Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Coke-India: Case Study Essay

Coca-Cola has considerably gained a large share of the market in the soft drinks industry. In the chase of expanding to foreign companies, it decided to explore India which presented great potential for revenues due to the growing population. The company built bottling plants in India and also contracted with local entrepreneur to facilitate the circulation of the products. Acquisition of local beverages companies, aggressive advertising campaigns and competitive pricing played an important role in helping penetrating the market and gave Coca-Cola a competitive advantage over local beverages. In no time, Coca-Cola had gained the trust of the population and experienced a tremendous growth of the business in the region. This success was tarnished when accusations were brought to the government of India about a discovery found in the tests conducted by the Center for Science and Environment (CSE), a Non-Governmental Organization in India. The discovery revealed that elevated amount of toxic substances (including Lindane, DDT, malathion and Chlorpyrifos) had been found in Coke and Pepsi products; especially in soft drinks. These substances are known to be dangerous to human health including causing cancer, birth defects and damage to the nervous and reproductive systems. Following this discovery, India’s government banned all Coke and Pepsi products and launched an independent investigation. Coke stock price plumed; the company promised to launch its own investigation and provide the results of the tests to disclaim the CSE’s accusations to regain the trust of the consumers in India. Previous cases involving Coca-Cola Company show that this is not the first time that the company is involved in this type of allegations. The purpose of this letter is to bring to your attention the ethical issue presented in Coke’s business practices with emphasis on product safety and quality. The practices presented in the facts above need to be investigated and resolved. If these practices are not investigated and addressed, the effects to the population will be very devastating for many. The concerns will eventually spread out of India and pose great distress to the community of soft drinks consumers around the world. In addition to the consumers, these concerns will also affect India’s population, employment growth In India, the employees, current and future investors, the suppliers and the competitors. In response to these practices, I am proposing three different approaches that can be used to solve the dilemma and I hope that one of them can ultimately be implemented. The three alternative resolutions are based on the Utilitarian principle, the ethics of Virtues and Kant’s Categorical Imperative rule. The Utilitarian principle calls for actions that would produce the greatest balance of happiness over unhappiness (James, 2010). If Coca-Cola wants to regain the trust of its consumers and reassures them of the non-validity of the accusations, it should use mass media and communicate the results of their own tests to the greatest number of people. Instead of doing so, the companies redirected the consumers to its website to find the information. Now in a population with a low per capita of 6 bottles per year, I do not think that finding the results on the website is a proper media source for the consumers. Coming clean about the allegations will reassure the consumers and all the stakeholders. If the company uses the mass media to publish its results, the vast majority of population will get answers to the concerns and this will also help the company increase sales and attract more investors. Another solution will be based on the ethics of Virtues. According to Aristotle, a virtue is a trait or character manifested in habitual action (James, 2010). Here, Coke and Pepsi should construct positive behaviors of honesty and care and therefore invest more resources in educating the population on the processes used to manufacture their beverages; from the collection of water to the cleanliness of the trucks used for transportation of the final products without of course revealing the recipe of the drinks. The purpose of this step is to present consumers the strict safety standards that the companies claimed they use at all times in their manufacturing lants. In doing so, these companies show care for their consumers and their willingness to abide to regulations. The facts presented above show that this is not the first time Coca-Cola is involved in this type of allegations as mentioned in the Belgium case of 1999. Instead of taking responsibility for the accusations Ivester, Coca-Cola’s CEO at the time on visit in Paris, returned to the U. S. A without responding to the crisis; leaving the consumer in distress. This is not a behavior of a person who cares about the well-being of the consumers. To avoid this type of habit to develop, it is important to implement policies that ensure that the processes of manufacturing these goods are well presented to consumers. The third alternative resolution is based on Kant’s Categorical Imperative rule. Kant defined this rule as follow: â€Å"act only according to that maximum by which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law† (James, 2010). Kant’s Categorical Imperative rule calls to act in such a way that the action taken under the circumstance could be a universal law, rule or behavior. I think that Coke, Pepsi and other beverage companies in India should joint the government in developing standards that they believe are strict enough to eliminate the potential for contamination in the manufacturing process of the soft drinks. These standards will also ensure a safe delivery of the final products. Everything use to produce and deliver the final product should be free of all contaminants. In developing these standards, companies involved and the government should make sure that the standards apply to all the parties involved in the production of beverages. In conclusion, I believe that the ethics of Virtues is the best approach to address this issue. A company that cares about the well being of its consumers always engages in activities that promote that objective. By caring for the consumers, managers at Coca-Cola and Pepsi will ensure that all the proper steps are taken to eliminate contamination. If a contamination occurs somehow, the company should take responsibility for the event and assist in resolving it; not run away and abandon the consumers in distress. Corporations should face the consequences of their actions at all time.

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Importance of Literature Essay

Literature is the foundation of life. It places an emphasis on many topics from human tragedies to tales of the ever-popular search for love. While it is physically written in words, these words come alive in the imagination of the mind, and its ability to comprehend the complexity or simplicity of the text. Literature enables people to see through the lenses of others, and sometimes even inanimate objects; therefore, it becomes a looking glass into the world as others view it. It is a journey that is inscribed in pages, and powered by the imagination of the reader. Ultimately, literature has provided a gateway to teach the reader about life experiences from even the saddest stories to the most joyful ones that will touch their hearts. From a very young age, many are exposed to literature in the most stripped down form: picture books and simple texts that are mainly for the sole purpose of teaching the alphabet etc. Although these are not nearly as complex as an 800-page sci-fi novel, it is the first step that many take towards the literary world. Progressively, as people grow older, they explore other genres of books, ones that propel them towards curiosity of the subject, and the overall book. Reading and being given the keys to the literature world prepares individuals from an early age to discover the true importance of literature: being able to comprehend and understand situations from many perspectives. Physically speaking, it is impossible to be someone else. It is impossible to switch bodies with another human being, and it is impossible to completely understand the complexity of their world. Literature, as an alternative, is the closest thing the world has to being able to understand another person whole-heartedly. For stance, a novel about a treacherous war, written in the perspective of a soldier, allows the reader to envision their memories, their pain, and their emotions without actually being that person. Consequently, literature can act as a time machine, enabling individuals to go into a specific time period of the story, into the mind and soul of the protagonist. With the ability to see the world with a pair of fresh eyes, it triggers the reader to reflect upon their own lives. Reading a material that is relatable to the reader may teach them morals and encourage them to practice good judgement. This can be proven through public school systems, where the books that are emphasized the most tend to have a moral-teaching purpose behind the story. An example would be William Shakespeare’s stories, where each one is meant to be reflective of human nature – both the good and bad. Consequently, this can promote better judgement of situations, so the reader does not find themselves in the same circumstances as perhaps those in the fiction world. Henceforth, literature is proven to not only be reflective of life, but it can also be used as a guide for the reader to follow and practice good judgement from. The world today is ever-changing. Never before has life been so chaotic and challenging for all. Life before literature was practical and predictable, but in present day, literature has expanded into countless libraries and into the minds of many as the gateway for comprehension and curiosity of the human mind and the world around them. Literature is of great importance and is studied upon as it provides the ability to connect human relationships, and define what is right and what is wrong. Therefore, words are alive more than ever before.

Monday, July 29, 2019

Planning in Organisation for Creative Workforce Essay

Planning in Organisation for Creative Workforce - Essay Example This suggests that most of the organisations fail to utilise its workforce due to lack of planning leading to employee dissatisfaction. An employee who does not find any motivation into the job he performs, learns nothing out of the routine work, is not rewarded for any outstanding performance, and sees no challenge in his job is less likely to be motivated to work enthusiastically and perform at his best. Bramham (1987) propounds the most important aim of human resource planning in an organisation to foresee future need for employees not only in quantitative terms but also in qualitative manner such as the skills, calibre, performance and attitude required for particular types of jobs. Dessler (1999, p2) says that human resource management is all about devising policies and strategies for the employees working in the organisation. It includes selecting, training, evaluating, appreciating and providing convenient working environment for the employees. It shows that planning for creative workforce is very crucial for the survival and success of an organisation. The organisations use planning to select the kind of personnel it needs, motivate them and retain them towards future enhancement of organisational objectives. The organisations plan to realise organisational needs for workforce in future and take calculated steps to retain its employee through various means. In fact, human resource planning does not only enable an organisation to retain its employees but also to 'treasure' them so that they can gain more creative and efficient workforce. The use of planning by organisation to gain more creative workforce... Planning is the most important aspect of organisational management. Workforce planning is the key to acquire the kind of people the organisation needs and to retain them through various motivating factors such as salary, promotion, job security, learning opportunities, performance appraisals etc. It shows the criticality of organisational planning concerning human resource. Every organisation needs to plan in a proactive manner the labour needs that will arise in future. It will ensure that the organisation strives to attain the employees with suitable skills and attitude to train them for upcoming change. In this way, the organisation will have the 'right team' prepared for challenges when the time actually comes. Mullins (1996) maintains that human resource planning if done in an efficacious manner can enable the organisation to take imperative steps for the enhancement of employee productivity level at the right possible time. It assists the organisation in meeting all the necessary human resource requirements from hiring to firing in a systematic way. This reflects that human resource planning makes an organisation realise the factors undermining the productivity and calibre of its employees keeping them from achieving organisational objectives before it becomes too late. Most of the organisations do not actually plan to acquire highly qualified and skilled labour force, but most often to retain the employees on whom the organisation has already exerted substantial money and time. It mirrors that organisation will risk the creativity of its workforce if it does not properly plan for the development of its employees. Mathis (1997, p314) suggests that, â€Å"development can be thought of bringing about capacities that go beyond those required by the current job†¦As such, it benefits both the organisation and the individual’s career†.

Sunday, July 28, 2019

The Price of Doing Good - 12 Criteria Assignment - 1

The Price of Doing Good - 12 Criteria - Assignment Example Survival of business: Business ethics are mandatory for the survival of business. The businessmen who do not follow it will have short-term success, but they will fail in the long run. This is because they can cheat a consumer only once. After that, the consumer will not buy goods from that businessman. He will also tell others not to buy from that businessman. So this will defame his image and provoke a negative publicity. This will result in failure of the business. Therefore, if the businessmen do not follow ethical rules, he will fail in the  market. So, it is always better to follow appropriate code of conduct to survive in the market. Safeguarding consumers rights: The consumer has many rights such as right to health and safety, right to be informed, right to choose, right to be heard, right to redress, etc. But many businessmen do not respect and protect these rights. Business ethics are must to safeguard these rights of the consumers. Protecting employees and shareholders: Business ethics are required to protect the interest of employees, shareholders, competitors, dealers, suppliers, etc. It protects them from exploitation through unfair trade practices. Develops good relations: Business ethics are important to develop good and friendly relations between business and society. This will result in a regular supply of good quality goods and services at low prices to the society. It will also result in profits for the businesses thereby resulting in growth of economy. Creates good image: Business ethics create a good image for the business and businessmen. If the businessmen follow all ethical rules, then they will be fully accepted and not criticized by the society. The society will always support those businessmen who follow this necessary code of conduct. Smooth functioning: If the business follows all the business ethics, then the employees, shareholders, consumers, dealers and suppliers will all be happy. So they will give full cooperation to the business. This will result in smooth functioning of the business. So, the business will grow, expand and diversify easily and quickly. It will have more sales and more profits.

Saturday, July 27, 2019

Evidence based practice Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Evidence based practice - Assignment Example In addition, through literature review McMillan and Small (2007) obtained various information and concepts regarding creation or development of a better research design. McMillan and Small (2007) describe the research design as a three-group comparative design with repeated measures in a bid to attaining their objective whilst answering the main research question. In their bid to obtaining sufficient data, McMillan and Small (2007) confirm that their research design is a clinical trial. Participants were drawn from a large non hospice in which the researchers claimed that patients received proper home care. McMillan and Small (2007) used an experimental study to obtain sufficient data to find answers to the research question. Experimental study engages different researchers in obtaining sufficient data to make proper conclusions on the subject of discussion. The evidence showing that this journal is a peer-reviewed article is the indication that after about 6 to 8 weeks editorial committee of the journal engages in serious review of the articles produced. The journal of Oncology of Nursing has an editorial committee headed by Susan Moore. This editorial committee ensures that there is a production of the articles or journal twice every month. 7) Is there evidence of any conflict of interest that might introduce bias into the way the study is designed, or the way the results are viewed? Do the authors have any potential financial gain from the results of this study? From the article, there is no evidence of conflict of interest between the authors. This is because each author of the article is determined to obtaining the research objectives and answering the research questions. Therefore, there will be little room for the tow authors to have a conflict of interest. The authors have possibility of obtaining financial gain from sale of the journals containing their

Case study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 34

Case study - Essay Example As a sole proprietor, Megan is responsible for decisions of the business and therefore enjoys autonomy over her creativity plans. This will also protect her business from possible takeover by competitors such as Bean Counters. As a sole decision maker under sole proprietorship, Megan reserves the power to determine when the business goes public, and percentage of shares to offer, but any other form of business will deprive her of such autonomy. As a sole proprietor, Megan is also able to borrow finances, without any internal opposition, for financing her operations. Since her acquaintances are willing to offer different forms of help, she can incorporate them as creditors, employees, or volunteers to the business. Other forms of business organizations such as partnership and companies will however limit her power over the business (Miller and Jentz 353- 357). In managing threats from her employees’ engagement in competitive businesses, Megan can create contracts with her employees that prohibits the employees from engaging in competitive activities with a given duration (Miller and Jentz 200-

Friday, July 26, 2019

Answer to legal problem questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Answer to legal problem questions - Essay Example While in the case of Daniels V. Anderson6 involving similar facts, Daniels counter-sued by alleging that the Board failed to discharge their duty of care and diligence. The Court held that auditors and executive directors are liable in negligence since they had no mechanism in place allowing the directors to monitor the audit which contributed to failure to report the irregularities. Further, it ruled that the test for the breach of duty of care was objective. The court laid down mandatory duties for directors: to acquire basic standard of understanding of the company’s business; under a continuing obligation to keep informed of the company’s activities; undertake a â€Å"general monitoring† of the company’s affairs; and understand the financial status of the company. The case of ASIC V Rich7 affirmed the decision in Daniels8 line of cases regarding the required duty of care and skill among directors. While the case of Clark9 held that there is a â€Å"co re, irreducible requirement† of involvement among directors in the management of the corporation which prohibits â€Å"sleeping or passive directors†. Applying these cases, the suit filed by the auditor against DD, WW and SS shall prosper for failure to exercise the standard of care and diligence required under S180. Their negligence caused damage to NatureWorld for failure to monitor the financial condition of the company and to conduct a â€Å"general monitoring† of the company’s affairs. The Corporation should file a case against the auditor, DD, WW and SS, as executive directors for breaching the standard of care and diligence required under S180, which provides a civil liability provision, for the damage incurred by the corporation brought about by such breach. Facts/Issues: One of the employees of the company, Noi Dea was negligent while conducting a tour,

Thursday, July 25, 2019

HEALTH ILLNESS AND SOCIETY Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

HEALTH ILLNESS AND SOCIETY - Essay Example nditions of the poor and the rich differed notably in the UK(Office of National Statistics, 2007).Many socio-economic aspects can explain health inequalities. Not only poor people live less long than the rich people, but also they have more years of poor health. There is also inequality in access to health. The young and able-bodied people receive better treatment than theold and disabled people (BBC News, 2009).In UK one of most important health challenges existing today is diabetes.By 2011 the number of people affected by the problem of diabetes islikely to reach to 5 million (Diabetes and the disadvantaged: reducing health inequalities in the UK, 2006, p. 5). Almost half of these people are from disadvantaged community, who do not have adequate access to the appropriate care. Life expectancy at birth for men and women in all the social classes has increased from 1972-2006. Over the years mortality gap has been widened amongst social classes (Office of National Statistics, 2007).Death proportions for both the men and women have increased overtime. This is also true for children and adults. Improved living conditions, availability of healthcare and other factors have caused the infant mortality rate to fall significantly (Health Inequalities in the UK, 2009, 14). One can define health inequalities in two different ways. One is absolute and the other is relative. By subtracting one figure or rate from another, we get absolute inequalities and by dividing one number or rate by another, we get relative inequalities.Socio-economic class is the only cause of measuring health inequalities in England.There are many other dimensions of measuring health inequalities, which are also very important (Ihsan& Ahmad, 1993). There are differences of health among ethnic groups. In 2001 Chinese men and women in England and Wales reported the lowest frequencies of both poor health and restricting long-term ailment, while Pakistani and Bangladeshi men and women recounted the

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

World Civilization I Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

World Civilization I - Essay Example There was also intimate association between the priests and the chieftains in Vedic India. In the society of Vedic India, there were also four major castes, that is, the Brahmins (priestly caste), the Ksatriyas (worrior caste), the Vaishyas (the farmer and tradesman caste), and the Shudras (servants and menial workers) (Indian History 205). Just like in the Vedic India, the societies in the Southeast Asia had also some structural features that acted as centers for political and military authority. Additionally, it is evident that the societies in the Southeast Asia also expanded like the territories in Vedic India. This is evidenced by the extension of the cities in the Southeast Asia to the surrounding areas. The demand for provision of defense in the Southeast Asia also led to the emergence of kingdoms like in the Vedic India which enhanced taxation. Just like castes in Vedic India, Southeast Asia had also empires such as Akkadians and Babylonians. Social distinction was also evident in Southeast Asia like in Vedic India. This is evidenced by the variation in the rate of punishment as a result of class distinction. Unlike Southeast Asia, the social structure of ancient China looks like that of Vedic India. This is evidenced by the social structure of China first having the kings and nobles in the highest level, then the lords and warriors, and finally the peasants in the lowest class. The roles of leaders in ancient China were also well stipulated. The kings led to government, the lords paid taxes to the kings as well as provided warriors to protect the land, and the peasants worked for the

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

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

Innvovation and Sustainability - Research Paper Example population is multiplied by (A) which is the consumption per individual then multiplied by (T) which is the technology that drives and services consumption. The product of these factors including P, A, T and I represent a rough estimate of the much humanity degrades the ecosystem services that it depends upon. Hence, the impact of the population on the environment is determined by the number of people involved as well as the used technologies and relative levels of affluence and material consumed (Ehrlich, 1995). One of the factors affecting the consumption habits is overpopulation. The population of the earth is around 6.5 billion today. In the recent decades, environmental scientists and ecologists have fixated on the factor of P, population as the number of human in the 1900 was two billion to almost a figure of seven 2010. The high number of individuals translates to a high environmental degradation. Much of the greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere. If this number is opting for driving as a means of transport rather than riding, consumption of this much petroleum will be damaging to the environment. The factor of overpopulation has led to the collapse of human societies. The addition of population causes more damage to humanity’s life-support systems that are critical (Turk & Bensel, 2011). For instance, when the population of the farmers living in well fertile lands goes up, the additional people would move to the ever poorer lands, deeply drill the wells and then spend farm fields, homes and factories. The concerns on the growing population are focused on developing countries that are poorer, though IPAT and footprint analysis have both shown that the high rates of consumption in the developed countries are also significant impacts of the environment (Turk & Bensel, 2011). Technology encompasses the need for alternative fossil fuel energy. It involves switching to the ultra-light and cars that will provide for a short-term advantage that are

Monday, July 22, 2019

Knowledge Development in Nursing Essay Example for Free

Knowledge Development in Nursing Essay A philosophy of nursing should be all encompassing, with its foundation based upon core values and beliefs, while building upon experience. Medicine is often comprised of controversial ethical dilemmas where we must be advocates. In a study that examined the relationship between nurses and physicians it was determined that â€Å"Differences in values, communication, trust, and responsibilities can precipitate conflict between nurses and physicians over ethical components of care. (Corley MC 1998) Developing ones theoretical knowledge and learning how to apply it successfully into their clinical practice is part of the evolving process. The evolution that occurs over the course of a career can be empowering. Hence, it is important to develop positive nurse-physician relationships to bolster confidence and grow from those interactions. The importance of positive nurse-physician relationships has been widely acknowledged (Baggs, 1989; Baggs Schmitt, 1988; Eubanks, 1991; Fagin, 1992; Mechanic Aiken, 1982; Prescott Bowen 1985). Therefore, it is our obligation as professionals to mentor our peers, not only for ourselves, but our patients and families, as well. In an interesting illustration of self disclosure (Kim, H.S., 1999) a practitioner was able to identify the needs of a patient, but clearly had difficulty communicating the needs of the patient to the physician, although some of the difficulties appeared to be cultural in nature. The way we communicate with one another as practitioners, in addition to, how we collaborate and communicate with physicians has a direct impact on patient outcomes. As practitioners we are restricted in performing our jobs if we can not effectively collaborate with the physician. It is herein that the problem lies. The inexperienced or less assertive practitioner will often find it difficult to approach a physician when faced with perhaps the â€Å"Do Not Resuscitate† order that has yet to be signed. With that being said, approaching a family that needs to be educated on the implications of G-tube placement on their family member with prolonged intubatation and no signs of improvement can be daunting without interdisciplinary support. The more experienced practitioner’s clinical judgment is more easily verbalized  because he/she is comfortable in interdisciplinary collaboration, therefore the physician is more likely to involve them in the decision making process. For example in an ICU setting where often times the physician does not involve the practitioner in the decision making process or inform them when a decision has been made it generally creates one of three things. A. the nurse will continue to aggressively pursue the physician until an order is received B. resort to â€Å"slow codes†, or C. resuscitate all patients until told otherwise by the physician (Michael I Rauchman, BA). All of these things lead to negative outcomes for both the families and patients, and we as practitioners. â€Å"Future directions of the discipline are revealed when these linkages between philosophy, disciplinary goals, theory, and practice are strengthened† (McCurry, et al). It is for these reasons, we as practitioners must continually grow and develop through our experiences, always expanding our knowledge in the ever-changing profession we have chosen. Corley MC (1998). Ethical dimensions of nurse-physician relations in critical-care (The Nursing Clinics of North America) 1998 Jun; Vol. 33 (2), pp. 325-37. http://ehis.ebscohost.com.proxy.library.maryville.edu/ehost/detail?vid=19sid=78745a3b-d950-4ea0-890c-4ee4ab4c4b46%40sessionmgr112hid=101bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=cmedmAN=9624207 ISSN#0029-6465 MICHAEL I. RAUCHMAN, BA Medical student McGill University Montreal, PQ RABKIN MT. GILLERMAN G, RICE NR: Orders not to resuscitate. N Engi J Med I 976; 295: 364-366 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.proxy.library.maryville.edu/pmc/articles/PMC1875656/pdf/canmedaj01406-0055.pdf Expertise in Nursing Practice Caring, Clinical Judgment, and Ethics

Benefits of Sports Essay Example for Free

Benefits of Sports Essay Sports serve as an excellent physical exercise. Those who play sports have a more positive body image than those who do not. Sports often involve physical activities like running, jumping, stretching and moving about which turn out to be a good body workout. Playing sports is energy put to good use. Engaging in sports since an early age strengthens your bones and muscles and tones your body. It helps you increase your stamina and endurance. Sports that involve jumping and stretching help increase height; for example basketball. Games that involve running, kicking or throwing a ball help strengthen the arms and legs; for example soccer and cricket. Swimming provides a full body workout. Thus sports provide the body with complete exercise and engaging in sports directly translates into overall fitness. Research shows that sports improve Math skills in children. Sports that involve aiming and hitting skills, for example, tennis, badminton, baseball and cricket help them increase focus. They help develop leadership qualities and foster team spirit in kids. They involve competition; they involve winning and losing. This exposes children to both aspects of life, successes and failures. Sports build a competitive spirit in children and teach them to be participative irrespective of whether the result is victory or defeat. Playing sports teaches them to accept both successes and failures with a positive spirit. Sports teach you to think with a cool head. The most important benefit of sports is the sportsman spirit they inculcate. Sports help you become more sporting, more positive and stronger. Playing sports is very beneficial for the development of social skills. Sports teach you to interact with people, communicate with them and collaborate as a team. Sports foster collective thinking and harness your planning and delegation skills too. Sports build confidence. Winning a game gives you a sense of accomplishment, which boosts your confidence further. Playing sports involves directed thinking. It requires you to strategize. You need to devise ways to score goals, runs or earn points, as the case may be. You need to devise strategies to win, you need to decide whether to take an offensive stand or a defensive one. You need to judge your opponents strategy and modify yours accordingly. This definitely involves clever thinking, which sports encourage. Studies show that kids who play sports regularly fare well in academics and do well in school. Sports make you happy. I know anyone would agree with this. Jumping about, running around, racing to get ahead, hitting, throwing, bouncing, kicking (the ball, I mean! ), shouting, clapping, cheering, falling and standing up again all a part of playing sports. And there is no match to the happiness this brings. They give you the high by increasing the production of endorphins in the brain. In other words, sports are a form of exercise which generates happiness molecules in your body, thus restoring your mental health. Playing sports, you cant be sad. In fact, they bust the sorrow and the stress. Sports generate a positive energy in you, around you. When sports are played at the state or national level, they increase the players sense of belonging to their community or country. International sports events foster patriotism and a feeling of oneness among the team members of a country. Playing sports at these levels opens many employment avenues for not only sportsmen and women but also people who join tournaments as volunteers, cheerleaders or in the capacity of sports doctors and physical therapists. As developments are undertaken in cities hosting sports events, sports can lead to urbanization of rural areas. Many cities have started becoming hubs for sports tourism. Sports parks are being developed in many tourist destinations. It is the increasing inclination for playing sports which is responsible for such developments. Playing sports reduces several health risks. As sports serve as an excellent form of exercise, it wont come as a surprise that they offer health benefits like lowering blood pressure, maintaining blood sugar and cholesterol levels and reducing other health risks. Yes, if you are playing a sport regularly, you are at a lesser risk of developing diabetes or heart diseases. Playing sports reduces the risk of hypertension and several other stress-related disorders. Research shows that people who play sports regularly can deal with stresses and strains in a better way. Those who engage in sports activities are less prone to depression, anxiety and other psychological disorders. Physical Health Benefits The fact is quite evident that playing any sport makes a person energetic. Team sports, at times, benefit more than solo ones because a person is always happy to play them with ten other people having a similar way of thinking. A team sport keeps health problems at bay. They provide you with the necessary exercise and endurance to maintain a healthy body. It keeps your body in shape and saves you from problems such as obesity, high blood pressure, heart diseases and weak bones. Women should specially take active part in team sports as it keeps their monthly cycles regulated and prevents them from all the gynecological problems. Research reveals that 60% of the women who play team sports are prevented from breast cancer. On the other hand, kids in a growing age get used to torn knees and injuries and thus do not become susceptible to it. It helps them develop strong muscles and a good physique. People who are above the age of 55 years should also actively participate in team sports. It keeps them fit when it is most needed. Social Benefits As Aristotle says, Man is a social animal, it is clear that a person needs a company of other people one day or the other. He cannot survive alone. Team sports help the man to become socially interactive. The more he communicates, the more he comprehends. The basic quality of understanding each other develops when a person begins to talk and listen. Team sports help to construct better friendships. Often, it is observed that a team which plays together, stays together! The team spends a lot of time discussing new ideas, opinions and methods with each other. This makes them bond well and add to the team spirit. Moral and Emotional Benefits Every individual has an ego that is hidden inside him and which pops up as a devil most of the time! One of the best things about playing a team sport is that it kills the ego and converts it into self respect. It is said that, while talking is very important, listening is even more important when you belong to a group. Team sports help develop the quality of listening to each other. We must agree to the fact that speech is silver but silence is golden! On the other hand, team sports build a good self-esteem in individuals. It helps you overcome your fears and mental blockages. It gives you the freedom to experiment and express. It is proven that children who play team sports are healthier and happier. They overcome their complexes with the help of the sport they play. Apart from this, leadership, support and acceptance are three such disciplines everyone needs to imbibe. Team sports make you a good leader. They teach you that a leader is not the boss but a considerate person who takes into account each persons say. They also teach you to accept failures and victory in the same spirit. Children, in the growing age, tend to believe that participation is far more important than victory. The knowledge that you gain, the values that you learn from your mistakes make you a better citizen and a humble individual. They keep you grounded. Read more at Buzzle: http://www. buzzle. com/articles/benefits-of-team-sports. html Sports boost self-esteem. Watching your hard work pay off and achieving your dreams brings about tons of self-confidence. If you can achieve something in a sport or with a fitness goal, then you know you can achieve any other goal you set. This is a very rewarding and exiting process. Playing a sport cuts down on pressure and stress. Exercising is a natural way to loosen up and let go of stress. Also, you will most likely make many new friends on the team who can be there for you as a support system. When you find you are having a lot of stress, you can call up team mates and head to the gym to talk it out and play it out.

Sunday, July 21, 2019

The Management Of Sustainability At Barclays Marketing Essay

The Management Of Sustainability At Barclays Marketing Essay The history of Barclays was developed in 1960 in London by John Freame and Thomas Gould started their business as trading goldsmith bankers. In the year 1736, when James Barclay joined the organisation the name Barclays became connected with the company even though it was not until 1896 then the company is known as Barclays bank. Then is 1896 the company joins 19 other private banking businesses to form Barclay Company Limited, with 182 branches and a deposit of  £26m. By the year 2009 Barclays bank has established in 59 countries with 140, 000 employees throughout the world due to globalisation and the advancement of technology. Barclays is a major global financial services provider engaged in personal banking, credit cards, corporate and investment banking, and wealth and investment management. According to the annual report for 2012, in order to have a sustainable basis, Barclays had to store trust and restore performance. There was also a change in the remuneration packages, a s they prefer paying according to the performance relationship. In relation with shareholders they have increase the share from the total net income and they mention that it is essential to the business and those employees working in an extreme competitive international environment. Barclays also states that their hitting their targets which satisfies them. They claim that their doing work which is socially important and useful to the environment, as well to generate a sustainable return for the shareholders. Sustainability is an increasingly important theme for businesses. At the current situation, the concept of sustainability has been broadened to include not only environmental consideration, but also economic and social consideration claims Elkington (1998). If these factors are implemented in the business, it would be successful. Sustainability is essential for Barclays competitive advantage as Barclays has various competitors in the market. Barclays sustains its competitive ad vantage by creating a size and diversity for the business as well as the quality, character and the relationships with their customers. Diversity has allowed them to build a sustainable business by delivering an operational excellence, investing in innovation and managing their risks. 2.0 Findings 2.1 Sustainability /Sustainable development Sustainability refers to the ability of a mankind to continue indefinitely by making a zero impact on the environmental resources (Blowfield Murray, 2011). Crane Marten (2010) states that sustainability is defined as a long- term maintenance of systems according to environmental, economic and social considerations. Sustainable development is the process by which mankind moves towards the ultimate goal of sustainability. The goal of sustainable development is to enable all people throughout the world to satisfy their basic needs and to enjoy a better quality of life without compromising the quality of life of future generations (HMG, 2005). 2.2 Business Sustainability Business sustainability is known as adapting to the business strategies and activities that meets the needs of business stakeholders today and the near future. There are few frameworks which are used to measure the sustainability of the business, and one of the best ways of testing sustainability would be the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) method introduced by John Elkington. It consists of three important elements which is Economic, social and Environmental. It generates the basis of both Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Sustainability Balance Scorecard (SBSC). Now this report would move on to evaluate the Triple Bottom Line (TBL). 2.3 Economic Sustainability The economic dimension, sustainability is concern about the organizations impacts on the economic environment of its stakeholders and on economic system at local, national and global levels. A narrow concept of economic sustainability focuses on the economic performances of the corporations itself: the responsibility of management is to develop, produce and market those products that secure the long-term economic performances of the corporation (Crane and Matten, 2010).The economic perspective on sustainability is strong and stable economy would create jobs and incomes for society in order to provide basic standard of living. 2.4 Environmental Sustainability The environmental sustainability is concern about organisations impact towards the diverse ecosystem, like water, land and air. The basic principles of sustainability in environment perceptive concern the effective management of physical resources so that they are conserved for the future (Crane and Matten 2010). Basically, it provides resources for human activities and acts as sinks which absorb and recycle human waste such as microorganisms. It is also known as the main resource provider to people, such as water, soil fertility and pollination. 2.5 Social Sustainability The Social Sustainability focuses on the impacts of an organisation towards the social structure which it operates. The development in social perspectives on sustainability has tended to trial behind that of the environment and economic perspectives (Scott, Park and Cocklin, 2000). The main social point of sustainability is the key justice. It deals with a strong, healthy and fair society. It provides promotion for personal well- being, social cohesion and inclusion and equal opportunities for the society (HMG, 2005). 3.0 Measuring Businesses Sustainability 3.1 Sustainability Balance Scorecard Kaplan and Norton (1992) developed the balanced scorecard in order to give managers a more comprehensive view of business performances. Balance scorecards combine both qualitative and quantitative measures, acknowledge the expectations of different stakeholders and relate an assessment of performance to choice of category. It contents of four perspectives financial, customers, process, learning and growth. The sustainability balance scorecard consists of four elements, which would be financial, internal business process, customer, learning and growth. It helps the organisation to breakdown corporate level measures which will help manager and employees to look at what could be done to make the organization to improve internal and external communications and monitor organisations performances against goal. Barclays has been using sustainability balance scorecard in measuring their organisation sustainability. According to the annual report in 2012 in mentioned that the economic environment in Barclays main markets was marked by generally weak or negative growth (as measured by GDP), which has affected business, consumer and investor confidence across these regions. Economic performance in the near term remains uncertain and is expected to be subdued. As an example, to overcome this situation Barclays expects to incur a restructuring charge of approximately  £500m in the first quarter of 2013 and costs associated with implementing the strategic plan of approximately  £1bn in 2013,  £1bn in 2014 and  £0.7bn in 2015 ( Barclays annual report, 2012). 3.2 Global Reporting Initiative Social accounting is the voluntary process concerned with assessing and communicating organisational activities and impacts on social, ethical, and environmental issues relevant to stakeholders. Corporate organisations involves in social accounting for both practical and moral reasons. The main four reasons are internal and external pressure, identifying risks, improved stakeholder management and enhanced accountability and transparency. A good social accounting is complete when a scheme in place attempts to the activities like Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). Crane and Matten (2010) states that Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is an international multi-stakeholder effort to create a common framework for reporting on social, economic and environmental triple bottom line sustainability. Barclays has reported against the Global Reporting Initiative (G3) Indicator protocols and Financial Sector Supplement. In 2011, Barclays have self-declared for their GRI performance application to be B+ (Annual Report Barclays, 2011). 4.0 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) CSR is a set of measures that business could take in order to become sustainable. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is known as a business initiative to evaluate and take accountability on the organizational effects on the environment and impact on the community which is meant that it benefits the organization as well as the community. Rionda claims that CSR is alternatively referred to as corporate citizenship, which essentially means that a company should be a good neighbor within its host family (Rionda.Z, 2002). Organization that is socially responsible would be rewarded with more satisfying customers, which will help to meet the organization goals and expansion of the business. CSR is also as one of tool for brand reputation for business which is developed globally. As an example, a company which has a strong global brand and consumer pressure will be the key drivers towards CSR practices (Zadek, 2004). Most of the companies nowadays have decided to get involved in CSR becau se they realize that in order to stay productive, competitive and relevant in a rapidly changing world, they have to become socially responsible. CSR has also been defined by Moir (2001) who states the continuing commitment by business to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families as well as the local community and society at large. 4.1 Carroll CSR Model Source: A Carroll (1991) The pyramid of corporate social responsibility, Business Horizons, July-August, pp-39-48. The study on Barclays CSR is based on the Carroll four part CSR model that has helped Barclays to meet the two stage of this model which includes economic and legal. Barclays has reported all their CSR activities clearly which gives an indication that Barclays gives an impression to be a sustainable organization and Barclays has been doing well in all these aspects to maintain their sustainability. Barclays seem to give much attention to aim on their CSR activities at stakeholders to contribute to economic, environment and social sustainability to remain sustainable. Now this report will move on to discuss on the CSR policies adapted by Barclays. 4.2 Barclays CSR Barclays has been actively engaging themselves in CSR activities. Barclays believes business can have a positive impact towards the community they serve if CSR is being implemented. Ever since they have start operating their first bank in 1960, they have dedicated their selves to trust and respect their customers and shareholders. Barclays is involving themselves in CSR activities such as, environmental, social and economic. As an example, Barclays Bank in Kenya state that, in order to stay in business for another100 years, they need to be partners with their stakeholders to maximize the opportunities presented by economic, social and environmental sustainability issues, as well as collaborate to minimise the associated risks in both direct and indirect ( Barclays Annual report, 2010). This report will now evaluate the CSR activities of Barclays. 4.3 Environmental Barclays Environmental sustainability approach is to reduce their impacts on the environment. They are not only focusing on the direct operational impact, while they are also looking at wider influence through their lending and investment activities. To make this more efficient Barclays has introduced climate exchange program. This program emphasizes on waste management, water use and paper use. They are designing, building and operating in way that reduces the impact on the globe. There are three main issue which influences Climate exchange Program. The first one would be developing products and services for a low carbon economy, and then followed by managing climate change risks which means managing social and environmental risk in lending and finally managing their own carbon footprint (Citizenship Report, 2011). With adopting all this environmental policies, Barclays was able to meet a sustainable environmental operation to their business. 4.4 Social In social sustainability Barclays is involved with the community. In 2012, Barclays global community investment team managed to engage 73,000 staff in volunteering, fundraising and support programmes that benefited an estimated two million people worldwide (Ainsworth, 2012 Third Sector). Barclays states that in order to have social sustainability two things beings involved; community investment programs and employee programs with the direct efforts of employees. The community programs which Barclays practices are Building Young Futures that aims to equip 74,000 disadvantaged young people in six countries Brazil, Egypt, India, Pakistan, Uganda and Zambia with the skills to help them fulfil their potential with a partnership between Barclays and UNICEF( Barclays citizenship plan , 2012). This program is introduced to help the poor community in these countries to have a proper skill and self-confidents in securing their income with a job or set up a small business with skill and knowle dge provided by this program. The main aim of this program is to reduce unemployment rate among the younger generation in these countries. As an example, in the first four years of their partnership, Building Young Futures gave more than 600,000 young people: improved education opportunities; financial, employment and enterprise skills; and support to manage their money (Barclays citizenship plan, 2012). Besides that, Barclays has introduced a citizenship award in 2012 to recognize and appreciate the work contribution done by their employees for community. The employees in Barclays are actively involved in fund raising for the local community around the globe. For instance, Nearly 1,000 customers and employees took in the sights of the UK capital by night on a 10-km walk, as they raised almost  £100,000 to support UNICEF and UK broadcaster Heart radios Have a Heart charity (Barclays citizenship plan, 2012). With this programmes it would help the local communities to achieve financial independence and security in their lives. Furthermore, these programmes applied towards the community would help Barclays to be more sustainable in a social context. 4.5 Society/ Diversity Aside making huge profits and meeting organisation goals, Barclays have also created a culture where diversity is valued and respected. Barclays mention that their global diversity strategy in place across the organisation, and they are continuing to extend and update this to reflect industry best practice and to meet the expectations of stakeholders and customers (Barclays, 2011).As an example, Barclays have worked closely with external recruitment firm to let them know their diversity priorities, so they could provide them with huge number employees for recruitment and selection. This method is used to measure the employees potential and hard work and to ensure individuals with disabilities have equal rights and job prospects. Barclays has given priorities to diversity as want to meet an equal gender workforce and to support co-workers and customers who has disability. For instance , the UK Corporate Banking business rose to first from fourth place among its peers in terms of clien t satisfaction, and a business in their Wealth and Investment Management division won Best Customer Experience Award in Financial Services in the 2011 Customer Experience Awards. Now this report would move on to access the economic sustainability. 4.6 Economic Barclays practices transparency to their stakeholder. Based on the findings, Barclays believes that the best way to support their stakeholders is by operating a strong, profitable and growing business, which creates jobs and contributes to the economic success of the communities in which they live and work (Citizenship Report, 2011). Transparency is the degree to which corporate decision, policies, activities and impacts are acknowledged and made visible to relevant stakeholders (Crane and Matten, 2010). Jenkins Barclays CEO has mention (International Business Times)that he is committed to building a better bank with massive changes that will boost up shareholder returns over the longer term and based on the 2012 annual report Shares in the group rose 4.2 per cent (Baccardax, 2013). According to the analysis on Barclays CSR activities that theyre involved with, it gives a reflection that Barclays supports the Stakeholder theory. Stakeholder theory seeks to balance the interest of a r ange of economic, social and environmental stakeholders. The theory was been developed by Edward Freeman (1984) who states that a stakeholder of an organization is any group or individual who can affect, or is affected by, achievement of the organisations objectives(Freman 1984:46). For a more precise definition (Evan and Freeman 1993) has suggested two principles: Principle of corporate right, which means the corporation has the obligation not to violate the right of others and Principle of corporate effect which means companies are responsible for the effect of their actions on others. Stakeholder theory is known as the utilitarian ethical stances that give a balancing of stakeholder interests in decision making using a triple bottom line approach. Stakeholder theory is essential in multinational organisation like Barclays and they are sustaining with this approach. 4.7 Weaknesses of CSR policies in Barclays Barclays seems to provide information that theyre sustainable however there are few weakness and risk in the CSR policy. In early 2013, according to The Guardian news, Barclays was preparing to hand its chief executive Antony Jenkins a bonus of at least  £1m for 2012 and it is a year when the bank was fined  £290m for its part in the Libor-rigging scandal and set aside a further  £1bn for mis-selling payment protection insurance (The Guardian ,2013). Besides that, Barclays was under pressure from some of their shareholder demanded for a repay of past bonuses from its new boss. It was surprising that Barclays could be origins of the recession in the credit crunch caused by reckless bank lending. Latest news on Barclays that they will become a self-service-oriented company, thereby allowing the remaining staff to focus on delivering added value to its customers and they have mention that Barclays is changing (The Telegraph, 2013). With this information Barclays is seen as not con sistent with their policy. On the other hand, they still could be an omissions supporting by mentioning that Barclays is still a sustainable organisation. As Freidman (1970) argues that social and environmental sustainability are the responsibility of individuals and the government. The whole Barclays management shouldnt be blame for this issues it could possibly be an individual who is liable. 5.0 Summary Based on the outcomes made for this report Barclays appears to be a sustainable organisation. As seen in the outcomes, Barclays is actively engaged with many CSR activities are have updated them in GRI as well as SBSC. Barclays has establish themselves as the most recognised and respected organization in the world, to sustain it Barclays plans to continue to expand rapidly and commit to more CSR activities to be more sustainable. 6.0 Recommendation The recommendation is made after evaluating Barclays CSR activities and from my point of views on what Barclays should do in achieving a sustainable organisation. Barclays should emphasize on social and economic sustainability as their lack in this both activities. I agree that Barclays is involved in economic and social CSR activities, while be a global organisation its suggested that they should give emphasis to strategic importance of CSR drivers for globalization. As an example, Barclays is engaged in banking industry for many years, they seem expand their business to a more wide area in the world which is due to globalization and this will help them to achieve a sustainable business and profitable organisation. Besides that, having CSR activities which engaging public will gain more popularity for Barclays as it will reach the public faster than indoor activities. Barclays should also concentrate on the Utilitarian ethical stances of social responsibility. It seeks a balanced st akeholder interest in decision making using a triple bottom line approach which includes economic, environment and social which will be an advantage for Barclays. 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Barclays (2011), Citizenship report for direct economic contribution, retrieved on April 19, 2013, from, http://reports.barclays.com/cr11/contributingtogrowth/directeconomiccontribution.html?cat=b. Barclays (2013), Citizenship report for supporting our community, retrieved on April 19, 2013, from, http://group.barclays.com/about-barclays/citizenship/supporting-our-communities. Treanor, J ( 2013), Barclays preparing to pay bonus of at least  £1m to new chief Antony Jenkins, The Guardian , February , 29 retrieved on April 19,2013 from, http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2013/jan/29/barclays-executive-pay-jenkins-libor. Telegraph staff (2013), Barclays could cut up to 40,000 jobs, The Telegraph, March, 7 retrieved on April 19, 2013, from, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/banksandfinance/9916111/Barclays-could-cut-up-to-40000-jobs.html.

Saturday, July 20, 2019

British and Iraq, history :: essays research papers

The "Sovereign" Iraqi Monarchy and British Colonialism In 1932, the League of Nations admitted Iraq as a sovereign state fully aware that British influence continued in Iraqi political, economic and military areas through a new 25-year treaty. Britain's aim was for indirect control of Iraq through advisors, military bases and access to Iraq's tax collections. In this way, it avoided the high cost of large troop deployment on foreign soil. Yet, the fiction of indirect control failed to convince Iraqis. As boundaries became fixed for this new nation, internal power struggles flared up between the different religious factions, pitting one ethnic group against another. Further, the new borders resulted in frequent border disputes with Iraq's mainly new neighbors in addition to widespread ethnic and economic dislocation. While trying to strike a balance between nationalist and British influences, King Faisal's Hashemite monarchy struggled to mold a political community under these overwhelming pressures. Rebellion among the ethnic groups was a constant problem, particularly from the Kurds and Assyrians. Although previously bestowing favor on one or the other, Britain now employed the brutal force of the Iraqi military to suppress dissent. These actions forebode future patterns for Iraq where dissent provoked heavy handed military repression. Into this arena came General Bakr Sidqi, an ambitious and powerful Kurdish commander, who had not only military but growing political aspirations. In September 1933, when King Faisal died, Iraq lost the main stabilizing force in Iraqi politics. Despite the challenges to the monarchy's legitimacy, the King alone was able to unite the various political personalities in support of Iraqi nationalism. His 21-year old son, Ghazi, was western educated and knew little of Iraqi tribal society when he became monarch. During his reign, Iraqi politics degenerated into strife between urban elites and tribal sheikhs that further undermined the newly established political institutions and constitution. General Bakr Sidqi led a coup d'etat in 1936, the first military coup that the modern Arab world was to experience. The British did not intervene as their policy of indirect control was yielding results and the coup threatened only the parliament. However, Sidqi was to last only one year. There was yet a second coup in 1937 by other military officers, called "the Circle of Seven", who managed to rule Iraq with King Ghazi as figurehead until 1941. This group dealt with dissent harshly, imposing martial law, press censorship and establishing a detention camp.

Friday, July 19, 2019

La Grotte Cosquer :: Pre-Historic Art Essays

La Grotte Cosquer Not too long ago Henri Cosquer was swimming, 110 ft. below sea level, through a long, narrow, and treacherous entry passage, the warm Mediterranean waters closing in all around him. The darkness was so thick he could almost feel it. Finally, after what seemed an eternity, Henri pulled himself out of the murky waters and onto the rough, dry floor of what seemed to be a large cave. After his eyes focused and his breathing had settled back to its normal rhythm, Cosquer beheld a sight not seen by human eyes in over 12,000 years: an unmolested, unspoiled cavern last occupied by the mysterious Cro-Magnons who painted the spectacular designs on the soft stone walls of what would later be known as La Grotte Cosquer. Cosquer cave was first discovered in 1985. Professional deep-sea diver Henri Cosquer discovered the 175-meter tunnel below Cabo Morgiou near Marseilles, France (â€Å"The Cosquer Cave†). It was not until 1991, when Cosquer returned to the grotto, that he noticed a single hand print silhouette that lead to the discovery of several dozen prehistoric paintings and engravings (â€Å"Grotto Cosquer†). As soon as the cave was reported to authorities at the French Ministry of Culture, Jean Clottes and Jean Courtin were sent to oversee the research of this incredible find. Jean Clottes currently serves as General Conservator of the National Heritage and Advisor on Prehistoric Art to the French Ministry of Culture and the French Community. Jeans Courtin was previously in charge of antiquities in the Provence region of France and Co-Director of Research for the National Center for Scientific Research (â€Å"The Cave Beneath the Sea†). Under Clottes and Courtin many facts about the origin of these paintings have been uncovered. Apparently the creators of these prehistoric works of art used a pallet of colors consisting of hematite or ochre for the red mineral pigment, and manganese dioxide for the charcoal black pigment. Only about one third of the total artwork in Cosquer is done using paint; the others are engravings done in the cave’s soft limestone walls (â€Å"Grotto Cosquer†).

Live With Lightning Essay -- Essays Papers

Live With Lightning The main hero of the novel is looking for an answer to the question: â€Å"What is his place as a scientist in the world.† The book focuses on the historic period from the 30s till the end of the World War II. A common American post-student wants to become a scientist. He has nothing except his talent, courage, patience, persistence, and strong will to devote his life to physics. On obtaining his diploma and his appointment as an assistant and teacher in the University of Columbia, he spent his summer washing dishes, working at a gas station in a place with a significant name High Hope. He found by chance that he had taken the job from a man who had a family to support. Eric Gorin moved on. When asked whether he is especially interested in any particular field of physics, Eric frankly answered that he didn’t know enough about any of them yet. One of Eric’s professors Hollingworth is very kind to him, but physics is only a career, his way of making money. Eric was going to teach freshman physics lab and take his own courses towards his doctorate as well. â€Å"You’ll probably find the first year rather confusing and hard work to teach between the two schedules, but things will straighten out for you after a while. â€Å" – indifferently notices Earle Fox, department chairman. Eric is proud of talking to the Nobel Price winner, such a prominent figure in science But Earle Fox is a good artist. No one could guess how empty and unhappy his life is, the life of a skeptic and pessimist, the life of stereotype and standard. He never cared for the work, never put even a spark of passion into it. No soul there could be in the pure, abstract science. The men Fox saw had a fine and delicate intelligence, but the society which had reared them, had also told them that they were working in fields that were foreign to mainstreams of ordinary endeavor. The knew the verdict pronounced on them was the opposite of justice, they had made themselves willing to believe that science which they found most interesting in life had no connection with life. They found the peace, which made work possible. So that from disenchantment with the science, he had progressed to contempt for its practitioners and to a still profounder contempt to what he did. Earl Fox is the first symbolic impediment for Eric. He asked Gorin what made a young man choose of all... ...e going to make the grade as a civilization. The millennium was at hand. But the hopes were destroyed; atomic energy was used as a threat, open or implied to frighten other countries. He preferred painful, distressing truth to a peace-giving lie. He chose his way, and understood that every lab in the country was under pressure buy the military men and the people who had deliberately confused the bomb with atomic energy. He says: â€Å" I’m not going to be any Earl Fox. No student will hear me say, â€Å" What difference does it make?† Everything makes a difference now. Indifference is condemnation of the human race said Febermaher. Indifference is innocence sinister, which makes the minds and souls deliberately atrophied. When Americans asked, with horror, â€Å" How could the Germans be made to believe such things?† Febermaher was tempted to reply, â€Å" What makes Americans think that they would be any different†. Indifference is the bovine stupidity with which a herd of cows watch one of their own number being slaughter. And this sinister innocence is the ultimate cruelty of the universal kind. In America it is called cruelty, in Europe, the other side of the coin was called practicality.

Thursday, July 18, 2019

Panera Bread Essay

In this paper I will be discussing the company Panera Bread, its history, and how they decided on the business strategy that the company uses. I will also give a description of Panera’s strategic vision and how its stakeholders enable the success of Panera. Panera was built by Ron Shaich and originally started out in 1980 with a little store that used to be called the Cookie Jar. After three decades, a merger, and an acquisition later, Shaich’s empire turned into what we now know and love as Panera Bread. (Kowitt, 2012). Shaich started this bread empire when he was attending Clark University and was kicked out of a convenience store that didn’t cater to college students. So Shaich, who was the treasurer of the student body, decided that the college should make their own store, and that is exactly what they did. After running this store for the college, Shaich loved it so much that he decided to open his own store called the Cookie Jar, and in an effort to expand his offerings he became a licensee of the French bakery company, Au Bon Pain, whom later on merged with his company. Kowitt, 2012). Later Shaich stated that â€Å"[he] was worried because the French baked goods we sold at our half-a-dozen stores were becoming pedestrianized. We decided to use the croissant and bread as a platform to sell soups, salads, and sandwiches† (Kowitt, 2012). This is where they started becoming the store we are familiar with, however they had one more change to go through before they evolved into their current format. In 1993 Shaich purchased a small lunchtime soup, salad, and sandwich chain called St. Louis Bread Co. Shaich soon realized that this is where the gem of his business was located, so he changed the name to Panera, changed the environment to encourage people to gather, and sold off the other portions of his company such as Au Bon Pain. (Kowitt, 2012). This was the turning point for the company where Shaich decided to make the full business strategy for Panera to be that of the bakery cafe set up. With a vision of providing good quality breads and foods, with excellent customer service, this is key for while other companies have cut back due to the economy. Panera has continued their game plan to ensure the greatest experience for their customers. If you walk into other companies restaurants you will see longer lines, waits, and dirty tables due to those companies cutting back, whereas Panera continues to invest in labor in their cafes and the quality of their workers, as well as in the quality of their food. (â€Å"How panera bread,† 2010). This is their long term strategy and what I believe is the key to their success and the most important part of their strategy. They put emphasis on the quality of their food and the dining experience; this has really won over the customers that want a fast, clean, and healthy dining experience. This business plan of taking care of the customer first is due to the fact that the stockholders, and Shaich, who is the largest stockholder, allow Panera to remember that they started the company to provide quality service to customers, not to make money. Realizing that the stock price is a byproduct of them ensuring the customers are happy, and not the whole point of the company. A lot of companies think only of profits and hitting the bottom line, whereas Panera views their role as delivering a valued service to their customers. (Shaich, 2011). Shaich states that â€Å"We have to spend less time figuring out how to extract economic value from our stakeholders and more time creating what is valuable to them. Doing so is what ultimately creates long-term value† (Shaich, 2011). Arguing the fact that if you make sure the service you are providing is great then the customers will come, and your stock value will rise. Just like the old adage â€Å"if you build it they will come† this is the same thing, if you build a clean friendly restaurant with quality food, then the customers will come and spend money, and this is exactly what Panera has done and why they are so successful. My recommendation to Panera is to continue doing what they are doing, ensuring that the food and service quality at their restaurants stays at the high level that they already are. Never forgetting that this is what brings them long term profits, and to always keep that goal in view, instead of stripping down their services to create vast short term profits, but hurting customer loyalty and future sells. In conclusion we can see that Panera was able to start from a small little cookie store and transform into the huge restaurant chain it is today by focusing on taking care of their customers and not just looking at the bottom line of a balance sheet.

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Modest Mussorgsky and His Sunless Song Cycle

humiliated Mussorgsky and his overcast Song Cycle mild Petrovich Mussorgsky was unrivalled of the biggest innovators in Russian medicine during the Romantic Period. Constantly striving to earn a distinctive Russian medicinal drugal theater identity, he never once hesitated to hold in the orthodox qualities and trends of western unison. Born blemish 21, 1839, into a wealthy family living in K bevo, Russia, it was non long before Mussorgsky ascertained his spot for music. He began playing pianoforte at the age of 6 and showed declare development. However, he was obliged to dramatize on the family tradition of serving in the military, and was send to cadet school when he was 13. afterwards 4 years, he boffoly graduated and was direct to serve at a military hospital in Saint Peterburg. Here, he became close with several other framers including Mily Balakirev, who heavy influenced Mussorgsky to learn more about music. The 2 worked together over the next a few(prenomin al) years developing his musical intelligence. After tho several months, in 1858, Mussorgsky suffered from an stirred crisis, forcing him to resign from his commission, and devote his period wholly to music composition. He began to develop as a spellr precisely was pitiablely oblivious as his familys fortune began to dwindle.He was obligate to accept a low-level obliging service position in ordination to help manage his familys e landed estate. In 1863, Mussorgsky returned to Saint Petersburg and began composing his initiative opera house. During this time, he was exposed to a heavily germinal and intellectual atmosp here(predicate) where a mannequin of artistic and scientific ideas were brought to his attention. He in short came to embrace the ideal known as musical actualism. With this mind set, Mussorgsky sought to string life by means of music as it was truly lived. He rejected the repeating of symmetrical musical forms just as life itself is completely unpred ictable.His style came to be known as erratic and exhibited a raw sense of individuality. Unfortunately, this concept of real life hit him oddly breathed when his mother passed a instruction in 1865. This was a profound moment in Mussorgskys life, atomic number 53 that may view as pushed him into the downward spiral saturated with alcohol, depression, and lostness that would fin on the wholey follow. By the late 1860s, his music had circulated comfortably enough to earn him the right of cosmos grouped with Balakirev, Cui, Rimsky-Korsavok, and Borodin as a dispel of Russias right distributeful.However, he had in so far to compose a successful opera. In Autumn of 1868, after abandoning his ii previous attempts at Salammbo and Marriage, Vladimir Nikosky suggested that he compose an opera for Alexander Pushkins drama, Boris Godunov. Mussorgsky gladly accepted the challenged and began almost immediately. Despite the opera being rejected by the situate Censor (arguably not once but twice), nearly 6 years afterwards, his masterpiece was ready to be shared with the cosmea. The autopsy took place January 27, 1874, but to his dismay, it received a number of hostile and negative reactions.Even his unattackable friend and fellow Mighty Hand member, Cesar Cui, was unimpressed and proceeded to minimize his accomplishment with a scathing go over describing it as an girlish work, and that it trespassed against the conventional musical grammar of the time. Mussorgsky was deeply impacted by the cosmos reaction. It nearly destroyed his self-confidence, and summoned what I intrust to be the dark and pessimistic force play that inspired his numbers speech rhythm empower Bez Solnsta.Literally meaning fair weatherless, or without sun, Bez Soinsta was a series of 6 var.s Mussorgsky tranquil to accompany a variety of poems pen by his close friend and irregular roommate, Arseni Golenishchev-Kutuzov. As the name implies, the overall caprice of Sunless is rather bleak. Its music and lyrics especially evoke a continuous tactual sensation of lone furrowss, hopelessness, insomnia, and boredom. From a psychological stand blockage, one could guess that this entire song cycle is a direct representation of the moral state associated with depression and its symptomatic effects.I count Mussorgsky chose to compose these songs when he did to mull his degrading mental state of mind, which ultimately led to his demise. The first song of the cycle, consisting of only 17 bars, is entitle Within Four Walls. With its sparing accompaniment, this musically subtle piece tends to center near pedal D (first in the bass, later in the mid range, and then reverting back to the bass). The melody blends a confederacy of recitative and aria with arching lines of infinite yearning and at times fierce dissonances.These unexpected harmonies are inevitably brought back to the unyielding D, all the while saturated with irregular idiom length and fermatas to maybe allude to the unpredictability of life. Deceptive cadences of endless misery, combined with colourless poetic lyrics much(prenominal) as an thick darkness, irresponsive darkness, this song seems to radiate a sense of profound pessimism that sess only be explained by the mental material body of Mussorgsky at the time. Though only perdurable a mere 11 bars, Mussorgskys second song of the cycle, Thouh Didst Not get Me In The Crowd, goes further harmonically than any other composer would be qualified of.Frequently ending in foreign, unresolved chords, this accurate blend of heightened recitatives and fervent melodies do jurist to the associated lyrics provided by Kutuzof. The poetry seems to express and bemoan the indifference of the world as personified in the disinterest of a former lover. The design poetic phrasing is as follows You have not recognized me in the crowd. Your inspect did not say anything, but I felt wonder and fright when I caught it. It was only a moment, but believe me, within it I re-lived again, all the delights of early(prenominal) love, all the tartness of oblivion and divideDetails regarding Mussorgskys love life are sparse, but one can only assume that such nomenclature drenched in hopeless bitterness and overwhelming sorrow pertained some relevance to his current love affairs at the time. Mussorgskys third song in the cycle is entitled The Noisy festival Day Is Ended. At the time, he was working in the forestry department of The Russian Government as a clerk. Earning infinitesimal income, and being constantly preoccupied with slothful tasks, his frustration grew, as he was progressively distracted from his real life as a composer.One of the more expansive Sunless songs, this 40 bar piece exhibits a variety of textures and gestures. Opening with a recitative, Mussorgsky continues to a lyrical middle section, where falling normal sixths are introduced. Finishing with an aria like finale, the song seems to con vey no other emotions than hopeless longing and passionate desperation. He expresses yet other day wasted, over is the utter and idle and clamorous day and another night quietude deprived, but sleep escapes from my eyes. But what has brought about this dissatisfaction? Could it be his unfulfilling job that distracts him from his true passion of music composition?Or perhaps it is a woman who disturbs him so, I am bored with this dead crowd Only one shadow, the only one of all, appeared to me, breathing with love. Boredom is the fourth song in Mussorgskys Sunless song cycle. As the name suggests, throughout the 29 bars, he repeats the opening statement a amount of money of three times (making it a strophic song). However, it would not be very stylistic of Mussorgsky to repeat this initial melody without some part of change or variation. For each repetition, he modifies the music slightly to appropriately reflect the changes in the text.During the third repetition, the music seems to take a more fierce and tragic approach than that of the first and second phrases. The lyrics here also seem to indicate a powerful sense hopelessness and despair as Kutuzov writes, Be bored. From birth to the come up your path is written beforehand draw by drop youll waste your powers. and so youll die. Talk about depressing. At this point in time, Mussorgsky was drinking heavily, and seemed to idealize his alcoholism, perhaps viewing it as an ethical or aesthetic habbit. This of course led to change magnitude isolation and depression, which is undeniably presented through songs such as this one.His fifth song, Elegy appears to be related in some way to the negative reaction of the populace in solution to the recent premier of his opera, Boris Godunov. As discussed earlier, steady his close friend and esteem fellow member of Russias Mighty Handful betrayed Mussorgsky with a brutal review of the piece. Elegy begins nicely as the dither piano gently compliments and symbo lizes the reticent star flickering, lonely, through the veil of clouds. Arguably, this represents Mussorgskys opera at the time of its approval, waiting for the veil of clouds to be lifted in order to shine for all of the world to see.Later, the music changes drastically as a series of angry, dissonant and chromatic octaves relentlessly pound away as the poetry describes what I believe to be the publics reaction to his take on Boris Godunov. And I hear in the blank lifes discordant noise, laughter of the soulless crowd, the muttering of treacherous feuding. Mussorgskys anger and frustration in response to the premier of his opera are all the way and effectively depicted here through his music. The last song of his Sunless cycle is entitled By The River. Throughout the piece, a stationary bass line with its rank half step supports a eries of native chromatic harmonies. There is a eerie contradictive sense of stability and illusion to the piece, something which becomes even more prominent when compared to its poetry. Throughout the text, the line between sanity and madness and crossed, and you follow yourself at the threshold of death. The poetry seems to essentially be a suicide note. The river acts as a means to an end, possessing magical secrets in them (what happens after you die). When it calls into the depths, I want to stand up without hesitation (suicide).The hopeless yearning and discourage lyrics correspond with music nearly as dark and mysterious as the river portrays. In the years that followed, Mussorgskys mental and somatic decline only worsened. The inability to repel drinking, combined with a series of deaths among his closes friends caused him spectacular pain and sorrow. In 1880, he was complete from the governmental service, and in 1881 he declared to a friend that there was, cryptograph left but begging. It seemed as though Mussorgsky had given up on music, on himself, on life. Sure enough, not long after the fact, he suffered from a series of seizures and was hospitalized.An impoverished son of nobility, humbled Petrovich Mussorgsky died on March 28, 1881, just a week after his 42nd birthday. His unfortunate struggle with alcohol, and criticisms from the public eye, inspired a dark and despairing approach to music during his final years. Additionally, his interest and devotion to musical realism led to an unorthodox and polemic style, the critical reaction to which, he was futile to cope with. Sunless, with the help from Kutuzov, remains one of the bleakest works in the art song repertoire. Bibliography Articles http//www. recmusic. org/lieder/assemble_texts. tml? LanguageId=7&SongCycleId=60 http//www. allmusic. com http//en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Boris_Godunov_(opera) http//en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Modest_Mussorgsky http//en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Sunless_(song_cycle) Songs http//www. youtube. com/watch? v=CKZwPYhXbbA http//www. youtube. com/watch? v=8KOvp0ienUI http//www. youtube. com/watch? v=tUXZ59hs2l 8 http//www. youtube. com/watch? v=YU481pqyo54 http//www. youtube. com/watch? v=ym367Z_XJ-k http//www. youtube. com/watch? v=Raqo8RQL9i0 Scores http//www. musicaneo. com/sheetmusic/sm-4310_sunless_without_sun. hypertext markup language (yes, I bought it)