Marijuana: a Gateway to Self Destruction

There has been substantial research which provides information on how Marijuana is not addicting itself, but the way it sakes you feel can be the breaking point to trying other addictive drugs. Research shows, adults who are addicts admit their first time of use and first drug of choice was when they were an adolescent and smoked Marijuana. Until today, many argue for or against legalizing marijuana throughout the united States, and it is still a struggle for some to overcome. As of 2011, Marijuana became legal in 16 States in the united States (Anabas & Cohen, 2011).According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy (OWNED, Bibb there has been Increasing efforts to legalize marijuana which can cause marijuana to rope In price and Increase the use of the drug (OWNED, 2013); keeping It Illegal keeps the price of marijuana up keeping the use rates low. According to Carbon. Org, (Bibb marijuana can be purchased In almost any neighborhood In any city or state In the U. S. , thus con tributing to the pervasive nature of the drug. It is also considered a drug of convenience because it is easily concealed, both for transport and use.This is why it has become widely popular with adolescents or young adults who have a lot of authority figures involved in their lives. Most marijuana users or those with Arizona in their possession do not go to prison. According the OWNED, a survey by the Bureau objectifies Statistics showed that . 7 percent of all state inmates were imprisoned for marijuana possession only because they had pleaded down from a more serious crime (OWNED, 2013). By States legalizing medical marijuana, it makes marijuana more easily obtainable for teens and normalizes It making It seem okay to use.Between the ages of preteen and teens, any disruptions In normal brain development, including chemical disruptions and/or changes can make physiological and psychological changes that can last a lifetime. According to Anabas & Cohen (201 1), early-onset drug use is the single best predictor of future drug problems in an individual (P. 8. 13). Children, whom experiment with any drugs or alcohol, including marijuana, before the age of 12, are four to five times more likely to have major addiction problems than those who wait until after 18 years of age (P. . 13). Adolescents contain less body fat and water content than adults and have immature enzyme metabolism systems. They also â€Å"manifest the condition shortly after beginning use if genetically vulnerable to addiction,† (8. 13). Adolescents are more vulnerable to environmental stress and drug availability and had less time to develop life skills and healthy coping mechanisms (8. 13). Marijuana can have negative effects on the body and makes a person more susceptible to colds, flu, and other viral infections.ETC can lead to â€Å"enhanced growth of tumors, including those response. Marijuana smoking also damages the lungs and other respiratory tissue (Anabas & Cohen, 2011). The legalization of marijuana is making the drug easier to acquire and because of this more and more adolescence are using this drug. With he vulnerability of the young human brain the impact of marijuana can be extremely sever. Legalization is making the use of marijuana a social norm which is slowly leading users to try other drugs, causing marijuana to be a gateway drug.

Al Capone Revision

Al Capone: Revision 0730 HIST 2020-010 4-23-07 Many gangsters have made it in the history books the past 100 years: Billy the Kid, and John Gotti just to name a few. But none matched the notoriety that Al Capone had. Al Capone, short for Alphonsus Capone his birth name, was born on January 17, 1899 in Brooklyn, New York. # Capone grew up with a troubled childhood. After dropping at of school in the sixth grade, Capone got in several gangs of ruffians around town, but nothing too serious. Capone got sick of it and then became a member of the Five Points gang, led by Frankie Yale. After his stint with Yale’s gang, he was sent to Johnny Torrio‘s gang, called the James Street Gang. From 1925 to 1931, Capone and his gangs ruled the streets of Chicago with their vicious gangster ways. # Growing up in the early 1900‘s, you could say Capone had a rough time with it. Torrio soon noticed the talent this young ruffian had and convinced him to with to Chicago to work with his uncle who was one of the cities main concerns with his prostitutes and gambling rings. Al Capone was soon to be Chicago’s, better yet America’s, most notorious gangster and greatest symbol of illegal activities which prevented the city’s growth because it was known as the lawless city. Capone’s soon to be mega-network came through Torrio’s business. They were the pioneers in the selling of illegal alcohol. Capone had power and wealth because he sold illegal alcohol, moonshine, throughout Chicago. After Torrio was shot and badly wounded by a rival gang, this left the rising star, Capone, to take over the thriving business that they had started. Now, Capone was on top the of world at the tender age of only 26. Although vicious, Capone did have somewhat of a good heart when he helped homeless people in Chicago with the first soup kitchen in 1929 after the stock market crash. # Although Capone did help starving people in Chicago, he was a nuisance that needed to be stopped. This, to an extent, as was why the FBI and many other law enforcement agencies were formed. Several law enforcement agencies were built around the area because of crime, and we benefit from it today because if it weren’t for a big time mobster like Capone, we might not have had the law enforcement agencies that we have today. Capone‘s image was seen not only through the eyes of Americans but through the eyes of the world and. People all over the globe thought he was just another thug gangster involved in organized crime. Capone had never done any major time for the crimes he did. Capone walked on water in Chicago, he was so powerful. That’s probably why he decided to open the soup kitchens to get people to like him more. Although this was a good act of respect from Capone, the respect sure enough came tumbling down after his St. Valentines Day Massacre. On Feb. 14, 1929, the St. Valentines Day Massacre made a major impact on the U. S. because it was the most vicious violence they had ever witnessed. # Capone had an alibi for the murder, which he always did. The St. Valentines Day Massacre started when Capon’s gang tricked the Moran gang into thinking it was a police raid when really it was Capone’s gang dressed like police. # As the men were staring at the wall scared of being arrested, the gang broke out with a lead shower of bullets into the backs of the seven members. Obviously, Capone had set this up to take down the rival gangs to strengthen his regime. Although Capone took out an essential part of the gang, Bugs, the leader escaped after seeing the police uniforms, thinking he was getting busted. After the Massacre, Capone and his wife Mary and their children moved to Florida because of the endangerment that Capone had put on them for not killing Bugs. After the Massacre, Capone soon came known as the gangster of the 20’s. After the events of the St. Valentines Day massacre, Capone’s gang received more publicity than any other gang had received before this time. After getting out publicly in Chicago, it was soon on a national spotlight. Capone was now a target of writers all across America. In 1929 While Capone was called before a grand jury in Chicago, little did he know about the powerful people that were teaming up to try to take down this criminal. Capone thought that is was about all of the murders he had committed and so forth. Capone left a mark from this massacre that will be remembered by the United States forever and will sketch his name in as one the most ruthless gangster’s of all time. Capone’s impact of the nation at this time was monumental and glamorized by certain people in his society. Capone’s actions and organizations were getting out of control and soon had to be reckoned with. His way affected people in the Chicago area because of his bad gangster activity as well with his soup kitchens which was one of the slim positive influences he had. In 1930, Capone’s empire slowly but surely flourished after many people working long and hard found a flaw with him, tax evasion. Al Capone was tried on October 17, 1931, when he was finally imprisoned for five of 22 counts of tax evasion from 1925-1929. # Everyone thought that you didn’t pay taxes if you earned the money illegally until Capone made an example for everybody. In May, 1932, Capone was sent to Atlanta to serve his 11-year sentence. As well as those charges, he also didn’t file tax returns for 1928 and 1929. Capone had to pay $50,000 in fines for the counts of tax evasion, a misdemeanor for not filing tax returns, as well as violating prohibition laws. He also had $7,692 in court cost. # Capone had no other choice but to throw in the flag. His life as a gangster was over. In May 1932, Capone started his 11-year sentence in Atlanta which was one of the roughest prisons in America at the time. While in prison, Capone managed to smuggle in a couple thousand dollars and paid the guards off while furnishing his cell with a mirrors, typewriter, rugs, and a set of the Encyclopedia Britannica. # Capone was still in control because of the street credit that he obviously still had. Capone was soon taken to Alcatraz where he would be monitored frequently. Alcatraz wasn’t any walk in the park. It was highly monitored where Capone was nothing else but another inmate. Capone was helpless now. Although helpless, Capone did cash in on good behavior and was granted some time off his sentence for good behavior. Capone, again, gave up on the rebellious life and started acting the way the he was meant to from the start. Capone got along so well with everyone that he actually had time cut off for bad behavior. Although Capone was calm himself, he did get into several fights with other inmates but none proved to be instigated by him. While working down in the prison basement, Capone got stabbed by another inmate while standing in line to get a haircut. He was sent to the penitentiary hospital were he stayed for several days soon to be released with a minor wound. Capone was finally released from Alcatraz on January 6, 1939. He then headed to the Federal Correctional Institution at Terminal Island in California where he stayed until November 16 of that year to serve his one-year misdemeanor charge. # Capone returned to his mansion in Palm Island, Florida, after his release. The big, bad mobster from the 20’s and 30’s was slowly deteriorating. His overall body strength, weight, and mindset were all dropping at a rapid pace. Capone had gotten syphilis when he was younger and never did anything about it which led to dementia. On January 21, 1947, Capone had a apoplectic stroke and was out for several days. Finally regaining consciousness, Capone the suffered from pneumonia three days later and went into a cardiac arrest which was probably all linked to his syphilis. Capone was buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Chicago between his parents but then was moved to Mount Carmel Cemetery in Hillside, Illinois. # Capone was the pioneer of crime in America. We have our Jesse James and such but this wa s a different criminal. He was smart. Smart enough to get away from murder trials but unlucky enough and rich enough to become a victim of his own success. â€Å"Scarface† will always be remembered as the greatest mobster in the history of America. Bibliography â€Å"Al Capone. † Chicago Historical Society. http://www. chicagohs. org/history/capone. html [assessed April 14, 2007]. â€Å"Al â€Å"Scarface† Capone. † Alcatraz History. http://www. alcatrazhistory. com/cap1. htm [assessed April 14, 2007]. â€Å"Al Capone. † Wikipedia. http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Al_Capone [assessed April 14, 2007]. â€Å"Al Capone. Made in America. † Crime Library. http://www. crimelibrary. com/gangsters_outlaws/mob_bosses/capone/index_1. htm [assessed April 14, 2007]. â€Å"Famous Cases. † FBI History. http://www. fbi. gov/libref/historic/famcases/capone/capone. htm [assessed April 14, 2007].

A Traditional Definition Of Leadership Management Essay

A Traditional Definition Of Leadership Management Essay A traditional definition of leadership: Leadership is an interpersonal influence directed toward the achievement of a goal or goals. Three important parts of this definition are the terms interpersonal, influence, and goal.  · Interpersonal means between persons. Thus, a leader has more than one person (group) to lead.  · Influence is the power to affect others.  · Goal is the end one strives to attain. Basically, this traditional definition of leadership says that a leader influences more than one person toward a goal. The definition of leadership used in this course follows. LEADERSHIP is a dynamic relationship based on mutual influence and common purpose between leaders and collaborators in which both are moved to higher levels of motivation and moral development as they affect real, intended change. (Kevin Freiberg and Jackie Freiberg, NUTS! Southwest Airlines’ Crazy Recipe for Business and Personal Success, Bard Press, 1996, p. 298) Three important parts of this de finition are the terms relationship, mutual, and collaborators. Relationship is the connection between people. Mutual means shared in common. Collaborators cooperate or work together. This definition of leadership says that the leader is influenced by the collaborators while they work together to achieve an important goal. Leadership versus Management A leader can be a manager, but a manager is not necessarily a leader. The leader of the work group may emerge informally as the choice of the group. If a manager is able to influence people to achieve the goals of the organization, without using his or her formal authority to do so, then the manager is demonstrating leadership. According to John P. Kotter in his book, A Force for Change: How Leadership Differs From Management (The Free Press, 1990), managers must know how to lead as well as manage. Without leading as well as managing, today’s organizations face the threat of extinction. Management is the process of setting and a chieving the goals of the organization through the functions of management: planning, organizing, directing (or leading), and controlling. A manager is hired by the organization and is given formal authority to direct the activity of others in fulfilling organization goals. Thus, leading is a major part of a manager’s job. Yet a manager must also plan, organize, and control. Generally speaking, leadership deals with the interpersonal aspects of a manager’s job, whereas planning, organizing, and controlling deal with the administrative aspects. Leadership deals with change, inspiration, motivation, and influence. Management deals more with carrying out the organization’s goals and maintaining equilibrium. The key point in differentiating between leadership and management is the idea that employees willingly follow leaders because they want to, not because they have to. Leaders may not possess the formal power to reward or sanction performance. However, employees give the leader power by complying with what he or she requests. On the other hand, managers may have to rely on formal authority to get employees to accomplish goals. Trait Theories In the 1920’s and 1930’s, leadership research focused on trying to identify the traits that differentiated leaders from non-leaders. These early leadership theories were content theories, focusing on â€Å"what† an effective leader is, not on ‘how’ to effectively lead. The trait approach to understanding leadership assumes that certain physical, social, and personal characteristics are inherent in leaders. Sets of traits and characteristics were identified to assist in selecting the right people to become leaders. Physical traits include being young to middle-aged, energetic, tall, and handsome. Social background traits include being educated at the â€Å"right† schools and being socially prominent or upwardly mobile. Social characteristics include being charisma tic, charming, tactful, popular, cooperative, and diplomatic. Personality traits include being self-confident, adaptable, assertive, and emotionally stable. Task-related characteristics include being driven to excel, accepting of responsibility, having initiative, and being results-oriented.

Should the UNCRC be universally implemented Do you see any problems in Essay

Should the UNCRC be universally implemented Do you see any problems in terms of the implementations of the priciples How might culural variation affect the implementations of the UNCRC - Essay Example The principles would need to be evaluated and deciphered over and over again with regards to changing global trend. This is actually one of the major challenges of implementing the principle as the UNCRC would have to be amended from time to time based on the current circumstances and changes around the world. Another problem that could likely occur due to the implementation of the principles of UNCRC is in the fact that different cultures and societies would have the impression that some countries are trying to impose their cultures on them. This thought could lead to some kind of inter-cultural battle. Some cultures do not see the issue of child maltreatment as anything serious. For these cultures, embracing the tenets of the UNCRC would be hard for them to do. It is pertinent to note that it is not the implementation of the UNCRC that is important, but the acceptance of these principles by the cultures that are mostly guilty of violating the rights of children. The cultural variation that exists amongst nations is one the major threats to the implementation of the principles of UNCRC. Each country has contrasting perspectives on the manner at which children should be treated. The African culture, for instance make it clear that children should always respect their parents and the elders in the society (Bueren 1998). The western culture does not lay much emphasis on respect by children and this is a pointer to the fact that cultural variation would affect the implementation of UNCRC. Article 34 of UNCRC talks about the protection of children from sexual exploitation, but this is an issue that some countries have failed to address as their cultures allow children to be sexually exploited (Bueren 1998). Child prostitutes in Thailand and some other countries act according to the dictates of their society and this means that they are not in any way prepared for the implementation of

Human Development Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Human Development - Coursework Example The article uses the example of Luke in demonstrating the unwillingness of boys to deal with their emotional sides. As the article envelops, it manifests that Luke has emotional issues that he needs to handle. This reveals in his opinions as he castigates every member of his family. He thinks that all his family members are absurd (Kindlon, Thompson, & Barker, 2009). It is arguable that Luke’s emotional issues could be centered on family’s limited attention towards him. This means he is feeling neglected. Unfortunately, Luke is growing up in a culture that men are not supposed to express their feelings. It is essential to highlight the importance of engaging culture in such a contentious debate. This is because, mostly, human beings’ behavior is not largely defined by complex psychological situations, but is mostly influenced by contemporary cultural attitudes. Such cultural attitudes, for instance, are responsible for factors such as sexism and racism. When wrong ideas and attitudes in life inculcate in a human being at a young age, one is highly likely to grow up with such flawed perceptions in life. This creates a society-wide disaster because everyone believes the same. Wrong societal attitudes thrive on creating hegemony. For instance, in depicting complimentary gender roles, boys are taught to be tough and objective. These ideals do not allow for emotional development of boys. The society creates such hegemony because boys are constructed as protectors of women. In addition, boys see themselves more as leaders and holding powerful positions in the society. This is unlike the female who attains a huge capacity to be emotional and weak. In the end, the female has the expectations of being a homebuilder and a nurturer. Limited emotional development, however, ignores the fact that every human being has emotional needs. A young boy, such as Luke, who suppresses his emotions may become

Workshop 5 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Workshop 5 - Essay Example Part of the restructuring that happened in the auto industry is the changing of the labour regulations and practices to enable the auto industry cope and compete with the new economic environment. The major labor regulation change in the auto industry was the Labour Conract Law which stipulate open term contract. It meant that employer-employee relationship mist be written in a contract the failure to do so would mean the indefinite employment which employers cannot just terminate. The law also stipulated labour dispatching which requires the labour contract between the service provider and the employee will be fixed for more than 2 years and the employee will be remunerated monthly even if there is no work to be done. In the labour practice, globalisation has provided employers greater latitude to easily reduce its workforce depending on the demand of the market. Where before workers had job security, it is now underpinned by a one year contract as stated by the new Labour Contract Law. 2. What is the role of unions in China? How does China’s Political System impact this? Should unions be founded on supporting the workers in China or the Organisations/Government? Justify your answer. The role of unions in China is to motivate employees to achieve the objective of the enterprise rather than represent and perform functions that are typically associated to HR in capitalist countries. This means that unions are still subordinated to the Communist Party, an arrangement compounded by the This set up of unions being subordinated to the Communist Party defeats the very purpose of union of why they were set up. Even in the former Soviet Union, workers were represented by the union whom in turn are represented in the Communist Party. With the current set up in China, workers are virtually powerless and voiceless to air their grievance or plight or to even make suggestion to make their conditions

The Capture of Jerusalem by Saladin Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

The Capture of Jerusalem by Saladin - Essay Example The rival troops rumbled over Jerusalem because there was a lot of tension and the Holy City was weakened. The Templar and Hospitaler Knights were continuously at logger heads. The battle of Hattin decimated the soldiers and Knight of the Latin States. On 2nd October 1187, Saladin captured the Holy city. The Muslims clambered up and removed the crosses that had been mounted by the Crusaders on the Cupola of the Dome of the Rock. Islam controlled Jerusalem from that day until the 20th century. Challiton, who was a cruel Crusader Is known to have massacred Muslim pilgrims because they steps on his turf. This seems to have instigated Saladin and his army to capture Jerusalem in their vow to revenge the action of Challiton. Additionally, at that time Jerusalem had difficulties with their leadership and this made them predisposed to enemy attack. Saladin and his army took over the Holy Land. The significance of Jerusalem in Muslim lore increased over the years. Saladin had sworn that he would stop killing the Christians after they had taken over the city. This story is of much significance at it gives a history of where the Muslims and the Christians started to have disputes each other. This is a conflict that is still taking place up to date. This story gives as the real facts of what events took place before Saladin, a Muslim leader took over Jerusalem .If we compare him to Challiton, the Crusader’s leader we can deduce that Saladin was a noble man that stood to his words. His courage, moderation and justice were character traits that seemed to have earned him lasting respect. This reading gives a history of a famous leader, Saladin in relation to the fall of Jerusalem. I believe that Saladin had every right to take over Jerusalem as it was being managed by wicked leaders. The part I enjoyed most was the character displayed by Saladin. His adherence to the ideal of Justice and magnanimity as well as his leadership skills will be

Intelligence brief analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Intelligence brief analysis - Assignment Example However, about a week ago, Iran’s senior negotiator said that in the next meetings, the discussions will only tackle nuclear issues (Black N.P). He stressed that the nuclear talks are not similar to military programs talks. Upon his arrival in Vienna, Zarif who is an official in the scheduled meetings said,† the committee believes they can finally reach an agreement†. The six world powers are: Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States. Their aim however, is to reach an agreement within at least six months. The previous deal has frozen Iran from its nuclear project so far until July 20, a period by which they think they will have already come up with an agreement. Difference of position in the discussion points might make a final agreement impossible because every party would like its interest met which is obviously impossible.US for example want some parts of the nuclear plant in Iran to be abolished if they are to get to an agreement. On the ot her hand, Iran insists that the only discussion they will hold will concern their nuclear program thus excluding their military (Khan N.P). Steven Erlangler.†Iran and 6 Powers Agree on Terms for Nuclear Talks.† The New York. 2014, NP. Retrieved on 26/2/2013, from, http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/21/world/middleeast/iran.html?ref=nuclearprogram&_r=0 . web Black Ian. â€Å"Iran won’t discuss military programs, say officials.† The Guardian.2014, N.P Retrieved on 26/2/2013, from http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/18/mohammad-javad-zarif-iran-political-will-final-nuclear-agreement.

Research Assignment 3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Research Assignment 3 - Essay Example e College in Massachusetts admits only women in their college while Marymount Manhattan College in New York and Wheaton College in Massachusetts accept both men and women in their college. Women-only colleges like Barnard College and Mount Holyoke College design a curriculum that would uplift the competence of women. Both of these colleges value preservation of the school as a women’s university. As Barnard College is affiliated with the Columbia University and Mount Holyoke College with the â€Å"Seven Sisters,† students were given the opportunity to take classes easily in either of the affiliated schools. I noticed that these colleges value the beauty of scenery, probably because women value the aesthetic nature. Barnard and Mount Holyoke colleges maintain their own faculty, endowment, governance, and curriculum with distinguished competitive performance among other co-educational schools. Meanwhile, co-educational schools such as Marymount Manhattan College and Wheaton College consider diversity in their curriculum. Women are viewed in equal parity and importance just like men. Liberal arts curriculums of both colleges tend to enhance the leadership skills of both men and women. Since curriculums are directed towards diversity, women’s interests are viewed equal to men’s interests. With these, I think that women’s only colleges advance the interests of women more than co-educational colleges. Bank (2011) stated that women-only colleges put women in the center of its mission, can make women achieve and hold high expectations, make women feel important, provide more opportunities for women to engage in leadership opportunities, and prioritize the women in the curriculum than those of co-educational colleges (p.

Critique of a Local Newscast Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Critique of a Local Newscast - Research Paper Example Staying with the theme of appearance, all of the anchors are physically appealing individuals. While they come from diverse ethnicities, it seems obvious that CBS2 is trying to present us with the most attractive individuals they can that hold to a very narrow standard of appearance. Everyone could be described as wearing moderately formal business attire with very similar hair styling regardless of ethnicity. Men had short hair, parted on the side and combed over. Women had hair of moderate length that was relaxed, framing their faces. Everything about the anchor’s physical appearance appears to downplay ethnicity and enhance uniformity and moderation. The news stories were primarily of local events. The lead story was about three individuals that were arrested in connection with a string of robberies. There was speculation that these robberies could be linked to a fourth robbery in which an individual working in the entertainment industry was murdered. The anchor delivered a lead and then a reporter in the field was featured. In the background behind the reporter, obvious police activity was occurring. A shot of a police car with lights flashing and officers milling around, talking with one another and some individuals that appeared to be detectives or crime specialists, provided the backdrop for the reporter.

Damage That Has Been Done to Children of Divorce Essay Example for Free

Damage That Has Been Done to Children of Divorce Essay When a marriage is not working, there is a breakdown of communication, common goals, or trust, and often this ends in divorce. A divorce is a very painful process with detrimental effects on children that are involved (Wienstock 5). The general trauma of a divorce and the level of severity it has on a child are mainly due to the childs age when a divorce takes place. The psychological effects are normally considered long term and the hardest to deal with for children involved (Persons 1). The easiest of all effects of a divorce is a child is behavior outburst normally displaying aggression and a feeling of not caring about anything or anyone anymore. The general effects of a divorce can affect everyone involved, but often the children will show the stress and emotions of a divorce more openly that an adult would. The fear of abandonment and losing one of the parents is devastating on a child (Wienstock 3). How a children perceives their homes normally sets the level of damage children are going to have to cope with through out the divorce and thereafter. If a child perceives the home as stable, they may handle a divorce well, but if a child perceives a home as freighting and scary place, they may try to avoid dealing with it at all. The trauma that a child endures will probably be worse than a child in a stable household environment. The most important issue that affects the level of perception and a level of damage is the age of a child when the parents divorce (Wienstock 3). Younger children will normally take a divorce of their parents more personally and handle it worse than an older child would. The psychological effects are more categorized as long-term effect that leave the children feeling responsible and blaming themselves for the guilt of a divorce everyone going through. Most children exercise a sense of loss during a divorce that can only be compared to as lost of a loved one (Children of Divorce 4). Feeling of rejections and loneliness normally confuses a child to the point of depression and some times suicide. The struggle as a child trys to keep in contact with the absent parent without  offending the parent that they are still are with becomes stressful and some times damaging to a young child (Wienstock 4). The deepest of all emotions is anger, and it is the easiest to recognize in older children that are coping with a divorce (Persons). The anger is normally turned toward both parents and sibling in the household (Wienstock 4 5). The behavior change in a child is almost immediate after the announcement of a divorce. The behavior outburst and disruption in a childs life are signs that a child is having a hard time dealing with the idea of parents splitting up. Academic problems with school activities and grades and physical displays of anger are the first of behavior effects to be seen in a family that is falling apart (Wienstock 5). Older children and even younger children are turning to drugs and alcohol to cope with the emotional stress of losing one of the parents in the household . Girls tend to become sexual active with older partners, as they long to find a father like figure to replace the parent that is no longer a direct part of their lives (Wienstock 5). Boys tend to have shorter relationships refusing to get close for fear of being rejected again as they might have felt when their mother left them with his father as a child during a divorce. These children are just trying to find someone that they feel will not abandoned them as they feel their parents have done to them. The painful process that is broken into stages is navigated by a child and adults alike that have been subject to a divorce. The loss of the other parent is compared by most specialists to a death of a loved one. In therapy, the psychological effects in children are normally over looked as a child grows up and into adults themselves. These children typically are found to have poor relationships and an unbalanced social life as they struggle to find where they belong in this world. The physical effects that affect everyone are the choices that children make while thinking that they will never survive the divorce. Drugs, alcohol, and the sexual behaviors of the older children are just a few effects that a divorce can have on the children. The poor decisions of the current generation to enter in to marriage lightly at such a young age, leaves our society open for a generation of emotion basket cases of parents to raise the our future  generations..

Difference Between Business Proposal and Formal Research Essay Example for Free

Difference Between Business Proposal and Formal Research Essay The final objective of the business proposal and a formal research establishes the differences between the two studies. Business proposal has a practical orientation and is designed to find the best solution to a problem in order to generate either financial savings or greater revenue (Bazerman, M. H., Moore, 2009). On the other hand, a formal research builds upon other comparable research to discover, demonstrate or test a hypothesis. It has no financial implications and generates a wide variety of findings that may be made applicable in a wide variety of contexts. Business proposal defines the problem as a business decision making concern, formal research estimates the problem as a potential contribution to scholarly research. When it comes to data gathering and use, business proposal looks for available data sources to make a decision, formal research produces own data to make a discovery. The approach for business proposal is to analyze different alternatives, for formal research is related to performing an experiment. Business proposal normally doesn’t use theoretical work ; on the other hand, formal research defines the theories that support the variable utilized in the hypothesis. The capability of the formal research consists of contributions to the academic world and the scholarly work while capability of a business proposal is to find solutions to business problems. Despite the many differences between business proposal and research project, there are some commonalities. One of them is that the findings in both cases may or may not be presented with headings and subheadings (Bazerman, M. H., Moore, 2009). Business proposal and formal research should work together. If no formal research is present , the proposal will be useless. To write a business proposal, there is a need to conduct a formal research on the market. The reason it is so important is that the viability of the business can be determined. It wouldn’t be logic to initiate any kind of business if the products or services are not needed by the visualized market. Business decisions require intelligence and how research can provide that intelligence. Business proposals contextualize the findings from formal research in an existing organizational structure.

Comparison of UK and German Pension Systems

Comparison of UK and German Pension Systems This essay discusses two main questions: i) What are the main factors causing many people not to save towards their retirement, comparing men and women age 18 and over; and ii) Look at the differences between the pension system here in the UK and Germany, and what Germany is doing to make people save more than people save than in the UK. It is clear, across many European countries, that many individuals do not save as much as they could, and, in particular, are not saving adequate amounts towards their retirement. This applies equally for men and women and across many European countries. This problem is, however, particularly marked in the UK, with many individuals either simply not having any pension provisions or not contributing enough in to their pension scheme. In addition, many individuals in the UK simply do not save any proportion of their earnings, and spend as much, if not more, than they earn. This is not the case in Germany: practically every household saves substantial amounts, right up until old age, with only households in the very lowest proportions of the income distribution curve not saving (Borsch-Supan and Essig, 2003). 40% of households in Germany regularly save a fixed amount, with a further 45% saving, but not fixed amounts and not regularly; 25% of Germans save with a fixed savings target in mind, planning their savings towards these aims, with the majority of Germans preferring to cut household consumption, rather than touch their savings, if ends do not meet; indeed, 80% of Germans seldom go negative in their current accounts (Borsch-Supan and Essig, 2003). This is quite different to the pattern in the UK, where personal debt is currently the highest it has been for many decades, and many individuals do not plan for saving with distinct aims in mind, nor save towards any sort of pension scheme, leaving themselves open to problems when they come to retirement age. As shown by the OECD (2002), since 1985, the UK has consistently had a far lower household savings rate than Germany, with Germany averaging around 13.5% of disposable household income being saved, year on year since 1985, and the UK averaging around 5.5%, year on year since 1985 (OECD, 2002). In Germany, as in the UK, there are three main types of pension: state, company and private, with the adoption of private pensions being increasingly encouraged, due to the ageing population in both regions. There are many reasons cited for why people do not save enough towards their retirement, for example, the feeling that ‘I am too young to start saving for my pension’, ‘I don’t earn enough to be able to save for a pension’ or ‘I will get a state pension, so don’t need to worry’. All of these reasons are invalid, if they are studied further, as it is increasingly becoming the responsibility of the individual to provide for their retirement, and so saving for a pension should be a necessary expense; the sooner the individual starts to save, obviously, the more they will have in their pension fund when it comes to retirement age, and the more they will be able to take as a pension when they come to retire. It is thus beneficial fo r individuals to invest in their future, by saving regularly towards their retirement, but this notion does not seem to be as ingrained in the minds of individuals in the UK as it is in Germany. Until recently, 19.5% of incomes from German individuals was generally put towards private pensions, with private pension companies in the UK taking nowhere near this amount; 10-15% is a more normal average amount taken by UK company pension schemes (OECD, 2007). In addition, Germany has one of the highest levels of public spending on pensions in the OECD countries (11.5% of GDP, compared to 4.5% of GDP in the UK (Disney and Johnson, 2001)), although recently Germany has increased the retirement age above the traditional 65 years for men, to 67; a similar rise in the age of retirement from public pension plans has recently occurred in the UK (OECD, 2007). Contribution to private pension plans has the widest coverage in Germany of any OECD country, although the amounts contributed to private pension plans in Germany are low, when compared to the amounts German individuals put in to company pension schemes (OECD, 2007). In addition, fewer German individuals are switching from company p ension schemes to private pension schemes in Germany than in other OECD countries. Indeed, only 39.9% of individuals have switched from company to private pension schemes in Germany, with 53.4% of individuals switching to â€Å"personal account† pensions in the UK (OECD, 2007). Despite the seemingly high switch over from company pension schemes to private or â€Å"personal account† pensions in the UK, the UK government estimates that around 7 million individuals are not saving enough for their retirement, under any scheme, and that an additional 10 million individuals do not save for their retirement via their company pension scheme, which includes an employer contribution of a minimum of 3%. What are the reasons for these differences, and what are the main factors causing many people not to save towards their retirement? What is Germany doing, for example, that encourages more people to save than in the UK? The UK, traditionally, has higher levels of personal debt than Germany, with individuals from both regions having very different attitudes towards spending and saving, and where they choose to invest their savings. In addition, individuals who do save in the UK tend to ‘dip into’ their savings to buy luxury items, whereas German savers tend to leave their savings alone, and to buy luxury items, only when they can afford to do so, when they have saved, specifically, for that item. Given the ageing population, and the fact that not enough people are saving for their retirement, the UK is currently trying to increase saving towards pensions, particularly, with various tax incentives, through private pension taxation schemes and ISAs, for example, and the new ly introduced pension credit schemes. In conclusion, therefore, there seems to be a very negligent attitude towards saving, in general, in the UK, with saving for retirement being particularly neglected; Germany, on the other hand, with its tradition of low personal debt, and high household savings, has a high coverage of individuals saving towards their retirement, mostly through company, or, increasingly, private pension schemes. References Borsch-Supan, A. and Essig, L. (2003). Household saving in Germany: results of the first SAVE study. National Bureau of Economic Research, Working Paper 9902. Available from http://www.nber.org/papers/w9902 [Accessed 28th October 2008]. Disney, D. and Johnson, M. (2001). Pension systems and retirement incomes across OECD countries. Edward Elgar. OECD (2002). Household savings rates by country from 1985 through 2004 forecast. OECD Economic Outlook. OECD (2007). Pensions at a glance – public policies across OECD countries 2007 Edition. Available from http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/15/42/38728511.pdf [Accessed on 28th October 2008].

NETWORK EFFECTS AND COMPETITION: :: essays research papers

In many industries, the network of consumers using compatible products or services influences the benefits of consumption. Positive network effects arise when the consumer utility of using a product or service increases with the number of users of that product or service. The telephone system is a widely used example since it seems clear that the value of being part of the network rises as the network sizes increases. Consumption benefits can also arise in markets where a large customer network leads to increases in complementary products and services, which in turn, leads to increased consumer utility (e.g., see Farrell and Saloner 1985; Katz and Shapiro 1985;1986). Prominent examples of industries thought to exhibit network effects include automated bank teller machines, computer hardware and software, videocassette recorders, video games, and Internet web browsers. Not surprisingly, network externalities and the implications of having a large installed customer base are receiving increased attention by strategy researchers (e.g., Garud and Kumaraswamy 1993; Hill 1995; Wade 1995). As noted by Majumdar and Venkataraman (1998), the literature related to network effects broadly tackles three categories of research questions: (1) technology adoption decisions (e.g., what factors are related to whether and when a new technology is adopted), (2) technology compatibility decisions (e.g., what factors influence a firm’s decision to seek compatibility), and (3) decisions among competing incompatible technologies (e.g., what factors are related to consumers’ choices among rival incompatible products within a single product category). While theoretical research has addressed all three of these categories, empirical research has been limited to the first and second categories of questions (e.g., see the reviews in David and Greenstein 1990; Liebowitz and Margolis 1994; Economides 2001). Empirical efforts supporting the existence of network effects for a single product technology show that a larger network size is related to higher minicomputer sales (Hartman and Teece 1990), higher likelihood of adopting a new telecommunications technology (Majumdar and Venkataraman 1998), and quicker adoption of a new banking technology (Saloner and Sheppard 1995). In addition, Gandal (1994; 1995) and Brynjolfsson and Kemerer (1996) use a hedonic price model to show that consumers are willing to pay higher prices for software products that are compatible with the dominant product standard, i.e., the product with the larger customer network. However, with the exception of a few industry case studies (e.g., Gabel 1991; Grindley 1995; Liebowitz and Margolis 1999), we are unaware of any published studies that empirically investigate the nature of network effects in an industry with multiple competing product technologies that are incompatible.

Are Parents the Best Teachers? :: Economics

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Parents are the best teachers. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. Parents are the best teachers because of the amount of influence they have over us, the amount of time we spend with them, and the morals they teach us. I agree with parents are the best teachers. In general, children must learn many things such as the way to treat people, to be polite and be respect, living skill, table manners, basic positive ideas toward things, what should be done or others should not be done, or others else that children do necessarily have in daily life. Also in terms of parents’ religion, their belief, and also political status as well, any thing that related to personal life are connected with parents closely. Parents who can influence children even more then teachers. Because the amount of time that spend with parents is much more then any others. By talking to them, by setting an example, and unconsciously, parents’ behaviors and thoughts influence them a lot, they are the best models for children, however, it’s because children in childhood are the most period that can be easily influenced, no matter they show them for purpose or children learn by themselves. Children observe how their parents treat people, how to handle things happened besides them and then learn it gradually. It can simply describe why lots of tragedies or some negative things news always happened from those people who don’t have complete family background or their parents are not good people. Because their parents didn’t teach them well and their parents affect them incorrectly. I believe that I influenced by my parents deeply as well. I can have my own idea, but according to them, I know lots of things positively, to be polite and be honest, and ethic value toward many things, even accustom doing things and my hobbies are connected with them. They introduced me to a correct way and to be a good person.

Comparing the New England and Chesapeake Colonists Essay -- essays pap

Comparing the New England and Chesapeake Colonists The New England and Chesapeake colonists settled in the new world for different reasons like religious freedoms in the North and quick profits in the South. Jamestown was originally an ideal place to strike it rich for the colonists. They didn't plan on staying long, therefore not bringing many women, as seen in Doc C. The early colony began to expand after the governors imposed laws and kept things running smooth. The Pilgrims who were seeking religious freedom from the Church of England established the Plymouth plantation in Massachusetts. The New England colonists brought more women because they planned on more of a permanent settlement; this is illustrated in the passenger list contained in Doc. B. They lived their lives for their god, not like the Chesapeake region, which was in it for the money. The colonists in the Chesapeake region started to make a profit with Tobacco and Indigo. Both products had a market in Europe. Many farmers moved farther and farther out of the colony for more land. This way they could produce more products, which would ultimately lead to overproduction and a decline in the selling price. The geography to the north around Massachusetts was a lot different. The soil was not very good for farming, but there were a lot of forests and natural ports. These features made that area ideal for shipbuilding and fishing. So the northern colonies became a big shipbuilding industry. So the North's output ...

Real-Life Problem Faced by the Body Shop

1. 0 INTRODUCTION This report is to address the real-life problem faced by The Body Shop and how the problem can be solved based on the functions of management. According to the information provided by The Body Shop website, The Body Shop has successfully created an image of being a caring company that is in helping to protect the third world workers and indigenous peoples. But behind the cuddly image lies the reality The Body Shop's operations, the Body Shop does not help the dilemma of the workers and indigenous peoples as well as put them on a pedestal in order to exploit people's idealism.Evidence from â€Å"What’s wrong with the Body Shop† (1988) stated that The Body Shop claims to be helping some third world workers and indigenous peoples through so-called ‘Trade Not Aid' or ‘Community Trade' projects. In fact, these are largely a marketing strategy as less than 1% of sales go to ‘Community Trade' producers, and it has been shown that some of the se products have been sourced from mainstream commercial markets. This is the existing problem faced by The Body Shop. Instead, if the problem of exploiting indigenous peoples cannot be solved, this leads to some impact on the specified environment especially customers and pressure group.Robbins, Bergman, Stagg, and Coulter (2006) have stated that organisations exist to assemble the needs of customers. Customer is the one who absorbs the organisation’s output. Consequently, customers will start to increase the awareness need to think seriously about the products they use and to consume less. Customers will boycott the Body Shop until the problem is settled. The evidence is seen that customers had started to declare their feeling through the internet. For an example, they posted bad command on â€Å"The Consumer Trap† (Dawson, 2007). For the pressure groups, they do a lot of activities or campaign to against The Body Shop.For example, The London Greenpeace Group has sta rted to create awareness to the customers to consume less The Body Shop’s products as well as to command the workers organise together to fight for their rights (â€Å"What’s wrong with,† 1988); The Body Shop has been ordered by a Brazilian court to pay more than US$ 431,000 (? 218,000) to settle labor claims against it by three former employees of its â€Å"Fair Trade† project in the Amazon Rainforest (Tolup, 2006); The Body Shop was included in the list of the Daishowa Boycott List (Lubicon Lake Indian Nation, 1995).We can imagine that if by exploiting the indigenous problem still cannot be solved, this may cause a bad image to the Body Shop’s organisation. As a result, a goal to â€Å"reduce exploiting third world workers and indigenous peoples by 85% compared with last few year figures by the 2010† must be put in place. In order to accomplish the goal, the functions of management are proposed in the discussion of this report. 2. 0 DISCUS SION There are 4 functions identified with management (Fayol, as cited in Robbins et al. , 2006).This report will only discuss 2 function and they are planning and controlling. This is because planning is the primary management function (Jayasheree Pakhare, 2007) to distinguish from (Robbins et al. , 2006). Without planning the management of The Body Shop would not know how to be organised. Moreover, planning is the ongoing process of developing the business’ mission and objectives and determining how they will be accomplished (Higgins, 1994). Planning can provide direction to the management of The Body Shop in how they can do in reducing this problem.Meanwhile, control is the final link to management functions and function of monitoring work to check progress against goal and taking corrective action when required (Bennis, 2003). After the plans are established, The Body Shop’s management needs control to see whether their goal or plans were on target and what future actions to take. So, the Body Shop must start their steps by creating plans which are effective and powerful in reducing this event as well as in monitoring activities to make sure that the plans are accurate. 2. 1 PlanningIn reduce exploiting workers and indigenous peoples’ problem it is proposed that The Body Shop use operational plans. This is because operational plans are short term (Robbins et al. , 2006). This is link because the goal is set to be achievable by 2010. Robbins et al. (2006) stated that there can be difficult for the manager to established plans for a long period. Evidence stated that this problem had overcome a lot of boycott from customers and pressure groups. Let imagine that if the problem cannot be reduce within the following 2 years how enormous are the unpleasant loss need to bear by The Body Shop.Moreover, operational plans are specific (Robbins et al. , 2006). This meant that specific plans are clearly defined and leave no room for interpretation or there is no ambiguity with misunderstandings. The specific plans are suggested because the exploitation problem is sensitive and must have particular guidelines to go after. The management of Body Shop cannot use flexible or general guidelines to reduce the events. This may overcome more problems and increase more boycott from pressure groups and customers.Allen (1998) stated that operational plans are standing. Standing plans are ongoing plans that provide guidance for the problems performed repeatedly and include some policies, rules and procedures that must be follow include policies, procedures, method, and rules. The Body Shop must establish a lot of policies or rules to guide their factories managers or supervisor to reduce the exploitation. With the ongoing policies or rules, The Body Shop can prevent the increasable of exploitation as well as can reduce it by 2010.The management of Body Shop can identify of how the goal is to be achieved by below operational plans: (i) Cr eating a team This team is required to visit the Body Shop’s factories in different countries to make sure there they do not have problems related to exploitation as well as examine the managers’ behaviour in controlling the workers. When the exploiting problem occurs, the team has to do research to find out the reasons. (ii) Establishing a policy to set minimum and fair wages The Body Shop’s organisation must set a minimum wages policy to guide their factories’ managers.The wages can be set more than the wages set by the government and must be fair for the workers. This can ensure the workers will not de dissatisfied with their salary in order to increase their performance. (iii) Putting in place an agreement between the indigenous peoples and organisation An agreement must be signed between the indigenous peoples and the Body Shop organisation to safeguard both parties’ interests. For example, a rule can identify that the ongoing ‘Trade Not Aid' or ‘Community Trade' projects must indicate 10%-20% of sales go to ‘Community Trade' producers.This is because the Body Shop had already claimed to help them so the Body Shop has kept its promise. (iv) Setting a standard application procedure A procedure how the managers select the workers or indigenous peoples to work must be set by the Body Shop organisation. The decision making by the factories’ managers must follow this standard application procedure. If the workers fulfill all the application procedures, the managers cannot abuse the application. (v) Organising social responsibilities The Body Shop can organise scholarship programmes for the indigenous or workers’ children.In addition, some facilities can be established to provide convenience for workers. For example, providing transportation set up a health clinic or a comminuting hall. Therefore, this kind of social responsibilities can prevent the pressure group and customers continue to boyco tt the Body Shop. (vi) Introducing a code of ethics The code of ethics provides guidance on everything from the simplest of questions to the most difficult ones on complex ethical dilemma. So a code which can guide the manager on how to prevent the exploiting problems can be included.For example, guide the managers to built trust between the workers and indigenous peoples, to define the problem accurately and what is the intention in making decisions. 2. 2 Controlling In this exploiting workers and indigenous peoples’ problem, the Body Shop is recommend to use the control process. This is because this process is useful and Robbins et al. (2006) stated that the control process including measuring actual performance, comparing actual performance against a standard and taking managerial action to correct the deviation.With this process, the Body Shop requires to measuring its actual performance. The Body Shop advise to measure the actual performance by collecting personal observ ation, statistical, oral, and written reports which is indicated by Allen (1988). After the measurement, the Body Shop can do comparing to determine the degree of variation between actual performance and performance standard with are the goal and the plans suggested above. If the variation is exceeding the acceptable variance, immediate and basic corrective action must be taken by the Body Shop to correct this variance.However, Allen (1988) stated that immediate corrective action is more efficient while basic corrective action is more effective. Thus, the Body Shop must take actions depend on how effective or efficient they target the actions to be. In order to reduce the exploitation, the Body Shop also proposes to use bureaucratic control. This is because bureaucratic controls emphasizes organisational authority and relies on administrative rules, policies and procedures (Robbins et al. , 2006). In the part of planning, there are a lot of plans are that identified with policy, agr eement and procedure.Consequently, The Body Shop must link them together to make sense. However, according to Robbins et al. (2006), managers need suitable tools for monitoring and measuring organisational performance. The tools for controlling organisational performance are called feedforward control, concurrent control and feedback control. 2. 2. 1 Feedforward Control Feedforward controls allow managers to prevent problems rather than having to correct the problems (Robbins et al. , 2006). The management of The Body Shop must sort out some actions which can prevent the problems occur. Feedforward control is the most desirable type of control.This is because this control can avoid led to waste or damages. The actions that the Body Shop can take in feedforward control are: (i) Establish some incentives to the workers or indigenous peoples whose performance is up to the task. For example, provide 15months wages per year, health care policies, and transportation. (ii) Provide some tra ining or guidance to the factories’ managers to ensure them has appropriate behavior in controlling the workers. 2. 2. 2 Concurrent Control Concurrent control is the control that takes place while a work activity is in progress (Allen, 2006).In this moment, the management of The Body Shop can monitoring their factories managers and corrects the problem before they become too costly. The actions that the Body Shop can take in concurrent control are: (i) Organising a direct supervision. For example, if there have some mistakes in abuse the workers’ wages or terrible managers’ behavior, the created team must directly correct them. (ii) Monitoring the managers. When the problem occurs, the Body Shop should organise a seminar to brief the managers in monitoring any problems that should be corrected.This can prevent more expenses need to bear before the misleading problems become more complex. 2. 2. 3 Feedback Control In feedback control, the control takes place after the activities are done (Robbins et al. , 2006). Feedback control is the most popular control. This is because feedback control can provide information on how effective their planning efforts were as well as enhance workers motivation. The actions that the Body Shop can take in feedback control are: (i) After the goal is achieved, the created team necessity does surprise visits to their outlet or factories in different countries.In this visits, the Body Shop will receive some useful or meaningful information to formulating new plans. (ii) Organise some survey for the workers. The survey maybe about the behavior of the managers. Through these kinds of visits and survey, the Body Shop organisation can understand whether the managers still follow the policy, agreement or procedure or not. 3. 0 CONCLUSION To reduce the exploiting workers and indigenous peoples’ problem, the Body Shop must indicated planning and controlling. The evidence stated that planning and controlling are t he most important and useful ways to reduce the problem.In planning, the operational plans which are short term, specific and standing are suggested. However, in controlling, the process of control and bureaucratic control is more appropriate in achieve the goal. Moreover, the tools for controlling organisational performance called feedforward control, concurrent control and feedback control also are suggested for the Body Shop organisation. 4. 0 RECOMMENDATION Therefore, there are 5 recommendations for the Body Shop organisation: (i) Creating a team (ii) Establishing a policy to set minimum and fair wages iii) Putting in place an agreement between the indigenous peoples and organisation (iv) Provide incentives to workers and indigenous peoples (v) Organising direct supervision References Allen, G. (1998). Planning Process. Management modern. Retrieved April 26, 2008 from http://ollie. dcccd. edu/mgmt1374/book_contents/2planning/plng_process/plng_process. htm Bennis, W. (2003). On B ecoming a Leader. Trump Mediaeval: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc Carroll, S. J. & Gillen, D. J. (1987). Are the Classical Management Functions Useful in Describing Managerial Work? Academy of Management Review, 12(1), 38-51. Dawson, M. (2007).Behind the Green Veil: Notes from Stan Cox. The Consumer Trap. Retrieved April 23, 2008 from www. consumertrap. com Higgins, J. (1994). The Management Challenge, Macmillan: Author. Jayashree Pakhare, (2007). Management Concepts- The Four Functions of Management. Business & Finance. Retrieved April 26, 2008 from http://www. buzzle. com/articles/management-concepts-the-four-functions-of-management. html Lubicon Lake Indian Nation. (1995). Daishowa Boycott List Update. Retrieved April 15, 2008 from http://www. nisto. com/cree/lubicon/1995/19950909. html Robbins, S. , Bergman, R. , Stagg, I. , & Coulter, M. (2006).Foundation of Management. Australia: Pearson Education. The London Greenpeace Group. (1988). What's Wrong With The Body Shop? – A Criticis m Of ‘Green' Consumerism. McLibel Support Campaign. Retrieved April 20, 2008 from http://www. mcspotlight. org/beyond/companies/bs_ref. html Tolup, A. (2006). Brazilian and British courts order Body Shop to pay Brazilian Project's former workers. Retrieved April 15, 2008 from http://www. brazzilmag. com/content/view/7629/53/ Support Community Trade: What's happening in the US. (2007). Our Values. Retrieved April 20, 2008 from http: http://www. thebodyshop. com/bodyshop/values/support_community_trade. jsp Real-Life Problem Faced by the Body Shop 1. 0 INTRODUCTION This report is to address the real-life problem faced by The Body Shop and how the problem can be solved based on the functions of management. According to the information provided by The Body Shop website, The Body Shop has successfully created an image of being a caring company that is in helping to protect the third world workers and indigenous peoples. But behind the cuddly image lies the reality The Body Shop's operations, the Body Shop does not help the dilemma of the workers and indigenous peoples as well as put them on a pedestal in order to exploit people's idealism.Evidence from â€Å"What’s wrong with the Body Shop† (1988) stated that The Body Shop claims to be helping some third world workers and indigenous peoples through so-called ‘Trade Not Aid' or ‘Community Trade' projects. In fact, these are largely a marketing strategy as less than 1% of sales go to ‘Community Trade' producers, and it has been shown that some of the se products have been sourced from mainstream commercial markets. This is the existing problem faced by The Body Shop. Instead, if the problem of exploiting indigenous peoples cannot be solved, this leads to some impact on the specified environment especially customers and pressure group.Robbins, Bergman, Stagg, and Coulter (2006) have stated that organisations exist to assemble the needs of customers. Customer is the one who absorbs the organisation’s output. Consequently, customers will start to increase the awareness need to think seriously about the products they use and to consume less. Customers will boycott the Body Shop until the problem is settled. The evidence is seen that customers had started to declare their feeling through the internet. For an example, they posted bad command on â€Å"The Consumer Trap† (Dawson, 2007). For the pressure groups, they do a lot of activities or campaign to against The Body Shop.For example, The London Greenpeace Group has sta rted to create awareness to the customers to consume less The Body Shop’s products as well as to command the workers organise together to fight for their rights (â€Å"What’s wrong with,† 1988); The Body Shop has been ordered by a Brazilian court to pay more than US$ 431,000 (? 218,000) to settle labor claims against it by three former employees of its â€Å"Fair Trade† project in the Amazon Rainforest (Tolup, 2006); The Body Shop was included in the list of the Daishowa Boycott List (Lubicon Lake Indian Nation, 1995).We can imagine that if by exploiting the indigenous problem still cannot be solved, this may cause a bad image to the Body Shop’s organisation. As a result, a goal to â€Å"reduce exploiting third world workers and indigenous peoples by 85% compared with last few year figures by the 2010† must be put in place. In order to accomplish the goal, the functions of management are proposed in the discussion of this report. 2. 0 DISCUS SION There are 4 functions identified with management (Fayol, as cited in Robbins et al. , 2006).This report will only discuss 2 function and they are planning and controlling. This is because planning is the primary management function (Jayasheree Pakhare, 2007) to distinguish from (Robbins et al. , 2006). Without planning the management of The Body Shop would not know how to be organised. Moreover, planning is the ongoing process of developing the business’ mission and objectives and determining how they will be accomplished (Higgins, 1994). Planning can provide direction to the management of The Body Shop in how they can do in reducing this problem.Meanwhile, control is the final link to management functions and function of monitoring work to check progress against goal and taking corrective action when required (Bennis, 2003). After the plans are established, The Body Shop’s management needs control to see whether their goal or plans were on target and what future actions to take. So, the Body Shop must start their steps by creating plans which are effective and powerful in reducing this event as well as in monitoring activities to make sure that the plans are accurate. 2. 1 PlanningIn reduce exploiting workers and indigenous peoples’ problem it is proposed that The Body Shop use operational plans. This is because operational plans are short term (Robbins et al. , 2006). This is link because the goal is set to be achievable by 2010. Robbins et al. (2006) stated that there can be difficult for the manager to established plans for a long period. Evidence stated that this problem had overcome a lot of boycott from customers and pressure groups. Let imagine that if the problem cannot be reduce within the following 2 years how enormous are the unpleasant loss need to bear by The Body Shop.Moreover, operational plans are specific (Robbins et al. , 2006). This meant that specific plans are clearly defined and leave no room for interpretation or there is no ambiguity with misunderstandings. The specific plans are suggested because the exploitation problem is sensitive and must have particular guidelines to go after. The management of Body Shop cannot use flexible or general guidelines to reduce the events. This may overcome more problems and increase more boycott from pressure groups and customers.Allen (1998) stated that operational plans are standing. Standing plans are ongoing plans that provide guidance for the problems performed repeatedly and include some policies, rules and procedures that must be follow include policies, procedures, method, and rules. The Body Shop must establish a lot of policies or rules to guide their factories managers or supervisor to reduce the exploitation. With the ongoing policies or rules, The Body Shop can prevent the increasable of exploitation as well as can reduce it by 2010.The management of Body Shop can identify of how the goal is to be achieved by below operational plans: (i) Cr eating a team This team is required to visit the Body Shop’s factories in different countries to make sure there they do not have problems related to exploitation as well as examine the managers’ behaviour in controlling the workers. When the exploiting problem occurs, the team has to do research to find out the reasons. (ii) Establishing a policy to set minimum and fair wages The Body Shop’s organisation must set a minimum wages policy to guide their factories’ managers.The wages can be set more than the wages set by the government and must be fair for the workers. This can ensure the workers will not de dissatisfied with their salary in order to increase their performance. (iii) Putting in place an agreement between the indigenous peoples and organisation An agreement must be signed between the indigenous peoples and the Body Shop organisation to safeguard both parties’ interests. For example, a rule can identify that the ongoing ‘Trade Not Aid' or ‘Community Trade' projects must indicate 10%-20% of sales go to ‘Community Trade' producers.This is because the Body Shop had already claimed to help them so the Body Shop has kept its promise. (iv) Setting a standard application procedure A procedure how the managers select the workers or indigenous peoples to work must be set by the Body Shop organisation. The decision making by the factories’ managers must follow this standard application procedure. If the workers fulfill all the application procedures, the managers cannot abuse the application. (v) Organising social responsibilities The Body Shop can organise scholarship programmes for the indigenous or workers’ children.In addition, some facilities can be established to provide convenience for workers. For example, providing transportation set up a health clinic or a comminuting hall. Therefore, this kind of social responsibilities can prevent the pressure group and customers continue to boyco tt the Body Shop. (vi) Introducing a code of ethics The code of ethics provides guidance on everything from the simplest of questions to the most difficult ones on complex ethical dilemma. So a code which can guide the manager on how to prevent the exploiting problems can be included.For example, guide the managers to built trust between the workers and indigenous peoples, to define the problem accurately and what is the intention in making decisions. 2. 2 Controlling In this exploiting workers and indigenous peoples’ problem, the Body Shop is recommend to use the control process. This is because this process is useful and Robbins et al. (2006) stated that the control process including measuring actual performance, comparing actual performance against a standard and taking managerial action to correct the deviation.With this process, the Body Shop requires to measuring its actual performance. The Body Shop advise to measure the actual performance by collecting personal observ ation, statistical, oral, and written reports which is indicated by Allen (1988). After the measurement, the Body Shop can do comparing to determine the degree of variation between actual performance and performance standard with are the goal and the plans suggested above. If the variation is exceeding the acceptable variance, immediate and basic corrective action must be taken by the Body Shop to correct this variance.However, Allen (1988) stated that immediate corrective action is more efficient while basic corrective action is more effective. Thus, the Body Shop must take actions depend on how effective or efficient they target the actions to be. In order to reduce the exploitation, the Body Shop also proposes to use bureaucratic control. This is because bureaucratic controls emphasizes organisational authority and relies on administrative rules, policies and procedures (Robbins et al. , 2006). In the part of planning, there are a lot of plans are that identified with policy, agr eement and procedure.Consequently, The Body Shop must link them together to make sense. However, according to Robbins et al. (2006), managers need suitable tools for monitoring and measuring organisational performance. The tools for controlling organisational performance are called feedforward control, concurrent control and feedback control. 2. 2. 1 Feedforward Control Feedforward controls allow managers to prevent problems rather than having to correct the problems (Robbins et al. , 2006). The management of The Body Shop must sort out some actions which can prevent the problems occur. Feedforward control is the most desirable type of control.This is because this control can avoid led to waste or damages. The actions that the Body Shop can take in feedforward control are: (i) Establish some incentives to the workers or indigenous peoples whose performance is up to the task. For example, provide 15months wages per year, health care policies, and transportation. (ii) Provide some tra ining or guidance to the factories’ managers to ensure them has appropriate behavior in controlling the workers. 2. 2. 2 Concurrent Control Concurrent control is the control that takes place while a work activity is in progress (Allen, 2006).In this moment, the management of The Body Shop can monitoring their factories managers and corrects the problem before they become too costly. The actions that the Body Shop can take in concurrent control are: (i) Organising a direct supervision. For example, if there have some mistakes in abuse the workers’ wages or terrible managers’ behavior, the created team must directly correct them. (ii) Monitoring the managers. When the problem occurs, the Body Shop should organise a seminar to brief the managers in monitoring any problems that should be corrected.This can prevent more expenses need to bear before the misleading problems become more complex. 2. 2. 3 Feedback Control In feedback control, the control takes place after the activities are done (Robbins et al. , 2006). Feedback control is the most popular control. This is because feedback control can provide information on how effective their planning efforts were as well as enhance workers motivation. The actions that the Body Shop can take in feedback control are: (i) After the goal is achieved, the created team necessity does surprise visits to their outlet or factories in different countries.In this visits, the Body Shop will receive some useful or meaningful information to formulating new plans. (ii) Organise some survey for the workers. The survey maybe about the behavior of the managers. Through these kinds of visits and survey, the Body Shop organisation can understand whether the managers still follow the policy, agreement or procedure or not. 3. 0 CONCLUSION To reduce the exploiting workers and indigenous peoples’ problem, the Body Shop must indicated planning and controlling. The evidence stated that planning and controlling are t he most important and useful ways to reduce the problem.In planning, the operational plans which are short term, specific and standing are suggested. However, in controlling, the process of control and bureaucratic control is more appropriate in achieve the goal. Moreover, the tools for controlling organisational performance called feedforward control, concurrent control and feedback control also are suggested for the Body Shop organisation. 4. 0 RECOMMENDATION Therefore, there are 5 recommendations for the Body Shop organisation: (i) Creating a team (ii) Establishing a policy to set minimum and fair wages iii) Putting in place an agreement between the indigenous peoples and organisation (iv) Provide incentives to workers and indigenous peoples (v) Organising direct supervision References Allen, G. (1998). Planning Process. Management modern. Retrieved April 26, 2008 from http://ollie. dcccd. edu/mgmt1374/book_contents/2planning/plng_process/plng_process. htm Bennis, W. (2003). On B ecoming a Leader. Trump Mediaeval: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc Carroll, S. J. & Gillen, D. J. (1987). Are the Classical Management Functions Useful in Describing Managerial Work? Academy of Management Review, 12(1), 38-51. Dawson, M. (2007).Behind the Green Veil: Notes from Stan Cox. The Consumer Trap. Retrieved April 23, 2008 from www. consumertrap. com Higgins, J. (1994). The Management Challenge, Macmillan: Author. Jayashree Pakhare, (2007). Management Concepts- The Four Functions of Management. Business & Finance. Retrieved April 26, 2008 from http://www. buzzle. com/articles/management-concepts-the-four-functions-of-management. html Lubicon Lake Indian Nation. (1995). Daishowa Boycott List Update. Retrieved April 15, 2008 from http://www. nisto. com/cree/lubicon/1995/19950909. html Robbins, S. , Bergman, R. , Stagg, I. , & Coulter, M. (2006).Foundation of Management. Australia: Pearson Education. The London Greenpeace Group. (1988). What's Wrong With The Body Shop? – A Criticis m Of ‘Green' Consumerism. McLibel Support Campaign. Retrieved April 20, 2008 from http://www. mcspotlight. org/beyond/companies/bs_ref. html Tolup, A. (2006). Brazilian and British courts order Body Shop to pay Brazilian Project's former workers. Retrieved April 15, 2008 from http://www. brazzilmag. com/content/view/7629/53/ Support Community Trade: What's happening in the US. (2007). Our Values. Retrieved April 20, 2008 from http: http://www. thebodyshop. com/bodyshop/values/support_community_trade. jsp

Business Strategy Chapter Essay

In the specific lawsuit of the c fitting elevator car persistence in the mid-sixties and 1970s, Western trade namers were operate with a relatively advanced represent report comp ard with Nipp sensationse entrants from what was in that respectof a let bulge- greet producer nation. The result was that the Japanese did non panorama markedly higher quality emulation, further they could readily compete on impairment. handicraft up through r bug outes 2 and 3, as the Japanese did, is an interesting phenomenon. Why did the food commercializeplace leaders non respond? Was this simply a function of the Japanese represent structure? Was it to do with the speed of conversion in Japanese tights?Or the inactivity of constituteing food marketplace leaders? incoming through pass 5 and contemptible elsewhere is discussed explicitly at the contain of partingalisation 5. 3. 4. As is pointed out in that location, this entails a tear downwardlying of bell, and because comprise, season of importtaining differentiating features. It too gist woful from a cerebrate flack to a little pore approach. Neither of these runs is easy, usu exclusivelyy because the competences of the firm lay down be source attuned to more coun exchange and less emphasis on cost however to a fault because the market whitethorn fast(a) regard such(prenominal)(prenominal)(prenominal)(prenominal) a firm as surgical incision specific and therefore be wary of such a scarper.Nissan was driven into gravel 8 from which it wonder to re- short letter.. For example, if it tried to move to the mark arrangement differentiated plainly at lower hurts (and, therefore, lower be) this pick ups the organisation to be very(prenominal) clear nigh the critical mastery featureors with consumers, and the competences required to deliver these features. model 5. 2 The no frills scheme easyJet is a frank example of a no frills dodge. The brains re quire students to postulate the nucleotide of such a system and similarly the outcome to which it is imitable. legion(predicate) of these ar laid out in the exemplification.Cl advance(prenominal)(a) easyJets dodge is not habitationd on its being 78 Pearson program line limited 2005 teachers manual of arms worst cost in the marketplace if this is dependent on market dish out in the over altogether market for air turn. in that respect argon plainly an other(a)(prenominal) bigger players. The more applicable comparison, however, is by market segment. To what extent is the early entry of easyJet into the budget travel segment and its paying of a substantial market sh ar fitting buttocks, in itself, to reach out lowest cost? Could actual and potential competitors, sightedness the succeeder of easyJet, imitate and overtake it in delivering such serve?Does easyJets get it on in all this, and its undoubted entrepreneurial culture, turn in lasting gain? Certa inly British Air management of lifes found it uncomfortable to compete with its GO Operation, and decided this was better sold off. hardly other competitors such as Ryanair and BMIBaby had put oned the market and engaged in fierce damage contest on almost send offs. So the divulges to success were skilful pricing in the midst of routes, when people book and capacity fill. And what if the just approximately obtaind low-cost operator of all, second West Airlines in the US, decided to enter Europe? Illustration 5. 3 ambiguous bases of specialization psyche 1 challenges students to consider what would be appropriate bases of specialisation in the biscuit business. The principles outlined in (a), (b) and (c) whitethorn be employ (a) Who is the to the highest percentage point all grievous(predicate) customer in strategic ground? Of course the end consumer is important, save strategically the retailer is vital. (b) The question then pay backs What do retailer s especially prize in manufacturers of fast-moving consumer goods? Students whitethorn suggest, for example, scrapeing, reliable and fast delivery of goods, advertisement validate, manduction of market and customer information, etceteraIf this is the illustration, then the specialisation dodging require to be based about fulfilling such expectations. (c) The question then becomes whether there atomic number 18 bases of sustainability here. Again this would take the discussion into issues of underlie competences and visions. For example, a tight brand acceptedize is gruelling to imitate, tho a logistics governance may be much easier. advertise support is common amongst fastmoving consumer goods companies, but it may be more difficult to prepargon close and trusting working alliances between the retailer and the manufacturer. interrogation 2 asks students whether the Australian booze congressman (5. 5) overcomes the shortcomings illustrated here. arguably Val ue-for- gold (a) has been in good order assessed in toll of the appropriate customers, since twain(prenominal) the retailers and end users appreciate the benefits of Australian wine-coloured. 79 Pearson command special 2005 Instructors manual We know little round the research (b) under taken that the benefits gainm to be very enough. The real question is whether the bases of avail argon sustainable (c). Comments on illustration 5. 5 address this. Illustration 5. 4The hybrid outline The IKEA illustration shows how this business has triple-crownly followed a hybrid schema, not and by keeping its costs down but alike by interpreting a different way of operating from other retailers. Students may point out that this is a more liable(predicate) way of being able to follow a hybrid schema than simply raw(a) costs. They ability point to other examples to give rise the point. For example Historically, supermarket sell offered lower outlays and a differentiated customer endure, but it was a fundamentally different way of retailing from that of traditional smaller high thoroughf be shops.Arguably the more upstart row towards direct marketing of, for example, banking, insurance and travel (at least when it is through wellhead) offers more widget for customers, often at lower footings but again this is a different way of trading than would hasten been traditional in such fields. Ask students to think of other examples of changes in ways of operating that free for a hybrid strategy. A prospered hybrid strategy also requires organisations to be clear about the competences underpinning their basis of specialism, and then to go down the costs in atomic number 18as that do not critically underpin that basis of differentiation.By so doing they may be able to reduce cost infra that of competitors without jeopardising their basis of differentiation. Illustration 5. 5 specialization This illustration provides the opport building block y to bring together three different perspectives on differentiation a customer-based perspective, a market prisonbreak perspective, and a competence/ choice-based perspective. The illustration tends to underscore the offset printing-class honours degree two. It suggests that Australian wines ar fortunate because customers argon looking for simplicity and consistency, and induce French wine, for example, neither simple to consider nor consistent in quality.Moreover, the traditional approach of French wine producers has exacerbated the problem and therefore provided a market gap. 80 Pearson Education curb 2005 Instructors Manual The example should get up discussion about whether there ar any other reasons for the success of Australian wine. Arguably there be if a resource-based view is taken a reason for success mogul be the application of more ripe scientific techniques in the Australian wine industry as a sum of catching up with old knowledge domain wine producers .The success of this is indicated by the fact that French producers atomic number 18 now trying to imitate Australian wine-producing techniques. Arguably this is opened of being copied or imitated by the French, therefore. However, the French industry remains very fragmented with traditional ways of doing things so the question is to what extent refreshed ways of wine produceion ar likely to be adopted inside such a traditional approach. Illustration 5. 6 Lock-in utilise the criteria in dents 5. 4. 2 and 5. 4. 3, the table on a lower floor summarises the ways in which Dolby and Visa attempt to sustain agonistic advantage.Basis of sustainability Difficulties of sham Compl pass outy Causal ambiguity culturally embedded Imperfect mobility Intangible as overhears shift costs Co-specialisation Lock-in temper condition Early lay of standards Self re-inforcing escalation Rigorous preservation Dolby has a ascendent position Set standards early Showed that this was realizable Visa share dominant position with Master gondolad Standards were nonetheless off early Dominance built this way historically Dolby has well-established brand and reputation Dolby has established a faith by users in its schemas Brand is soundless strong largish penalties for retailer exit Complex bases of licensing and No longer Gordian patent protection Basis of relationship building in Most competitors pay now networks imitated Dolby has long-established ways of Possibly lock in an advantage doing things Dolby Visa Joint cultivation with licences Joint maturement part of the system Rigorous policy of conformity to Large penalties for change in standards brand by retailer 81 Pearson Education exceptional 2005 Instructors Manual The comparison is a stark one. It should lead students to leave off that Visa is protecting its dominant position at any costs the market-based advantages are actually being eroded. In seam Dolbys dominant position is in all probability still based on a sincerely yours differentiated position from competitors. Illustration 5. 7Competition and collaboration This illustration allows students to test out the issues from section 5. 6 and presentation 5. 5. This uses the five-forces model to classify the mixed ways in which collaboration ability improve private-enterprise(a)ness. This can be done for each of the stakeholders involved in a collaborative arrangement. For example, in illustration 5. 7 the potential benefits of collaboration to an individual (small) seminal sector business are companionship sharing with other businesses Knowledge manoeuver from universities Infrastructure, work and business know-how support accompaniment Swapping/sharing professional/creative mental facultyAgainst this require to be weighed the risks Commercial exclusivity (patents, copyright) conquer creative process (conformity to get money/help ) Illustration 5. 8 detect Debate To be different or the same? The emphasis on conformity in institutional theory (see also section 4. 5. 2) provides a useful homecoming to the perspectives opting differentiation, as in this chapter and in the resource based view, introduced in chapter 3. It is worth energy students to consider just how much real differentiation companies actually use. Students may well vary in responding to the questions. With regard to universities, in the UK at least but to a large extent internationally as well, there does seem to be change magnitude homogeneity.Universities are converging in cost of degree length, subject matter, teaching methods and alteration and student support. In the UK, this is attributable to brass funding and regulation, but also relates some(prenominal) to students risk averseness with regard to a large, indefinite and hard-to-reverse investment and to their 82 Pearson Education trammel 2005 Instructors Manual craving for international mobility during degrees and portability of qualif ications afterwards (note European jointure pressures). In the MBA market, the EQUIS and AMBA standards, and the Financial Times rankings, also provide strong pressures for conformity. All this conforms to institutionalist expectations.Car manufacturers do appear to be more differentiated, with a wide variety in brands and run intos. However, under the sur case there are strong pressure too for conformity. These come from government safety and environmental regulators and suppliers of key components, as well as from the appetency to reap economies of scale through sharing platforms. grant 5. 1 Understanding warring strategies engagement 5. 1 requires students to give examples of organisations gibe to the routes identified in reveal 5. 2 in the text, and to explain reasons for doing this. For example dispatch 1, the low price, low added pry route is often overlooked. at that place are victorious organisations pursuance such a strategy.For example, the grocery store ret ail outlet Netto is cited in the text, and easyJet is provided as an illustration of a no frills, low price service. As markets open up, new entrants may choose to follow this strategic route. channel 2 is the low price strategy. It is often followed by small businesses competing against big companies. They use their lower cost base to provide proceedss or work that are very similar to those of the large organisations, but at a lower price. Route 3 The Japanese in the car industry (illustration 5. 1) had used their cost advantages not only to deliver low price but also to re-invest in high quality and reliability. In some(prenominal) esteem they were following route 3 or much of the 1980s and early 1990s. IKEA is another(prenominal) example (see illustration 5. 4) of an organisation boffoly combining both(prenominal) low prices and comprehend added value to the customer. Route 4 is a bulky differentiation strategy the behavior of strategy followed by a social club such a s Kelloggs in attempting to provide quality in terms of product, delivery, service, brand image, market support and product developing superior to those of competitors. other organisations state to be following a differentiation strategy, but the bases of differentiation in terms of added value to the customer may not be clear. Firms may claim to be different but on a spurious basis (see illustration 5. ), for example. Route 5 is localize differentiation examples of this might be a focus on clear demographic groups. For example, Saga specialises in insurance and holidays for the over-50s (see illustration 2. 8) fashion retailers and manufacturers judge to 83 Pearson Education check 2005 Instructors Manual identify customers with token tastes in fashion industrial product companies may focus on circumstance industries or particular process needs. grant 5. 2 Clarity of militant strategy Assignment 5. 2 may draw out questions about the clarity of competitive strategie s. The crystalize of issues which may be surfaced are these. For most of its existence M&S was successful because it provided a distinctly differentiated oblation for a mass market and arguably this was also the basis of Barclaycards success. scarce both organisations now face competition that has eroded such advantages, and they are decision it difficult to recover a position of differentiation across a broad market. The difficulty they face is how they might dislodge themselves in a more focused way (focused differentiation) without reducing their market potential. They are also reluctant to be associated with a strategy of reduced prices, not necessarily because of their inability to drive down costs but more, perhaps, because of their c erstwhilern that it might defame their market image. This raises questions about the viability of hybrid strategy.Arguably it is easier to move to a hybrid strategy from a low price strategy than it is from a non-price-based differentiati on strategy the last mentioned may be perceived as a reduction in quality. There may also be a useful vie here about whether cost reduction is a practicable competitive strategy. Recall that this is a strategy advocated by Michael Porter. Many organisations claim to undertake on cost reduction as a strategy. The problem is that cost levels are not, in themselves, visible in the marketplace. What matters is whether the cost base allows delivery of lower prices (which are visible) or the maintenance of higher expediency margins than those of competitors.To do either, cost advantages have to be sustainable and sufficient to ensure that competitors cannot spouse them. This is no easy matter. It would not be for Marks & Spencer or for Barclaycard, for example. Assignment 5. 3 Differentiation The purpose of this duty subsidization is to establish whether students are able to explain the imagination of differentiation, not only in terms of being different or by citing the import ance of route 4 in exhibit 5. 2, but or else in terms of, for example That differentiation means both providing products or services cherished by customers/users, and doing this in ways that are difficult to imitate. 84 Pearson Education bound 2005 Instructors Manual This is likely to be achieved by building on core competences of the organisation. However, the more perceptive students may point out that this is difficult to achieve and difficult to manage. So organisations may not be able to fashion bases of nonimitability readily. For other organisations differentiation may be achieved by being flexible or smart to respond in markets than competitors, but that this, too, is a function of the culture of the organisation. Students should therefore be able to make linkages between the concepts and differentiation explained in chapter 5 and linkages in the value chain (chapter 4) and organisational culture (chapter 5).Overall, however, perhaps the most important basis of succes sful differentiation is the ability of an organisation to say customer needs and what is valued by the customer better than competitors that there is a hazard that differentiation is driven on expert grounds rather than by an sentiency of customer needs. Assignment 5. 4 belligerent strategies in the frequent sector perplexity needs to be taken around terminology here, particularly because an explicit price mechanism may not exist in some humanity services. So, referring to exhibit 5. 2 in the text, in public services price may equalize to unit cost since performance will be judged against the input of resources to supply the service. demeanor this in mind, the routes can be describe as follows Route 1, low cost/low value this is the outcome that legion(predicate) claim has been inevitable with public disbursement cuts leading to the unattractive positioning of many public services as a service of last resort.Route 2 this is the real challenge for many public services, i. e. the need to maintain quality while achieving progressive efficiency gains and lower unit costs. It is what governments expect public sector services to achieve hence best value initiatives and the extensive use of benchmarking. Routes 4 and 5 are an alternative for some split of public services, and would be described as a centre of excellence strategy. then in some parts of the NHS (e. g. specialist units in hospitals or some hospitals themselves) it is the strategy pursued by managers and clinicians as a way of retaining talent and increasing their resource base in the face of cuts in unit costs from government. Of course there is an argument from some critics that the reason why route 1 occurs rather than route 2 in mainstream public services is because routes 4 and 5 take forth resources and funding to elite parts (or geographical locations) of the service and jeopardise the resource base of more standard services. This has been called the twotier public service. 85 Pearson Education Limited 2005 Instructors Manual Assignment 5. 5 Sustainability The students should be encouraged to use the same principles of sustainability as were described in the commentary on illustration 5. 6. To take the examples of the organisations cited here students may be able to identify the following Ryanair is following a low price strategy the extent to which this is sustainable is very dependent on the way in which the low cost base is culturally embedded and maintained over season through a complex set of cost minimisation programmes and strategies.In fact, on the face of it, this may not be difficult to understand but the experience gained in so doing may make it difficult to imitate. Ryanair has also built a reputation amongst a loyal set of customers, and this may also be a sustainable benefit, provided it is nurtured and not eroded. Thorntons has followed a differentiation strategy based on product features (ingredients, recipes, freshness), strong brandin g and packaging and control of its own outlets. Students should be asked to rate these features against the criteria for sustainability applied in illustration 5. 6. For example, can consumers really discern and measure freshness? Students should be encouraged to search for other examples in which they can provide explanations of sustainability, but also to question whether what they identify are truly sustainable bases. Assignment 5. 6 The limits of hypercompetitive strategies This designation invites students to consider the extent to which the principles described in section 5. 5 on hypercompetition are relevant to only a few industries, or not at all. The stuffy argument would be that sustainable competitive advantage is achievable provided the sort of factors that countersink sustainability can be met. So, again, students may regard to refer back to section 5. 4 for a discussion of the basis of sustainability.Students may readily identify some markets in which these factors do not appear to pertain. However, they may also identify others in which such factors barely should pertain, yet in which hypercompetition seems to prevail. For example, presumably hightechnology companies could claim the benefits of complexity, perhaps causal ambiguity, and potentially embedded competences as intangible assets and cospecialisation. except the evidence is that hypercompetition prevails in such industries. Students may therefore recognise that the explanations give in section 5. 5 i. e. that firms are able to overcome traditional bases of competitive advantage seem to hold true even when there may be apparent bases of sustainability.If this is so, to what extent 86 Pearson Education Limited 2005 Instructors Manual does it potentially apply to all industries? This is the claim do by Richard DAveni that we are moving into hypercompetitive times, and that the old principles of sustainability may not hold. Assignment 5. 7 Hypercompetition in context This fittin g invites students to examine a particular industry that might not normally be associated with hypercompetition, to consider the extent to which the conditions of hypercompetition may be becoming more and more evident. Banking is precondition as an example here. Others could be accountancy, car manufacturing, insurance, etc.The main points that might be drawn out could include the extent to which cycles of competition seem to be upper up, with shorter and shorter life cycles of products and services the difficulties of sustaining bases of advantage on price or differentiation the difficulties of sustaining first mover advantage or first entry into new markets as competitors find ways of overcoming or circumventing scale and experience curve benefits the difficulties of holding on to strongholds or reliance deep pockets in the face of strategies and tactics of erosion by competition the deliberate search by companies to fervor the competitive position of competitors in markets that were once too gentlemanly to do so. Assignment 5. 8 Cooperation rather than competition Students should draw on the general principles explained in section 5. , which point to the circumstances in which conjunctive strategies make sense. For example Buyer-seller collaboration is a key element of command 1, where manufacturers see motor racing as a way of developing their own technologies. quislingism of buyers of pharmaceutical goods to amplify buy causation. There are many examples of competitors who collaborate to increase their market or competitive power. non least is this the case in lobbying governments for changes 87 Pearson Education Limited 2005 Instructors Manual that facilitate entry and power in markets. This would be applicable deep down both the pharmaceutical and Formula 1 industries. Co-production with customers is beginning to happen in markets such as pharmaceuticals, where pharmaceutical firms faced with increase buying power are purpose ways o f working with government buying agencies and doctors to increase efficiency or reduce cost of treatment. Collaboration in Formula 1 also includes one team up providing services for another (e. g. McLaren providing marketing services for Tyrrell) collaboration over shared suppliers (Jaguar, Benetton and Williams all use Michelin tyres and share data) and engineers and mechanics all know each other and informally help each other out in particular circumstances. Assignment 5. 9 Game theory The purpose of this assignment is to encourage students to read more extensively on the principles of game theory (e. g. by reading Dixit and Nalebuff in the key readings).Students should be encouraged to think through how some of the examples and situations discussed in that book (or other books on game theory) could be applied to issues of competitive strategy of organisations. Specific references are make to sections of the Dixit and Nalebuff book in exhibits 5. 6 and 5. 7. endogenetic assign ment 5. 10 This assignment is designed to ensure that students see the connection between the issues of sustainable competitive advantage (sections 5. 4. 1 and 5. 4. 2) and the concept of core competences (section 3. 2. 3). It also makes a further connection with the impact of IT on core competences, and hence on sustainable competitive advantage, as discussed in section 9. 3. 1. For example A low price strategy might be preserve by core competences in managing cost efficiency in the distribution chain. merely this advantage could be destroyed by competitors who develop new IT-based business models selling directly to final consumers over the meshwork at much reduced prices (made possible by considerably lower costs). as well a differentiation strategy might be underpinned by core competences such as professional knowledge. But this is undermined as customers start to gain this knowledge themselves from the internet. So a new relationship needs to be forged with customers to tak e advantage of the professional knowledge. The relationship needs to move up a gear so that the more knowledgeable customer starts to seek advice rather than just information. 88 Pearson Education Limited 2005 Instructors Manual Integrative assignment 5. 11 This assignment requires students to apply the key requirements for lock-in (exhibit 5. 3) to an international development strategy (section 6. 3). Specifically students need to understand how that particular basis for an international strategy would be achieved in terms of both directions and methods of development (sections 7. 2 and 7. 3). Here are some points against the four bullet points of exhibit 5. 3 Size and market dominance. If this is to be achieved internationally it is necessary to understand the record of the market in terms of the degree of globalisation that exists.So for globalised markets (like computer software) Microsoft has had to create coverage in all study markets of the world. In contrast, in less glo balised markets lock-in could be achieved region-by-region. In these circumstances decisions on the sequence of market entry would need to be guided by the issues discussed in section 6. 3. A requirement for dominance would favour internal development of new markets and/or ruthless acquisition of competitors to gain sufficient market share. First mover advantages. This clearly dictates the need for product development internally to be ahead of competitors. Alternatively if partners are used the relationships will need to be exclusive to deny competitors access. Reinforcement.The creation of an industry standard needs conditions to be created where it is in the interests of all competitors to adopt the standard rather than compete with it. Strategies of heavily funded product development may do this as competitors become unable to match the R&D spend. For international development it is clearly important to establish an international standard undermining regional differences. So th e development method must reinforce the standard for example by creating registered users. Rigorous enforcement. This would have a strong influence on the choice of markets favouring those where statutory protections of intellectual property are strong and respected. Similarly choice of partners is absolutely of the essence(p) again the humor of registered users might apply. typeface examplebloody shame The reign of the world-beater of set off (notes prepared by Phyl Johnson, University of Strathclyde) This case study was chosen as a way of getting students to explore the principles of both sustainability and hypercompetition. It is useful to focus initially on the question of her sustained high compose and success as a means over so many years. However, her novel success is questionable this allows for a focus on the long-term sustainability of strategies themselves and a debate as to viability hypercompetitive strategies. 89 Pearson Education Limited 2005 Instruc tors Manual The main points that might be emphasised are these in terms of the questions asked Question 1 The strategy pursued by Madonna can be explained both in terms of a generic competitive strategy and in terms of principles of hypercompetitive strategies. all the way she has sought to differentiate herself throughout her career. This has taken different forms, as the case explains, but there has been an underlying theme of the separatist woman throughout. What has varied has been the different personas within this. Students could debate whether or not these have been pitched at particular market segments and in this sense represent focused differentiation or the extent to which they are simply tactical bases of differentiating herself from imitators and confederates. Another commentary would fit with explanations of hypercompetitive strategies. Many of the principles outlined in section 5. 5. 4 seem to apply. from each one persona is temporary each one is very different fr om the last she seems to move on to a different image even while being successful in her last one they are not foretellable changes they can be surprising, even shocking. Her latest persona as childrens author and spiritual follower challenges this in that it has in fact been sustained over a period and is further from shocking. At one stage in the press (June 2004) it was even reported she was ever-changing her name to Esther as part of her kabala faith. The Madonna case therefore illustrates that the desire of hypercompetition is not necessarily contradictory to the idea of generic basis of competition. It might be possible to be differentiated in a hypercompetitive way.Think about colligate to questions 2 and 3 here, that is, the most recent events allow for the questioning of the long-term sustainability of hypercompetition itself. Question 2 This question invites students to consider the basis of sustainability in this context. Students might wish to ask which principles o f sustainability hold. They should see that a number do Madonna appears to have capabilities and competences (intangible assets) of innovation and flexibility. The pop industry has learned to work with her, and in this sense they have developed a mutual co-specialised dependence so it looks to promote her interests given her track record. Certainly it is difficult to predict where she will move next, or how she is successful (causal ambiguity). 90 Pearson Education Limited 2005Instructors Manual Question 3 This question invites students to question these bases of sustainability. The strategy does not seem to be compromising to others imitating it since it is difficult for them to understand or predict what they would be imitating. But students might implore that it is surely a risky strategy as she seeks to second-guess the nature of the market and make so many changes to her image. They are likely to argue that the risk is market acceptance. If so, how would they explain the continued success given so many changes over so many years? Has the formula for success run out of steam? And if so why? 91 Pearson Education Limited 2005