Case Studyâ€Baldwin Bicycles Essay

From the article it seemed that Baldwin Bicycle Company competed somewhere between a cost leader and a differentiator. Baldwin had been a bicycle manufacturer for almost 40 years. The article illustrated that Baldwin Bicycle had the image of being above average in quality in price, meaning to say that it was not low cost competitor. Besides, Baldwin had never before distributed its products through department store chains of K-Mart, which is well-known for its low price. However, no obvious evidence showed that Baldwin had targeted a particular market segment as a differentiator. To begin with, the company seemed trying to attract all range of customers—its product line involved 10 models which targeted from small beginners’ model with training wheels to a deluxe 12 speed adult’s model. Moreover, over a long term operation, Baldwin Bicycle seemed not created any superior competitive advantage that could be identified by customers to be apart from its competitors, such as brand loyalty, customer service, product feathers or technology. Above all, Baldwin Bicycle had not clarified its strategic orientation currently. b If Baldwin took up Hi-Valu’s offer, how might this change the way Baldwin competes? In particular, think about the effect on Baldwin’s costs and distribution channels(i.e. the retailers).(45%) If accepting the offer, Baldwin’s strategy may be restructured more like a cost-leader. Before drawing a draft cost analysis, several assumptions should be considered. a) Selling price should remain consistent. b) Variable and fixed costs should remain constant. Direct material and labor costs remained the same in the current range, and no idle time allowed. c) Estimation of that Hi-Value would purchase 25.000 units and Baldwin would lose 3000 units should be accurate. Incremental cost and revenue if accept Hi-Value’s offer Baldwin got capacity to accept the offer since 75% capacity had been used. Total capacity would be 131,721 units so Baldwin was able to produce extra 25,000 units. While sales volume was estimated to be 100,000 units less 3,000 units deduction plus 25,000 units=122,000 units, which quite near to its total capacity, fixed and variable costs level would change. Contribution margin was calculated as $12.47 after tax. Deducting one time added costs per unit of $0.2 , increased working capital $4.33 per unit and margin on lost margin(3,000units loss), total incremental effect would be $2.72. Effect on profit was total $68,000. Although Challenger’s offer could guarantee additional revenue, incremental costs would put burden on Baldwin’s current financial position provided accounts receivables from Hi-Value increased, making Baldwin had no extra money to develop its own product, such as new technology and feathers. As a result, to take the offer made Baldwin’s own products harder going up to the top. Distribution channel Currently Baldwin only distributed its products in speciality bicycle shops. After the offer being accepted, more distribution channels in Hi-Value stores at lower price than well-known bicycle brand such as Trek. Lower price with no significant new feathers or brand image, Challenger seemed more like low cost product. Customer and competitor reactions Accepting the offer would to some extent damage Baldwin’s brand image. Lower price and more discount distribution channel would pull Baldwin down from â€Å"above average in quality and price† speciality bicycle manufacturer to lower price manufacturer, causing a potential loss of customers and sales. Some competitors would follow Baldwin’s step, seeking for new investment or cooperation with department stores like Hi-Values . In the long run, this may share Baldwin’s current estimated sales or even, Hi-Value would cease the contract after 3 years and turn to someone else who offered lower price than Baldwin. By contrast, similar manufacturers may go to the opposite side- develop new technology, add up fresh feathers and advertise as top products to a be differentiators. In this term Baldwin may suffer from such  an embarrassing brand image from long run perspective. Other factors In addition, in terms of break-even point and safety margin, Baldwin was on the edge of losing sales due to the poor economic, resulting in a closer distance of the break-even point. To avoid the risk of making a loss rather than a profit, Baldwin should take the offer. However, before that Baldwin should also think about its cash flow. From the income statement it seemed that Baldwin could not bring out enough cash to the project. Besides, since production would increase, more warehouse space would be required which would incur further costs. Besides, above assumption didn’t include risk of losing more sales .Moreover, based on the current debt equity ratio, high leverage level would happen if Baldwin financed by loan since majority of its loan were short- term rather than long- term. To sum up, before taking the offer, it was essential for Baldwin to clearly define its strategy and consider the effect on it about accepting the offer. c Using Miles and Snow typology, speculate on Baldwin Bicycle Company’s strategic positioning.(45%) From Miles and Snow typology, Baldwin was projected to be a reactor. Since prospector should be highly innovative and analyzer’s domain is a mixture of stable and changing product or market, apparently Baldwin would not be one of those by maintaining in the current market and product line. Problems arose whether Baldwin was a defender or reactor. From strategy’ point of view, Baldwin behaved more like a reactor. Mile and Snow typology defines three reasons for an organization to be a reactor. 1. Top management of Baldwin had not clearly articulated the organization’s strategy. As talked in Question a, over 40 years Baldwin chose to act somewhere in between.  No clear strategy made Baldwin respond only when it was forced to by macro environmental pressures , in this case the poor economy. 2. Management does not fully shape the organization’s structure and processes to fit a chosen strategy. Compared to defender strategy which intends to secure and stable current market by offering a limited range of products, or offer better quality products or customer service, though selling and admiration expense was relevant high, Baldwin just sit there offering all range of  products without improve product quality . No internal reshape had been carried out , but response to external Hi-Value’s offer as it occurred. 3. Tendency for Management to maintain the organization’s current strategy-structure relationship despite overwhelming changes in environmental conditions. Al though risk of losing sales in the current economic situation and consideration of Hi-Value’s offer arose, top management seemed did not intend to restructure their strategy—to a definite cost leader or absolute top product. Above all, Baldwin was speculated to be reactor.

Explain How To Support Others To Promote Diversity Equality And Inclusion

Task A Short answer questions Ai Using the table below, explain in your own words what each term means. Give one example from care practice to illustrate your explanations. Diversity: The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies.Example: One of my workmates wears a head cloth due to her religion, every one who works with her accepts that and do not object or make fun of her†¦ Every one respects her religion. Equality: Equality defined basically means equal rights for people regardless of what factors they might have that are different. Equality states that because they are human they must be equal. Example: every one is treated the same way. Inclusion: Inclusion is based upon the i dea of allowing everyone equal access to a service regardless of gender, disability, religion i e, There are many ways to ensure that your setting adheres to its inclusion policy.Example: I am feeling respected and valued for who I am at work. Discrimination: A person is treated less favourably than someone else and that the treatment is for a reason relating to the person’s protected characteristic (e. g. disability) Example: My workmate has a slight disability but is treated the same way as the rest of my â€Å"team† no favours or less favours, just the same as the rest of us. Aii For each of the following people/groups of people, describe two different possible effects of discrimination.An individual: Loss of opportunities, withdrawal and depression, loss of self esteem. Their families: Anger, frustration and helplessness. Wider society: Loss of opportunities (what the individuals could contribute to society), division and disharmony. Those who discriminate: False s ense of self importance, possibly shame if they are confronted about their actions (discrimination is not always intended). Aiii Using the table below, identify three ways of challenging discrimination, and describe how each will promote change. Way of challenging discrimination, how this will promote change. 1. Policy and Procedures. 2. Direct Confrontation. 3. Reporting Discrimination I can use each of these methods to encourage the abuser to see and understand what they have done wrong. This is more likely to promote a change in their behaviour than leaving them unchallenged. It also sends a message to others in the setting. Task B Leaflet Bi Your work setting is running an induction course for new social care workers in an adult social care setting.Guidance for new workers. How can I learn new things? You can be told information, watch someone else do a task, talk about ideas with other people, read information or guidance, watch a DVD, research, ask your manager. A combination of all of the above is probably best, but different people prefer some ways of learning to others. Find the way that suits you best. You should discuss and reach agreement with your manager about the ways that will help you learn best.You might at tend training sessions, or be asked to read part of a book, training package or policy document, or to talk about your work with another team member who has knowledge to pass on. How will I be assessed? During your induction period (which could be up to 12 weeks) you will be assessed to make sure you have understood everything you have learned. Someone within your organisation, for example, your line manager or your training manager, might carry out this assessment. If part of your induction includes an accredited training programme, then someone outside of your organisation may carry out the assessment.However, it will still be your manager who has the responsibility to sign off your Certificate of Successful Completion when you have successfully completed your induction period. How can I develop my skills further? Essential learning for specific tasks, the induction provide you with the basic information and skills necessary for work There will be some tasks, however, that you may be required to do, that will need further learning before they can be performed safely. Examples include, using moving and handling equipment and preparation of food.Your employer must provide you with the learning you need to be able to perform these and other tasks safely. You should not be asked to undertake these tasks without having added the appropriate learning to your induction. Learning should continue throughout your career, and should enable you to develop new skills, and open up career options. Remember that you need to have a look at our policy's and various Act's which may include: Sex Discrimination Act, Race Relations Act, DisabilityDiscrimination Act, Equality Act, Human Rights Act, Health and Social Care Act (Regulated activities) and the Essential Standards, Codes of Practice for Social Care Workers. For me as a trainer, I need to challenge any abuse and explain why it is wrong. c) A description of how inclusive practice can promote equality and support diversity . Through Training and Discussion: Training and discussions are essential to raise awareness of diversity, equality and inclusion in any work settings. Discussion in meetings or group discussion among staffs play a vital role to raise awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion.The more they will engage in discussion or obtain trainings about this issue the more they will learn and be aware of and also they will be able and put them in their everyday’s practice. d) An explanation of how to support others to promote diversity, equality and inclusion. Through providing leaflet, information and policies and procedures: Providing leaflets and sufficient information regarding diversity and equality can raise awareness to a social care worker by acquiring adequate knowledge about it.It also helps them to know about the consequences if agreed ways of working are not followed which restrain them from doing any form of discrimination relating this issue. Task C Reflective account C i Write a reflective account describing: †¢ How your personal preferences, attitudes, heritage and beliefs might impact on working practice. †¢ How to ensure that your own practice is inclusive and respects the beliefs, culture, values and preferences of individuals. Suggested word count: 500 – 700 words A normal work night†¦ I come into work about 19. 0 have a brew and then get handover at 20. 00. Depending if I am in charge or a floor worker I either give out the medicines or start suppers. If I work on the floor I go around to the residents and offer them a few different things they can have for supper, such as toasts with jam, marmalade or just butter, a selection of sandwiches, cereals and hot/cold drinks, such as coffee, tea, chocolate, horlicks and juice or milk. After supper some of my residents watch TV before they retire to bed, and some go to bed straight after supper and may need assistance to get ready.Our lady X likes to go straight after supper a nd needs guidance to her room and help with freshen up prior getting in to bed, I assist her with personal hygiene needs and to put her nightdress on. Then I tuck her in proper and make sure she is comfortable and safe in bed, make sure the commode is at the side of her bed and her pressure mat is in front of the bed (just where she usually sit up to put her feet on the floor) so that she alert us staff when she is up out of bed or if she requires assistance during the night.During the night we do 2 hourly checks on our residents to ensure that they are safe, dry, clean and having adequate rest/sleep. In the morning I usually help 4-5 residents to get ready for the day, I pick out two outfits and let the resident choose if they haven't already got something in mind what to wear. I make sure the water is warm before I assist with the personal hygiene needs and I check their skin integrity to ensure that they don't have any pressure points that are sore. I always ask the resident to try to do as much as possible by themselves to maintain their independence, and I always explain to my residents what I am going to do in advance so they can assist me in my job. My residents likes to have a laugh in the morning and some of them likes the radio on in their room whilst they are getting ready so I try to meet their needs as much at possible. We often talk about their lives, what they have worked with, where they've been on holiday and so on. The residents often like to hear about my life, since I'm from Sweden, and I tell them when ever they ask.I always try to respect my residents choices and wishes, I don't have a religion and is a non believer, but I respect that people have their own religion and believes and I would never say anything to upset or hurt any of my residents, workmates or anyone. If someone show me respect they get that respect straight back, I don't like people who go around and talk behind your back, if I have done/said something wrong, please say it straight to me so I can justify myself to make it right.Cii Write a brief account that describes examples of inclusive practice. Suggested word count: 150 – 200 words Inclusive Practice is a term which means the practical things that we do, when we are working with people who use our services, which demonstrate our professional values, standards, and principles in action. In particular Inclusive Practice is about participation, collaboration, and including people: where individuals are fully involved in choices and decisions that affect their lives and in the matters that are important to them.People who use mental health services say that being listened to, having their individual needs taken account of, and staff attitudes and values is a very important part of keeping well. The experience of participation is often as important as the end result. Participation itself may be an outcome. Inclusive Practice can benefit staff through sharing knowl edge and learning new and effective ways of working with people. People who use services bring new ideas, and we are able to respond from a more informed position. Inclusive Practice is good practice, and is also about a human rights and anti-discriminatory approach to mental health.Inclusive practice underpins anti-discriminatory practice and is the practical way in which we put our equality policies/agenda into action. All people are citizens and have rights and entitlements. They should be treated fairly regardless of race, religion or abilities. This applies no matter: what they think or say, what type of family they come from, what language(s) they speak, whether they have a disability or whether they are rich or poor. All people have an equal right to be listened to and valued in the setting. Equality and diversityMy thought on this subject is that it encompasses gender, race, age, disability, linguistic differences, learning abilities, sexual orientation, socio-economic statu s and cultural background and so on. Ciii Write a brief account that describes practice which excludes the individual and is discriminatory. Suggested word count: 150 – 200 words The activity coordinator might come to our unit to play dominoes with our residents but have to exclude two gentlemen, because one of them is deaf and the other one is blind, and that has everything to do with the lack of time and/or staff†¦To have the TV on so low that the blind gentleman can not hear the program he would like to listen to and have to go to his room and become isolated. Residents in wheelchairs that can't go on outings i. e a pub lunch because there is no wheelchair access to the pub or the door way are to narrow for the wheelchair. Residents with dementia that are excluded from outings due to being loud or noisy. To tell a resident to stay on his/her room because he/she is not allowed to sit in the lounge with others because he/she is shouting out at times or being very loud t alking to him/her self.

Analysis and Evaluation of Aspects of Pastoral Care and Mentoring in Essay

Analysis and Evaluation of Aspects of Pastoral Care and Mentoring in the Educational Contest - Essay Example ..............................10 Opportunity Costs V Opportunity Gains.....................................................11 Specific Pastoral Needs and Strategies.......................................................12 Conclusion †¦..............................................................................................14 References...................................................................................................15 Introduction This paper undertakes an in-depth enquiry into the concepts of pastoral care and mentoring in the educational context. This involves a critical analysis meant to evaluate aspects of pastoral care and mentoring. In attaining this end, the researcher undertakes a critical evaluation of the specific pastoral needs of students and examines the strategies for the attainment of this end in educational institutions. The paper examines how pastoral care and mentoring supports in effective learning. This is done through an examination of t he needs of people in the educational system. It also analyses the various strategies in the attainment of these ends. There will be an assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of each of the strategies. The analysis will conclude on the ends that each strategy meets in terms of specific pastoral care. The following objectives are examined: 1. A critical analysis of pastoral care and mentoring in the educational system. 2. ... Best states that â€Å"pastoral care marks an evolution of education from a purely academic system to one which incorporates social and family oriented lessons† (2000 p3). This means that Pastoral care seeks to integrate the important aspects of life that were primarily taught by parents and the society to children in the society before the coming of the Industrial Revolution. In other words, the social system of Britain was quite distinct in about five hundred years ago. However, in modern times, changes in the socio-economic system of Britain and other nations has caused the focus of society to shift from social values to one where efficiency, economic gains and independence are emphasized. As such, pastoral care attempts to recreate and inculcate the social value systems and structures that were taught informally before fundamental changes to the society occurred. The system through which most schools do this is through pastoral care, affective education, guidance and couns elling and personal/social education (Best, 2000). This is strongly steeped in Christian traditions and systems of trying to get people to be morally and socially upright right from an early stage. The world Pastoral care has a Latin root, pascere which means to feed. Best traces it to the early Anglican systems of Britain where Pastors were required to 'feed' their 'flocks' through care and other forms of mentoring and supervision systems which ensured that the members of the Church carried out what was taught in the Church and also raise their children in accordance with acceptable standards and traditions (Best, 2000). Pastoral Care became common in Cambridge and Oxford and gradually spread to secular state

Police Corruption Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Police Corruption - Essay Example Majority of scholars in the law enforcement field, according to Corley, assert that the acceptance of gratuities is a pitfall that leads to corruption. Corley bases his classification of corruption on four experts' definitions which affirm that corruption entails the act of accepting goods or anything with monetary value 'for performing or failing to perform duties which are a normal part of one's job'.1 On the other hand, Corley defines gratuity as 'something given without claim or demand' (Corley 2005). However, the author contends that it is confounding for the enforcement agents to discern when a gratuity does not come without a claim or demand. Thus, even though law enforcers exercise discretions on accepting presents and gratuities, enforcers should assume that everything comes with a price, based on the supposition that 'there is no free lunch.' The author adds that though these 'acts of kindness' may not require reciprocity in the present, they may oblige an officer to reciprocate such kindness in the future. In some ways, Corley also admits that there exists people who strive for genuine kindness but individuals involve in the enforcement of law should always presume that everyone wants something in exchange of a gift or gratuity.

Principles and Practices of Effective Leadership - D2- D8 Essay

Principles and Practices of Effective Leadership - D2- D8 - Essay Example This therefore means that this organization setting, the holistic process has been affected because the chain of communication between the various departments is broken down and ineffective. In brief there is no clear communication channel. To resolve this problem guided by the systems theory of organization, leaders can cultivate their emotional intelligence and behavior change that energizes and motivates the workers to change. This may include aspects such as developing better personal relationships between the workers by giving them collective tasks to perform as a general way of engaging and also participating holistically in the leadership of the organization (Bryman, 2011). References Bryman, A. (2011). The SAGE handbook of leadership. London: SAGE. Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2007). The leadership challenge (4th Ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. How great leader performs and what they do when in leadership all depends on the ability to overcome obstacles through their behavior and response to the internal and external forces which are entirely dependent on their emotional capabilities. The fundamental factors pertaining to the power of emotional intelligence that defines the quality of a leader are grouped into categories which are self awareness, self management, social awareness, relationship management, conflict resolution and decision making skills (Goleman, et all, 2007). The core strengths of these categories are the aspects that are inward looking which are self awareness, self management, and conflict resolution. This is so because when a leader is able to communicate and manage him or herself appropriately from within, it means that the leader will respond to externalities effectively and appropriately. The externalities here are social awareness and relationship management, which constitute of organization, profession, country, city or the world in real life. The latter therefore becomes an emotional effective leader because from withi n himself or herself he/she uses the inward looking aspects within the outward looking aspects (externalities) in decision making and reasoning (Hughes et all,2005). It is true that through one’s lifetime he/she gets to encounter new experiences and challenges that contribute to mold one as an effective or ineffective leader. This makes it crucial for leaders to take a bold step towards understanding and learning the power of emotions, especially the inward looking aspect, in controlling their daily experiences as this is what directs their judgment and decision making. References Goleman, D., Boyatzis, R. E., & McKee, A. (2007). Cram101 textbook outlines to accompany: primal leadership : learning to lead with emotional intelligence, 1st ed.. Moorpark, Calif.: Academic Internet Publishers. Hughes, M. M., Patterson, L. B., & Terrell, J. B. (2005). Emotional intelligence in action: training and coaching activities for leaders and managers. San Francisco: Pfeiffer. Rewards are h onors or benefits given to workers for motivational purposes. They are grouped into extrinsic and intrinsic rewards. Extrinsic rewards are basically financial tangible rewards given to employees such as bonuses, pay rise and benefits. Intrinsic rewards on the other hand are the psychological rewards given to employees for performing a commendable job. The rewards can be positively used to make employees enthusiastic and appreciated, building

Scorpions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Scorpions - Essay Example The main body is protected by body armor and bears four pairs of legs and pectines. Sensory organs at the end of their legs and the pectines are able to detect ground vibrations and chemical signals respectively. Their distinctive erectile and curved tail has a telson at the end which contains a sting. Scorpions also have a pair of pincers attached to the front of their heads, and their sting is venomous. Most scorpions grow to between 2 and 3 inches in length although some can be shorter at 0.5 inches and some can be longer such as the African emperor scorpion which can exceed 8 inches. Their color is typically either yellow, brown or black which helps them to camouflage and their bodies also contain fluorescent chemicals which makes them glow under ultraviolet light. Their body temperatures can also adjust quickly with their surroundings but they need to be warm to be active. Scorpions are usually found to exist in climates that are warm and dry such as in deserts although they hav e also been found to adapt to a wide variety of climates including savannahs, rain forests and snowy areas. They are able to survive droughts or the cold by hibernating in a dormant state. There are an estimated 1,500 different species of scorpions around the world. Scorpions are nocturnal creatures so they tend to hide during the day in places such as under rocks, in caves, inside cracks, in their own burrows, etc. and they hunt during the night. On the basis of their main dwelling, different types of scorpions can be identified as sand dwellers, rock dwellers, burrowing scorpions, cave dwellers, and there are also the arboreal scorpions that are agile and live in buildings and on trees. Among the most deadliest of scorpions is the Bark Scorpion that has a light brown color and is found in places such as Arizona, California and New Mexico where there is an abundance of scorpions, and the Deathstalker found in the Middle East and North Africa. In fact, scorpions are by nature predat ory creatures. They employ ambush tactics and can immobilize their prey using their pedipalps and if necessary their venom too so as to consume them. The scorpions are able to adjust the amount of venom according to the size of the prey. An acidic spray onto the prey then dissolves their tissues to make it easier to suck up their bodies. Their prey can include all other insects as well as other scorpions. Larger scorpions are even able to eat small vertebrates such as frogs, lizards, snakes and mice once they subdue them. The social behavior of scorpions is characterized by their solitary nature but some enjoy living in familial groups and some of them engage in colonial burrowing. Courtship involves a mating ritual wherein the male dances with the female in a dance called the 'promenade a deux' prior to mating. The eggs develop inside the bodies of the females and nourishment is given to the young from the yolk or in some cases directly from the mother's body. Gestation periods var y between 3 and 18 months but each brood usually contains between 25 and 35 young scorpions which are in some cases born two at a time. When born, the young scorpions climb onto the back of their mothers and receive their energy from the fat stored inside them. The young become independent after about two weeks, and they shed their own skin at least 5 times to mature fully. Their lifespans range from between 3 and 5 years although some live longer up to 15

Work-Based Practice, Including Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Work-Based Practice, Including Ethics - Essay Example The effect of physical harm and abusive language was traumatic and resulted in emotional distress for the disabled patients. Although the accused were given sentences in jail for around six months time, however the question arises how ethical values conflicted in this scenario and also how fundamental theoretical principles of ethical decision making are applicable here. There are four fundamental ethical principles that cover the social care practice. These values include autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice (Gostin, 1991, p. 191). Within these doctrines come other principles such as respect, non-discrimination, well-being, consent and confidentiality (BASW, 2012). Being autonomous include showing respect for other individuals’ independence and also the decisions made by them (Tauber, 2005). In situations, where a certain individual is not capable of making sound decisions or exhibit autonomy, necessary measures are required to be taken to curtail any chances of harm to the clients. On the other hand, beneficence and non-maleficence are complementary values that are applicable together in certain situations (Tauber, 2005). Beneficence includes measures that ensure wellbeing of others and non-maleficence includes not taking any decisions or steps that can cause harm to others especially clients (Robison and Resser, 2002). There can be instances in which these values may conflict. In the given scenario, it was the responsibility of the care home workers to ensure that respect of the patients who were a vulnerable population already remains well-protected and no measures should be taken that can cause harm to them physically or mentally. In the given scenario, discrimination was practiced often and disregard for such patients was given as the reason by the accused staff. More than treatment itself, the reasons behind such behaviour were based on prejudice which is against the

The Disparity In Sentencing In The Criminal Justice System Essay

The Disparity In Sentencing In The Criminal Justice System - Essay Example In the mid 1970’s a remarkable burst of reforms (Walker, p. 112) were introduced whose main concern was about disparity and discrimination in sentencing. The indeterminate sentence was the main focus of the reform efforts. The sentence in which the offender received a minimum or maximum sentence and the date of release was decided by the parole board is known as indeterminate sentence. Under such sentencing the judge was to decide about the punishment by not only looking at the crime but also looking at the circumstances and the potential for rehabilitation. On the basis of this judgment the parole board was to decide the date of release. Discretion was distributed amongst not only to the justice officials but also the parole board. The result of this process was: "A system of sentencing in which there was little understanding or predictability as to who would be imprisoned and for how long" (Bureau of Justice Assistance, p. 6). Both the liberal and the conservative boards cha llenged the reforms. The liberal presented an argument that the intensity on of the punishment should not rest with the criminal officers or the parole board because they may have racial issues. While the conservative board argued that the punishments given to criminals were too lenient. Their arguments bolstered by the findings of research demonstrating that most correctional programs designed to rehabilitate offenders and reduce recidivism were ineffective (Martinson).

Buddhism and Hinduism in comparision Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Buddhism and Hinduism in comparision - Essay Example It highly reflects the prevailing theme at the time in which Japan took pride in its genius through the fields of religion, philosophy, art, and rich literature. While the fundamental color of brilliance is perceived through the coating to designate in equilibrium the simplicity of brightness through wood carving, the Hindu sculpture has, among the revered gods Vishnu, Shiva, Krishna, and some others, on the contrary been worked using stone or hard rock medium to enhance the proper locus of the aspects with light. A rare sculpture of ‘Vishnu’ seated on a Naga coil under the five hoods of the serpent deity is stone-made. Found at the Nithyakalyanaswamy temple at Thiruvidanthai, the statue is said to date from the Vijayanagara period during the 17th century. Contrary to the standing position of the Bodhisattva of Compassion, Vishnu is depicted sitting in a relaxed posture to signify an aura of meditative heights achieved. This ‘Vishnu on Naga Coil’ is well-ado rned as opposed to the plain appearance of the Buddhist sculpture. Being considered as the ‘Supreme god’ in the Vaishnavite tradition of Hinduism, the symbolic statue reflects him as the all-pervading essence of all beings and this is a strong ground for sculpting Vishnu in a manner that exhibits details rich in adornments and are defined under perfect human features, except for bearing four arms. Not having any earth-related object by him suggests how Vishnu’s state is one that is severely distant from men and this further indicates no sign of humility unlike in the case of the bodhisattva. Though his divinity radiates opulence of things by which he could sustain and govern the universe as the ‘Preserver’, the sculpture seemingly lacks the essence of purity. In one of the modifications made for the structure of Vishnu with the same serpent deity, the presence of Lakshmi, his consort, heavily coated with gold altogether gives a manifestation of extre me wealth and power. Its lavish creation of curves and lines inlaid on the golden stone medium occur to characterize immortal possession of authority and matter, transcending the significant idea behind misery or suffering, a major part in Buddhist principle of attaining pure divinity. Such design with Vishnu and similar Hindu gods mirrors the equivalent aspect in Indian culture of observing colorful festive traditions abounding in food, clothing, ceremonies, and other stuffs of various kinds. On the other hand, Though the ‘Eleven-Headed Bodhisattva of Compassion’ primarily consists of wood, the sophisticated carvings and the countenance which appears to possess a blend of gold and bronze external coating, aimed to bring about a wholly essential color, suggests subtle prominence while depicting the purpose of identifying a bodhisattva by nature. The smooth lines of the sculpture were fashioned such that the strokes exude a character with humble gesture, one with which n o trace of rigidity can be detected. In the absence of conspicuous edges in its shape all throughout, the eleven-headed Kannon may be readily claimed to have been so intentionally brought to the gentlest of forms. ‘Eleven-Headed Bo

Personal life and sports Essay Example for Free

Personal life and sports Essay Sportsmanship is the character, practice, or skill of a person involved in sports. This includes the participant, the parents, the coaches, and all spectators. Sportsmanlike conduct includes fairness, courtesy, learning to be a good loser, being competitive without rude behavior, or experiencing any ill feelings toward the opponent. Too often in any sporting event, the purpose of the sport is forgotten. Winning has become overwhelmingly important to the adults involved. This attitude is inflicted on the youth. People of all ages should be allowed to fully embrace the challenge and fun of playing sports. Teaching, coaching, motivating, and winning are fine as long as the reason for the sport or activity is prioritized. The attitudes of athletes are instilled in them at a very young age. They reflect the motivation and goals of their parents, who sometimes push them into sports they would not normally choose for themselves. Play is essential in growth and develop- ment. Children who play sports with other children tend to socialize and adjust better as adults. Healthy competition provides a natural, emotional outlet for children, but should not be forced or overemphasized. Competition should be kept friendly with the emphasis on participation rather than the outcome of the event. Parents should not pressure the child to excel, regardless of his abilities, because this takes away the fun of the sport, adds undo pressure on the participant, and produces unsportsmanlike conduct. Sportsmanship is participating in a sport, rather than performing, and realizing how you play the game is more important than winning. Too many coaches and parents tend to forget the reason for sports for children. They get caught up in the excitement and competitiveness. Winning is the ultimate goal, at all costs. The cost is the effect this attitude has on the children. I have witnessed this behavior from coaches and parents, where they have actually embarrassed and humiliated young players in front of their peers. The negative effect this has on the athletes is obvious. They become aggressive, sometimes withdrawn and angry, rude, and inconsiderate. Sports are not just an activity. They form a stepping stone toward the future. Sportsmanship teaches children how to interact with peers, how to relate and interact with others. Sports can teach cooperation, sharing, and compassion. At a young age participation in sports introduces players to rules, and how to incorporate them into other aspects of life. A child must realize that losing has absolutely nothing to do with self-worth, that their personal value is not measured by winning or losing, but doing the best that they can in sports and life. It is important that children and adults be part of a group to feel acceptance, without the emphasis on winning. Self-confidence does not come from winning or losing, but how the outcome is handled. If you perform to your best ability, then you have won the only  important game. Sportsmanship is what the activity should be about. Coaches and parents should relax, enjoy the fact that their children are active and adjusting socially, have fun, and allow their children to have fun. They will produce healthier, happier, more secure, self-confident, and less angry, frustrated children. Sportsmanship carries into every aspect of daily life. Winning and losing is part of every day life at every age and every stage. We should learn and be taught through praise and example how to win and lose with dignity, humility, and self-respect.

Tangible and Intangible Resources

Tangible and Intangible Resources In the fast pace development of the technology market,  enterprises tangible and intangible resources is a competitive advantage on the basis of tangible resources is the basis for enterprise development, the invisible resources are the engine of growth of competitive advantage, two of those are the source of competitive advantages. This article will be the fast-paced development of technology market premise, according to some examples, focusing on the importance of tangible and intangible resources company competition (Hill, Jones, 2009). Define Tangible and intangible resources: Tangible resources are visible, can use the direct measurement of the monetary resources, including material resources and financial resources E.g Tangible resources; 2009, Samsung Electronics, the market value has reached $ 110.2 billion, the first time beyond Intel became the the global revenues largest semiconductor manufacturers 1. Samsungs sales of $ 117.8 billion in 2009, has surpassed HP to become the the global revenues largest electronics companies 2. Is the worlds second largest chip factory, second in size only to Intel 3 in 2008 is the worlds top 21 products, up market share in the market supplier Intangible resources. A wide range of content, such as trademarks, patents, proprietary technology, customer relationships, corporate image, corporate culture, these intangible resources in the process of production and operation of enterprises play an indispensable role. E.g Intangible resources: Korea 8782 patents registered in the United States last year, 3611 applications for Samsung Electronics, Samsung Electronics, Samsung Electronics, Samsung Electronics, the percentage of more than 40%. Samsungs brand value grew fivefold from $ 3.1 billion in 1999 to $ 16.2 billion in 2006 ( Hitt, Ireland, 2008). Analysis of several fast-paced technology companies examples and reasons The definition of the technology market: the places engaged in the technical intermediary services and technical operations of goods. To promote scientific and technological achievements into practical productive forces for the purpose, specifically to carry out technology development, technology transfer, technical consulting, technical services, technical contract; production or distribution of the research to test new products and technology products; organization and conduct of the promotion and application of technological achievements and other technical coverage involving all areas of technology (Tietze , 2012). The cell phone industry, as a modern high-tech industry, has a certain representation, several typical company I will for example in the mobile phone industry to analyze: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. Samsung Group was founded in 1938, investment in the establishment of Samsung Electronics Company in 1969, involving semiconductors, mobile phones, monitors, laptops, televisions, refrigerators, air conditioners, digital cameras, and IT products and other field In many areas in technology, Samsung has become the worlds leading technology innovation company, it has created a series of state-of-the-art technology, including mobile phones, hand-held computing devices, flat panel displays, as well as ultra-thin laptops. (Viardot, 2004). Apple Inc Apples major industries, including computer software. Hardware. Phone handheld entertainment aspect. Overall have five production lines: Mac, iPod the iPhone and the iPad, i Tune, known for the product i pod digital music player is i Tunes music store, these are containing innovative the high-tech, i phone pioneered mobile devices new start, IPHONE3G of the software revolution (Sengupta, Slater, 2009). NOKIA In 1865, Nokia was founded in Finland, Nokia smart phone, entertainment, phone, navigation, phone, have a high technology technology Nokia developed areas including third-generation wireless systems, multimedia applications, network management, mobile phone and other sounds data, video terminals. To maintain its leading position in the rapid development of the telecommunications market (GruneWalder, 2008). What role do they play in this types of market what are they? Based on analysis of the tangible and intangible resources of Nokia and Apple Nokias tangible resources Material resources: Nokia to light electric transmission as the center of development, laying the foundation for Nokias semiconductor technology industry. Such as ABS engineering techniques, this technique has the performance of heat-resistant and impact, due to the lower cost of this technique, the majority of computer manufacturers to use. Financial resources: Nokia in Chinas development, the establishment of three joint venture companies, mobile phone production, as well as network equipment, China is the largest market of Nokia, the worlds largest investment areas, due to the low cost of production and processing of the Chinese market, so Nokia to focus on China, in addition to the establishment of a global integrated financial plan, a reasonable business strategy Nokia intangible resources Company brand: Nokia founded in Finland, with a long history, and a good social reputation, through continuous research and innovation, powerful software support and network services, so that, on the company in the smart phone, navigation technically are in a leading position in the company with OVI Internet, in the music store, online game store, providing services to obtain the value Technology: Nokias development, always in the front of the R D development center, working to develop new technologies, including third-generation wireless systems, multimedia applications, to meet customers needs, increasing the mass market to maintain the rapid development of the territory Goodwill: consumers said user for the first time agree, it is only with the GSM technology, the exterior design of the TV for the first time large-screen displays, mobile phones scroll able text menu, the user used to say, very good,leave a very good impression (Hoskisson, 2008) Apple tangible resources Product Resources: 2000 i Pod digital music player, with the unique i Tunes music download system, beat some very powerful company and a global share of the first portable player, i pod series launch, more solid Apple position in the music market, i phone combined with a new product of the i pod and Apple TV, the birth of this product, so Apples successful transformation from computer production to the electronic company Financial resources Apples PC and one of the multimedia company, Apple increased net income $ 1,335 one billion, they have the ability to obtain credit. The tissue Apple also has many systems f control. Apple controls all aspects of the computer, it can provide customers with a complete desktop solution, including hardware, software and peripherals, Physical resources Apple company established in California. Apple is a global company with offices around the. They develop good computer on the market with the best materials. Technology Apple invented a lot of patents, they developed the first PC, the PCs graphical user interface (GUI), a point, and then click the mouse, the laser printer, the iPod and iTunes. Apple also includes a window system, investigation procedures, such as Aldus, Page Maker and Microsoft Excel. Apples products are user-friendly and unique Apple intangible resources Apples human resources, the Cupertino, California in the heart of Silicon Valley, bringing together the most talent and an attractive location. The best schools in the country in a very short drive from Apples main campus, including Stanford University, the University of California, Barkley, and Santa Clara University. There are so many schools nearby, they enjoy a rich cultural and educational opportunities. Innovation Apple invented the PC graphical user interface. Nearly a decade, the the Apple monopoly graphical user interface. When Jobs returned, he manages a hire people who do not want to make the best products in the world of innovation. The key is to let the people with the passion for excellence. Apple now has scientific skills, enabling them to innovation, promote the patent (Afuah, 2009) What is the impact on the companies industry? Business development, competitors may soon have tangible physical capital resources, but the long-term advantages of intangible resources but is hard to beat. Well-known enterprises of the industrial countries, the value of intangible resources generally exceed the value of physical resources, intangible resources these enterprises trade and occupy the international market and expand the social impact will become an important weapon (Tessiopoulos, 2005). The importance of the intangible resources. Enterprise as a social and economic organization. While tangible resources. Also has a wide variety and difficult measurement and grasp the intangible resources. A wide range of content, such as trademarks, patents, proprietary technology, customer relationships, corporate image, corporate culture, these intangible resources in the production development process plays an irreplaceable role. Trademark. Trademark is used to identify the specific goods or services of the mark, it means the right to use a particular name or pattern specialize in certain specified goods or products generally include the exclusive right to use and the prohibition of the right to two aspects. Patent. The patent refers to the national patent authorities in accordance with the law grant the inventions patented applicants enjoyed exclusive rights within a certain period of their inventions. The patent generally include three aspects of the invention patents, utility model patents and design patents. Valid patent law Proprietary technology. The proprietary technology means known to the outside world, has been used in the production and operation activities, a variety of skills and experience do not enjoy legal protection. Generally include the proprietary technology of the industrial, commercial trade proprietary technology, management know-how, etc.. Corporate image. Corporate image usually refers to the publics evaluation of a company and its products, beliefs and attitudes. Mainly include the popularity and reputation, corporate values, managerial and technical factors such as the comprehensive, implied a huge potential force behind the production and business activities of enterprises. Customer relationships. Customer relationship usually refers to the purchase of customer and sales of enterprise products, services, manufacturing enterprises in the formation of long-term exchanges and work with each other relationship, this relationship is the invisible presence of a lot of influence, for the improvement of enterprise product sales. Enterprises cultural. The corporate culture is the enterprise ideology as the core corporate values, corporate value, business philosophy, entrepreneurship, business principles, business purposes, business rules and regulations, Code of Conduct.(Ireland, Hoskission, 2008) E.g Apple and Samsung patent war of the century, for example, Apple awarded $ 1 billion. South Koreas Samsung infringed U.S. Apple patent, needs $ 1 billion in compensation. At the same time, the court finds that the Apple and Samsung did not infringe. Affected by this news, Apples stock price immediately rose by 1.8%, this way before Samsung change the design of these products will be in the U.S. market can not continue to sell these products. Lawsuits between Apple and Samsung is not just about patents and money is related to the value. Apple seems stresses creativity and innovation, to create the worlds best products, the manufacture of these products is to let the user satisfaction, not to allow competitors big plagiarism. (Ubertazzi, 2012). Expert analysis : Apple disputes warning of the modern enterprise Apples creative class of intangible assets in commercial signs, warning of the management problems of the modern enterprise: First, technological innovation is important, but only technological innovation is not enough, you must also conducted a comprehensive intangible assets construction innovation. A single class of intellectual property (patent, trademark or copyright) is not enough to solve all the problems of the enterprises, enterprises must carry out diverse IP configuration. Second, trade names and trademarks is not just a business logo, to raise the height of intangible assets created to recognize. Best to stay away from the general term creative in the selection of trademarks, trade names, to do trademark name with the name of the creative owner of the trademark can not prevent others from the same with your name trademark registered in other categories of goods and services. Because your trademark name is not private rights in the true sense, the name you choose is also the use of public resources. Trademark intangible asset value basis, is one of the trademarks Be creative, first with the larger artistic value, the value will be after the trademark rights of value, economic value, reputation. If the brand name is a common noun, it is easy for the revocation of others, lead to legal disputes. The third set of intangible assets specialized management agencies. Talent is a source of intangible assets, intangible assets not only to create pay greater attention to the management and operation. Important foundation for high-end complex talent to do a good job in the management of the intangible assets. Enterprise management of intangible assets should be placed in an important position, set a special intangible assets management department, equipped with specialized management of intangible assets intangible assets of enterprises integrated, comprehensive, systematic management, organizational guarantee of intangible assets management. Through high-end composite intangible assets management, promote enterprises to improve the level of management of intangible assets, improve intangible assets effective. (Acton, 2012). Is one resource more valuable or important when the other ? I chose the hotel industry, the analysis of the tangible and intangible resources of the hotel industry Hotel tangible resources :is the physical form of resources, including physical resources, financial resources, organizational resources. Kind resources refers to the kind used to be the hotel customer service resources to create benefits for the hotel, such as hotel construction, decoration, equipment, etc. are in-kind resources: financial resources, including currency sources and use, such as access to finance, cash management, creditors and debtors control, dealing with currency provider relations; organizational resources, including the hotels formal organizational structure, composition departments Hotel intangible resources: including human resources, reputation, resources, relationships, resources, information and technology resources. Human resources including knowledge, staff skills, managers can, practice, and thus formed hotel culture and service philosophy; the hotel reputation resources including hotel brand, hotel for reputation parties; hotel information and technical resources, including information and information storage, processing and transfer of technology, management techniques, the hotels reservation system; hotel relations system includes a hotel and the relationship of the parties, the contract agreement. Intangible resources of the hotel is the hotel prerequisite to gain a competitive advantage .(Enz, 2009) JINJIANGINN tangible resources and intangible resources Research enterprise core competitiveness mainly two ways an enterprise resource analysis to find out the advantages of resources, and the other is the enterprise value chain analysis as its core competitiveness. Ways to use this article for the former, and that analysis of the resources of the Jinjiang Inn. The resources of the enterprise can be divided into tangible resources, intangible and human resources. Which tangible resources the kind resources buildings, land, raw materials, operational resources, computers, machinery, systems and financial resources organization intangible resources of the type and quantity of available funds mainly technical resources, reputation, resources and innovative resources and human resources is the organic integration of the members of the organization to the organization to provide the skills, knowledge and reasoning and decision-making ability. (JinJiang Inn, 2012). Physical resources: can be divided into basic and infrastructure, the basic situation of the hotel chain Jinjiang Inn has more than 500 distribution in Shanghai, Beijing and other 86 large and medium-sized cities in the country, room a total of more than 60,000 infrastructure including air conditioning, bathroom, TV, telephone, broadband internet, 24-hour hot water and other infrastructure, to show an economically practical and comfortable accommodations. Financial resources :from the two main ways most of the investment by the parent company of Jin Jiang International Group, Another way is through public financing, Jinjiang along with its parent company, the Jin Jiang International Hotel Group in December 2006 in the success of the Hong Kong main board market market, opened overseas financing channels, into a period of rapid expansion. Jinjiangs technical capacity Committed reflected in the company since the date of the establishment of the call center systems and related software, custom development and marketing, especially telemarketing system has been independently developed by the company, the industry praise Jinjiang Inn the first in the industry to develop independent website and booking system, large client systems and guest satisfaction survey feedback system. Reputation resources: are mainly reflected in Jinjiang since its inception in 1996, continues to be rated as Shanghai Famous Trademark, Shanghai, the most growth service marks, Shanghai Famous Brand won consecutive year 2006-2007 first top ten top brand influence of the Chinese economy hotel , Chinas economy hotel brand Pioneer honorary title. Therefore, Jinjiang Inn has a very good reputation image. Innovation is mainly reflected in three aspects First, the introduction of low budget hotel high-end products. The budget hotel market can continue to be subdivided into high medium and low market, the current budget hotel is mainly concentrated in the mid-market, Jinjiang keen to seize this vacancy, launched a low-high-end products. Prices of low-end brands in the 100-150 yuan, the low-end brands target customer is still a business and family tourists, mainly for price sensitive crowd followed, the prices of high-end brands in the 250-350 yuan, product updates to Five Dynasties. More specialized than the third-generation product, the fourth-generation products humane, more suitable for the accommodation needs of business travelers, the fifth generation of the product is a green concept hotel last product, create Jinjiang chef. Jinjiang Chef pure restaurant chain brand Jinjiang Inn Co., Ltd. was founded, it is committed to the the Jinjiang high grade dining culture into ordinary diet , and reduce costs through the chain, so the popularity of high-end cuisine, so people can experience the connotation of the Chinese diet. (Zou, 2005). Conclusion: Can be obtained from the above analysis, Jinjiang main advantage of resources that the technical resources, innovative resources and reputation of resources, that intangible resources. Therefore, Jinjiang should focus on the use of its intangible resources to enhance their own status in the budget hotel market. Conclusion Technology market which the mobile phone industry, the hotel industry and tourism market, tangible and intangible resources, analysis and comparison, I have come to the following conclusions, tangible resources are the basis of the intangible resources, intangible resources is the sublimation of physical resources, both of those combined with each other in order to make the company or companies more competitive, with the social progress and the development of resources, many companies have shifted from the tangible resources to the development of intangible resources, tangible resources, most companies will get, but the intangible resources,accumulated by business or the companys long-term thing, others not learn, intangible resources is the fundamental driving force of the development of the company or enterprise, in the mobile phone industry, Apples patented technology in particular attracted worldwide attention, the hotel industry,Although it is an emerging industry, the hotel ind ustry in the past, the emphasis on physical resources and hardware facilities, while ignoring intangible resources, such as the brand, and so, but with the progress of society, many hotels have recognized the importance of intangible resources vigorously develop intangible resources, which will be after the mainstream of enterprise development

Mythology: Important Part Of History :: essays research papers

Mythology: Important Part of History Bullfinch once said "Mythology is the handmaid of literature...". That means that mythology is necessarily subservient or subordinate to literature. I personally think that is not true. Let me introduce myself. My name is Aphrodite, goddess of beauty and sexual desire. Mythology is important and interesting . In fact, I think I may be the most interesting of all the gods. Well, at least the most beautiful. In this auto biographical paper I will reveal to you who I am, how I relate to mythology, and a famous story about myself. Let me start with my birth. Many think I was born out of murder. They say that when Cronos butchered his father he flung the dismembered body into the sea, where it floated spouting blood and foam. From the foam rose me, a tall beautiful maiden with long blond hair the color of daffodils. Other legends say that I am the daughter of Cronos and Rheia or Jupiter and Dionne. I am married to Hephaestus, god of fire and metal work. Shortly after birth my poor husband was cast out of Olympus because of his deformities. My son is the famous arrow shooting Cupid. We are almost always together and Cupid is always shooting darts of desire in to the bosoms of Gods and men. I hate to admit it but in a way I am responsible for the Trojan War. One day Discord threw an apple on to Olympus to be given to the most beautiful goddess. Hera, Athene, and I all tried to claim the title. Each of us tried to persaude the judge, Paris, in our favor. Hera told him he would be a powerful ruler, Athene promised him that he would receive great military fame, and I guaranteed him Helen of Troy's hand in marriage. He then declared me the fairest of all, and abducted Helen of Troy thus beginning the Trojan War. I have also inspired many paintings, sculptures, and poetry. The most famous painting featuring me is the Birth of Venus. It is a very famous painting from the Renaissance. As you can see I am one of the most important goddess and have influenced mythology immensely. I relate to mythology by being the goddess of love and beauty. My Roman name is Venus. My work is my pleasure, my profession, and my hobby. I think about nothing but love and nobody expects any more from me. My job is to make other gods and goddess fall in love with each other. I am ashamed to say that I

UPS Strike Essay -- essays research papers fc

UPS Strike   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In early August of 1997 the United Parcel Service (UPS) had a predicament on its hands, a teamsters strike. UPS, the world’s largest package distribution company was coming off a year [1996] in which they reported sales of $22.4 billion. UPS Employed 75,000 management and non-union employees compared with 185,000 teamsters who are part of the AFL-CIO that were going on strike. The teamsters rejected a contract extension offer from the company leaving the fate of millions of packages carrying everything from lobsters to laser printers up in the air (Johnson). Tensions between union supporters and management began mounting in the years preceding the strike. In April of 1994, the International Union led a three-week strike against major tracking companies in the freight hauling industry in attempts to stop management from creating $9 per hour part-time positions. This would only foreshadow battles to come between management and union. Later, in 1995, teamsters mounted an unprecedented national union campaign in attempts to defeat the labor-management â€Å"cooperation† scheme that UPS management tried to establish in order to weaken the union before contract talks (Witt, Wilson). This strike was distinguished from other strikes of recent years in that it was an offensive strike, not a defensive one. It was a struggle in which the union was prepared, fought over issues which it defined, and one which relied overwhelmingly on the efforts of the members themselves (http://www.igc.org/dbacon/Strikes/07ups.htm). The teamsters campaign at UPS was unique in that there were many special circumstances surrounding it. UPS controlled 80% of the ground package delivery business, which ensured them that a strike would have a significant impact on the economy and pressure the company to settle. The company was not a conglomerate that could withstand the walkout since it did not have other lines of business. Also, UPS delivers to every address in the U.S., adding a hometown story in most cities and towns. The last circumstance was the fight was taking place during August when Congress is out of session, making it easier to gain national attention (Witt, Wilson). This strike was a battle over several issues. One factor that escalated the strike intensity was the pensions battle. Billons of dollars in pensions were on the line. The Teamste... ...bsp;Full-time workers receive just 3 percent raises, one percentage point above the current low rate of inflation Bibliography Baird, Charles W. (1997). The future of the Union Movement: Clues From the UPS Strike. (2001, November, 1). [Online] Available http://libertyhaven.com Frank, Allan D. (1997) â€Å"After the UPS Settlement: Who gained, who lost, and what will the fallout be in the end?† CNNfn (August 19). Johnson (1997). â€Å"Bundles of Troubles: UPS workers decide to strike.† Intelligencer Journal (August 1). The UPS Strike. (2001, November, 1) [Online] Available http://www.igc.org/dbacon/Strikes/07ups.htm â€Å"The UPS strike puts a pinch on business.† (1997). Business News New Jersey (August 11). UPS Strike Affects the Movie Business. (2001, November, 1). [Online] Available http://www.channel2000.com/news/stories/news-970805-191537.html UPS vs Teamsters: A look at greed and discontentment in the workforce. (2001, November, 1). [Online] Available http://www.jeremiahproject.com/ups_strike.html Witt, Matt, and Rand Wilson (Spring 99). The Teamsters’ UPS Strike of 1997:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Building a New Labor Movement. Labor Studies Journal, Vo. 24 Issue 1. UPS Strike Essay -- essays research papers fc UPS Strike   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In early August of 1997 the United Parcel Service (UPS) had a predicament on its hands, a teamsters strike. UPS, the world’s largest package distribution company was coming off a year [1996] in which they reported sales of $22.4 billion. UPS Employed 75,000 management and non-union employees compared with 185,000 teamsters who are part of the AFL-CIO that were going on strike. The teamsters rejected a contract extension offer from the company leaving the fate of millions of packages carrying everything from lobsters to laser printers up in the air (Johnson). Tensions between union supporters and management began mounting in the years preceding the strike. In April of 1994, the International Union led a three-week strike against major tracking companies in the freight hauling industry in attempts to stop management from creating $9 per hour part-time positions. This would only foreshadow battles to come between management and union. Later, in 1995, teamsters mounted an unprecedented national union campaign in attempts to defeat the labor-management â€Å"cooperation† scheme that UPS management tried to establish in order to weaken the union before contract talks (Witt, Wilson). This strike was distinguished from other strikes of recent years in that it was an offensive strike, not a defensive one. It was a struggle in which the union was prepared, fought over issues which it defined, and one which relied overwhelmingly on the efforts of the members themselves (http://www.igc.org/dbacon/Strikes/07ups.htm). The teamsters campaign at UPS was unique in that there were many special circumstances surrounding it. UPS controlled 80% of the ground package delivery business, which ensured them that a strike would have a significant impact on the economy and pressure the company to settle. The company was not a conglomerate that could withstand the walkout since it did not have other lines of business. Also, UPS delivers to every address in the U.S., adding a hometown story in most cities and towns. The last circumstance was the fight was taking place during August when Congress is out of session, making it easier to gain national attention (Witt, Wilson). This strike was a battle over several issues. One factor that escalated the strike intensity was the pensions battle. Billons of dollars in pensions were on the line. The Teamste... ...bsp;Full-time workers receive just 3 percent raises, one percentage point above the current low rate of inflation Bibliography Baird, Charles W. (1997). The future of the Union Movement: Clues From the UPS Strike. (2001, November, 1). [Online] Available http://libertyhaven.com Frank, Allan D. (1997) â€Å"After the UPS Settlement: Who gained, who lost, and what will the fallout be in the end?† CNNfn (August 19). Johnson (1997). â€Å"Bundles of Troubles: UPS workers decide to strike.† Intelligencer Journal (August 1). The UPS Strike. (2001, November, 1) [Online] Available http://www.igc.org/dbacon/Strikes/07ups.htm â€Å"The UPS strike puts a pinch on business.† (1997). Business News New Jersey (August 11). UPS Strike Affects the Movie Business. (2001, November, 1). [Online] Available http://www.channel2000.com/news/stories/news-970805-191537.html UPS vs Teamsters: A look at greed and discontentment in the workforce. (2001, November, 1). [Online] Available http://www.jeremiahproject.com/ups_strike.html Witt, Matt, and Rand Wilson (Spring 99). The Teamsters’ UPS Strike of 1997:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Building a New Labor Movement. Labor Studies Journal, Vo. 24 Issue 1.

The Day I Almost Lost My Father :: Personal Narrative Writing

The Day I Almost Lost My Father One day in the midst of summer, my friend Mike and I got off from a hard day of work and were on our way to the mall. While at work we had planned to meet a few people there. I was going to be seeing my friend Jessica who I had not talked to in years. Before leaving, we stopped off at our houses, took showers, and got ready. As I anxiously waited on the stairs for his car to roll into the driveway, my mom said, â€Å"Be careful and do not drive like an idiot.† I obviously said alright and she was on her way. Minutes later I see my friend Mike pull into the driveway. I slipped my feet into my shoes and got in his car. We were almost to the mall when his phone rang. He picked it up and said, â€Å"Hello?† It was my mom and she wanted to speak to me. Upon putting the phone to my ear she told me that I had to come home right away. She said that my dad had just gotten into a car crash and that I had to come home and watch my sister. I did not know how to break the news to Mi ke, that what we were anticipating all day would not happen. He was upset, but he understood what was going on. I came home thinking it was the same old same old; he had gotten hit by a drunk driver, the car got totaled, and he was fine. This time was different. Normally when I ask what happened she says, â€Å"You know your father,† or something to that nature. This time was different; she would not talk to me or tell me what happened. I later found out that my dad had shattered his hip and pelvis. This event greatly affected me, both emotionally and physically. My dad was in the hospital in a lot of pain because he shattered the two most painful bones to break and I could not go see him because of my work schedule and because I had to watch my sister. Finally, after four long days I saw him. Even though he is my dad, I must say he was a mess. He could not move at all, and when he tried to he was in a lot of pain.

Poland Unemployment Rate Essay

Current : Poland’s unemployment rate climbed to 13.4 percent in December, from 12.9 percent the previous month, due to an economic slowdown and a seasonal loss of many outdoor jobs. The Main Statistical Office said Thursday that some 2.14 million people in this nation of 38 million were without a job at the end of December. Unemployment usually rises in Poland in winter, when outdoor jobs are lost due to snow and low temperatures. Additionally, Europe’s economic jitters have affected Poland, where growth is expected to slow to about 1.5 percent this year, from an estimated 2.3 percent in 2012 and 4.3 percent in 2011. Some industries, such as car manufacturing, have been hit by massive layoffs and more jobs are to be lost this year. History: Unemployment is one of the most serious economic and social problems in Poland. The unemployment rate has been growing successively in the recent years: in 1998 it was 10.6 %, and in 2002 almost 20%. That unfavorable trend changed in 2003. The biggest drop of the unemployment rate took place, however, in 2006 when the unemployment rate fell below 15%, reaching 8.9% in September 2008. It was the effect of an economic boom which brought more work offers and the growth of the number of working persons. In January 2012 the unemployment rate amounted to 13.2%. In an analogous period of the previous year the unemployment rate amounted to 13.1%. The characteristic feature of unemployment in Poland is its regional diversification, for example, in the Wielkopolskie Voivodeship the unemployment rate in January 2012 was 9.8%, and in the WarmiÅ„sko-Mazurskie Voivodeship – 21.1%. Problems with finding a job are experienced by young people, women and the long-term (over a year) unemployed. Public Employment Services (the network of voivodeship and poviat labour offices) are there to help and give advice to the unemployed and persons who look for a job in order to get an appropriate employment and to employers to find appropriate employees. Therefore, employment services provide a range of services, including: job agency, professional agency or help in active job seeking. Labour offices also carry out various programmes which support local or regional labour markets, register the unemployed and persons looking for a job, pay unemployment benefits, organise trainings in order to give the unemployed greater chances to find a job. The unemployed can take part in various activities which facilitate their professional activation, inter alia, intervention works, traineeship, on-the-job training, training loans, trainings or support for business activity. As of 1 May 2004 Polish Public Employment Services became the member of the European Employment Services – EURES. Labour offices carry out activities for EURES, especially, international employment agency along with advisory in the field of earning mobility on the European labour market. Having a little knowledge about unemployment, especially in the country that we are going to work, is useful for each of us. Sooner or later, we will have to think about it while looking for a job or changing it. When unemployment is low we have more chances to catch a good job, when not it is success when we catch any. Unemployment is one of the most important economic and social problem in Poland because in recent years, the unemployment rate has been steadily rising. During communism the official unemployment level was less than 1%, but some economists estimated that the hidden unemployment in state-ruled companies was about 50%. That mean that typically two people were doing a job which could be done by one person. Because of political and economic transformation (from a centrally planned economic model, to a free market system) after 1989 unemployment start to rising rapidly. In 1990 it was 6.1% and in 2002 already 20% (the highest unemployment rate historically). This unfavourable trend was reversed in 2004. The largest drop in unemployment, however, has been taking place since 2006, when the unemployment rate declined below 15%, reaching 9,5% in 2008 ( the lowest unemployment rate). This was due to the economic upward trend which produced more job offers and more active people. Because of financial crisis, in 2009, the unemployment rate increased to nearly 12% and to 12,8 in 2010. According to the newest statistics Poland’s registered unemployment rate rose to 13.2 percent in February from 13 percent the previous month. Unfortunately, is also higher than year ago. Labour Minister Jolanta Fedak thinks that the numbers are not too disturbing, however. She said that „The rise in unemployment is seasonal. It’s difficult to judge now [if the trend will remain]. We need to wait until the spring to find out,† She also predict lower unemployment rate at the end of this year but everything will depend on Poland’s economic growth in 2011. As you can see in the chart seasonal unemployment is characteristic feature in polish unemployment. It is connected with fluctuations of the weather and seasons. For example, in winter there is a high unemployment especially in tourist industry, building industry or agriculture. Unemployment in Poland is characterised by: Geographical differentiation: A strong differentiation is observed in the unemployment rates for various parts of Poland, with the highest unemployment rate for a single region standing at more than twice the figure of the lowest. e.g. in the WarmiÅ„sko – Mazurskie voivodeship the unemployment rate in February 2011 was 21, 5 while in the voivodeship Mazowieckie – 10%. The highest unemployment rates are primarily seen in regions dominated by the agriculture, mining and manufacturing industries. Unemployment rate by voivodships (at the end of February 2011). Selectivity: Polish unemployment is, first of all, is a problem of young people (below 35 years of age). According to Eurostat data 24,9% among unemployed people are young. It is because young people have often no experience on the job market, their qualifications are incompatible with employers demandings and they are not flexible enough. Difficulties with finding a job are also experienced by women and people over 50 years. People of this last group spent at least half of their life under the communist system so they are not well adjusted to the capitalist system. They are unwilling or they do not have a chance to re-educate and move from their home to the areas where more jobs are available. Unemployment among young people in Europe Period of unemployment: unemployment in Poland tends to be of a structural or long-term nature. As we can see in the chart there are 34% of unemployed who cannot find a job above 12 months. This in turn has an impact on the health and well being of large segments of society. The forecasts predict that joblessness in Poland will stand at 9.9 per cent by the end of 2011, before steadily declining to 8.6 per cent by the end of 2012 and to 7,3 at the end of 2013.

Intercultural Communications: Japan Essay

Cultural diversity is what people seek to embrace in an effort to get on well with people of different backgrounds. Tolerance is expected while in foreign countries though at times culture shocks are inevitable. Japan is a rich country in terms of culture and technology and it is important to fully comprehend their way of life to be able to mingle with them. What is acceptable in one country maybe considered disrespectful in others and it is therefore important to learn about the customs, practices and the general lifestyle of the Japanese people. This case study seeks to highlight the lifestyle of the Japanese people in terms of social interactions, etiquette, and style of doing business, customer preferences as well as sensitive matters that must be approached with caution. Japanese etiquette According to Mishima (2010), the Japanese are very respectful people and one custom they observe is bowing their heads down. This bowing culture is known as Ojigi and it applies as a form of greeting and also as a sign of respect. It has taken root in Japanese greetings, something which almost replaces the handshake. Foreigners are however pardoned for this and they will receive a rather weak handshake as Japanese stay away from close body contact. While in Japan, it will be considered impolite if people do not return the bow and it is therefore epitome to learn how to do so as it may cost business. Another important fact to note about the Japanese people is that they do not like physical contact with others since it seems to make them uncomfortable. With changing times however and them playing host to many visitors, the Japanese people may shake hands with foreigners. Bowing is taken seriously in Japan and the Japanese people view it as respectful, as a way of showing gratitude as well as a way to apologise. When dealing with older people, the bow is normally deeper and longer and this shows total respect. Casual greetings take a shorter bow while a business bow is done at an angle of 30 degrees. To show gratitude or give a formal apology, the bow angle changes to 45 degrees and this may also be used to express respect to senior people. When executing the bow, men must have their hands on their sides while women are supposed to place their hands on their thighs. What to avoid while in Japan  According to Williams (2010), the Japanese people are very direct when it comes to foreigners and people must pardon them if they ask personal questions such as how much money they make or how big their houses are. The Japanese people expect loyalty in business relationships and failure to this may mean no business at all. They love people who are good dressers and so if people are to make a point over that business meeting they must dress to impress. The Japanese business scene requires businessmen to dress up in conservative suits in a dark shade. Dressing casually to a business meeting is not welcome and this may cost people a contract. Removing shoes is second nature in many Japanese settings and it is therefore advisable to wear those that are easy to remove. Businesswomen must wear minimal accessories and dress conservatively. Women must never wear trousers to a business meeting as the Japanese men will take offence. The Japanese people also believe that women must wear low shoes as they do not like the idea of being towered over. When it comes to wearing the kimono, the left must always be over the right since wearing it otherwise signifies death and it is forms a basis of being misunderstood. The Japanese are conservative and the use of large gestures by the hands considered. People must steer clear from funny facial expressions or any move that attracts unnecessary attention (Williams, 2010). During a business meeting, it is important to stay away from the â€Å"ok† sign since the Japanese always translate it to mean money, according to Williams (2010). Pointing at people as well as blowing the nose publicly is not acceptable in a Japanese territory. Business cards are very important to the Japanese in business and they are given and received with both hands. It is important to print it in Japanese on one side and in your home language on the other. When presenting it, the part printed in Japanese must always face up. After receiving this card, people must not write on it or slip it into their wallets. The Japanese consider all these actions disrespectful and they would be pleased if the person took time to read the card and examine it carefully. This phase is so important that no business transactions will take place until business cards have been exchanged. The Japanese refrain from using the word ‘no’ and in many circumstances may give a â€Å"yes† answer to mean â€Å"no†. It is therefore of essence to understand this since failure to do so may lead to several disagreements during business negotiations (Williams, 2010). Social interactions According to the U. S. Library Congress (2010), the Japanese are harmonious people who have great value for self development and order. Among the values they hold close to their hearts is living peacefully with others be they spiritual or human beings. They believe strongly in everyone fulfilling the social obligations set for them by the society. The Japanese believe in gods and they extend the belief to what befalls people. The gods are believed to have a huge influence in the Japanese lives and they are believed to have the power to control human emotions. The Japanese believe that they are rewarded by the gods if they do good things to others and that is why they highly condemn antisocial behaviour. The Japanese are highly social animals and this culture is developed from an early age. Interdependence is the core of the Japanese people survival and it is encouraged right from the home to the community. The Japanese disregard open competition and in the same breath do not work well with competition. They practice high self-control but at the same time work hard in cooperation with others in an effort to meet their personal obligations. Decision-making is not a one person thing and this brings them together to chart the way forward and they value group work and association with others. They value strong business relationships and work hard to maintain them though hierarchy occurs naturally. In business meetings, the Japanese are keen to exchange business cards as they value it as a tool for interaction. The Japanese style of doing business According to Lafayette (2003), the Japanese often view other people as dishonest especially those from the western countries. The major reason behind this assumption is a disparity in the understanding of what is right and what is wrong. Their perceptions are varied and this makes other people look bad before them. As evidenced by Lafayette, the Japanese are very wary of their business interactions with other people and in their speeches always urge them to be sincere in the transactions. By emphasizing on sincerity, the Japanese have harmony in mind which will include each person contributing fully to meet his or her obligations to make the dealing successful. They also emphasize on the correct choice of words to avoid confrontations and unwanted excitement which may lead to loss of business. It is typical of the Japanese people to be more concerned with the manner and form in which the business is being transacted. On the other hand, westerners are more result-oriented and this could cause friction between both parties. Japanese people in business tend to care more about personal relationships and these calls for a deeper understanding which prompts deep discussions of every minute detail (Lafayette, 2003). Root binding must be done in an effort to nurture the business ties formed since over the years, distance may grow between the two parties as each side tends to interpret the agreement differently. According to Lafayette (2003), this is caused by differences in perception rather than deviousness. The Japanese business people also belief that naturally the business ties will change just as circumstances change over a period of time. The trick here is therefore being flexible enough to adjust as the business relationship may prompt if business ties with any Japanese are to be maintained. Japanese customer preferences According to Cordell (2010), foreign products are subject to intense customer evaluations and they better be good. Other than the resources used in production of the commodity as well as the cost benefits, a foreign product must gain an edge in the market if it is to compete with other local products. The common notion is that products from industrialised nations of the world are valued higher than those from developing countries. The product will therefore be perceived either positively or negatively depending on the country of origin. A brand name is what sells and in most cases, Japanese consumers will go for a product that comes from a reputable company. Marketing of a new product in a foreign land therefore needs be strategic if it is to sell and the company has to aim at maximising its profits. This therefore calls for intensive knowledge of the product as well as assuring the consumers of high quality judging from the fact that Japan is very advanced in industrial and technological matters. Conclusion Japan ranks second in the world’s superpowers’ list and being able to penetrate her territories for a business venture is the best that could happen to any business. It is therefore important to understand their cultural value as it is a step towards understanding how business flows on the other end. Being a foreigner in Japan can be a great experience while at other times it can be stressful. This will happen if people do not take time to study the lifestyle of the Japanese and this may lead to collisions with them. When it comes to the product, it must be well researched and well packaged if it is to survive the stiff competition that Japan offers. It must have an edge on the products already in the market and the marketing-process must also be well researched to address the market needs. The product must be well presented by its marketers in an attractive and practical package and it must have the potential of competing fully with its predecessors in the market. However, a blissful business relationship is bound to develop if people respect their lifestyle and make adjustments to suit in their midst.

Image and Customer Satisfaction Essay

Select a restaurant where you have eaten recently. Analyze the atmosphere and physical environment of this service establishment. What image does the environment convey? Were you satisfied with the experience? Did it meet your expectations? Should the owner change anything to make the environment more appealing to customers? I recently ate at Alquimia Bistro Club at Gallery Plaza in Condado. The restaurant is a joint venture between the entrepreneur Tony Hernandez and singer Gilberto Santa Rosa. It is conveniently located on the ground floor of the building and you have the option of entering the restaurant through the main entrance or through the bar if you don’t want to enter the dining room. The dining room consists of an upper and lower level. There is a wine â€Å"cellar† which can be dined in and a room for private activities. Aside from the main dining room there is a small theater with a stage for performances. We sat in the upper level of the main dining room. The restaurant aims to provide a relaxed and comfortable yet sophisticated atmosphere. The lighting is relatively low and the music is soft and inviting. The tables are immaculately set. If all worked, had it not been for previous engagements we would have stayed well into the afternoon. The ambience was one that invited you to relax and get acquainted with friends. If satisfaction was based solely on the atmosphere then Alquimia would have been a hit, but in the end it isn’t. The food did not live up to expectations. You are led to believe that you will be taken on a journey of culinary alchemy but you are not. What you end up with are plates made up of ingredients that do not work well together. The satisfied members of the group were those that opted for the â€Å"criollo† dishes. One of my suggestions for Alquimia would be to tone down on the dishes, maybe just stick with the typical food and elaborate a bit not go off the deep end. Sometimes less is more! As for the environment the owners have the right idea. It is inviting and relaxing, you want to stay and continue to consume throughout the day with good drinks and good conversation.

Sustainability of Debt Finance Management

Chief Executive of ICAEW proposed the finding that a more sustainable pattern of British companies are to survive the financial management and learning  with less debt (Malcolm & Edwards, 1998). But whether this finding is convincing is unknown. Evaluation of the debt finance statement is needed to implement in this essay.It is apparent for this essay to focus on two aspects of the comment from ICAEW, one is whether the financial management of UK businesses is experiencing a more sustainable situation and the other is the actual debt development and the development situation of UK businesses. And this essay is going to argue this finding with the framework of literature review, assumptions and financial analysis. This essay is going to pick Tesco Plc for subject of analysis.1.1 Literature review Literature review is helpful to comment the findings from ICAEW about the impact of the sustainable model of financial management on debt conditions of UK businesses. The framework of the l iterature review consists of advantage (importance) and disadvantages (risks) of debt financing and impact factors affecting the debt finance management.The importance of the debt management for the corporations To many entrepreneurial organizations, debt is tempting and is glamorous genre of financing. It is widely accepted that external debt are close companions of external equity, and since the equity is necessary for the entities, debt are indispensable for the companies (Pratt & Morris, 1987). Besides, many advantages are generated from the debt financing of the company. Firstly, debt financing is an efficient leverage tool for shareholders of the companies to produce profits with the help of debt capitals (Ruud, 2012).Although the debt capitals are used at the price of financial interest or costs, namely that it is possible to reduce earnings before tax, shareholders still take this risk to use the debt leverage financial tool to add more value of their capital amount and keep sufficient internal funds available to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities. What is more, debt financing is helpful in reducing agency costs of free cash flows (Michael, 1986).Because agency cost is an eternal paradox in the corporate management, shareholders and managers are playing intra beneficial game with each other. Shareholders want to improve value with as small amount of own capitals as possible and mangers would like to  use safer capitals from shareholders and boost their bonus. Any failure from misuse or inefficient use of capital from shareholders by managers is agency cost and the positive debt finance is a way to balance this situation.Risks of debt financing for the entrepreneurs Even though debt financing is of great advantages and is very important for the entrepreneurs, risks still exist in the debt financing management. The main risk of the debt financing is the high rate of interests from the debt. It is clear that financial costs are mainly from the debt financing and the costs come after the operating interest (Robert, 1974), the number of the costs need to be controlled so that the earnings before tax are positive, namely that the profits are truly generated from proper use of debt.Furthermore, debt financing will place risk on the cash flow management of the companies (Davis, 1995), because the contradiction of the maturity of loan and fluctuation of the operating, investing or financing situation may lead to the breakage of the cash flows. Finally, the defaults from the debt financing the corporations manage may exacerbate the loss of reputation and integrity (Davis, 1995). This reputational loss will deter the chance for the corporations to borrow money.The impact factors of debt managementDebt financing management is influenced by different factors. It may be affected by the scale of the corporations. Generally speaking, it is more comment for small businesses to finance debt for operation (Acs, 1999). Because s mall businesses rather than large scale of businesses have less reputation and competitiveness to attract external equity or equity capital, small entrepreneurs have to turn to help of the financial intermediaries such as commercial banks and lender companies to borrow external capital to back up the operations of the organizations.On the other hand, large companies have privileges to finance capital by capital funding, shareholder investment and stakeholder investment. What is more, debt financing management is close related to the managerial style, or the governance, of the companies. For risk-averse managers, who are prudent in producing profits with safer and cheaper capital, they will prefer to manage finance  by receiving shareholders’ funding rather lenders’ (Amihud & Lev, 1981).1.2 Assumption and argument for this debt financing findings from ICAEW Based on the literature review, it cannot primarily reach the conclusion about the debt and the survival situati on of UK businesses. Before this essay expends the argument of whether the more sustainable model of financial management are currently using by UK business and they are survive with less debt, it is important to set the assumption for the argument. And the assumptions are as follow. The first assumption is that UK businesses discussed in this essay are those running on their track rather the new start-ups or newcomers who are eager in need for external debt or equity.The second assumption is that the capital structure of the UK businesses discussed is operating at least one kind of debt.The third assumption is that the debt change (accent or decent) are not caused by the managerial style or the scale of the corporations.1.3 Financial ratio analysis for the debt financing situation of the chosen listed company1.3.1 Debt financing performance According to the assumption preset above, this essay choose the listed company Tesco Plc in UK to testify the comment of ICAEW. Calculation and explanation of relevant ratios over a five-year period will be presented as follow. Referring to the long-term liabilities, the absolute number of long-term liabilities experiences a big rocket and a fluctuation from 2008 to 2012. Long-term liabilities in 2008 were  £5,972 million in 2008 and rose by more than one times to  £12,391 in 2009 than in 2008. Although the absolute number of long-term liabilities dropped a little in 2010, they increased to  £12,731 in 2012.When it comes to the short-term and long-term debt, they showed a consecutive up and down from 2008 to 2012 (See appendix two). One of the very important aspects of detecting debt financing situation of a certain company of UK is the average debt/asset ratio (Allen & Gregory, 2003). This ratio of can show the ability of debt to making  contribution to adding assets. From appendix one, although a slight rise of 2.36% occurred in 2009, a decent trend of average debt/asset ratio is irresistible from 52.82% in 2008 to 46.23% in 2012. The situation imply the decreasing trend of debt financing in the whole system though the absolute value of the debt is in a growth Another method for evaluating the debt financing is to assess the liquidity ratio of the target company.This is a method to assess the short-term debt of Tesco Plc (Gombola, 1983). From the liquidity ratios such as current ratio, acid test ratio and operating cash flows to maturing obligations, a lot of insight can be incorporated into the present cash solvency of the firm and the firm’s ability to remain solvent in the event of adversity. Firstly, the current ratio presents the degree of current assets covering the current liabilities. It was interesting to see from 2008 to 2012 the current ratios of Tesco Plc first increased by 29.57% and kept decreasing by 5.97%, 4.55% and 1.23% in the consecutive three years, but the current ratios were in a growth in the whole picture from 0.58 to 0.67. The situation implies that the syste matic risks of covering the short-term debt are decreasing.Acid test ratio illustrates the liquidity excluding inventory. The acid test ratio of Tesco Plc experienced a drop variation trend from 0.35 to 0.48 by an accent of 53.26%.But it cannot disprove the endeavor made by Tesco Plc to decrease acid test ratio consecutively from 2009 to 2012. The other financial ratio for testifying the long-term debt situation is the ratio of financial gearing. Financial Gearing is the ratio presenting the efficiency of using debt to generate profits. Financial Gearing includes debt equity ratio or leverage (D/E), and interest coverage ratio (Harrington, 2004). Debt equity ratio or leverage (D/E) demonstrates the same development details as the liquidity ratios do. Tesco Plc increased from 0.50 to 0.77 by 70.35% (first increased by 90.03% in 2009 then decreased from 2010 to 2012 in a row).The original soar in D/E may results from the overestimated optimism for the economic environment and over bor row long-term debt, and it takes time to lower the high percentage of debt. On the other hand, interest coverage ratio illustrates the coverage of earnings before interests and taxes to financial interests. From 2008 to 2012, the interest ratio of Tesco Plc dropped from 11.16 to 9.20 and it seems Tesco Plc has less competitive ability to cope with interest costs from debt financing. However, after the two-year decrease in this ratio,  interest coverage ratio rise by more than 20% in two consecutive years from 2011 to 2012.1.3.2 Operation performance But even the debt financial level is decreasing from the financial analysis above, it is important to evaluate whether Tesco Plc has better survive with less debt. So the assessments of the profitability of profitability, efficiency and shareholders situation of Tesco Plc are necessary (Cunningham, 1995). In the aspect of profitability, ROE of Tesco Plc was experiencing a fluctuation from 2008 to 2012. Tesco Plc decrease from 18.08% in 2008 to 15.85% in 2012 by 12.61%. During the 2010 to 2011 duration, Tesco Plc had risen by 0.93% in the ratio of ROE, however, this increase could not turn around the decent situation. Return on capital employed of Tesco Plc experienced a similar fluctuated decreasing rate (similar with ROE) from 15.69% in 2008 to 12.17% in 2012.From the perspective of efficiency ratios, they are ratios measurement of the effectiveness of assets performance of the Tesco Plc (Fraser, 2004). Efficiency ratios includes inventory turnover (days) and creditors' turnover (days). Inventory turnover present the efficiency of Tesco Plc to manage the inventory. As can be seen from Appendixes, the numbers of days for Tesco Plc increased from 20.31 days to 22.15 days by a rate of 9.41%, namely that Tesco Plc performed more slowly than before (circulating the same number of stocks with more time). When it comes to another efficiency ratio, debtors’ turnover (days), demonstrates the average number of days for which receivables are outstanding before retrieve.The debtors’ turnover for Tesco Plc increased from 10.12 days to 15.03 days by a rate of 42.63%. And it turned out that the debtors’ turnover of Sainsbury Plc was circulated from every 4.22 days in 2008 to 4.68 days in 2012. The situation of Shareholder can be assessed by the dividend per share, dividend payout ratio, earnings per share and operating cash flow per share. Dividend per share presents a different development trend for Tesco Plc. The dividend per share rose from 0.08 in 2008 to 0.10 in 2012 by 29.78%. Similarly, EP of Tesco Plc demonstrated an increase of 27.66% from 0.27 to 0.33 and dividend payout ratio of Tesco increased by 2.41% (0.28 to 0.29).1.3.3 Systematic debt financing performance Based on the financial analysis on both debt financing and operations, systematic debt financing is semi-match the opinion of ICAEW. Firstly, the ability of coping with short-term and long-term debt is more competit ive even though the total volume of debt is increasing. But this is not â€Å"less debt† as the saying goes in the opinion of ICAEW. Secondly, even though the â€Å"less debt† refers to more competitive ability to handle debt, the operations of profitability and assets ability are still failed to improve or say few evidence can prove the company with less debt can better survive. Thirdly, the improvement in shareholders situation is one symbol that implies better survival of Tesco Plc but the paradox between profitability and shareholders is need to further explained. In addition, as the forth point, policies are connective with the coping ability with debt. From 2010 to 2012, Tesco Plc procurement policy provides robust and consistent debt selection.Conclusion In conclusion, debt financing plays an important part in organizations but it also hide risks when corporations employ this tool. But doubts arise from the opinion that UK businesses can survive with less debt p ublished by ICAEW. After the analysis of financial ratios on debt and operations performance in Tesco Plc among UK businesses from the consecutive five years based on the assumptions, this essay cannot get the conclusive conclusion about the relations of survival and less debt. But if debt financing here refers to the improve ability to cope with debt rather volume of debt, it may be concluded that some of the UK companies at least Tesco had worse-off profitability and efficiency with less debt. And whether the sustainability model of debts financing in UK is sustainable is needed to be further explained.Question 2 Evaluate the role of finance director in an organization Introduction Financial director, as another name of CFO (Chief Financial Officer), is the main character in the organization to control the financial situation. Since the financial director wears the critical responsibility, it is meaningful to find out what kind of responsibilities or roles are for financial direct or. This essay focuses on exploring the roles of financial director from aspects of literature review and the scenario (Tesco Plc) comparison between different kinds of job roles, and what kind of sources, or information, or evidence in the financial report can prove the described roles above.2.1 Literature review of roles of finance director Financial director is an important role in the system of management in an organization and scholars in the academic or industry has many researches into the topic about financial director. And the framework this essay establishes is a reorganization of the theoretical and practical pinions on financial director.Compiling financial reports A competitive financial director is like a doctor who is engaged in safeguarding the healthiness of financial situation of the organizations (Michael, 1999). This safeguard role is quite different from other related financial occupations, since the largest financial burden is laid on the shoulder of finance di rector. Although financial director lead a team to perform the job about financial reports, he fulfills the solo responsibility of the accuracy of the financial reports (Roles of finance directors, 2013). During the financial work performance, finance director has to manage a financial team as well. And finance director act as the company's treasurer to keep the accuracy of the financial results, because one mistake is a mile in many aspects, such as capital structure, earnings per share or EBIT.Perform analysis on financial reports There is too much information in the financial reports and some of the information is hard to understand without translation. Financial director uses financial and non-financial ratios or conclusive and simple information, which other managers, shareholders and stake holders need, to present the key information of the financial situation of the organization (Keith &Falshaw, 1999).Besides the interpretation of the financial reports,  finance director de tects problems through the horizontal and vertical analysis on the financial reports in order to figure out approaches to achieve the perfect financial condition and try endeavors to maximize profitability. After the financial analysis on the financial report, financial director proposes an analysis report on historical data, positions the financial goals and objectives, and make the prospective strategy for the organization.Help operating the company and make the prospective strategy for the companyFinancial director not just theoretically analyze or improve the financial situation using the historical data from consecutive financial reports (Grant, Roman & Sidney, 2014). He incorporates the financial information into financial operation in the company. Overseeing payroll activity for staff and participants in order to avoid fraud; monitoring the banking activities of the organization to ensure sufficient liquidity to meet daily needs; Investigating cost-effective production approa ches in the production line. Besides the internal financial events, he represents the company to meet government in order to control the rhythm of the tax payment or government funding. What is more, he also takes an informative and advice supportive part in marking, operation, financing and investment decision making.2.2 Roles of finance director of Tesco Plc and comparison of other job advents 2.2.1The evaluation of roles of financial director of Tesco Plc Laurie McIlwee has been taking the position of Chief Financial Officer (Finance director) of Tesco Plc since 27 January 2009. As a Fellow of Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and a member of The Hundred Group of Finance Directors, Laurie McIlwee has experienced years of finance director responsibility in Tesco UK and Pepsico. His horizontal international finance management is impressive. But it is important evaluate whether he meet the roles of the financial director while working in Tesco Plc.Ordinary Financial enga gement Besides composing the financial statements and financial reports for the board of directors and shareholders, Laurie McIlwee is responsible for utilizing financial and non-financial ratios to analyze the historical data from 2010 to 2012 (Financial Report, 2012) and select key ratios, present then as clear graph and report them in the financial report in order to keep the financial reports usable for the users.He also monitors any external financial issues, such as relationship with government and tax bureau. And He is responsible for establishing and maintaining a strong working relationship with outside consultants, bank representatives and insurance and bonding representatives. What is more, Laurie McIlwee affects the continued operation of the company by positioning the financial boosting strategy in the foreseeable future. His duties also include managing, maintain and forecasting the company's cash requirements and cash flow. He also reviews and signs all financial repo rts, tax returns and audit reports.Financial Team Management Laurie McIlwee is of course unlikely to cope with the actual receipt of income or the paying of bills in person, he wisely leads a team on all kinds of financial jobs (Financial Report, 2012). The chief finance officer Laurie McIlwee oversees all accounting personnel within the financial team.His mentor and develop the accounting team and manage their tasks and processes, training and performance evaluation He regulations to ensure compliance with current and future Management Accountants Society of practices and procedures to govern the financial director of an appropriate internal control safeguards and requirements Hundred Group Business Development and Strategy DutiesThe CFO Laurie McIlwee directs financial strategy, including borrowing and investment strategies (Financial Report, 2012). He also establishes and monitors budget planning and forecasts. He works with CMO, COO and the heads from other department. Finance i s expected to incorporate other strategic objectives. In order to meet their specific objectives closely with vice president of information technology, development tools, and the president and providing important financial and operational information systems to CEO.2.2.2 Other jobs advents for comparison CEO Philip Clarke is the CEO of Tesco Plc for more than 3years until today. He is mainly responsible for developing company goals (Financial Report, 2012). He formulated the objectives, designed the progress to achieve these goals. In determining the direction of the company in the process, he defined the specific market, observe competitors and determine how the company will come to the fore.In addition, Philip Clarke build a competitive team to assist him in the operation of Tesco Plc. Philip Clark uses the best part of the individual team and solve the senior team and the members of the corporate culture differences between a company's values through the establishment. Setting bu dget is an important role of the CEO, the CEO is only when the budget is set for a certain strategy, CFO or Finance Director may adjust the budget implementation plan. Finally, CEO Philip Clarke have functional public relations. Under many circumstances, it is CEO that pre builds the client relationship before CMO can keep the continuous relationship with the client.CMO Min Mason is the CMO of Tesco Plc. His job is different from finance director Laurie Mcllwee and CEO Philip Clarke. He launches research and development in order to determine the potential need for a product or service based on current market demand (Financial Report, 2012). Moreover, he cooperate with Lanrie Mcllwee to make an available financial R & D budget. Secondly, Mim Mason is responsible for making promotion strategies by managing the overall marketing and advertising campaign and analyzing effectiveness of a campaign and what types of modifications. For example, the promotion of â€Å"Everyday Big sale† in Tesco Plc designed specifically for women and let them feel satisfactory. Min Mason has to manage not only public relations, but also the three aspects mentionedCOO Kevin Grace is a COO in Tesco. He was the main contact with the other officers of the Board. Kevin Grace manages the daily functions of the company, reporting to the CEO and the board regarding the company needs or  performance, make a final decision in many daily problems (Financial Report, 2012). If a company could find a COO like Kevin Grace who is a reliable manager, COO can become into the role of CEO in situations where the board realizes that a current CEO will be retirement. In addition, the role of the COO has been changed. COO need to learn the CEO position. COO becomes an alternate, not a partner. The responsibilities of COO will begin to take on the role of the CEO over time. When Kevin Grace stepped down as South Korea, he was promoted to be the CEO of Poland and UK Property Director.2.3 Effective ev aluation of availability of sources of information All the role information is truly comes from the 2012 Tesco Plc annual report, and it is presented dispersively in the financial report. With the evidence of financial statements, notes of financial statements, clear graph, convincing declarations from the board of directors, the truth and effectiveness can be proven to support the role evaluation of the roles of different directors (Financial Report, 2012). ConclusionIn conclusion, this essay centers on the role evaluation of finance director by demonstrating literature reviewing, citing roles of finance director in Tesco Plc, comparing the roles of finance directors and CEO, CMO and COO in Tesco Plc, and evaluating the effectiveness of evident used to citing examples. Question 3Evaluation for the usefulness of budgeting and budgetary control in Tesco Plc Introduction A budgeting control is a mechanism assisting senior managers in setting the adequate spending limits. It is importa nt since risks of expenditure exceeding from the potential budget are what corporation cannot bear and the risks will have an unfavorable impact on corporate profits. So in order to count on the importance to focus on the budgetary control, this essay is going to throw literature control in the budgetary control to see what accomplishment that scholars achieve in this field, and introduce the empirical example of implementing budgetary control in a corporation by citing Tesco Plc.3.1 Literature review in budgetary control Scholars in academic field have been doing many researches in the field of budgetary control. They refer the budget control to almost all aspects in the business operation. But after reorganization, this essay reframes the outline of the literature review in budgetary control. Businesses of different kind of scales require different kinds of basic financial concerns and monetary limits in order to keep cost-effective efficiency. Budgetary control is indispensable i n the business operation. Cost controllingThe main objective of budget control is to control the cost. Capitals are limited in one organization (Ariratana, Treputtarat & Tang, 2013). Smart and appropriate cost of using is good for cost-effectiveness to save. Through the full use of the capital budget, managers take effective measures to save money. The definition of the budget is a list of intended or expected expenditures of money and proposed to satisfy these expenditures. By presenting the amount of money that will be used for different projects to satisfy different strategy, the managers can handle different assignment with an elastic budget boundary, because decision-makers can see exactly what they are spending their capital on.Perspective planning Budgetary control can lead a perspective planning in the business. It is indispensible in the management style of making strategy based on the limited capital or the style of organizing capitals for budget for the decisive planning (Dariya & Klaus, 2013). All businesses have the requirement to balance its short-term expenditures with savings and investments that they can use enough jetton to meet the long-term developmental expand or take advantage of special opportunities. Budgetary management is designed with the changeable need from business opportunities coverage and allows a business to monitor necessary spending along with the capital and earnings in order to generate positive profits. Financial statement compilingBudgetary control serves a significant practical role by assisting accountants and auditors to compile financial reports for report users. For the reports in internal use within the organization, budgetary controlling can provide information of costs controlling, strategy positioning and internal operation (David, 1998). For the reports use by publicity such as regulators, industry analysts, stockholders and investors, budget controlling presents the comparison of the original planning of the l imited capital and the ability for the business to implement actions to spend money and achieve the original goals. The budget controlling is also important in helping managers to handle the corporate profits and corporate cash flows.Business success evaluation Budgetary control gives comprehensive evaluation of the availability of and the success of specific efforts in the businesses (Yanwu & Fei-Yue, 2014). In other words, the link of budget control reflect the input and output in the changing business activities, such as staff training. However, if the future budget show that due to the employees’ mistake, training programs and its cost recovery issues more significant decline would be reasonable. Similarly, if the new forms of consumption can have a negative impression of the future budget, it will be eliminated, maybe it is good to use with similar goals.3.2 Budgetary control in Tesco Plc This paragraph is going to evaluate the usefulness of budgeting and budgetary contr ol in Tesco PlcUse budgetary controlling tools as policy document Firstly, Tesco Plc smartly uses the budgetary controlling as a policy document to protect important projects. The importance of a budget used as part of policy considerations is to generate enough capital for profitable but vulnerable projects. According to the announcement in early 2012, Tesco Plc plans to substantially increase investment in the shopping trip – particularly in the UK with a limited and special budget.On the one hand, Tesco Plc anticipate minimal Group trading profit growth for the year 2012, namely that Tesco has considered the possible opportunity costs in the budget when implementing the project. On the other hand, Tesco Plc reduces levels of old capital expenditure when it modifies its policy of expansion.  To further protect the project, Tesco Plc establishes another policy that no bonus will be paid to Executives unless performance is greater than budget, representing year-on-year grow th in profit.Financial awareness Budget Control provides financial awareness of business expenses and income. In the case of Tesco Plc, it needs to take into account tax expenses, thus setting the budget report. When a new tax resolution passed by Congress, which adjust their tax budget accordingly. The budget outline shows the number of business from sales and additional revenue in one month. It shows how much companies spend on operating costs even as revenue. Operational budget should also display a given assets and liabilities Tesco plc in the current time. This reveals whether a company's financial position is positive or negative. Tesco's financial situation reveals the budget showed that the business is profitable or create monthly debt.Business Opportunities One advantage of having a financial budget for Tesco Plc is to recognize opportunities that can help market and expand the business. The budget reveals the amount of profit the business can put aside each month. Tesco Pl c uses the profit to expand the business and market it in new ways by attending conferences and joining marketing campaigns with larger businesses. Informing the funding available can help the business owner plan ahead and market the business in new and creative ways.For example, Tesco Plc did researches in 2012 and found out the challenging year for consumers in many of Tesco Plc markets are suffering tight budget in household management by inflation, austerity and high fuel price. That would possibly reduce the enthusiasm of consuming in Tesco Plc. But considering the tight budget Tesco Plc also is facing, Tesco Plc transfers to the international businesses and performed this switch strongly. Thanks for the wise business opportunities, Tesco Plc delivers an 18% increase in profits, which helped to compensate for the reduction in trading profit in the UK.Communication Tool Through monthly, half-yearly financial budget statements or reports budgetary  control tools communicative a cts each year. When held for budgetary control will be discussed from time to time to collect the director, directors can share the latest ideas and mentality, improve the efficiency of the method and the target budget. With the discussing, budget is essentially a communication tool, because it shows how the enterprise works and how the smart money used.Budgets are discussed in Board, Executive Committee of Tesco Plc regularly and the risk management proposal will be shared in order to improving the efficiency of budgeting. In order to control the budget better, All business sectors in Tesco Plc has stretched the budget based on the Balanced Scorecard and KPI's steering system and performance indicators are monitored on an ongoing and regular basis to the BoardFinancial planning Tesco Plc implements regular review of strategy, risks and financial performance by Board and Executive Committee, with external advice as required and makes consistent operational plans and budgets develope d throughout the Group to ensure delivery. What is more, Broad of directors in Tesco Plc approves the budget and long-term plan for the Group. The budget controlling reveals the assets and liabilities in Tesco Plc so that it can have better evaluation of itself when making business decision. Budget controlling can help Tesco Plc create a financial plan as mentioned above so the liabilities can be addressed before the debt becomes uncontrollable.ConclusionIn conclusion, budgeting control is really important in the aspect of costs controlling, perspective planning, financial statement compiling, and business success evaluation according to the literature reviewing. After citing the example of Tesco Plc, further information about budget controlling containing Use budgetary controlling tools as policy document, financial awareness, business opportunities, communication tool and financial planning.