Foxconn In China Case Study - 1741 Words

China’s success in consumer electronic manufacturing can be traced to the creation of special economic zones in the early 1980s, intended to increase â€Å"foreign capital and boost exports as the means to integrate regional and global economies† (Chan and Seldon 2013, 103). This capitalism was a sharp departure from the previous Communist based economic policies that dominated the country for decades (Ya and O Donnell 2017). The Shenzhen Special Economic Zone (one of four) was established in May 1980 adjacent to the border with Hong Kong, which was experiencing its own economic boom (Ngai and Chan 2012, Ya and O Donnell 2017). Manufacturing in the Shenzhen Economic Zone grew exponentially after the Chinese government began offering†¦show more content†¦Grain dependent Henan Providence, which has the largest population of any providence, is largely excluded from the financial support provided to coastal areas of the country with large ports (French 2008). The Z hengzhou factory, however, is an outlier: a global symbol of foreign capitalism and economic prosperity in a region of China otherwise extremely poor (Barboza 2016). Zhengzhou is inseparably linked with the Chinese government; the Foxconn factory there provides a case study of exclusive economic incentives provided by the government to the company. Based on documents obtained by the New York Times, these benefits are unlike anything else in the world. For instance, the Zhengzhou government spent $1 billion dollars on housing for â€Å"iPhone City’s† six million people, most of them Foxconn workers. The $600 million factory itself was largely financed by the government, and taxes were eliminated for Foxconn for five years. To facilitate rapid exportation of electronics, customs is located directly outside the factory’s perimeter. An airport is nearby, in which the Zhengzhou government will be pumping $10 billion into. To staff this 2.2-mile factory site, the gov ernment assists in recruiting workers and providing formal training. Ultimately, state recruited workers in state subsidized housing not only benefitsShow MoreRelatedThe Ethical Relationship Between Apple And Foxconn1120 Words   |  5 Pagesare unaware about the rising ethical issues that are presented behind the production of different technologies. The relationship between Apple and Foxconn displays a strong primary example of the ethical issue. Apple is perceived as one of the dominant technological and innovative company providing the world with its technology. Despite this, Foxconn ultimately faced many ethical issues as a supply chain of Apple’s products. The ethical issues that are presented are low working conditions, low wagesRead MoreFoxconn Hain Precision Industry Company1218 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction Hon Hain Precision Industry Company, better known as Foxconn, was established as a manufacturing company in 1974. This company specializes in its ability to manufacture and assemble mass quantities of consumer electronics. As a result of the product demand, Foxconn hires over a million employees to meet their quota from major corporations, such as Apple, Motorola, Microsoft, and many others. Moreover, the employees face many horrific working conditions. Employees are subjected to longRead MoreApple Globalization Essay983 Words   |  4 Pagesthey take their manual skilled labor, knowledge, experiences and beliefs. As more and more companies expand and become global companies it is inevitable that they will send good qualified workers to oversee the operations overseas. 2. How does this case illustrate the threats and opportunities facing global companies in developing their strategies? The threat facing Apple was the negative image it had after President Obama’s inquiry on outsourced jobs. This gave the perception that Apple did notRead Morecase study Essay1041 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿ Case study: Apple iPhones - Not Made in America 1. What is meant by the globalization of human capital? Is this inevitable as firms increase their global operations? The globalization of human capital refers to the fact that employees are now spread out across the world by their employers. This including, the companies, employed, unemployed, stockholders, consumers, contractors, supply chain, firms and economies. Companies branch out because labor costs are cheaper and productivity isRead MoreEthical Sourcing And The Supply Chain1611 Words   |  7 Pagessupply chains. Cruz (2013) stated that â€Å"poor CSR performance, at any stage of the supply chain process, may damage a company’s most important asset–its reputation† (p. 3995). Based upon a case study on the outsourcing of production activities by Apple Inc. to the controversial contract manufacturer Foxconn, this paper will discuss whether or not firms have responsibility for the supply chains they choose to utilize. The paper will also highlight some of the advantages and disadvantages of Apple’sRead MoreLeadership Style Of Branson And Gou1510 Words   |   7 Pagesrecommendation from the author of improving work place conditions in Terry Gou’s Foxconn megafactorie. Question 1 Part A Sir Richard Branson is a self-made billionaire entrepreneur, adventurer, icon, and the founder of the globally recognized Virgin Group. With a diverse empire of over 400 companies under his ownership, Sir Richard Branson certainly does not run his empire like the everyday multinational corporation CEO. (Case Study University of South Australia, 2015) (Branson, 2013) Instead, charged byRead MoreChinas Factories and Sweatshop 1125 Words   |  4 PagesChina Sweatshop When you go shopping to Walmart or Apple ask yourself where your product is coming from. China has numerous sweatshop factories assembling USAs products from stores as Apple and Walmart. China’s Sweatshop tends to violate human labor’s rights by forcing overtime and going under the mandatory minimum wage and other violations as long hour without pay, sexual, and physical harassment. Chinas sweatshop factory tends to be quite popular because is cheap labor, free trade zone, orRead MoreKarl Marx And Max Weber1003 Words   |  5 Pagestremendous contribution on the development of Sociology. Their studies and theories still have significant meaning for modern sociologists to explore the social world. As Weber are born after Marx about several decades, his theories are influenced by Marx to a great extend so that Weber finds much common ground with Marx. Their conceptions about religion,capitalism, social class and power are in some ways compatible. The aspects of their stu dy are quite similar, and Weber builds upon the analysis whichRead MoreApple Foxconn Case Study Essay2519 Words   |  11 PagesFoxconn: Impact of globalization on labor conditions. Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd which trades as Foxconn Technology group or as the media calls it Foxconn has been in media limelight recently due to labor problems that have surfaced from the organization. Foxconn is a major equipment manufacturer supplier to electronics giants like Blackberry, Apple, Microsoft Xbox, Sony PlayStation and the Nintendo Wii. The internet has several articles and controversies regarding the deplorable workerRead MoreChallenges Faced By Apple Inc.2502 Words   |  11 Pagesdifferent countries and possess different cultural impact towards the organization, therefore, it is hard to preserve and maintain the supplier work environment. The case illustrates the issues faced by Apple’s the two major suppliers in India and China due to different cultures prevalent in Asian countries. The problems faced by Foxconn and Wintek had an adverse impact on Apple’s reputation. The report aims to determine key issues and recommend several possible solu tions that will assist Apple to rebuild

Common Sense By Thomas Paine - 1574 Words

Common Sense was written by an Englishman, Thomas Paine, who came to the American Colonies in 1774. He had strong opinions about the British Monarchy – and monarchy in general – including the fact that by nothing more than an accident of birth one man had rule over so many other humans. He viewed this elevation to monarch unnatural as all men are created equal. Additionally, Paine notes that â€Å"there is something exceedingly ridiculous in the composition of Monarchy; it first excludes a man from the means of information, yet empowers him to act in cases where the highest judgment is required.† To add weight to that argument that the Monarch is irrelevant to government, Paine also wrote that â€Å"Of more worth is one honest man to society, and in the sight of God, than all the crowned ruffians that ever lived.† Paine appeals to the every man with this statement. Throughout the section on monarchy he criminalized the King and laid all manner of pit falls and corruptions at his feet. In reading Common Sense I would be spurred to revolt and definitely would have become a Patriot. I personally believe that democracy and the ability to choose our leaders is essential in any type of fair and representative government; therefore, I believe that Paine gives a compelling argument that makes a lot of sense. This is heady stuff and if I had lived in that time period, I’m sure Revolution would have been in my very heart. I would surely have been compelled to fight for the freedomShow MoreRelatedCommon Sense by Thomas Paine859 Words   |  3 Pagesâ€Å"Common Sense† Common Sense is a pamphlet made in 1775-76 by Thomas Paine. This pamphlet inspired the thirteen colonies to declare war and fight for independence against Great Britain. It was straight forward and told Great Britain exactly the advantages of being independent from them. On January 10, 1776 during the American Revolution, the pamphlet was published and became a huge topic in the community. It was the biggest talk of the colonies. In proportion to the population, the book was the biggestRead MoreCommon Sense by Thomas Paine1396 Words   |  6 PagesCommon Sense was written by Thomas Paine and published in 1776. Paine wrote it as a plea for the American people to break away from Britain and to declare independence from the king. He was asking his audience to take a step back and see that just because something is tradition, does not mean it is necessarily right. Paine wanted to show his readers that government and society is not the same thing, which is how most people viewed it. Society was something that people should want to have, whileRead MoreCommon Sense By Thomas Paine957 Words   |  4 Pagespolitical pamphlet known as Common Sense was written by Thomas Paine in 1776. This pamphlet contributed in promoting the independence of America. In the pamphlet Thomas Paine challenged the American colonists to separate from England and create a democratic and independent society. Along with challenging the American colonists, he hinted at his own opinions about a democratic government that America should plan towards if they seek to separate from England. Thomas Paine also bluntly proposed thatRead MoreCommon Sense By Thomas Paine1036 Words   |  5 PagesCommon Sense is a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine that inspired people in the Thirteen Colonies to declare and fight for independence from Great Britain. It was actually first published anonymously. Thomas Paine’s basic theme throughout Common Sense is that government is a â€Å"necessary evil†. His argument begins with more general reflections about government and religion, then progresses onto the specifics. There is a quote from the first page of Common Sense that lays out Paine s general conceptionRead MoreCommon Sense By Thomas Paine1244 Words   |  5 PagesIndependance, Why They Should Thomas Paine, an English political philosopher and writer made his way to the colonies when his good friend, Benjamin Franklin convinced him to do so. He worked as an editor for the Pennsylvania Magazine. Although, published anonymously in 1776, Paine was the man behind Common Sense, a political pamphlet that was distributed between all the colonies and challenged the British government by suggesting American Independency. Paine wrote the Common Sense because in his mind heRead MoreCommon Sense By Thomas Paine992 Words   |  4 PagesAmerica what it is today. Common Sense by Thomas Paine was inspiring to many American colonists as it was persuasive in showing how the colonists should have their own independence. Paine appealed the average citizen’s rationale, hence the title Common Sense. Paine’s pamphlet illustrates the importance of independence, and argues that colonial life under British rule was detrimental to America’s potential to become prosperous. In a fairly lengthy, but readable style, Paine discusses the differencesRead MoreThomas Paine And Common Sense1579 Words   |  7 PagesThomas Paine and Common Sense In colonial America, Britain’s colonies were subjected to many Parliamentary acts that were considered to be, by many of the colonists, oppressive. The Declaratory Act, the Coercive Acts, and numerous other tax-based acts were just a few of the many examples of the controlling behavior displayed by the British Parliament toward their North American colonies. This seemingly oppressive behavior by the British Parliament had not gone unnoticed by those outside ofRead MoreCommon Sense By Thomas Paine1438 Words   |  6 PagesKayla Boucher Doctor Hockin AMH 2010 22 January 2015 Common Sense The book Common Sense by Thomas Paine was an American pamphlet written during the American Revolution, which was around the time when America was trying to gain independence from Britain. Paine discusses government, religion, and colonial issues. In the first chapter Paine differentiates between the society and the government. He described the society as being positive and constructive and he described the government beingRead MoreCommon Sense By Thomas Paine770 Words   |  4 PagesThomas Paine first published Common Sense anonymously in 1776 and immediately became popular. I choose to read Common Sense by Thomas Paine, in order to know America and hopefully to understand the philosophy behind the founding of the country and how its government system was set up to function. In my opinion, one of the main reasons Thomas Paine’s pamphlet became favoured was because Paine used a lot of common sense opinions that most people could understand. In his pamphlet Common Sense, ThomasRead MoreCommon Sense By Thomas Paine934 Words   |  4 PagesCommon sense is a pamphlet created by Thomas Paine for the American colonies to get their independence from the British government and for the people to be able to choose the rulers or officials to govern over them. In Thomas Paine pamphlet he had four sections which where origin and design of government in which he states that elections where the right thing for any government because it represents the people, of monarchy and succession that lineage of kings should not be the head of government

Writing and Comprehensive Form Free Essays

Description of Reading and Writing Measures Standardized Test Description KTEA II Reading comprehension and Written Expression The Reading comprehension and written expression subtests were given and scored. The Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement, Second Edition is an individually administered measure of academic achievement for ages 4 and a half through 25. The test is available in two versions: the Brief form which assesses the achievement of reading , mathematics, written expression; and the Comprehensive Form which covers a wide range of achievement domains and an analysis of students’ errors. We will write a custom essay sample on Writing and Comprehensive Form or any similar topic only for you Order Now The Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement, Comprehensive Form, Second Edition represents a revision of the Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement Comprehensive Form. The KTEA –II Comprehensive Form has an expanded age range and has retained the five subtests from the original KTEA and has modified to allow for testing of children and adults from preschool-age through college-age. Nine new subtests have been added to allow for assessment of a broad range of achievement domains and skills. KTEA-II Comprehensive Form age norms are provided for ages 4 and a half through 25, and grade norms are provided for Kindergarten through Grade 12. KTEA III Comprehensive Form is curriculum-based it provides norm-referenced and error analysis systems, criterion-referenced assessment in reading, mathematics, written language, and oral language. The KTEA-II Comprehensive Form has two independent , parallel forms (A and B) and the KTEA-II Brief Form norms at ages 4 and a half through 90. These three non-overlapping batteries make the KTEA II useful for measuring student progress. The KTEA II Comprehensive Form make it an important tool for assessing academic achievement. The KTEA II measures achievement in reading, mathematics, written language, and oral language and allows the examiner to administer a single subtest or a combination of subtests to assess achievement in one or more domains. All seven specific learning disability areas identified in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendment of 1997 (IDEA,1997)are measured: basic reading skills, reading comprehension, mathematics calculation, mathematics, reasoning, oral expression, listening comprehension, and written expression. The KTEA Comprehensive Form like the KTEA was developed from a clinical model of assessment. Curriculum experts defined specific sub skills measured by each subtest and the different types of errors students are likely to make on each subtest. Standardization data guided the final error analysis System. KTEA-II Comprehensive Form content has undergone bias reviews to ensure that students of either sex and ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds can be assessed. The KTEA II Comprehensive Form was normed using two separate representative, nationwide standardizations, one in the fall and one in the spring. The procedure accurately measures students’ performance both at the beginning and end of he year. The KTEA-II Comprehensive Form is conformed with the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children, Second Edition. The KTEA II Comprehensive Form is a reliable, valid measure of academic achievement. The KTEA II allows the examiner to observe the student’s test taking behavior, motivation, and visual-motor coordination. The two parallel forms make it an ideal instrument for longitudinal studies. KTEA II Written Expression subtest Description of writing task Students are administered an item set based on their grade. (3rd Grade) Following assessment directions from the KTEA II manual and easel, I provided the Level 3 booklet and a pencil to my student. The written expression booklet is titled Kyra’s Dragon. I explain to my student following the provided directions from the easel that this story is about a girl named Kyra and the dragon she has to find. As we go through the story, you’ll write some of the words and sentences. This is similar to the â€Å"cloze† technique that was used in the informal assessment, The McLeod Assessment of Reading Comprehensions. ) I tell my student to write the best words and sentences he can and not to worry if he doesn’t know how to spell a word – spelling won’t count. The first item we starts with is #31 I say â€Å" Let’s start by writing your full name here† and I point to the to of the booklet. The next item #32, my st udent writes the sentence â€Å"The dragon carries people away. † That I dictate. Tets: Writing Skills On item #3 my student has to write one word to complete the sentence â€Å" The king says to Kyra, â€Å"Finding the dragon_____________ save us all. † For item #34, my student has to write one good sentence to complete a part of the story, â€Å" Kyra’s Dragon. This fill in the blank interactive story goes on with similar tasks inserting words, sentences, combining sentences, proper word usage of specific words and punctuation into the story booklet until my student gets item # 49. Item #49 is where my student must complete a timed retell of the entire story, pretending my student is the king’s scribe. My student must retell the story of Kyra’s dragon so that his grandchildren will know how people came to live in their new town. He is given 10 minutes to complete his retell. My task as administrator of this test is to follow the script on the easel, read the prompts, and point to the correct place for the student to write his answers. This took about 25 minutes to administer. I am allowed to repeat story segments and item instructions if necessary. I may also tell a student how to spell a word if they ask, since spelling is not scored in this subtest, but only if examinee asks for assistance. How to cite Writing and Comprehensive Form, Essay examples

Brand Mythology free essay sample

Brand Mythology| How Brands become Icons| By| Joseph Shiffin Joy| | Brands are an accepted part of our daily lives. But some brands seem to transcend their product or service categories to become part of the popular culture. What distinguishes these iconic brands from the rest of the pack, and what can marketers learn from them? | Acknowledgement First and foremost I would like to thank the almighty for giving me the strength in all aspects I wish to express my sincere gratitude to Mr. A. R Rajagopalan, Professor, MBA Dept, Amity University Dubai, for his pillared support, guidance and encouragement. His candid suggestion and appraisal invariably helped me in channeling my efforts. I would also like to sincerely thank other faculty members and non teaching staff of the Department of MBA, for extending help when needed. Contents What is a Brand? 3 Brands as Mythology4 What is an Iconic Brand? 6 1. A great brand is in it for the long haul. 15 2. A great brand can be anything. 16 3. A great brand knows itself. 16 4. A great brand invents or reinvents an entire category. 17 5. A great brand taps into emotions. 17 6. A great brand is a story thats never completely told. 8 7. A great brand has design consistency. 18 8. A great brand is relevant. 19 Objective People identify strongly with cultural icons and often rely on these symbols in their everyday lives. Icons serve as societys foundational compass points-anchors of meaning continually referenced in entertainment, journalism, politics, and advertising. The objective of the paper is a comparative look at how these brands enshrined themselves within the cultural fabric of society and the winning strategies for brands to become icons. - What is a Brand? The word brand is derived from the  Old Norse word  Ã¢â‚¬Ëœbrandr’  meaning ’to burn’. It refers to the practice of producers burning their mark (or brand) onto their products. A  brand  is basically a ‘name, term, design, symbol, or any other feature that identifies one sellers good or service as distinct from those of other sellers’. Branding  began as a way to telling one persons cattle from another’s by means of a distinctive symbol burned into the animals skin with a  hot iron stamp, and was subsequently used in  business,  marketing  and  advertising. The American Marketing Association (AMA) defines a brand as a ‘name, term, sign, symbol or design, or a combination of them intended to identify the goods and services of one seller or group of sellers and to differentiate them from those of other sellers’. The Italians were among the first to use brands, in the form of  watermarks  on paper in the 1200s The oldest generic Brand in the world, which is still in use, is from India, it is better known as â€Å"Chyawanprash† it is a herbal paste consumed for its health benefits and attributed to a revered  Rishi  (seer) named Chyawan. This brand was developed on an extinct Volcanic Hill in North India called  Dhosi Hill  in North India. Branding means more than the fancy logo. It means accurately communicating your values and delivering your Brand promises, it is the very embodiment of everything associated with your product, service or company, and it is more than just creating a fancy logo, proper branding shapes your company. It instills the corporate culture and values. When properly defined, developed and used, your brand can change the public perception of your company, its value and status, it also changes the way you communicate with your employees and customers. Brands as Mythology . What is a myth? ,  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Myths are narratives about divine or heroic beings, arranged in a coherent system, passed down traditionally, and linked to the spiritual or religious life of a community, endorsed by rulers or priests†. Most of us remember the mythology stories learnt in school (Zeus and Thor and the re st of the comic-like heroes. ) Myths allow us to project ourselves into their stories, to imagine interactions that never took place, to take whats important to us and live it out through the myth. We all love a good story. More important, we remember good stories. Good stories make things personal. We identify with characters and recall details associated with them. The effect is the same when characters are brands. Introduce a brand in the context of a good story, and the corporate entity gains personality. It becomes warm, friendly and personal, they inflect the human mind. This is the allure of a mythic brand, it help us transcend the realm of the of the ordinary into that of the extraordinary, people often like associating themselves with fantasy and things that are larger than life. Iconic or mythic brands help us achieve just that. So, while trying to invent a mythic brand, be sure to have a good story, not just a product or a pile of facts. The story would promise (and deliver) a heroic outcome. And there needs to be growth and mystery as well, so the user can fill in their own blank. The key word is  Ã¢â‚¬Ëœspiritual’. Mythological brands make a spiritual connection with the user, delivering something that we cant find on our own; or at the very least; giving us a slate we can use to write our own spirituality on, they inflect meaning by appealing to our bourgeois ideals and recycling themselves through cultural dialog. Secondary narcissism is our bourgeois ideal it is one part self love, one part self hatred, one part self aggression and one part self displacement. - What is an Iconic Brand? From Nelson Mandela to Ronald Reagan, from Steve Jobs to Sam Walton,from Oprah Winfrey to Martha Stewart, from Michael Jordan to Mohammed Ali, from Andy Warhol to Bruce Springsteen,cultural icons dominate our world. These Icons can be fictional characters as well as real people Archie Bunker, superman and Rambo have all been American Icons. Moreover cultural icons need’nt be human,companies like disney and apple, NGO’s like Greenpeace and Amnesty international and universities like Harvard and Oxford have been cultural icons. People identify strongly with cultural icons and often rely on these symbols in their everyday lives. Icons serve as society’s foundational pass points. The crux of iconicity is that the person or the thing is widely regarded as the most compelling symbol of a set of ideas or values that a society deems important. James Dean was quintessential 1950’s American Rebel. More than anyone else, he represented the idea that men should live an autonomous life, following their own whims rather than succumbing to corporate work and suburban family. A brand emerges as various â€Å"authors† tell stories that involve the brand. Four primary types of authors are involved: companies, the culture industries, intermediaries and customers. The relative influence of these authors varies considerably across product categories. Brand stories have plot and charcters and rely heavily on metaphors to communicate and to spur our imaginations. As these collide in everyday social life, conventions eventually form. Sometimes a single common story emerges as a consensus view. Most often, those different stories circulate widely in society. A brand emerges when these collective understanding become firmly established. Iconic brands do just that. They address acute contradictions in society by tapping into a collective desire or anxiety; iconic brands develop a status that transcends functional benefits. They challenge people, either directly or subtly, to reconsider accepted thinking and behavior. The famous Coca-Cola ad from 1971, Id Like to Teach the World to Sing, voiced a desire to overcome the deep divisions in American society created by the Vietnam War. Iconic brands develop identity myths that address these desires and anxieties. By creating imaginary worlds, they offer escape from everyday reality. Iconic brands are deep rooted in society they are engraved in the minds of their fans and loyalists. The Marlboro man represents the values of the Western frontier: strong, independent and capable. Over time the brand comes to embody the myth. It becomes a shorthand symbol that represents far more than just a brand of cigarette. I have been able to identify the various elements that make the Marlboro Man such a pervasive icon in todays society. When Philip Morris decided to reposition Marlboro as a mans filtered cigarette, the creative people asked themselves, Whats the best masculine image in America? Although a cab driver was a close runner-up, Gils Collins suggestion of the cowboy received the most agreement. So from the start, the Marlboro Man was set up to symbolize ideal masculinity. How exactly is this concept achieved through the use of the cowboy imagery and the inviting country landscape? Many people would argue that the Marlboro Man represents a return to our original heritage; that he is the last free American. While there are now many expensive watches to choose from, Rolex still symbolizes success and status around the world. Iconic brands inspire an enduring form of affection that any marketer would want for his brand. But iconic status which has traditionally been built over decades is enjoyed by relatively few brands. What we can learn from these brand icons might be useful to all brand marketers today. In his book, entitled ‘Legendary brands’,Laurence Vincent suggests that â€Å"legendary brands forge deep bonds with consumers through narrative devices. They are storytellers, drawing from a library of timeless narratives†¦ to captivate consumers and sustain meaning across cultural borders. It is the narrative of the Legendary Brand that generates and sustains customer affinity†. Let’s consider the example of the iconic whiskey brand â€Å"Jack Daniels† or JD as it is popularly called, is a brand of  sour mash  Tennessee whiskey  that is the highest selling American whiskey in the world. There is a particular aura surrounding Jack Daniels, a rockstar aura, it mixes better with distorted music chords than with anything else in a bartenders arsenal, it is in other words the unofficial rockstar drink, Why is this? What are the factors that lead to this and what are the circumstances that led to or in other words built the mystery and aura surrounding Jack Daniels and its association with Rock music? The hard rock era began somewhere near the end of the â€Å"hippie† movement that peaked in the late 1960’s. Hippies were about peace and love, sexual liberation, collectivism, social change, idealism, and mind-altering drugs. Artistically, they gravitated towards psychedelic motifs that eschewed the Modernist trends popular in Europe in favor of rainbow color palletes, expressive typography, and â€Å"less-is-a-bore† philosophy. They were the lucky ones whose socio-economic privileges kept them out of the jungles of Vietnam. Hidden among the cloud of pot-smoke were the pioneers of the hard rock era. They were the bands that noticeably avoided the hugely popular outdoor music festivals like Monterey Pop and Woodstock. They included groups like The Rolling Stones, Black Sabbath, and The Doors. These Rock and Roll outliers preferred harder drugs and harder living than the hippies (and often paid the price). They were present in a variety of musical styles including Country and the Blues. We look back on them today as being authentic â€Å"rock and roll†, not merely folk singers capitalizing of the popularity of the protest movement. By the mid-1970’s disillusionment with the continuing war, proliferation of harder drugs (heroin, cocaine), and realities of adult life effectively killed the hippy movement. The deterioration of the movement was keenly observed by Beatles guitarist George Harrison upon a visit to San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district in 1967, in which he â€Å"found no collective elevation of consciousness, just people immersed in ‘drugs’ the current fashion. † It would seem unlikely that an old-fashioned liquor preferred by Grandfathers and Senators would become the quintessential drink of hard rock. However, research from marketing professionals shows that the values people attribute to the Jack Daniels brand fall directly in line with hard rock values. â€Å"The words and phrases used to describe the brand included masculinity, quiet-confidence, knowing smile, pride, trust, and genuine. † People see Jack Daniel’s as the antidote to trendy drinks with clever names. Jack Daniel’s drinkers see themselves as the â€Å"the man among men. † The values of Jack Daniel’s are mainly derived from its iconic black label. This text–heavy label has remained largely unchanged since Jack Daniel designed it himself. The main type is bold and in all capitals. The name of the founder is featured prominently, along with â€Å"Tennessee† and â€Å"Whiskey. † Also featured prominently is the phrase â€Å"Old No. 7 Brand. † Only â€Å"Tennessee† is written in script giving it a unique hierarchy on the label (This emphasizes that Tennessee is the home of â€Å"sour mash† whiskey, as opposed to Kentucky’s â€Å"bourbon† whiskey). The type is framed by white ribbons, a style typical of Nineteenth-Century American signage. The secondary text includes â€Å"Sour Mash,† â€Å"Lem Motlow, Proprieter,† and â€Å"Lynchburg Tenn. U. S. A. † At the very bottom there reads â€Å"Est. amp; Reg. in 1866. † The label, never modernized, is a reminder that Jack Daniel’s is the oldest distillery in the United States and the world’s best selling whiskey. The high-contrast label is black and white, which appealed to the post-psychedelic artistic sensibilities of the hard rock era. These sensibilities include minimalism, dark themes, authenticity, mystery, masculinity, and timelessness. The art of the hard rock period reflects this; virtually every major heavy metal album features black prominently. The identical style of the label is appropriated in Pantera’s Official Live: 101 Proof, and in the best-selling Motley Crue biography The Dirt. The â€Å"Old No. 7† on the label has mysterious lore that fascinates musicians. No one knows its exact origin but it has become a symbol Jack and is used prominently in their marketing. Stories about â€Å"Old No. 7† abound: It may have been the seventh recipe of whiskey which was chosen; it may refer to Jack’s supposed girlfriends, it maybe his lucky number. As one television advertisement announces, â€Å"Only Jack knows the true story and he’s not talking. The use of mysterious symbolism like this can be seen throughout hard rock designs. Neither Jack Daniels nor Rock Music would be the same without the mystery their symbols create. The idea of a hard working, genuine, masculine male is promoted by the bottle’s portrait of Jack Daniel (left) and by his imagery in marketing campaigns. â€Å"The C ompany strengthens the association with its founder through various advertising and marketing materials. The result is that Jack Daniel the man and Jack Daniel’s the brand merge into one identity. Jack is the anti-hippy; the man who isn’t wayed by popular trends; the man who wouldn’t be caught dead basking in the sunny pastures of Bethel, New York. This man might very well resort to violence if things got ugly in his local bar. This mythos of Jack as a man is one undoubtedly admired by the hard rock community. The most significant attitude projected by Jack Daniel’s and embraced during the hard rock era is that of the irreverent sprit; the consummate individual. Hard rock musicians aren’t looking to be part of a collective; they want to pave their own path. They don’t want to join a church, march in a parade, or sit in a prayer circle. This desire to tread ones own path has proved to be global, just as heavy metal as a genre has been embraced around the world. According to its marketing firm, Jack Daniel’s has never gone out of its way to embrace any sort of music. â€Å"Its association with rock and roll excess is purely serendipitous. † That being said, the two are now inseparable Alright then, while I completely agree that timeless narratives like the one we saw above are essential for becoming a legendary brand, I also see the role of compelling brand experiences. It is through these types of experiences that customers advance your brand’s story. Many branding firms look at the intersection of story and customer experience in defining what is legendary. Take Zappos’s storyline for example. At the corporate level Zappos is â€Å"powered by service. †   Essentially, their epic and timeless story is that of a small dot. com company founded by a couple of college friends whose persistence and unorthodox â€Å"weird style† beat all the odds and parlayed a company to billion dollar revenues and a billion dollar buy out largely on the strength of their service. On the customer experience side, it is as simple as a recent tweet by Jon Ferrara, â€Å"My son wrote Zappos a letter amp; they sent him back a book on Company Culture personally signed by the entire management team†. Great customer experiences join with the overarching story line and the audience/consumer carries the conversation forward to build lore and legend. Developing a good brand mythology comes down to purpose—the purpose for your business. If your product or business is a me-too, or exists simply to make money, not to change the world, you will struggle to tell a compelling brand story. On the other hand, if your purpose is to change the world, or change your customers lives in a meaningful way, you probably have the beginnings of a great brand story. So what exactly does distinguish the great brands from the rest of the pack? , is it their work force, the exemplerary customer service delivered by its employees or does it come down to having a charismatic leadership? Well, Scott Bedbury, the man who gave the world â€Å"Just Do it† and â€Å"Frapuccino† shares an 8 point program to turn anything from sneakers to coffee to you – into a Great Brand A great brand is hard to find. I walked through a hardware store last night and I came across 50 brands I didnt know existed, says Scott Bedbury. They may be great products, but theyre not great brands. Bedbury should know hes already working on his second great brand. As senior vice president of marketing at Starbucks Coffee Co. , Bedbury, 39, is responsible for growing the $700 million Seattle-based company into a global brand. Since Bedbury joined Starbucks in 1995, the company has been on a branding blitz: beginning a relationship with United Airlines to serve Starbucks on all United flights; joining with Redhook Ale Brewery Inc. o introduce Double Black Stout, a malt beer flavored with coffee; venturing with Pepsi-Cola Co. to market Starbuckss Frappuccino drink in supermarkets; joining with Dreyers Grand Ice Cream to introduce six flavors of Starbucks Ice Cream; opening its first retail stores in Tokyo and Singapore, with 10 more to follow in each market; expanding the Starbucks stores to 1,100 outlets with 22,000 employees; and serving coffee to 4 million people each week. Building the Starbucks brand, however, is deja vu for Bedbury: his first great brand was Nike Inc. When he joined the Beaverton, Oregon-based footwear and apparel company in 1987, Nike was a $750 million business; when he left seven years later, Nike was a $4 billion business. In between Bedbury directed Nikes worldwide advertising efforts and broke the Just Do It branding campaign. I can honestly say that Nike left its imprint on me in ways I never thought possible, Bedbury says, largely because of the strength of the Nike culture. Whether the product is sneakers, coffee or a brand called â€Å"You† building a great brand depends on knowing the right principles. 1. A great brand is in it for the long haul. For decades we had great brands based on solid value propositions theyd established their worth in the consumers mind. Then in the 1980s and 1990s, a lot of companies sold out their brands. They stopped building them and started harvesting them. They focused on short-term economic returns, dressed up the bottom line, and diminished their investment in longer-term brand-building programs. As a result, there were a lot of products with very little differentiation. All the consumers saw was who had the lowest price which is not a profitable place for any brand to be. Then came Marlboro Friday and the Marlboro Man fell off his horse. Today brands are back stronger than ever. In an age of accelerating product proliferation, enormous customer choice, and growing clutter and clamor in the marketplace, a great brand is a necessity, not a luxury. If you take a long-term approach, a great brand can travel worldwide, transcend cultural barriers, speak to multiple consumer segments simultaneously, create economies of scale, and let you operate at the higher end of the positioning spectrum where you can earn solid margins over the long term. . A great brand can be anything. Some categories may lend themselves to branding better than others, but anything is brandable. Nike, for example, is leveraging the deep emotional connection that people have with sports and fitness. With Starbucks, we see how coffee has woven itself into the fabric of peoples lives, and thats our opportunity for emotional leverage. Almost any product offers an opportunity to create a frame of mind thats unique. Almost any product can transcend the boundaries of its narrow category. Intel is a case study in branding. I doubt that most people who own a computer know what Intel processors do, how they work, or why they are superior to their competition in any substantive way. All they know is that they want to own a computer with Intel inside. As a result, Andy Grove and his team sit today with a great product and a powerful brand. 3. A great brand knows itself. Anyone who wants to build a great brand first has to understand who they are. You dont do this by getting a bunch of executive schmucks in a room so they can reach some consensus on what they think the brand means. Because hatever they come up with is probably going to be inconsistent with the way most consumers perceive the brand. The real starting point is to go out to consumers and find out what they like or dislike about the brand and what they associate as the very core of the brand concept. Now thats a fairly conventional formula and it does have a risk: if you follow that approach all the way, youll end up with a narrowly focused b rand. To keep a brand alive over the long haul, to keep it vital, youve got to do something new, something unexpected. It has to be related to the brands core position. But every once in a while you have to strike out in a new direction, surprise the consumer, add a new dimension to the brand, and reenergize it. Of course, the other side of the coin is true as well: a great brand that knows itself also uses that knowledge to decide what not to do. At Starbucks, for instance, we were approached by a very large company that wanted to partner with us to create a coffee liquor. Im sure Starbucks could go in and wreak havoc in that category. But we didnt feel it was right for the brand now. We didnt do a lot of research. We just reached inside and asked ourselves, Does this feel right? It didnt. It wasnt true to who we are right now. 4. A great brand invents or reinvents an entire category. The common ground that you find among brands like Disney, Apple, Nike, and Starbucks is that these companies made it an explicit goal to be the protagonists for each of their entire categories. Disney is the protagonist for fun family entertainment and family values. Not Touchstone Pictures, but Disney. Apple wasnt just a protagonist for the computer revolution. Apple was a protagonist for the individual: anyone could be more productive, informed, and contemporary. From my experience at Nike, I can tell you that CEO Phil Knight is the consummate protagonist for sports and the athlete. Thats why Nike transcends simply building shoes or making apparel. As the protagonist for sports, Nike has an informed opinion on where sports is going, how athletes think, how we think about athletes, and how we each think about ourselves as we aim for a new personal best. At Starbucks, our greatest opportunity is to become the protagonist for all that is good about coffee. Go to Ethiopia and youll immediately understand that weve got a category that is 900 years old. But here in the United States, were sitting on a category thats been devoid of any real innovation for five decades. A great brand raises the bar it adds a greater sense of purpose to the experience, whether its the challenge to do your best in sports and fitness or the affirmation that the cup of coffee youre drinking really matters. 5. A great brand taps into emotions. Its everyones goal to have their product be best-in-class. But product innovation has become the ante you put up just to play the game: its table stakes. The common ground among companies that have built great brands is not just performance. They recognize that consumers live in an emotional world. Emotions drive most, if not all, of our decisions. Not many people sit around and discuss the benefits of encapsulated gas in the mid-sole of a basketball shoe or the advantages of the dynamic-fit system. They will talk about Michael Jordans winning shot against Utah the other night and theyll experience the dreams and the aspirations and the awe that go with that last-second, game-winning shot. A brand reaches out with that kind of powerful connecting experience. Its an emotional connection point that transcends the product. And transcending the product is the brand. 6. A great brand is a story thats never completely told. A brand is a metaphorical story thats evolving all the time. This connects with something very deep a fundamental human appreciation of mythology. People have always needed to make sense of things at a higher level. We all want to think that were a piece of something bigger than ourselves. Companies that manifest that sensibility in their employees and consumers invoke something very powerful. Look at Hewlett-Packard and the HP Way. Thats a form of company mythology. It gives employees a way to understand that theyre part of a larger mission. Every employee who comes to HP feels that he or she is part of something thats alive. Its a company with a rich history, a dynamic present, and a bright future. Levis has a story that goes all the way back to the Gold Rush. They have photos of miners wearing their dungarees. And every time you notice the rivets on a pair of their jeans, at some level it reminds you of the Levis story and the rich history of the product and the company. Ralph Lauren is trying to create history. His products all create a frame of mind and a persona. You go into his stores and there are props and stage settings a saddle and rope. Hes not selling saddles. Hes using the saddle to tell a story. Stories create connections for people. Stories create the emotional context people need to locate themselves in a larger experience. 7. A great brand has design consistency. Look at what some of the fashion brands have built Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein, for example. They have a consistent look and feel and a high level of design integrity. And its not only what they do in the design arena; its what they dont do. They refuse to follow any fashion trend that doesnt fit their vision. And theyre able to pull it off from one season to the next. Thats just as true for strong brands like Levis or Gap or Disney. Most of these companies have a very focused internal design process. In the case of Nike, between its ad agency Wieden amp; Kennedy and Nike Design shop, probably 98% of every creative thing that could possibly be done is handled internally, from hang tags to packaging to annual reports. Today Nike has about 350 designers working for it more than any company in the country to make sure it keeps close watch over the visual expression of the brand. Theyre what I like to call impassioned environmentalists with their brands. They dont let very many people touch them in the way of design or positioning or communication verbal or non-verbal. Its all done internally. 8. A great brand is relevant. A lot of brands are trying to position themselves as cool. More often than not, brands that try to be cool fail. Theyre trying to find a way to throw off the right cues they know the current vernacular, they know the current music. But very quickly they find themselves in trouble. Its dangerous if your only goal is to be cool. Theres not enough there to sustain a brand. The larger idea is for a brand to be relevant. It meets what people want, it performs the way people want it to. In the last couple of decades theres been a lot of hype about brands. A lot of propositions and promises were made and broken about how brands were positioned, how they performed, what the companys real values were. Consumers are looking for something that has lasting value. Theres a quest for quality, not quantity. - - - - - Conclusion Customer’s value products for as much as what they symbolize as for what they do. For brands like Coke, Budweiser, Nike, and Jack Daniels, customers value the brands stoties largely for their identity value. Acting as vessels of self-expression, the brands are imbued with stories that consumers find valuable in constructing their identities. Consumers flock to brands that embody the ideals they admire, brands that help them express who they want to be. The most successful of these brands become iconic brands. Biblography http://www. fastcompany. com/29056/what-great-brands-do http://brandstory. typepad. com/writer/2006/12/brands_as_mytho. html http://ebookbrowse. com/how-brands-become-icons-pdf-d385989335 http://www. wpp. com/wpp/marketing/reportsstudies/whatmakesaniconicbrand. htm

Sex Education and Early Pregnancies

Sex education is a form of special education that concerns itself with developing young people’s skills so that they make reasoned choices concerning the way they behave. Sexual feelings are erotic feeling and experience as sexual beings and the awareness of themselves as males or females.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Sex Education and Early Pregnancies specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Although most people have failed to address the issue of sex education, the failing nature of the gospel of abstinence and thus increased rates of teenage pregnancies has led to a new awakening for all stakeholders to evaluate the position of sex education among the youth. Due to this awakening this topic has attracted the attention of various newspaper articles as well as other forms of editorials. Most relationships go through difficulties where there are chances that things may go contrary to the expectations of the co uples. In such a situation, the solution to solve the differences is through communication and knowing when and where to seek help if need be. In sex education, key tips towards solving such issues are provided. However, sexuality needs not be confused with sex and procreation. Sexuality is the entire expression of who we are as human beings, male or female. It constitutes our moral values, mental attitudes, our beliefs, emotions, spiritual and physical selves, as well as social and cultural beliefs and aspects of relating to one another as male and female. Sex education also aims at reducing the risks that may result from irresponsible sexual behaviour such as early pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDs among many others. To procreate means to reproduce and thus procreation is the process by which a new â€Å"offspring’’ or an individual in this case, is brought forth. Traditionally, sex was only meant for procreation and not for pleasure u nlike the current situation where some people engage in sex for pleasure. Although all human relationships involving people of the opposite sex are inevitably sexual, any situation involving both man and a woman is experienced partly as a function of their respective sexual identity and in terms of the distinct role that each one is called to perform. Sexuality is thus the energy for our relationships to reaching out to other people. For instance, sexuality in indigenous communities was looked upon as sacred and mysterious and it was believed that if it was misused, evil would result. In order to bring up good mature people in our society, there is a need to provide sex education since this will help the children grow up understanding what is expected of them and at what age. The most appropriate people to provide sex education to the young include the parents or guardians, teachers, doctors, nurses, and public health officers.Advertising Looking for essay on education? Let's s ee if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Whereas the importance of sex education cannot be underscored, the subject has remained one of the least discussed subjects in the society. This problem has been attributed to the lack of the courage by the concerned parties to talk about sexual matters to the children. This has further been affected by different social cultural beliefs that make conversations concerning sex and sexuality highly secretive (Lewis, 2011). Nevertheless, lack of sex education in the society has led to increased cases of teenage pregnancies (Beil, 2007). These teenage pregnancies results from being sexually active and engaging in premarital sex. Limited access and high cost of contraceptives such the emergency pills is also a major cause of unplanned pregnancies. One possible measure that can be used to curb the early pregnancy menace is accessibility to contraceptives. The government should subsidize these items to make them af fordable. Most religious churches like the Catholic Church are sensitive to the issue of condoms, which is a way to safe sex. Low levels of education and high rates of poverty in many communities are also a major cause of early pregnancies. In most cases, parents gives up the hope they have on their children the moment these children get pregnant at an early age. Some who could continue with their studies and perform well put an end to their studies at that. Parents should not leave the duty of disciplining their kids to the teachers at school. Most parents make the mistake of taking the children to boarding schools from the time they are young and thus they get no time to nature their kids. It is upon the entire society to educate teenagers the need to wait until they are mature enough to engage in mature and loving relationships which will make better homes and avoid wasting time in love-hate relationships. This time would otherwise be used in learning or working to achieve their objectives. In view of the fact that early childbearing can protect women from breast cancer, the reality is that many teenage pregnancies are unplanned. In all cases of teenage motherhood, the parents are neither prepared nor in a position to take care of their children (Lewis, 2011). Besides this, they are mostly still in their education, which is interrupted by the unexpected pregnancies. Lewis, (2011), further asserts that teenage motherhood leads to social exclusion and exacerbates the chances for increased poverty which also leads to poor health for both the mother and the child. Unprotected sex often poses the danger of the teenagers contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or even HIV/AIDS. This is because most young people are not well-informed about sex or otherwise ignore the advice given to them. Ways in which these diseases can be passed on is important to the teens in order to know the ways they can safeguard themselves. If sex education was offered all throu gh from the childhood state to post teenage age, things could otherwise be different. Some underrate the education offered on sex and get the curiosity to know the hidden fact.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Sex Education and Early Pregnancies specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The problem of teen pregnancies and other effects of early sexual activities by the adolescents can be traced from the conflict between traditions and modernity. Traditionally, adolescents were not given any form of sex education, despite the fact that adolescents are curious about some or all the aspects of their sex and sexuality in general. In most communities, this was considered a taboo and matters relating to sex were often put off until just before a child’s marriage. In the contemporary society, children get to know some of the matters relating to sex through the media and even the internet sources. The deficiency of sex edu cation increase incidences of teenage pregnancies as a result of the desire to know by oneself (Hope, 2010). Sex education can be formal or informal. The most common and probably most effective form of sex education is the informal, which is in the form of conversations between the young and the elderly and more so, the parents back at home. This is where sexuality education begins and parents ought to be the primary educators of their children. From birth, children learn about love through touch and the way they relate with their parents, siblings and other people around them on a daily basis and this is the right time that the parents should start teaching the infant about sex and family issues. These infants learn about sexuality when their parents talk to them, dress them, show affection, play with them and teach them the names of the parts of their bodies and as they grow into teens and young adults, they continue to receive information about sex. Parents and their children hav e a wide range of comfort when it comes to discussing sexuality irrespective of the age, race, color, tribe or social class. However, despite this added advantages, most parents and guardians feel ashamed of providing too much information to their kids. Parents are the adult mentors and their role cannot be underestimated. Others feel embarrassed of not responding to questions directed to them. This jeopardizes their ability to offer effective counseling to their children on sexuality. Some fear that this may hasten the onset or increase the frequency of sexual intercourse among the children. Research on sex education provides evidence that sex programs neither hastens nor increases this. Parents should be honest and openly communicate with their children through childhood and early adulthood in order to lay strong foundations of sexually healthy adults. Regarding the matter of alcoholism, drugs and substance abuse, children need more education on their side-effects. Most teenage pr egnancies come about as a result of alcoholism where adolescents engage is unprotected sex due to lack of know-how. Afterwards, they opt for abortion and others end up losing their lives.Advertising Looking for essay on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Sugden, (2010), notes that the fight against early pregnancies cannot be won if the drug menace is tackled in the first instance. In agreement, Adams, (2010) notes that most of the girls who get pregnant engage in sexual activities that lead to the pregnancies while they are too intoxicated to take charge of their decision making process. It is a fact that most teenage girls who get pregnant can’t remember much about the night in question. Some did it out of their senses or were raped. In view of the fact that most children spend a lot of the day’s time in school, traditional norms are either dying or are not there, and in addition to this, the parents are ever absent or so busy to spare some time for their infants, teens, and the young adults. Schools and other learning institutions should take the responsibility of teaching sex education and teenage pregnancy as well. In this way, we shall have a healthy, respectful, responsible and a pleasurable approach to sexualit y and marriage life at large. Doctors on the other hand should intervene where girls experience too many unplanned pregnancies. The government should ensure that the youth have access to adequate and appropriate contraception and contraceptive services in all schools and health centers. However, it is important to note that such an enormous task of dealing with infants, adolescents and young adults require competent teachers. Teachers Training Colleges should hire qualified lecturers in order to produce competent graduates. Reference List Adams, S., 2010. Sharp rise in teenage pregnancy rates. The Daily Telegraph. August 25. P. 11 Beil, L. 2007. Abstinence Education Faces an Uncertain Future. New York Times. July 18. P. 16. Hope, J., 2010. Teach us parenthood, not just sex, say teens. Daily Mail. December 2. P. 16. Lewis, R., 2011. We must educate young people about the risks of being sexually active; Dr Richard Lewis asks whether Wales’ high teenage pregnancy rate means weâ €™re failing young people. The Western Mail. February 14. P. 22. Sugden, J., 2010. Teenage pregnancies fall to lowest rate in a decade as campaigners warn over cuts. The Times (London). November 24. P. 21 This essay on Sex Education and Early Pregnancies was written and submitted by user Dennis Carrillo to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Analysis of Dubais Aviation Model

Analysis of Dubais Aviation Model Introduction Dubai’s aviation sector is one of the most successful in the world and the most important in Dubai’s economy. The sector is made up of the fast-growing Emirates Airline and other foreign carriers, Dubai Airports Company and the Ground Handling Company. Currently, the sector supports 125,000 jobs which are related to the aviation industry.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Analysis of Dubai’s Aviation Model specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It also supports another 134,000 jobs which are mainly related to the country’s tourism industry. This accounts for 22% of Dubai’s total employment. The aviation sector also contributes 28% of Dubai’s GDP. Generally, the sector plays an important role in stimulating economic growth in Dubai through various linkages and multiplier effects. This paper not only sheds light on the factors contributing to the success of the sector but also analyzes the contributions of the aviation sector to Dubai’s economy. The future of the industry in the next decade will also be discussed alongside recommendations for maintaining the current high growth rate. Success Factors The Role of the Government in Dubai’s Economic Development The government’s commitment to economic development is explained in â€Å"Dubai’s strategic plan to 2015†. The plan prioritizes the development of world-class infrastructure that suits the needs of all its users. The plan also aims at promoting a free market economy, innovation in taking initiatives, execution of projects within the shortest time possible and effective partnerships with the private sector. The aviation industry has particularly benefited from its partnership with the government. The partnership is consensus-based, thus enabling the authorities to make important decisions quickly and effectively. Consequently, the number of passengers travelling through Dubai in the last decade has increased by almost four-fold. The success of the partnership is attributed to the government’s realization of the importance of the sector to its economy. The small number of stakeholders also facilitates quick decision making. Dubai Airports Ownership and the Emirates The government owns various aviation organizations indirectly through the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD). Several other aviation-related businesses are owned by the Emirates Group. These include the Emirates Airline, the Ground Handling Company and hotels.Advertising Looking for report on aviation? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The aviation industry is regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Dubai in collaboration with the General Civil Aviation Authority of UAE. Even though the government owns the Emirates Airline through the ICD, the Airline independently publishes its audited financial resul ts. The company does not receive any direct support from the government either in the form of subsidies or capital injection. This has enabled the company to focus on efficiency and high profitability. The company has been able to pay dividends consistently to ICD since 2002. Openness Dubai pursues liberal aviation policies. The government promotes fair competition among airlines. Consequently, there are as many as 150 airlines operating from Dubai International Airport. These airlines benefit from the country’s infrastructure as well as the competitive landing fees. The Emirates airline operates as a profitable commercial firm despite being owned by the government. While ‘open sky’ policy promotes a high threat of new entrants, it also promotes efficiency among the airlines. Besides, the industry benefits from the revenue generated from the landing fees charged to foreign airlines. In most countries, competition in the aviation industry is restricted through reg ulation and high taxation. The regulators of the industry also promote freedom among airlines. Thus airlines are able to operate without any interference in their commercial decisions. In order to reinforce the performance of the airlines, the government of Dubai regularly negotiates with other governments on air access rights. The overall effect of a liberal policy and free competition has been increased growth and profitability in the industry. Consensus-Based Investment Approach In many countries the national airlines and airports are owned and supported by the governments. In Dubai, the government owns the Emirates Airline and most of the country’s airports. Unlike other countries, the government of Dubai recognizes the importance of its aviation sector to its overall economic growth.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Analysis of Dubai’s Aviation Model specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Consequently, the government has formed partnerships with the aviation sector in order to enhance effective result-oriented decision making. Few officials are engaged in the partnership thus allowing them to maintain close contacts and make quick decisions. Focus on Underserved Markets The Emirate’s fleet has been expanded four-fold in the last decade. Consequently, the number of its passengers has doubled in the last decade. As the company expanded, it targeted destinations or routes that have long been neglected by other players in the industry. This has enabled the Emirates to increase its profits by taking advantage of the untapped markets. The Dubai airports have also been expanded inline with the Emirates expansion plans. As the airports expand, the Emirates Airline has been able to comfortably increase its fleet and passengers. Finally, the success of Dubai’s aviation industry is attributed to Dubai’s strategic geographical location in the world. Dubai can be reached i n just eight hours of flight from various parts of the world. Besides, Dubai is a major center for tourism and trade. This has led to the high number of passengers travelling to and from it. Thus the country’s aviation industry remains attractive to most airlines and investors. Benefits Created by Dubai’s Aviation Sector to the Economy Direct Benefits These refer to the contributions made to GDP growth and employment as a result of the activities undertaken in the aviation sector. By 2010, the sector had employed 58,200 people. The sector contributed 6.2 billion US dollars to Dubai’s GDP in 2010. The individuals employed in the sector received a value added of 93,700 US dollars per person which was above the average labor productivity by about 60%. The high level of productivity is attributed to the presence of highly skilled employees in the labor force. Indirect Benefits The aviation sector depends on goods and services produced by other sectors of the economy . By creating demand for goods and services from other sectors, the aviation sector indirectly supports jobs and economic activities in other industries.Advertising Looking for report on aviation? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The indirect benefits are measured in terms of the value added. The added value is normally embodied in the products purchased by the aviation industry from other sectors. In 2010, the aviation sector supported 43,000 jobs in other sectors of the economy. Induced Effect The induced effect refers to the contributions made to the GDP and employment as a result of the consumption or expenditure of the individuals employed in the aviation industry. The main beneficiaries of such expenditure include retailers, restaurants and leisure service companies. In 2010, the induced benefits of the aviation industry contributed to GDP growth to the tune of two billion US dollars. Besides, 23,900 jobs were supported by the induced benefits. Catalytic Benefits The catalytic benefits can be quantified in terms of the impact of the aviation industry in the tourism sector and the benefits associated with international airline connections through Dubai. Dubai is a major tourism destination and most visi tors arrive by air. In 2010, the aviation sector promoted growth in the tourism sector to the tune of 7.9 billion US dollars. Besides, 133,000 jobs were supported in the country. Connectivity on the other hand contributed 2.5 billion US dollars in value added terms to Dubai’s economy. The other benefits of improved connectivity include access to international markets by Dubai-based companies. This has enabled the companies to access cheap raw materials and access to large markets. In conclusion, the benefits generated by the aviation sector in 2010 totaled 22.1 billion US dollars which is equal to 28% of the country’s GDP. Likely Impact by 2020 The impact of the aviation industry is likely to be as good as it is currently, based on the projections of air passenger growth and the industry’s strengths. The profitability of the industry is expected to increase as the airports and the Emirates Group expand. Consequently, the sector is expected to support 373,000 job s in the country by 2020. The sector’s contribution to GDP growth is expected to increase to US $ 45.4 billion. Thus it will account for 22% of Dubai’s employment and 32% of its GDP by 2020. The two catalytic effects, tourism and connectivity, are expected to generate more benefits than they do currently. They are expected to account for â€Å"over 60% of the total benefits generated by the industry by 2020†. Recommendations for Achieving Greater Benefits by 2020 To begin with, operating costs are of great significance in determining the profitability of airlines. Most airlines are focusing on strategies of ensuring cost efficiency. It will thus be in the interest of the government of Dubai to pursue a cost leadership strategy in its aviation industry. This means that the government should focus on operating the cheapest airports and airlines in the global aviation industry. Such a strategy will not only increase demand but will also increase profits and benefit s associated with the industry. Second, the government should improve the performance of sectors that support the aviation sector. For instance, developing the tourism industry will lead to an increase in tourists arriving by air. Finally, promoting a stable macroeconomic environment such as reducing inflation will stimulate growth in the aviation sector thereby increasing the sector’s benefits. Conclusion The aviation sector in Dubai remains the most significant contributor to economic growth. The success of the sector is attributed to the commitment by the government to promote economic growth by supporting the aviation industry. The main factors leading to the sector’s success include partnership between the industry and the government, open competition, tapping underserved markets, deregulation of the industry and Dubai’s strategic location. The benefits associated with the sector include creation of job opportunities, contribution to GDP growth and stimulat ing growth in other sectors of the economy through various linkages and multiplier effects. Due to the positive outlook of the industry, its benefits are expected to double by 2020. Dubai Airports. Connecting the World Today and Tomorrow: Strategic Plan 2020. Business. Dubai: Dubai Airports, 2010. Print. Emirates and Dubai Airports. Explaining Dubais Aviation Model. Business. Dubai: Oxforfd Economics, 2011. Print. Gudmundsson, Sveinn. Management Emphasis and Performance in the Airline Industry: an Exploratory Multilevel Analysis. Logistics and Transportation Review 40.6(2004): 443-463. Print. Hsu, Yuch-Ling, Wen-Chin Li and Kuang-Wei Chen. structuring Critical Success factors of Airline Safety Management System Using a Hybrid Model. Logiostics and Transportation Review 46.1(2010): 222-235. Print. Jones, Peter. The Airline Industry: facing the Challanges of the 21st Century. Logistic and Transport Review 4.1(2004): 45-49. Print. Joyce, Paul and Adrian Woods. Strategic Management. Ne w York: Kogan Page, 2001. Print. Malighelti, Paulo, Michele Meoli and Stefano Paleori. Value Determinants in the aviation Industry. Logistics and Transportation Review 47.3(2011): 359-370. Print. Sadler, Philip and Jones Craig. Strategic Management. New York: Kogan Page, 2003. Print. Sull, Donald and Sumantra Ghoshal. The Hub of the World. Business Strategy Review 2.1(2005): 37-39. Print. Sullivan, Ursula and Anne Coughlan. Alliance Structure and Success in the Global Airline Industry: an Emperical Investigation. Logistics and Transportation Review 21.3(2010): 356-370.Print.

Nutrition Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Nutrition - Research Paper Example A sustainable food system needs to address unsuitable consumption as well as unsuitable production since both of them contributes toward negative environmental and healthy impact. Nutritional Challenges Affecting Current Food System Epidemic rise chronic disease Nutrition transition has occurred and has led to increase of cases of chronic disease which include diabetics, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. This is attributed to a large shift in both physical activity and food consumed. This shift is reflected in population by nutrition outcome such as stature and body composition changes (Kickbusch). The modern society has converged to â€Å"western diet† which is food with a high level content of sugar and saturated with fat also low in fibre content and this is the diet that is linked to chronic disease and degenerative effects (Ilona 14). Chapter four of the film highlights this scenario with a case of a family’s dilemma situation at the grocery store: due to father diabetic condition, the family is aware that a healthier diet with more fresh foods would be the most suitable for him, but they have choose from foods they can afford. As the film imply, people with low incomes are most likely to eat cheaper, processed foods, and thus more likely to suffer from obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and other diet-related health disease (Pollan). â€Å"We are taking risks with our health and the health of the natural world that are unprecedented.† Food shortage 70 percent of the poor in the world depend on agriculture for their livelihood. The current food system is not delivering enough food supply to world population. Pollan used a â€Å"plant’s eye view of the world† to explore how plants which is needed by human could be thought to have manipulated and domesticated us, rather than the other way around. Using the same hypothesis, he claims that corn has succeeded in â€Å"domesticating us† where the current food supply system has influenced destruction of their local system of farming through green house gas emission from strong economies, which contribute to, global warming ,which adversely affect, the farming system, though developed and developing countries are both victim of worsened food insecurity (Ilona16). Chapter nine of the film touches on some issues manifested by our current food system, including acute possibility of a world food shortage, the significant amount of energy that goes into food production, and the impacts of industrialized food on our health and the environment. The film points out that while the consumer may feel helpless in the face of these issues of the food system, the food system does not positively respond to consumer need. Food and water safety Through food and water, over 200 disease agent can be transmitted to various people in a population, but this food system safety issue does not receive priority it deserves compared to other infectious disease such as HIV/AIDs or tu berculosis. (Ilona 18) Chapter three of Food, Inc. focuses on one of the unexpected implication of our current food system: the occasional contamination of the food supply and the very real risks presented to the population. The film reflects on this problem by interviewing the mother of a child who died from E. coli contracted from eating a hamburger. At a global scale, there are about 1.8 million deaths caused by diarrhea

International Corporate Finacial Strategy Case Study

International Corporate Finacial Strategy - Case Study Example The role of businesses in society these days has been emphasized particularly due to their sensitivity to social, ethical, and environmental issues. Issues like environmental damage, improper treatment of workers, or even faulty production that inconveniences or endangers customers are highlighted in the media. Reputation that can be built over a number of years can be ruined in hour through incidents that compromise social, ethical, and environmental standards. In some countries government regulation regarding environmental and social issues has increased. Even investors and investment fund managers have begun to take account of a company's Corporate Social Responsibility policy into investment decision-making, commonly known as ethical investing. The primary objective of Signet Group is to be a jewellery retailer of choice for a majority of the population in the countries where it has a footprint. Moreover, the primary financial objective of the Group is to be profitable in its operations and deliver an acceptable growth in value to shareholders, which is sustainable. In achieving its aforementioned objectives, Signet Group faces concerns regarding social, ethical and environmental matters. These matters, if not dealt with efficiently and effectively, may hinder the Group from progressing and achieving its objectives. These concerns are outlined below: Accountability to stakeholders Human rights Labour standards Health and safety; and The environment In recent years, expectations of stakeholders of public companies have increased. It is imperative that the companies manage and respond to these changing expectations so that business viability is not questioned. The success of Signet Group, for that matter any company, is dependent on the strength and effectiveness of its relationships with its various stakeholders: shareholders, customers, suppliers, and employees. Stakeholders have varying expectations from the company. For instance, shareholders or investors have an insatiable expectation of a competitive overall return from the company. They demand that the company maximize shareholder wealth. If Signet does not have a strong social, ethical and environmental (SEE) framework in place, there is a possibility that the company's reputation can be compromised which, in turn, may hurt its operations and finally, its revenue potential and profitability. Signet Group has a no-tolerance policy for unlawful discrimination. In respect of people with disabilities, full and fair consideration is given to employment. Unfair employment practices can potentially put the reputation of the organization at stake which may lead to losses. Signet Group actively participates in the Association of Jewelers of America to implement the SEE standards set by the industry across the organization. This is to ensure that SEE risks at the mining, trading and secondary processing phases of the supply chain are managed through effective cooperation within the industry. Whilst the direct

Comparative Essay between Machiavelli is The Prince and Erasmuss The Term Paper

Comparative Essay between Machiavelli is The Prince and Erasmuss The Education of a Christian Prince - Term Paper Example During his duties at work, he travelled on missions to various governments France, Germany and Italy. As a result, he acquired a lot of knowledge on government affairs and various state procedures. He also witnessed the callous diplomacies that politician Cesare Borgia used as a tool to seize and control cities. He was against the unprincipled and immoral policies enacted by the rulers in order to ensure control and expand the safety and well-being of his sphere. Consequently, this made him face a lot of opposition from those in power and was tortured, jailed and banished for a whole year. This motivated him to write The Prince. On the other hand, The Education of A Christian Prince was written in 1532.This reminiscence book was meant for Princes and particularly It was a dedication to Prince Charles who later became the Emperor of Habsburg. Erasmus emphasized that teachers should possess unimpeachable morals. He was against enforcement of corporal punishment to the unruly naughty st udents. Through his works he attempted to merge the critics of antiquity with those of the Christian principles during his time. This essay compares and contrasts Machiavelli is The Prince and Erasmus’s The Education of a Christian Prince.... He emphasized that the ruler must be devoted to administration of justice and doing what is right at all times. He was against loss of human life and violence that was as a result of differences between Catholics and the Protestants during the Religious Reformation era. Machiavelli uses Classical Rhetoric styles in his writing which creates a big gap from traditional rhetoric styles. For example, In his introduction which stated that â€Å"I have not embellished or crammed this book with rounded periods or big, impressive words ,or with any blandishment or superfluous decoration of the kind which many are in the habit of using to describe or adorn what they have produced†(Machiavelli 37).He also sourced his information from Cicero’s rhetoric works.In Chapter 18, for instance, His use of a metaphor of a lion and a fox as examples of cunning and force (Machiavelli 56).. It offers a model of an ethical system that not only condones the practice of force and deception but a ppears to regard them as habitual and indeed germane to political activity(Machiavelli 62). Machiavelli was greatly influenced by the classical pre-Christian philosophers. He often referred to Xenophon who was a writer of the classic mirrors of princes, The Education of Cyrus. The experience at work in The Free Republic of Florence, which has created a firm base where his arguments are founded. He recapitulates his transactions with the soldiers and statements during his reign. This supplied sources of characters and the diverse experiences illustrated in The Prince. The missions he went in the line of duty helped in putting across some of the principles in his book. A good example is his very first mission in 1499 to Catherine Sforza, â€Å"my lady of

Assignment on strategic business management and planning

Assignment on strategic business management and planning These thee views are on the purpose and cooperate social responsibility (CSR) of an organization. What people expect an organization to achieve and what influence people can have over an organizations purpose. It is important to understand their expectations, how these might differ from each other and extend to which they likely to influence the organizations purpose and strategy. Collectively these people are called organizational stakeholders. Stakeholders, are those individuals or groups who depend on the organization to fulfill their own goals and on whom, in turn, the organization depends. Important external stakeholders would usually include shareholders, financial institutions, customers and suppliers. CSR involves a business identifying its stakeholder groups and incorporating their needs and values within the strategic and day-to-day decision-making process. First, Milton Friedman is in the view that the sole purpose of a business is to maximize profit. He believes that the only corporate social responsibility a company has is to increase profit. This is where an organization in the view that the only responsibility of business is the short-term interest of shareholders or private owners of small companies. It dismisses or only just meets the minimum obligations on internal aspects such as employee welfare, working conditions, and job satisfaction and eternal aspects like environment issues, human rights, community activities and markets also that the market will regulate itself without any need for externally induced controls. Purchase or sale of a product will be determined and/or regulated by the market in compliance with the free choice of individuals. Ideally, there would be no need for external ethical controls. This is especially evident in small private companies because they are only answerable to a limited stakeholder groups. The Second, stakeholder view by Charles Handy, is to achieve financials benefits to the shareholders or owners through profits but in contrast to the earlier view profits will not be the sole responsibility of an organization. He would not define business exclusively in terms of individualist self-interest of profit maximization but, rather, in terms of a behavioral efficiency of benefit to both individuals and society that is operates. The justification for social action is that of an organizations reputation is important to its long-term financial growth. An effective CSR policy will infuse all aspects of operations. Its believed that actions businesses take today to incorporate CSR throughout the organization represent a real point of differentiation and competitive market advantage on which future success will be manifested. This takes the view that organizations not only have responsibility to their shareholders but also have a responsibility for well-balanced relationship with other stakeholders both internal and external. As the companies stakeholder interest gets wider organizations social responsibility gets wider. There is a direct relationship between clarity of purpose and integrity of purpose to be fully effective, staff must be happy and confident as well as clear about what they are asked to do. Customers must be happy that they are purchasing good quality products/services from an honest company. The community must be happy that it is supporting a principled and sound organization. (Contemporary Strategic Management- R.Pettinger, page 317) The third view, Society and shareholders are becoming one and the same, Performance of an organization should be measured in a much more pluralistic way than just through its financial bottom line, the attitudes of these companies are more socially progressive than others. If the mangers concentrate on the success of their organization by undertaking unethical activities that damage the society that will not bring into line with the stakeholder expectations. Its in the best interest in the society if all the firms are behaving responsibly which results in success of the economic system as a whole. CSR covers all aspects of a business day-to-day operations. Everything an organization does in some way interacts with one or more of its stakeholder groups, and companies today need to build a sound brand with respect to all stakeholders. Whether as an employer, producer, buyer, supplier, or investment, the attractiveness and success of a company today is directly linked to the strength of its brand. CSR affects all aspects of all operations within a corporation because of the need to consider the needs of all constituent groups. Each area builds on all the others to create a composite of the corporation in the eyes of all stakeholder groups. Companies in this view retain uneconomical production in the aim of preserving jobs. As the stakeholder diversity of expectations get wider companies will adapt this approach. Organizations are often finding themselves in a dilemma where they need to be financially profitable to meet the shareholder demand and trying to protect and improve the interest in the society. They need to balance their own interests with that of their employee and communities. This includes considerations as to how the conflicting demand of different stakeholders will be reconciled. Also, we can view that wider the stakeholder interest expand the social responsibility get much more important to an organization. (Exploring Cooperate Strategy 7th Edition, G.Johnson, K.Scholes R.Whittington page 190) In general, the goal of any economic system should be to further the general social welfare. The purpose of business should extend beyond the maximization of efficiency and profit. Increasingly, society expects businesses to have an obligation to the society in which they are located, to the people they employ, and their customers, beyond their traditional bottom-line and narrow shareh older concerns What are the implications of these differing views for managers development of organizational strategy? Strategy is concerned with the long-term direction, the direction that the organization should be taking and the type of action required to achieve its objectives. Different views given on the Illustration 4.6 can have a fundamental effect on the purpose or the direction of an organization, which will result in a difference in strategies that are pursued. The expectations and the power of the stakeholders will influence the strategic decision-making. Additionally, companies adopting CSR is important to the development of organizations business strategy because, wherever possible, consumers want to buy products from companies they trust; suppliers want to form business partnerships with companies they can rely on; employees want to work for companies they respect; and NGOs, increasingly, want to work together with companies seeking feasible solutions and innovations in areas of common concern. Satisfying each of these stakeholder groups allows companies to maximize their commitment to another important stakeholder group, their investors, who benefit most when the needs of these other stakeholders are meet. Therefore, CSR policy adapted will a key issue in developing company strategy. At the macro environment level, the stakeholder expectation range from laissez-faire organization at one extreme to organizations as shapers of society at the other. The extend to which organization will exceed its minimum obligations to stakeholders and society at large will be a key issue that mangers have to understand in strategy creation. Company may looking at value maximizing by increasing profits will influence the strategic planners in developing its strategies by concentrating on overall cost reduction throughout the value chain, product or service differentiation, or concentrating on a Nish market focus. On the other hand companies following stakeholder theories will develop strategies trying to fulfill obligations to the society at large. At individual level, cultural aspect, behavior and actions of individuals within and organization is clearly important for the management of the organization. With the first view by Milton Friedman, Profit maximization does not accommodate individual beliefs; individual satisfaction who ever does one respond to a situation where there is a conflict between the personal beliefs and the company business decisions has no recourse but to resign. This will affect management that formulating strategy with there, own beliefs and values. Additionally, companies have to consider Internal factors such as the capability of the organization to follow the proposed plan strategy. Each of the above views will attract varied staff to the organization. Operational factors the technological production process and the method of production process will change the strategic decision out come on each of the above views taking to an example which technology will be affected. Is the company looking at only product output or does it look at impact on job loss or environment letdowns. External factors this is about social, community, or outside pressure from interested parties such as employee federations on employee safety measures or trade unions on minimum wage. The result would be different stakeholder interests and there interactions heavily influence the strategic choice, the whole strategy making process is subject to constant review. The end result is ideally an organization strategy that is both effective and acceptable. (Contemporary Strategic Management- R. Pettinger page 317) Stakeholders represent more challenges than opportunities Appraise the conflicting needs, power, and influence of stakeholders. Different stakeholder groups varied expected needs and the power they have over the organizations would affect the purpose and choices that I will seek. Internal Influence is likely to occur only because individuals share expectations with others by being a part of a stakeholder group, which may be departments, geographical locations or different level of hierarchy. Individuals may belong to more than one stakeholder group and stakeholder groups will gather together differently depending on the issue in hand because inside an organization few individuals have sufficient power to determine and make a impact on their alone. External stakeholders from the market environment such as shareholders, suppliers, distributors, sometimes, external stakeholders may seek influence through their link with the internal stakeholders. For example sub-contacted distribution will pressure on the marketing and advertizing strategies. Stakeholders from the social/political environment like policy makers, regulators, government agencies and the stakeholders in the technological environment such as owners of competitive technologies with conflicting expectations, each environment seeking different outcomes in different situations, sometimes different outcomes in one situation. For example new technological advancement that brings in competitor advantage clearly falls inline with the technological group whilst the non-bio degradable waste it generates contradicts to social and political stakeholder expectations resulting in massive outraged environmentalist and political pressure. Additionally, the ability of individuals or stakeholder groups to persuade an organization to follow a certain course of action will have influence over organizations purpose and strategic decisions. The individual or group, who holds the position or the hierarchy, carries the power with in the organization. For example the Managing Director uses his formal powers to participate and sponsor a local tennis tournament for young teenagers tennis players. The type of relationship which organization might establish with the external stakeholders will determine the extent of power over the organization. Is the, organization accountable to one stakeholder, or group? Stakeholders are not usually homogeneous it contain a variety of subdivisions/groups with different level of power, too much subdivision makes decision-making challenging and confusing. The reliance on resources in terms of shareholders, lenders or heavy dependence on one supplier or customer will give them the power over the fi rm. Hence, company will have to prioritize or find a correct match to satisfying the entire stakeholder group. These raise some difficult issues for mangers in deciding and implementing strategic change due to high level of varied expectations and power of diverse stakeholder groups with conflicting thoughts. But usually managers are in a powerful position within organization to influence the expectation of other stakeholders. They have access to information and channels of influence, which are not available to many other stakeholders. Even though stakeholder represents challengers to the manager who work on strategy, the real power behind the throne lies on the managers in constructing strategies to suit their own purpose and managing stakeholder expectations to ensure acceptance by the entire society. How can Organizations manage shareholder conflicts and handle issues of ethics, corporate governance and regulation? Conflicts of interests are more or else likely to arise between different groups in the governance chain (governance chain is where a typical reporting structure giving the flow of reports and actions from the beneficiaries of an organization to the mangers making the decisions) for individual managers or the owners (shareholders) or directors as they seek to balance these various interests. Directors and the managers have an obligation to fulfill their role in their capacity to the organization, but their own self-interests might be in expense of shareholder expectations. This is where the importance of both the role of the board and the disclosure of information to other stakeholders were developed, through corporate governance regulations. Directors responsibility to shareholders is a very important issue. The guiding principle in UK is that boards of directors are responsible to shareholders but must also be responsible for relationship with other stakeholders and take into accou nt their interests. Additionally, the way in which targets, budgets and rewards are structured has an influence the way in which managers and other people perform and, return will decide the extent to which the shareholder best interest being perused. In general governance chain challenges directors and managers to be knowledgeable about the expectations of the shareholders/owners, to constantly work towards achieving their needs and keep them informed, but self-interests of directors and managers might differ from the shareholder expectations, the power between the different players in the governance chain pursuing their own interests make it difficult, not only that very different levels of access to information make it even more difficult, on the contrary self interest need to be encouraged to achieve the interest of the beneficiaries as well. This is where the corporate governing bodies usually come in to play, through initially concerned on the internal financial controls and external disclosure of information later on broadening of internal control requirement beyond simply financial controls and looked at the role and effectiveness of non-executive directors. These implications by the government meant that director and mangers must be more proactive in addressing the interests of the beneficiaries requiring them to change there behavior of following self-interest, where large number of whom have focused in increasing their personal financial rewards often disregarding the consequences of their behavior on the final beneficiaries of the company performance. (Exploring Corporate Strategy 7th Edition-G.Johnson, K.Scholes R.Whittington Page 170-171) Critically analyze the contents and relevance of the mission statement for each of the three different organizations (page 165), with regards to their goals, values and objectives. Mission statement is an image that a business must have of its aims and goals translated into written form. It gives specific sight of the direction and purpose of an organization. For many corporate leaders it is a vital part of their attempt to motivate employees and to set priorities. (The economist Guide to management ideas and gurus- Tim Hindle). A clear, thoughtful mission provides employees with a shared sense of purpose, direction and opportunity. To define its mission, a company should address Druckers classic questions: What is our business? Who is our customer? What is of value to the customers? What will the business be? Successful companies continuously ask them and answer them thoughtfully and thoroughly. (Marketing Management P.Kotler, K.Keller, M.Brady M.Goodman Page 88) Some organizations use the term vision statement some even have both vision and mission statements (Tata Steel). A vision and a mission can be one and the same but the concepts through are not necessarily the same. Broadly vision refers to future intentions and mission delivering present ones. If there is substantial disagreement within the organization or with stakeholders as to its mission vision it may result in real problems in strategic direction of the organization. Mission st atements are at their best when they reflect a vision, which provides a direction for the company. Mission statements help organizations to focus their strategy by defining boundaries within which each organization to operate. Tata Steel, for example, has said it is strive to strengthen Indias industrial base through effective utilization of staff and material by using high technology and productivity. It is not, evidently, going to enter the business with trend setting designs for European market or providing a safer India. The Metropolitan Police, for example needs to nurture and safe guard the sociality the goal should be to achieve A safer London its mission has said working together for a safer London shows the overall goal and the specific outcome it need to achieve. Villeroy Boch, for example, have a different goal a different objective from that of the earlier two, they are in a constantly changing market needing them to be innovative trend setting company which highlighted in there mission statement to be the leading European lifestyle brand with high competence and tren d setting for high end design and living therefore, company mission statement helps to focus their strategy though emphasizing on goals and specific objectives it need to achieve. A recurring problem has been that managers and employees lower down the hierarchys lack of commitment, competencies, continues improvement, and unclear communication as to how day to day work contribute to the overall strategic direction may lead the mission statement to become a bland idealistic blur. Mission statement defines the scope along which an organizations performance is to be measured and judged. Other than, making profit. Tata Steel, for example, said that it considered itself successful through continue to improve the quality of life of there employees and the community they serve, upholding the spirit and values of Tatas towards national building. Organizations often acknowledge their responsibility to other stakeholders as well, mentioning their attitude to employees Villeroy Boch, for example, says in the long run a strong market position can only be achieved by having innovative and committed employees. Our priority task is to motivate them and cultivate their team spirit, encourage them to achieve personal and joint goals or to customers Metropolitan Police, for example, says we will have pride in delivering quality policing. There is no greater priority, we will build trust by listening and responding. Apart from the financial profits objective, others are diffi cult to quantify or express in measurable terms to revitalize the core business for a sustainable future is highly relevant to Tata Steel and todays environment, but it may become absurd if it has to be expressed in some measurable way. Nonetheless its an important goal that Tata need to achieve. It suggests standards for individual ethical behavior. For example, Villeroy Boch had what it called Five values One philosophy. Among them were: Responsibility- we feel obligated not only to our employees, shareholders and customers, but also to the environment and society Metropolitan Police is a non-profit entity in the solely view to be socially responsible. Tata Steel, for example, points out to overall, the company seeks to scale the heights of excellence in all that it does in an atmosphere free from fear, and thereby reaffirms its faith in democratic values it shows that Tata is socially align with the Indian government and pressure groups in creating, developing and maintaining democratic social life style in India. Even though, ethical values are embedded in a organizations mission its not its core expectation or the most essential for the management to focus its attention, except for The Metropolitan Police, this will surface after meeting its number of priority requirem ents, for example, in the event of a choice between making a loss or closing down where people will lose jobs company will prioritize not to loose money. Goals are things companies intend to achieve. Objectives are the steps we take along the way toward achieving Goals. Tactics are elements of going about accomplishing Objectives. Strategy is the overarching plan to use our unique competitive advantages to achieve our stated Goals through the use of specific and measurable Objectives and Tactics in pursuit of mission. Business lays out a set of tactics and objectives to be achieved that move towards the achievement of the strategic goals. The strategic goals guide the choice of objectives and the tactics employed. They provide direction for the business. Evaluate theories for and against systematic development of mission statements, values and objectives and suggest how you would have improved on the mission statement of the three organizations with reference to their purpose, strategy, values and behavioral standards. One or more stakeholders may expect corporate values, vision, mission and objectives of the organizations. But in some instances these statements might be formal requirements of corporate governance. Illustration 4.5 is an example The Metropolitan Police of the Government of London. Regardless of the reason it must be highlighted that these statements may not be accurate reflection of the priorities within the organization. (Exploring Corporate Strategy Johnson, Scholes Whittington 7th Edition page 207-209) Development of mission statement, corporate values and objectives is a carefully articulated process where a managers setting a project team to survey throughout the organization to check validity and usefulness of a such goal, gathering of information from current stakeholders and their perception of the organization, recommendations for improvements and suggestions to amend and update through consultation with workforce and customers and communication throughout the company in a appropriate way. They answer the question What business are we in? or Why we exist? and reflect basic function in a society in terms of products and services (Mintzberg) it creates the core values the principles that guide an organizations actions for example We will build trust by listening and responding The Metropolitan Police, it describes the unique purpose and direction of an organization for example To be the leading European lifestyle brand Villeroy Boch, it helps to differentiate from its compe tition for example the company seeks to scale the heights of excellence in all that it does in an atmosphere free from fear, and thereby reaffirm its faith in democratic values Tata Steel, reflects benefits to customers and state key values to all stakeholders for example to continue to improve the quality of life of our employees and the communities we serve Tata Steel give value to its employees, Earning oriented growth, high and constant rates of return and appropriate dividends Villeroy Boch shows companies direction towards growth and profitability to its shareholders. Although, most companies operate with a wide range of goals and objectives the central goal of most organizations is to maximize shareholder returns, and to extend shareholder returns fully it requires being highly profitable and high growth. However, it is important that top managers not to overemphasize current profitability to detriment of long-term profitability and profit growth. The overzealous pursuit of current profitability to maximize short term performance can encourage much misguide managerial action cutting expenditure judged to be non essential in the short run for example, Research and development expenditure, marketing expenditure. Although cutting current expenditure increases current profit levels, the under investment will result in, lack of innovation and diminishing marketing can jeopardize long term profitability and profit growth. (Essential Strategic Management Hill, Jones Page 31) The organizations mission, and objectives guide this expenditure. The companys mission statement directs the pursuit of long-term goals and sustaining organizations competitive advantage and profitability over time. Therefore, a well thought out mission will identify all stakeholder groups and weight their relative rights and abilities to affect the firms success. (Formulation, implementation and control of competitive strategy Pearce, Robinson page 68-69) As mentioned above both vision and mission is inspirational, it talks about the future and present intentions of an organization. They try to motivate personal employees to seek and achieve the articulated vision. It tries to attract the future investment through its existing shareholders and perspective investors. However, if organizations demonstrably fail to live up or keep the statements to mere showpiece and doesnt put out in practice it will be a de-motivator for the work force as well as it will fail to impress stakeholders. For example if Tata Steel doesnt act to improve the quality of life of its employees what will happen to the workforce? Well it might result in high labor turnover or low productivity that will boil down to company failure. Same way if Villeroy Boch neglects its environmental obligations the long term growth and profitability might be affected. Therefore, organizations need to strike a balance. Additionally, mission statement need to be continuous in tha t they summarize an organizations purpose. The values and objectives need to be evaluated at different level of time and restated as ones are achieved. TATA STEEL Need to create a sense of pride, as employees need to be empowered that they are working for an Indias number one and currently a top global player in the industry. The company wants to effectively utilize its staff but it lacks in emphasizing and focusing its core resource fully. Further, Tata Steel has failed to define an overarching aim like what Valleroy Boch To be the leading European lifestyle brand it sets the company attitude and culture through a clear direction. THE METROPOLITAN PLOICE It describes its main activity, function in society, the unique purpose and scope of its operation for a safer London the mission statement works well for a purpose oriented establishment but I would have included the human rights responsibility to the community. To develop a balanced properly respected society. Further, to depart from racism and discrimination from the officers. As well as try to incorporate the objectives to reduce overall drug and crime rate and the fear of crime. VILLEROY BOCH The company has established clear future intentions with focusing on limited number of goals, excellent future stability, has pointed out companies major policies, value and culture. Villeroy Boch, have define its major competitive spheres by identifying its market segment, industry and competencies. The five values have provided reassurance to its shareholders, confidence to the society and customers, given a knockout punch by sending signals of strengths to its competitors and have created sense of pride and value for its employees. Only thing that I view is it not brief. Ideally a mission statement should be brief and flexible. If its too long and bulky it tends to loose its essence. The key is the prime purpose of a mission statement it is important for organizations to live up to the promises they declare.