Diversity Management Is It Different From Equal Opportunities Policy Free Essay Example, 1500 words

Equality in organizations was characteristic of the 1970s-80s and was centered on equality in access, opportunities, treatment in the organization and outcomes. Equality is based on the issue of discrimination, which is traditionally a moral, social justice and human rights issue (Dickens 2007, pp. 468). It is debated whether following such utilitarianism is in line with efficiency and competitiveness in firms. The basis of equal opportunities is centered on complying with laws formulated by governments and sometimes, which Dickens (2007) discusses in the form of a timeline, establishing the gradual development of equality and non-discrimination frameworks based on countries or adopted from international bodies. The DebateAlthough there is a consensus that there has been a gradual shift from equal opportunities policies to diversity management, the debate has arisen due to some sectors arguing that diversity management is a new paradigm unique from the traditional equal opportunities policies. The analysis of this debate will first study the arguments of those who support the view that diversity management is a unique concept and then analyze their opponents. According to Gilbert, Stead, and Ivancevich (61-76), diversity management is different from traditional equal opportunities approach in its purpose. We will write a custom essay sample on Diversity Management: Is It Different From Equal Opportunities Policy or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/page

A Marxist Evaluation Of Feminism And Gender Equality Essay

A Marxist evaluation of feminism and gender equality is another failure of the Neo-Marxist system to generate any serious change in a neoliberal capitalistic model. Feminism, since the 1970s, has become a subjective and distorted version of what it was meant to be—a system that sought to raise the rights of women out of the home (as domestic servants) and into the workplace. In the late 20th and early 21st century, the idea of Marxism as a system of economic analysis for women to dissect the inequalities of patriarchal capitalism has also become diluted and co-opted by the ruling classes as a â€Å"political phenomenon:† In this sense, then, rather than retaining the idea of feminism as something that stretched from its radical incarnation to its liberal form, we have to broaden the scope of its reference to the whole of the political spectrum (Power p.13). In this manner, the feminist movement has become further abstracted from economic materialism to embrace the subjective and propagandistic nature of politics as a way to promote feminist ideology. This is one form of the dilution of Marxist ideology that rarely focuses on the economic systems that bring oppression to women’s rights in the workplace, but on the subjective â€Å"value systems† that Weber s theory has had expanded well into the neoliberal era of capitalist global economics. For example, the problem of a subjective analysis of 20th and 21st century trends in gender values has become diluted through the lens ofShow MoreRelatedThe Sexualisation And Popularization Of Feminism Within The 21st Century1296 Words   |  6 Pages The sexualisation and popularization of Feminism within the 21ST century Introduction Feminism as an idea has been actively intersected and integrated within the western mainstream pop culture progressively since the beginning of the 21st century. 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How Does Rossetti Tell the Story in ‘Jessie Cameron’ Free Essays

How does Rossetti tell the story in ‘Jessie Cameron’? Rossetti uses the title of the poem to help tell the story in ‘Jessie Cameron’. Whilst Jessie’s full name is used as the title of the poem and repeatedly referred to throughout, the name of her lover is not once mentioned. Instead Jessie calls him ‘neighbour’s son’ avoiding any more intimate communication. We will write a custom essay sample on How Does Rossetti Tell the Story in ‘Jessie Cameron’? or any similar topic only for you Order Now This suggests that she does not regard him as highly in her life as he may regard her, it also suggests that she doesn’t want to lead him on, but because she makes it so obvious that she has no interest in him it may imply that she is tired of him chasing after her. This use of dialogue by the third person narrator makes the poem seem a lot less biased as we are allowed to see the story from Jessie’s very own perspective. In addition to this, the fact that her surname is drawn upon it suggests that the poem make reflect the permanence, a lot like Jessie herself it will not be changed for the sake of a man. The fact that Jessie chooses not to give in to a man wanting to marry her would have surprised a lot of Victorian readers who did not believe that women should be free to do as they pleased but should accept an offer of marriage when it was given, whether or not they loved the man. As a result of this it could be suggested that the Victorian attitude towards marriage contributed to the confusion of Jessie’s lover who finds her free-will hard to accept. She claims that she had already told him ‘long ago’ that she will not accept his marriage proposal, but he seems to find this difficult to understand. Through the use of more dialogue it seems to suggest that Rossetti wants to make the point that remaining single is not the message she wants to get across: â€Å"For me you’re not the man of men†, rather that women should only marry out of choice if she loves and who is, for her, above all other men. Because dialogue is used so much throughout the poem it could be suggested that the third person narrator feels self-conscious towards the fact that they’re narrative alone would not be sufficient enough in order for the reader to trust what they are saying. As a result, it could be suggested that the reader feels as if the use of dialogue makes the narrator’s narrative seem less reliable and trustworthy which in turn makes us doubt the rest of their narrative which makes us more critical as observers and allows us to understand the potential messages that Rossetti wishes to portray throughout the poem. Home, her home, was close at hand†, the repetition of the word ‘home’ acts as a juxtaposition to the landscape of the beach and sea described throughout the poem. It contrasts that Jessie’s house is sheltered and safe, whereas this stands in opposition to the danger of the sea that she finds herself surrounded by. It emphasises the danger of the sea and in addition to this Rossetti wants to warn women about the danger of becoming trapped in a loveless marriage with someone, making them feel unfilled just like Jessie when she realises that she is near to death. How to cite How Does Rossetti Tell the Story in ‘Jessie Cameron’?, Papers

Fashion Designing Issues

Question: Describe about the Fashion Designing Issues? Answer: Introduction The report discusses about the issues related to fashion designing. Fashion designing is a very vast field. Fashion designing includes the designing of garments, accessories etc. for a human being. Fashion in todays world is a symbol of status in the society. If we see around us, people today are very much cautious about their fashion. From a small pen to a luxury car, people want fashionable accessories. Its a craze among the people to connect with the latest trends but there is a wide competition in the fashion market. With the increase in competition in the market, fashion industries are using various unethical and illegal ways to compete in this market. Fashion industry uses these activities to increase the profit. The issues for the fashion industries can be divided into two parts, ethical and commercial issues. The ethical issues basically are working conditions, increase use of fur, impact on environment and waste and consumerism (Fibre2Fashion, 2013). The working condition is related to the wages and the environment of the fashion industry at the working place. This issue is important to discuss for the rights of workers and preserving various accidents due to insufficient safety arrangements. Issue of fur, relate to the use of animals in the fashion industry, this issue is important to discuss for saving the life of innocent and reducing the inhumanity level in the fashion industry. The products and the resources use the fashion industry are creating various problems for the environment. To save the environment from getting polluted various solutions should be found. Waste level in the fashion industry is increasing day by day, as the new trends are launching in fashion, the waste is also enhancing. The commercial issues present in the fashion industry is rising cost and price deflation, tax related issues, supply chain management and human resource management. The cost of making the garments is increasing but the industry needs to reduce the prices of the garments to compete in this competitive market. Supply chain of the fashion industry is really complex and very important to manage otherwise it may become the reason of huge loss. Various taxes are imposed on the garment business by the government, all these taxes are very important to manage for reducing the risk of legal issues and human resource is very important to manage properly in fashion industry to increase the productivity and affectivity of the brand (Fashion Industry Law Blog, 2015). Thus, considering all the above facts, this report discusses about the ethical and commercial issues that may be faced by the fashion industries. Issues in Fashion Designing In the modern world, fashion industry has a great impact in every field. Every field or industry has to connect with the fashion industry. Even the fashion industry needs to connect with other industries for business. Today fashion designing has become so wide that for every business in the world, fashion is required. It is very true that packing does half of the work in selling products. Nowadays, every person is crazy about fashion. Whenever somebody buys anything, be it from a mobile phone to a car, he considers the design and the look of the product and gives it a priority. A person always wants to buy products according to his/her profession and personality. Even in the school and colleges, uniforms are designed by the top fashion designers. Fashion industry also needs to connect with other industries for business like manufacturing, transportation, raw material providers, retailers and advertising companies. While dealing with all these units, various issues can be created. Thus, these situations should be handled carefully by the fashion industries to create a strong relationship with other businesses. These issues can be subdivided into two parts, ethical issues and commercial issues, which are explained as follows. Ethical Issues As described above, fashion industries need to deal with other companies or industries for business purposes. When these industries or people related to these industries are treated unfairly by the leaders of fashion industries then these situations come under the ethical issues for fashion industries. Mainly models, consumers, manufacturers and producers are the actors who usually get unethical treatment by fashion industry. It is the ethical responsibility of the fashion executives to take action against these types of unethical treatments. There can be various ethical issues related to fashion industry. Some of them are as follows: Working Condition Today, there is a lot of competition in the fashion industry. In this competitive market, industries need to find various solutions for keeping the costs down for manufacturing the clothes (Seo, 2014). For cutting down the costs; industries are even ready to take risk with the safety equipment and rules. A problem can arrive at any time. So, it is the responsibility of the industry to be prepared for these consequences in the working place. An industry should organise all type of safety equipment required in any type of tragic consequences. The example of these types of consequences had been seen in Bangladesh where, a building collapsed and more than 400 fashion workers died. Investigation of the situation cleared that the building was not properly cared for and was not safe for workers either. The other tricks that industry uses is, providing lower wages to the workers. Workers are paid very low wages and they dont even get the proper facilities that they deserve. This drops down the life style of the workers of that industry which creates the trend for people (Xaxx, 2012). Thus, for cutting down the cost, fashion industry uses various types of tricks which affect the working conditions but it is the ethical responsibility of the industry to provide proper working conditions, wages and facilities to the workers which they deserve. Figure: Building Collapse in Bangladesh (Forbes, 2013) The current example of this is the abuse of labour rights in a cloth factory of Cambodia. In January, the factory got caught with fire due to unsatisfactory safety preparations (Smith, 2015). The reason of choosing this issue is that this issue is found not only in the fashion industry but in all types of industries. This issue basically defines the cruelty of the higher management in the organization who dont care about the life of the workers. This issue should be considered properly otherwise this issue may become the lack of interest among the people. People will not choose fashion industry as their career. For solving the issues of working condition, fashion workers have to understand the value of their work and effort. They should protest against these issues by uniting. Workers should refuse to work for low wages and the owners of the industry have to value the life of the workers as the industry is running on the basis of the work of workers(Dontigney, 2013).. Government also have to make some strict laws and regulations regarding working conditions and wages. Thus this issue can be solved with the combining efforts of workers, owners and the government. For implementing the above solution workers should unite and should decide to protest against the low wages they are offered and make the owners realize that the industry cant move forward without the workers. This protest will help the owners in realizing the importance of the life of workers. Fur The furs are being used in fashion industry since 1980s. After 2000, the use of fur has been increased multiple times. The famous furs used for fashion are mink and fox. Scientifically, it is proved that the animals, which humans eat, are necessary for the balanced life cycle, but fashion even uses the fur of those animals whose density on the earth are decreasing with time, like tigers, lions and foxes etc. (Thornquist, 2014) The jackets made by the fur of lion are very famous in the world but if the situation remains the same, then the time is not far when these beautiful creatures of nature will extinct. These animals are hunted to produce fur. These are actually considered as inhuman activities. Figure: Rabbits are caught with inhumanity in cage for producing fur (Sparrow Media, 2014) The above figure is the result of an undercover operation done by the Sparrow Media on a fashion industry and it was found that the rabbits are treated with inhumanity; it seemed that rabbits were just a lifeless teddy bear (Sparrow Media, 2014). People of Russia used to breed the foxes for producing fur but it should be noticed that the father cant kill his son because he had given birth to him similarly it is also cruel to kill foxes even though they had bred those foxes (Vizant, 2014).According to a famous fashion designer Karl Legarfield fur is actually an industry not only a lavish for American people. Legarfield continue to say that the message will not reach to the fashion designers until people wear leather and eat meat. Legarfield added on his comment that government used to publish no fur, but it provides the employment opportunity to various people (Press Trust of India, 2015). This issue is really important to understand as according to research done by the human society of the United States More than 50 million animals are killed for producing fur in a year (HSUS, 2013). It is really important to consider this issue as this shows the cruelty of the industry. Even those animals are getting killed for producing fur which is present in very less numbers on the earth. This is creating a very critical situation for the earth. If those species are to be preserved then the hunting of those animals should be stopped for fur. This is also affecting the image of the fashion industry. These problems can be solved if all the fashion designers and industries take it as an ethical responsibility to preserve the animals (Fiber2 Fashion, 2013). They should avoid the use of furs in the fashion. The government should also make some strict rules for hunting animals. The hunters and the designers should be punished with inhumanity which they show with those voiceless animals. These types of animals are to be preserved in zoo or national parks. The security of these national parks should be enhanced to preserve those animals. Environment The fashion industry uses various materials which affect the environment. Production involved in the fashion industry also emits various elements which creates pollution in the environment. Transportation is a big reason of an unbalanced environment (Kolsun, 2010). Thus, all the activities present in the fashion industry impacts the environment in various ways. Some synthetic materials are extracted from petroleum, many synthetics are the result of cutting trees and various other types of natural materials are getting used in the fashion industry for the profit maximization even when their supplements are available in the market. A famous designer Bibi Russell represents her work by saying that she want to explain the efforts present behind the work and want to appreciate for those efforts, the hard work of the weavers should be valued only after the nationalization and internationalization of the market. Bibi Russell believes in preserving the heritage of the country for which she is working. (Future Start Up, 2013) According to news published Fashion leaves a terrible environment footprint along its entire supply chain. Textile and garment productions facilities are large consumers of water and energy (Boone, 2012). Thus the environment is getting affected by the fashion industry. The chemicals and the resources used in the fashion industries are very much harmful for the environment. Figure: Clothing and global toxic cycle (SCEC, 2012) The above model diagram is clearly indicating the impact of fashion industry on the environment in seven steps by watching the above model diagram, this issue is very important to discuss as the world is getting modernized, the use of harmful resources is increasing in the production of garments (Zelner, 2010). It is really important to discuss this topic now otherwise it may create various problems for our earth. It may also become the reason of production of poisonous gases in the environment. Each fashion industry should consider it the ethical responsibility to use the resources which are environment friendly. This can be performed at the three levels. At the level of workers, the workers should provide the knowledge about how the use of chemicals is affecting the environment, and the effect of these environment and the changes on human being. The workers should be encouraged to preserve the pollution. At the level of industry, whether it may cost a little high but the industries should be encouraged to use the environmental friendly resources to make clothes(Herzheld, 2013).. At the level of government, the use of harmful resources should be banned. Government should make some strict laws and seal all the fashion industries which use these chemicals in the production of clothes. Waste and Consumerism Today, fashion is changing every month and every season. Actually, abrupt changes in the fashion forces fashion lovers to buy the clothes even when they dont need it. There are actually two types of considerations, one is, it is good for the economy and the other is, it is the misuse of resources and money by the people. If considered at the national level, this is really good for the economy of country but individually this encourages the waste of money and resources. It also creates an impact on the mindless consumerism (USFIB, 2013).This situation also increases the prices of cloth. Thus, it becomes very tough for the poor people to adopt fashion which results in economic differences. According to an article published in the newspaper Boone (2012) said The fashion supply chain is diverse and complex, spanning four or more tiers, including design, raw material harvesting, spinning, yarn production, dyeing, weaving, cutting, stitching, and final garment construction. All these processes possess a high amount of waste of resources and energy in all over process. This news is clearly indicating how the issue of waste in the fashion industry is increasing day by day. The famous fashion designer Rachel Zoe use to denote the fashion industry by expendable junk. (Cara, 2013). According to a new published in Salon online magazine, as the clothes are becoming cheaper people are getting mad behind the fashion they dont have the limit of purchasing clothes. In supermarkets of America average of 9, 100 types of the single dress company can be found (Young, 2014). The all above facts and news are clearly indicating the level of waste and consumerism in the current fashion marke t. Figure: The Unglamorous side of fashion: A child jumps on luxury waste products (Chalmers, 2012) This issue is also really important to discuss by analysing the resource level present on the earth if this issue is not considered at time, there may be a situation when people wont even have clothes to wear (BBC, 2010). Due to cheaper rates of the clothes, people are purchasing the clothes and updating their fashion every day. This is very critical issue to solve. This can be solved only by generating a awareness among the people about these resources (Anthony, 2015). People should be taught how the waste of these resources is affecting our environment and should show the future aspect of the consumerism and the waste. Industries should also think on this and they should produce the high quality expensive products. Government should think on making the rules for reducing the waste and consumerism. Commercial Issues As the competition in the fashion industry is increasing with time, the commercial issues in the industries are also increasing. Commercial issues in any organization are much more important to manage than the ethical issues, if the commercial issues are not managed properly, it may lead to the end of the organization. Commercial issues mainly affect the global industries as the global industries have to manage the rules and regulations of various countries. Some of the commercial issues are as follows. Rise in the cost and deflated prices Fashion industry has now become the most competitive market in all over the world. As the time is going, competition is also increasing with time. Thus, to be in this competition, brands have to drop down their prices. Consumers also want the high quality product at an affordable price. Thus, for manufacturing the high quality products, manufacturers need to invest in manufacturing the latest fashion. Raymond, a very famous brand of clothing has dropped down its prices by up to 20% since last 2 years (European Commission, 2013). Figure: price deflation and cost rising in U.S. in fashion industry (Zero Hedge, 2015) Above figure is showing the graph for the rising of cost in making garments and the reduced prices of the garments year by year. The green line is indicating the prices and red line cost. The effect can be clearly seen in the graph. This topic is really important to consider as the fashion industry is in great trouble. It is really hard to manage the situation as the cost of manufacturing is hiking and due to the competition rate the fashion industry needs to lower down the prices of the garments. This is directly affecting the labour of the organization. For reducing the cost of the garments, industries cut down the wages of labour or reduce the facilities of safety arrangements at work place. This problem can be solved by increasing the quality of the product and by enhancing the quality of the product up to a little extent, the prices of the products can be increased by multiple times(Doagoo, 2011).. The other solution can be that all the fashion industries should make a community and fix the prices of the clothes according to the quality of the product. Supply Chain Management Supply chain management is also a critical issue for fashion industry. Managing a supply chain for the fashion industry is really complex. If not managed properly, it will lead to a huge loss. Supply chain system of United Colours of Benetton is really a great example of a well-managed supply chain. In news by Supply Management, United Colours of Benetton has dealt with a supply chain management company pledge for toxic chemical. Deal was done in 2013 and valid up to 2020. The supply chain management is really necessary for any business to manage properly (LACBA, 2014). Figure: Supply Chain Model in fashion industry (Fiber2 Fashion, 2009) Supply chain management issue should be discussed more deeply as the supply chain is very important in selling the product. If the supply chain of the industry is perfect it will become very easy for the industry to communicate with their customers otherwise it becomes very tough for the industry to deal directly with the consumers. Thus the supply chain management is very important to discuss. For dealing with the supply chain issues in the market, fashion industry should make a separate team to deal with the supply chain issues (Fashion Industry Law Blog, 2015).The organization should specially deal with their suppliers and encourage them to make strong relationship with the industry. If the suppliers have the strong relationship with the organization, half of the management of the supply chain will be done by the suppliers. Human Resource Issues It is really important to manage human resource system of any type of organization. Fashion industry also follows the same concept. Human resource management of any organization is the source of significant cost. Thus, recruiting a skilled staff and retaining them is really important for every organization. Due to increase in significant cost on employees, employers always try to find new ways of reducing this cost. These create various human resource related issues for the fashion industry. Sometimes the fashion industry uses various illegal ways to accomplish this objective. If human resource management in a fashion industry is managed properly, then it may lead to the generation of high sales. This can be understood by the example of increase in sales of Pakistans apparel industry by 60 to 65% (Hazrat, 2004). It is important to discuss this issue as the human resource of the organization help in dealing with the workers of the organization. It is really important to manage the workers properly in the organization as if the workers are not happy with industry, the growth of the organization will be very slow. Human resource in the fashion industry also deals with the customer surveying about the fashion in the market with the consumers. Figure: HR Management skills (HR Advisor, 2013) The above figure is showing a model for the HR management in any organization. This model should be implemented in the fashion industry to enhance the efficiency of the human resource management in the industry. The human resource management of the fashion industry can be made strong by hiring skilled and experienced HR managers in the organization(Leonie, 2014).. The human resource team of the organization should be developed with the combination of both the executives and the HR managers. For a cost effective human resource management in the fashion industry, the industry should make team with various level of experienced people and should decide the wages on the basis of their experience. Tax Issues There are various types of taxes both direct and indirect taxes associated with the fashion industry. The major taxes that fashion industries pays are Value added tax, sales tax, claiming tax, incentives etc. Even the amount of taxes also increases with the global industries. Each country has different types of taxes. Thus, a global brand needs to maintain all these types of taxes associated in different countries. Figure: Rec our first tax related issue (Livemint, 2014) Around couple of years ago, the income tax of India caught Reebok in a fraud with a tax evasion of Rs.140 crore, which was found to be the second biggest scam in India after Satyam. After investigation, it was found that this happened due to improper management of taxes in India by Reebok (Mukhrjee, 2013). It is really important to discuss the issues related to tax in the fashion industry as the fashion industry includes the various taxes for the clothing and other commercial taxes(BBC, 2012).. For running a business in any country it is important to consider all the taxes associated in that country for the fashion industry otherwise it may create various legal problems for the industry. The tax related issues can be solved by making an efficient team for financial management in the industry. A well experienced charted accountant should be hired by the industry for time to time analysis of the accounts and tax payment in the industry. Relation between Ethical and Commercial issues The relationship between the ethical and commercial issues can be derived easily. From the above discussion, it can be clearly said that the working condition in the fashion industries are for reducing the cost of garments in the industry. For that they lower down the wages and provide insufficient security arrangements. These are clearly related to the problems of rising cost in the market and the prices of the garments should also be reduced to stay in the competitive market. Thus, the industries need to adopt these ways. Human resource issues are clearly related to the use of fur as well as the working condition in the industries. According to a report it was found that in 25% of the animal killing for fur is related to the human resource management of the organization (Fibre2Fashion, 2013). Industries are using the toxic raw materials for making garments for reducing the cost of garments. The finishing and shine of these objects attract the consumers a lot. Thus, the ethical issu es are related to the commercial issues by various ways. Conclusion As we discussed in the essay, Fashion designing has a great impact on this world. Every field, business and communities are connected to the world of fashion design. Thus, the level of competition is also increasing every day. Many companies in the fashion industry are using various illegal ways to stay in this competitive market, which may help the organization for short term but if it wants to be in the market for a long term, it will have to consider both ethical and commercial issues. The main ethical issues that the fashion industry faces are fur, working condition, issues related to environment, enforcing waste and consumerism etc. If the working condition of the workers in fashion industry is considered, the owners of the industry use various inhuman ways to drop down the cost of the garment. They cut down the wages of the workers or dont provide the safety facility at the working place. Various accidents are happening due to insufficient safety equipment at the workplace. Using fur is a really dark side of the fashion industry. It is inhuman to use and kill the animals for fashion even when there are various other supplements available in the market. More than 50 million animals are getting killed per year for producing fur which is really considerable. Fashion industry even uses those animals which are present on the earth in very less numbers. Thus, for finding the solution of this inhuman activity, it is really important to discuss these. The other dark side of fashion industry is the impact on environment. Fashion industry uses various chemicals and produces various poisonous gases in the environment whic h are very harmful for the environment. The model of global clothing and toxic life cycle is clearly indicating the level of pollution and the impact of the fashion industry on the environment. By considering these impacts on environment it is really important to consider this issue of fashion industry to save the environment. As discussed in the above report, fashion industry is enhancing the waste. A lot of waste is produced by the fashion industry. The photo shown in the issue is clearly indicating the level of waste produced in the fashion industry. Fashion industry also forces the people to purchase fewer garments which also results in lots of waste. From the above discussion, we can conclude that these issues should really be considered for an honoured and respectful market position; otherwise the industry will have to face a lot of criticism. If we consider the commercial issues for the fashion industry, most of them are really common for all businesses, like tax related issues, human resource management, supply chain management and rise in the cost and deflation in the price. Rise in the cost and deflation is the price has become a very big problem for the fashion industry. The cost of making the garments is rising with increase in the expensiveness in the market but with the increase in competition in the market the prices of the garments are also dropping in the market which has become very tough to manage. This problem can be solved by making a global union for clothing industry for deciding the globally unique prices. If we consider the issue related to the supply chain management, it is very tough to manage. It is very complex in nature but is also important to manage this supply chain, if it is not managed properly, then it may result in huge loss. Human resource for the fashion industry is very important. The base for profit in fashion industry is dependent on its human resource. Thus it is really important for the fashion industry to manage its human resource management. For a global fashion industry, the organization has to deal with vicarious types of taxes. These taxes are really important to manage. If they are not managed properly, it may result in various legal issues against the industry. The organization needs to have an efficient accounting team to manage the tax related issues. Commercial issues are really important to manage as these may create various legal issues against the industry. References Anthony, Richard (2015). Fashion Industry [online]. Available From: www.richard-anthony.co.uk/specialist-services/fashion-industry [Accessed: 15th March 2015].BBC (2012).Consumer maintenance and safety [online]. Available From: https://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/design/textiles/consumersmaintenancehealthrev1.shtml [Accessed: 15th March 2015].Boone, Tonya (2012). Fashion Industry: A story of consumption and waste Rediff [online]. 17th July 2012. Available From: https://www.rediff.com/money/slide-show/slide-show-1-special-fashion-industry-a-story-of-consumption-and-waste/20120717.htm#1 [Accessed: 20th March 2015].Cara, Ana (2013). Fast Fashion a textile waste [online]. Available From: https://www.luevo.com/fast-fashion-textile-waste/ [Accessed: 20th March 2015].Chalmers, John (2012). Toxic Tanneries rives Bangladesh leather exports: report Reuters [online]. 9th October 2012. Available From: https://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/09/us-bangladesh-tanneries-idUSBRE89816C20121009 [Accessed: 21st March 2015].Doagoo, Courtney (2011).Critical issues in fashion: An international perspective [online]. Available From: https://www.iposgoode.ca/2011/09/critical-issues-in-fashion-an-international-perspective/ [Accessed: 15th March 2015].Dontigney, Eric (2013).Top ten ethical issues in a fashion business [online]. Available From: https://yourbusiness.azcentral.com/top-ten-ethical-issues-fashion-business-28150.html [Accessed: 15th March 2015].European Commission (2013).Trade Issues [online]. Available From: https://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/textiles/external-dimension/trade-issues/index_en.htm [Accessed: 15th March 2015].Fashion industry Law Blog (2015).Laws related to fashion Industry [online]. Available From: https://fashionindustrylaw.com/ [Accessed: 15th March 2015].Fiber2fashion (2013). Ethical issues in fashion- the what, when, why how and who? [online]. Available From: https://www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article/3/280/ethical-issues-in-fashion1.asp [Ac cessed: 15th March 2015].Fiber2Fashion (2009), Enhanced Apparel Chain Configuration for enhancing profit [online]. Available From: https://www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article/21/2031/enhanced-apparel-chain-configurations-for-enhancing-profits1.asp [Accessed: 22nd March 2015].Forbes (2013). Bangladesh Building Collapse Calls Fashion Costs into Questions [online]. Available From: https://www.forbes.com/pictures/mlf45egdmf/13108/ [Accessed: 15th March 2015].Future Start Up (2013). Face to Face with Bibi Russell, Founder of Bibi Productions [online]. Available From: https://futurestartup.com/2013/07/27/face-to-face-with-bibi-russell-founder-bibi-productions/ [Accessed: 22nd March 2015].Hazrat, Ali (2004). Strategic HRM in Pakistans Apparel Industry. HR [online]. 21st March 2004. Available From: https://www.hr.com/SITEFORUM?t=/Default/gatewayi=1116423256281application=storyactive=noParentID=1119278050447StoryID=1119653485156xref=https%3A//www.google.co.in/ [Accessed: 15th March 2015]. Herzheld, Oliver (2013).Protecting Fashion designs [online]. Available From: https://www.forbes.com/sites/oliverherzfeld/2013/01/03/protecting-fashion-designs/ [Accessed: 15th March 2015].HR Daily Advisor (2013). HR management key skills [online]. Available From: https://hrdailyadvisor.blr.com/ [Accessed: 22nd March 2015].Kolsun, Barbara (2010). Fashion Laws: A guide for designers, fashion executives and attorneys 2nd ed. London: Blooms burryLACBA (2014). Hot of RunWay! Current business trends and legal issues in fashion industry and how to protect your clients brand and design [online]. Available From: https://onlinestore.lacba.org/calendar/#ViewCalendarEvent.cfm?1=1CalendarEventID=4388 [Accessed: 15th March 2015].Leach, Adams (2013).Unite Colors of Benetton is the latest retailor to commit to eradicate the use of toxic chemicals within its entire supply chain by 2020. Supply Management [online] 21st January 2013. Available From: https://www.supplymanagement.com/news/2013/benetton- signs-pledge-to-detox-supply-chain [Accessed: 15th March 2015].Leonie, Barrie (2014). Outlook 2014: Apparel industry challenges. Just Style [online] 16th January 2014 Available From: https://www.just-style.com/management-briefing/apparel-industry-challenges_id120331.aspx [Accessed: 15th March 2015].Livemint (2014). REC out with the first tax issue [online]. Available From:Mukherjee, Ramanuj (2013). Reebok India Suffers a major scam. Unlawyered. [online]. 7th April 2013. Available From; https://startup.nujs.edu/blog/9-major-incidences-in-indian-corporate-legal-sector-in-2012-that-you-must-read-about-before-interviews/ [Accessed: 15th March 2015].Press Trust of India (2015). Karl Legarfield defends using fur in Fashion Press Trust of India [online]. 6th March 2015. Available From: https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/karl-lagerfeld-defends-using-fur-in-fashion-115030600082_1.html [Accessed: 20th March 2015].PWC (2014). Industry Issues [online]. Available From: https:/ /www.pwc.co.uk/retail-consumer/issues/retail-and-consumer-industry-issues.jhtml [Accessed: 15th March 2015].SCEC (2012).Fashion [online]. Available From: https://www.scec.org.au/campaigns/know-your-impacts/fashion/ [Accessed: 22nd March 2015].Seo, Byungmen (2014). What is the Problem with Fashion today? [online]. Available From: https://www.notjustalabel.com/editorial/what-problem-fashion-today [Accessed: 15th March 2015].Smith, Ketty (2015).Fainting at Combodia garment Factory. Just Style12th January 2015. Available From: https://www.just-style.com/news/faintings-at-cambodia-garment-factory_id124042.aspx [Accessed: 15th March 2015].Sparrow Media (2014). Fashion Week Investigation Links Top US and International Fashion Brands with Animals Cruelty on rabbit Farms [online]. Available From: https://www.sparrowmedia.net/2014/09/fashion-week-fur-cruelty-investigation-armani-yves-saint-laurent-marc-jacobs-diane-von-furste-burberry-dior-louis-vuitton/ [Accessed: 22nd March 2015].Thornquist , Clemens (2014).Basic Research in Art: Foundational Problem in Fashion designing explore through the art itself. Fashion Practise [online] 6(1) p. 37-58 Available From: https://www.designfakulteten.kth.se/sites/default/files/basic_research_in_art_thornquist.pdf [Accessed: 15th March 2015].USFIA (2013).Transatlantic Trae Investment Partnership [online]. Available From: https://www.usfashionindustry.com/current-issues [Accessed: 15th March 2015].Vizant, Carol (2014). Meet Your New Pet, A Domestic Fox Fast Company [online]. 23rd October 2014. [online]. Available From: https://www.fastcompany.com/3037451/pet-week/meet-your-new-pet-a-domesticated-fox [Accessed: 22nd March 2015].Xaxx, Jagg (2012).Top ten ethical issues in fashion business [online]. Available From: https://smallbusiness.chron.com/top-ten-ethical-issues-fashion-business-21866.html [Accessed: 15th March 2015].Young, Jim (2014). Fast, cheap and out of control: How hyper-consumerism drives us mad [online]. Available From: htt ps://www.salon.com/2014/11/02/fast_cheap_and_out_of_control_how_hyper_consumerism_drives_us_mad/ [Accessed: 20th March 2015].Zelner, Bennet A. (2010).The hidden risks in emerging markets [online]. Available From: https://hbr.org/2010/04/the-hidden-risks-in-emerging-markets [Accessed: 15th March 2015].Zero Hedge (2015).US Deflation surges level last seen October 2008 [online]. Available From: https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2015-02-02/us-deflation-surges-level-last-seen-october-2008-ism-survey-finds [Accessed: 22nd March 2015].

Essay Examples on The Gilded Age Essay Example

Essay Examples on The Gilded Age Paper 1st Essay Sample on The Gilded Age The changes that occurred in the Gilded Age led to shaping American into the superpower and well respected international country that it is recognized as today.The most important changes were the discovery of uses of copper, the assembly line production technique and the completion of thefirst transcontinental railroad. The uses of copper that were introduced during the Gilded Age allowed the development of necessities of life as we know it in the United States today.Because of its ability to transmit electricity and sound, it is used in telephone and telegraph systems and electric lighting – technologies that were developed and introduced during the Gilded Age.It is almost impossible to imagine what our present day lives would be like without telephones, computers and other electronic devices that evolved from the inventions that developed from the discovery of uses of copper during this great period. Henry Fords use of the assembly line in manufacturing thefirst cars in lar ge numbers would survive and evolve to being one of the most efficient techniques of manufacturing otherwise complex and time-consuming products.The assembly line, which is still in use in many factories today, would cut the time of production and would also cut down the skills necessary to build and manufacture products.Before the assembly line, for example, a product would be crafted by a skilled person who possessed the knowledge of making the product.It would take a long time to manufacture because the manufacturing would be done alone or by a few workers.The assembly line would have a line of workers who would do just one function of the manufacturing process.For example, one worker would only put on a tire and thats what that one worker would do all day long.The assembly line would, in turn, require only laborers, instead of skilled workers, to be used. 2nd Essay Sample on The Gilded Age The changes that occurred in the Gilded Age led to shaping American into the superpower and well respected international country that it is recognized as today.The most important changes were the discovery of uses of copper, the assembly line production technique and the completion of thefirst transcontinental railroad. The uses of copper that were introduced during the Gilded Age allowed the development of necessities of life as we know it in the United States today.Because of its ability to transmit electricity and sound, it is used in telephone and telegraph systems and electric lighting – technologies that were developed and introduced during the Gilded Age.It is almost impossible to imagine what our present day lives would be like without telephones, computers and other electronic devices that evolved from the inventions that developed from the discovery of uses of copper during this great period. Henry Fords use of the assembly line in manufacturing thefirst cars in lar ge numbers would survive and evolve to being one of the most efficient techniques of manufacturing otherwise complex and time-consuming products.The assembly line, which is still in use in many factories today, would cut the time of production and would also cut down the skills necessary to build and manufacture products.Before the assembly line, for example, a product would be crafted by a skilled person who possessed the knowledge of making the product.It would take a long time to manufacture because the manufacturing would be done alone or by a few workers.The assembly line would have a line of workers who would do just one function of the manufacturing process.For example, one worker would only put on a tire and thats what that one worker would do all day long. We will write a custom essay sample on Essay Examples on The Gilded Age specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Essay Examples on The Gilded Age specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Essay Examples on The Gilded Age specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer

Tips on Ethics Essay Writing and Topic Ideas

Tips on Ethics Essay Writing and Topic Ideas During your graduation, you will definitely face many complicated assignments, overcome thousands of demanding tasks and handle a lot of stressful situations. Luckily, not every task is a real threat to your school or student life. Is it true that easy assignments exist on your way? The answer is positive, and an ethics essay is among them. What is an Ethics Essay? Ethical essays require arguing for a particular moral conviction. You must find the proper words to defend your ethics position by putting strong arguments. An ethics essay is quite a tricky one. You are expected to develop logical counter-arguments and find the way to disprove them. Show your personal suggestions are correct. Note the sources your work is based on must be reliable. Choose the proper topic for your work. Raise the everlasting question about people’s values or impact of moral principles on an individual's life. Eventually, you'll deliver a good ethics paper that will meet the expectation of the most discerning readers. What do you know about this type of academic paper, and how does it differ from the reflection or analytic paper? Start with the definition of the issue to see the difference. What is ethics? It is a code of practice; an unwritten policy society sticks to in daily experience. Without noticing, we follow the ethical standards to integrate society, keep us together, and help to interact with people. Each person tends to disagree with the numerous rules. It might be a perfect topic when you create an argumentative ethics essay. Place My Order Now! What to Write About? List of Great Ethics Essay Topics Before start writing, be sure you choose a proper topic. For more inspiration, check a theme related to professional ethics, personal ethics or general ethical issues. This way you can easily find a decent topic to develop an essay on ethics. Choose the one that corresponds to your beliefs. Maybe you have seen a controversial movie recently that gave rise to a dispute with your friends? Or read a book that highlighted human actions in a bad light? Think about newspapers. For those who are seeking for â€Å"foot thought†, media is a treasure chest. Here some examples of ethics essay topics and cases you might find useful: Do journalists have the right to interrupt people's private life? Drugs should not be made legal in the world. Ethics in society essay: it is wrong to conduct experiments on animals as they are nature creations. Euthanasia: people suffering from pain and incurable diseases should have the right to die in law. Responsibility for punishment: is it right to remove a kid from a family for one single slap. Colonization theory: humanity has to think about moving to other planets. Fast food consummation: how society should punish parents who encourage their kids to eat unhealthy food. Education revolution: colleges/universities don’t focus on employers’ needs and labor market. Ð  violation of medical confidentiality due to saving lives Can kids have plastic surgery and Botox injections? Kids' bullying: is it right to tattle to a college administration? Cruelty to animals: should we be silent if our relatives or friends abuse pets? Cheating on a test: should a student tell the tutor that his mate doesn't deserve high marks? What should media write about: deliver context that the public wants to hear or tell us the naked truth? Drinking at the prom: is it right to have a loud party for teenagers under 21? Who is judged: should football players be paid more than doctors and engineers? State foundations and church: why should they be separated? The right to suicide: what to do if a person doesn't want to live? Gathering information about clients: do the companies have a right to collect their customer's personal data? To be or not to be: must students learn classics profoundly or it doesn’t correspond to the modern society requests anymore? Robin Hood in a law: should the rich people pay more taxes and share their income with the poor? The weapon allowed everyone: can we change the system? How schools avoid responsibility: why do we have less physical education today? Truth leads you to the abyss: is it necessary to be sincere if it gets you into troubles? Public praying at the school: is the religious act interfering with the rights of agnostics? Do education institutions and tutors responsible for low test scores? Respect for the family: should teenagers always follow adults' decisions? The importance of a team building: does one member of a group can be more valuable than others? Inappropriate behavior: why weirdos make us feel strange? Is it appropriate to develop scientific programs for a human cloning? Or you can turn to philosophy in search of the ethical dilemma. A broad reading and literature studying are important to define a proper approach. It is your starting point to elaborate a strong writing piece. Order My Ethics Essay How to Start an Ethics Essay? As we've already mentioned, there is not a big difference between various academic papers. They all followed the same standards and consist of three separated parts: Introduction. When you elaborate an outline on ethics, find the hook to inflame the readers' interest. Put thesis statements that represent a key idea. Body. This part is your issue description. Ethics essay demands to disclose the author's judgment and suggestions in this paragraph. In order to deliver strong evidence, turn to the most reputable sources. You have to prove by all means your point and make the ethics paper sound more persuasive. Conclusion. It is a final chord of the paper on ethics where you summarize your key ideas. Make it concise. Tips on Making Your Paper Perfect Don't use clichà ©s because they weaken any writing piece Put your thoughts clearly. Don't choose too difficult words. Keep your sentences smooth! Identify the key point in the opening sentences. Discuss your argument with a person who disagrees with you. Keep the required format (MLA, APA, or Chicago) Write less than 1,500 words: 3-4 pages. Don't waste time. Meet the deadline for submissions. We hope our guide helps you get useful knowledge, and we are eager to see you are making significant progress soon! If you have any doubts about ethics writing, find professional assistance and let skilled authors create the top-notch paper.

Strategic Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words - 4

Strategic Management - Essay Example Innovation is an important tool for businesses that is born out of some factors such as globalization and outsourcing as these two tend to push the need for an organisation to become more effective and efficient in their operations. In essence, organisations require innovative processes in order for them to cut down on production costs while making sure that they deliver quality products that would make them to be distinguished within the market they operate in. According to Kelloir (2007, p. 180), one factor that drives innovation for a business is the expectations that consumers have because they are known to yearn for products that can help make life easy for them. An example of this would be the need for consumers to bank conveniently without having to go physically to the bank, which facilitated the e-banking options that makes them to access their money at the click of a mouse button through the internet. With this, customers will go for service providers that provide these ser vices despite the cost implications that this service might attract because they are willing to spend more in order for them to be satisfied. One fact that product and service producers understand is that consumers cannot settle for less if they know that they can go somewhere else and find what they want making innovation and being entrepreneurial to be part of their firm’s. When it comes to the various approaches to innovation for entrepreneurs, Garner (2009, n.p) asserts that they understand that this aspect is what makes them unique within their markets by making it to be a priority. For one, some entrepreneurs can view innovation from a strategic point view by asserting that this can hold the future success of their organisations. However, some entrepreneurs when asked say that they find it hard to integrate innovation to be part of the strategic priorities that they have because of the cost

Define term Strategic organization and Credibility in public speech Essay

Define term Strategic organization and Credibility in public speech - Essay Example Michelle Griffin in her video, â€Å"Strategic Organization Road Map† defined strategic organization as the development of organization’s objectives structured in a logical and systematic manner to achieve desired organization’s results. The best example of strategic organization can be of sharing the mission statement of the organization with stakeholders. The information structured in the report offers good amount of information on the organization’s mission and its long term objectives. The specific audience here is stakeholders and specific result is to attain future goal and objectives through shared ideas and strategies. Thus, it is very much clear that strategic organization is often perceived as the study of an organization’s strategies based on the management decisions. However, in public speech it is also perceived as putting ideas and information together in a manner that is easy to understand and deliver. It caters to the need of specific people in a systematic manner. It is a process that is developed through the understanding of internal and external environment to reap desired value and benefits. In literal sense, credibility is defined as the quality of being believable and trustworthy among others in the personal and professional world. Credibility needs trust and belief that differs from person to person and thus making the whole process of being trustworthy; a complicated one. However, this complexity is eliminated by being honest and clear with one’s ideas and perception along with having a compassionate nature embedded with convincing power and skills. It needs to be understood that people find it difficult to accept the credibility of an individual without assessing his talent and potential. The assessment of one’s skills and potentials offers belief and trust that redefines credibility in a contrasting manner. Tracy Goodwin in her video, â€Å"Persuasive Speaking Tips: Credibility in Persuasive

Case Study analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Case Study analysis - Essay Example Therefore, the process selection as identified by the team’s recommendations; will assist the organisation in prioritizing solutions to the pre-existing problems. For example, the review team’s assessment of the Information Technology (IT) department shows that it’s current IT solution, GovSource; has many undesired implications which lengthen the recruitment process (Stake, 2006). The team also identifies the inefficient modes of communication which cause delayed feedback from the interviewee’s referees and to the applicants. The use of process selection will, therefore, help the organisation to prioritize between these problems allowing them to come up with a SMART plan to ensure their successful resolution. Meaning, the plan ought to be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound. Process selection, therefore, proves to be advantageous to an organisation in the realizing of their set targets (Yin, 2009). 1.1.2 Process identification Proce ss identification entails the definition of the scope of business processes, for example, an analysis of the scope of Talent Seek’s recruitment process. ... These meetings prove helpful because they help relay the clients’ requirements to Talent Seek’s personnel. The preparation of application forms and advertising of the vacancy positions are an integral part of this phase. The scope of the second phase (actual recruitment and selection) covers the evaluation processes used to sort through the applicants. The applicants’ evaluations happen through a similar criterion during the evaluation phase. The scope of the second phase also covers the selection process, whereby, qualified candidates get selected to be offered Talent Seek’s clients’ requirements (Kane, 2008). The scope of the final phase (appointment) covers the final consultations between Talent Seek’s personnel and their clients, where introduction of the selected candidates occurs to the clients. It is in this stage that further negotiations between the recruits and their employers ensue, and, presentation of a formal employment offer ha ppens. In conclusion, process identification plays a key role in shaping the perspective of organisations. This is because it outlines the scope of the processes within the organisation. This allows personnel to understand their roles (Ashly, 2003). References Ashly Downey. (2003). Recruitment Process Improvement. New Jersey: Lee Moffitt . Kane, J. (2008, April 17 ,saturday). Recruitment Intelligence. Retrieved from Steps of the Recruitment Process and How to Identify Failure Points : http://www.ere.net/2010/05/10/the-steps-of-the-recruiting-process-%E2%80%A6-and-how-to-identify-failure-points/ Mikel J. Harry, R. S. (2006). Six Sigma: The Breakthrough Management Strategy Revolutionizing The World's Top Corporations. New York: Currency.

Participation in higher education and women empowerment

Participation in higher education and women empowerment In the research conducted by Samina Malik and Kathy Courtney the finding from Maliks 2005 study was summarized. It was from his study that the wanted to investigate that to what extent does women empowerment was dependant on the gaining of higher education by women. In the research the importance of the prevailing culture and norms on women empowerment was also highlighted as they play a key role in preventing women from claiming the rights that they have been given by law which includes having equal rights to education. As Pakistan is a developing country it has been rated s the nation with the widest gender gap and discrimination against women (UNICEF 2006). The united nations population information network gave the understanding that women empowerment has five major components, which include women sense of self-worth, their right to have and to determine choices, their right to have access to opportunities and resources, their right to have power to control their own lives, both within and outside the home, their ability to influence the direction of social changes to create a more social and economic order, nationally and internationally,(POPIN n.d) However it has come to notice that overall the girls and women are at disadvantage and the movement to bring about any change in their position or their standard of living has failed. Forming a conclusion from the research it has been proven that the attainment of higher education in particular is accepted as a means for social change. The participation in education has many advantages for the women one of the most important one being economic independence. As agreed upon by Iram, samiullah, tanveer, bedi-uz-zaman, shujaat and Ali women empowerment is a social phenomenon. Women in Pakistan are subject to very little participation in the economic sphere of life. Usually they are either underpaid or unpaid workers in the agricultural background. I their research the authors also subject that women empowerment can be measured based on their participation in politics. However the most important aspect being catered to in their study is the impact of male youths views on women empowerment. Since Pakistan is clearly a male dominated society and the views of the male segment plays either a supportive or opposing role towards women empowerment. It was concluded after the study that the prevailing view of women empowerment from the eyes of the male youth has different aspects of acceptance. Regarding ownership of property, vote casting and registration the response was fairly positive. It was also positive towards equal job opportunities, traini ng program and membership of union and organization but political participation and participation in public protests and political campaigns was a negative. Overall however the attitude of youth towards women empowerment was considered a positive but the family practice of the positive attitude was very limited which may be due to the parents background and quality of education. According to Malik hassaan the reason for women being neglected and lookdown upon may lie in some common factors which stem from the history of the country. The social norms and cultures and the menace of poverty have been put down on the shoulders of the women of this country since its birth. The idea proposed that economic development to actual take place in a nation requires the participation of the entire citizens of the nation by Malik is crucial to this country. The concept highlighted is the importance of poverty and government intervention in the developing worlds. The history bearded by the developing nations plays an important part also in another study relevant to this is by Ndrit. Assie-Lumumba regarding the women and empowerment in Africa. The idea being discussed by both the authors lie in the fact that the nations having participated in many international betterment and development programs and organizations the implementation of laws pro-women have been poor due to the history of poverty and culture prevailing in these nations. The insignificant intervention of the government and the lack of positive will towards this idea not only hinder the social well-being but also the e economic wellbeing of these developing nations. As Assie-lumumba explains the participation of women I higher education and universities are extremely low due to which any research conducted from these institutions dont show the actual picture. Although the educational system has been taken from the wests example, the persisting lack of participation by the female sector cannot be ignored. The reason for the lack of involvement doesnt however lie solely with the historic practices but also by the recent practices which have stemmed out from the historic practices in essence strengthening them. The issue being that without access to primary and secondary education the female masses cannot have the opportunity to advance into higher education. The practice of not allowing equal opportunity at the initial levels of education is a major hindrance for the women of Africa. The other main issue discussed in the study relates to the lack of power to have time, equipment and finances being allocated to women in the African society. This also raises the gender gap and in essence reduces the ability of women to participate in education. The absence of proper policies and implementation of these policies thus result in the discriminatory policies regarding education and women in the African continent. The idea that most of the conclusive research done in the developing countries result from the research conducted in the university setting, the absence of women form these institutions result in a lack of information and authentic research. The formation of policies also rest on the information collected therefore the lack of information subsequently result in improper and insufficient efforts being conducted in the way to women empowerment. Lumumba also rightly concludes based on assessment that the role of the researchers are highly crucial in the forward view of the continent and it is their responsibility to interrogate all analyze all the social sectors to finally come up with conclusions. Therefore educating the female masses of the nation is essential to not just economic wellbeing and eradication of poverty but also a healthier social standing of the nation. The same standing is put forth by Malik Hassan in his research that poverty and economic sustainability of Pakistan rests on the shoulders of policy makers and researchers. There is a crucial need for proper research and data availability and a dire need of the policy makers, the government to shape up reforms and implement them in the most efficient and effective manner as without this the nation will not be able to move from the developing category to the developed. The nuisance of poverty and the economic instability is directly related to the no participation of the entire nation towards there amputation. In his conclusion Malik also explains the importance of awareness amongst the citizens, capacity building of women, research and documentation on the achievements of women and advocacy for policy in political parties as essential and substantial requirements to overcome the structural obstacles and lack of awareness in the country. The importance of women participation in policy formulation and their representation at all levels of the government is necessary for the wellbeing and progress of Pakistan. Women empowerment is defined as a change I the context of a womens life that will enable her to lead a fulfilling human life, it being reflected both in external qualities and internal qualities (human development in south Asia (2000) as quoted by Mathew (2003). In the research by purusottam nayak and bidisha mahanta it is found that women of India, another developing nation, are relatively disempowered and given a lower status than their male counterparts. The existing of this gender gap exists basically with regards to education and employment. Different aspects of the study focused on different factors that were looked at by the researcher. These include women having the right to education and employment; domestic violence and say on spending their earnings; womens exposure to media and heir involvement in politics. After a clear view it was concluded that women were subject to unequal treatment b the male dominating society. Dr suvarna sen and ishita mukherjee also in their study look at the prevailing trends of role of women in India and they also examine the employment levels, wages, literacy and school enrolment; their participation in politics and personal health issues. They also suggest from their study that women are being subject to socio-economic biases which in retrospect affect their status in society. The most alarming find from both these studies show the acceptance of this unequal and bias treatment by the women in general. All these factors are either the result of governments shift from raising actual awareness and or implementation of policies structured for women empowerment. The major role of higher education and employment is the conclusive factor in both the studies. It has been seen in Dr surarna sen and ishita mukherjees finding that rising of awareness and education are the only forums which may result in ability to combat these practices. The entire idea of is also supported by purusottam nayak and bidisha mahanta in their findings that access to education and employment are the only enabling factors to empowerment. However in similarity the studies also conclude that the hindrance towards this goal is mainly due to the lack of government support. The idea that government does not support encouragingly the institutions set to formulate policies regarding the bettermen t of the female population and also doesnt take steps in helping in the implementation of these policies for proper coverage and benefits. The idea of empowerment if not wholly supported by the mass of male population and the authoritarian of the country, cannot flourish and bloom. The presence of education plays a pivotal role for women in helping them realize and understand their rights and their rewards. Without which they may not be able to come out of the current situation and remain to believe themselves subjugate to domestic vigilance and gender bias. Another study conducted by purusottam nayak and bidisha mahanta examines the impact of women empowerment in Assam. In this study as well the women empowerment quotient is judged on the basis of indicators such as education, employment, household decision making power, financial autonomy, and freedom of movement, exposure to media, political participation and experience of domestic violence. Assam is one of the states of India and the largest state in the region of North east India on basis of population. Although it is free from a lot of social evils like dowry, sati, female feticide and infanticides it is still ranked very low in the scale of female empowerment. There is a wide gender gap in the state which is even not found in other comparable states in India. the study concludes that the development of the state is being affected by the widening inequality in gender and that the development process is not gender neutral as women are subject to lower status as even when compared to the rest of the states in India. There does seem to be political involvement of the woman segment in the state however other than that the educational and employment status is very low. Also the access and reach over resources is very low as well. Meetika Srivastava In her study gives a profound view on women empowerment. She begins by explaining the importance of women in the society and their pivotal role in shaping the nations future as mothers, teachers etc. she also very clearly signifies the women rights that are considered under the act of humanitarian law worldwide. The basic human right that woman is entitled to live in dignity and esteem. Have freedom of want and freedom from fear just as her male counterparts. The importance of this equality has been underscored by its inclusion as one of the Millennium Development Goals. However she goes on to explain further that even though worldwide gender equality has been given an important stature it remains to a practically neglected avenue. Violence and discrimination is a very common practice however now economic discrimination has also joined in the list of inequalities which include health and education. Despite a lot of controversy and a lot of this agenda being raised by the international organizations, women are still more likely to be ill, poor, illiterate and tortured than men. Another important factor for empowerment measurement is the control of their own fertility. This aspect is so crucial that it is considered sometimes, as the benchmark for empowerment as said in the study that, when a woman can plan her family, she can plan the rest of her life. Srivastava 2009 Ms Srivastava is on the right path when she concludes by her study that women empowerment is a strong factor towards development. She explains further that despite the said progress that is made the female segment of the society is the most neglected segment as yet. Especially with regards to basic health and education they seem to be suffering magnanimously. she goes on to close with the fact that no kind of social empowerment, legal empowerment or economic empowerment may be able to take place without focusing on women empowerment. In his study of women empowerment in India, Mr. gagandeep kaur explains that the empowerment assumed to be prevalent in the society where women are known in literature and religious scrolls as devis or shakti is all a faà §ade. It doesnt exist and all the rights and privileges so called adhered to women in the Indian society are just on paper in ink and not in real life. He goes on to explain that the status of women cannot change by the mere idea of introducing the terms but it requires a complete change of metal setup which is deep rooted in not just the minds of the people but also of the woman herself. The biggest problem is that women are unaware of their own rights and what world of opportunities lies for them. Various efforts are being conducted by free lance NGOs, media and welfare organizations, but what is most important is the involvement of the government he says. Gary S Becker, William H J Hubbard and Kevin M Murphy follow on the research that they conducted regarding the worldwide boom in higher education with regard to women education. In their research they explain that there has been a high increase in the education of female and males around the globe. They d agree that citizen in developing nations and developed nations do get different share of education however according to new statistics there has been a substantial increase in both the worlds higher education trend. The most important factor that they have come to notice is that the research provides them with sufficient facts that the increase in higher education is due to women. In their research they provide a model of supply and demand in market for college educated workers. They also examine the effects of the costs of college education and difference in gender and also means and distribution of skills.

The Cybernetic Plot of Ulysses :: Ulysses

The Cybernetic Plot of Ulysses A paper delivered at the CALIFORNIA JOYCE conference (6/30/93) To quote the opening of Norbert Wiener's address on Cybernetics to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in March of 1950, The word cybernetics has been taken from the Greek word kubernitiz (ky-ber-NEE-tis) meaning steersman. It has been invented because there is not in the literature any adequate term describing the general study of communication and the related study of control in both machines and in living beings. In this paper, I mean by cybernetics those activities and ideas that have to do with the sending, carrying, and receiving of information. My thesis is that there is a cybernetic plot to ULYSSES -- a constellation or meaningful pattern to the novel's many images of people sending, carrying, and receiving -- or distorting, or losing -- signals of varying import and value. This plot -- the plot of signals that are launched on perilous Odyssean journeys, and that reach home, if they do, only through devious paths -- parallels and augments the novel's more central journeys, its dangers encountered, and its successful returns. ULYSSES works rather neatly as a cybernetic allegory, in fact, not only in its represented action, but also in its history as a text. The book itself, that is, has reached us only by a devious path around Cyclopean censors and the Scylla and Charybdis of pirates and obtuse editors and publishers. ULYSSES both retells and re-enacts, that is, the Odyssean journey of information that, once sent, is threatened and nearly thwarted before it is finally received. We are talking, of course, of cybernetics avant la lettre -- before Norbert Wiener and others had coined the term. But like Moliere's Monsieur Jourdain discovering that all along he's been speaking prose, so Leopold Bloom might delight in learning that he is actually quite a proficient cyberneticist. Joyce made his protagonist an advertizing canvasser at the moment when advertizing had just entered the modern age. Bloom's job is to put his clients' messages into forms that are digestible by the mass medium of the press. If Bloom shows up in the National Library, for instance, it will be to find a logo (in what we would call clip art) for his client Alexander Keyes. The conduct of spirit through space and time is what communication's about. And James Joyce was interested, as we know, in the conduct of spirit: his own, that of his home town, and that of his species. Once they're sent, what are some of the things that can happen to messages?

Positive Thinking

Positive thinking leads a man to success. One who thinks that he can achieve the things, will put his best to achieve, will not fetter by the problems in the path of success and one day he will win positively. Self confidence, determination, perseverance, and hard work are the key factors of success. Every small or big, easy or complex problem have its solution. There is a way out of every labyrinth, there is an answer to every enigma. The only requirements are the confidence, hard work and determination and you get the answer. Where there is a will, there is a way. If you find any problem, a typical one, don’t lose heart, go ahead and devote yourself fully, analyze each aspect, and get the problem solved. Every invention taken place so far, were riddled with many unfound answers, but the inventor’s zeal and perseverance found the solution and a new invention took place. For a confident person, the word ‘impossible’ is no where in his dictionary. A determined and dedicated person finds way in all complexities undaunted by the initial problems and failures he keeps on finding solution to every teaser and one day he achieves his cherished goal. Dedication, devotion to the task and positive thinking with determination have been the important factors of success of every successful celebrity. Take the recent example Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, the widow of Prime Minister Rajeev Gandhi, participated and campaigned in the Lok Sabha election 2004, undaunted by the criticism, personal attacks and all kinds of perversities she went alone campaigning alone without having any other ‘Star’ campaigner, covered almost the whole of the country against the BJP and showed the world that congress got the majority. She has shown her unflinching determination, unfettered self confidence, dedication and devotion to the cause without worrying for the results and she is the winner. Every Tom and dick had questioned her nationality, her foreign origin, but she cared a fig for all criticism and showed her caliber. Life is a battle, one has to fight it fearlessly. Fight with confidence, positive attitude, right aptitude, with determined and concentrated efforts, leads to the surest path of success. Fortune is said to favor the brave. God also help those who help themselves. A coward, a pessimist dare not even to fight in the race, it is an optimist and determined soul, who dares to fight, has the chance of success. A winner never quits and a quitter never wins shows that one who constantly tries to achieve something, one who endeavors hard incessantly to achieve something, he is the winner, later or sooner, but a quitter could never be a winner. When Vallabhbhai Patel told that’ Swaraj is my birth right’ so many people find it mere a slogan, but the incessant struggle put by all the freedom fighters supported the claim of Patel and we could win the freedom. Organizing the efforts properly, in right direction, striking at the opportune time, are essential for achieving a target. Optimism, determination, undaunted will power makes every impossible task possible. Confidence is the most important key to success. It boosts the morale and creates determination to attain a goal. The loss of confidence makes a man pessimist, coward or a dead man. The importance of ‘right deeds’ is well emphasized in Bhagwat Geeta: Lord Krishna tells Arjun to follow the path of righteousness, the path of dedication, Do Karma, don’t think about the result, the God is Omnipresent, Omnipotent, the results as per your deeds will follow. It should also be remembered that the positive and constructive thoughts which aims for the betterment of mankind are met with success. It should not be riddled with self aggrandizement evil thoughts never bear good results. Your biggest assets are your enthusiasm that enriches with your positive thinking. Never lose hope, keep cheerful put the best possible efforts with your total involvement, have confidence in you and you are the winner. Through positive thinking one can overcome the mountains. One who always think positively even in adverse circumstances wins. Positive thinking always pays. Life belongs to the ambitions. Positive Thinking Positive thinking leads a man to success. One who thinks that he can achieve the things, will put his best to achieve, will not fetter by the problems in the path of success and one day he will win positively. Self confidence, determination, perseverance, and hard work are the key factors of success. Every small or big, easy or complex problem have its solution. There is a way out of every labyrinth, there is an answer to every enigma. The only requirements are the confidence, hard work and determination and you get the answer. Where there is a will, there is a way. If you find any problem, a typical one, don’t lose heart, go ahead and devote yourself fully, analyze each aspect, and get the problem solved. Every invention taken place so far, were riddled with many unfound answers, but the inventor’s zeal and perseverance found the solution and a new invention took place. For a confident person, the word ‘impossible’ is no where in his dictionary. A determined and dedicated person finds way in all complexities undaunted by the initial problems and failures he keeps on finding solution to every teaser and one day he achieves his cherished goal. Dedication, devotion to the task and positive thinking with determination have been the important factors of success of every successful celebrity. Take the recent example Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, the widow of Prime Minister Rajeev Gandhi, participated and campaigned in the Lok Sabha election 2004, undaunted by the criticism, personal attacks and all kinds of perversities she went alone campaigning alone without having any other ‘Star’ campaigner, covered almost the whole of the country against the BJP and showed the world that congress got the majority. She has shown her unflinching determination, unfettered self confidence, dedication and devotion to the cause without worrying for the results and she is the winner. Every Tom and dick had questioned her nationality, her foreign origin, but she cared a fig for all criticism and showed her caliber. Life is a battle, one has to fight it fearlessly. Fight with confidence, positive attitude, right aptitude, with determined and concentrated efforts, leads to the surest path of success. Fortune is said to favor the brave. God also help those who help themselves. A coward, a pessimist dare not even to fight in the race, it is an optimist and determined soul, who dares to fight, has the chance of success. A winner never quits and a quitter never wins shows that one who constantly tries to achieve something, one who endeavors hard incessantly to achieve something, he is the winner, later or sooner, but a quitter could never be a winner. When Vallabhbhai Patel told that’ Swaraj is my birth right’ so many people find it mere a slogan, but the incessant struggle put by all the freedom fighters supported the claim of Patel and we could win the freedom. Organizing the efforts properly, in right direction, striking at the opportune time, are essential for achieving a target. Optimism, determination, undaunted will power makes every impossible task possible. Confidence is the most important key to success. It boosts the morale and creates determination to attain a goal. The loss of confidence makes a man pessimist, coward or a dead man. The importance of ‘right deeds’ is well emphasized in Bhagwat Geeta: Lord Krishna tells Arjun to follow the path of righteousness, the path of dedication, Do Karma, don’t think about the result, the God is Omnipresent, Omnipotent, the results as per your deeds will follow. It should also be remembered that the positive and constructive thoughts which aims for the betterment of mankind are met with success. It should not be riddled with self aggrandizement evil thoughts never bear good results. Your biggest assets are your enthusiasm that enriches with your positive thinking. Never lose hope, keep cheerful put the best possible efforts with your total involvement, have confidence in you and you are the winner. Through positive thinking one can overcome the mountains. One who always think positively even in adverse circumstances wins. Positive thinking always pays. Life belongs to the ambitions.

Puma Company Analysis

Puma Company Analysis Executive Summary Puma SE is one of the leading firms in the sports industry. Started in 1948, this German company has had growth in its market share, making it the second largest firm in the sports industry. Initially a shoe making company, this firm soon started producing all types of sportswear, including balls. The company lost its ground to its arch rival, Addidas and other new entrants.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Puma: Company Analysis specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In its quest to recapture its lost markets, the company has set programs that would ensure that it regains its lead in the market. It has redefined its value proposition, extended its line of production and ventured into new industries. All these are meant to give it a new direction towards success. This effort has seen it capture some new markets in that it had lost to some of its competitors in this industry. Introduction Puma SE is one of the leading companies in the world in the sports industry. Established in 1948 when two brothers, Rudolf Dassler and Adolf Dassler broke up, Puma has grown from a family owned business to a partnership, and currently a public company with its shares listed in the country’s stock market (Woodruff 1997, p. 45). It has a worldwide coverage, with a brand name that is known by many people across the world. In this sports industry, the company faces very strong competition from its arch rival which is also a sister company, Addidas. The Company has had cordial relationship with this firm, which is currently the market leader in this industry. In this industry many firms have come into existence from various regions across the world. These new entrants are producing products with similar features as Puma, a fact that has seen competition sore in the world markets. The market share of Puma SE, from a technical view point, has significantly dropped (Payne Holt 2001, P. 42). Addidas still occupies the largest portion of home market share, and the world market in general. Presence of other international firms in this industry has further eaten up its market share. The firm is left with a limited market share, a fact that has seen it loose the glory it had in early 1970s. Despite all these challenges, this firm has developed structures that would ensure that it remains competitive. It has broadened the scope of its products to go beyond shoes and balls. Currently, Puma produces virtually every sportswear. According to the reports given by Barnes and Pinder (2009, P. 45), the firm also plans to open a new line of designer clothes, outside its current sportswear productions.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Strategic Analysis Profile of the Business Puma SE operates in the sports industry. It sells among other items, sports shoes, sports clothing, and balls. Although the firm has specialized in various sportswear and designer clothes, the company basically started out as a shoe making company (Andreson Rossum 2006, p. 45). Although it makes profit from other lines of products, its leading revenue earner still remains shoe making. According to Cunningham (2000), Puma SE comes second in the world in production of sportswear. The sports shoes have proven to be the best income earner for the company that has diversified its products to various industries. In Germany, which is the home country, the firm has had a huge market for its shoes in various disciplines in sports. Although the brother company, Addidas has maintained the lead in this sector, the company has had huge profits from the sale of shoes. According to Eggert and Ulaga (2002, p. 78), football shoes accounts for the largest income earner for the firm. Its market share within the home country in production of sports shoes is 26 percent. Although this local market is controlled largely by Addidas, Puma has maintained a close pursuit of the firm. Puma also comes second to the sister company Addidas in supply of sportswear. Its sports products have widely gained acceptance in the world market because of its associated quality. Dubois, Jolibert, and Muhlbacher (2007, P. 75) observe that this company positioned itself as a company that has the interest of customers at heart. This firm started out as a small shoe manufacturing company following the fallout between Adolf and Rudolf who were managing the parent company. They agreed to split the parent company, a move that saw the inception of the two world’s leading sportswear companies: Addidas and Puma in 1948 (Cohen Morrison 2000, p. 39). This company experienced consistent growth since its inception to early 1990s. The external environment was conducive for growth. The main competitor within the local market was the sister company, Addidas.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Puma: Company Analysis specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The two companies avoided direct competition, always operating as a unit. Through this, they were able to exercise full control of the market. They could set the prices they felt preferable to them. Because they had full control of the industry, they could easily control the suppliers. Due to this monopoly kind of operation, the company was able to amass a large capital base. Through this, it was able to expand its market share to cover the entire country of Germany after operating for only four years (Kotler, Keller, Brady, Goodman, Hansen 2009, p. 63). It would later venture into other European markets. It started by selling its products in Russia, France, and the Great Britain. Milroy (1983, p. 46) reports that this firm grew rapidly in the European markets. Having realized the potential that existed in the American markets, this firm opened a number of shops in the two Am erican continents. In the north, it identified a number of exclusive distributers within United States of America. It would later open other shops in Canada. In the south, it opened exclusive shops in Brazil. It would later open other shops in Uruguay, Paraguay, and Chile. Business was doing well and by 1992, this German firm had exerted its presence in the entire Europe, the American continents, Asia and most parts of Africa. According to Piercy (2009, p. 73), this company currently ranks second in the world in production of sportswear, after the sister company, Addidas. Although Addidas has dominated over 50 percent of the world’s market in this industry at the expense of Puma SE, there is still a room for the firm’s expansion. Best (2009, p. 36) reports that according to the current economic condition of the firm, Puma SE stands out as a very strong company in this. A statement issued by the chairman, Mr. Jochen Zeitz, and the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Franz Koch , in the last annual conference shows that the company has laid down proper strategies that would enable it recapture most of the markets it lost to its sister company, Addidas and other new entrants into this industry from various countries in the world (Atkinson 1990, p. 124).Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This scholar reports that the chairperson was very categorical in his statement on the firm’s opinion about their arch rival company: Addidas. The chairman is reported to have said that Addidas was and would remain a sister company to Puma SE. This was a strong indication that the firm was not considering any direct confrontational competition with Addidas in its quest to recapture the markets it had lost to it. However, the firm’s Chief Executive Officer gave a very strong pointer that the firm would engage in fierce battles in the world markets against new entrants that were threatening its existence in various world markets. Currently, Puma SE has more than 9350 employees located in different regions across the world. These are individuals who are directly employed by this firm as full time employees. However, the firm employs over half a million individuals across the world indirectly. Most of these individuals are people who work as the exclusive shop owners who s tock the products of Puma, or their employees. Others are employed in the logistics of this company while down the ladder are the cobblers who would repair the shoes in case they are in bad shape. By the close of 2010 financial year, the firm had a strong financial base which was an indication that it was doing well in this industry (Andreson, Narus, Rossum 2011, P. 98). This was an indication that it was still competitive despite the new entrants that have heightened the rate of competition. The company’s balance sheet as at the end of this period was very strong. It showed that the company was in a position to finance most of its planned activities. It also showed that the company was able to settle all the debts, both long term and short-term, and still be in a position to run all its operations normally. This supports the chairman and the chief executive officers’ statements that Puma is determined to ensure that it remained competitive in the world market. Its fi nancial statements, in the appendix below show that the firm is in a position to manage competition. Company Purpose Puma’s vision is based on four values: fairness, honesty, positivity and creativeness. In their profile, Puma envisions a world that is peaceful, safer, and more creative than what we have today (Ahmed Rafiq 2002, p. 83). In achieving this, the company sets to play its part by ensuring that it is fair to its customers and honest in all its dealings. It strives to achieve positivity in all its activities and creativity in its products. The Business Environment According to Adam Healy (2000, p. 30), business environment plays a very important role in a firm’s success or failure. No business operates in a vacuum. Every business has various environmental factors that affect its operations in one way or the other. As such, businesses around the world has been keen to monitor the environment and manipulate those that can be manipulated to its advantage, and conform to those forces that cannot be manipulated. As Holbrook (2003, p. 74) says, environmental factors can be grouped into three broad categories. The first category is the internal environment, which can be analyzed through SWOT analysis, the external environment that can be done using PESTEL analysis and the competitive environment. The Internal Environment: SWOT Analysis Puma SE can be analyzed through the above-mentioned tool to ensure that its internal environment is completely understood. Strength of this company arises from a number of factors. The main source of strength of Puma SE in this industry is its many years of experience (Weiss 1994, p. 82). This firm has been in operation for a considerably long period and currently understands exact needs of the market. This gives it an edge over other firms in this industry. Moreover, its huge financial base, committed employees and dominance in the world markets have seen it edge out other competitors in the market. However, as Gilbert (2001, 65) notes, one main weakness of Puma SE has been its slow adoption to the emerging technologies. The technology is changing very fast and with it comes various changes that every firm should get adapted to. Puma, although currently uses the modern means of production, took too long to embrace technological changes. This saw its competitors like Addidas overtake it as the market leader. Its financial base is also comparative less, taking into account the economic strength of its main competitor, Addidas. Opportunities arise in the market that has seen this firm prosper. The Olympics, World Cups and such other major sporting events offer this company opportunity to market its products. This company manufactures balls and other sports gear. Major world sports events offer it a huge opportunity to sell its products in mass. Within the local market, the firm also sells its products to local teams and organization found in this country. The environment is marred with a n umber of threats. One main threat to Puma SE is the ease with which new entrants come into this industry. Many firms producing the same products as Puma have eaten into its market share, threatening to drive it out of the market (Ward 1999, p. 43). Governments’ policies in various countries have also hindered its growth as some are restrictive. Volatile fuel prices also increases cost of production, lowering the profits of the firm. External Environment PESTEL Analysis Puma SE also experiences external environmental forces that have very strong influence in its operations. The external forces can best be analyzed through PESTEL analysis. The political environment within its home country, Germany has been very stable. Germany has had a long period of political stability, a fact that has seen Puma grow to other regions of the world. The government has also been supportive to this firm, always ready to offer financial support (Ulaga Chacour 2001, p. 41). It has also created a c onducive environment where firms can access funds for development with ease. However the political environment in other world regions has not been very conducive. Other governments have been hostile, while in other regions like Afghanistan, there lacks political stability that can sustain normal running of business. The economic environment of this firm has had mixed fortunes. Germany is the only European country that never experienced the 2008/2009 world economic recession (Andreson, Narus, Rossum 2010, 45). This means that Puma SE’s local market was not affected by the recession. However, the firm operates in various other regions across the world, including the US, which was greatly affected by the recession. As the local market remained conducive, the international market was volatile, and to an extent, very weak. Sports is a recreational activity, hence it enhances the social welfare of mankind. The social environment of Puma SE is much dictated by the industry in which it plays. Sports are loved across the world. Being one of the facilitator of various sports popular in various regions, Puma has gained popularity in various regions. Having sponsored renowned sportsmen like Pele, Etoo and Maradona, many people have come to identify with its products, especially the football shoes (Lindgreen Finn 2005, p. 16). Technological environment plays a major role in the firm’s development in this industry. Technological changes have seen new methods of production come into existence. Technology brings with it mixed blessings. If a firm adapts technology at the right time and in the right manner, it would reap positively from it. However, if it is slow to its adaption or adopts wrong technologies, the effect can be adverse. Puma learnt this and has adopted the new technologies. This has seen it prosper within this industry. Environmental concerns like pollution have been a major issue within this industry. This firm, alongside the sister company, Add idas and their suppliers have been accused by an environmentalist group called Greenpeace of playing a major role in pollution of the environment (Frankfort-Nachmias Nachmias 1992, p. 91). In response to this, Puma has promised to reinvent its methods of production to minimize its levels of pollution. This was an attempt to ensure that it builds its public image. As Bailey (1996, p. 72) states, no firm can operate in a lawless environment. Law is very important in ensuring that as an individual or entity enjoys his or her freedom, he or she does not interfere with others. This way, business environments would have peace that it requires. Puma has always strove to ensure that its entire operations are within the confines of the law. This is to ensure that it does not face litigation in case it can be avoided. The competitive environment has been tough for Puma. Once a flourishing firm with only Addidas as the main competitor, Puma currently operates in a very competitive market. New firms have emerged in various regions challenging the position of Puma in the world market. Although Puma is still considered the second largest company in this industry, its market share has been significantly reduced in the world market (Flint, Woodruff, Fisher 2002, p. 124). Back at home, Addidas takes a larger part of the market share, straining this firm even further. However, the firm has managed to keep afloat the competition through devising competitive strategies that has seen it increase its profitability. Stakeholder Theory Stakeholder theory helps in understanding the company’s in entirety in regard to individuals and corporate bodies that play part in its running. By conducting stakeholder analysis on Puma, it would be possible to determine the main decision makers, and how their decisions affect other members and the firm in general. Puma has its shares traded publicly, and therefore its board of directors would have the final say in decision making. As such, it is important to understand factors that influence their decision-making. Markowitz Portfolio Theory Puma operates as a public company. The shareholders of this company expect returns from their investment. Markowitz Portfolio theory holds that shareholders’ return can be evaluated from two fronts, which are current dividend yield and capital gains yields. When investors buy shares of this company, their hope is that their shares would appreciate and they would be able to get profits after some time. This can only be realized if the company is recording gains in its operations. Puma has registered some growth over the last three years as can be seen in its financial statements shown in the appendix below. For this reason, shareholders capital gains yield is positive. Strategic Development Puma has had a slow growth over the last part of the twentieth century. The firm was doing well in the early seventies when it was threatening to floor its arch rival, Addidas. Briggs (198 6, P. 37) reports of an incident during the1972 World Cup when Puma used Pele to market its football boots even after an agreement between Puma and Addidas that the two competitors would avoid using Pele in that tournament. Since then, the trust between the two firms has dropped, a fact that has seen both of them treat each other with some elements of suspicion, though they have maintained cordial relationships, always avoiding scenarios that could lead to direct confrontation. Puma SE has developed strategic plans that would enable it prosper in the highly competitive market. Basis of Competition As stated above, completion in this industry is very rife. Bryman (2001, p. 73) laments that most of the new firms that come into existence are merely copy cuts. He asserts that most of them lack creativity that would see to it that they prosper in this competitive market. As such, competition has become so stiff because items taken to the market are identical. In the sports industry, Puma faces the same problem. Many of the new firms that have come into existence are producing products that are exactly similar to Pumas’ products. It forces the company to devise methods that would ensure that it is able to manage this stiff competition. Puma has ensured that it attracts customers to its products. To help in doing this, the firm has differentiated its products by its company logo for ease of identification from an array of similar products. The company has then positioned its products as user defined. Every product has its specific use as per the customer’s needs, and Puma is available to provide this. It has developed value proposition that makes the brand be associated with quality for every single product they avail to the market. Always avoiding pricing as a market strategy, Puma has focused on providing quality to enhance its competitiveness (Fifield 2007, p. 63). Its products have therefore acquired a special niche in the market, making them stand out among the rest as the preferred quality provider. As such, many customers have come to like the products and are making purchase of the products at the peril of other compotators. Existing Strategy Puma has reinvented its strategies to match the competitive environment. Competition in the market is so stiff and it would be very easy for a firm to fall if care is not taken. Many firms in many countries across the world have started producing similar products as Puma in markets that were previously dominated by Puma. What is worse is the fact that these firms receive their government’s protections (Edkins Maja 2009, p. 79). With the current rising nationalisms in various countries and the need to ensure that local firms prosper, governments have formulated policies that would ensure that local firms are protected from external aggression. The policies are meant to bar firms like Puma and other related foreign firms from operating in such countries. Having realized this, Pu ma has decided to embrace collaboration with local firms to facilitate national acceptance. Local firms are permitted by Puma to operate under the brand name Puma, but with full independence from the parent Puma. The firms would in turn be expected to stock Puma products, besides other products that such local firms may wish to stock, provided the products are not direct competitors of Puma’s products. The firm has also aggressively gotten into massive development of new products to ensure that it remains relevant in the market (Cukor-Avila 2000, p. 46). Some products like the Puma sports shoes are currently considered cash cows for the firm because of their constant income generation over the years. Some designs of shoes and clothing that were considered out of fashion (dogs) were eliminated. The firm plans to venture into clothing industry other than sportswear. This strategy is to ensure that the firm increases its revenue base. Generation of Strategic Options Puma SE has designed programs that would help it capture new market. As mentioned above, the company currently produces other lines of products besides the sportswear. It produces designer clothes. The firm has also made concerted effort to recapture its lost market share, by creating patents in various locations around the world (Balnaves Caputi 2001, p. 79). With its impressive balance sheet, this company is in a position to finance most of its expansion plans. Its adoption of new technologies is meant to ensure that it reduces cost of production as it increase profits. Evaluation and Ranking Options The strategies that this firm has plans to adopt or has adopted already comes at a cost. Installing technological equipments have huge financial consequences. However, it is cost effective in the long run. Starting new lines of production may mean putting more on investment. However, it would help the firm venture into new markets. The most important point is that the firm has to be in a positio n to withstand the financial consequences of the move it makes. Choice of Strategies Based on the above analysis, the best option for this firm would be to open new lines of production. Because most of its products have reached their full life circle, new products would ensure continuity and increased profitability. It would also ensure that as the cash cows bring in money, there are other fall back options. Implementation Puma should devise a plan on how it would implement its planned strategies. The chart below would help summaries the process this firm should take in the implementation. There should be a team within research and development department part that should be responsible for idea screening. The idea should undergo a full process of scanning to determine its viability. If viable, market research should be done to ensure that the product would receive expected acceptance. The management should allocate enough finance to this department to ensure that all the stages are carried out successfully. The next stage would involve production of sample which would then be taken to the market for testing. If the product passes this stage, it can then be commercialized. Recommendations Because of the heightened competition that exists in this industry, Puma should consider getting an edge over other competitors in this industry. The following recommendations should be considered by this company when implementing the new strategies: The management should consider adopting emerging technologies of production as a way of ensuring that their production method meets the market standards. The top management should actively involve all the employees in idea generation because it is the employees who are always in touch with the customers. Research on new products, improvement of existing products or new technologies should always be in line with the market requirements. In launching new products in the market, the research and development team and the marketing d epartment should ensure that they create a special niche for the product in the market. Puma should consider having a collaborative relationship with its arch rival, Addidas in order to face other emerging competitors as a unit. This would help the two companies have stronger bargaining power both with the suppliers and the market. List of References Adam, F Healy, M 2000, A Practical Guide to Postgraduate Research. Blackhall Publishing, Dublin. Ahmed, K Rafiq, M 2002, Internal Marketing tools and concepts for customer-focused management, Butterworth Heinemann Elsevier, Oxford. Andreson, JC, Narus, AJ Rossum, W 2010, â€Å"Customer Value Propositions in Business Markets†, Harvard Business Review, Vol. 1, no. 3, pp 91-99. Atkinson, P 1990, The Ethnographic Imagination: Textual Constructions of Reality Routledge, London. Bailey, A 1996, A Guide to Field Research, California, Forge Press, Pine. Balnaves, M Caputi, P 2001, Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods: An In vestigative Approach, Sage Publications, London. 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Appendix Puma Balance Sheet (in thousands US dollars) 31-Dec 31-Dec 31-Dec 31-Dec 2008 2009 2010 2011 Cash and Equivalents 1,474.70 1,049.10 2,332.50 26,507.10 Trading Asset Securities 12,110.30 5,216.20 5,415.20 2,344.60 Total Cash and Short Term Investments 20,142.20 34,726.90 32,674.30 28,851.70 Other Receivables 739.30 3,487.60 1,990.30 2,731.80 Total Receivables 739.30 3,487.60 1,990.30 2,731.80 Restricted Cash 6,072.80 6,537.30 6,297.50 7,001.60 Total Current Assets 27,728.60 45,422.80 41,499.00 38,585.10 Gross Property and Equipment 2,246.50 2,407.90 2,551.30 _ Accumulated Depreciation -1,376.40 -1,512.00 -1,581.10 _ Net Property Plant and Equipment 870.10 895.90 970.20 1,169.40 Goodwill 29.90 28.10 27.70 _ Other Long-term Assets 643.90 572.00 372.70 6,077.80 Total Assets 178,891.20 185,518.30 187,415.80 192,773.90 Liabilities and Equity Accounts Payable 832.80 746.70 529.90 _ Accrued Expenses 1,006.10 418.10 353.20 _ Short-term Borrowings 6,583.80 2,766.70 2,572.90 _ Current Portion of Long-term Debt/cap. Lease _ _ 1,874.70 _ Total Current Liabilities 1,547,551.30 158,385.70 158,611.70 157,885.20 Long-term Debt 1,873.00 1,873.90 _ _ Minority Interest 216.10 191.60 173.20 _ Unearned Revenue, Non-current 943.90 1,543.00 2,061.10 _ Other Non-current Liabilities 1,261.10 1,214.00 1,140.20 6,758.80 Total Liabilities 158,829.30 163,016.60 161,813.00 164,644.00 Common Stock 9,000 9,000 9,000 9,000 Retained Earnings 12,304.30 15,324.80 18,189.40 19,856.60 Treasury Stock -433.40 -710.40 -1,268.30 _ Comprehensive Income and Other -1,025.10 -1,304.30 -491.40 -726.70 Total Common Equity 19,845.80 22,310.10 25,429.70 28,129.90 Total Equity 20,061.90 22,501.60 25,602.90 28,129.90 Total Liabilities and Equity 178,891.20 185,518.30 187,415.80 192,773.90