your textbooks, eliminate most of your subvocalization – except when you come to something that is vital to be understood. Then, you can subvocalize or vocalize as much as is needed to understand the new concept. As you practice using these speed-reading hacks, you will be able to get through your texts faster without sacrificing your ability to comprehend the material. Just keep looking for what’s important. Keep fluff out of your head and in the dryer where it belongs. Have any speed reading tips to share? Want to leave your feedback? Welcome to the comments below!

Management organisational learning knowledge MOLK Essay

Management organisational learning knowledge MOLK - Essay Example On the basis of neo-classists, the last two hundred years have witnessed the replacement of the two known factors of production, labour and capital. Information and knowledge have arisen to replace the above two factors. It is at this stage that the economy has come to be referred to as a knowledge economy. In addition to this, the present technological advancements have revolutionised the economic world. The move has been characterised by the shift from physicality to knowledge based (Dolfsma 2006). To offer support to the knowledge economy has been the developments in the mobility of both information and human expertise. This implies that technological developments can in a very easy way be transmitted across country borders in an instance. Of note here is also the ability to move expertise from place to place, an attribute that narrows the development gap between companies. So the advantage that could be gained by a researching company is washed away as such knowledge can easily be replicated elsewhere within a very short period of time. The only enjoyment of a company in this era could only emanate from the activities of innovations within the company. Through the combination of knowledge and market know-how, a company would be in a position to derive a competitive status. Equally important would be the ability of a company to gather and act on meaningful information. This reflects the economic environment as one that is basically driven by knowledge, hence the reference to the knowledge economy (Debra, M 1997). The need to be in possession of better skills and qualifications underlie the sustainability of employment status. This is the basic work ingredient that ensures that individuals secure employment and most importantly retain the jobs or enjoy the likelihood of shifting to better opportunities when they arise. Once people have secured work, the learning process does not need to end there. This is so because the global economic

Employment-At-Will Doctrine Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Employment-At-Will Doctrine - Research Paper Example Legally, an organization has the right to terminate the services of an employer if he or she proves incompetent. A manger or an employer has a fundamental role of solving performance issues in the organization. In essence, the best way to handle an employee’s productivity or performance is through creating a performance evaluation system. This system cultivates a culture where collaboration and communication will assist in addressing such problems. In the first case of Jenifer, since she is a new recruit to the company, I will ensure that she receives more training on computer packages even though she has had training already (DelPo & Guerin, 2011). In addition, as a manager, my responsibilities include ensuring that all employees fully gratify their job descriptions. In this regard, I would institute a probation period for Jenifer, during which her skills, abilities and competence would be evaluated and monitored to fit to the company’s employment environment (DelPo & Guerin, 2011). The results of the analysis during the probation period would mark the conclusion of the work contract or the termination of the employment contract. Since all the employees in an organization were employed through a competitive process of recruitment, they all were hired according to their skills and abilities. Needless to say, all the employees submitted documents which were too used in the process of recruitment. As a manager, I would also go back to assess the documents submitted recorded during the interview of not only Jenifer but also all the employees. After reviewing the information, I would notify all the employees of a periodical evaluation. This would offer a platform where the employees can express their worries or proposals to enhance the working environment. In addition, this will provide the company with an opportunity to document and evaluate worker’s performance. As an accounting manager, my role entails ensuring that the firm offers outstandi ng services to the clients above all when it is about their tax and finance preparations. If after the evaluations Jenifer will not have improved, then I will express my worries regarding her lack of ability to carry out simple computer tasks (DelPo & Guerin, 2011). In the second case, Jenifer seems to do whatever she feels and does not care about anyone else in the organization or whatever they feel. In addition, she seems to express her threat on termination of her employment contract. Jenifer’s behavior is unacceptable and sustaining such a behavior in the organization may be a virus to the company. Her attitude may not only kill the morale of her immediate team but also the employees around her. This will kill the morale of the employees and result in low worker productivity and performance. In reference to Perry (1997), motivation is an internal driver in the organization whose direction is directed by behavior. As a manager, I would set up measures that addresses and de als with her behavior once it happens. I would not wait to an hour or a day later or arrange a meeting to discuss that matter. Chances are, this will just worsen the situation. Jenifer acts in such a manner because she feels that she is being criticized and insulted. Giving her time to brood about the argument will only offer her adequate time to give good reasons for her attitude before I can have the

Constitutional law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Constitutional law - Essay Example The powers of the government should be controlled in order to ensure that its exercise of such powers does not cause destruction of the values it intended to uphold.4 According to the rule of law, an individual can only be punished in case of breach of the law.5 "Everyone is equal before the law and no one is above the law."6 It is the responsibility of the court to provide a remedy for any breach of an individual right. â€Å"The wider concept of rule of law fits with the idea of a codified constitution articulating a form of ‘higher law;’ or a set of shared community values which the people adopting the constitution wish to promote and protect, and against which they wish all other legislation to be measured.†7 The uncodified UK law does not provide these differences, but it affirms to that the government is subject to the law and so it is under the control of the courts.8 Therefore, the court themselves must be free of government’s influence in order to control the government effectively. In order to avoid concentration of too much power to a single body there should be separation of powers between the three governme nt institutions for effective application of law as established in various constitutions recognizing various government institutions.9 The constitutional theorists have recognized the role of government in the society by expressing their determination to put the government under control and establish a limit on how the government exercises its constitutional powers.10 The doctrine of separation of powers remains the main guiding principle for the proper organization of government.11 However, as suggested by the Montesquieu model of separation of power the theory of separation of powers has not been fully implemented. His model suggests partial separation of persons and functions of various branches of the government.12 The UK constitution has

International trade law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

International trade law - Essay Example The rules regulating this kind of free enterprise while it purports to be equitable is fraught by many democratic obstacles posing a viable threat to its host governments’ sovereignty.2 This section of the dissertation will offer a background review of the key provisions of the GATS. The Agreement makes provision for four modes of supply with respect to delivery of services across international borders. The four modes are: 1) Cross-border supplies as in from one member state to another; 2) Consumption abroad which encapsulates the delivery of services into the territory of one member state from another member state’s territory. The delivery’s final destination is to a consumer the territory receiving the delivery; 3) This mode of supply is accomplished through the establishing and maintaining of a commercial presence within the territory of the member state; and 4) The fourth mode of supply is maintained through the presence of a natural person.3 In this part of the dissertation will offer a detailed discussion of the aim and design of GATS. It will examine the underlying policies with particular emphasis on the three modes of supply and delivery of services. It will detail the general obligations of the member states as well as specific commitments. Each of these aspects will be examined by reference to the provisions contained in the GATS. 4 Particular emphasis will be placed on the goals and definitions expressed in the GATS document. Articles I-X will be the primary focus in this section but with particular emphasis on Article V which provides as follows: ‘1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This Agreement shall not prevent any of its Members from being a party to or entering into an agreement liberalizing trade in services between or among the parties to such an agreement, provided that such an agreement: (b)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   provides for the absence or

Statistic Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Statistic - Research Paper Example Identifying the relationship between the variable would depict if there go hand in hand. According to the results of the Anova analysis, the p-value P=0.221 which is higher than the alpha value used for the study ÃŽ ±= .05. With a P=0.222 when value is high than .05 meaning that the data is not statistically significant hence the null hypothesis is supported for the study since the p-value shows that there is no relationship between lifestyle on satisfaction of your social life. In order to proof the significance relationship undertaken using ANOVA analysis as above, a correlation analysis done using Kendall’s was under taken an it depicted that there is a correlation between lifestyle and social life at .151, however it was a weak positive correlation and it is not statistically significant (p=.117. The main effect of the analysis is that there is a week correlation between lifestyle and social life at .151, and it is not statistically significant (p=.117). Hence, the null hypothesis was supported for the study. This explains that despite the fact that, human beings have different lifestyle it has a small impact on the social life of individuals. However, the small difference depicted from the study indicates that small portion of people is affected by the lifestyle to an extent of destroying their social life. For example, those taking drugs and living unhealthy life can be affected by the lifestyle they are taking. According to United States 2013, health fact sheet the number of obese individual has increased from 1 million people to 1.2 million over the last 5 years and these has caused various social dysfunctions such as lack of human capital because of obese â€Å"syndrome† (Babbie, 2013). This is shown using the scatter graphy

Cultural challenges regarding Volvo entering China Essay

Cultural challenges regarding Volvo entering China - Essay Example xvi). The country’s culture will determine how the firm will respond to strategic issues, and how these issues are interpreted (Becker, 2000, p. 90). Sweden verses China – the Cultural Challenges Hofstede’s cultural dimensions will be used as a framework to explain the cultural challenges between Sweden and China. These dimensions are widely used in different contexts, where there is going to a cross-cultural challenge, and different countries will fall within these dimensions (Steenkamp, 1999). Hofstede proposed that culture has different dimensions, and that these dimensions must be taken into account whenever one is looking at cross-cultural relationships. Volvo is based in Sweden, which obviously is a Western country. China is obvioiusly an Eastern country. As such, there is bound to be many cultural challenges which might arise when these two countries merge. One of Hofstede’s dimensions is the concept that some countries are individualistic, while ot her countries are collectivist. Basically, the individualist countries are an â€Å"I† countries – the individuals are paramount, and everybody is expected to be able to go it alone. The collectivist countries, on the other hand, see that everybody is a part of a group. This group might be a family, it might be a clan, or it might be an organization. At any rate, the members of the group, if the country is a collectivist country, show unfailing loyalty to that group (Hofstede, 1984, p. 84). In individualistic cultures, individual concerns are put ahead of group concerns; in collectivist countries, this is just the opposite (Steenkamp, 1999, p. 59). What the research shows is that China is a collectivist country – they score low on the scale for individualism, while Sweden scores high on this scale. What this means is that there is bound to be culture clashes, as the Chinese workers will have loyalty to the people inside their group – research shows that, within the collectivist cultures, the members of a group are willing to share with other members of that group, and are less willing to share with members who are not in that group (Ardchivilli et al., 2006). The Chinese workers therefore might decide to bond together and not share information with the Swedish workers, and this might be the same with the management. On the other hand, the workers and management in Sweden might be reluctant to share with anybody (Ardchivilli, 2006). Another dimension is power distance. The power distance concept has to do with hierarchies. Hierarchies may either be rigid or fluid, respected or not respected. It depends on if the country has a large power distance or a small power distance. The rigid hierarchies are often found in countries that have a large power distance. The hierarchies in these countries are in place, and they are not questioned. Therefore, the members of the hierarchies know their place in the hierarchy, and this is something tha t is accepted by the members of these groups. If there is a power inequality, this does not have to be explained. However, in the case of countries with a smaller power distance, this is not the case. If there are power inequalities within these groups, there needs to an explanation for the power inequalities. Moreover, the members of the hierarchy do not accept their fate – they strive for more equality. This means that, while they might respect the hierarchy, if they are not

Statistic Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Statistic - Research Paper Example Identifying the relationship between the variable would depict if there go hand in hand. According to the results of the Anova analysis, the p-value P=0.221 which is higher than the alpha value used for the study ÃŽ ±= .05. With a P=0.222 when value is high than .05 meaning that the data is not statistically significant hence the null hypothesis is supported for the study since the p-value shows that there is no relationship between lifestyle on satisfaction of your social life. In order to proof the significance relationship undertaken using ANOVA analysis as above, a correlation analysis done using Kendall’s was under taken an it depicted that there is a correlation between lifestyle and social life at .151, however it was a weak positive correlation and it is not statistically significant (p=.117. The main effect of the analysis is that there is a week correlation between lifestyle and social life at .151, and it is not statistically significant (p=.117). Hence, the null hypothesis was supported for the study. This explains that despite the fact that, human beings have different lifestyle it has a small impact on the social life of individuals. However, the small difference depicted from the study indicates that small portion of people is affected by the lifestyle to an extent of destroying their social life. For example, those taking drugs and living unhealthy life can be affected by the lifestyle they are taking. According to United States 2013, health fact sheet the number of obese individual has increased from 1 million people to 1.2 million over the last 5 years and these has caused various social dysfunctions such as lack of human capital because of obese â€Å"syndrome† (Babbie, 2013). This is shown using the scatter graphy

Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens and Brick Lane by Monica Ali Essay Example for Free

Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens and Brick Lane by Monica Ali Essay Having read both Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens and Brick Lane by Monica Ali, I am going to concentrate the city question on Brick Lane. Brick Lane tells the story of Nazneen, an eighteen year old moved to London from her rural upbringing in Bangladesh to Tower Hamlets, a close tight community of Bengali families living in blocks of flats struggling to make their way up in the city to earn sufficient money and a civilised upbringing for their children, yet still yearning to go back to their home land. Nazneen is married to Chanu, twenty years older than her, he is educated yet earns his money working as a taxi driver. This novel has clear descriptions of city life, the diversity of the people within and how Nazneen interprets the city from her point of view. There are many ways in which the material conditions of the city are described in this novel, the different areas of the city of London are described from the block of flats where Nazneen lives to the big office blocks in the city centre. City life in this novel begins with Nazneen describing the Tattoo lady who lives in the block of flats opposite her, from here we become familiar with the lack of space and understand the very little room they have in the urban areas of London Most of the flats that closed three sides of a square had net curtains and the life behind them was all shapes and shadows. But the tattoo lady had no curtains at all. Morning and afternoon she sat with her thighs spilling over the sides of her chair. By reading this, it is already forming an idea of the main settings of the novel which are the block of flats, very cramped and close, very little sense of privacy. We also get an idea of the type of people living around the area as well, the tattoo lady is frequently mentioned in the novel, informing us that at least two thirds of the flesh on show was covered in ink. Another material condition of the city we come across in this novel is when Nazneen actually considers visiting the tattoo lady at the flat opposite hers, however such is city life that Nazneen reconsiders this The tattoo lady might be angry at an unwanted interruption. Although this is not an actual object described in the city, from Nazneens thought we get an idea of the type of people she would come across whilst living in the city, it forms the surroundings of the narrative by mentioning Nazneens neighbours. Monica Ali also describes the smell of the surroundings where Nazneen lives The breeze on Nazneens face was thick with the smell from the overflowing communal bins. This material condition most definitely helps to form the surroundings of the novel shaping the condition of the area where Nazneen lives. Although Monica Ali has focused on forming the surroundings of the city where Nazneen lives with the smell and the neighbours, she has also formed the novel with the material conditions of inside the flat where Nazneen lives, in the novel Nazneen spends most of her time inside the flat to sit day after day inside this large box with the furniture to dust, and the muffled sound of private lives sealed away above, below and around her. By giving brief descriptions like this it shapes the scene of the narrative from the beginning of the novel, we are informed of the furniture inside the flat, Nazneen mentions that she has never seen more furniture inside one room, with all this, we are already shaping the narrative with the material conditions inside of Nazneens flat. Whilst living in the city, Nazneen mentions outdoor surroundings quite often, although she spends most of her time inside her flat or at Razias, whenever Nazneen has gone outside the boundaries of her area, we as the are given more description of the actual city conditions There were more cars than people out here; a roaring metal army tearing up the town. By describing the cars as an army tearing up the town, we can immediately shape the city life of the narrative with the pollution and the noise of the cars. We can imagine the dirt and the hustle of the city. The people who passed walked, looked ahead at nothing or looked down at the pavement to negotiate puddles, litter and excrement. This was the material conditions of the city life which helped form the narrative, which helped give the reader an idea of the city life and scenes to which we can imagine Nazneen and her husband walking across. The social life in this novel also helps to form the material conditions of city life and the novel, Nazneens social life throughout the novel consisted of Mrs Islam and Razia gossiping about fellow women, she would often visit Razia at her flat, whilst going to Razias flat we are given descriptions of the surroundings within Nazneens boundary of her estate, we are informed of the group of young Bengali men who stood in the bottom of the stairwell, combing their hair and smoking or making loud, sudden hoots this was the social life the young men had in the city, they would hang around in gangs not achieving much, Nazneen stayed within her boundaries as well, so it gives the reader an impression that social life within a city should be kept in the boundaries that you live in, like a safety barrier. We are also informed of the material conditions of the corridors and stairwells where Nazneen lives, the front doors are mentioned to be the same across the corridors peeling red paint show ing splinters of pale wood, a rectangular panel of glass with wire meshing suspended inside, gold rimmed keyholes and stern black knockers. On the wall someone had drawn a pair of buttocks in thick black pen this helps the reader to form a picture in their minds of the state of city life where Nazneen lives, The stairs gave off a tang of urine Although Nazneen is told to stay within the boundaries of the estate because if she went out people would talk and gossip about her, Nazneen did go out. This was when she got lost, and we as the readers gained more knowledge of the material conditions of city life which formed the narrative, we are told that to get to the other side of the street without being hit by a car was like walking out in the monsoon and hoping to dodge the raindrops. Immediately we can imagine the fast movement of the city, cars going past like buzzing bees, to cross the road, Nazneen waited next to a woman and stepped out with her, like a calf with its mother short descriptions like this form the material conditions of the city life in this novel so skilfully. Throughout the novel, we are not only informed of the material conditions of the city where Nazneen lives or around the area of Bethnal Green, we are also informed of the streets buildings past Brick Lane. She looked up at a building as she passed. It was constructed almost entirely of glass, with a few thin rivets of steel holding it together. The building was without end, above somewhere it crushed the clouds. The material conditions mentioned here are most entirely opposite to the towers described of Tower Hamlets. Although both scenes have very large buildings, the towers in the city centre are described as palaces, with entrances and colonnades across the front this was the diversity of the material conditions of city life which helped form the narrative, because the reader is informed that the city is not the same throughout, every area has its own distinctive features, some parts of the city are very well looked after whereas others such as where Nazneen lives are forgotten ab out. The material conditions of city life in the novel are mentioned to the reader in many ways, we are told of the people that Nazneen walks past when she goes to the city centre every back she saw, was on a private, urgent mission to execute a precise and demanding plan. They could not see her anymore than she could see God from this, we acknowledge the independency of the people in the city. Soon Nazneen realises that she does not fit in with these working people, they are dressed smart, they have coats and handbags whereas Nazneen has a cardigan and a sari, although Nazneen was dressed differently, only one woman noticed she was there and smiled at her. By giving details such as this, Monica Ali has formed and shaped the narrative according to city life, every person with its own mission. So far, throughout the novel, only roads and streets, people and buildings have been mentioned. However when Nazneen does come across some greenery, she says in this city, a bit of grass was something to be guarded, fenced about, as if there were a sprinkling of emeralds sown in among the blades. This, yet again is another material condition of city life, although it is not unpleasant like the conditions in Nazneens area, green grass has not yet been mentioned up until now, and when it has the grass is guarded with fence, so from this, we can imagine the very few places in the city to relax and enjoy the scenery. We also get the indication that in this novel, for Nazneen there is no place for her to get away from everything, the city would not pause even to shrug. Throughout the novel, the descriptions of the city and the buildings given to us by Nazneen have been described just as Nazneen saw them, however, later on in the novel, when Nazneens son becomes ill, whilst in the ambulance van, and with her fear for her son, she mentions The city shattered. Everything was in pieces. She knew it straight away, glimpsed it from the painful white insides of the ambulance. Just as Nazneens heart shattered in pieces, the city did too with her, so she is relating the material conditions of the city with her emotions and giving the reader an image of doom and gloom within the city. Although the material conditions described to us previously in the novel have been mostly doom and gloom anyway, Nazneen has only just implied the greyness and dullness of it along with her emotions. Frantic neon signs. Headlights chasing the dark. An office block, cracked with light. These shards of the broken city. Up until now the city was not mentioned as broken, it was just described as how Nazneen saw it, but now, we get the real image of the city, the material conditions which helped form the narrative The crystal towers and red bricked tombs. The bare-legged girls shivering at the bus stop. Up until now, Nazneen had simply described the different dress code of non Asian females, now that she saw they were at the bus stop bare legged in the early hours of the morning, Nazneen is ridiculed by them, she talks about them along with the broken city. She is giving the reader material conditions of the city which make it so grim. The well fed dogs and bloated pigeons. This is something Nazneen would never see in her homeland Bangladesh, dogs are of no importance and pigeons always a pest. So now, we get to witness Nazneens interpretations of the material conditions of the city life, how she feels it is all wrong compared to h er land. The cars that had screamed alongside the ambulance, urging it on, parting in waves. The cars that had previously been described as an army now screaming, this clearly shows the rage within Nazneen and the material city conditions which she so hates. Throughout the novel, London is not the only city mentioned, with Nazneens sister living in the city in Bangladesh, Dhaka, she often receives letters from Hasina talking about her home, and the surroundings Street is wide and nice. But plastic bag blowing everywhere. Walk in street for five ten minute and by finish you cover in bag on legs and arm and stomach. From this we realise, that city conditions throughout the world are the same. The little things which give the city its status, the material conditions such as bags on the floor is what makes living in a city so different to other places. A wind blew in over the courtyard and fetched up a crisp packet at her feet. Nazneen although she was in a different country to her sister, they were both in the same situation, both living in a city with material conditions such as rubbish on the pavements and non stopping people. To conclude, the material conditions of city life in Brick Lane are mentioned with such metaphors and descriptions which inform the narrative of the surroundings, the people, the scenery and the atmosphere within. The buildings described in so many ways, the smallest details found on the floors to the stairwells of the block of flats.

The importance of socialization

The importance of socialization Socialization 1 Running Head:   The Importance of Socialization The Importance of Socialization Socialization is the process of learning how to become part of a culture.   Through socialization one learns the cultures language, their role in life, and what is expected from them.   Socialization is a very important process in the forming of personality.   Socialization occurs when one interacts with other people.   Socialization allows all individuals in a community to develop very similar values, norms, and beliefs (ONeil, 2009).   Socialization is a lifelong process, though the early stages of socialization are crucial (Shepard, 2009, p. 90).   Without Socialization a person will develop different physical and mental disabilities.   Socialization is a very important life process. The socialization of young children is very important. During the first few years of childrens live, children interacts only with a few different people, mostly family.   Everything children see and hear leaves an impression on them.   In this time children learn to walk, learn talk, develop the ability to have a relationship, and start developing personality.   A very important part of socialization is role taking.   The first step in role taking is the preparatory stage.   The Preparatory stage is also known as the imitation stage.   This stage begins shortly after the first year of life.   In this stage children imitate things happening around them, including sounds and physical movement, but do not understand what they are imitating. Around age three or four children begin the play stage.   In the play stage children start to take the role of one person at a time (Chapter 4: Socialization). Children pretend to be a mother, father, police officer, firefighter, teac her, doctor, or someone the children know or see; most likely someone the children look up to.   In this stage children imitate being someone else by doing things they think that person would do. The third and final stage of developing role taking is the game stage.   The game stage generally starts around age six.   In the game stage children imitate the roles of several others at the same time.   In the game stage the children learns to play sports and participate in group activities that require them to have some idea of what other people expect from them.   In this stage the children understands the roles of multiple people at the same time.   Role taking allows people to be part of a group (Shepard, 2009, p.96).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Another part of the process of socialization is cognitive development.   Cognitive development refers to the development of thinking, knowing, perceiving, judging, and reasoning.   Children develop these abilities through things occurring around them.   According to Piagets theory Cognitive intelligence develops in stages. In Piagets theory there are four stages; the sensorimotor stage, the preoperational stage, the concrete operational stage, and the formal operational stage (Huitt and Hummel, 2003).   The sensorimotor stage begins at birth and ends around age two.   During this stage the children learns how to coordinate body movements with thoughts.   They learn that they are separate from other objects, and can cause things to happen.  Ã‚   The second stage is the preoperational stage.   This stage starts around age two and ends around age seven.   In this stage the children learns to associate symbols and lan guage with objects.   Children see everything through their own view point.   During this stage children are very self-centered.   The third stage, the stage of concrete operations, starts around age eight and ends around age twelve.   In this stage children learn to solve problems and reason using physical objects.   The fourth and final stage is the Formal operation stage.   This stage begins around age thirteen and continues into adulthood.   In this stage individuals begin to reason without using physical objects or symbols.   They learn to make a hypothesis to solve a problem.   All of these stages make up cognitive development (Shepard, 2009, p.95, 96).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There are three major Sources of Socialization that affect Children; family, school, mass media.   The Family is one of the most important parts of socialization for children, because, their first contact is with family, and for the first few years of life children interact mostly with family.   Children learn their values, norms, and beliefs from their family.   Their family is a large factor in what other people think about individuals.   In School children are in the hands of adults other than parents.   In school children learn to be less dependent on their parents.   In school children learn discipline, order, cooperation, and conformity.   In schools children socialize with friends.   Mass media includes television, radio, newspapers, magazines, movies, books, and the internet.   This form of socialization can be positive or negative.   Children learn how different social statuses are expected to behave.   Sometimes mass media distorts reality, and makes things appear more exciting than it really is.   These things have a great influence on children and are a very important part of socialization (Shepard, 2009, p.102-106). Without socialization children will not develop skills necessary for living.   They are not able to learn to talk, walk, eat, use the bathroom, read, write, and many other things.   There are some documented observations of children who have been socially isolated.   Three of these are Anna, Isabelle, and Genie (shepard, 2009, p.91). Anna was the second child to her unmarried mother.   They lived with Annas grandfather.   Annas mother thought that if her father would see Anna he would be angered.   Because of this, Anna was forced to live in a room that was much like an attic.   She was never given food, she lived solely on milk.   When she was discovered at age five, she could not walk, talk, and she showed no sign of intelligence.   Shortly after she was discovered, she was placed in a country home for children.   Within a year and a half at the country home she learned to understand simple commands, eat, keep herself clean, and walk.   Her speech made some improvement, but her speech was still the equivalent of a one-year-old.   After the year and a half at the country home, she was transferred to a school for retarded children.   At the school she made some progress in her speech, it was equivalent to the speech of a two-year-old.   She learned to do lots of very basic things, such as bo unce and catch a ball, eat normally, use the bathroom, dress herself, build with blocks, identify a few colors, and brush her teeth.   She died at age ten (Shepard, 2009, p.91, 92). Isabelle was the daughter of a single mother.   Her mother was a deaf-mute.   Isabelle was kept in dark room with her mother.   She was found at age six.   Her legs were bowed, she could not talk, and she was scared of strangers.   She was put into an intensive program of rehabilitation, she had a slow start, but then she progressed very quickly.   In two years she acquired the skills of a six-year-old.   When she was eight, her education was equivalent to the children her own age.   Her progress may be linked to the presence of her mother when she was isolated (Shepard, 2009, p.92). Genie was locked in a room from the time she was two till she was discovered, at age thirteen.   She was completely silent, because her father punished her for making any vocal sounds.   She could not chew food, because she had never been given solid food.   She could not stand strait, or straiten her arms.   Genie was not successful in her four years of rehabilitation.   After her rehabilitation she could not read, could only speak in short phrases, and she just started to control her feelings and behavior (Shepard, 2009, p.92). Socialization among children is very important.   Children must learn to walk, talk, eat, and lots of other life skills.   Without socialization individuals can not develop intelligence, and never learn how to perform basic daily functions.   Children must know the values, beliefs, and norms of the surrounding culture, so that they will be able to know what is expected from them. The process of socialization and the sources of socialization are very important in the developing of children. Socialization is a very Important Process throughout life, but it the most important in young children.   Works Cited Chapter 4:   Socialization. (n.d.). Retrieved October 5, 2009, from http://www.latech.edu/tech/liberal-arts/sociology/white/3socialization.htm Huitt, W., Hummel, J. (n.d.). Piagets theory of cognitive development. Valdosta, GA: Valdosta State University, Retrieved October 5, 2009, from http://chiron.valdosta.edu/whuitt/col/cogsys/piaget.html ONeil, D. (2009, January 3). socialization. Retrieved September 28, 2009, from anthro.palomar.edu/social/soc_1.htm Shepard, J. M. (2009). Sociology (Cengage Advantage Books). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing Company.

Essay --

The PlayStation 3 is one of the world’s most sophisticated videogame consoles to date. The PlayStation 3 has some of the most complex hardware which works quickly and efficiently. It also has many accessories to make the gaming experience much more enjoyable for users. On top of all these great characteristics, the PS3 also has the PlayStation Network. With all these different functions, it is necessary for the PS3 to have such suitable hardware and technology. â€Å"The heart of the PS3 is the Cell Broadband Engine, developed jointly by Sony, Toshiba, and IBM (Wildstrom, 2006, p1)†. The PlayStation 3 has a Cell Processor which is essentially nine microprocessors on one chip. This allows the system to perform multiple operations at once. The graphics card, which provides some of the sharpest graphics, was made by Nvidia. There are two different versions of the PS3. One has a 60GB hard drive, WiFi capabilities, and the ability to read various flash ram cards. The other version has a 20GB drive, but does not have WiFi capabilities or the ability to read various flash ram cards. The 60GB PS3 is shiny black with a silver accent plate that protects the Blu-ray drive and the 20GB PS3 is clear black and has no silver plate. The PS3 has a built-in Blue-ray disc player which is High-Definition. It can play Blue-ray movies, PS3 games, CDs, and DVDs. The PS3 has many different types of accessories. Some of the most common accessories are the controllers and headsets. The Sixaxis Wireless Controller was the official wireless controller for the PlayStation 3 until the DualShock 3 became available. The DualShock 3 replaced the Sixaxis as the standard PS3 controller. It features the same functions and design as the Sixaxis, ... ...s and restrictions. An account holder for the Master Account must be 18-years-old or older. A Master Account must be made before a Sub Account can be made and there are additional requirements in order to complete registration for sub accounts for children under 13. A Master Account holder must be the Sub Account holder’s parent or legal guardian. The PlayStation 3 is one of the world’s most sophisticated videogame consoles to date. Not only does it have a great amount of hardware installed in it, but it also has many great accessories. These accessories include, but are not limited to, videogame controllers and headsets. On top of that, the PlayStation 3 has a PlayStation Network where users can play games online and access the multitudes of games located in the library. The PlayStation 3 enables users to meet and play with users from all across the world.

Discussing Bresslers definition of Marxism as a literary theory :: essays papers

Discussing Bresslers definition of Marxism as a literary theory Marxism is not the hot topic it once was. With the collapse of Communist U.S.S.R., mainstream North America had thought it had seen the last of Marxism and the communist party. However, with the People's Republic of China becoming a reality, those early beliefs may have proven to be premature. Defining Marxism is not difficult. Marxism is the belief that the common workingman (the proletariat) is under a rule of tyranny by the upper class owners (the bourgeois.) Someday (according to Marx) the proletariats will rise up, overthrow the bourgeois and create a society of communism. Communism is the political idea in where a society would be controlled mostly by the government. Personal property would not be allowed and therefore eliminate the bourgeois; a utopian society in which every man works for the common good. Marxists believe that (based on the works of Karl H. Marx) everything we do or think is influenced by the bourgeois. This is simple. Marxism becomes difficult when defining it as a literary theory. The original intentions of Marx were those of social and political revolution. Many of Marx's followers however, were and are scholars. Therefore the transition from a social economic theory to a school of literary criticism was inevitable. Charles Bressler is faced with this seeming difficult task of defining Marxism as a literary school of thought. Bressler attempts to define and explain Marxism as a school of literary thought by examining past Marxists, the assumptions which one must adopt and the methodology (as he does with every chapter.) He succeeds in some places and fails in others. Bressler's definition of Marxism is as follows, "[the belief] that reality itself can be can be defined and understood, society shapes our consciousness, social and economic conditions directly influence how and what we believe and value, and Marxism details a plan for changing the world from a place of bigotry, hatred and conflict due to class struggle to a classless society where wealth, opportunity, and education are accessible for all people". Bressler does a decent job here. He defines Marxism as it was originally intended: an economic and social view of culture and its influences. He provides a clear, simple definition of Marxism which is easily understandable. After this however, Bressler's chapter begins to fall apart. He succeeds in giving a brief description of Marxist events and theorists, but fails in his assumptions and methodology.