Long hair Essay

Loud, obnoxious, rebellious, out of control, and up to no good†¦ these are just a few of a wide number of stereotypes that are attributed to American teenagers. What is it about teenagers that make the rest of society seem to turn against them? I believe that there are many misconceptions about teenagers. Many people in different generations sincerely believe that all teenagers are up to no good, and are guaranteed trouble no matter where they are. Loud, obnoxious, rebellious, out of control, and up to no good†¦ these are just a few of a wide number of stereotypes that are attributed to American teenagers. What is it about teenagers that make the rest of society seem to turn against them? I believe that there are many misconceptions about teenagers. Many people in different generations sincerely believe that all teenagers are up to no good, and are guaranteed trouble no matter where they are. I am not arguing that teenagers like that don’t exist, because there are plenty of them out there, but it bothers me that one type of teenager has been able to spoil the image of all other teenagers. Personally I think that these stereotypes apply more to me because I am a male. In addition to being a male teenager, I also have noticed that people think negatively of me because I wear a longer hair style than what is typically expected in society. Some people grow long hair to show rebellion, or to be unique, but I wouldn’t classify myself into either of those categories, I simply enjoy having it more than short hair. But because of that, many members of society link certain stereotypes of male teenagers to me because I show long hair. I could be considered many different things including: rebellious, troubled, angry, arrogant, or any other sort of stereotype out there. How could anyone possibly claim to know all of these false accusations simply based on my age, and my gender? At times it can be bothersome when people take certain precautions around teenagers, because they believe that we are all reckless, and dangerous. Parents will cross to the opposite side of the street with their kids, people clear sidewalks when walking, other drivers tense up on the road, and all while this is happening, other people will keep one eye carefully watching, just to make sure that all of the rotten teenagers don’t do anything dangerous. I sometimes think that people see me and other teenagers as giant, shiny explosives that are about to detonate, so everyone else needs to distance themselves as much and as quickly as possible. Just because a teenager happens to be walking around outside, that should in no way trigger a response where people feel that it isn’t safe to be near teenagers. Although it does bother me, I can also see a point of view where I would do the same thing. If I saw someone outside that looked a little bit off-beat to me, I would most likely go a different path as well. However, that raises the question, why does society take in all of these stereotypes and live all of their lives believing false statements? All of it is ridiculous I believe. Anyone that knows me will be able to explain that I am the exact opposite of a stereotypical teenager, so no one should need to take precautions if they see me out somewhere. A stereotypical teenager would most likely be thought of being connected to alcohol, tobacco, and drugs in some way, shape, or form; I on the other hand do not do any of those things, and am strongly against them. Because I do not consider myself anywhere close to a stereotypical teenager, it does bother me when people mistake me for doing those types of activities. All of these common stereotypes don’t do any good for the people who actually work hard, and try to do something with their lives. For many people, stereotyping does more than just become a bothersome hassle. For a handful of teenagers, the effect of stereotyping makes them feel pressured into behaving like a stereotypical teenager. For example, some people do drugs and alcohol because they are expected to by society’s stereotypes, so someone may think, â€Å"Oh, I am a teenager now, I guess because other people are drinking then I have to as well. † I don’t even see peer pressure as that much of an issue here, people tend to start drinking or doing drugs voluntarily; more often than not, there isn’t peer pressure that is forcing them into doing something. And that creates an entire roundabout of madness. To simplify this; many people start acting like stereotypical teenagers, because they feel that they need to in order to be a â€Å"normal† teenager. But that in turn makes society cast out teenagers, when it is actually those same members of society who created these stereotypes for teenagers to follow. In reality, there are several statistics that illustrate a decline in teenage drug abuse, alcoholism, and teenage pregnancy, yet stereotypes still exist (Poole). Are all teenagers loud, obnoxious, rebellious, out of control, and up to no good? Obviously not, there is no way that every single teenager in the world could fit that description. And yet, society still labels every teenager in the world by a description very similar to that. The few teenagers that live a life similar to that have managed to destroy the image of every teenager that happens to be a good kid. It seems that hardworking, determined, and honest teenagers don’t have a place in the world anymore. They are out there, and ready to be noticed, but the rest of society has chosen to view them in the same manner as the bad crowds that exist in the teenage population. Quite strange, that the model teenager that is acceptable in society is not taken seriously. Why does society view superior teenagers that way? It is not only teenagers; it is everybody in the world. No person will ever be right in prejudicing someone, no matter who they are.

Law, Ethics & Corp. Governance Essay

1. Describe what steps you would take to address the following scenario involving skills, competence, and abilities: The employee seems to be unable to learn the computer applications that are basic to her job responsibilities, but, consistently â€Å"tells† her boss that she is â€Å"a good worker and a genius† and that he does not â€Å"appreciate her†. Even after a few months of training and support, she is unable to use the computer tools to be productive and efficient in completing the required tasks. This can be a difficult situation for an employer to make because many employers try to see the positive and have faith in all their employees. If this situation took place within my company, I would continue to observe the employees attitude as well as dedication. Many times, employees are not capable of performing certain tasks, however, with a humble mindset, it is possible to work with them and guide them while working. This specific employee seems to have a self-assured mindset that she is not doing anything wrong. Instead of opening up and allowing her boss to assist her, she becomes arrogant. I would go a different route and have a professional come and train her from another company to see if that would help. If this specific assistance does not help, I will have to write the employee up to warn her that she must submit to the work load within a certain time frame. I do not believe this is being harsh to the employee. If she is hired to do a specific task and cannot get the task accomplished, then she is incapable of doing the work. I will be able to provide a written statement and have her terminated. Employers cannot waste time on employees who talk about their capabilities, yet not perform them. According to â€Å"Law and Ethics in the Business Environment† Chapter 2, she is able to voice her opinion publically in court, however, she must have written proof to back her up whys he should not be terminated. 2. Describe what steps you would take to address the following scenario involving management, behavior, and performance: The employee tends to burst into a rage when criticized and is frequently late to work as noticed by her boss and other staff members. When her boss attempts to address her behavioral issues and the company late policy, the employee’s response is that she â€Å"knows her rights and what to do† if she is wrongfully discharged. She also says she took a business law class in undergrad that taught her â€Å"everything she needs to know about exceptions to the employment-at-will doctrine and wrongful discharge in violation of public policy†. I would provide counsel and verbal warning to the employee. It is important to get all of the facts and bring that person into your office without making a big scene. Being honest and upfront about the tardiness and improper behavior will get much respect from the employee and show firm leadership. I will discuss what has been taken place and how important it is to have the whole department working on one accord. I will also discuss that their tardiness is not fair to the other employees. I would take the time to ask if there is anything wrong, or if there is something happening in the workplace or personal life that is causing what is perceived as â€Å"a person with a bad attitude who is unhappy at work. I believe listening and showing empathy will let the employee know you care about their well-being but yet, still mean business. There may be some personal issues that they just need to get off of their chest. If I get a sarcastic response from them, then I must be strong, but not attacking, and let them know that the behavior shown is not acceptable and needs to improve. I would be sure that I am focusing on the problem, not the person. In situations like these, staying calm and let them do the talking will show the humility in you as a leader. In situations like these, I would point out their strengths, and try to first focus on the good aspects of their performance rather than a perceived bad attitude. Documenting and date this conversation as a verbal warning to the employee, yet not making it a threat. This is not a written warning, but shows that you did talk to the person about difficult employee issues. The more the employer documents, the easier it will be to terminate if it gets to that point. The biggest mistake is to not document. Documentation and building a case is the proof that shows you talked to this employee many times but to no avail (Sheahan, 2012). 3. Describe what steps you would take to address the following scenario involving labor and laws: The employee takes a day off from work, without management consent, for her religious holiday observance that falls on a day that is during â€Å"tax season†. The day off occurred during an incredibly busy period for the company during which the employer had notified all employees they were not allowed to take off without prior management approval. Also, there is no labor union for accountants. However, she begins talking to her co-workers during lunch breaks and sometimes during regular work hours, encouraging them to organize and form a union to â€Å"protect ourselves†. This can be a difficult situation because it involves the employee’s religious rights. According to an Act in 1997, â€Å"GUIDELINES ON RELIGIOUS EXERCISE AND RELIGIOUS EXPRESSION IN THE FEDERAL WORKPLACE†, Agencies shall not discriminate against employees on the basis of religion, require religious participation or non-participation as a condition of employment, or permit religious harassment. And agencies shall accommodate employees’ exercise of their religion in the circumstances specified in these Guidelines. These requirements are but applications of the general principle that agencies shall treat all employees with the same respect and consideration, regardless of their religion. At the same time, employees are not to engage in religious acts with employees by forcing their beliefs and opinions on them. This can cause immediate termination. Regardless of religious observation day or not, an employee is not to take a work day off without employers permission. The employer has every right to terminate the employee. It is understandable to observe religious acts as an individual but there has to be communication between employee and employer. The employer has to make accommodations for that specific day. 4. Describe what steps you would take to address the following scenario involving policies and procedures: The employee’s supervisor consistently asks her out on dates; the employee initially refuses to go out on a date with her supervisor. The employee later discusses the issue with her girlfriend who encourages her to accept his offers. During her new employee orientation, the employee was informed of the company policy which prevented employees from dating their supervisor and was given an employee handbook with the written policy. The employee and her supervisor later begin having a consensual relationship. Based from the research according to Saalfeld Griggs PC Publications, a supervisor dating an employee is prohibited within many companies. Although romantic relationships in the workplace are common, employers have legitimate reasons for concern about employee dating. The biggest fear is a sexual harassment lawsuit arising from either a supervisor who has a habit of asking subordinates out on dates; an employee who files a lawsuit after a consensual relationship goes sour; or the perception of co-workers that a supervisor is playing favorites with his or her â€Å"significant other. A policy that prohibits a supervisor from dating a subordinate must also describe the penalty imposed if the policy is violated. Men often hold more senior positions in a company, therefore, a policy that always penalizes the subordinate (e.g. by requiring termination or transfer) may create sexual discrimination liability. When enforcing a â€Å"no dating† policy, the employer must be careful to penalize both sexes equally. An employer who selectively enforces the policy, or enforces it more harshly against one sex compared to the other, may be liable for sexual discrimination. In a consensual relationship between a supervisor and a subordinate, the subordinate often is the recipient of preferential treatment. Employees have asserted claims for sexual harassment based on the theory that they can’t receive the same benefits because they are not â€Å"sleeping with the boss.† The policy is in writing and both the employer and employee decided to go against this policy. If one or the other is not able to transfer to another department, they must suffer the consequences of being released from the company. Reference Page: 1. Halbert, T., & Ingulli, E. (2012). Law & ethics in the business environment (7th ed.). Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning. 2. Sheahan, K. (2012). Bad Employee Behavior. Article retrieved from: http://www.ehow.com/facts_6739049_bad-employee-behavior.html 3. Sutton, R. (1999). Regulating Workplace Romance. Article retrieved from: http://www.sglaw.com/publications.php?id=36&pubtype=showarticle

A Beautiful Mind †Schizophrenia Essay

If you ever wondered and wanted to experience how a person with schizophrenia thinks and acts, then; a beautiful mind is the perfect movie to see to get an elaborate point of view of a person who struggles with schizophrenia in their everyday life. In this movie the depiction of schizophrenia is described as a person who lives out their life thinking and believes that there’s an actual living person they talk to, but in reality it’s just delusions and hallucinations they are experiencing. The features and symptoms displayed in this film that help identified the main characters’ disorder were hearing, seeing, and feeling things that weren’t actually there. It then progressed to anger and anxiety, which I believe was due to encountering events or a series of events that participated later along the characters life. As the characters symptoms seem to get worse he was then delivered and brought to use insulin coma therapy, which I read by psychiatric consultant, Max Fink, in Psychiatric News, â€Å"The primary treatment he received was insulin coma therapy, which along with ECT was the only treatment that had demonstrated any impact on schizophrenia symptoms by the time of his illness†. See more: Distinguish between problem-focused coping and emotion-focused coping Essay After undergoing many treatments in the psychiatric hospital he then eventually stopped taking the medications and treatments do to memory loss, which prevented him from solving the difficulty math problems he was accustom to do in his early years. As a result it leads him back to madness state of hallucinations and delusions of schizophrenia.

Compare and contrast Cortez and Ricci in their attitudes towards Essay

Compare and contrast Cortez and Ricci in their attitudes towards non-Christian cultures. Should they be regarded as part of the - Essay Example During this period, Cortes was primarily an explorer and intermediary that facilitated communications between the New World and King Charles V. Conversion of foreign natives to Christianity was an outcome of primary ambitions for improving the economic and political strength of the Spanish Empire. On the contrary, Matteo Ricci hailed from Italy, a nation that prescribed strongly to traditional Catholic values and where the papacy maintained considerable influence in the establishment of cultural rules and legislation. Ricci’s primary goal was not enhancing the political and economic might of Italy but to serve God through Catholic missionary activities around the world. Fundamentally, Ricci and Cortes maintained radically different views on the importance of adhering to religious doctrine and the existing spiritual foundations of foreign cultures. Though both condemned non-Christian value systems, they should not be regarded as being part of the same missionary project, as Ric ci was a devout believer in attaining rewards through Christ while Cortes sought empowerment, first and foremost, for Spain. In Cortes’ letter to Charles V in 1520, Cortes describes the majesty of the Aztec Empire, recurrently expressing the tangibles of architecture, resource availability, and the engineering prowess of this region. In great detail, Cortes highlights the amazing plethora of animals, vegetables, precious metals, and various commodities found in Temixtitlan. As if presenting a well-inventoried catalog, Cortes reinforces the potential economic benefits that this Empire holds for Charles V, as if to embolden action to ensure that these resources and talents are procured for the throne. It is not until all dimensions of economic benefits are found in Temixtitlan that Cortes begins to describe his condemnation of idolatry and the other non-Christian religious practices and ceremonies he has observed and attempted to thwart. Matteo Ricci, however, is far less defam ing non-Christian cultures, attempting to convert and educate various international citizens to the Catholic doctrine when he recognizes potential cultural interest in God and Christ. Ricci finds commonalities to religious beliefs similar to Roman Catholicism in China, but discovers Japanese cultural and religious behaviors simply too strange to fulfill conversion and incorporation into this doctrine. Rather than acting hostile toward these cultures, he focuses more intently on converting regions that are more conducive to Christian beliefs, and illustrate interest in its concepts. Ricci does not seek out exploitation of resources or economic benefits for Italy, having taken a vow not to seek individual wealth but use cooperative resources to adhere to Jesuit missionary agenda. Cortes is much more aggressive about converting Aztec citizens to the Christian doctrine, one that rejects idolatry and advocates respect for human life offered by Christian values. After having observed the places of worship, Cortes is sickened by the practice of human sacrifice, with special dismay placed on idols â€Å"all polluted with human blood† (Cortes 3), thus reacting with hostility by destroying the idols. Cortes is not withdrawn or inhibited in his public presentation of consternation and shock over recurring idolatry and the faith that Aztec citizens maintained in serving what he referred to as false gods. Ricci, unlike Cortes, works hard to incorporate Jesuit beliefs into the foreign

Poetry analysis - Alfred Tennyson Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Poetry analysis - Alfred Tennyson - Essay Example Not only did he later write verses on dramatic fiction, but also on the current political issues. For instance, his poem, The Change of the Light Brigade, gives a description of the catastrophic battle of the Crimean War while at the same time praising the bravery of British soldiers involved (Tennyson, 2000: 302). The Change of the Light Brigade is a poem that consists of six stanzas, which vary in length from between six and twelve lines. Like all other poets Alfred Tennyson employs prosodic features, repetition, different sound patterns, and various figures of speech in his attempt to communicate the meaning. For instance, use of figurative language and imagery creates an exhilaration tone, while at the same time honoring the admirable qualities of the Light Brigade. Critics have argued that Tennyson is not only a literary poet, but also a poet of the people, plumbing into the depths of his giving voice to the consciousness of the nation (Tennyson, 2000: 302). Throughout most of h is poems, Tennyson shows a deep commitment to the reformation of the society and an interest in its development. The poem narrates the story of a brigade made up of 600 soldiers, who for half a league have rode on horseback to the valley of death. This was under a command to take charge of some enemy forces that had seized them for some time. Even though all the soldiers were convinced that the commander had made a mistake, not one of them was distressed in charging forward. They rode courageously towards the valley of death. At the end of the war, only a few soldiers made it back. The world was surprised at the courage of the soldiers. Each line in the poem is in dimeter. This means that there are two stressed syllables in each line. In addition to this, each stressed syllable is comes before two unstressed syllables. This makes the rhythm of the poem dactylic. Employing a falling rhythm in the poem is appropriate for the demoralizing fall of the British brigade. This is one of the features the poet uses in communicating the message. The rhyme scheme, on the other hand, varies from a stanza to the next. He employs the same rhyme and in some occasions, a similar final word for most consecutive lines. Moreover, the poem employs anaphora. This is the repetition of the same word at the start of a variety of consecutive lines. This method has been employed to create a sense of remorseless assault. For instance, the repetition of the word cannon implies the manner in which the soldiers meet flying shells at all turns (Tennyson, 2004: 27). Repetition has been employed immensely throughout the poem for the sole purpose of creating emphasis. For instance, the repetition of the phrase half a league in the first and the second lines of the first stanza emphasize the long distance that the soldiers had to travel. Tennyson employs the third person point of view in making the descriptions within the poem. He most probably employs the male gender because on the 19th century gender biases, which held that women should not appear on battlefields. Strength and determination are the central themes of the entire poem. The soldiers face a lot of danger but show admirable qualities, which are honored. In communicating this message, Tonnyson employs personification, metaphors, and imagery. As far as imagery in the poem is concerned, critics have argued that more is meant by the author than just what is met by the eye. For instance, the

Business for Social Responsibility (Environment study) Essay

Business for Social Responsibility (Environment study) - Essay Example This happened prior to the emergence of modern multinational corporations. The most renowned philosophers of that time, Thomas Hobbes, Jean Rousseau and John Locke introduced the concepts of responsibilities and rights of government to its people and citizens to fellow citizens (White 2007 p.13). This line of thinking became the idea behind the modern concept of a democratic state and democracy at large. This was a situation whereby the ultimate power rested on the citizens. However, the citizens are willing to delegate authority to the state. Through this, individuals could participate in social activities that enhance a shared future in a defined territory or community. The basics of social contracts are clear although the emphases and assumptions may vary. The modern day pluralistic society discourages a few people to use power to oppress the majority (Buchholtz & Carroll 2012 p19). These basics have not changed for centuries notwithstanding the huge shift from agrarian societies to complex industrialized societies which are dominated by the global economy (White 2007 p. 8). According to White (2007), this facilitated the shift from a life of endless conflicts over control of assets like water and land. These assets are considered to be common. The rights became defined. Citizens accepted to respect the rights of their fellow citizens with the assurance that their own rights will be protected. Penalties for those who violate the rights of others were introduced (White 2007 p. 8). The foundation of social contracts lies behind the principle of shielding or protecting human rights by means of individuals giving authority or state willingly. The scope of human rights has been rapidly expanding, but the underlying principle remains the same. Social contract is the awareness that the government is supposed to serve the people. With that understanding, the people own all the political power, but in most cases they delegate it to government officials. The people ca n give or opt to withhold power (Buchholtz & Carroll 22). Social contract theory urges that people can exchange power with authorities so that their rights can be protected. In this process, people surrender some of their freedoms and submit to an authority for protection (White 2007 p.16). The relationship between legal and natural rights becomes a vital aspect of the social contract theory. Members of the society decide to cooperate so that the entire society can benefit. A social contract is a general agreement between members of a society of with the government that explains how the rights of the society shall be protected in a sustainable manner. This agreement is not written, but it is known to exist between the state and individuals. In case of mature democracies, the rights are delegated to elected officials and the leaders are held accountable. Impacts of the iron law of responsibility and social contract. Property rights assist people with the atmosphere to nurture wealth which is supposed to enrich and improve their productivity. According to Thomas Paine, a philosopher in the 18th century, natural property comes from God, who is the Creator of the universe. Therefore, it should not be used for just personal and private needs. The impact of social contracts is increasingly being felt. A society which allows incursions into communal resources to benefit a few cannot have true democracy (White 2007). The level to

Dangerous Properties of Materials Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Dangerous Properties of Materials - Coursework Example Though all forms of mercury can cause effects in the central and peripheral nervous system, methyl mercury and metallic mercury are more harmful. Acute inhalation of metallic mercury vapours may cause damage to the lungs, nausea, diarrhea, increased blood pressure, skin rashes, eye irritation, chest pains, stomatitis, gingivitis, cough, dyspnea and salivation. Chronic exposure to high levels of metallic, inorganic, or organic mercury may cause permanent damage to brain, kidneys and developing fetus. Effects of chronic exposure on brain functioning may cause weakness, fatigue, weight loss, vision or hearing disorders, tremors development, behavioral changes, aneuploidy in lymphocytes of the exposed, dremographia and memory loss. Chronic exposure to mercuric compounds is sometimes also characterized by anorexia, apathy, fever, diaphoresis, photophobia, insomnia and scaling or peeling of the skin of the hands and feet with bullous lesions. Toxicity Metabolites and Biomarkers Exposure to organo-mercury compounds is indicated by chemical analysis of blood mercury. Inorganic mercury concentrations in blood can be used to determine acute exposure to high dose of mercury. Absorption of phenyl mercury through gastrointestinal tract with even acute exposure resulted in a marked increase in blood concentrations as well as urinary excretion of mercury. Chemical analysis of urinary mercury can alternatively be used to determine exposure to chronic, low and moderate inorganic mercury forms. As mercury can deposit on hair from surface contamination, hair mercury is a good indicator of exposure to methyl mercury. Dose The acute lethal dose for inorganic mercury compounds is 1 to 4 grams or 14 to 57 milligrams per kilogram body weight for a 70 kg adult person. The acute lethal dose ranges from 20 to 60 milligrams per kilogram body weight of methyl mercury for a 70 kg adult person. According to EPA, a limit of 2 parts of mercury per billion parts of drinking water (2 ppb) is saf e for human health. A limit of 1 part of methyl mercury in a million parts of seafood (1 ppm) has been set by the Food and Drug Administration. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has suggested a maximum permissible limit of 0.1 milligram of organic mercury per cubic meter of workplace air (0.1 mg/m3) and 0.05 mg/m3 of metallic mercury vapor for 8-hour shifts and 40-hour work. Effects on the environment, cases and their treatment Mercury (Hg) is a naturally occurring odorless liquid metal with shiny, silver-white appearance. Mercury also combines with other elements to form several inorganic salts and organo-mercury compounds. It enters the environment naturally from rocks, soil, volcanic activity, and by vaporization from the oceans. However, two-third of the Mercury entering the atmosphere every year is released from human sources. These sources include coal-burning power plants, chemical manufacturing plants, waste incinerators and mining of ore deposits. The disease caused by exposure to mercury compounds is called Mercury poisoning, Hydrargyria or Mercurialism. The first case of mercury poisoning was witnessed among researchers at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in 1865. Two of the three technicians died because of excessive exposure to methyl mercury while manufacturing organic mercurial compounds. Human exposure to high levels of

Balfour Beatty and Corporate Social Responsibility Dissertation

Balfour Beatty and Corporate Social Responsibility - Dissertation Example The concept of corporate social responsibility is not something new (Hemingway 2002). In fact, as early as 1930’s the idea that firms should be responsible not only to its shareholders, but to society as a whole was already espoused (Hemingway 2002). However, it is only in the last forty years that discussions pertinent to CSR have become fervent. In the ensuing intensive elucidations pertinent to CSR, various concerns related to its definition, process, implications, field and many other issues have been raised (e.g. Carroll 1999; Friedman 1962; Porter & Kramer 2006). The demand for a positive response for CSR is asked of all companies regardless of the sector and size. Looking at the construction industry, its activities are highly prominent in communities where they are operating. The typical construction activities such as mineral extraction, construction, maintenance and demolition cause serious inconvenience, disruption to the general public and natural environment (Bart horpe, James & Taylor 2004). This situation if handled improperly can result in the ire of the community. On the other hand, accepting the high visibility and impact of the activities of the construction industry may become an opportunity for the company to build a positive relationship with the stakeholders in the public arena where they are conducting their affairs (Barthorpe et al. 2004). In this regard, this research will look into the practice of corporate social responsibility vis-a-vis Balfour Beatty, one of the largest construction companies not only in the UK, but also in the world. It asserts that upon observing the CSR response of Balfour Beatty, it can be attested that corporate citizenship is not a linear progression, but that it is possible for a company to be at various stages in different elements of CSR at the same time. Likewise, regardless of the intent of the company in adopting CSR, (this is significant to note because it is one of the arguments against CSR, e.g . Lin-Hi 2010), companions continue to respond to it in a positive way even if they get involved in some ‘unscrupulous activities’. This is significant as it serves as a lesson not only for the company involved, but also for all organisations. The project has the following structure. The first section is the introduction, which contains the focus and structure of the study. The second section of the project will deal with Balfour Beatty and how effective is it in aligning its goals and conduct with CSR. For the analysis, Mirvins and Googins’ Stages of Corporate Citizenship will be used. Meanwhile, the third section of the project will address a more in-depth look in some of the elements and stages of Mirvins and Googins’ Stages of Corporate Citizenship vis-a-vis Balfour Beatty Plc. Finally, the fourth part will be the limitations and conclusion of the study. In the end, it is the intention of the study to gain a better understanding of CSR by looking into the CSR of Balfour Beatty Plc. CSR and Balfour Beatty: A Demonstration of Corporate Citizenship Balfour Beatty PLC is a British construction, engineering,

Question 5 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Question 5 - Essay Example The production chose to use macaroni, gemelli, shells and other simple stuffs to use as plasters for the interior decorations. They have been very resourceful in doing so since the effect that these little things did to the whole setting gives intricacy and creates depth that is most fitting for a royal family background. The props that are delicately hand-made by the crew include high vaulted ceilings, gallant Baroque columns, and other expensive looking interior finish. As the count groom and his bride had their scenes as the newly married couple, their elegant setting has supplemented greatly to effect giving the ambiance of a well-to-do French royal family. The splendor and the stunning combination of the tidbits of crafted props have indeed attributed to the over-all effect of the play. Plus, the comedic idea of having these unexpected nitty-gritties to be used for decorations is a mirror of the humor that the play has intended to convey to the audience. Anyone would be convince d of the authenticity of the materials used when seen from a distance. But when inspected on a closer look, they would be in awe and would have laughed at the thought of the detailed interiors to be designed as such. Over-all the set-up was equipped, the play has gone successfully and effectively, and I bet, the budget

Talent ID report Essay Example for Free

Talent ID report Essay Report The talent identification programme for cricket is a long programme that identifies talented athletes from the ages 6-18+. It is a structured and detailed programme that breaks down in to five stages that athletes will be identified to have potential for elite success in. The stages are fundamentals, learning to Train, Training to Train, Training to compete, and Training to Win. Fundamentals This is the first stage, where talent is identified at the ages of 6-9(boys) and 6-8(girls). This stage is seen as the developmental stage, which aims to identify and provide young performers with the overall athletic skills in addition to a introduction to basic throwing, catching and striking skills. This stage uses drills involving Agility, co-ordination, and balance, speed, throwing, striking and catching. Also the approach towards these sessions is very personal, and about the game. The first stage is performed in a fun environment, performing drills and other sporting activities. This stage is very beneficial because it identifies talented athletes at a young age. This is an advantage as being able to identify at a young age means that, they can be nurtured and moulded into a successful athlete. The youth that are selected for this programme show the ABCs specific movement skills(agility, balance, coordination, speed, striking ,catching and throwing) and are selected by coaches as they are watched performing, by coaches. This is an early stage in talent identification, and only those athletes that show the charisma are selected at this stage for further development. This can be slightly stressful, especially as the athletes are quite young, and are still developing, physically and mentally. Also it can ruin confidence of some youths, however overall this stage is quite selective and only few people are selected at this stage, as the level of performance that is required is evident when selecting the players. Commonly, like most of the stages the players are also recorded, in games or drills, without them being too aroused by it, so that they can perform in full confidence and in a stress free situation. This is a good way of making the assessment as at the age that they athletes are its not advisable to cause them, such a heavy pressure or burden and also if they have the charisma, it will be evident in natural, drills and games. An example of a cricketer that was founded at this stage is the great Sachin Tendulkar, who has gone on to become an icon in cricket and is commonly called the little master. Learning to train This is the second stage that identifies talent at the age 9-12(boys) and 8-11 (girls). Again similarly to the fundamentals stage it looks at the basic sport skills that athletes may have. The aim of identifying talents at this stage and at this age is to get athletes that can develop their movements associated with batting bowling, fielding and wicket keeping. Furthermore developing overall athletic skills they have. Coaches that are assessing young talents at this stage are looking for athletes that again show the charisma, alongside key components such as strength flexibility and speed. They asses the players again through observation of performance and ability. And on selection they are introduces to the skills in more specificity. They will look at the techniques and movements of performing the specific skills, (batting bowling ECT) along side will be introduced to training programmes that emphasise on the shoulders, elbow, spine, core, and ankle stability. Further more psychological skills will also be introduced near the end of stage. This is very similar to the first stage and is still about developing talent and nurturing their techniques and the way they approach the game. This is very influential stage and has positive effects on the athletes as they are more likely to listen and undertake the desired and appropriate approach towards performing the different skills. Never the less this stage can again be to early for some of the athletes that might show the ability however they might not be mature enough to carry and understand the principles of this stage in the talent identification. Training to Train This is the third stage, and is aimed towards 11-16(boys) 11-15(girls). It is a progression to the previous stage and aims to create further development on specifics skills and physical condition for the game. This stage is where it is more common for player to be identified as they are at a suitable age, and their abilities and talent is easier to indentify and work with. It is also a favoured stage by many coaches to identify talent as it is the stage where players have to focus on the physical and mental requirements. This stage of the development programme looks to increase technical work, for example on the front foot, and back foot playing bother attacking and defensive shots; and for bowlers pace and spin techniques are enhanced. Also overall team work and team fielding and working as a team is emphasised on. This stage differs from the other to as the age difference is higher and therefore the training toll is also at increased intensity and this is the stage where the athletes are introduced to fitness tests which are established to benchmark and monitor development. Athletes also have to keep positive attitudes and this is reinforced on and off the pitch. This stage is an important stage and very lucrative for the game as this is where most emerging cricketers are established. This stage of the development programme prepares them for the transaction to performing at a high level, and introduces and conditions them. However on the flip side the only problem with this stage is that the training must be carried out depending on each players PHV, which is the peak height velocity, which is also known as a growth spurt. This can be a set back as each individual has different time when they grow and mature, and if training is done before this it can have detrimental effects. Training to compete This is the third stage, which is aimed for 16-18 (men), 15-17 (women). This stage is a progression from the previous stage. However it is slightly different as it mainly aims to enhance game awareness and competitive development. The key principle in this stage is to create the optimum environment, so that the athletes learn the importance of independence and their responsibility. Also this stage looks to develop and concentrate on athletes technical and tactical skills that they use in game competitive situations, replicating the opportunity to make key decisions and making judgements. This stage also looks at lifestyle advice and support including managing tour, financial advice, career advice and education support. This is an important stage of talent identification for aspiring talent because it is the step that begins to prepare them for performance at high standards. This stage involves many drills and training sessions, which will enhance the players confidence alongside his ability to delivery constantly at the high levels that they have shown. Athletes will benefit from this stage as they will gain help in how to lead their lifestyle which will be changing as they make the transition to elite levels. Nevertheless this stage could be more specific, and personal to the players needs as each player might have different weaknesses. Training to win This is the third stage which is targeted for 18+ (men) 17 + (women). This is the stage where the maintenance of physical capacities and development of elite performer attributes is concentrated on by maintaining the right environment. This stage is also all about individualised training programmes and dependant on specific needs associated within the game. Athletes at this stage will look and concentrate mainly on team dynamics and will learn the importance of planning brakes to avoid burn outs and injuries. This is the final stage of development before players perform at elite levels therefore there are remedial support on fine technical work. This stage is very important and the advice on how to handle the change in lifestyle and the work on team dynamics is very lucrative for the athletes as these are main areas in which the game will differ from amateur to professional levels. Also the remedial session will also be beneficial as it will help boost confidence and just make sure that the players are totally ready for the transition. However on the other hand this may also backfire and by having remedial sessions, create more pressure and ruin the confidence of athletes but it is more dependent on the individuals preference and how the they react to the support. This is how the talent identification programme for cricket is structured. It is structured in such a way, as it covers a wide range of ages. Cricket is among many racket sports that involve perfection in technique, and therefore finding qualities in talent at young ages is very beneficial for the sport as it makes it earlier to teach, train and create a professional player. This approach is used as younger you are the more you will adapt, where as you get older you will not be able to adapt, as you get set in your own comfort zone. This is why having a set up that works through the ages, determining that they are moulding into the game is vital However the length of the programme and different stages can over complicate the process of being prepared to play at elite level. This may affect the athletes as they wont get the best advice and training that they might need. The talent identification programme for cricket is run by the English cricket board, however it is down to the coaches/ ex players who are allocated to counties across the country to recognise the talent and put them onto the development scheme. Players are commonly scouted and given these opportunities by being recognised at a club, or district level. It is common that through club matches, in large competitions, selectors may come down to watch the game. However it is also likely team managers and coaches get in touch with selectors as they also have a responsibility in finding young talent. The process of being selected to perform in talent development programmes means that once you have been recognised, you must have to perform your skills whilst being recorded. This can be done in a game situation, or done by training at indoor or outdoor net sessions. Players are recorded in this manor so that there is evidence of their ability. This is then analysed by the talent identification selectors who then will most likely come and watch the player perform. When selectors come to watch the players perform the normally have a check list of attributes that they are looking for in player. (Attachment sheet) This checklist normally states sets of questions under each skill they will be observing. They will also record them when they watch them so that they can double check their progress, and ensure that the player posses all the qualities. The approach of recording the players is taken as it gives the assessors evidence along side with more accuracy in when they make their verdict. The selectors use the videos to slow motion, and break down a players technique to ensure that they possess a sound technique. This is also beneficial for the player as it can help them see how they perform, in the eyes of others and give them inspiration and motivate them to improve little parts of their game. The manner in which players are selected is a quite a good strategy as it can be clear and easy to asses, alongside being beneficial for the performer. It can be beneficial to the performer as it can help them and their coaches pin point any weakness, and work on them if the selectors reject instead of getting demoralised. Also it having evidence of a recording alongside being watched means that there is benefit of doubt and evidence of you performing the skills properly, as anyone can have a bad game. It can also ease nerves. Never the less it can also have the opposite affect and create extended pressure on the athlete and make them underperform. This is rare as an attribute in cricket is to handle and play in pressuring and high intensity situations. Fitness is also tested once a player is selected. This is done by a series of fitness tests such as the multistage bleep test, 30metre sprints, one rep max , hand grip dynamiter ect These fitness tests are carried out as it gives the selectors information about the players fitness. Selectors will give different players different fitness tests depending on their role in a team; however the general components that everyone must pass are the bleep, 30 metre sprint, and one rep max. This fitness test must be passes as these are the test that measures the essential and most vital fitness components required for the sport. This talent identification programme will have a positive effect on cricket as it will enhance the quality and support that upcoming cricketers are receiving which will make the future of the sport brighter. Developing the young talent will give the sport a good name which will also lead to enhanced participation. This is good for the sport as it means that it will become better known and more money will be put into the sport which means the sports facilities are improved. Another advantage of this programme in the current environment is that it can give employment opportunities to coaches, as this programme spreads around the country. Furthermore the advantages from guiding the upcoming talent will mean that the country will produce a stronger clan of cricketers who can represent the country at world events and can contribute in making the countries team the worlds best team. It will also mean the quality of cricket, and ethics of the game that have been passed down through the years will still be present in the future games. This programme has a strong foundation, and is well structured which indicates that it is more than likely to be a successful in being able to find and develop the countries cricket and help produce new, world class cricketers. This can be ensured are the programmes is critically structured, so that it identifies talents at all age groups and trains the players selected in a large variety of manners so that they are conditioned. However it can also be noted that this programme will be a long process and it can create false hope to the talents that maybe selected as the programme can be seen to be slightly over critical. This means that many of the athletes that are selected may not succeed in performing in the highest levels as they might not be prepared or ready at the time to meet the demands of the different stages, but it does leave them with experience and give them more of a chance than those that havent been selected to make it to the highest podium of performance. On the whole this talent identification programme can be viewed as a potential success in meeting the aims of finding excelling talent in cricket and providing them a developing foundation from which they can grow into good cricketers. This can be proven by the depth of the programme and how it offers something unique and lucrative at each stage of the development. Never the less the programme is slightly long, and the calibre to which it has been created might be slightly too expensive to fund, as it will take a lot of money, and resources.

Benefits of the Eclectic Paradigm

Benefits of the Eclectic Paradigm The usefulness of the eclectic paradigm as a framework for combining and relating alternative theories of international business, and in coping with changes over time in the practice of international business Introduction The eclectic paradigm, namely the OLI paradigm was put together by the economist John Henry Dunning (1927-2009) in the late 1970’s. Dunning’s early research focused on American owned affiliates in the UK and their higher productivity compared to their local competitors. He wondered how and why these firms were able to compete locally with indigenous UK firms and started to raise questions about the advantages of multinational firms as an outcome of their activities abroad. He identified certain firm specific advantages and also advantages derived from the country of origin (Dunning, 2001). These are first two components of the later assembled paradigm, the O which refers to Ownership advantages and the L which refers to locational advantages. These early works and the early identification of the O and L and their mutual interaction are initially reflected in the book American Investment in British Manufacturing Industry (Dunning, 1958). This stream of research continued through the 1960’s when Dunning was working on American firms in Europe. Later during the 1970s, influenced by Buckley and Casson, Dunning started to address transaction cost explanations in an internationalization perspective (the I component of the paradigm) in addition to the previously identified O and L advantages. He was concerned about why firms decided to generate and exploit their specific advantages internally rather than through the open market forces. This broadened his perspective and articulated more clearly the early view he had on the O and L components. And by the time he was putting together the rest of the paradigm at the end of the 1970 ´s, he looked back to the 50 ´s and 60’s and the theories of Vernon, Hymer and others and interpreted them from within this framework and elaborated on how their ideas were expressed from the eclectic paradigm. Intellectually, he brought everything together, not just contemporary but also past theories, bringing all these explanations together in some sort of rubric that allows to connect the m. Since then, the eclectic paradigm’s simplicity and yet its thoroughness smoothly integrates international business theories and allows researchers from different fields and disciplines to systematically explain the growth of multinational activity (Cantwell and Narula, 2001). The Eclectic Paradigm Revisited The eclectic paradigm itself is not an explanation of the MNC rather it helps explain the level, determinants and patterns of the foreign value added activities (international production) of firms, and or countries. The paradigm offers a framework from which an explanation can be obtained. It is not itself a predicting theory but it is a way of connecting different theories which can be then used to help understand different types of foreign production according to their specific contexts and motivations (Dunning, 2001). The Eclectic Paradigm and its OLI components have gone through different revisions and are defined as follows: O: Ownership advantages. These are firm net competitive advantages that companies from one country possess over those firms from other countries when servicing a specific market. L: Location advantages. The degree to which companies decide to locate abroad value added activities. These value added activities can be the result of internalizing. I: Internalization. The degree to which companies add value to their output by identifying as more profitable to internalize the generation and exploitation of their ownership advantages rather than through the open market. (Dunning, 2000, 2001; Ietto-Gillies, 2012) An interesting aspect of the OLI elements is that they are not independent from each other but that they interact. For example, the value added activities generated by locational advantages feed back to the O advantages. That is why an often misunderstood and controversial element is the O, because of the fact that it is called ownership, scholars like Rugman relate it only to firm specific advantages. However, the O also refers to advantages that come from the institutions of the country of origin (home country). In other words, what Dunning (2001) initially meant by (O) Ownership referred to the nationality of ownership as opposed to the ownership of assets by a firm. It was later on that Dunning acknowledged and expanded the Ownership advantages to include firm specific and other types of advantages such as the ones resulting from engaging in foreign production. Another reason why this is so important is because it does not necessarily imply that the MNE has to be legally defined by the ownership of assets, but if instead there is an international business network that is not entirely owned, it could still be consistent with the notion of capabilities generated within such a network associated with firms of a certain nationality of origin. On the other hand the L element has to do with host country advantages and it is just not necessary to compare the host with the home but different host countries with one another in determining where the firm goes to produce. OLI: Combining and relating IB theories The eclectic paradigm comes from other international business theories which are themselves influenced by economic and organizational theories. The paradigm draws from theories of the individual firm such transaction cost economics (internalization) and market power theories and their relationship with markets and integrates them with macroeconomic approaches to foreign production such as the product lifecycle theory (Cantwell and Narula, 2001). This encompassing aspect of the paradigm has brought many criticisms, one of the most popular ones calls it a â€Å"shopping list of variables†. Dunning (2001) responded to this criticism by clarifying that each variable of the paradigm is constructed based on well-known and accepted economic and organizational theories. In addition, he clarifies that the objective of the paradigm was not to explain all kinds of international production but to offer a framework that helps organize a methodology that can lead to a better explanation of different kinds of foreign production. Vernon’s product lifecycle theory is the most inherently dynamic or evolutionary in character of all the theoretical approaches of the paradigm. Hymer’s market power and Buckley and Casson internalization theories were limited to the period in which they were writing about them, during which an evolutionary perspective of the MNE was not yet explored. On the other hand the product life cycle theory was contemporaneous to the conditions of the 1960 ´s and therefore Dunning included this evolutionary character in the paradigm. This became an important part of the paradigm in the sense that it gave it an evolutionary and dynamic perspective on how firms grow over time, which is an integral part of the way the eclectic paradigm should be interpreted and used (Dunning, 2001). In addition, from an evolutionary approach, the Eclectic Paradigm’s internalization advantages are attributable to the conditions of improved organizational learning and technology creation, rather than to the conditions for a more efficient cost-minimizing organization of an established set of transactions. This opens up the possibilities of alliances in order to increase ownership advantages through cooperation. This takes the paradigm beyond a basic transactions costs perspective and expands the types of ownership advantages, from advantages in line with Bain -which assumes advantages to exist be prior to going abroad- to cooperative and interdependent generated ones (Tolentino, 2001). The Future of the Eclectic Paradigm in IB The eclectic paradigm has not only faced criticisms but also faces the challenges of an increasingly changing international business environment due to globalization and technological advances. In the last decades MNC activity has increased both in extent, intensity and form. There is also increased global interconnectedness and interdependence which makes inter firm alliances more common and necessary (Cantwell and Narula, 2001). RD is more complex and costly also increasing the way it is undertaken. Asset exploiting FDI is still present but asset augmenting and knowledge seeking FDI are increasingly important. All of this has created new ways of performing cross border activities and different strategies that MNCs use to pursue them. Additionally, the field of IB has also evolved. It has moved from a market driven view to a more knowledge driven one. Moreover, the level of analysis has changed as well. In the 1990’s there was a shift from the macro level approach in which countries were the unit of analysis to a more micro approach with the firm as the unit of analysis. Lately the field is going even more micro by also paying increasing attention to behavioral (individual) considerations and therefore allowing it to use the individual as the unit of analysis. Actually nowadays, the direction of the field International Business studies is becoming more multilevel in character, allowing for different levels of analysis including the countries, firms and individuals. The field has also become more interdisciplinary by drawing from other disciplines such as sociology, anthropology, biology, geography and history. Therefore taking in to account all these changes the following question arises: Is the eclectic paradigm going to hold with the external changes related to globalization, technological change and the new directions in the field of international business? I believe it will. So far the paradigm has held for the last two decades (since the 1980’s) and it seems to be getting stronger as a guiding framework in international business studies. All its components are articulated in a way that allow all the aforementioned changes. For example the Ownership component has always been relational in character and has included different interactions and levels of analysis (Ietto-Gillies, 2012). Therefore this does not present a threat to the paradigm but it actually increases its relevance because it allows for multilevel analysis by combining the different units and elements of analysis and allowing them to interact. And even though there are not many discussions of the eclectic paradigm today, the paradigm is increasingly relevant now in relation to where the international business field is going. Additionally, the paradigm has successfully embraced phenomena such as Alliance Capitalism, technological accumulation, international networks and dynamic capabilities, by which firms cooperate and mutually increase their ownership advantages. These are areas of research that according to the critics are not addressed by the paradigm. Moreover, the Location element of the paradigm increases in importance in the sense that subsidiary location has become important because they are embedded in their foreign locations and can benefit from their networks and national innovation systems and therefore adding value to the MNC. On the other hand, dynamic capabilities are created not just within firms but by interacting or cooperating with other firms and actors (Knowledge enhancing technological dynamism) and they become part of the O advantages. These ownership advantages also come from the interaction with locations with which initial ‘O’ advantages are crucial for the development of absorptive capacity. Dunning argues that capabilities or ownership advantages are a condition for internalizing. This is a dynamic view in which advantages are an evolutionary concept. Critics say that some strategic considerations may not be covered by the OLI and that routines and processes should be added (OLMA). However, even though the paradigm does not specifically address routines and processes it addresses the ownership advantages that may result from them. Every day problem solving activities create unique core capabilities that are idiosyncratic of each firm, therefore giving them or enhancing existing ‘O’ advantages. This means that the OLI paradigm still holds for strategy considerations, especially in terms of capability development (in terms of O). Also in some way in ‘L’ with economies of location and experiences of location. Finally also with the interaction between O and L which creates a complex interaction at different levels and interactions. For example in the case of subsidiaries, competence creating subsidiaries actually enhance Ownership advantages therefore giving strength to the argument that O advantages are not only originated in the MNE ´s home country but also arise in subsidiaries as well. Today we can apply this also to international business networks, so rather than a legal definition of the firm, the MNE per se, the OLI paradigm can used as a method to analyze international business networks and also the MNE firm as a strategic coordinator of such networks. In other words the subject area moves on but the paradigm remains relevant, partly because of the degree of flexibility which is built in some of these characteristics, especially in the Ownership advantages, which is by the way, the most important component of the paradigm, because it is the one that ties everything together, since it is the properties of learning that define the location or the transactional network basis of the firm. Conclusions The objective of the eclectic paradigm is not to explain the multinational firm but the level and pattern of foreign value added activities of firms. It helps explain not only the initial act of foreign production but also its growth. The eclectic paradigm overcomes the limitations of partial theories of international production and provides a holistic framework in which existing alternative and complementary theories of international production coexist (Tolentino, 2001). In the international business field a systemic approach is now more needed than ever, in addition it must be inherently interdisciplinary. At the beginning the eclectic paradigm had a more descriptive approach. It was originally developed by integrating some international business theories that come mainly from economics. Theory of trade in Vernon ´s case, theory of the firm of the industry in Hymer ´s case and again theory of the firm in Buckley and Casson’s case. Nowadays it is relevant to combine theories taken from different disciplines. Different ways to think about the world, new perspectives. That is why a systemic approach is needed. The eclectic paradigm is now it is an umbrella that handles a range of theories, a framework that enables the understanding of how these theories are tied and work together. Therefore what is happening is that the discipline is moving away from some of the earlier theories that were essentially theories of discrete individual choice, s uch as whether to export or not, or whether or not to locate production abroad, and in the case of having located production abroad, whether to license to and independent firm or produce internally with through a subsidiary. Those were firm level choice decisions, but if instead a system is wanted and the knowledge on how it evolves through time. Therefore the eclectic framework is precisely the right way to approach a complex system, because a paradigm like the eclectic paradigm provides a broader context, providing progressive interaction between different factors and actors giving it present and future relevance. References Cantwell, J.A. and Narula, R. (2001), The eclectic paradigm in the global economy, International Journal of the Economics of Business, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 155-172; revised version reprinted as Revisiting the eclectic paradigm: new developments and current issues, chapter 1 in J.A. Cantwell and R. Narula (eds., 2003), International Business and the Eclectic Paradigm: Developing the OLI Framework, New York: Routledge. Dunning, J.H. (1958).American investment in british manufacturing industry.George Allen Unwin Ltd. Dunning, J.H. (2000), The eclectic paradigm of international production: a personal perspective, chapter 5 in NTF. Dunning, J.H. (2001), The eclectic (OLI) paradigm of international production: past, present and future, International Journal of the Economics of Business, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 173-190; revised version reprinted as chapter 2 in J.A. Cantwell and R. Narula (eds., 2003), International Business and the Eclectic Paradigm: Developing the OLI Framework, New York: Routledge. Ietto-Gillies, G. (2012), Dunnings eclectic framework, chapter 9 in TCIP. Tolentino, P.E.E. (2001), From a theory to a paradigm: examining the eclectic paradigm as a framework in international economics, International Journal of the Economics of Business, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 191-209; revised version reprinted as chapter 7 in J.A. Cantwell and R. Narula (eds., 2003), International Business and the Eclectic Paradigm: Developing the OLI Framework, New York: Routledge.

Management Principles at Tesco

Management Principles at Tesco Introduction The organisation which we have taken for the study is Tesco Express the sub brand of Tesco Plc. In our study we are going to identify, describe and evaluate the following management area of Tesco Plc, where we will be involving Marketing Principles to give proper management report on the basis of below strategies: The Organisation Orientation The competitive advantage of the organisation The Impact, positive and negative of the organisations Marketing Mix Management report of Tesco Express- Strength, weakness and improvements that will help to maintain competitive advantage in near future Origin of Tesco Tesco Plc the leading Britain retailer among the top three retailers in the world. They are operating 3700 stores among the world and they have employed around 470,000 employees. They are operating in 14 countries and they are UK, Republic of Ireland, India, China, Japan, Czech Republic, Hungary, Malaysia, Poland, Slovakia, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey, and USA. Tesco Plc was started by Jack Cohen in 1919 and the name Tesco was first appeared in the shop in Edgware in 1929 since the company has grown they were implementing their innovation in different business. Jack Cohen founded Tesco and his first day profit was  £1 among his  £4 sales on selling a grocery from the stall in East London. In the year 1924 the first in-house brand of Tesco has launched and they named that product as Tesco Tea. The names come from the initial of TE Stockwell, who was a partner in the tea supplies and the CO from Jack Cohens Surname. In the year 1932 Tesco stores limited have changed to Tesco private Limited Company. Tesco the brand which have changed their way they do business so fundamentally in each and every part of its company. Because of this change they have done in to business which also includes the loyalty management. For that they have taken a different expertise among the world as the earliest and that they have that named as Clubcard. Tesco joined with DunnHumby and created a Clubcard to tracks the buying behaviour of their 13 million customers, through recording and tracking consumption data from shopping bills. Tesco and DunnHumby have jointly built, maintain and mine a rich customer database with information. The Organisations Orientation: Their core business logic is to satisfy their needs and wants of the customers. The production department when starts to manufacture the product, it focuses on the promotion, distribution, pricing etc. How Tesco Express implemented its Market orientation: It overall beats the competition in producing the best quality product to the end users with great customer satisfaction as mentioned below: Flexibility Plan and goal setting Managerial and interpersonal skills Flexibility Tesco Express is widely opened across the cities in UK and gives options to many consumers to shop easily. In total there are around 150 shops which is great benefit to the consumers. They have introduced online trading where customers can place an order and buy it without any hindrance. Self billing has been bought up to avoid queues, saves time and energy, people can use the self bill system and pay by themselves and also introduced Club cards in which they can measure sales and improve accordingly by collecting database. Plan and goal setting- Every organisation has its own plans and works only with the setting right goals at right time. Plans are to maximise sales and profits, maintains No 1 retail store in UK. Targets competitors and remains as a market leader, provides goods/services that are cheap and affordable to public. Business plans and modules are followed to achieve respective goal. Each objective has deadlines to meet so they have to meet their set objective within the stipulated period of time. E.g., Point of sale is an important merchandising activity to remind, people to stock up, just in case, a different product in categories has been brought together under Barbecue Theme, and a sale tends to increase. With the exceptions of meat, Tesco Express has brought all its barbecue products together under one category in store in order to promote sales and profits. Managerial and interpersonal skills Good managerial and interpersonal skills determine good business, we will explain one by one. Managerial skills- It means that one who takes responsibility in handling set of teams and everyone has to report to him/her. One who completes the task within stipulated period of time so that every other staff members can be motivated and then work effectively and efficiently. Tesco express handles sensibly in this department as it has to deal with the customers directly. Good managers will follow the prescribed plan and work accordingly. Interpersonal skills- Communication is nothing but exchanging words with one and another and it is must in any field. Good communication can become good leaders. When handling customers of different regions, each one has different style of speaking so Tesco express handles this part very well. Once staff members have good communication skills it automatically enhances and builds relationships. Marketing: Marketing is the management process responsible for identifying, anticipating and satisfying customer requirements profitably. (C.I.M, 2001) In this cut throat competition, Tesco innovations and re-innovates the new product as per the marketing environment in comparison with its fellow competitors. Healthy competition gives the best outcome of the product like price and quality. The main aim is to maximize customers value as a source of competitive advantage. Tescos Marketing Concept It congregates the customer needs, wants and preferences more effectively and more closely than competitors like ASDA, Sainsbury WM Morrison supermarket. The basic philosophies of the organisation are production and sales, it integrates the various activities like production, selling, distribution promotion, advertisement and human resource management in a profitable way for the service of the customers. Production: Focuses on the goods where quality matters and profit is gained on the volume of sales. Quality should be maintained in all the stages of production The company which offers around 1000 products under their own brand Tesco. Comparatively they are quality oriented and price oriented. These products are mainly targeted customer daily needs. They are following exact market economics to market their products. Sales: Even Tesco has its own products in Tesco express also they sell products from different brands too. While comparing with other products Tesco products is more cost effective and with high quality. Tesco Express is one of emerging sub brand in the UK is offering the customer to minimise their shopping time. New innovation has been brought in the form of advanced technology for the customers to generate and pay their own receipts by them. Goals have been divided into 3 different sets Once it sets up the plan with the right objective, the next strategy is to maximise sales with customer satisfaction. Let us take through with 3 different sets of goals. The organisation recognises the market movements of its competitors in order to maintain good mindset in peoples mind. It strives hard to satisfy customers needs, preferences and taste which is very big task. The last and foremost goal is carried out in the internal management to increase productivity with great coordination among staff members who works as a team. Let us concentrate on planning aspects with involving planning strategies as discussed below. Marketing Planning: Turning strategies into implementable action and it is a detailed written statement where each and everyone in the organisation must follow the principles and guidelines and act accordingly. Planning is decide in advance what to do and what not to do, planning plays a vital role in the supermarket division as it deals with FMCG products, in day todays business the sales increases rapidly when everything goes according to plan. Internal and External Environment Key Aspects Where are we now? Significant improvement has shown in identical market in UK Marketing Audit Market Research Environment Analysis How did we get there? They got there simply because of good performance which was solid. Where are we heading and where do we want to be? Tesco express has strived to achieve the highest standards to ensure the long-term access to quality products and maintain their position as the UKs number 1 supermarket. Tescos aim is to keep customers happy, to achieve high profit margins, to motivate workers, expand its marketing strategies, and support economic issues and to be friendly towards the environment. Tesco aims to cover every conceivable part of the consumer base with management controls with review procedures. How might we get there? It has good marketing mix strategies and implements successfully. By doing so it has reached heights by giving services to consumers. Let us talk about the Positioning of Tesco Express In earlier days Tesco did not have the brand name but when sales started picking up and demand was on higher side, it did not compromise quality in order to reduce price and it is very convenient to the customers to purchase products as quality of products are available. Once customers got an idea how good Tesco is then Tesco gained its brand name. With the brand name Tesco started to experiment the products with greater profits and then it is managing the customers with great customer loyalty. Philosophy of entire marketing mix hinges with good positioning and failed to do so creates unsound positioning. Positioning Strategies Reasonable price Good quality More and variety of Products Clearance sales Weekend offers and Festive offers Keys to successful positioning are based on competitiveness, successful positioning, creditability and consistency. Repositioning of product Takes place when positioning of products declines Change in customer tastes and preferences New competitors enters the market Competitive advantage of the organisation Jack Welch, former CEO of GE says, If you dont have competitive advantage, dont compete. (Jobber 2007:773) In the face of global competition and cut throat competition, there are many competitors are growing day by day and the rule of survival for the fittest comes into picture. Companies are forced to survive by increasing the production and sales at a better rate. With todays technology changing day by day organisation has to put the best foot forward to stay and compete. As a result they gain enormous experience to handle different sets of consumers and their buying habits Marketing is all about to generate transactions and to generate relationships. No organisation stands alone in the market without competitors; the company cannot develop its products by developing the product range and its features but also faces the competitive environment of the market. The factors which analyse the changing economic environment of the trading community and it react accordingly. The competitors also influences various factors such as success or failure of a business in any market conditions, this is why it is important to consider systematically a number of aspects of competitive behaviour. Competitive analysis is a systematic approaching in understanding the key factors of the planning strategy in terms of objectives, resource allocation and implementation through the marketing mix. A good understanding of these factors reveals the organisation to be in a stronger arena in building and sustaining foundations for the firm to hold its position to maintain the reputation in the longer run. When competitors are identified, the probability of forming them into clusters, depending on focus and strategy. The outcome of the identified clusters identifies strong and weak competitors in each group which can be considered as the strategic opportunities defined. These are the number of different characteristic that can be used for identifying strategic segments, which in turn provides a useful framework for evolving opportunities in business environment that leads to an order of implementing organisational behaviour techniques of competitors data that relies on financial performance of the segments served in marketing strategies. The arch rival of Tesco express is Costcutter because they are the one who have similar marketing policies to overcome its rival. Tesco Express is spread all over the United Kingdom with in and around 1000 outlets but Costcutter is with 1600 outlets. Comparatively Tesco express and Costcutter got the same logic of attracting their customers to sell best quality with reasonable price. However when we analyse the competitive advantage of Tesco to overcome its fellow competitors with new innovation called Auto billing and paying system but Costcutter lacks with that facilities. Opening as well as closing times varies with Costcutter as it is opened 24 hours open and Tesco express opens from 6am in the morning and closes 10pm in the night. So all we can say is that they are the perfect competitors with having leads and falls with each other in different facts. Tesco express is using different segmentations to make the Tesco express successful among their competitors and their segmentations are geographic, usage and loyalty; On geographic segmentation they categorise their shops according to the market. They mostly were concentrating on the region where they can have the more people who are be the bread and butter consumer that means people who wants to buy one or two products at that specific period of time. Theres a brand familiarity that you dont always get from a local store and the concept is familiar through use of the superstore predecessor. On usage segmentation being an express the range is limited and choice or very little and the price is bit higher than its own Tesco extra. On the loyalty segmentation they have just been the successor of the concept called Clubcard. They have track the customers with the card and it make them to analyse to find the exact need of customer and they serving them according to their needs. Marketing objectives of Tesco Express as follows: Tescos Marketing Objectives The main aim is to retain customer satisfaction and maintain number 1 Retail Company in the UK To maximise sales and profit To provide reasonable price to the consumers Marketing Environment Marketing environment and its influences It has been divided into 2 different categories based on 4ps Micro Environment Macro Environment Micro Environment has been divided into 4 divisions namely Suppliers Distributors Competitors Customers Macro Environment has been divided into 5 divisions namely Socio Cultural Environment- Factors affecting demographic structure of the population, lifestyles, attitudes, cultures, issues of public and private concerns, tastes and demands Technological Environment- Creates new product opportunities and improve production Economic Environment- It determines demand and supply chain Political and legal Environment- Rules, laws and regulations are operated as per the Government bodies. Ex: Smoking in public places Ecological Environment-Factors such as global warming, pollution, recycling, packaging etc. Macro environment with Tescos principles Socio Cultural Environment- Brassington and Pettitt has given definition regarding Demographic, where he briefly explains that it is the study of the measurable aspects of population structures and profiles including factors such as age , size, gender, race, occupation and location. Tesco express has widely opened across and also outside UK to satisfy customer needs and preferences. It represents the strength and weakness. There are wide range of products to satisfy all ages and all classes of people. It broadens tastes and demands according to peoples lifestyle and their expectations. If it does not satisfys then customers can lose interest and faith. Technological Environment When an organisation uses more and more different techniques then flexibility comes into picture. Tesco express operates paperless transactions. It brings out new innovation strategies to market the product as per the existing environment. The recent one which it has introduced new way of billing system call, Till , where customers can pick, pack and invoice themselves.. This new system has given new dimensions to the customers to save an extra time. Market research is carried out on a regular basis where an organisation collects information with the respect to the customer focus Economic Environment In this Economic environment two keywords which handle the whole market are demand and supply. When there is a demand in the market supply increases automatically, this will have a huge impact in the business environment. They concentrate on the factors affecting economic business and monitor them in order to overcome. Political and legal Environment Each and every organisation concentrates on the government laws, rules and regulations. Tesco Express follows strict rules and regulations and gives out warning signals to the customers. It also gives smoking free environment. E.g., Smoking is prohibited. Ecological Environment It aims to set up a greenery environment in the form of waste, packaging, recycling, and also cutting carrier bag use. It converts waste into an energy source and reduces the amount of waste going to landfill by over a third and works on waste targets scheme which are reviewed and reported every week. We have taken examples of two like packaging and recycling. If we take packaging with the product name called Eggs. Packaging helps to protect and preserve food for longer duration and promotes the product to reach the customers in the best condition. Recycling facilities are available in all our markets except China and Turkey. Tescos future plans are to implement recycling facilities even in respective countries as mentioned to have a global impact in the marketing environment. In UK we have 600 recycling centres of our larger stores. Last year we helped customers to recycle approximately 200,000 tonnes. Market Segmentation The identification of groups of individuals or organisations with similar characteristics that will have significant implications for the determination of marketing strategy. (Jobber 2004) Segments can be defined on the basis of Tesco principles Customer Satisfaction- customers can be pleased all the time because all the products are available under one proof so chances of pleasing them will be on higher note. They dont target individuals indeed they target on the whole. Customers have variety of products to choose and satisfy their preferences. E.g., Products are sold to all age groups with reasonable price and with most importantly good quality Methods of Segmentation Geographic: It targets customers as per the location, country and also takes into consideration whether it is Rural and Urban. Before it opens any new branches, it undergoes market survey based on the customers potential within the respective location. It also makes sure that for which county products are produced, plans for the available resources so that can be used up to the fuller extent, different sets of people has different taste and preferences according to their lifestyle. E.g., In China people have different lifestyles when compared to UK. Demographic: Once it does sets up the business by creating a layout of the geographic successfully, now the next part is to introduce product based on the marketing analysis which includes people age, sex, race, income, occupation, socio-economic status. It collects complete database and then goes forward. Surveys are conducted at regular intervals with the interest of not losing customers focus and interest. This reduces the negative impact on the organisation. Geo-Demographic: Geo- Demographic is nothing but the combination of geographic and demographic. Organisation works on the purchasing behaviours of the people. Once it gathers the available date by doing research in first and second stage and then works as per the prescribed plan. Postcode systems can assist agencies in the new business development, customer profile and identification. Psychographic: Tesco divides the market on the basis of life style and personality of the consumers. It targets people of all ages with their requirements. From grocery, eatables, liquor Mission Every business has its goals/objectives and works on directions set by the management. No firms can succeed without objectives and tagline of Tesco is, Every little Helps. This tagline has created a realistic statement which is motivating and creates intent in the organisation. The realistic purpose is to provide focus and direction through the conduct of the business. Marketing Mix An Effective marketing mix Tesco compromises on price and does not compromises on quality More demand and more supply. Customer loyalty The Impact, positive and negative of the Tesco Express marketing mix Marketing mix is divided into 7ps but let us concentrate on 4ps which as follows. Promotion Place Price Product We will critically discus 4ps in the following stages: Promotion Promotion is generally referred as awareness created towards the introduction of new product and also the availability of the existing product by means of selling activities and advertising. The main aim of promotion is to spread awareness of the products, uses and benefits. It helps the organisation to position their products in the market to reach customers. The effective tool of promotion of Tesco Express is in the form of television and email adverts, message should be clear and simple so that it can reach the targeted audience by creating a desired response. There are different types of promotions such as advertising, personal selling, public relations and sales promotions. Promotional strategy One of the Tescos key strategies in the promotional activity is, Clubcard loyalty scheme where it has been a huge success and in turn their market share has been increased. This change has led them to be a market leader. They were giving best and competitive prices to the market, products like fresh vegetables, fish, chicken , mutton, beef and all sorts of necessary day to day needs which were outsourced from the farmers , fish, mongers , butchers directly. They have opened number of convenience stores in every possible place and therefore have a good appeal to a huge number of customers in the market environment. Advertising It can be defined as any paid form of non-personal promotion transmitted through a mass medium. The sponsor should be clearly identified and the advertisement may relate to an organisation, a product or a service. The key difference, therefore, between advertising and other forms of promotion is that it is impersonal and communicates with large numbers of people through paid media channels. (Ref 1) Each and every organisation will advertise for the products produced, Tesco has always gives ads saying that they sell cheapest product in the whole of UK and it is one of the cheapest selling supermarket, where they claim that the price of the products is at least a penny less than their competitors firm in the advertisement featuring Prunella scales and Jane Horrocks comparing bills between Tesco and other stores. Stringent rules has to be followed when it is giving comparative advertising as per UK governments rule and abides the body for advertising standards, the Committee of Advertising Practice as listed in the rules and regulations act. They also have different advertisement taglines called, Every little helps, We sell for less, 1 billion pounds off, is youre nearest the dearest, Low prices every day because we sell 10000 everyday. There have been many advertisement campaigns stating that their products are cheaper to their direct competitors. Sales Promotion According to the institute of sales promotion, sales promotion is: A range of tactical marketing techniques designed within a strategic marketing frameworks to add value to a product or service in order to achieve specific sales and marketing objectives.(Ref 3) The store offers a wide range of promotional offers in various times, if they open a store they would give away vouchers having a  £2.00 discount on every  £6.00 spent for every passerby, club card members, computer tokens for schools. Below are the examples of New Year sales promotion. Examples of the New Year promotions offers include: Danepak Maple Cure Back Bacon 220g, was  £3.00, now  £1.50 Extra Large Pineapple, was  £3.00, now  £1.50 Dolmio Original Bolognese Pasta Sauce 750g, was  £2.12, now  £1.06 Princes Tuna Chunks In Brine 4X185g, was  £5.39, now  £2.69 Maryland Choc Chip Hazelnut Cookies 150g, was 86p, now 43p. Kelloggs Special K Oats and Honey 425g, was  £2.87, now  £1.40 Pampers Baby Wipes Sensitive Refill 63, Buy One Get One Free,  £2.29 Technika 24 Full HD TV with Free View DVD, was  £279.97, now  £229.97 Acer 4GB, 15.6 Laptop, was  £497, now  £397 Garmin Sat Nav, 215W, was  £149.97, now  £99.97 Public relations and publicity: Stanley (1982, p. 40) defined PUBLIC RELATIONS as: A management function that determines the attitudes and opinions of the organisations publics, identifies its policies with the interests of its policies with the interests of its publics, and formulates and executes a programme of action to earn the understanding and goodwill of its publics. Tesco maintains a good relation with the customers as per the sources, they have responded to query in time and they have attended to every problem faced by the customer, compromising on quality is not possible but most times they compromise on price. Good coordination is maintained even with their suppliers to maintain high standards. It also involves in wide range of charity operations. E.g., Ref 5 Public relations(Ref 6) Tesco uses a range of Public Relations firms including: Weber Shandwick Worldwide; 72 Point (part of the SWNS Group the UKs biggest independent press agency); CHA, the workplace communications consultancy; Good Relations;142 GGK Public Relations (Poland);143 The Maitland Consultancy. Lawson Lucas Mendelsohn (LLM)144. Marketing communications budget: Pickton and Broderick (2001, p. 67) define integrated marketing communication as .a process which involves the management and organisation of all agents in the analysis, planning, implementation and control of all marketing communications contacts, media, messages and promotional tools focused at selected target audiences in such a way as to derive the greatest economy, efficiency, effectiveness, enhancement and coherence of marketing communications effort in achieving predetermined product and corporate marketing communications objectives. (Ref 7) So we have discussed about promotion and then we will concentrate on place. Place Place means where the organisation is set up and it depends on distribution channels and market research. The main responsibility of the is to reach the product to the customers in the right time and at the right place. Good channel strategy highlights the growth of the company. Tesco express has different distribution channels, like most other retailers they draw the products from their suppliers to their regional warehouses or distribution centres which is then prepared to be delivered to their stores. In an idea to reduce their prices and improve their reliability of the products they have extended their logistics practice by collecting directly in their factories and to their suppliers. They are using 3 types of transport in order to reach the customers early. Ex we have taken road, rail and canal Road In response to the fear of over congestion of roads and a huge increase in fuel prices and concern over its carbon foot print Tesco are switching of their supply chains to alternative modes. Rail The Eddie Stobart group partnered Tesco in distribution of its products in the year 2006. Canal The Tesco started using the Manchester ship canal in 2007 to ship wine from Liverpool to a distribution facility in Manchester. The wine is previously offloaded from the south coast so that it completely avoids the road traffic. Market coverage Ensuring that the product is made available through appropriateintermediariesso that: (a) the potential customer can access it as easily as possible; and (b) the product is properly displayed, sold and supported within thechannel of distribution. Market coverage might involve intensive distribution, selective distribution or exclusive distribution. (Ref8) According to Tesco express they target on a place where it is easily accessible and effective they setup stores or acquire the existing stores in that area they have been successful with that kind of strategy, they do a lot of ground work dating back from the customers and then to the aisle rows, they are frequently replacing the items which are sold out. Specific channel members In the Tesco the channel members are appointed by the company itself where each one of the member in that board has a specific area to cover where the price negotiation, order approval and all the other necessities are taken care. Each department in the Tesco has its own head where the deciding authority is that person so they do-not have any intermediaries it is all B2B dealings. They outsource it directly from the producers. Warehousing Warehousing is an important link in the physical distribution chain. It enables goods to be stored and subsequently moved according to customer demand. The type and role of the warehouse will vary according to the demands of the products. (Ref 9) In this part the Tesco has been playing an completely efficient and an more organised way of warehousing they are frequently being refurbished with the products. There are a number of warehouses situated in the places which are easily accessible for the stores maybe it a superstore, express, extra or a metro. Product Product means commodity offered for sales and it gives be benefit to customers. We often distinguish between product and services, service mainly on tangible products. It also means physical products which satisfy the customer needs and preferences. While other competitors in the market, product sh

Harnessing Wind Energy :: physics power energy green environment clean

Living in Rural Alaska is very expensive because of it's isolated location. It would be even more expensive if energy, mail service, and other services were not subsidized by the state of Alaska. In the late seventies and early eighties, the state of Alaska looked for ways to cut the high cost of subsidizing diesel fuel for generating electrical power to rural Alaska. It was during this time that wind energy was taken into consideration as a source of electrical power. The earliest known uses of wind power date back to 3000 BC, when people used wind to sail ships. Approximately 4000 years later, windmills were used in Europe to grind tobacco, wheat, and other grains. Later, in the 1700's, windmills were then used to pump water. It was not until the 1900's that wind mills were used for generating electric power. In the United States, windmills were used prior to widespead electrical distribution. The generation of wind can be traced back to solar energy. It is ultimately a renewable and clean energy source. This is what makes it attractive to many as a source of energy for power plants. Wind is created as a result of pressure differences in the atmosphere which is caused by temperature differences of radiating solar energy. Other factors that contribute to the flow of air (wind) is the rotation of the earth, and it's terrain. We could expect more wind over bodies of water since water provides less resistance to wind than do objects on the surface of the earth. If wind is essentially free, why don't we see more windmills? The reason is that wind doesn't blow whenever we need power. Wind energy can only be stored in batteries and much of the energy from wind can not be harnessed into useful energy. The public also views wind generators as an eyesore on the landscape. Wind, initially is in the form of kinetic energy, thus it has the equation: 1/2mv^2, where m is the mass, and v is velocity of the air. Using the fact that the mass is equal to the volume times the density, we can rewrite the equation for kinetic energy as k.e. = 1/2Vpv^2, where V is the volume, and p is the density of air. Furthermore, the volume through a surface is equal to the area of the surface times the velocity of the air, times the time, thus the equation becomes k.e. = 1/2pv^3At, where A is the area of the surface and t is the time.