Marketing Strategy WH Smith Case Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 6250 words

Marketing Strategy WH Smith Case Study - Essay Example WH Smith (WHS) was established in 1792 and went public in 1949. The retail division presently operates 542 retail stores and 127 travel stores across the country. In addition, the division operates e-retailing business through the website. The news division of WHS is UK’s largest wholesaler of newspaper and magazines. The company’s key product portfolio includes books, stationery, travel guides, greeting cards and gift packaging, art materials, entertainment products such as music and video CD’s, DVD’s, computer games and confectionery. The company derives a majority of its revenues from the UK, having divested itself of the Asia-pacific arm.Major competitors that need to be considered, looking at the diverse range of products offered, may be identified as Amazon.com, Borders Group, Barnes & Noble, Bertelsmann, Lagardere, HMV, Virgin, Woolworths, Asda, Tesco and a number of specialist small retailers.The most obvious strength of the company is its 542 reta il outlets on every high-street in the country and 127 travel stores at railway stations and airports, allowing the company to reach a wide customer base – 70% of the British public visit a WHS store at least once every year!Travel Retail is a strong performer within the retail division and recorded growth rates of 3% in revenue (Â £311 million) and an increase of 24 % in its profits in 2005 compared with the previous year. While passenger growth at airports was 2%, the sales at airport outlets grew by 7%. (Datamonitor, 2006). Distribution: WH Smith News has 47 distribution centres across the UK and delivers up to 50 million newspapers and magazines every week. All distribution centres employ state-of-the-art technology, such as 'Pick and Pack' machinery, to help to improve customer service and reduce costs. I.T. Systems: The company is in an excellent position to exploit the cutting edge Information Technology

Underserved Countries Essay Example for Free

Underserved Countries Essay Using the marketing techniques in the local commerce may not be appropriate for some segments of the international market. In this case, it would be necessary to first know the overall opportunities and challenges which may be found among countries or regions where a particular company may want to invest in. Considering the implementation of plans to invest in underserved countries, the region to be analyzed is the Asian general market. Apparently, Asia is on the verge of development as an offshoot of the Asian Miracle in the early 1990’s. Although it suffered from a financial crisis in 1997, it has already recuperated itself to attract even more investors outside the region. The main opportunities which can be found in Asia are inline with how the Western investors prefer in a developing market. In fact, the looming US recession lead investors to consider South East Asia as a possible haven for investment following the growth of China and India (Crispin, 2007). Another good investment factor in Asia is the fact that the region’s economies offer very low labor rates (Gumbell, 2004), a plus for companies which intends to increase its manpower for direct selling and distributorship. Although Asia provides some of the greatest investment opportunities, the region is also exposed to defined challenges. For one, most Asian economies heavily depend on the western economic performance such as the United States and European Union. If there will be a slight undervalued performance from these regions, direct stock market hits can be felt in Asian markets. Although it is not that huge of an impact, there is always a tendency to slow down especially when it comes to unstable economic commodities such as oil prices and imports (International Herald Tribune, 2005). In addition to possible risks in economic dependencies, some Asian countries are also vulnerable to peace and order concerns which badly affect investor confidence. In a larger perspective however, Asia remains as one of the top performing regions when it comes to foreign investments. Getting to know the specific profile of a country can help in deciding about an investment plan. This analysis can open up more decisive factors to enable a company to consider doing business with a specific economy or not. References Crispin, S. 2007. SE Asia offers haven from US turmoil. Asia Times Online.Retrieved February 26, 2008 from http://www. atimes. com/atimes/Asian_Economy/IL22Dk01. html. Gumbell, P. 2004. Outsourcing Chasing Cheap Labor to the East. Time Inc. Retrieved February 26, 2008 from http://www. time. com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,901040412-607777,00. html. International Herald Tribune. 2005. East Asia Growth Rate Expected to Slow. IHT. Retrieved February 26, 2008 from http://www. iht. com/articles/2005/08/09/business/adb. php.

Our Excessive Dependence on Technology Essay -- Journalistic Essays

Our Excessive Dependence on Technology Today, almost every business owns computers. At least 900,000 businesses use the Internet. Some, such as Amazon.com, are run only on the Internet. If the internet were to shut down, a lot of people would be without jobs. We have gradually become more and more dependent on technology. As a result, we have become weaker. In terms of Darwin's "only the strongest survive" the people of twenty years ago were far superior to the people of today because of their non-dependence on computers. First, there is the obvious decline in physical fitness. For example, in Vermont, the percentage of students who participate in at least three hours of physical activity a week has dropped from 70% to 64% in only two years. Fewer than half of all students participate in a muscle toning activity, such as weightlifting. And although it takes 150-200 minutes a week to truly develop physical fitness , less than 25% of all students participate in physical fitness classes five days a week. Although you probably shouldn't believe those stories your parents tell you...

The Morality of Reading The Catcher in the Rye in School Essay

The Morality of Reading The Catcher in the Rye in School The story of The Catcher In The Rye, can and is misinterpreted by many people. It is very easy to find The Catcher In The Rye immoral if you are reading the book only to prove that idea. This is so because you can ignore the good things and ideas the author is trying to convey by using certain incidents that might be labeled wrong. On the other hand, if you are reading the book and taking that extra step to analyze the things that Holden Caulfield does and the things that happens to him you end up having a greater appreciation for the novel and what it says. Throughout the book Holden has shown that he is a boy who in reality has a conscience and uses it. One example of this is when Holden goes to see Mr. Spencer, his former history teacher. Holden goes to visit Mr. Spencer, who is ill with the grippe. He goes to tell him not to feel bad for failing him in history. Holden did not have to do this; this was an act of courtesy because he knew that Mr. Spencer felt sorry that he had flunked Holden in his class. Holden also sits through Mr. Spencer’s lecture on how life is a game, a game that one must play according to the rules. Holden who absolutely hates talks like this, did not have to sit through it, he could have gotten up and left, but he didn’t he showed respect for one of his superiors and what he had to say. I believe this is an act that every child and adult should know and do. â€Å"I am the most terrific liar you ever saw in your life.† (16) Holden Caulfield is a good liar. Holden even admits to it. Many people might say that this is setting a bad example but throughout story his lies make people feel better. For example, when Holden was .. ...ain is â€Å"fuck you†. Even though Holden always uses these words, he doesn’t want his younger sister being exposed to that kind of profanity. He does care about innocence and morality. â€Å"†¦You can‘t ever find a place that‘s nice and peaceful, because there isn’t any. You may think there is, but once you get there, when you‘re not looking, somebody‘ll sneak up and write ‘Fuck You’ right under your nose†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The virtuousness, morality, or principles are as apparent as the depravities throughout the novel of The Catcher In The Rye. Although when you actually read and examine the book you realize that there are no immoralities. The only way you can come to that conclusion, is with ignorance and a lack of knowledge. To fully recognize and understand the hidden ideas or picture the author is trying to portray in the readers’ minds you need knowledge and insight.

Strategic Legal and Social Issues

The Board of Directors of a corporation are vested with the authority to exercise corporate powers, conduct all business and control and hold all properties of the corporation. The supreme authority insofar as the management of the business regular and ordinary affairs of the corporation is vested with the Board of Directors. With great power however comes great responsibility. Directors act as fiduciaries to the corporation, and once elected they must serve the best interests of the corporation and the shareholders. This fiduciary duty arises out of the board’s fiduciary relationship with the corporation and shareholders. (Saboor H. Abduljaami p2) The following are the three-fold duties of a director: duty of obedience; duty of diligence and duty of loyalty. Duty of Obedience The duty of obedience mandates that every director of the corporation must do and perform only those acts designed to achieve its mission. The mission and goals of the corporation are indicated in the articles of incorporation. Thus, the director must constantly check whether his action is within the scope of his authority and in pursuance of the goals of the company as indicated in its articles of incorporation. (â€Å"Role Playing: When do Board Members Step Over the Line†p2) Further, obedience does not only mean compliance with the rules of the corporation but it also means informing the corporation of any act done in violation of the rules of the corporation. This means that every director is mandated to refrain from violating the internal rules of the corporation. As directors they are also required to inform the corporation of any wrongdoing committed by one director that seriously prejudices the interest of the corporation. Thus, a director who willfully and knowingly votes or assents to patently unlawful acts of another director renders him jointly and severally liable for any damage resulting to the corporation. Duty of Diligence The rule is that every director of the corporation is required to manage the corporate affairs and perform his functions with reasonable care and prudence. As an officer of the corporation, the responsibility of the director towards the corporation is not limited to willful breach of trust or excess of power but extends to negligence. This means that even if there was no unlawful intent or evil motive in performing a corporate act, he can still be held liable if it can be established that he acted negligently. This liability of a director for his negligent acts rests upon common law rule which renders the agent liable who violates his authority or neglects his duty to the damage of the principal. It must be stressed however that the degree of diligence required of a director is relative. The standard of diligence is that which an ordinary prudent director could reasonable be expected to exercise in a like position under similar circumstances. The directors are also bound to observe the limits placed upon their powers in accordance with the Articles of Incorporation or charter, and if they transcend such limit and cause such damage, they incur liability. (Ruben Ladia, p. 164) Thus, if a director willfully performs an act which he knows or ought to know to be unauthorized and beyond the scope of his authority, he is clearly liable for any injury. It is however essential to state that though directors are liable for their negligence which has caused serious prejudice to the corporation, they are not liable for losses due to the imprudence or honest error of judgment. This is the concept of business judgment rule which is a defense on the part of the director to escape any liability for his actions. In principle, this states that questions of policy and management are left solely to the honest decision of the board of directors and the courts are without authority to substitute its judgment as against the director. It is said that â€Å"business judgment rule is purely a case law derived concept whereby a court will not review the management decisions of a corporation’s board of directors absent some sort of showing that the board of directors violated their duty of care or loyalty. † (Jon Canfield 1) It must be stressed that directors are not insurers of the property of the corporation or guarantors of the success of the corporation. So long as the director exercised reasonable diligence in the performance of its function the courts will not interfere and render it liable for negligence. Duty of Loyalty It is a general knowledge that there exists a fiduciary relationship between the directors of the corporation and the corporation and its stockholders. As fiduciaries, they are expected to act with utmost candor and fair dealing for the interest of the corporation and without taint of selfish motives. Thus, the directors are not only required to act with reasonable diligence in managing the affairs of the corporation, they are also expected to act with utmost good faith. Thus, the directors of the corporation are expected to first serve the interest of the corporation and their interest later. They are enjoined not to manipulate the affairs of the corporation to the detriment and disregard of the standards of morality and decency. As corporate insiders, the director cannot utilize any inside information they have acquired for their own benefit. He cannot violate the requirements of fair play by doing indirectly what he cannot do directly. Further as directors of the corporation they are not allowed to obtain any personal profit, commissions, bonus or gain for their official actions. Lastly, a director is prohibited from seizing any business opportunity or developing it at the expense and with the facilities of the corporation. Thus, the duty of loyalty requires a fiduciary to act in the best interests of the corporation and in good faith. (Jiangyu Zhu 2) Thus, as corporate officers an undivided loyalty is expected of every director. This fiduciary relationship between the director and the corporation imposes a strict duty to act in accordance with the highest standard which a man of the finest honor and reputation might impose upon himself. It must be stressed that the duty to act with utmost good faith is imposed upon all the directors. The law imposes upon the director liability for violating this duty of loyalty regardless whether the director actually received profit from his undisclosed transaction. This was affirmed in the case of Item Software v. Fassihi. Case of Item Software v. Fassihi. Facts: Item Software entered into transaction with another company. Item Software has a managing director and a marketing director. It specifically provided in its contract with the marketing director that it cannot take advantage of any confidential information it has learned while employed with Item Software. It appears that while Item Software and the other company were engaged in negotiations, its marketing director had been visiting the other company informing it of his intention to form a new company and his intent to transact directly with the other company. The contract between the two companies did not materialize. Item Software later found out about the actuations of its marketing director. He was eventually summarily dismissed from employment and sued by his own company. Issue: whether the respondent should be held liable by the corporation for its act of disloyalty even if it did not profit from its misconduct. Held: It is immaterial whether the director profited from his misconduct. The sole factor to be determined here is that the director committed a breach of its duty when it failed to disclose its transactions with the other company. The duties of a director imposed by law are generally higher than those imposed on an employee because he is more than simply a general manager of the company, he is a fiduciary who, with his fellow directors, is responsible for the success of the company’s business. Section 317 of the Companies Act of 1985 states that: â€Å"it is the duty of the director of a company, who is in any way, whether directly or indirectly, interested in a contract or proposed contract with the company to declare the nature of his interest at a meeting of the directors of the company. † (Section 317 Companies Act of 1985) Thus, the marketing director was in breach of his duties both as an employee and as a director and the Item Software was entitled to recover from him damages for breach of that duty suffered as a result of the termination of the contract.   

5 Benefits of Accepting an Internship After College

5 Benefits of Accepting an Internship After College Not everyone can graduate college and go straight into a full-time well-paid position. And those who do are often at entry-level. Why not consider a post-graduate internship: one year of servitude in exchange for possible future advantages? Here are 5 benefits  of accepting an internship after college.1. Buy timeA year-long internship gives you an entire year of freedom to figure out where your interests and skills really lie and what sort of job you’d most like to be your first. It’s the best time to take stock and find the track that’s right for you, before plonking your train onto it and charging off into your professional life for good.Soul search, network, look for new opportunities, figure out in which direction you’d most like to push yourself. And remember that a year is short and the time will likely fly.2. Try on a new cityIf you land an internship in a new place, consider it an opportunity to try that city out before committing with a permanen t move. If towards the end of your internship, you find yourself less than thrilled with your physical surroundings, you’ll know where not to direct your job applications.3. Boost your resumeBottom line: internships make your resume look better. Most companies actually consider them a prerequisite for most quality jobs. Having this year on your resume can actually give you a competitive edge when you hit the job market for real.4. Get paidMost unpaid internships get away with being unpaid by offering college credit. But you’ve already graduated! They’ll have to pay you, however meekly. Take advantage of this by working extra hours whenever possible. You’ll prove your diligence and devotion, and start paying off those student loans!5. Use your degreeDon’t want to work alongside a sophomore who just wants to spend a semester in the city partying? Don’t worry. There are internships out there especially designed for college graduates. These will value your accomplishments and help you to make the most of your degree, rather than making you feel you’ve taken a step backward.In short, never underestimate the power of the internship to jumpstart your career.

Feminism and Womens History

Feminism and Womens History Out of the three types of feminisms namely, social, radical, and liberal feminism, I am of the opinion that social feminism would be the most effective in terms of eliminating gender discrimination, improving womens economic and political position in society and helping to bring equality between men and women.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Feminism and Women’s History specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Social feminism is the perhaps the best approach to ending the struggle of women against economic exploitation, oppression, lack of autonomy or power over one’s work, socio-economic marginalization, systematic violence, and cultural imperialism. From a Marxist point of view, domination and power has previously been constantly linked to masculinity. Since power has always been understood from the point of view of men and the ruling class (in other words, the socially dominant), the task of feminists i s therefore to try and reconceptualize power from the point of view of a feminist. In this case, the method of choice should be one that recognizes the life experiences of women and to be precise, the role played by women in reproduction. Social feminism holds that the liberation of women’s life can only be achieved when a concerted effort is made to both the cultural as well as economic sources of women’s oppression. Social feminisms endeavor to address head-on the common root of sexism, classism, and racialism. These issues condemn one to either a privileged life or one of oppression, on the basis of circumstances or on accidents of birth. Accordingly, social feminism can be viewed the creation of social change in an exclusive way. As opposed to competition and conflict, socialist feminist values cooperation and synthesis, and these are noble ways of bringing equality between men and women, and ensuring that the political and economic positions of women in the societ y improve. Socialist feminist endeavors to address the issues of class and capitalism. These are two important issues that Marxism failed to address on grounds of being gender blind. The choice of social feminism is also quite in order since it does not only speak of the oppressions that women have to encounter, but it also attempts to address the issue of capitalism, albeit calmly. This is unlike radical feminists that attempts to overthrown and even challenge patriarchy by opposing women’s oppression and gender roles by campaigning for the embracing of a radical social order.Advertising Looking for assessment on history? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Liberal feminists also fail to recognize man as the enemy that needs to be defeated. The intention of the pioneer liberal feminists was to team up with women, men, the white, blacks, the rich and the poor and unite as one. A divided society cannot be able to o vercome gender discrimination. When we view man as the enemy, we fail to focus on the underlying problem, which is the need to ensure equality in the society. Therefore, we need to first create a cordial relationship between the various members of the society regardless of their gender, social, and economic differences. Socialists, along with the radical feminists disapproved of the social order that existed at the time. For this reason, they felt the need to initiate a revolution that would incorporate men as potential allies. In this case, the ultimate goal was to completely abolish gender, class, and racial hierarchies. In this regard, social feminists did not approach the issue from the point of view of the woman. If at all we would want to experience change in the society, the goal should be to ensure that all of us are equal and not just one race or gender. When we approach the issue of race, class and gender with an open mind, this gives women a better chance to assume higher responsibilities in the society. This is because we have managed to break the existing barriers the men are not likely to oppose women in pursuing positions of power. Instead, all have an equal chance of assuming positions of power and responsibility in the society.

Whole Food Markets Business Analysis

Whole Food Markets Business Analysis (Q1) Company and Industry OverviewWhole Food Markets is America's biggest chain of natural and organic food supermarkets. The products it sells are free of additives, colorings, preservatives, pesticides, hormones, antibiotics and any genetically modified ingredients. In 2005, the group has 159 stores in United States, 7 stores in United Kingdom and 2 stores in Canada. The company will continue to pursue opportunities in Canada and eventual expansion throughout Europe.The global organic food industry has been growing at over 20% per annum along with an increase in accessibility . The world market was calculated to be worth over $14.4B in 1999. The largest markets of organic food exists in the USA, with sales of $6.5B, Germany $2.4B and Japan $1.4B. Buyers of organic food are affluent, better educated, in the age bracket of 18-34 or 45-54. They live in small households and have low confidence in food safety regulation.Healthy Berries are Good Food for HealthProducts range from baby fo od, meat, dairy, non-dairy beverages, bakery, produce to Ready to Go Meals.In United States, the retail sales of natural products grew to over $18.3B in 2003, an 8% growth compared to prior year compared to a relatively flat growth in the traditional grocery industry. This growth reflects a broadening of the natural products consumer base. While the USA organic market is still growing in absolute terms, the market is predicted to drop slightly as the industry matures and consolidates over the next 5 years.Europe accounted for 45-50% of global organic food sales . Food fears such as Mad Cow disease, industry-related promotions and government subsidy programs have been the main driver of the industry in Europe. For most of the last decade, Europe had the largest market however it has been overtaken by North America. Market growth slowed to 7% in 2002. The German...

American Family and the Home Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

American Family and the Home - Essay Example The results obtained from the 10 usable questionnaires are analyzed in this section. The data, represented in graphs and tables shows the perception of the respondents regarding American family and the home. The first question required the respondents to describe their families. The results indicated that the families are crazy; happy, funny and entertaining; big, loving, crazy and loud; dysfunctional; simple; large and crazy; small and successful; diverse; and divorced. Most of the families are crazy while a few are happy and successful. Most of the families are not very successful as they ought to be as some are dysfunctional.The second question asked: â€Å"What is the ethnic origin of your family?† The results were; Jamaican; Syrian, Native American; Italian, German, Irish, Puerto Rican; African-American; German/Irish; Caucasian; and White. This indicates that many of the families in America are of different origins with African-American, Italian and German/Irish tying at 20 percent.The third and fourth questions asked the role of the fathers and the mothers in the family. Results indicated that in more than 50 percent of the families. Fathers were the breadwinners and disciplinarians while mothers played the role of homemakers. Fathers play leadership roles while mothers are caregivers. Other respondents indicated that their fathers are absent possibly due to divorce thereby leaving mothers with the sole role of providing for the family, comforting them and leading them. Such mothers nurture the children.

Fire Engineering Design Project Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Fire Engineering Design Project - Assignment Example The perspectives of a variety of experts in the field of fire engineering will be explored. Appendix One Fire engineering may be better classified as the implementation of engineering regulations, laws and professional assessments. These elements may be based upon a cognitive evaluation of human motivation and an empirical comprehension of fire related effects in order to: Preserve life property, environmental resources and national heritages. Assess the dangers and potentials of fire related incidents. Methodologically assess the maximum protective and preventative requisites which are necessary to minimize the results of fire events. The endeavor of fire engineering is to reduce the consequences of fire in the vicinity of adjoining edifices and structures. This is required by national codification and convention. During the past thirty years, edifice related legislation has deviated from complete prescriptive mandates to more flexible rules as demonstrated by research and developme nt in the field. Many experts agree that the presently accepted regulatory documents which are designated Approved Document B (ADB) are not adapted to large open and more intricately constructed structures. In addition, the Approved Document B is not adapted to rehabilitated structures. Many of the requisites recommended in Approved Document B are non existent in edifices which were constructed prior to its inception. An example of this would be a structure with one staircase and one conspicuous egress point (Cooke 2011). The evaluation of the methods of escape inside of a structure, notwithstanding new or rehabilitated structures is reliant upon the aspects of the structure. The perspective for such a structure would be different if the structure were an office, a shop or an institution of higher education. The accepted conventions require that the structure or edifice be erected in agreement with the design recommendations that are within the parameters of Approved Document B. In accordance with this perspective, a compliant solution is implemented. This compliant solution requires strict adherence the design criteria. These criteria are not restricted to the Building Regulations and Approved Document B. There are roughly 120 documents which are currently set as criteria which may be applied as a design matrix for fire engineering (Lawrence Webster Forrest 2012). As a point of reference, the designer must consider the number of occupants who will occupy a structure at a predetermined moment. Subsequently, as architects plan and implement the required endeavors in order to ascertain various requisites, the fire engineer endeavors to calculate the planning of a structure's means of egress. Approved Document B accepts two techniques which may be applied to fire engineering. The primary technique is founded upon linear area abstractions. These abstractions may apply a value of six square meters per person in the case of an office environment or seven meters per person in the situation of a library. The Approved Document B table may be applied in order to provide a comparative analysis with similar structures with parallel applications. The Approved Document B, Table 4 suggests the application of the following standards: Optimal Occupancy of Persons Minimum number of egresses 60 1 600 2 Greater than 600 3 The coordinates of egress routes and the final exit doors are required to be accessible and recognizable by all occupants. The number of egresses

Nutrition to prevent weight loss in stroke patients Essay

Nutrition to prevent weight loss in stroke patients - Essay Example Some cases will allow for the simple determination of nutritional ingredients. Many others are not as easy to deal with. In this essay, an attempt to present corresponding solutions to meet nutritional requirements will be done given the most common scenarios of stroke patients facing the risk of losing weight. Aside from the simple case, the following other situations will be considered: (1) stroke patients with poor appetite due to a damaged ability to chew and swallow normally; (2) poor taste and smell; (3) emotional issues preventing normal food intake; (4) the need for lifestyle change; and (5) stroke patients with chronic conditions. The purpose of including all these is to provide a ready set of guidelines for use when any of these situations are encountered. This essay is taken from the viewpoint of Nurses, Caregivers, and Nutritionists. A Case of Recovery from Stroke Without Complications: Determine Nutritional Requirements. There should be a periodic attempt to determine the stroke patient’s energy requirements in order to achieve a desirable weight. Of course, this is aside from taking BP before and after meals, and whenever there is a need to do so. Knowing the energy requirements will reveal how much calories are needed. Freda Myco (1983, p. 94) noted that â€Å"the energy needs of stroke patients†¦should be assessed in relation to body weight, body build, age, sex, health status, and physical activity levels.† For those who are normal, energy requirements would be about 2000 kcals/24 hours for men and 1,800 kcals/24 hours for women.... Knowing the energy requirements will reveal how much calories are needed. Freda Myco (1983, p. 94) noted that â€Å"the energy needs of stroke patients†¦should be assessed in relation to body weight, body build, age, sex, health status, and physical activity levels.† For those who are normal, energy requirements would be about 2000 kcals/24 hours for men and 1,800 kcals/24 hours for women. A stroke patient should take the right amount of calories to maintain weight. The consequence of too much calories will be weight gain, while lack of calories will turn the patient into a malnourished person with lack of energy to exercise. Since the topic of this paper is about nutrition to prevent weight loss of stroke patients, it should be worth mentioning that Freda Myco (1983, p.95) also clarified that â€Å"Malnutrition is not caused by simply taking too few calories, rather it is the result of a deficiency in the correct mixture of food constituents, vitamins, and minerals.â₠¬  Basic Rules For A Lean, Healthy Body What stroke patients will need is a good eating habit of the right diet containing adequate calories without the unwanted cholesterol. At Body Art, Tanya Lee Sheehan recommends (2008, p. 11) that a person should eat just enough every 3 hours. And the recipe should be â€Å"more lean protein, veggies, fruit and nuts†. There is a reason for eating more often but with less quantity. It gives time for food to be digested first before a new set will need digestion. But her ideas are for people who can still exercise and burn the food they eat through exercises. In the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) of the UN, along with Ann Burgess, Peter Glasauer (2004, p.83), there is a guideline about â€Å"How to help sick

Financial modelling Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Financial modelling - Lab Report Example For a given value of expected return, MPT tends to explain how one can select a portfolio with the least possible risk. Standard deviation is the most commonly and widely used measure of spread and thus it measures the potential variability, volatility and risk. Standard deviation (ÏÆ'i ) can be used as a good measure of relative risk between two investments that have the same expected rate of return. It can be calculated for each and every individual shares, portfolios of shares and for the market as a whole. A larger value of ÏÆ'i implies a lower probability that actual returns will be closer to the expected returns. We first calculated standard deviation, covariance matrix and expected return. The standard deviation and expected return were calculated by applying the Excel STDEV and AVERAGE functions to the historic monthly percentage returns data. Table 1 below shows the correlation matrix, standard deviations, and the average returns for the rates of return on the stock index. After we input Table 1 into our spreadsheet as shown, we created the covariance matrix in Table 2 using the relationship . The curved line represents the return values and risks that result from combination of various shares. It is also known as the efficient frontier and it represents efficient portfolios of shares that is, portfolios that give the minimum risk for a given level of return or maximum return for a given level of risk. On the other hand, the straight line is known as capital allocation line and it represents the expected return and standard deviation from various combinations of the risk-free asset and the optimal risky portfolio. It starts at the risk-free return of 4% and is perpendicular to the curved line. It represents the highest ratio of risk premium to standard deviation (Sharpe Ratio). For our computations if we invest in a free risk with 10% portfolio we get

Borough Warlords Exacerbating British Housing Crisis Case Study

Borough Warlords Exacerbating British Housing Crisis - Case Study Example These councillors and planning officers are not royal patrons free to dispense with public goods at their discretion or whim to favored constituents; quite the contrary, they are public servants bound to comply with the rule of law, Sadly, they do not feel bound to comply with their statutory and ethical obligations. Patrons and warlords they are, the borough their private fiefdom, and public goods their currency in trade. This is a story of the dangers of decentralization, how decentralization is functioning as an incentive for local councilors to treat planning decisions as a sort of patronage-oriented gift, and how Britain's housing crisis is being exacerbated in the process. Such allegations are not new, they have been around for ages, but the negligent councilors seems to wait until the latest scandal is distant to the public's ear before they begin plying their nefarious trade in public trust and public approvals again; indeed, just barely six years ago, the Telegraph reported: The seam of corruption running through Doncaster council was laid bare with the convictions of five people including Peter Birks, the council's head of planning, and the former mayor and council deputy leader, Raymond Stockhill, who took lavish bribes to process a planning application. Others, including John Dainty, the leader of the Tory group, who was cleared of corruption in this case, face further allegations. What began more than four years ago with a "whisper of wrongdoing", said a police source, had grown into a vast investigation; 74 arrests were made, 23 Labour councillors have so far been convicted for expenses fraud and more than 2,000 people have been questioned. But the case of Birks and Stockhill exposed the worst incidence of corruption within the Labour-dominated council. In the instant case, the councillors are acting alone to deny otherwise valid planning applications; all the while they are using deceptive practices, they are flaunting and violating applicable rules and regulations, and they honestly believe that they are both above the law and beyond the reach of the law. When will this type of behaviour stop This case is much more important than a single person or a couple of property developers; to be sure, this type of story has implications for borough councils throughout the kingdom, for individuals and businesses struggling with the worsening housing crisis, and for public policy officials wondering why there well-considered decentralization programmes are not working to expedite planning approvals or to alleviate housing shortages. Many of the answers can be found right here in this story. The audience ought to be vast: people unable to afford or find affordable flats for their families; insiders working for local borough offices whom have been told to remain silent despite breaches of relevant laws and constitutional procedures; members of the local business community whom have been

Financial modelling Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Financial modelling - Lab Report Example For a given value of expected return, MPT tends to explain how one can select a portfolio with the least possible risk. Standard deviation is the most commonly and widely used measure of spread and thus it measures the potential variability, volatility and risk. Standard deviation (ÏÆ'i ) can be used as a good measure of relative risk between two investments that have the same expected rate of return. It can be calculated for each and every individual shares, portfolios of shares and for the market as a whole. A larger value of ÏÆ'i implies a lower probability that actual returns will be closer to the expected returns. We first calculated standard deviation, covariance matrix and expected return. The standard deviation and expected return were calculated by applying the Excel STDEV and AVERAGE functions to the historic monthly percentage returns data. Table 1 below shows the correlation matrix, standard deviations, and the average returns for the rates of return on the stock index. After we input Table 1 into our spreadsheet as shown, we created the covariance matrix in Table 2 using the relationship . The curved line represents the return values and risks that result from combination of various shares. It is also known as the efficient frontier and it represents efficient portfolios of shares that is, portfolios that give the minimum risk for a given level of return or maximum return for a given level of risk. On the other hand, the straight line is known as capital allocation line and it represents the expected return and standard deviation from various combinations of the risk-free asset and the optimal risky portfolio. It starts at the risk-free return of 4% and is perpendicular to the curved line. It represents the highest ratio of risk premium to standard deviation (Sharpe Ratio). For our computations if we invest in a free risk with 10% portfolio we get

Personal statement, identify your filed of interest Essay

Personal statement, identify your filed of interest - Essay Example One can become civil engineer, however it’s connected with many challenges. All constructions grown by people exist only due to the painstaking labor and the most accurate calculations. It requires strong understanding of one fact that even slight mistake can bring many problems or even casualties, every day, thousands of people use structures constructed by civil engineers and they should serve them good. There is no place to mistakes, misconducts or half-precise calculations. It’s the greatest challenge I will have working in civil engineering. People can make mistakes and there is, of course, human factor, to avoid this I should understand my responsibility and ask for help if I am not sure about something. Working in the big team, all members should work like single body. It requires strong communicative skills and ability to team work. Failing to make good relationships with team can result in bad blueprints, or even passed mistakes, It is unacceptable and I should adapt to the needs and characters of other people to work with them in cohesive team. Project implementation also requires great skills, because structure on blueprints can be stable and good developed, however since construction is started I, as civil engineer, should control the construction during each stage to ensure that plan is carrying out

Strategies for Building Effective Relationships Essay Example for Free

Strategies for Building Effective Relationships Essay Building effective relationships requires time and effort. The most effective relations take many forms and are fruitful, effective and satisfying. This only occurs when the parties involved cultivate a level of high trust in their relationships, also called inter-dependence. For this paper we will discuss the basic skills that a leader must possess in order to succeed in building effective relationships. We will also discuss some of the methods used to build effective relationships with superiors and peers. Finally we will look at the role of the leader in different participatory management methods. Leader Skills These features not only facilitate a relationship to mature and deliver exceptional results, but just as importantly, they also preclude a relationship from unravelling under the weight of confusion and external stimuli – a vital aspect in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world Anyone coming up thru the ranks in the military and in the civilian sector knows that in order for a leader to be successful that they must possess certain leadership skills. Although not all inclusive, these skills will set up a leader to be successful. These skills include: organization and time management, selling skills, resource acquisition and management, technologically savvy, persuasive and negotiating skills, and ethics (Javitch, 2009). Companies are not only looking for leaders who will be able to take over and get the job done, they are looking for leaders with the ability to be organized. Keeping everything running smoothly is part of a good leader. This includes the proper manage ment of time. A good leader creates and follows a schedule, leaving room for unforeseeable changes that occur. Another skill that a leader should possess are selling skills: Wheater it is a product to be sold, a business opportunities or a new processes, a good leader must be able to sell the item or idea both inside and outside the organization. The next skill a leader should possess is resource acquisition and management: In today’s shrinking markets, the ability to locate and effectively use assets goes a long way towards the success of process implementation. This includes knowing how to manage these  processes in order to succeed. Continuing with skills that leaders should possess is knowledge of a leader being technologically savvy. This requires a leader to have the ability to learn and operate current technologies: This skill is of utmost importance, since software and hardware change on a regular basis. A good leader must be able to follow those changes in order to stay relevant in todays’ world of business. The next skill that leaders should possess is the ability to persuade and negotiate. A leader must be able to persuade others to execute a certain action and then negotiate the terms. These skills are important in both the selling of products and convincing other leaders to implement a particular process or program. The last skill but certainly not the least important are ethics. Discerning the proper from the inappropriate at the workplace is getting increasingly tough, as the line separating the two keeps blurring. A leader must possess the moral ground to distinguish between right and wrong and the strength to take the appropriate action no matter the consequences. It takes a great deal of persistence and willpower to create an ethical working place, but the leader knows that it will foster the professional and personal growth in the organization as the years progress. These are just a few of the many skills that a leader must possess. A leader still has to have strength, courage, listening skills, writing skills, and a slew of others skills in order to be well rounded and balanced. While the above skills are not all inclusive, they are a good starting point for leaders. Methods for Effective Work Relation Now that we have addressed some of the skills that a leader must possess we must discuss some of the methods that a leaders can used to build effective relationships with their superiors and peers. Effective work connections create the foundation for success and fulfilment in a job. A leader can sink their career and work associations by their actions and the behaviors they display at work. No matter their education, title, or experience, if a leader cannot play well with others, they will never achieve their goals (Miksen, n.d). It can be that that if there are no effective work relationships then there are no promotions, pay increases, goal accomplishment, and job satisfaction. To build effective work relationships a leader must: bring suggestions to the table, not play the blame game, keep  commitments, share credit, don’t blind-side a coworker or boss, and help other co-workers when they need it (Miksen, n.d). Bringing to the meeting table solutions to a problem earns leaders the respect and admiration from coworkers and bosses. There are some personnel who devote an extravagant sum of time pinpointing problems, yet they offer no way to solve the problems. Anyone can find a problem, the challenging part is finding thoughtful solutions. A leader that brings solutions to the table is sought out by everyone, thus creating relationships with others. The next method to build effective work relations is not playing the blame game. A leader that does so alienates supervisors, and coworkers. Remember that as a leader you need allies at work. While it may be required to ascertain who was involved in a problem, it does not require them to be publicly identified and blamed for the failure. If a leader does this then it will create adversaries. These adversaries will, in turn, help a leader to be unsuccessful. Remember that as a leader one of the skills that you must possess is to be organized and a m anager of time. This skill crosses over to helping build effective work relationships. As a leader you must keep your obligations. In any organization, work is interrelated. A leader that fails to keep deadlines and obligations, affects the performance and output of other employees. If a commitment cannot be kept, as a leader inform all affected employees who need to know and arrange for a new makeup date, making all conceivable efforts to honor the new deadline. Another method to build effective relationships is to share credit for ideas, accomplishments, and contributions. A leader must make the effort, time, and expend the energy, to thank, reward, recognize and identify the assistances of the personnel who aided them succeed. This is a fool-proof tactic to developing effective work associations (Miksen, n.d). One more method to building effective work relationships is to never blind side a coworker, or boss. As a leader always address difficulties, first, with the individuals openly involved. If an employee learns about an issue during a staff gathering or from an email sent to their supervisor, as a leader you have just blindsided the fellow worker. A leader will certainly not construct effective work associations unless their coworkers trust them. The final method to build effective work relationships it to aid fellow workers in find their skills. Remember that each employee in a group has abilities, expertise, and knowledge. A leader  that helps colleague to harness their capabilities, increases the benefit for the organization immensely. Some of the benefits include compliment, praise, and notice contributions. You dont have to be a manager to help develop an encouraging, inspiring atmosphere for employees. Frequently carrying out these actions will cultivate effective work relationships. Partners will value you as a teammate. Superiors will have confidence that you play on the right team. As a leader you will achieve your work objectives, and you may even experience fun, acknowledgement, and personal motivation. It does not get any better than that. Leaders Role in Participatory Management Participatory management is a system in which employees of an organization take an active role in the decision-making process as it relates to the way the business operates. There are numerous methods depending on the level of participatory management a business engages in. Some examples are information management, mentoring and training management, teaching management, recognition management, and finally shared decision-making management (Rampur, 2012). In information management information is shared readily with all employees. This includes earnings and operational budgets, financial projections, as well as information related to long-term strategic planning. This method provides transparency in all business aspects and allows for employee input and suggestions. The next type of participatory management is mentoring and training management. This type of management provides ongoing training, skills development, professional enrichment and mentoring to employees at all levels. This allows all employees to cross-train in different areas of the business, take on new or additional responsibilities, and give their newfound skills a hands-on try under the supervision of a mentor. This method encourages all employees to share knowledge and information with the goal of being a diversely trained, well-rounded workforce. Another type of participatory management is teaching management. This method features a teaching component in which employees are guided on the fundamentals of the decision-making process. Employees receive insight into a particular problem, issue or strategy and the cognitive tools necessary for breaking down the issue into problem-solving components (Rampur, 2012). Using this management style,  employees continually enhance their knowledge of how the company operates and are able to bring ever-improving skills to the workplace. One more form of participatory management includes a forum in which employees are recognized regularly for their achievements and contributions. The reward approach is designed to increase performance, motivate employees and provide positive reinforcement for a job well done. Employees also have the opportunity to see how their contributions directly affect the company in a positive manner. The final method of participatory management is shared decision-making management. In this method employees participate in focus group, complete surveys, participate in brainstorming sessions and often work in self-monitored groups on specific tasks and projects. Management typically provides parameters for employees to work within and to contribute suggestions and ideas, and many also feature a formal review process to ensure every idea is weighed and vetted carefully. As a leader there is purely no healthier way to make people feel valued than to ask them openly, for their advice. A leader can pat people on the back and recognize their efforts but this is not as effective in encouraging people as incorporating them in the decision making process. Employees who play a part in deciding what to do feel a much greater amount of ownership over making it happen. Depending on the organization and the leader will determine which method of participatory management to use if any. Conclusion Leaders are many things to different people. They are the ones making decisions, communication with people, resolving issues. A leader has to have many attributes to be effective. This includes being able to cultivate relations with other people and departments, not to mention being able to lead, develop and enhance coworkers, and the organization. For this paper we have discussed the basic skills that a leader must possess in order to succeed in building effective relationships. We also discussed some of the methods used to build effective relationships with superiors and peers. Finally we looked at the role of the leader in different participatory management methods.

Netspeak Is Something Completely New English Language Essay

Netspeak Is Something Completely New English Language Essay In this essay, I will briefly identify the key features of Netspeak outlined by Crystal and subsequently attempt to evaluate his assertion that Netspeak can be classed as a fourth medium. In his book, Language and the Internet, Crystal states, Netspeak relies on characteristic belonging to both sides of the speech/writing divide I aim to decide whether this is the case or whether it is simply an aggregate of written and spoken characteristics. To begin his analysis, Crystal first establishes the key differences between written and spoken language and the criteria for each; he then applied each to Netspeak with reference to different areas of the internet. Table 1 illustrates the application of spoken language, with Table 2 doing the same for written. Table 1: Spoken language criteria applied to Netspeak (Crystal, 2006, p. 45) Web Blogging e-mail Chatgroups Virtual worlds Instant messaging Time-bound No No Yes, but differently Yes, but differently Yes, but differently Yes Spontaneous No Yes, but restricted Variable Yes, but restricted Yes, but restricted Yes Face-to-face No No No No No No, unless camera used Loosely structured Variable Yes Variable Yes Yes Yes Socially interactive No, with increasing options No, with increasing options Variable Yes, but restricted Yes, but restricted yes Immediately revisable No No No No No No Prosodically rich No No No No No No A key point in favour of Crystals argument is the lack of likeness to spoken language, however some features of spoken language is present for example, short constructions, phrasal repetition and looser sentence construction (Crystal, 2006). Nevertheless, there are crucial differences, including the absence of kinesics and proxemics that are essential for expressing personal opinions and attitudes in spoken language, as well as moderating social relationships to avoid disambiguation. Smileys or emoticons are used, particularly on social media sites, chat groups and in online messaging, in an attempt to replace these language features as without the common courtesies of spoken language, online messages may well be construed as impolite or offensive. However, the semantic role of emoticons are limited and can lead to misunderstanding themselves (Crystal, 2006), especially as they often appear in different formats. Further attempts have been made to replace paralinguistic features in instant messaging or on social media sites like Twitter and Facebook. Exaggerated use of spelling and punctuation, capitals and repeated letters and/or punctuation marks such as, NOOOOO!!!!, aaaaaah and woooooo are all common. Nevertheless, although capable of expressiveness, the range of meaning from these exaggerations is limited to emphasis, surprise and puzzlement. (Crystal, 2006) Spontaneity is probably the most obvious distinction between spoken language and Netspeak. A web page is never spontaneous as it is written, published, and then can be viewed years later. If an article from an online newspaper, or a blog, were viewed, it would not be unusual for said article to be a couple of years old. In terms of written language also, it could have been edited, with its content updated, layout altered or, if it is one of the larger newspapers, its advertising sponsor may have changed. An article on the Guardian website for example could have been written in 2007, yet been updated in 2011 to be relevant to current affairs. During these 4 years, the Guardian may have changed their sponsor from 02 to Hilton Hotels and so the adverts down the side will have changed too, and so on. Whilst these changes will have been made online, the same article printed in the Guardian newspaper in 2007 will remain un-edited in print form. Even instant messaging lacks the spontaneity of speech; a face-to-face conversation normally runs at 5 to 6 syllables a second, instant messaging however, must include time for the recipient to read and type their reply. An email could take even longer to respond months, although unusual , is not impossible. Table 2: Written language criteria applied to Netspeak (Crystal, 2006, p. 47) Web Blogging e-mail Chatgroups Virtual worlds Instant messaging Space-bound Yes, with options Yes Yes, but routinely deleted Yes, but restricted Yes, but restricted Yes, but moves off-screen rapidly Contrived Yes Variable Variable No, but with some adaption No, but with some adaption No Visually decontextuali-sed Yes, but with considerable adaption Yes Yes Yes Yes, but with some adaption Yes, unless camera used Elaborately structured Yes Variable Variable No No No Factually communicative Yes Yes Yes Variable Yes, but with some adaption Variable Repeatedly revisable Yes Variable Variable No No No Prosodically rich Yes, but differently No, with increasing options No No Yes, but differently No We must also consider that a large proportion of the language on the internet is written with the intention an audience of more than one will read it. Emails, along with other messages, are normally, but not always revised before sent, and web pages or articles from online magazines for example are edited before publishing. It is clear from Table 2 that there are a greater number of similarities between Netspeak and written language than Netspeak and Spoken. Equally, there is still a large number of further dissimilarities not yet discussed, for example, a user can interfere with a text from a web page through copy and paste, downloading or other methods not possible using traditional written texts. Thus, it is clear that Netspeak is closer to written language than spoken although there are still dissimilarities; this is where Netspeak has been described as written language pulled towards spoken. Whilst I am prepared to agree with this, I feel that Crystals assertion that Netspeak is a new medium is more accurate. Yes, Netspeak displays characteristics of both written and spoken forms of language, there are too many dissimilarities, at the moment, to enable us to categorically state to which category Netspeak belongs. The internet is constantly growing, likewise language evolving, so this may change. However with language as it currently stands, I feel Crystals assertion that Netspeak is a fourth medium is accurate.

Free Grapes of Wrath Essays: Religion in The Grapes of Wrath :: Grapes Wrath essays

Religion in The Grapes of Wrath  Ã‚      In The Grapes of Wrath the author, John Steinbeck, presents religion in several ways including the fanaticism of the Sin Watchers, Jim Casy’s parallel character to Jesus Christ, and through the use of symbolism throughout the novel.   Through these methods, Steinbeck weaves a web in which religion is presented as a double-edged blade; one can go to the path of being truly a devout, kind person, or one can choose the path of zealously, condemning all who would oppose or go against their views.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Sin Watchers represent the epitome of religious zeal.   They force their ideals upon others, and they point out the sinful ways of their fellow camp-mates.   These people Steinbeck presents as evil aberrations who disrupt the otherwise peaceful life at the government camp.   The most viewed Sin Watcher was the woman who berated Rose Of Sharon for her â€Å"sinful† ways.   This horrid woman told Rose Of Sharon that because of the hug-dancing and other fun activities, the baby would be stillborn.   Sadly, the baby was born dead, but not necessarily due to Rose Of Sharon’s activities.   This woman instilled in Rose Of Sharon the idea that it was her fault that the baby did not survive.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Jim Casy’s actions bore a close resemblance to the actions of Jesus Christ.   In the time the book was published, this was viewed as an act of blasphemy.   As discussed in class, many of the acts, trials, and tribulations of Jim Casy (along with the ominous JC initials) parallel those of Jesus.   Jim Casy represents the epitome of personal reverence, despite his renunciation of preaching.     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Throughout The Grapes of Wrath, religious symbols crop up, further explaining the significance of the section.   One use of symbolism is that when on the road to California, Tom encounters a snake.   Already established in the novel is the fact that to the Goads, California represents a place of great wealth, freedom, and prosperity.   It is a Garden of Eden, so to speak.   The Garden of Eden had a serpent who brought the Wrath of God upon Adam and Eve.   The serpent supplied them with the forbidden fruit.   California is forbidden to outsiders and migrants.

Science, Technology, and Morality as Perceived in Mary Shelleys Franke

  Ã‚   In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley challenges the motives and ethical uncertainties of the scientific developments of her time. This critique has become increasingly relevant as modern scientists endeavor into previously unimagined realms of the natural world through the use of cloning and genetic engineering. Through careful analysis, we can see how the novel illustrates both the potential dangers of these exploits and the irony of the conflicts between science and creationism.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Prior to the birth of the story, Mary Shelley had begun to learn of advancements and speculation in the scientific world of the early nineteenth century; in Frankenstein's introduction, editor M. K. Joseph asserts that "Mary Shelley wrote in the infancy of modern science, when its enormous possibilities were just beginning to be seen" (xii). Interest in electricity, premature concepts of evolution, and other post-Enlightenment developments seized the attention of Mary and her lover, English writer Percy Shelley. Scientific news and rumors provided as numerous topics for discussion between the Shelleys and their peers: "Many and long were the conversations between Byron and [Percy] Shelley . . . various philosophical doctrines were discussed, and among others the principle of life, and whether there was any probability of its ever being discovered and communicated," wrote Shelley in her 1831 introduction.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Marylin Butler, in her article "The first Frankenstein   and Radical Science," describes how William Lawrence, a physician, lecturer, and friend to the Shelleys, may have had a profound influence on the Shelleys' perceptions and opinions of science. Butler reports how Lawrence was a passionate student of "materialist science," a re... ...ngman York Press, 1992. Garber, Frederick. The Autonomy of the Self from Richardson to Huysmans. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1982. Kass, Leon R.   Toward a More Natural Science.  Ã‚   New York: The Free Press, 1985. Levine, George. The Endurance of Frankenstein. Los Angeles: Moers, 1974. Nelkin, Dorothy.   "Genetics, God, and Sacred DNA."   Society May/June 1996: 22-25. Patterson, Arthur Paul. A Frankenstein Study. http://www.watershed.winnipeg.mb.ca/Frankenstein.html Shelley, Mary.   Frankenstein.   Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1980. Smith, Christopher. Frankenstein as Prometheus. http://www.umich.edu/~umfandsf/class/sf/books/frank/papers/FrankCS.html Spark, Muriel. Mary Shelly. New York: Dutton, 1987. Williams, Bill. On Shelley's Use of Nature Imagery. http://www.umich.edu/~umfandsf/class/sf/books/frank/papers/FrankWJW.html Science, Technology, and Morality as Perceived in Mary Shelley's Franke   Ã‚   In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley challenges the motives and ethical uncertainties of the scientific developments of her time. This critique has become increasingly relevant as modern scientists endeavor into previously unimagined realms of the natural world through the use of cloning and genetic engineering. Through careful analysis, we can see how the novel illustrates both the potential dangers of these exploits and the irony of the conflicts between science and creationism.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Prior to the birth of the story, Mary Shelley had begun to learn of advancements and speculation in the scientific world of the early nineteenth century; in Frankenstein's introduction, editor M. K. Joseph asserts that "Mary Shelley wrote in the infancy of modern science, when its enormous possibilities were just beginning to be seen" (xii). Interest in electricity, premature concepts of evolution, and other post-Enlightenment developments seized the attention of Mary and her lover, English writer Percy Shelley. Scientific news and rumors provided as numerous topics for discussion between the Shelleys and their peers: "Many and long were the conversations between Byron and [Percy] Shelley . . . various philosophical doctrines were discussed, and among others the principle of life, and whether there was any probability of its ever being discovered and communicated," wrote Shelley in her 1831 introduction.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Marylin Butler, in her article "The first Frankenstein   and Radical Science," describes how William Lawrence, a physician, lecturer, and friend to the Shelleys, may have had a profound influence on the Shelleys' perceptions and opinions of science. Butler reports how Lawrence was a passionate student of "materialist science," a re... ...ngman York Press, 1992. Garber, Frederick. The Autonomy of the Self from Richardson to Huysmans. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1982. Kass, Leon R.   Toward a More Natural Science.  Ã‚   New York: The Free Press, 1985. Levine, George. The Endurance of Frankenstein. Los Angeles: Moers, 1974. Nelkin, Dorothy.   "Genetics, God, and Sacred DNA."   Society May/June 1996: 22-25. Patterson, Arthur Paul. A Frankenstein Study. http://www.watershed.winnipeg.mb.ca/Frankenstein.html Shelley, Mary.   Frankenstein.   Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1980. Smith, Christopher. Frankenstein as Prometheus. http://www.umich.edu/~umfandsf/class/sf/books/frank/papers/FrankCS.html Spark, Muriel. Mary Shelly. New York: Dutton, 1987. Williams, Bill. On Shelley's Use of Nature Imagery. http://www.umich.edu/~umfandsf/class/sf/books/frank/papers/FrankWJW.html

Bureaucratic Politics and Intelligence in the Falklands War 1982 Essay

The Farklands war began on Friday, 2 April 1982. The fight was between Argentina and the United Kingdom (UK). The main dispute was over Farklands Islands and South Georgia and the other Islands known as South Sandwich. The fatalities of the violence included many people such as left-wing activists, trade unionists, students and even journalists. The Farkland Island was well known for its abundant supply of oil within its territorial waters. Argentina had already occupied the islands which was a British colony. Their main aim was to relocate attention from economical and social problems at that particular time (Grant, 2000, 3). Therefore, it was a political contrive by the Argentine political government to break away from its own state of social conflicts. Jorge Rafael Videla’s military dictatorship as part of the Operation Condor carried out the state terrorism. The Farklands conflict marked the great use of modern weapon systems under the military theorists. All the main elements of military theory came into practice at that period. This included several elements such as public enthusiasm, national determination, opportunity and miscalculation. Additionally, the war was itself an inquisitive combination of modern high-tech warfare and low-tech. The British forces were much outnumbered on the war ground. They never had the exact air true covers and only what they had was the aircraft that came with the task force. The bureaucratic politics played a major role in ensuring the victory of the British during the Farklands war. For instance, four factors are said to have neccessitated the British success. This includes, effective and sufficient training of the military, good leadership by the political leaders who gave them a lot of support, courage in the army and above all the Britain’s closest supporter, the United States. The endorsement of the United State’s policy towards the Farklands conflict provides an adequate evidence of how bureaucratic politics was involved during the war. The proper response of the above mentioned policy was properly constituted and played at the highest levels of the Reagan administration. The process was mainly confined entirely to the executive branch which was by that time dominated by the conformist view of the America’s place in the whole world. On the other hand, Graham T. Allison’s bureaucratic politics did not support the acceptance of the foreign policy goals. The president Reagan’s leadership style, the relationship of assorted personalities, conflicting interpretations of national interest and the opposing bureaucratic imperatives played a main role in creating a situation that was being characterized by disperse power and multiple actions in the war (Gustafson, 1998, 14). During the 1982 Falklands war, the Thatcher government attempted to assume an isolated and remote colony in the South Atlantic as British sovereign territory was very important in ensuring the mobilization of the media and also the support for the war recovery campaign. The re-imaginative process also included the role of the rural imagery. Additionally, the government-imposed censorship enhanced positive reporting of the war campaign. During the Falklands war, there were some negotiations between the two sides to avoid war but an agreement was never reached. This means that the use of diplomacy had failed in the Falklands Islands (Mauro, nd, 3). The main reason that constituted to this disagreement is that, there was a lot of misconstruction between the British and the Argentines. For instance, The Argentines never believed that the British would retaliate and on the other hand, the British always fought to believe that Argentina wanted a peaceful solution. Regarding the president’s personalities they were required to remain and appear very strong in terms of the diplomatic principles. The diplomatic solution was however not reached in the Falklands due to the political self-preservation, practical obstructions and diplomatic principle that were being practiced by the political leaders. During that time of war, the Argentina’s rulers were under the General Galtieri, a murderous, unpopular military junta. When they invaded the Falklands islands, they decided to make themselves less unpopular at home with the forces of Argentine prejudice behind them. This enabled them to be aware of all what was happening in the world around them and support Galtieri invasion and occupation. Margaret Thatcher together with her government in Britain was at that particular time very unpopular at home too. As a result of 1982 defeat, a vicious and incompetent dictatorship was overthrown in Argentina and then democracy was restored back (Robert, 1988, 428). The army was subjected to a civilian rule and was also transformed into modern professional institutions that were devoted to regional integration and peace. The Role of Intelligence in Explaining the War of Falklands 1982. The Britain intelligence professionals disregarded signs of political unrest and particular military intelligence communications from Argentina. As a result of their ignorance, they were vulnerable to surprise attacks. Another factor that contributed to the acceleration of the Falkland conflict was the neglected United State diplomatic efforts and reactions. The British were enjoying the privilege to access the U. S intelligence in their policy making. Intelligence was only considered to be the main determining factor in making of foreign policy that was being used during the war (Justin, 2007, 6). Application of intelligence enabled the successful conduct of the military operations of the Britain and the Argentina government. Domestic ratification of international agreement which seemed so much peculiar was applied during the Farkland war. In win-set game theory, the agreement was only possible if those win-sets overlaps and the larger each win-set and more probably they overlap. However, the smaller the win-sets, the more the risk those negotiations between the parties will finally break down. This was the same case that applied during the prolonged pre-war Anglo-Argentine conciliation over the Farklands islands. Tentative agreements were opposed in one capital or the other. This was mainly caused by political reasons when it became vivid that the earlier British and Argentine win-sets did not overlap at. As a result, the war became virtually inevitable. The negotiations were interpreted in terms of a bureaucratic politics model of level 11 politicking The armed forces of Britain were much closer to those of the United States and their air forces worked together during the Falklands war. The Britain also had well collaboration of weapons programme which was very strong in the nuclear area (Sean, 2007, 9). Additionally, there was much co-operation on human intelligence between Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Britain’s Secret Intelligence service (SIS). The intelligence services included satellite photos, unmanned aerial vehicles and other defense intelligence staff. Therefore, the Britain found it much easier to re-conquer Falklands because of the American intelligence. The Argentines used up-to date intelligence together with their detailed skills and knowledge. For instance, the Argentine ships were sailing to and around the Falkland Islands testing the Argentine defenses. During the Falklands conflict, France seemed to be very helpful to the Britain in support of intelligence. For instance, President Mitterrand instructed the French intelligence services to help the Britain track the movements of an Argentine ship that sailed close to France and Spain and was suspected of trying to get French-made military hardware. Additionally, the selective discharges of French signals intelligence were of great benefit to the Britain during the Falklands war. References Gustafson, L 1988, The Sovereignty Dispute over the Falkland (Malvinas) Islands, Oxford University Press, New York Justin, V 2007, Argentina and Britain: the lessons of war, viewed 5 August 2010 from Mauro, J nd, The Falklands Islands War: Diplomatic Failure in April 1982. Wake forest University, viewed on 5 August 2010 from Robert, D 1988, Diplomacy and Domestic Politics: The Logic of Two-level Game. International Organization, Vol. 42, No. 3, p. 427-460. Viewed 5 August 2010 from Sean, M 2007, Some Reflections on the Falklands War and the Kitsch-left Now Viewed on 5 August 2010 from Grant, C 2000, Intimate Relations, viewed 5 August 2010 from

Explain How to Manage Disagreements with Children, Young People and Adults Essay

Very often in my life I have found myself in the middle of the conflict. We have to be very wise, diplomatic and try to help to solve the problem if somebody asks us to. Many times people know how to sort it out or what must be done to solve the problem but they are too emotionally involved and at that moment and they simply are not able to do anything. If such a situation happened it is good to listen and give them time to calm down. It can take just few minutes or longer period of time. Important thing is to keep patient; this may be hard to do but it is important to keep a cool head. At times I am required to mediate discussions over a period of time until both parties feel that the issue has been resolved to their satisfaction. Might be conflicts at work, between husband and wife, among friends, among children at school or at home. 1. Firstly when we want to manage disagreements the skill of listening to both sides of the conflict and assessing the whole situation is required before making any decisions. I Also checking their non-verbal communication and make sure I am aware of what caused the conflict in reality. Working with Roma children I found out that sometimes they bring their conflicts from previous disagreement. Verbal conflicts are easier to manage than physical disagreements. 2. Secondly I must be completely sure that both sides want and are ready to resolve the conflict. If the children stay angry or refuse to communicate helping them to negotiate will be impossible to do. Few days ago one Roma boy was hit by another friend. They kept saying different stories what happened to them as they were looking at this problem from their own point of view. Other children witnessed the incident and helped by explaining what happened. Sometimes I ask both sides separately as this gives more of a clearer picture and I make sure they are honest. 3. Next important issue during the whole process of helping to manage disagreements is that I will act as a helper for resolving the issue but allow them to have some responsibility in sorting the problem out. They must do it by themselves. I can lead the discussion or help them to find resolution this will encourage them to sort differences and enable them to feel proud. We have to know the personalities of children or adults involved. Otherwise, not knowing the weakest points can cause barriers and this will result in the problem not being solved. 4. Another very important point is win/win resolutions. This means that both parties will gain once the disagreement has been resolved. Once I feel that I have identified the real issue, I will point it out to them and ask them if they agree. This will end the disagreement and will also dismiss any future problems that may occur. When any disagreement happens be creative solving it. Try to think of as many different solutions to the problem as you can. The mediator and the parties involved should try to think through the conflict before any meetings, and then again when you get together and begin your discussion. Allow your discussion to flow in as many different directions as they can, as long as emotions don’t get too heated, in order to resolve the conflict effectively. The most important thing is to take other peoples feeling into consideration.

Abraham Lincoln and Slavery Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Abraham Lincoln and Slavery - Essay Example Undoubtedly, Abraham Lincoln is considered one of the most prominent and remarkable president in the America’s history. He lived between February 12, 1809 and April 15, 1865. He was the 16th president of the United States. He served as president from March 1861 until 1865 when he was assassinated. The reason why he is considered the most important president in America’s history is the fact that he led the country through major military, moral, and constitutional crisis - the American Civil War. During his presidency period through this crisis, he was able to end slavery, promote financial and economic modernization, and preserve the Union. 1 Lincoln was brought up in a poor family after his father, Thomas Lincoln, had lost his land through court cases, having been accused of possessing property titles which were faulty. Lincoln, therefore, did not enjoy most of the luxuries that were enjoyed by children from relatively rich family; luxuries such as quality education, go od-conditioned housing, and descent meals among others. Regarding Lincoln’s education, it is approximated that he spent only one-year worth of classes in his formal elementary; most of education he received from various itinerant teachers. It is worth pointing out that he was an avid reader and he acquired most of his knowledge through self-education.2 He eventually became a country lawyer, legislator of Illinois State, and the US House of Representatives member for one term, but he failed twice in his attempt to capture US Senate seat. Lincoln married Mary Todd on November 4, 1842 and got two children, namely Robert and Edward. His political career began on March 1832 with his first campaign for a post in the Illinois General Assembly. Lincoln had professed in 1861 that he had been a steadfast Whig; Whig was a party that subscribed to the ideas of espoused urbanization, protective tariffs in order to fund internal developments, and economic modernization. His beliefs in Whig ’s ideology informed most of his political decisions especially concerning America’s economic growth and development.3 Besides, he favoured unification of the US nation and opposed slavery and its expansion in the US. Therefore, the questions of how and why Lincoln’s ideas about slavery evolved are considered in this paper; besides, it tackles his ideas about Blacks and the institution of slavery. It seems to nearly every person who knows about Abraham Lincoln that his belief on slavery and race was well-defined and firm. It is a well-documented fact that Lincoln was against slavery and racism in period prior to his presidency and after. However, what still puzzles historians, political scientists, and other individuals concerned with Lincoln’s history and issues to do with slavery is whether his fight against the aforementioned issues was because of him being a politician or a leader. Until 1850s, slavery was legal in the southern US but had been outlawe d in the northern states like Illinois. Lincoln was opposed to slavery and its spread, especially to the new territory of western states. As a young person, Lincoln had little knowledge on slavery that was dominant in the south because he had seen little of it as a child. As he grew older, his stance on slavery developed because of what he witnessed and experienced. Lincoln’s marriage to Mary Told contributed greatly to his developed stance on the slavery issue since Mary had had first-hand contact with slavery as she came from a slave- owning family; she, therefore, narrated to him slavery stories.4 In addition, having had a career as an attorney provided him with experience on slavery issue.5 He handled several slavery cases, the most notable being Bailey v. Cromwell and Matson

Strategic Relationships in the Organisations Supply Chain Essay

Strategic Relationships in the Organisations Supply Chain - Essay Example The researcher states that to analyze the existing supply chain relationship various methods are there which can be employed to find out how the partners in a supply chain are performing and is the relationship only seems useful or is productive and beneficial for the organization. Either we can go in a stepwise manner and review performance of each supply chain component, or we can view the who process as one unit and do its SWOT analysis through which we can easily find out the weak link in the entire process and then can work or finding a solution for that weakness. Now the main benefit that we’ll achieve through SWOT analysis is that we’ll have a full-scale analysis of our supply chain process, i.e., We’ll identify our core strengths which shall be quite helpful for us. Knowing our core strengths, we can focus on those areas or components to further improve and excel which will not much take time and improve our efficiency. By knowing our weakness, we’ ll know what factors have been harming us and what steps are needed to be made to eliminate the weakness or is the weakness due to such a weak link then we need to arrange alternate measure to fulfill the requirement on the temporary basis. Next finding opportunities to established new and stronger relationships will help us grasp any such opportunity which shall be helpful in the more extended run for the organization. Finally, identification of threat will help us stay prepared for any troublesome or problematic situation which in normal circumstance would be disastrous for the organization and would have damaged the organization’s image as well as a result in the financial loss as well. The process of management of various human, machine, technological and other resources and maintaining the relationships that the organization has it's with supply chain stakeholders which include staff, employees, labor, supplier, etc. to ultimately develop end-product for the customer fro m mere raw materials through addition of value is called Supply Chain Management.

Nursing Theories Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Nursing Theories - Essay Example Several factors are associated with the HPM, namely; the lifestyle, psychological status, socio-cultural traits, general outlook, and biological factors. The relationships between variables are outlined in the figure below. The HPM is based on an input-outcome structure – one that is mainly dependent on the inputs by the individual to determine the expected outcomes. This type of structure makes it easy to track the impacts of an intervention on the overall health of a group since the levels of input can be matched to corresponding output levels. The assumptions for the model are: These assumptions are based on philosophical values of the individual. HPM can be generalized to different studies, including the present case of lack of the important perinatal care and accompanying education in the correctional facilities. Ricketts, D. (2014). What is the health promotion model? – Definition and theory. Retrieved from http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/what-is-the-health-promotion-model-definition-theory.html (Accessed 7th February,

Electronic word of mouth (eWOM) Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Electronic word of mouth (eWOM) - Assignment Example The eWOM as a marketing strategy depends on how the organizations trigger the altruistic motives of the consumers so that they can be advocates of the company’s brand on an online platform through relaying of feedback. They could do this by developing catchy ad messages to relay via the internet to their customers hence offering an excellent base for interaction to generate a good eWOM in customers. The outfit concerning eWOM should bring forth returns to either the company or the individual who has invested time in knowing. Expert’s opinion is very strong in eWOM compared to any other opinion. Because they will use the eWOM platform to offer professional counsel and as such demand incentives, the economic returns are tenable. What the expert think about your product will determine the consumption rate. When experts pass negative opinions via eWOM in a faster way than positive opinions, consumers scare from the product. However, when it comes to incentives, they will work in a manner to suit the

The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin - Essay Example The same is the case with the marital-knot that also implements restrictions on spouses by determining their rights and obligations towards one another. Though apparently the individuals feel rejoice on entering into matrimonial relationship, by taking it as the sign and symbol of complement, harmonizing and completeness; yet unconsciously they look for revolting against the limitations had been imposed upon them in the name of love and marriage. The same is the case with Louise, the protagonist of the story under analysis by Chopin. Being the torch-bearer of feminist rights, renowned fiction-writer Kate Chopin has pointed out towards the drawbacks and constraints the woman folk has to undergo in the sacred name of home and marriage. Apparently, women are bestowed upon with financial support, protection, comforts and sexual gratification, after getting married, according to the prevailing socio-religious norms, yet in reality, they are confined within the boundaries described and det ermined by their husbands for the exercising of their talent, abilities and activities at large. There is no doubt in the very fact that they have developed emotional and sentimental bonds with their husbands, yet quite unconsciously they feel the suppression of their freedom inflicted by the males upon them. The same is the theme of the story, where the protagonist Mrs. Louise Mallard, the young lady as well as patient of depression and heart disease, bursts into tears as soon as her sister Josephine and her husband’s friend Richards mildly and indirectly break the news of her husband’s death in rail-road accident. She falls in Josephine’s arms, which throw light on her fear of being unprotected after the death of her sheltering tree i.e. Brently Mallard. (788). Hence, the author has supported the very idea that the male members of family (including fathers, husbands and brothers) are source of security, and an unseen sense of protection is attributed to them i n respect of their women. Even Louise is aggrieved on hearing the news about her husband’s death, yet she seeks sigh of relief while she is alone in her room. She opens windows and enjoys with the natural and social panorama outside the window pane. It looks that unbolting of window has wide opened new horizons of merriment, opportunities, successes and tranquility for her. (789). Even the street hawker’s voice appears to be pleasant and enjoyable to her. Chirping of birds, blowing breeze, swaying leaves and freely moving humans and other living creatures—all communicate one and the same message of liberty and independence to Louise. Thus, her sub-conscious pricks her mind that the marital-knot had tied her with the strings that were dependent of her husband for the slightest movement even. It is therefore, the depressing and painful death news gives her the message of release from the marriage prison. Louise is so absorbed in the imagination of liberty, which s he fantasizes in its full swing that she does not allow any external interference that could put her imagination in jeopardy even for the time being. It is therefore she turns the deaf ear to the Josephine’s appeals she makes to her for unlocking the door of her room. (790). By this she simply means the break the ray of sorrow Louise has been experiencing. However, it is not the case altogether, as Louise appears to be longing for a tranquil life for the future days to come. It is therefore on finding Brently alive, she cannot resist the

Critique of Research Article Essay Essay Example for Free

Critique of Research Article Essay Essay The purpose of this essay is to recognize specific aspects of the clinical nursing research paper done by Carlee Lehna and Jack McNeil. I will define and discuss these aspects. In clinical research articles there are literature reviews that give background information as to the problem and research that was performed in the study, and why this problem needed to be studied (Burnes Grove, 2011). The literature review in this particular study explains to the reader about the contrast in health literacy of English speaking only parents and Spanish speaking only parents and what tools the researchers used to measure the parents’ health literacy of their child’s health care. The review was very thorough and understandable. The authors named a couple of different tools and how those tools measured literacy. They also explain why they chose the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults tool (TOFHLA), it was the only test that was available in English and Spanish. After reading another article there is another test called Newest Vital Sign. This test is also in English and Spanish takes less time and has only six questions. (Cornett, 2009). Using one test to measure their healt literacy is a limitation. The problem statement helps the reader identify the dilemma for the target population in the research and why it needs further exploration. Burns McNeil discuss that the lower health literacy of the parents the poorer outcomes of their children (Lehna McNeil, 2008). The purpose of this study is to measure the difference in health literacy in two groups of different language speaking parents, i. e. English and Spanish (Lehna McNeil, 2008). The relationship between the problem statement and purpose statement is that the purpose statement is the how the authors are going to find the fix for the problem. The problem statement in this article very clear that the low health literacy is directly related to poor outcomes. The purpose statement is concise and easy to comprehend. In the Lehna McNeil article, the word purpose is mentioned several times and it may make it harder for the reader to decipher the purpose statement, this is a limitation. Target population is a larger total sample group that meets a criteria (Burnes Grove, 2011). Sample is the particular group that participated in the study (Burnes Grove, 2011). The target group in this particular study meet the criteria of parents/caregivers that either only speak English or Spanish and that their children were treated at Shriners Hospital for Children in Galveston, Texas. The sample group is much smaller, they meet the criteria and participated in the tests, interviews and focus groups. These different ways that the researchers used to gather information is a strength. Two of the limitations with the sample is that they only studied parents from one hospital and the authors just specified the language as Spanish, there are many different dialects in those Spanish speaking countries that some information could be lost in translation. The five parts of the study were very easy to recognize. By dissecting this study it helped me identify and learn those 5 parts. I feel a bit more comfortable in reading research papers. This research study was very interesting because I can relate to the difficulty with trying to explain health issues with Spanish speaking families. References Burnes, N. , Grove, S. K. (2011). Understanding Nursing Research: Building an Evidence-Based Practice (5th Ed. ). Maryland Heights, MO: Elsevier. Cornett, S. (2009, Sept 30). Assessing and Addressing Health Literacy. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 14. http://dx. doi. org/10. 3912/OJIN. Vol14No03Man02 Lehna, C. , McNeil, J. (2008, April 2). Mixed-Method Exploration of Parents’ Health Understanding. Clinical Nursing Research, http://cnr. sagepub. com/

Analysis And Evaluation Of Change In Avon

Analysis And Evaluation Of Change In Avon The main aim of this report is to investigate an organisation that is undergoing major strategic change. Firstly the report will describe the change that has been adopted. It will then evaluate the effectiveness of the change strategy in terms of the organisations structure, culture and politics. Finally the report will recommend and evaluate an integrated change strategy based on the three aspects. 2.0 A background of the organisation The organisation that has been selected is Avon Cosmetics Limited. Avon is a global manufacturer and marketer of beauty and related products. The company markets to women in more than 100 countries through more than 5 million independent Avon sales representatives. Product categories include: Beauty, which consists of cosmetics, fragrances, skincare and toiletries; Beauty Plus, which consists of fashion jewellery, watches, etc and Beyond Beauty, which consists of home products, gift and decorative products, candles and toys. (Avon, 2008 and Keynote, 2007) Avons company profile has been explored further in appendix 1 2.1 The meanings and theories of strategic change According to Lynch (2000, p921), Strategic change is the pro-active management of change in organisations to achieve clearly identified strategic objectives. It may be undertaken using either prescriptive or emergent strategic approaches. On the other hand Mintzberg et al. (2003) give five definitions of strategy and they are: a plan, a ploy, a pattern, a position and a perspective. It somehow agrees with Hayes (2002, p58) who states that a change strategy is essentially a plan to make things happen. It needs to address all the things that have to be done to bring about the change. However De Wit and Meyer (2004, cited in Hughes, 2006) emphasise that not all change is strategic and that much is operational. Operational changes are necessary to maintain the business and organizational systems, whereas strategic changes are directed at renewing them. 2.2 Avons strategic change Avons vision statement is to: To be the company that best understands and satisfies the product service and self-fulfilment needs of women globally According to Mintel (2006), the make-up market is growing fast in terms of fashion trends and has attracted many new brands over the past ten years. The cosmetic industry is very lucrative, innovative and fast paced industry. Therefore Avon has to watch the economy and rely on their brands. Being a global manufacturer and marketer of beauty and related products, Avon has been through several changes since it was founded in 1886. For over 120 years, Avon has been devoted to empowering women by helping them to look good and feel beautiful. The major strategic change is to: à ¢- ª Commit on brand competitiveness by investing millions in research and development on product innovation and increase advertising; à ¢- ª Re-design the organizational structure to eliminate layers of management in order to take full advantage of the global scale and size; and à ¢- ª Build a better tomorrow for women across the world both through representative earnings and helping millions of women to become entrepreneurs and run their own business. (Avon, 2008) (MultiChannel Marketing, 2007) It is suggested by Johnson and Scholes (2002) that we need to understand the magnitude of the challenge faced in trying to effect strategic change. In order to diagnose the strategic change within Avon, it is useful to consider the type of change that is required. In order to identify the type of change that has been adopted within Avon, we will use the model from Balogun and Hailey (1999, cited in Johnson and Scholes, 2002, p536, exhibit 11.2). Looking at Avons strategic change, it is quite clear that the nature of change will be incremental as it will build on the skills, routines and beliefs of those in the organization and the scope of change will be realignment as it will occur within the organizational beliefs and assumptions. The type of strategic change here will be adaptation as it will be accommodated within the current paradigm. Johnson et al. (2005) go to say that we need to consider the wider context in which change is to occur by understanding the organizational structure, culture, politics and the specific forces that will block and facilitate the change process. However there are other contextual characteristics that also need to be considered before embarking on a programme of change. They are: preservation, diversity, capability, capacity, readiness and power. 2.3 Organisational structure The effectiveness of change efforts is largely determined on how an organization is structured. In a world that is perpetually changing, an organisations design must support the idea that the implementation and re-implementation of a strategy is a continuous process. However, a number of traditional organizational design features tend to discourage change. (Lawler and Worley, 2006) According to Carnall (1999), an ideal organization structure will provide the right balance of information, power and resources to support the various activities within the organization in achieving its objectives. Appendix 2 shows the organisational structure of Avon and describes how it influences the identity and corporate image of the organization. It is clearly evident that Avon has been building bonds with women around the world by offering them a dynamic earnings opportunity to achieve economic independence, accomplish their financial goals and transform their lives. As a top global brand and world leader in beauty and related products, Avon continues to revolutionize the beauty industry by launching innovative, first-to-market products using Avon-patented technology. It also allows Avon a more direct response from consumers and allows them to sell their products without the expensive and lengthy process of getting it into traditional channels. Direct selling/marketing presents many benefits to consumers including avoiding hassles of traffic congestion, parking, lack of time, shortage of retail help and waiting at checkouts. (Wilkinson et al. 2007) Consumers can browse through Avon broch ures in the comfort of their home. 2.4 Organisational culture Just as the structure of Avon should fit the particular strategy it wishes to follow, so should its culture. An organisations culture is its deeply rooted traditions, values and beliefs. (Stacey, 2003) Bradt (2008) states that a winning company culture is simple and emphasizes three areas: serving the customer, growing the business, and developing employees. Whereas a losing culture is confusing and complex, places customer needs behind those of the company, and emphasizes personal gain over team achievement. Sopow (2007) goes on to say that there are high levels of mistrusts, poor communication and strong resistance if an organisations culture is unhealthy. Appendix 3 illustrates Avons organizational culture by using the cultural web model from Johnson and Scholes (2002, p232, fig 5.8). It is suggested by Cameron and Green (2004) that organizations should only involve themselves in culture change if the current culture does not adequately support the achievement of strategic objectives. Avons organizational culture in appendix 3 clearly indicates that the strategic change will be accommodated within the current paradigm and will occur within Avons beliefs and assumptions. 2.5 Organisational Politics In order to investigate the strategic change, it might be useful to regard corporations as political organizations and see strategy and change as part of internal politics within Avon. (Diedenbach, 2007) Johnson et al. (2005) states that there are two views of politics, one being healthy and the other one being unhealthy. While politics ensures that change is questioned and assessed, it also gets out of hand by showing a lack of commitment to a common vision and objectives. Morgan (1986, cited in Cameron and Green, 2004, p89) comments that Many people hold the belief that business and politics should be kept apart. However he contradicts this belief and this has been explored further in appendix 4. The most fundamental question from appendix 4 is whom should Avon be there for to serve? (Johnson et al. 2005) According to Joyce (1999), a stakeholder analysis requires you to identify the stakeholders, how they influence the organization, what the organization needs from each stakeholder and the stakeholders needs and expectations. Through the concept of organisational stakeholders, this question has been addressed in appendix 5. The analysis confirms the statement made by Andrea Jung, Avons Chairman and CEO Avons impeccable reputation is built upon a proud heritage of doing well by doing right. For more than a century, we have been setting the very highest example of integrity and ethics in all of our relationships with our shareholders, associates and Representatives; our suppliers and competitors; governments and the public. Our values and principles are the bedrock not only of Avons past but of its future. Avon was the first company to advertise, not tested on animals back in 1989 3.0 Evaluation of the proposed strategy The report has so far evaluated the effectiveness of the change strategy in terms of Avons organizational structure, culture and politics. It was found that the major strategic change does relate to the objectives of the organization and matches the organisationss capability, including its structure, culture and politics. However, being a global manufacturer and marketer of beauty and related products and a direct selling organisation, Avon is faced with several challenges. According to Wilkinson et al. (2007), direct selling activities vary fairly significantly from country to country. From appendix 1 and 2, we have established that Avons businesses are based on geographical operations in six regions and serving consumers in well over 100 countries. There are many factors to be considered and this involves understanding the market segment, competition, consumer behaviour, government rules and regulations, technological and social background. All of this is actually the external environment, which will either propel or halt the growth of business and so significant consideration needs to be given to them. Some of the competitive pressures that have been identified by Hill (2002) are cost reductions and local responsiveness. In terms of local responsiveness, pressures arise from a number of sources including: differences in consumer tastes and preferences, differences in infrastructure and traditional practices, differences in distribution channels and host government demands. Goll et al. (2007) go on to say that organizations must anticipate and respond to environmental changes to ensure competitiveness and, ultimately, survival. The basic assumptions underlying much of the strategic management is that successful firms change their strategies to attain a better fit with the environment. 3.1 The key environmental influences PEST analysis is a useful strategic tool for formulating business strategies, marketing planning, business and product development. It ensures that the organizations performance is aligned positively with the external forces of change that could impact business environment. (Report Buyer, 2008) According to Strickland and Thompson (1996), firms cannot directly control these external factors. It is stated by Johnson and Scholes (2002) that environmental forces which will be especially important for one organization may not be important for another. For example a retailer may only be concerned with local customer tastes and behaviour, whereas a global company such as Avon will be primarily concerned with government relations and understanding future policies of individual country governments with different political systems. Other factors will be the ability to compete with multinational rivals The PEST framework categorises environmental influences into four main types: political, economic, social, technological. The PEST analysis for Avon is discussed further in appendix 6. From the discussion, it is now possible to identify a number forces for change and forces against change. Carnall (1999) suggests that when major changes are in preparation, or are being implemented, it makes sense to prepare for, and manage change in the more professional ways. Lewin (1951, cited in Hayes, 2002) developed one of the ways called Force Field Analysis. According to Johnson et al. (2005), a force field analysis provides a view of change problems that need to be tackled, by identifying forces for and against change. Carnall (1999) suggests that Force Field analysis proceeds in four stages. Avons major strategy change has been used to conduct a Force field analysis in four stages. See appendix 7 for stages 1 and 2. The key points will now be used to proceed to stages 3 and 4. 3.2 Managing strategy change Lewin (1951) argued that change can only be effectively implemented when the forces driving change exceed the forces restraining change. Stage 3 underlines the forces that are the most important, builds on the change drivers and list actions to reduce the strengths of the restraining forces. In order to decide how Avons strategic change can be implemented, the strengths of the forces will be analysed by reducing the strengths of the forces opposing the change and increasing the forces pushing the change. A SWOT analysis will also be helpful as Avon will be able to use the top rated opportunities, exploit the top-rated strengths, counter the top-rated threats and rectify the top-rated weaknesses. Wickham (2000) states that, a SWOT analysis is an audit of the impact of environmental trends on the business and its external capabilities in terms of responding to them. Nutt and Backoff (1992, cited in Joyce, 1999) recommends combining SWOT analysis with a strategic issue agenda to identif y possible strategic actions. A SWOT analysis for Avon has been explored further in appendix 8. It is stated by Mullins (2002) that an organization can only perform effectively through interactions with the broader external environment. The force field analysis from appendix 7 resulted in a driving change force of 17 and a restraining change force of 21. These figures indicate that despite there being many incentives for a major strategy change within Avon, there are slightly more factors restraining the strategy change. Those individual forces that scored highest (with a score of 5) will now be discussed in greater detail below in order to better assess their impacts. The SWOT analysis in appendix 8 will help to increase the forces pushing the change and reduce the strengths the forces opposing the change. 3.3 Key driving forces for change The level of government intervention worldwide Having a presence in well over 100 countries, Avon is subject to foreign laws, rules, regulations or policies such as restrictions on trade, import and export license requirements, tariffs and taxes.(Avon, 2008) For example in China, the governments decision to ban door-to-door selling, as part of an effort to crack down on pyramid schemes, presented a threat. (Euromonitor, 2006) However in March 2006, the Chinese government granted a direct selling-selling licence. Since then Avon has recruited 300,000 door-to-door representatives in China, thus improving the economy of the country in terms of unemployment. Avon must continue to expand in other developing countries to prove how influential the Avon direct sales method can be and how it can transform the lives of women and achieve economic independence. Lucrative, innovative and fast paced industry In the cosmetic industry, consumers demands and needs change overtime. In order to satisfy the consumers, cosmetics firms are forced to innovate a new product, replace a product, or upgrade its products to meet the demands of consumers at all levels. (Akers and Porter, 1995 cited in Kumar et al. 2006) Through their research and development team in New York, Avon are developing new products and focusing on new technology and product innovation to deliver first-to-market products. (Avon, 2008) Although Avons chief marketing tool is its brochure, it should now expand its global advertising presence and communicate a more unified brand image throughout its international markets 3.4 Key restraining forces for change Cultural differences worldwide Although women all over the world have similar aspirations when it comes to beauty products and share the same desire to look their best, the challenge is to bring out differently formulated products to suit different skins colours and textures. Another factor, climate, should be considered when comparing regional preferences for cosmetics products. For example talc is used in hot countries to relieve perspiration, while in colder regions such as Russia and Eastern Europe it barely gets a look in. (Matthews, 2006). Product choices by country are also determined by consumers ¹ ability to pay. Avon should still continue to exploit the tremendous growth opportunities in other developing countries. Matthews (2006) states that big multinational companies are using consumer educational campaigns as a key means of promoting growth in countries characterized by low disposable income. For Avon with operations in over 100 countries a question of considerable importance is how does a societys culture affect workplace values? The most famous study of how culture relates to values in the workplace was undertaken by Geert Hofstede. He used four dimensions and one of them was masculinity versus femininity. (Hill, 2002). This dimension looks at the relationship between gender and work roles. In the case of Avon, feminine cultures sex roles are sharply differentiated and traditional feminine values, such as achievement and the exercise of power determined cultural ideals. Avon must consider the cultures of countries that are male dominant. Counterfeiting activity are Eastern Europe and China A counterfeit item is as good as cash. Counterfeiters are not just a few guys in a shed mixing cream and pouring them into a tin. They are linked to organised crime, money laundering and in some cases, even terror groups. And they always find the weakest route to the market. (www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com) According to keynote (2007), the main hubs of counterfeiting activity are Eastern Europe and China. As Avon operates in these two regions, these restraining forces can be reduced by launching anti-counterfeit drives in both regions. It has also been suggested by Eyre (2007) that heat-shrink labels with integrated holograms could help the cosmetics industry in the fight against counterfeiting and forgery. 4 Conclusions This report offers an attempt to understand the major strategic change undergone by Avon Cosmetics Limited. A number of conclusions are evident. Firstly the report evaluated the effectiveness of the change in relation to Avons structure, culture and politics. It was found that the major strategic change does relate to the objectives of the organization and matches the organisationss capability, including its structure, culture and politics. However, being a global manufacturer and marketer of beauty and related products and a direct selling organisation, Avon was faced with several challenges in the external environment. The factors were: fierce competitions from multinational companies, consumer behaviour worldwide, government rules and regulations, technological and social background. Finally, in order to manage the strategic change effectively, the report attempted to increase the two main forces pushing the change and reduce the strengths of the two main forces opposing the change. Bibliography Ansoff I., and M c Donnell, E. (1990) Implanting Strategic Management. 2nd Edition. Harlow: Pearson Education Limited Brooker, K. (2001) It took a lady to save Avon. Fortune. New York: 144 (7) 202-208 Bradt, G. 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Avon Cosmetics Ltd is one of the top 3 beauty brands in the country with growing market share in the UK beauty market. Since then Avon has established itself as a global leader in the beauty industry, serving to customers in over 100 countries around the world. Avon is now largest direct selling cosmetics organisation in the world and their product lines include the well-known brands Anew, Skin So Soft, Avon Colour, Advance Techniques and Today. The product categories include: cosmetics, fragrance, skincare .toiletries, fashion jewellery, watches, home products, gifts, candles, toys, lingerie, health, fitness and wellbeing products. Being a direct selling organisation, Avons shop window is its brochure. The brochure offers a wide selection of beauty and related products at affordable prices. Customers have access to these brochures either at home, work, social or leisure activities. Avon is committed to excellence- every beauty product that carries the Avon name carries with it the highest standards of product safety and integrity. Avon products are enjoyed by millions of women around the globe in over 100 countries through over 5 million independent sales Representatives often known as the Avon lady. Avons vision statement is to: To be the company that best understands and satisfies the product service and self-fulfilment needs of women globally (Avon, 2008) (Keynote, 2007) Appendix 2 Avons organisational structure Avons business is conducted worldwide primarily in one channel, direct selling. They are based on geographical operations in six regions. See below: Avon has sales operations in 63 countries, including America and Avon products are distributed in 51 more countries through distributorships. Sales of products are made through a combination of direct selling and marketing by 5.3 million Avon representatives worldwide. Representatives generally purchase products at a discount from a published brochure price directly from Avon and sell them to their customers. In many countries, representatives can use the internet to manage their own business online, including order submission, order tracking, payment, and a two way communication with Avon. In the US, representatives can build their own Avon business through personalised web pages. The research and development facility is located in New York. A team of researchers and technicians apply the disciplines of science to the practical aspects of bringing products to market around the world. Relationships with dermatologists and other specialists enhance the ability to deliver new formulas and ingredients to market. Satellite research facilities are also located in Brazil, China, Japan, Mexico and Poland (Avon, 2008). Appendix 3 Avons cultural web using model from Johnson and Scholes (2002, p232, fig 5.8) Stories Building bonds with women worldwide since 1886 to achieve economic independence and transform their lives Symbols Ding-Dong Avon calling. Worlds leading direct selling company of beauty and related products Power Chairman and CEO Vice Chairman Executive Vice Presidents Senior Vice Presidents for each of the six regions Routines Avon rep delivering brochures to own neighbourhood, customer chooses products, orders collected by rep products delivered back to customers (worldwide) Paradigm To be the beauty company most women turn to worldwide and creating lifelong customer relationships Controls High standards of product safety and integrity, rigorous quality controls on every product batch and no animal testing Organisation A flatter structure, equal opportunity employer where talent dedication are rewarded a whole range of training opportunities is available (Brooker, 2001) (Pellet, 2000) (Rose, 2000) (Avon, 2008) Appendix 4 The key beliefs of organisations as political systems are: à ¢- ª You cannot stay out of organisational politics as you are already in it; à ¢- ª Building support for your approach is essential if you want to make anything happen; à ¢- ª You need to know who is powerful, and who they are close to; à ¢- ª There is an important political map which overrides the organisational structure; à ¢- ª Coalitions between individuals are more important than work teams; à ¢- ª The most important decisions in an organisation is the allocation of resources, that is , who gets what, and these are reached through bargaining and negotiating. The above key beliefs lead to the following assumptions about organisational change: à ¢- ª The change will not work unless it is supported by a powerful person; à ¢- ª The wider the support for this change the better; à ¢- ª It is important to understand the political map, and to understand who will be winners and losers as a result of this change; and à ¢- ª Positive strategies include creating new coalitions and renegotiating issues Morgan (1986, cited in Cameron and Green, 2004) Appendix 5- Avons stakeholder analysis Bohret (1993, cited in Joyce 1999) suggests that drawing up tables of values to explore the goals and expectations of different social groups. See below for the stakeholder analysis for Avon. Stakeholder Power Interest Attitude Needs/expectations Government Worldwide H H Mixed Avon to meet or exceed all environmental laws of the countries and communities they operate Executive team H H Positive To give full recognition to employees and representatives worldwide, on whose contributions Avon depends and to share with others the rewards of growth and success All other employees L H Positive To achieve economic independence and an opportunity to earn in support of their well-being and happiness Customers L L Positive Active interest in cosmetics and fragrances and keen to look after their ap