Saturday, August 31, 2019

Equity and diversity anti-discrimination policies and procedures Essay

Diversity is the variety of differences between individuals, for example; gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, values or disabilities. However, equality refers to everyone being treated fairly which doesn’t mean treated the same, it means everybody being able to access the services and treatments they individually require to meet their personal health needs. When diversity and equality are used in the same context it is about recognizing and valuing individual and group differences.The significance of diversity and equality is to ensure everybody has equal opportunities and are treated professionally, respectfully and with fairness. The Equality Act (2010) legally protects clients from being treated unfairly this is because if they were to be treated unfairly and their diverse needs weren’t met, the client may not feel accepted by the professional therefore a trusting relationship may not form. Therefore the aim of diversity and equality is to make clients feel we lcome, accepted and feel trust in the relationship with the professional to ensure the client is gaining the best treatment for their individual requirements. For example; this relates to Patrick because he was concerned if he proved to be HIV positive he didn’t think he would be accepted as a member of the martial arts club. He was assured he would still be welcome which shows that he wouldn’t be treated unfairly and have different opportunities to the other members due to his differences. For example; this relates with Brenda because she asked for a female professional rather than a male due to negative past experiences but the health professionals said that may not be able to happen every time however, the female manager said she will be present at all visits. This shows the professionals involved were able to communicate to come up with a plan where Brenda needs and differences were met in order for her to have equal health opportunities whilst feeling comfortable and as if her needs were accepted. For example; this relates with Maria because she is able to take time off work and is treated fairly as she is able to keep her job and go back to it with reduced hours when she is ready because she needs to ensure her mother is settled with the new plans and Maria needs to catch up with taking care of herself. Discrimination is the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different types of people especially linked with the terms race, age, disability or sex. Anti-discrimination is the action taken to prevent discrimination against people on the grounds of race, gender, age, disability. Anti-discrimination promotes equality by introducing anti-discrimination policies in the workplace and social/ health services. Therefore discrimination is the negative act towards diverse people and anti-discrimination is the policies that prevent discrimination. If discrimination is prevented by anti-discrimination policies, this ensures diverse people are treated with equality and feel accepted by the service they are using. However, if discrimination is not prevented, vulnerable or diverse people can feel quite damaged and are not able to access the treatment or services required for their individual needs. For example; this relates to Patrick because he may feel scared that he might be discriminated by homophobic people which means they show an extreme and irrational aversion to homosexuality and homosexual people like Patrick and James. Anti-discrimination policies protect homosexual people like Patrick from this in the workplace or the services they are using and allow them to feel part of the society and not like they are not ‘right’ or ‘normal’. For example; this relates to Brenda because she may feel like she will be discriminated because of her disability (mental illness) which is when you are treated less well or put at a disadvantage for a reason that relates to your disability. Anti-discrimination policies protect Brenda from being discriminated for her disability as the health care professionals who are involved with her plan are ensuring she is completely informed and has control over what happens with her rather than thinking Brenda is ‘less’ able and making decisions for her. For example; this relates to Maria because she may feel like she would be discriminated for taking time off work to take care of her mother but her boss and the trade union representative agreed that Maria will not be discriminated against when she returns and will have to have her old job back. Anti-discrimination policies will help Maria feel welcome and comfortable when she returns. Types of discrimination are age, disability, e qual pay, genetic information, harassment, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion,   retaliation, sex, sexual harassment. The type of discrimination Patrick may experience is sex discrimination. The type of discrimination Brenda may experience is disability discrimination. The type of discrimination Maria may experience is harassment discrimination. Stereotyping is when judgment is made on a group of people who are different/diverse from the person/ group making the judgment based on theirs and others opinions or encounters. Stereotyping is usually a negative judgment about a set idea that the certain people have about others or what something is like. Whereas prejudice is a preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience. Both prejudice and stereotypes are similar concepts related to beliefs and attitudes some groups of people have towards other groups of people and things. The difference is prejudice is not based on truth and experiences and usually originates from the lack of knowledge, whereas, a stereotype may be based or truth, however, a stereotype can sometimes originate fr om a prejudice. For example; this relates to Patrick because he was worried that his landlord won’t accept them to live in their house anymore if he is HIV positive due to being stereotyped as having a bad health status and his landlord may want to steer clear of that as he thinks he might catch it, however, this stereotype that HIV positive people are something to stay away from could originate from a prejudiced opinion from perhaps a person with homophobic views. It is important to prevent discrimination because treating individuals less favourably than others or bullying/harassing them because of their gender, age, race religion, sexual orientation,disability or employment status (which are unlawful grounds to discriminate) may lead to negative impacts on someone’s general well-being, self-esteem, self worth and social relationships. Discrimination may lead to mental health problems like increased stress, depression, and anxiety. This relates to Maria because she wasn’t discriminated by the head teacher of the school she works in as she will be able to take up her old job when she returns to work, the head teacher did not discriminate her which prevents maria from feeling negative impacts of her mental health. It is crucial to prevent discrimination because we live in a multicultural society which means we have to treat different people equally and ensure we provide a service which doesn’t discriminate against any group or individual clients. Some organizations may discriminate groups of people without intending to, for example having signed up that that is not appropriate for sight-impaired people or printing patient information booklets that are only in one language or neglecting to recognize the needs of people with illnesses like dementia. Organisations can communicate the diversity and discrimination policy regularly and clearly to their employees by having meetings about this policies, having posters around the buildings which show no discrimination etc†¦ Organisations may also train and educate the staff to help them understand why discrimination is not acceptable and why having a diverse workforce is so important and how they can improve and show anti-discriminatory practice in their own work. Organisations could also put into place reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities so they can access health care places and even their own workplaces, this can be done by adapting the environment, facilitates, mobility and access. Organisations can also have an advocacy service which is provided by an advocate who is independent of social services and the NHS, who isn’t related to you. An advocates job includes arguing your case when you need them to and ensuring the correct procedures are followed by your health and social care services. This relates to Brenda as she is provided with an advocate to support her to express her own views. Brenda and her advocate spent time together to form trusting relationships and so the advocate could spend time listening to Brenda’s views and opinions. A strength of promoting anti-discriminatory practice is that everyone in the service will feel equally important and feel as if they are included and not isolated. Anti-discriminatory practice allows every client to feel as though they have a say no matter what race or gender. Another strength of promoting anti-discriminatory practice is that it ensures that all individuals have equal opportunities despite their gender, race or if they have a disability, it allows everyone to feel like they have a chance and are able to do something without any limitations. Which also links with Maria because she is able to take up her old job again when she is ready to go back to work because she has equal opportunities and the head teacher of the school ensures her chances aren’t taken off of her due to a family crisis. Furthermore, a strength of promoting anti-discriminatory practice is that it makes sure that all service users are put first in any situation and have the care providers undi vided attention when they are being cared for. This also links with Maria’s case because her mother has to be put first in all of her care support therefore for this to happen a volunteer interpreter will be present at all sessions. Checklist 2 The 6C’s (Care, Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage, and Commitment) are a set of values that ensure compassion in practice, it’s a vision and strategy for all health and care staff.

Friday, August 30, 2019

Compare and Contrast Wilson’s and Roosevelt’s Progressivism

Advocates of progressivism had a goal of curing society’s ills by improving government and its role, but some progressives had different approaches to this reform. Presidents Wilson and Roosevelt can be used as examples of this complex reform because they both wanted to improve the economy, but had different incentives behind the programs they used to do so. Roosevelt’s program of progressive reform, New Nationalism, was created in an effort to regulate only those trusts that were â€Å"bad† for public welfare – he distinguished some trusts to be either â€Å"good† or â€Å"bad. He stressed the need for control of corporations, consumer protection, and conservation of natural resources. To illustrate, he intervened in the Anthracite Coal Strike on behalf of the workers. He threatened to nationalize mines if the corporations who owned them didn’t consent to arbitration and pay increases for the workers. The Hepburn Act of 1906 was passed to r egulate the railroads by increasing the government’s power to oversee their rates.In that same year the pure food and drug act was passed which prohibited the selling of dangerous medicines and impure foods. Along with that, the Meat Inspection Act was passed and it helped eliminate diseases caused by meat because it enforced sanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry. However, Roosevelt’s greatest success was in the conservation of the environment. The Newlands Act was passed which created a way for government to irrigate deserts. Roosevelt became an admired public figure because of his involvement in reforming society.Unlike President Roosevelt, President Wilson believed that every single monopolistic business was bad because it disrupted the economy and must be abolished as a result, so he worked towards â€Å"busting trusts. † Wilson’s reform program, New Freedom, sought to attack what Wilson called the Triple Wall of Privilege – the tarif f, banks, and trusts. After it passed, the Underwood-Simmons Bill reduced tariff rates substantial enough to bring real competition to America which helped break the power of the trusts. The Federal Reserve act was happily signed by Wilson and it directly affected the amount of currency circulation. Related article: Jamestown and Plymouth Compare and ContrastThe Federal Trade Commission Act created an authoritative agency that helped businesses become decorous in the eyes of government. The Clayton Anti-Trust Act used the Sherman Act to name certain business acts illegal. Wilson’s New Freedom was the brand of activism and progressivism that he brought to the national level that was different from others. Both Roosevelt and Wilson held leadership qualities like no other and had strong views for America although they were completely different in their approaches for changing America itself.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Analyzing Pro forma Statements Essay

This financial analysis will define an initiative of what to implement, that would increase sales over the next five years. It can either be, another market, product, or a corporate expansion. A pro forma will be created and used for the XYZ Manufacturing Company of a five year projections. Assumptions will be made to support each line item, to increase or decrease the forecasted statements. There will also be interpretation of the financials, in relation to the initiative. Recommendations are to made on the potential discretionary financing needs. This word analysis is the company’s short term and long term financing needs, and strategies to help the company manage their working capital (University of Phoenix, 2014). Pro forma statements are created by, forecasting and combining the income and balance into a financial statement format. This will determine how the account balances are forecasted by acquiring forces that will influence and project how the accounts will be influenced. These forces are recognizable as restrictive debt agreements, sales, and company policies The following illustrations below is the Pro forma’s process for a five-year projection. This information is based on historical data collected from the sample provide (UOPX, 2014)..There is acquired information of a increase in sales new product as the result of a new product introduction also an increase in the production capacity. The increase in sales will acquire fixed assets with the excess cash (Parrino, Kidwell, & Bates, 2012) Pro forma Balance Sheet for XYZ Company, INC. Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity-$559,608 $649,251 $848,766 $1,,037,172 $1,183,541 In the above balance sheet the current assets and current liabilities has increased in the ratio of sales (Parrino,Kidwell, & Bates, 2012, p90,91. 92) There is also an additional increase in the fixed assets. The company to take out an additional loan to meet the capital expansion, and the working capital needs (Parrino, Kidwell, & Bates, 2012) I would recommend that the company The first step in this pro forma financial statements is the forecasting of sales. Sales always influence the current asset and current liability account balances. For example: the account receivable balances would need to become larger increased if the firm needs to carry more inventory. Through the profit margin, and the dividend payout ratio. There is much difficult in forecasting sales, but it is an essential, it only depend on the season of the year, economy and the industry There could also be many other factors as well. Reference Parrino, R., Kidwell, D. S., & Bates, T. W. (2012). Fundamentals of corporate finance (2nd ed.). Hoboken, N. J.: John Wiley & Sons. University of Phoenix material, (2013) â€Å"Analyzing Pro Forma Statements† retrieved from https://newclassroom3.phoenix.edu/Classroom/#/contextid/OSIRIS:44656217/context/co/view/activityDetails/activity/53c06956-87e9-4050-8ecc-815e914705e0/expanded/False/focus-cmt/none/tab/Instructions

Upcoming Technological Advances in Nursing Case Study

Upcoming Technological Advances in Nursing - Case Study Example With all these related advances in technology, the professional culture of reflection, profound inquiries, and inter-professional collaborations will gear nursing as a whole towards success by the year 2025. Therefore, the whole field of nursing will be admirable and appreciable by many as patients will also enjoy the technology by getting the knowhow about various diseases, symptoms, causes and effects, drugs and methods of prevention and curing the diseases. Nurses too will enjoy many privileges and favors around. Technology has proven to every fundamental in the health care as a lot is being experienced in nursing. At work, nurses employ technology during care as long as they are within the clinical settings. Such settings where they can employ technology include; primary care, community, acute care, and long-term care so as to improve and come up with their clinical decisions and employ the most viable outcomes for clients they deal with (Huston, 2013). Another great change as far as technology is concerned is the health and wellness records of clients and family. Through technology, they are made to be in a position of reviewing and contributing positively to their health records, hence taking charge of anything that come about with relation to their wellbeing. Technology is very paramount within the nursing fraternity. When we talk about technology, automation comes in whereby computers and other machines are used in nearly everything that takes place. From the year 2025 and beyond a lot would have taken place technologically. Benefits will be experienced in staffing offices, census control, patient care, and determination of patient’s acuity.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

You must propose a change for a real companynot a government entity Essay

You must propose a change for a real companynot a government entity. Propose a service, an idea, or a product (do not write a sales letter). You MAY write ab - Essay Example Due to the high influx of Hispanics living in USA and constant arrivals there is a need to reach them as customers. To reach them, the solution is to offer its employees a holistic approach of classes in Spanish, culture sensitivity, the differences and similarities that exist within the Hispanic community, history, traditions, and customs. It will also make the transition of obtaining positive results from international business transactions with Spanish speaking countries. Although, Hispanics come from different countries they may not be aware of the differences and the similarities. The non-Hispanics are not aware of what these differences and similarities may be. This leads to misunderstandings while communicating with their customers in the USA and while placing international calls to the Spanish speaking countries and performing business transactions. AT&T will be at an advantage point if you take the initiative to offer this holistic approach of teaching Spanish at your location while at the same time your personnel will be able to relate to the Hispanic community and Spanish speaking countries, and learn about its idiosyncrasies. It is not only important to learn a language. Coca-Cola, Nestle, and Chevrolet-NOVA were all fiasco transactions when they were accomplishing their business transactions in Thailand, Africa, and Venezuela. This was due to, in: Coca-Cola ´s case by a translation that did not take into consideration the cultural aspects; Nestle ´s case by not taking into consideration the environment and customs; and, Chevrolet-NOVA ´s case for not understanding the implications of the word NOVA (No Va, will not work) in Spanish. These transactions flopped. AT&T does not have to go through these motions. By contracting our language school to deliver this holistic proactive class will not only help travelers and non travelers in delivering successful business accounts (for your international expansion of the business)

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

People, Organisations and Management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

People, Organisations and Management - Assignment Example From this paper it is clear that management is the process of coordinating different function in business or organization to achieve a well-defined objective. Throughout the process of management, professional managers require ethical behavior for successful process of executing their duties. It is imperative for managers to examine their standards to ensure that they are well-founded to shape and help the company to make moral decisions. Good or great management process is an essential aspect of an organization or a business. In fact, management and leadership go hand in hand, although they are different. As per my experience, I believe that management involves working with others with the aim of achieving a common goal while leadership involves leading and influencing others to do their best. Both leadership and management play an essential role in organizations.   Ã‚  As the discussion stresses  a team is more than a group of people working together for a common goal. It must be a group of individuals that work as a single unit, working towards a mutual hallucination of achievement. Working as a team matters because it is difficult to achieve some goals individually.  A team remains necessary because each member’s work complements and supports the others’. Effective approaches to leadership and management in any sector calls for astute commitment, passion, and ideological driven mind. To achieve all the essential leadership and managerial qualities, successful techniques remain vital.

Monday, August 26, 2019

Find two articles that are influential in the field of Organizational Essay - 1

Find two articles that are influential in the field of Organizational Development - Essay Example In this aspect, our major goal is to expand into the regional market. A major threat to our business has been the influx of cheap imports and the rise of competitors. Brainstorming has helped in achieving a technique in problem solving and team building since it creates new ideas, solves problems, motivates, and develops teams (Bushe & Marshak, 2009). The article provides readers with information pertaining to internal practices that ensure the success of an organization. An alternative method is the nominal group technique that encourages contributions from everyone. This ensures participation of all the group members, especially of people who think best in silence and for some members who are, thanks to this technique, more vocal and are not overshadowed by others (Nguyen, 2007). Motivating the employees is a good leadership practice. Motivation involves implementing an innovative reward system directly with the workforce. Development programs assist an organization in bringing up a clear understanding of the growth of an organization. Leaders are always under a lot of pressure to guide and direct their subjects or employees to achieve the set goals. For effectiveness in leadership, leaders have to adopt strategic leadership. Strategic leaders are leaders who are proficient in motivating and persuading people to acquire the vis ion of that company or institution. Strategic leadership is about managing the employees by using strategies of management in order to achieve set goals. Apart from expressing a strategic vision, strategic leaders should also be able to create an organizational structure for the business, which is an extremely crucial part in strategic leadership (Nguyen, 2007). The first article was ranked due to its provision on SWOT analysis. SWOT analysis effectively analyses the strengths, the values and the policies that endear the

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Contemporary Issues In Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

Contemporary Issues In Marketing - Essay Example Marketing has over the years emerged as a prime business concept and pertinent organisational function. It has been observed that marketing is a key towards attaining desired level of success for every company. With the emergence of 21st century, technology has started to play a vital role for the organisations to prepare their marketing mix related strategies and also their overall product assortment (Brown, 2001). In the 21st century, the traditional approaches related to marketing have started to depict their limitations owing to the fact that companies have quite less amount of direct contact with their existing as well as prospective customers. The aspect of information which is quite readily obtainable through the advent of internet has made consumers to become more passive as well as homogenous. Therefore, companies are increasingly finding the need to devise strategic initiatives to retain their customer base. Customer need identification has become one of the leading strategies incorporated in marketing to derive competitive advantage. Companies are also attempting to create inimitable marketing strategies to lure the customers towards their offerings which would in turn enable them establish their brand recognition in the market (Kamei, 2000). In order to comprehend the changing scenario in marketing in the 21st century, Tesco Plc has been selected.Tesco was founded back in 1919 as a m arket stall in London’s East End. From its foundation to till now the company’s business has attained tremendous growth in its global operations. Presently, the company functions in fourteen markets of Asia, North America and Europe. It employs over 500,000 people and serves 10 million customers worldwide in a single week (Tesco Plc, 2012). The company’s headquarter is located in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom. Tesco is committed to offer the best shopping experience to its diverse range of customers. Moreover, the company is determined to serve its varied customers, communities and partners in best possible way (Tesco, 2012). At present, the company is regarded as one of the largest and successful food retailers operating in the United Kingdom along with its operations in more than 2318 stores located across the world. The company sells more than 40,000 food items in its distinctly located superstores. Additionally, the company is also engaged in clothing and no n-food product activities (University of Exeter, 2004). The 21st century has witnessed drastic socio-economic changes along with information technology changes. These changes help various organisations to overcome a few of their limitations related to business operation and provided organisations with numerous opportunities to expand their business and earn substantial profit. These changes along with the globalisation and liberalisation process have drastically influenced the business doing processes including marketing. The changes brought new ideas and terms in the marketing sector such as E-Commerce and have reasonably influenced marketing ethics as well as the concept of brand and brand development have got tremendously popular among the organisations and widely distributed customers. E-Marketing Marketing is a broad concept, apart from selling and purchasing of tangible or intangible (services) goods, it comprises all those activities that are related with selling and purchasi ng of goods and services. The present marketing concept significantly varies from those of the traditional concept. The recent development in the marketing segment has given a birth to E-Marketing, relatively new term which has increased the scope of marketing and has provided business and customers a convenient way for interacting with each other. Electronic marketing or E-marketing essentially refers to utilisation of marketing techniques through electronic media, particularly

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Theological Language and Digital Media Research Paper

Theological Language and Digital Media - Research Paper Example This essay is about the relationship between theology and the digital media. More specifically, this essay discusses how theological ideas might better be communicated digitally. Thus, this essay includes a comprehensive analysis of the nature of theological language and the challenges they face in the 21st century, and how digital methods and tools could enhance communication of theology. Historical Overview Before discussing the contemporary relationship between theology and the media, it is important to take into consideration the influence of the codex book on current interpretations of theology. Throughout the history of Christianity, the codex Bible has been used not just as a book of narratives, insights, and guidelines but as the medium of mystical transformation and spiritual communication (Elwell 2011, 15). When Anthony Bernard learned Matthew 19:21 and surrendered all his material belongings to lead a Christian life, or when Agnes Ozman personified the declaration of gloss olalia, in every chapter, a person was changed spiritually by God’s divine utterance (Kling 2004, 311). The codex Bible has been a life-transforming testimony. The codex Bible is not only a life-transforming instrument but are reconstructed and revived in the historical and discursive practice. As a specific text evolves over time, it goes through different interpretations and relevance. For example, African Americans translated the exodus narrative into their own narrative-- first a narrative of emancipation from slavery, then eventually God’s salvation from all kinds of repression and abuse. In certain instances a text which is dead eventually becomes alive (Soukup, Buckley, & Robinson 2009, 3). For instance, Matt. 16:18-19, or also called the Petrine text, was dead for hundreds of years before it was summoned as an evidence of the pre-eminence of Rome’s bishop. A specific book of Scripture works to authorise what has already taken place or to strengthen the e xisting context of opinion. In certain instances, nevertheless, texts are clearly quoted to validate a current historical truth. For instance, the Petrine text embodies a â€Å"retreat from exegesis to later history,† (Fouracre 2005, 745) because it was quoted as the biblical evidence for the pre-eminence of Rome’s bishop. A developing field in the conversion of the Bible is the presentation of the codex book in digital formats. The theological language was a largely oral tradition wherein the readings were read vocally, normally in group contexts. Contemporary bibles are printed manuscripts (Waters 2006, 71). The technological world introduces the digital media or electronic formats. Books contend with digital technologies like computer, television, film, and so on. The digital world presents new media for the translation of the Bible. What is discussed here is the issue of actual translation, not merely the issue of how to create multimedia productions or films †˜adapted from’ the Bible. This relationship between digital media and ancient Bible translation perhaps clarify why several scholars of biblical media are particularly interested not just in the study of new media for translating and presenting the Bible but also in bringing back antique oral types of Bible presentation (Knauss & Ornella 2007, 116). This twofold interest is particularly apparent in the work of Thomas Boomershine—a widely renowned lecturer and author in the translation o

Friday, August 23, 2019

Business Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 2

Business Law - Essay Example What will happen if people will know about the duplication? Will there be legal consequences given the situation? Brief Answer One of the possible effects of what Sam Evening’s act is getting charged of theft by false pretenses. This includes false promises which are promises without intent of performance. In the case at bar, Sam Evening and Janet Evening promised to sell to the customers 1000 pieces of Limited Royal Wedding Collectibles which are handmade and personally painted and signed by the artist. The customers are being promised with the quality and the worth of the product. But selling a product made through the service of duplication company is making false pretenses and future promises about products. They are selling the products with intention to gain. Courts will require having a good materiality of misrepresentation. There should be causal relation between the swindler’s deception and the victim’s loss. The state of mind of the accused with respect to his intentions should be given great importance. In the case, Sam’s situation can be said to be a form of obtaining money by false pretenses. Another possible legal effect of Sam’s action is theft by deception. A different offense and can be define in a broader sense. This is the type of theft which uses deception to obtain property of another or service of another. This happens when a person has an intention to deceive other persons to gain. Sam Evening will also be held liable for damages under the Tort Law. These are the damages that he will eventually cause to his business partners under breach of partnership trust. Under the Tort Law, a relief is provided for those who suffered harm from the wrongful acts of others (Hg.org, Tort Law). Statement of Facts The case at bar is considering the possible legal issues that Sam Evening will face after selling products made through the service of duplication company. The products are to be sold as Limited Edition Royal W edding collectibles. There will only be 1000 limited collectibles to be sold for $100. Janet and Sam are so confident that the plates would increase in value. The sellers decided to guarantee the increase in value by promising to buy any plate back within five years from issuance at an appreciated price of 5% annually. Sam and Janet and a friend of theirs, Largess Bucks, each contributed $1000 to cover expenses Sam began producing and signing the plates and Janet created a website to advertise and sell the plates to customers in the United States. After handpainting, signing and numbering 37, Sam got tired and felt like he was doing all of the hard work. Janet did manage the website, including processing payments and shipping products. Their other partner is Largess did nothing. Sam Evening found a plate duplication service and decided to get the service of a duplication company to finish the works of the plates. The company required a minimum order of 1000 plates in order to perfor m these services and a down payment of $3000 to start the order with the remaining $7000 to be paid upon delivery. Unfortunately of the $3000 that they had contributed, $1000 had been used for initial supplies, $500 to set up the website payment processing service, $185 for initial shipping supplies and $315 had been paid to repurchase three plates out of a total of ten plates that had been shipped so far. Sam thought that income from the first set of plate sales would be given at the end of April. So Sam decided to take the $1000 remaining and added $1000 of his

Thursday, August 22, 2019

A research paper on the 3 largest minority groups in the U.S Essay Example for Free

A research paper on the 3 largest minority groups in the U.S Essay The top three largest minorities in the United States are the Hispanic Americans, African Americans, and Asian Americans. The United States 2000 census indicated the total population as 281. 4 million where the 3 minorities represent approximately 30. 1 percent of the population. The purchasing power for the 3 major minority groups in very important n marketing and is provided in this study (Sfm 2008). African Americans African Americans are the second largest group of minorities and heavily contribute in the national politics, social welfares as well as economy. The population has increased in number within the various government and states welfares. This helps the group to advance financially according to the joint center for economic studies survey (Dana 2007). The total population of African American consumers is approximately 36. 4 million which relates to approximately 12. 9 percent of the total population in the country. As a result, targeting these consumers and studying their growth impacts on the multiplication of wealth and properties in the country. A landmark survey conducted in 2008 illustrates increased growth especially in the â€Å"mortgage originations, medium household income, and small businesses entrepreneurs and obtaining of degrees in higher education levels† (Sfm 2008). According to census bureau, African Americans have the second highest purchasing power in the minorities with turn over of $532 billion which translates to 73 percent growth as compared to 1990. In the education sector, the number of degrees offered in higher education is hitting three times as much as that of general market. African Americans have made use of the mortgage system to own house hold houses and around 50% of the household resides in their own homes (Sfm 2008). On entrepreneurship and ownership of small and medium businesses, the rate of expansion is five times as much as white Americans where revenues according to a business study conducted has experienced a 60 percent growth. The average age for African Americans is 30 and around 15 percent earns a household income of more than $50,000. The average house hold income in 2008 was $34,000 (Dana 2007). Availability of income influences the purchasing power of an individual. A study conducted in 2007 indicate that around 300, 000 African American house holds has a house hold income of above $100,000. This indicates that approximately 1 in every 6 households in the group earns this income (Dana 2007). For the medium households, the group is experiencing 60 percent growth in comparison to the whites’ households. This has helped in offering various opportunities for this minority group with a â€Å"mean portfolio size of $115, 000 for each house hold and approximately $57, 500,000 dollars of investment at hand† (Sfm 2008). With the use of statistics for projection, the investment dollars is expected to multiply to $83,375, 000 in duration of five years and attain a mean of $115,920,000 after a decade (MacInnis 2009). African Americans according to the United States population census represent 12. 1 percent of national citizens. This composes of the of all those who have been born in the country and have resided with their families for more than 300 years as well as those who have immigrated from Africa in the recent past. African Americans represent people from the black race (MacInnis 2009). On the regional demographics, African Americans are not clustered in limited areas with respect to other minorities. However, the group is the main driver for the markets in most of the cities in the United States. Report from the United States census Bureau indicates that â€Å"76 percent of the total population in Detroit, 65 percent in Washington and approximately 62 percent in New Orleans† are African Americans (Sfm 2008). Their population is also evident in various other states including â€Å"New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Houston, Baltimore and Memphis. † For the universities in these states, approximately 78 percent of the students are African American (MacInnis 2009). Extensive migration for the African Americans is being experienced mostly to the south. Various states including Atlanta are experiencing massive economic expansion through the group activities. There are also increased employment opportunities mainly in â€Å"Houston, Dallas, Raleigh-Durham and other states from the south† which are attracting the African Americans into the region. The region has also cheap real estate, moderate weather and easily affordable way of live (MacInnis 2009). Successive marketing in the African American society requires clear understanding of their culture. The group according to a survey is discerning shoppers and is very careful on quality and satisfaction. They are loyal customers and remain in the brands they use thus a good relationship is required. Appearance in advertisement is very appreciative for the group in the utilization of their talents (MacInnis 2009). The internet is another media form that is widely used by the African Americans through the on line commerce. In investment, the group mainly engages in real estates business and banking sector as opposed to the bonds and stocks which is popular among the whites (Sfm 2008). Hispanic Americans The Hispanic population in the United States the largest minority group and is increasingly growing and thus affecting various sectors. This might be from political to business view. The population for the Hispanics is currently approximately 35. 3 million, approximately 13% of total population according to census department which translates to a percentage growth of 38 percent in comparison to overall population growth of 9 percent (Dana 2007). The population is projected to reach a high of 96 million by 2050 where they will take a quarter of the total population. Among the Hispanics, approximately 2 million people earn more than $75,000 in every year. The average house hold income in 2008 was $40,800 (Sfm 2008). The population has a huge transactional power of approximately $428 billion. This is expected to reach $600 billion in five years. The Hispanics household income is significant and their mean number of people in every household is 3. 6. This also gives an average age of 26. As a result, there is need to understand the group’s culture for effective marketing (Dana 2007). Majority of the Hispanics originate outside countries. The dominating countries of origin are â€Å"Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rica, the Dominican republic and various countries in south/central America† (Sfm 2008). The group heavily embarks on their family with much priority hoping to offer the best. Respect of culture with marking of various events is also common with the group. The population like watching sports over the television with professional boxing followed by base ball being the favorite according to a study by MDI (Dana 2007). The United States census bureau indicates that majority Hispanics, approximately 80 percent reside mainly in five states. However, around 59 percent reside in ten states including â€Å"Los Angeles, New York, Miami, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, San Antonio, McAllen, Dallas, Worth and San Diego† (Sfm 2008). For effective marketing in the group, products relevant to their culture provide a consolidated base and increased number of customers. Products that would address family matters and its importance are also marketable in the Hispanics (Dana 2007). Language is very important for the Hispanics and they prefer the use of mother language thus advertising of products should be done with Spanish speaking media rather than English speaking media (MacInnis 2009). Creation of friendship and one to one contact with the customers is required due to relationship orientation by the group (Dana 2007). This would also call for recruitment of Hispanic personnel. Considering that around 30 percent of Hispanic population is below 18 years of age customization of vehicles is advisable. In the universities, approximately 21 percent of undergraduate students are Hispanic (Sfm 2008). Asian Americans Asians represents various nationalities including â€Å"Japanese, Chinese, Koreans, and Asian Indians. † In the United States, Asian Americans total to 11. 9 million which represents 4. 2 percent of the total population. This is projected to get to 35 million by 2050. The Asian Americans have a high purchasing power of approximately $300 billion annually (Louis 2010). Asian Americans have a mean age of 33 years where more than half of population aged 25 and above are married. The population strongly values their family. The Asians have a multi generational type of house holds with mean of 3. 8 per household (Sfm 2008). Majority speaks their mother language and educate their students on language schools mainly Chinese. Majority of the Asians are entrepreneurs with long working hours with reduced leisure shopping. They are ranked as the lowest group in leisure related activities. Due to their increased hard work, they are the highest income earners in the United States. The average household income for the Asians is was $66,900 in 2008 (Louis 2010). In the education sector, Asians household have the highest education level with comparison to the various other groups. It was reported that 38 percent of the Asians Americans have a degree certificate (Sfm 2008). Effective marketing in the Asian American population require intensive knowledge as well as preparation in addition to staffing from the group. In the advertising a number of agencies have already been established that specializes in the Asian American markets. Ethnic group members play the advertising procedure thus one requires understanding of community as well as language for excellence. The strong language preference has led to the growth of Asian media in the United States with increased Asian language television, radio, newspapers, and magazine (Sfm 2008). Asians reside in a few states and this provides n easier communication program for the population. Among the key states where Asian American resides include â€Å"California, New York, and Texas† (Louis 2010). They also reside in Los Angeles and San Francisco but in reduced numbers. Filipinos are more so concentrated in Los Angeles whereas the Chinese are in New York City. For the case of San Francisco, the two are concentrated. The Asian population is also expanding in â€Å"Washington, Seattle, Houston and Dallas. This is as a result of technological expansion and other investment gains (Louis 2010). References Dana, L. P. (2007). Handbook of research on ethnic minority entrepreneurship: a co- evolutionary. Massachusetts. Edward Elgar Publishers Louis E. Boone, David L. Kurtz. (2010). Contemporary Business 2010 Update. New York. John Wiley Sons MacInnis, D. J. , Park, C. W. , Priester, J. W. (2009). Handbook of brand relationships. New York. M. E Sharpe publishers. Sfm. 2008. Article accessed from http://www. sifma. org/services/hrdiversity/pdf/African. pdf

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Hershey Chocolate Essay Example for Free

Hershey Chocolate Essay When many people around the world think about chocolate they think about the most popular producer of sweets, Hershey’s Chocolate. The company began in early 1894 by a persistent man named Milton Hershey (Hinkle). Milton Hershey was born in Derry Church, PA on September 13, 1857. As a child Hershey and his parents, Henry Hershey and Fannie Hershey, relocated many time. Hershey went to seven schools within eight years and by the fourth grade he was taken out to work with a printer as an apprentice. In 1872 Hershey left the printers shop to work in a confectioners shop near Lancaster, PA. Not long after Hershey discovered an interest in candy making and selling. Four years later he opened a candy shop, but unfortunately competition got the better of his shop and closed in 1882. Hershey then moved to Denver, Colorado to work for a manufacturer of caramel. There he learned that good fresh milk can make candy taste better and sell better. Finally in 1894, Milton Hershey started the Hershey’s Chocolate Company (Hinkle). Hershey’s Chocolate first sold â€Å"caramels with chocolate coatings, along with breakfast cocoa, sweet chocolate, baking chocolate, and novelty chocolate candies† (Hinkle). In 1900 Hershey’s start manufacturing the first original Hershey’s Milk Chocolate bars, started construction on a factory in his home town of Derry Church, Pennsylvania, and because of the dairy farms producing milk rapidly, Hershey did the same (Hinkle). Selling his chocolate for 5 cents a bar, Hershey became wealthy very quick (Lancto). Hershey’s also released there Chocolate kisses, Almond chocolate, and Mr. Good bars (Hinkle). Milton Hershey believed that the money he had made with his chocolate should be used to help others instead of keeping it to himself (Lancto). Hershey started making the town of Derry Church, where his factory was located, more exciting and enjoyable (Lancto). He gave low cost housing for his workers, built fire stations, schools, churches, gold courses, and even a zoo (Lancto)! In 1910, Hershey created a school and establishment for less fortunate, orphaned boys. The school was taught the youth important stills for life and for success. Milton’s reason is so children wouldn’t have the life style he had, always moving and not having a proper education. The school property eventually grew big with every student that attended, including girls, from 500 acres to 2,500 acres by 1976 (Lancto). By the year 1937, the U. S. government had an idea of a chocolate bar that could with stand temperatures of 120 degrees and packed with energy for American troop who were out in the field and so Hershey’s decided to make it happen (Lancto). Rations D bars were then mass produced and sent to over 100,000 troops a day (Lancto). â€Å"For four years, Hersheys Ration D bars were produced around the clock, seven days a week, for a total of one billion rations† (Lancto). Milton Hershey died while sleeping on October 13, 1945, shortly after retiring (Adams). Today, Hershey’s Chocolate Company is still manufacturing chocolate sweets making billions of dollars a year, selling Hershey’s milk chocolate bars, MM’s, Reese’s Peanut butter cups, Hershey kisses, and many verities of products created over the years, using different commercials for each product, like the talking MM’s or how Charlie Armstrong dominoed his Reese’s so he would catch and eat one in the end. Hershey’s Chocolate is everyone’s favorite chocolate, so don’t expect it to disappear so quickly. Work Cited Hinkle, Samuel, Hershey, 1964; Shippen, Katherine B. , and Paul A. W. Wallace, Biography of Milton S. Hershey, 1959; Snavely, Joseph, An Intimate Story of Milton S. Hershey,1957. Lancto, Craig. Milton Hershey: Americas chocolatier. World I. 01 May. 2003: 269. eLibrary. Web. 28 Feb. 2012. Adams, Susan. Sugar Daddy. Forbes Magazine. 09 Jan. 2006: 141. eLibrary. Web. 28 Feb. 2012.

British Airways: SWOT and Porters Five Analysis

British Airways: SWOT and Porters Five Analysis Before establishing an analysis of the financial performance of British Airways, and stating the main reasons as to why this organization has been chosen as the proposed case study of this report, the most predominant issue at hand is to define ‘financial and ‘business performance. It performance of a certain organization stands for a measure, which shows how a company can efficiently use its assets from primary mode of business to produce revenues and returns. It can also be considered as a measure of the overall financial performance of the firm over a specific given period or a scale to make comparison of two or more firms in a single industry. Researcher will provide a detailed account of significance of financial performance, but before that, a brief summary of BA as a leading airline company of UK is necessary to explain. British Airways is the flag carrier airline of United Kingdom and it was first established in 1971 in Waterside. The airline was initially formed to control the two nationalized airlines already operating in UK, i.e. BOAC, and BEA, as well as two other regional airlines operating within the country, Cambrian Airways, and Northeast Airlines. All these four airlines were then liquefied to form British Airways which had much larger infrastructure than any individual company and had high prospective earnings. In the recent times, British Airways provide air transport services as well as deliver cargo shipments in to more than 90 countries all around the world. Reason for choosing the organization: There are plenty of reasons as to why this particular organization has been chosen as subject case study. As we know the ongoing economic recession, and this has folded the developed countries into a web of economic decline. The rise of oil prices from $48 to $110 per barrel since the last 6 years is also a reason for the deepest economic downturn for transporting companies. BA faces a challenge of a permanent shift in the business travelling where the larger organization do not prefer their employees to travel for short trips by paying high premium prices. The financial access that was readily available few years ago is now declining and less finance is readily accessible and cash level is decreasing All three challenges force us to make up an analysis that would reveal the financial performance of British Airways over the three years period, i.e. 2007 2009. The review of the financial performance of any particular company that is facing a financial crisis would be the best approach to determine the factors and develop a clear understanding as to why the financial crisis is being faced by that company. A number of factors can be counted towards explaining the problem. Researcher has chosen the financial performance as the main indicator for developing a clear understanding of the financial crisis BA is facing. The financial performance over a specific three years period would also assist the researcher in making up the prediction concerning the future prospects, which would be based on the recognition of significant variables affecting the organization as well as its financial performance. The next two sections would be based on discussion of aims, objectives, and research questions raised by the researcher. Research Aim: The main aim of the research is to make up an analysis of financial performance of British Airways (BA) over a three year period (2007-2009). Apart from the discussion of the financial performance, the report would also be looking at the micro and macro economic factors that lead to the expansion and development of the overall growth of aviation industry in UK. Research Objectives: To analyze the financial performance of British Airways in lieu of the recent financial crisis, and forming an in-depth discussion of how the financial crisis has affected the revenue, cash balances, and stock prices of BA. To evaluate the factor s that lead to the direct effect on growth rate of the airline industry. To ascertain the macroeconomic as well as microeconomic factors those affect the financial performance of BA. To understand the global trends and fashions adopted in the industry as well as viewing the BA as playing a key role in global aviation industry. Observation of the effects of modern technology on the performance of BA on financial and economic grounds. Research Approach: Researcher will make the most of qualitative as well as quantitative methods to ascertain the research objective and aims. The Qualitative method uses a number of approaches and it will be based on different theoretical principles, such as Hermeneutics, Phenomenology, and Social interactions. The quantitative approach would also be taken, based on the principles of positivism, as well as neo-positivism. The approach would be based on the pre-designed standards which are developed before carrying out the actual research (Adams et al. 2007. The significance of qualitative and quantitative methods in a research project as follows: â€Å"If graduate students are to blend qualitative and quantitative research methods in their research study, they can profit at the outset from considering three questions: How are the terms qualitative and quantitative best defined? What are examples of qualitative and quantitative methods? How can the two methods be compatibly combined?† (Murray, 2003) The argumentative reasoning adopted in this report would be based on inductive as well as deductive approach. Saunders et al. (2003) define the inductive approach as the one in which you gather data and form data analysis on the basis of which you develop a theoretical approach. On the other hand, they have defined the deductive approach as the one where a hypothesis is developed first and then a research design is established to explore and test that hypothesis. The very useful approach is to attach both of the approaches to different philosophies; the inductive can be considered more as qualitative approach, where as deductive as more of a quantitative approach (Saunders et al. 2003). Methods of Data collection: There are two types of methods which are given below. Primary Data collection: This data collection is based on interviews, group discussion, Informal Discussion, Debates, Surveys, Community meeting and events (Kumar, 1996). Secondary Data collection: This data collection is based on books, journal, articles, websites, newspapers, magazines, television and company financial reports (kumar, 1996). Data Collection process: Researcher has used mainly secondary source due to availability of reliable and bona fide information. The sources that the researcher has used would basically concern the annual reports from 2007-2009 periods from the website of British Airways. The economic survey of United Kingdom, as well as stock prices would also be used to explore the financial performance of British Airways. Researcher has managed to gather these sources through secondary approach. Therefore the primary sources are not very much often used. The audited financial statements of British Airways are the most relevant source for data collection on the basis of which analysis would be conducted. These financial statements or other relevant data is attached in the Appendix at the end of the research study for the convenience of reader. Researcher has used reference books as well as ACCA text books of paper F7, F9 and P3. Use of secondary sources can be associated with many advantages as well as disadvantages: Advantages Adams et al. (2007) have described the advantages as below: Larger delegate samples are available, which are considered well beyond the research of an individual researcher. Secondary data is an excellent source for inspecting the longitudinal data as well as other trends. Researcher can focus more on the data analysis as well as on its interpretation. Limitation of Data collection: According to Adams et al. (2007) the disadvantages of the secondary sources as below: Data may not be compatible, or the information that has been collected for the data analysis may not be relevant to what is required. The research might be limited in terms of its depth and information gathered might be odd or not up to date and recent concerns might have been over shadowed that can make the research and analysis outdated. The information might not be gathered from whole time period that should be covered and there might be found research gaps. Business and financial performance techniques used: Researcher would exploit the following four business and accounting techniques in this research: Value chain analysis Porters five forces analysis SWOT analysis Financial Ratios As the above mentioned techniques will be elaborated below : Value chain analysis: This technique would be useful in gaining the competitive advantage as well as generation of the shareholder value in the market. The analysis basically divides the business into a series of value-generating activities, known as value chain. The actual purpose of the value chain is to better understand the activities with the help of which the firm develops competitive advantage with the course of time in the market. These activities can best be described by the following picture: (Source: http://www.provenmodels.com/26/value-chain-analysis/michael-e.-porter/) Porters five forces analysis: This technique allows an organization such as BA to seek for outside forces, i.e. companies involved in market competition that tend to affect the competition within the airline industry. Porter five forces model is as follow. Source: Book On Competition By Michael E. Porter Monczka et al. (2009) stated five points as follows: Highest level of competition in the market would lead to creation of more options and chances for buyers as well as suppliers. Risk of entry of new competitors in the market. The threat posed by substitute entrants, i.e. products and services. Extent and power of buyers. Extent and power of suppliers. The key limitation posed in this model is occurred when there is some innovative movement in the market in terms of technological progress which may alter the whole status quo market structure in a very short span of time. SWOT analysis: This technique would analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, as well as threats for BA through inside or outside forces. The main issue at hand then would be to minimize the threats as well as maximize the benefits by British Airways Strengths: Business strengths are, the things which business doing well or, it have which are better than others e.g. Loyal experienced personnel, efficient processes, Advanced IT systems, better customer care, or any other internal factor that leads to success. Strengths of an organization give it a competitive advantage over its competitors Weaknesses: Activities which an organization carries out badly and dont have specialist knowledge to perform in better way are weaknesses of the organization. These weaknesses are internal to organization. Opportunities: These are the factors which the management could take benefit of, e.g. new IT systems, latest technology t, new products etc. Threats: These are issues which can have harmful effect on the performance and activities of business. Threats are generally from outside the organization unlike its strength and weaknesses e.g. substitute products or economic downturn, and these factors are outside of control of organization. International institute of business analysis (2005-2009) A Guide to Business Analysis Ethical issues: As a professional ACCA student it is my responsibility to comply with ACCA five ethical principles i.e. integrity, confidentiality, objectivity, professional competence and due care. It is therefore in my research I have not breached any of these ethical principles. So that research work done is not copied or duplicated and I have complied with oxford Brooks Universitys outline that is the used Harvard referencing system. Business status Of British Airways: British Airways is leading scheduled premium international airlines which flays to over 150 destinations and ha 250 planes in service. British Airways is based in UK and its main revenue earner is UK and in 2008/ 09 48% was generated from UK .22% was from continental Europe and from USA it was 17% and rest was from rest of the world. Since 2008, British Airways have taken many new initiatives to reduce their additional costs that can enhance their profits. They also have increased the number of flights including Africa as well as Central Asia. These flights will definitely help them in finding new routes and clients as well as cutting down their overall costs. The new routes or flight might however not be very much profitable for them as the flights to central Asia and Africa are not organized very often and are not considered quite profitable routes. Another notable point is concerned with the bad performance of British Airways which was due to sudden rise in the prices of oil during the period 2007-2009. According to British Airways chief financial officers report, the profits reached record levels in 2007-08 as they achieved the target of 10% operating margin for the first time. But for the year 2009 even though revenues were increased but operating costs were significantly increased which turn the profit in to loss. Economic recession has hardly hit British Airways and exchange rates have also adversely affected on British Airways. Pound starling has lost its value to euro and dollar. The increased fuel prices in years 2007-2009 have directly affected the revenue as well as profits of the industry, whereas it is evident from the graph below that the reduced prices in oil have again raised the profits of the firm to greater amount. The major loss incurred in 2007 by BA was due to the volatility in oil prices and devaluation of pound sterling against dollar and euro. The reduction in the number of passengers lesser than the average annual rate was also low, which can be due to social and economic constraints on the individual level. Even though there was plenty of reason for economy shrinkage but British Airways sales were increased. The graph given below would explain the trends concerning revenues and profits of BA for the period of 2007-2009: British Airways revenues increased from 8492  £million in 2007 to 8992  £million in 2009 and as in the graph above it can be seen that operating revenues are increasing through the period by 3% which is a healthy sign for the company. Even though BA‘s revenues are increased but profits have fallen sharply and converted in a loss after tax profits have become losses and 401  £million loss which was recorded in year 2009 is very significant. It is specifically down to fuel and oil cost which has increased sharply by 900 £million and some restructuring is been done in its employees contracts which will give benefits in future. Share price of British Airways was at its peak in 2006/07 but after that there is rapid decent as shown in graph below: http://www.financial-spread-betting.com/shares/Spreadbetting-British-Airways.html Share price was at 6.60  £ in 2007and it start dramatically falling and in year 2009 it was as low as to 1.34  £.but after that there is a recovery and share price is increasing gradually. The reduction of the carbon footprint was the one step that was taken in early 2008 and has been quite successful in attracting more customers than ever before. The 2009 annual report also stated some of the new IT systems being introduced as well as implemented, given as follows: Cargo tracking Reservation system ULD management system AIRCOM; a technology that provides the location and movement of the aircraft in real time Movement manager and dispatch manager in flight operations of British Airways The performance of British Airways is very much closely related to the economic conditions. Therefore, it would be very important to consider the state of economy. It should first be noted that the economic crisis has badly affected the economy of US and UK, and after the recession economic growth is far less than inflation. The individual economic condition would suffer so it would also be affecting the whole states economy, and based on that the customer base of the airline industry would also be affected as most of the customers would prefer to travel through train for domestic travel. On the other hand, the consistent downfall in the purchasing power of the consumer as devaluation of pound would also affect the per capita income which would directly impact the consumer base of British Airways. The economic survey held in UK in 2009-10 stated that year 2007 was the worst year for airline industry. The overall decline of 2.4% in the passenger demand was recorded in the year 2007 alone. However, the losses incurred in 2007, as some economic analysts say, had been met in the 2008 year as the profits were higher and losses lesser, which became worst again in 2009. Although there was some relief in fuel bills but economic recession continued to cause a decline in passenger and freight demand. Long term investment in the period 2007 to 2009 specially restructuring of employees and there contracts BA will gain advantage from it in future. Even though BAs financial performance is not great but operationally however, BA is achieving levels of excellence which were never seen in the history of the airline and have won awards for that. Analysis of British Airways using business and financial techniques By using different business and financial models heres a brief explanation of value chain and analysis of British Airways value chain. Analysis of British Airways through Value chain analysis: The similar approach as mentioned above in the value chain analysis section would be adopted here, as to develop an understanding of several activities in BA and concerning how it is important in offering the competitive advantage to the firm in discussion. The British Airways have managed to control the system through forward and backward integration. The primary activities for BA to take great care would be considered as follows: Inbound logistics: BA has managed to control the stock. It has also managed to make ongoing relationships with the suppliers. Operations: The BA management has enabled to make increased bagged security. The management has also taken steps to improve the quick check in services as well as secure online bookings. It has also enabled itself to pre-book additional services. Outbound logistics: BA has managed to improve the customer services. It has larger database of airport slots which provide majority of the passengers a facility to access their destinations from preferred airport. Marketing Sales: The BA has also developed the marketing relations with all the well known and large stake holders. British Airways support Activities The structured chain of command permits the BA to utilize the multitude of specialist for gaining the competitive advantage of the downsized organizations. The human resource management is the integral part of this analysis. The investment made in the development of the customers through service training in 2007 which attracted the best employees. The surveys and questionnaires appreciate the employees and other support staff to provide the feedback. The technological development is also an integral part for BA to look for keeping the services up to date. BA has managed to add value to the smaller companies due to the floppy resources that can be used to recreate the resources, The size of this business as well as coalitions and alliances BA has succeeded to make since the long time in history has led to make BA able to leverage the suppliers as well as through the economies of scale for developing efficiency where the other competitors have most of the times failed. Application of Porters five forces to evaluates British Airways performance: The porters five forces analysis would discuss the negotiating power of the suppliers, and consumers; threat posed by the substitute products, and new services or products into the market, as well as the competition in the market. Existing competitors/rivalry. UK airline industry can be divided in two major sectors budget airlines and schedule airlines. Where schedule airlines operate worldwide as well as in Europe. While budget airlines mainly focus on the short distance destination. British Airway has to compete at the same time in both sectors. Market share in relation to their competitors is not very significant. It is important to discuss existing competition in the industry because this situation may offer opportunity or threat and company might have to take some actions e.g. innovation, deliver excellent customer services, research and development. Market share of British Airways in UK can be divided into two categories in respect of long haul and short haul destination. As given below graphs illustrate the long and short haul destinations from the year ended 2004 to 2008. Data Source: www.mintel.com (2009) As the above mentioned graph demonstrate that British Airways market share is declining. Graph shows market leader Delta airline share is reducing significantly since last three years. But there are some airlines industry like Emirates and Singapore airlines capturing more market share. And also low cost carriers like easy Jet has also start flaying to long haul destinations and has shown increase in there market share over the last five year period even though comparatively it is not that much worry as it is in short haul destination market share. Source: mintel (2009) The above given graph explains that market share of British Airways increased by 15.6%. But as compare to its competitors easy Jet ,whos market share increased by 106%,BA increase is not significant not significant and Rayanair is market leader and capturing more and more market share every year and over the last 5 year they have recorded 117% increase in there market share. Threat of new entrant. According to Mockler (1994), threat of new entrant indicates the new firm entry in an industry with innovation, new ideas and creativity such elements enable new firms to capture market share. In the case of airline industry the entry barriers are significantly high because it is much more regulatory industry. But still in the past there are many new entries in the industries e.g. easy jet which are performing outstandingly as compare to British Airways. Any new entry in that industry could lead British Airways to decrease in profits and revenues as well as loss of market share. Power of the customers According to Mockler et el (1994), determining bargaining power of customers is important for strategy and overall business objectives. The strength of negotiation power of customers of British Airways is nether very high nor very low . Customer have different kind of choices like low cost airlines e.g. Rynairs airlines, easy Jet etc and schedule airline virgin airlines, BMI airlines etc. Therefore customers have wide range options to choose from and there is no switching cost to customer. Therefore it is important for British Airways keep customer loyalty. Fare levels are very crucial to attract all class of customer and provide them with things which they value. Power of suppliers. The negotiating power of the supplier is always very high as there is always limited number of suppliers in the market e.g. Boeing and air bus. As both of these are major supplier of airplanes in the industry and providing more planes to more than 650 airlines. Other major suppliers for airline industry are the oil companies, who are providing oil and energy to many industries and the airline industry is not the major consumer of their products. BA has restriction to choose the oil provider, one who has contracted to supply oil to that airport. BA employees are well unionized and force their power collectively which we have seen in resent strikes. Threat of substitute. Geographically UK is an island and main methods of transportations in past to Europe and rest of the world through the sea or by air. But recently introduction of channel tunnel from UK to France has given another alternate route for travelers to Europe. And introduction of euro star means much faster route to travel to continental Europe compare to airline industry long waiting before boarding and after arrivals. And this has forced some threat to air line industry in UK. But it is not that much significant for BA because it fly all over the world not just to continental Europe. Application of SWOT Analysis on British Airways: The SWOT analysis would provide a detailed analysis for British Airways concerning its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, as well as threats. Strengths BA has a very strong power even in an oligarchic system which gives this firm capability to even set the prices not by coming on the pressure of the other competitors by using its differentiation strategy. Major strength of British Airways is that it controls the landing and take of slots at Heathrow air port which is one of the largest airports in the world. BA, as compared to its competitors, is considered as well in a sense it is more equipped with technology and always uses up to date technology, e.g. it relatively has new planes than other firms. It has relatively larger market to target including domestic as well as international customers. Weaknesses Main weakness of British Airways is its suffering financial performance. The high amount of debt that BA had incurred in 2007 was a result of their bad organization of operational activities .British Airways employees are highly unionized which means strikes are still on the cards and BA has a great deal of influence from the UK government in terms of devising several rules. This type of outside mediation can greatly reduce the organizational efficiency. In the organization internally or externally there are lot of issues of trust which are effecting its performance. Opportunities British Airways have lot of opportunities to exploit in future .Mega sporting events of next decade are to be held in UK including Olympics, cricket, football and rugby events through out .which means BA has opportunities to take advantages .it needs to make strategies to exploit the International market. British Airways also can start flying more flights to other growing economies e.g. China ,India because London is the financial hub .United kingdom is metropolitan so BA can exploit this opportunity and start flying to other countries from where people are coming more often. Threats. Major threat which is faced to British Airways is from the cost competition. As number of low cost carriers are performing well in last five years it can be speculate that in economic down turn these low cost carriers will perform better. Threats to BA also include the fact that extremism and terrorism has made the whole world its prey and any kind of activity can be expected from such fanatics as well. Additionally, the high interest rates, as well as the depreciating currency have also affected the overall performance and profits. Recently bank of England has announced the inflation rate will be far more than growth so this can lead in to down fall in sales. Financial ratios: This section will discuss the financial ratios which would analyze the behavior of the firm in terms of the financial performance of BA. The financial ratios are being calculated for the period of 2007-2009 and after the calculation of the ratios of all the three different periods separately, the results will be drawn which will compare the financial performance of BA over the three years concerning different periods of times. This section would also develop the detailed account of the use of financial ratios which would also be discusses in terms of what these ratios are determined for and what is the reason and intuition behind each of them regarding the financial ratios calculated. These ratios are used as a standard in building the comparison of BAs performance over a period where different years performance would be compared actually. These can also be compared with the other companies which are in competition with BA, either domestically, or internationally. Calculation of the financial ratios is very important and if the companies do not do this exercise, then they would not be able to track their performance efficiently. The companies will keep themselves in dark if they do not keep the record of the financial ratios and they would also not be able to keep informed themselves concerning what and how their growth can be made. Interpretation of these ratios can sometimes put up ambiguous results, so the companies do need to the exact calculations and to put those numbers exactly. Now the research would turn to determine the important financial ratios for developing the understanding of the financial performance of the British Airways over a three year period of 2007-2009. Liquidity ratios: The liquidity ratio is calculated to measure the ability of a certain firm to pay off the bills. Some of the key financial liquidity ratios would be mentioned as follows: Working capital: Working capital is like blood in company, which is necessary to make company operate. Working capital is the measure of the difference of current assets and the current liabilities of the company. Working capital is actually operating liquidity which is there for business to operate and is necessary for day to day operations and it quantify business short term financial health. The equation for the ratio goes as follows: Working Capital = Current assets Current liabilities The net working capital of British Airways and Easy jet for the period of 2007-2009 is as follows: Graph As it could be seen from graph that working capital position of British Airways is not very satisfactory, and the negative figure indicate that working capital management is poor so current assets are less than its current liabilities British Airways can be in danger to fade short term financing problems .which can give a little indication of overtrading in some cases .it is clear from the graph that over the three year period its net working capital is gone bad to verse, and from 194  £million deficit its now 1820  £million deficit. While on the other hand its competitor Easy jets working capital level is relatively stable over the three year period. Decrease in British Airways working capital was 1439  £million from year 2008 to 2009 which was 377% decrease and it is alarming for its liquidity. Current ratio: Current ratios indicate business capability to pay its short term debts. Higher current ratio suggests business has more power to pay its obligations. Current ratios formula takes the assumption that the inventory which is in fact part of the curr

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

How Investing Became Cool Essay -- Internet Stock Market Essays

How Investing Became Cool Bankers and stockbrokers are not generally viewed as the most exciting people in the world. Traditionally, they have been viewed as those guys who are always reading the Wall Street Journal or talking on their cell phones when they're out in public; they wear the same white shirt, red tie combination every day of the week, and there's no noticeable distinction between work and the rest of their lives. Not exactly the kind of people you'd want to invite to liven up a Christmas party. And if you do invite them, they usually end up standing before a group of bored and confused laymen talking about hedge funds or IPOs. This was a common perception in the past, but within the last decade this image has changed considerably. The field of finance and investments has seen a considerable increase in popularity, and these same bankers and stockbrokers might even be considered cool now. The 1990s saw the climax of the longest bull market in recent history. As John Cassidy pointed out in an article for the New Yorker earlier this year, interest rates were low, unemployment was low, and thanks to the Internet bubble the Nasdaq was climbing at an unbelievable rate. To the average American, it started to become apparent that the stock market was a good place to turn to make a quick and easy profit, and the seemingly infinite growth made it seem like an almost risk-free investment. Soon everybody was talking about stocks like they were the newest and hottest fashion trend, and it was impossible not to notice. In a recent Money magazine article, Joseph Nocera says that in 1994, 34% of American households had some money in the market, up from just 10% in the 1950s, and this number climbed even further to mo... ...rk on Main Street. If you've understood everything I've said without too many visits to a financial dictionary, then you've proven my point. For the most part, the American public has been educated, and stock market lingo has made its way into everday speech. Perhaps it is only a matter of time before a diversified portfolio becomes as much a part of the American Dream as apple pie and white picket fences. Sources cited Ameritrade, Inc. 21 Oct. 2002; Cassidy, John. "Striking it Rich; The rise and fall of popular capitalism." The New Yorker. 14 Jan. 2002: 63; E*Trade Financial. 21 Oct. 2002; Internet Movie Database. 21 Oct. 2002; Nocera, Joseph. "Welcome to the Money Revolution." Money. Fall 2002: 34-38; Perkins, Edwin. Wall Street to Main Street: Charles Merrill and Middle-Class Investors. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1999.

Monday, August 19, 2019

Narrative Voice in Toni Morrisons The Bluest Eye Essay -- Toni Morris

  The narration of Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye is actually a compilation of many different voices. The novel shifts between Claudia MacTeer's first person narrative and an omniscient narrator. At the end of the novel, the omniscient voice and Claudia's narrative merge, and the reader realizes this is an older Claudia looking back on her childhood (Peach 25). Morrison uses multiple narrators in order to gain greater validity for her story. According to Philip Page, even though the voices are divided, they combine to make a whole, and "this broader perspective also encompasses past and present... as well as the future of the grown-up Claudia" (55). The first segment of each of the seasonal sections in the novel begins with Claudia's memories of that season as a young girl. Her first person narration gives a childlike perspective to the story, while the simple sentences echo the primer passages (Bellamy 22): "Our house is old, cold, and green. At night a kerosene lamp lights one large room... Adults do not talk to us - they give us directions" (10). Linda Wagner views the order of details in the novel as one a child would choose (Bellamy 22). For example, while some of the key plot elements in the novel are saved for the end, such as Pecola's being sexually abused by her father or her slow descent into insanity, other comparatively less important details are given precedent, such as Pecola ministratin' (menstruating) for the first time or the incident with Maureen Peal. Yet this childlike perspective is not consistent throughout the novel, as Claudia's perceptions are too often far beyond the capabilities of a child (Bellamy 22) . Her opening sentence for "Autumn" is as follows: "Nuns go by quiet as lust, and drunken men with so... ...n the ironically-named Breedlove family should impregnate his own daughter" (Peach 27) and how Claudia and everyone else were also involved in Pecola's tragedy. The three narrators, the younger Claudia, the omniscient voice, and the older Claudia, combine to give a view of the past, present, and future within the novel and increase the validity of the story. As Valerie Smith contends, "the narrative process leads to self-knowledge because it forces acceptance and understanding of the past" (Page 55).    Works Cited: Bellamy, Maria Rice. â€Å"These Careful Words . . . Will Talk to Themselves†: Textual Remains and Reader Responsibility in Toni Morrison’s A Mercy. Web 23 May 2015 http://www.cambridgescholars.com/download/sample/58336 Morrison, Tony. 1994. The Bluest Eye. New York: Penguin. Peach, Linden. Toni Morrison. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1995.

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Michelangelo Essay -- Biography Biographies

biography on michelangelo â€Å"Trifles make perfections, and perfection is no trifle,† Michelangelo once stated. He is one of the greatest artists of all time and is unmatched by any other. Michelangelo is the creator of works of sublime beauty that express the full breadth of human condition. Yet, he was caught between conflicting powers and whims of his patrons, the Medici’s of Florence and Papacy’s in Rome. Michelangelo was born on the sixth of March in 1475, the second of five brothers in a small town called Caprese, in Tuscany. He always considered himself to be a Florentine, as did his father. Francesca Neri, his mother, was sick and frail. As a result, he stayed with a nurse in a family of stonecutters. It was there that Michelangelo decided he wanted to become an artist. When he turned thirteen, he agreed to apprentice in the workshop of Domenico Ghirlandaio. After one year of learning the art of fresco, he went on to study at the sculpture school at the Medici gardens. They saw his talent and he was invited into the household of Lorenzo the Magnificent. During the years that he spent in the Garden of San Marco, Michelangelo began to study human anatomy. He would perform autopsies on the corpses and study the muscles and bones in order to perfect his sculptures. In exchange for permission to study corpses at a church that administered a hospital, the prior received a wooden crucifix from Michelangelo. His contact with the dead bodies caused some problems...

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Listo Systems Essay

Listo Systems management decide to implement â€Å" Black Box†, a new anti theft data security system to tackle recent increase in data theft. The new anti theft system will influence the movement of data as well as the working style of entire staffs. Cami Machado, an experienced staffs of Listo system who was handling â€Å" traffic† project and technical staff trainings and support is chosen to lead â€Å" Black Box† installation project. Seeing her excellent track record to implement new hardware and software, company chose her to lead the project. She is excited about the business opportunities going to create by installation of new â€Å" Black Box† project. However, the installation process will not be easy, as it seems. She is confident about her ability in successfully installing â€Å" Black Box† but worried about the staffs opposing the process of installation. Most of the technical staffs are against this project. Further, artists’ staffs believe that the great impact of this project will be on creativeness process. In addition to this, installation of this project will increase the risk of loosing creative staffs to rivals who do not have â€Å" Black Box technology†. Causal variables â€Å"Causal variables are those factors that influence the course of developments within an organization and its results or accomplishments. These variables are within the organization’s control and can be altered by the organization† (Hersey, Blanchard & Johnson, 2008). In this case, â€Å"Black Box† is the causal variables. This project has ability to influence Listo development process as well as the end results or accomplishments of Listo. Further, â€Å"Black Box† implementation decision is totally under control of Listo management and the decision of installation can be changed by the Listo management if they want to. Intervening variables The human resources that are affected by the decision of Listo System of implementing Black Box (Causal variable) are intervening variables (Hersey, Blanchard & Johnson, 2008). The current condition of most of the Listo’s technical staffs and artists’ staffs who are resisting the installation of Black Box are intervening variables in this condition. Most these intervening variables (technical and artists staffs) will opt to leave the Listo for competitors if there demand is overlooked. Potential output variables Potential output variables are the dependent variables that reflect the achievements of the organization (Hersey, Blanchard & Johnson, 2008). The extends to which the â€Å" Black Box† can control the hacking and data theft of Listo system will be the potential output variables. The output variables in this will depend on the proper installation of â€Å" Black Box† and the commitment and motivation shown by intervening variables (technical and artists staffs) towards the objective of this project. If I were Cami After thorough analysis of casual, intervening and end result variables, I have found that casual variable is central of three variables. Casual variable create situation of intervening variables, which will have great impact on end results variables. Trying to change intervening variables will not change the end result variable by much rather trying to change casual variables will be effective on both intervening and end result variables (Hersey, Blanchard & Johnson, 2008). In this case, trying to change the attitude of technical staffs and artists staffs will be much less effect on end results variables. Instead, I would rather request suggestion (help) from those apposing staffs on how to implement this new project to satisfy their complain. Modifying Black Box installation project according to their request will improve end result variables. If I were boss If I were Cami boss, I would focus my time on motivation and controlling. The planning to install â€Å" Black Box† and organization require to install â€Å"Black Box† is already finished. Now, I have to focus all my attention on controlling that everything is going according to the plan. If not, what controlling measure should I need to take to bring project on track. Further, to enhance efficiency, employees’ motivation is necessary. Being boss, it is my responsibilities to motivate employees to move forward to accomplishment of organization goals.

Friday, August 16, 2019

How Does Othello’s Character Change Throughout the Play? Essay

In order to understand how Othello changes throughout the play, we have to first take a look at the types of the relationships in the play as his behaviour changes directly links to the influences by the other people whom he has deep relationships. There are two types of relationships, one that is between female characters and between male characters. Both have deep bonds between each other. However women friendships are more emotional. Emotions are very strong and are deeply intertwined with trust. Love, hatred, jealousy and admiration are often mixed up and polar emotions show how strong the bond is. This also links that women are more vulnerable to be influenced, however once a strong bond is formed, it is hard to tear it apart, even though they can be quite sensitive. Within the men friendships, it is apparent that men do not heavily rely on their emotions and they have mutual understanding, â€Å"I have your back and you have my back†. Othello did try to not believe Iago so easily but the circumstances were in his favour because Iago’s wife was doing Iago’s dirty work without even knowing. He was also wrong about Iago not only about the fact that he was honest but the fact that he thought Iago would be truthful to him even after not giving the promotion to him. Shakespeare transformed the one he found in the story, and invented the character of Roderigo to bear that vulgar part. Then he invents a second motive for Iago, and makes him hate Othello also for his supposed relations with Emilia. By way of revenge for this offence, Iago’s first impulse is to try to corrupt Desdemona, and thus get even with Othello. But how little this was his intention is seen by the fact that he never seems to have seriously considered it. In place of this, however, he has an alternative that becomes his ruling motive, to put Othello into a jealousy of Cassio. This he thinks will serve to revenge himself on Othello for both offences at one blow: And nothing can, or shall content my soul Till I am even’d with him, wife, for wife. Or failing so, yet that I put the Moor At least into a jealousy so strong That judgment cannot cure. (II. i. 331-5.) Othello is also gullible, he trusts men more than women because he might not understand women and their relationships. He gives us feeling that he believes in stereotype women which are wicked, vulnerable, twisted and are traitors who lie all the time. Ironically, that stereotype applies to Iago whom Othello trusts more than his beloved Desdemona. The main villain who affected Othello the most has a hatred motive however hatred is supposed to have a cause, some concrete event or insult that inspires a lasting rage. But in Othello, the play’s villain is motivated by a hatred that seems to elude any reasonable definition. Iago’s hatred and his determination to destroy his boss Othello, seems out of proportion with the reasons he gives for it: anger that Othello did not promote him or jealousy that Othello might have slept with Iago’s wife. Iago’s loathing has been famously called a â€Å"motiveless malignancy† that redefines our understanding of hatred, making it seem a self-propelling passion rather than the consequence of any particular action.

FDI

However, these institutions may also bring with them relaxed codes of ethical conduct that serve to exploit the neediness of developing nations, rather than to provide he critical support necessary for countrywide economic and social development. When a multinational invests in a host country, the scale of the investment (given the size of the firms) is likely to be significant. Advantages The possible benefits of a multinational investing in a country may include: HARD – Train the labor skills, other company start losing skilled workers. Improving the balance of payments – inward investment will usually help a country's balance of payments situation. The investment itself will be a direct flow of capital into the country and the investment is also likely to result in import substitution and export promotion.Export promotion comes due to the multinational using their production facility as a basis for exporting, while import substitution means that products previously i mported may now be bought domestically. Providing employment – FDA will usually result in employment benefits for the host country as most employees will be locally recruited. These benefits may be relatively greater given that governments will usually try to attract firms to areas where there is relatively high unemployment or a good labor supply. Source of tax revenue – profits of litigation's will be subject to local taxes in most cases, which will provide a valuable source Of revenue for the domestic government.Technology transfer – multinationals will bring with them technology and production methods that are probably new to the host country and a lot can therefore be learnt from these techniques. Workers will be trained to use the new technology and production techniques and domestic firms will see the benefits of the new technology. This process is known as technology transfer. Increasing choice – if the multinational manufactures for domestic mark ets as ell as for export, then the local population will gain form a wider choice of goods and services and at a price possibly lower than imported substitutes. National reputation – the presence of one multinational may improve the reputation of the host country and other large corporations may follow suite and locate as well.Disadvantages The possible disadvantages of a multinational investing in a country may include: Environmental impact – multinationals will want to produce in ways that are as efficient and as cheap as possible and this may not always be the best environmental practice. They will often lobby governments hard to try to ensure that they can benefit from regulations being as lax as possible and given their economic importance to the host country, this lobbying will often be quite effective. Access to natural resources – multinationals will sometimes invest in countries just to get access to a plentiful supply of raw materials and host nations are often more concerned about the short-term economic benefits than the long-term costs to their country in terms of the depletion of natural resources.

Thursday, August 15, 2019

On Becoming a Writer Essay

In â€Å"On Becoming a Writer,† the author, Russell Baker, expressed his interest in writing as a way of thinking about himself and forming an identity. â€Å"The only thing that truly interested me was writing, â€Å"he states. â€Å"It was the only thing for which I seemed to have the smallest talent†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Even though he used to dislike English classes in high school, in his third year, the chance of being a writer knocked on his door. When Mr. Fleagle, the English professor, with an out of date look and behavior, took over the class, he brought on an opportunity to Russell to realize his talent and stay with open eyes for the future. Mr. Fleagle introduced to the class an assignment, an informal essay. The choice of topics was â€Å"The Art of Eating Spaghetti. † â€Å"This title produced an extraordinary sequence of mental images. †Russell says. â€Å"Suddenly I wanted to write about that†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The author wanted to write this essay not for Mr. Fleagle, but for himself, for his own satisfaction, as a way to recapture and hold forever this dear memory. Even though he realized the possibility of getting a failing grade, he took the chance and submitted his assignment to Mr. Fleagle. â€Å"Two days passed before Mr. Fleagle returned the graded papers, and he returned everyone’s but mine. † The author’s suspense didn’t last long as Mr. Fleagle kept his essay last, and started reading it to the class. â€Å"My words! He was reading my words out loud to the entire class. † At that minute, Rusell Baker experienced his happiest moment of all school years, which gave him the confidence and opportunity to simply become a writer. â€Å"†¦Mr. Fleagle had opened a door for me. † â€Å"On Becoming a Writer† is an essay for the students, who are interested in writing but are afraid to face their desire, because of doubt or not taking writing as a real job. It is an essay for the teachers, showing them how much of an impact they have on a student’s future. It is vital for the teachers to remember that everything they do or say can influence their students at this stage of their life. â€Å"On Becoming a Writer† is also an essay for everybody interested in the subject and can decide to become a writer. The author is telling us his story as a friend. His purpose is to make us realize that things are possible and happen if we really believe in our qualities and ourselves. Dreams come true every day, and we, the dreamers, have to work hard for those dreams, to wake up and asleep with them and be very persistent to make them happen. As Paulo Coelho states in his book, â€Å"When you want something, the entire universe conspires in helping you to achieve it. † Therefore, essays as â€Å"On Becoming a Writer† and many other are meant to give their readers the confidence and the support they need to follow their dreams. In most of the time it, doesn’t happen immediately or short period of time; in most of the time it may take years before any dream becomes reality. Therefore, having someone like Mr. Fleagle in your life, give you hope and motivation to keep dreaming.