The Cooperative Bank free essay sample

This paper examines the foundation and operational systems of the cooperative bank and its attempt to position itself within the context of two generic identities; the cooperative movement and the generic identity of the banking industry. It takes a look at the ethical policy concepts of the bank as its business model and how this has evolved as a differentiation characteristic for the banking industry. It also explores briefly the evolution of the bank since conception, its successes and challenges so far, and its target markets. The cooperative bank was established in 1872. It has a proud history as part of the cooperative movement whose early foundations are traced back to efforts of peasants to break free from capitalist principles and its social system. Its ethical policy strategy was launched in 1992 and states who it chooses not to do business with. These include but not limited to the following: (i)Businesses with links to environmental damage (ii)Arms and fur trade (iii)Genetic modification and animal testing A report by Nicholls (2007) 1 â€Å"defines ethical markets as an aggregated consumer-provider (demand-supply) exchange transactions of goods or services that have as one of their defining product characteristics – a normalised notion of social and/or environmental benefit. We will write a custom essay sample on The Cooperative Bank or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page † The cooperative bank operates as a business that is not driven solely by capital but also by human rights and social justice. The bank enjoyed tremendous success in the early 80’s and pioneered innovative ideas such as free interest bearing cheque accounts and free in-credit banking. Due to change and innovation, the organizational structure of cooperative banks has evolved. Co-operative banks today increasingly consist of complex ownership structures that mimic the organisational models of commercial banks. According to Wyman (2008) 2 ‘‘their defining characteristics are no longer as clear cut as during inception’’. Differentiating individual contributions of members and their share of the accruing benefits is becoming increasingly difficult. By the early 90’s, deregulation of the banking sector opened up the current account market to intense competition and consumerism. Based on market research, the bank adopted a new marketing strategy centred on its ethical stance; this created a new public image and awareness, which increased its target market and customer base; currently at over 6million consumers. The bank is also not quoted on the stock market and has just one shareholder which is the cooperative group. 3 this means it is less susceptible to the current fluctuations of the money market and provides better security for customer investments in relation to more popular high credible banks. The 1999 launch of its wholly internet bank, Smile has the 2nd highest customer ratings among UK banks. BBC (2008). 4 In the 2005/06 financial year, whilst making profits of ? 96. 5 million, it turned away business of nearly ? 10 million. 5 This loss of funds is crucial for investment purposes and critics ask if the cooperative bank can successfully lead in the ever competitive banking industry. A look at the big four banks such as Barclays, Hsbc etc show a major strength in their accumulated capital base. Barclays bank has an estimated capital base of $32. 5 billion, 6 this gives it a competitive advantage in providing cutting edge technology, innovative marketing strategies, and broader branch networks etc which all serve to increase the banks’ image in the public eye. The cooperative bank currently faces issues such as insufficient funds to compete strategically with these bigger banks and thus focuses more on providing value and social consciousness through its ethical policy strategy. It also lacks high street accessibility; this relates to its poor branch network in comparison to these other bigger banks. This puts the cooperative bank in a disadvantaged position with customers and target market. Conclusively, the cooperative bank has achieved tremendous growth since inception and essentially struggles with achieving a competitive edge within industry. It appears a lot still has to be done to increase the strength of the brand and the bank needs to review its existing policies and operational structure. We propose that, it takes advantage of the current market fluctuations in the banking sector and increase its direct and indirect marketing strategy. A greater level of awareness on its ethical policy stance and cautious investment drive should be emphasized.

buy custom Components of E-business essay

buy custom Components of E-business essay Planning for the changeover to e-business from the offline business is a strategic component that determines the success of the ecommerce strategy. It involves action plans that include making available the amount of capital required, trained human resource, information technology skills, technology hardware, such as computers and internet connections. This component of e-business dictates the decision on implementation methods and tools used in the changeover, depending on strengths and weaknesses of the business and the opportunities presented by ecommerce according to the vision and mission of the PepsiCo (Cross Miller, 2009). Ecommerce business is an area faced with several risks. Therefore, companies need to understand it well to ensure that they are protected against such risks. PepsiCo faces such risks as well. Some of these risks include loss of merchandise as a result of fraud, misrouting during distribution process to wrong destinations (majorly when the merchants are untrustworthy and untraceable), leading to loss of both goods and money (Cross Miller, 2009). Any businesses adopting ecommerce should ensure that third party merchants are well known, registered, and traceable to curb the loss of customers merchandise and money to potential fraudsters. This is also applicable to the risks of customers disputes of the delivered goods leading to loss of payments. PepsiCo needs to ensure that during ordering, customers provide adequate information to be able to distinguish genuine customers from fraudulent orders. This will reduce the loss money through credit card payments, which poses impacts both on the company and merchants who are forced to pay the bank charges to compensate the losses. Accuracy in processing the transactions remain key to efficient deals to avoid experiencing chargeback costs that also occur when customers dispute the transactions sometimes due to inaccuracy in the amount involved, errors in processing, authorization errors and fraudulent issues. These costs can be avoided if transactions are accurately and efficiently processed. Therefore, this means that the new ecommerce technology should be well understood before the implementation stage takes effect, to be able to seal all the possible loopholes that are likely to give way to losses (Joseph, 2008). Provision of adequate infrastructure system that warns new clients who are not conversant with purchasing on the Internet is important in proving authenticity of the company. These systems should be in a position of protecting clients passwords to sensitive personal information like credit cards to avoid exposure to fraudsters and at the same time authenticate transactions when dealing with fresh cl ients before closing the purchase orders and delivering the products to the customers. Technological components must also be put in place for a company that needs to grow in the modern business environment that is full of competition through the use of high technology machines (Joseph, 2008). The technological platform where e-Business is carried out involves of technologies that have to be tailor-made, tested out and integrated into the business. This component is one of the essential e-business components that include widely approved technological standards and requirements that generate technical procedures and platforms than computers, but can be used to pass information. Technology infrastructure involves reliable Internet connections and adequate machinery, such as computers and browser connections. Technological constituents, such as middleware, are important since they help build broad and complex e-commerce systems. Employee development is strategy that works well for many companies, including PepsiCo. Employees first need to be prepared for the change to avoid unnecessary resistance during the implementation stage. Employee development also involves training workers to be technology compliant and improve their IT skills, which are mandatory in ecommerce having in mind that technology innovation and improvement takes place every time (Shajahan Priyadharshini, 2007). PepsiCo needs to train its clients on how to access information from the companys websites without risking exposing their information to non-deserving people, such as credit card fraudsters. This training can be done through seminars and online information that can be accessed by all existing and potential customers. Many clients are very skeptical when it comes to online purchases due to the widespread Internet fraud and may only be willing to do business with very organized and secure sites. PepsiCo also needs to segment its market during marketing and advertisement of the products. This segmentation can be done in terms of age, social class to provide products that all social groups can afford, and ensuring availability of these products from the distribution stores for the retail customers at all times. One reason that has led to the success of Pepsi products is the differentiation of its brands that have been established and have built customer loyalty in those regions. Product positioning remains vital in building customer loyalty. This can quickly be done through internet marketing, which reaches more people at ago all over the world. The companys first strategy involving agreements with Yahoo picked up well and were very successful because of adequate planning, as well as embracing of the new digital technology. Other reasons include adequate planning, employee development, good management kills, infrastructure, and risk management systems. Fraudulent transactions that have always mired online transactions that make the merchants and clients lose both merchandise and money are the loopholes that have hampered Pepsis success. Thus, they need to be sealed in order to drive businesses to higher levels. PepsiCo being the second largest food and Beverage Company has very strong financial base, which is enough to implement the ecommerce strategy. Training of employees on the new internet marketing skills, supply chain management, inventory management. Implementation of the ecommerce Technology in PepsiCo involved provision of the computer gadgets and internet connection that to provide necessary platform for the change to e-Business (Shajahan Priyadharshini, 2007). PepsiCo also offered in-house trainings to the staff to be technology compliant ready to execute the ecommerce operations. The major stakeholders of the PepsiCo are the suppliers, customers, government, employees, and the management. The companys consumers need to utilize the ecommerce platform to order and pay for products conveniently, while maintaining and managing internet security risks. The internal control systems that are used to authenticate transactions need to be fully outlined with clear chain of command. The improvement of the technology has also provided good business growth opportunity enhancing PepsiCos strength in the market. The involvement of the society, production of healthy products with low sugar levels favorable for children, guarding them against health and lifestyle related diseases like obesity, diabetes, and the environmental protection proojects, gave PepsiCo business advantage over its competitors, such as the Coca-Cola company. PepsiCo does this by converting its product portfolio, forming global initiatives like calorie labeling to increase nutrition education, and backup up programs that promote physical fitness centers (Romanik, 2007). In the ecommerce, PepsiCo has adopted a responsible electronic marketing strategy that teaches children that good eating habits at an earlier age contribute to their future health. PepsiCo adopted a policy in 2009 not to advertise and sell certain products that do not meet specific nutrition level to children under age 12. The policy took effect in 2009 for beverages globally and all snacks and food in the whole world on January 1, 2011. Pepsi plans to stop selling full sugar soft drinks directly to primary and secondary schools across the world by 2012. This policy is to help schools to provide a wider range of low-calorie and nutritious beverages to their students in primary and secondary schools (Ferrell Ferrell, 2010). PepsiCo plans to implement this policy fully by January 1, 2012 and it has announced this interest on the Internet. PepsiCo does not currently sell directly to primary and secondary schools full calorie drinks in Europe, Canada, and a number of countries in the Arabian Peninsula (Ferrell Ferrell, 2010). Currently the use of iPhone has spread to users many including school going children who can easily access the information. For this reason, PepsiCo implements the responsible e-marketing strategy to ensure that information reaches the only relevant people. In as much as technology is acceptable, many online clients have since withdrawn from transacting businesses over the internet due to the widespread internet crimes committed by fraudsters. Many clients have expressed reservations and they prefer offline business transactions to e-business. Bad experience of wrong delivery and erroneous processing of transactions has also contributed to the failure of ecommerce initiative. Pepsi should not just adopt Ecommerce marketing coverage strategy since it focuses on differentiated marketing, they should also consider other aspects that accompany the marketing strategy. Many clients do not have sufficient IT skills that are required in carrying out e-business. This gave the changeover a slow start in some regions, including India, with many insisting on continued offline transaction (Joseph, 2008). Ecommerce and e-business have become the order of modern business. Many companies than need to compete have adapted the two innovations. Ecommerce and e-business involve the use of the Internet in the transaction of goods and services from production, order, delivery, marketing, and payment for the purchased goods and services. PepsiCo is one of the companies that have adopted ecommerce for about ten years and have used the new technology in inventory management, supply chain management, Internet marketing and electronic funds transfer. PepsiCo is an international company that deals in beverages and foods snacks in four major regions in North America, South America, Europe and Asia and African markets with a number of products like Pepsi-Cola, 7Up, Fritos Mountain Dew, Gatorade, Doritos, Pepsi Max, Quaker Foods, Tropicana Cheetos, Miranda, Ruffles, Aquafina, Tostitos, Sierra Mist, Walker's and Lay's Lipton. The company uses the Internet to market and sell these brands. Several strategies ensure all the stakeholders are successfully navigated through the navigation period. These include adequate planning, employee development, good management kills, infrastructure, and risk management systems. Buy custom Components of E-business essay

Cadbury Is A Leading Global Confectionery Company Marketing Essay

Cadbury Is A Leading Global Confectionery Company Marketing Essay Introduction Cadbury is a leading global confectionery company with an outstanding portfolio of chocolate, gum and candy brands. The company employs around 50,000 people and has direct operations in over 60 countries, selling their products in almost every country around the world. The company creates brands people love, brands like Cadbury, Trident and Halls. The company heritage starts back in 1824 when John Cadbury opened a shop in Birmingham selling cocoa and chocolate. Since then Cadbury have expanded the business throughout the world by a program of organic and acquisition leg growth. On 7 May 2008, the separation of Cadbury confectionery and Americas Beverages business was completed creating Cadbury plc with a vision to be the world’s Biggest and Best confectionery company. Mission Statement â€Å"Cadbury means quality† this is the company promise. The company reputation is built upon quality; the company commitment to continuous improvement will ensure that the company promise is delivered. Cadbury has established itself as a company of fairness and integrity, which always attempts to operate as a socially responsible business. Value Performance Cadbury is passionate about winning. The company competes in a tough but fair way. The company is striving, hardworking and makes the most of the abilities. The company is prepared to take risks and act with speed. Quality Cadbury put quality and safety at the heart of all of the activities such as product, people, partnerships and performance. Respect Cadbury genuinely care for the business and the colleagues which like listen, understand and respond. The company is open, friendly and welcoming. The company embraces new ideas and diverse customs and cultures. Integrity Cadbury always strive to do the right thing. The company does the business with honesty; openness and being straight forward characterize the way. Responsibility Cadbury take accountability for the social, economic and environmenta l impact. In this way the company aims to make the business, partners and communities better for the future. Cadbury Business Principles are the code of conduct of the company and also take account of global and local cultural and legal standards. They confirm the company commitment to the highest standards of ethics and business conduct. The core purpose of the company is creating brands people love. The core purpose captures the spirit of what the company is trying to achieve as a business. Market Share By participant, the market is relatively fragmented, with the five largest confectionery companies accounting for around 40% of the market. There are a large number of companies which participate in the markets only a regional or local basis. Cadbury compete against multinational, regional and national companies. The graph shows that Cadbury is the second highest of the total confectionery in the market share. Halls is the largest brands in candy of Cadbury. Cadbury have number one and number two confectionery market position in 20 of the world’s 50 largest confectionery markets by retail sales value. Financial statement The graph shows the financial situation of Cadbury from 2006 to 2009. As we can see in the graph, the revenue is reached  ¿Ã‚ ¡5975 million is year 2009 which is slightly increase about 5% from year 2008. In operating income, year 2009 is the highest compare to previous year which is  ¿Ã‚ ¡507 million. Last but not least, year 2009 having 9% of the operating margin which is slightly increase from year 2008. As a conclusion, In year 2009, the performance is pretty well compare to the previous year due to there a keep increase since year 2006 to 2009.

Channel conflict and resolution paper Assignment

Channel conflict and resolution paper - Assignment Example The emergence of electronic commerce has resulted in new business models that proffer marketers with opportunities such as access to diverse markets and reduced business expenses. E-commerce also comes with a bunch of challenges such as channel conflict in many businesses to date (Webb 96). The manner in which a business manages the aforesaid channel conflict is a pertinent aspect in its success. A marketing channel is a set of mutually dependent firms engaged delivering a product or service. Multiple channels arise when a company employs separate channels to sell the same products to markets differing in some important way. A multichannel conflict occurs when the producer/ manufacturer have established two or more different channels to sell the product to the same target market. For illustration, a motor company may have its own retail showroom, authorized dealers, and also sells online. Sometimes, the middlemen come in conflict with the manufacturer, employing both direct and indir ect channels of distribution. Such a conflict is known as the multichannel level conflict. A conflict may arise when a producer’s franchise prices its products lower than the middlemen, wholesaler or dealer. Conflicts can also arise when a producer sells a larger range of products through its own outlet than through the wholesaler or retailers (Webb 98). This discussion explores the role that suppliers play in managing conflicts between multiple channels. Suppliers can employ the marketing mix variables to manage multichannel conflict. Pricing Price is one of the prominent factor in which the most channel conflict is generated. Intermediaries closely watch what manufacturers or producers do through the online channel of distribution. Intermediaries express concerns regarding producers’ site and interpret it as a move to lessen their role with the customer. As a result, suppliers have started acknowledging that their channel partners will see and react to everything the y put on the internet. In order to reduce conflicts, suppliers have chosen not to place and offer discounts on the internet in a bid to reduce price related conflicts (Brennan,  Canning,  and McDowell, 316). Distribution An internet channel of distribution has a key limitation in that it does not have the ability to offer physical delivery of tangible products. Suppliers work in conjunction with other channel partners to carry out the fulfillment role of orders placed on the internet. For illustration, HP employs this aspect of involving channel partners to drive its online sales efforts. By involving other channel partners in the sale serves to manage and avoid cannibalization the channel. In addition, by involving channel partners, suppliers build trust and cooperation between the intermediaries and prevent unwarranted channel conflicts (Webb, 100). Promotion Promotion entails persuading customers to purchase a product. An internet channel of distribution gives suppliers a fav orable opportunity to promote their product offering directly to the end users. However, in order to avoid conflicts with other channels of distribution, suppliers are cautious on providing detailed product information along with search engines (Saxena 463). However, they choose not to accept orders online. Moreover, suppliers actively promote their channel partners on their websites, as well as permitting them to place their own adverts. Product Suppliers also manage their online product offering in a

Creation vs. Evolution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Creation vs. Evolution - Essay Example The design of the world demonstrates that there should be the designer and the humans are the key source of information to support this idea. The first movements in favor of creationism were defined as American Fundamentalist Protestantism. They started early in the nineteenth century as an opposition to the theories of Charles Darwin. His theories were perceived as a direct threat to the Biblical writings and were thought to lead to the moral decay. The movement re-appeared in the after World War I period and creationists demanded the passage of the law to prohibit public school instruction about Darwin's evolution (Larson, 19). The manifestation of the movement in favor of creationism was the famous Monkey Trial (Scopes v State, 1927). It was the first time the evolution-creation arguments were presented in the court. The ruling was against the biology teacher who was convicted in teaching evolutionism. For the next 20 years, scientists have failed to provide enough arguments to gain the dominance in the court. As the result, publishers of the biology books have taken out all of the information about evolution, Darwin's theory was not taught at schools, and even the name of the theory was avoided. However, after the Soviet Union has launched its first satellite in 1957 the evolutionists awaked and managed to pass the National Defense Education Act (1959) under which the Biological Sciences with chapters on evolution and Darwin's theory were placed in the books again. Moreover, the teacher Susan Epperson has appealed to the court with the request to turn down the ruling in Scopes v State. In the case Epperson v. Arkansas the court has ruled in favour of evolution. The ruling was based on the idea that prohibiting teachers from teaching the theory of evolution (doctrine that man ascended from the lower order animals) and exclusion of the textbooks containing chapters on the theory was unlawful (Gilkey, 48). The fact that the theory of evolution has contradicted the belief in the lines written in the Book of Genesis does not make the Bible the exclusive source of doctrine on the origin of human kind. In addition, the First Amendment prohibits the requirement to teach subjects of any religious dogmas in public schools. However, it is important to understand that students should be aware about the evolution theory of Darwin as well as about the Biblical version of creation. The question is not whether or not evolution should be taught at school, but rather which story has valid basis. As the result, the creationists have succeeded in requiring the equal time for Biblical and scientific studies. Interestingly, until the passage of Arkansas Act 590 named "Balanced Treatment for Creation - Science and Evolution- Science Act" the definitions of creation and evolution have never been referred to. Paul Ellwanger, the head of the Citizens for Fairness in Education, has provided both definitions. Thus, the creation -science is scientific

Diversity Organizations Essay Example for Free

Diversity Organizations Essay For years throughout U.S. history women were not afforded the same rights that men were. Throughout history women were thought of being intellectually inferior to men and a source of evil and temptation (Womens International Center, 1994). In early America women were not allowed to vote or work outside of their home and were ridiculed when they did. It was the culture of early America that women were to remain behind the men being in a supportive role but not to voice their opinions. Through much suffrage, it was not until 1848 that the women’s movement came to its beginnings. Focusing on the social, civil, and religious condition and rights women at the Seneca Falls Convention in New York began to express their rights and wants. Headed by Elizabeth C. Stanton and Lucretia Mott, it marked a new era for women in the United States. While the right for equality continued and the creation of the National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA) by Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, it brought opposition of the 14th and 15th Amendments (extending citizenship rights and granting voting rights to freedmen) due to its exclusion of women (U.S. Office of Art Archives, n.d.). By the 1920’s the struggle for equality was answered and the status of women had grown. On August 18, 1920, the right to vote was ratified by the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution affording the right to vote for women. Today, women throughout the U.S. still fight for woman equality through established organizations. The National Organization for Women (a major source of protection on workplace equality and reproductive rights) has been at the forefront in support of women. With the assistance of so many organizations in the fight for women’s rights, that statuses of women are equally more today than that of years passed. Status of women in United States history today The role and status of women has drastically changed throughout the decades. Women have taken a more responsible role outside of the home in joining the  workforce. From being one-third of the workforce in the late 60’s, they make up more than half of the force in the U.S. today. According to Center for American Progress (2014), women have also gained a considerable role within politics in the country with record numbers serving in congress (para. 1). With the fight to end gender discrimination by big insurance companies, women have solidified their economic security. Constructions of masculinity and femininity seen in society and media As American culture continuously evolves, so do the lines of male and female roles and functions. Society’s view of masculine and feminine roles has become embedded in the minds of people. From an employment standpoint, society views for example that doctors and lawyers are one of a masculine role whereas nurses, teachers or social workers would be more of a feminine role. The media’s portrayal is just as bias to the constructions of masculinity and femininity. An example in modern media would be that tattoos and a considerable amount of muscle mass would be viewed as one of a masculine trait. More often the depictions are movies; music videos and even in magazines. The role of a homemaker has been viewed for example as one of a feminine role. Although the depictions are in the mainstream, it has been a barrier broken down by both men and women taking on varied diverse roles. Status of GLBT people historically The GLBT community, throughout history has faced much discrimination and prejudice. The GLBT community has had it hurdles of being socially acceptable and still does today. In the United States, members of the GLBT community historically were a cultural minority. Through much oppression, the gay liberation movement of the 1970’s brought forth pride marches every June in the United States. During the 80’s socially the status of the GLBT community was decimated by the AIDS epidemic. This led to fear and ridicule being described as the, â€Å"Gay Man’s Cancer†. There has never been a more separation of social status with any other community than of the GLBT community. Status of GLBT people today Although America is widely divided today attitudes are changing rapidly in acceptance of gays and lesbians. With the growing approval of same-sex marriage, basic civil liberties and freedom of expression for the GLBT  community, the trend of greater tolerance is growing. Over the last two decades, same-sex marriage has risen in support with 11% approval in 1988 to 46% approval and rising today. The status of patriotism and service of GLBT members in uniform in the past resulted in the uncomfortable compromise of â€Å"Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell† (Morris, PhD, 2014). This crusade like movement ultimately abolished decades of military forms of discrimination and dishonorable discharges. Although there are a great many that seek to dissolve, it creates an opposition between both the hetero and homosexual communities. Social and political issues relevant to women and GLBT people in the U.S A political issue relevant to women would be health care reform. With the Affordable Care Act it provides advances for the women’s health issues. The current pending case on contraceptive insurance coverage is an endless debate women’s rights and health. An extraordinary and yet accomplished issue for the GLBT community is the recent strike down of Arkansas 2004 amendment prohibiting same sex marriage (Volsky, 2014). The original ban was in violation of the state constitution and the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. References Womens International Center. (1994). Womens History in America. Retrieved from http://www.wic.org/misc/history.htm U.S. Office of Art Archives. (n.d.). The Women’s Rights Movement, 1848–1920. Retrieved from http://history.house.gov/Exhibitions-and-Publications/WIC/Historical-Essays/No-Lady/Womens-Rights/ Rainbo Organization. (2009). Organizations Fight for Womens Rights. Retrieved from http://www.rainbo.org/organizations-fight-for-womens-rights/ Sewall-Belmont House Museum. (n.d.). Womens History in the U.S. Retrieved from http://www.sewallbelmont.org/learn/womens-history-in-the-u-s/ Bader, E. J. (2014). Reproductive Justice and Womens Equality: There is Some Good News!. Retrieved from http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/23588-reproductive-justice-and-womens-equality-there-is-some-good-news Volsky, Igor. (2014). Judge Strikes Down Arkansas’ Same-Sex Marriage Ban. Retrieved from http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2014/05/09/3436443/judge-invalidates-arkansas-b an-against-same-sex-marriage/ Morris, PhD, B. J. (2014). History of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Social Movements. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/history.aspx Associate Program Material Diversity Organizations Worksheet Search the Internet for information related to the following: Women’s rights organizations Equality organizations Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) rights organizations Note. You may also refer to the Internet Resource Directory of Racial and Ethnic Groups. Complete the following table with notes and thoughts related to your findings: Site Thoughts/Notes Ford Foundation (http://www.fordfoundation.org) Supports inequality discrimination Network building for women human rights organizations against discrimination inequality Equality Now (http://www.equalitynow.org) campaigns to raise awareness by highlighting individual cases of pervasive and severe violations against women and girls calls for the repeal of all laws that discriminate against women in accordance with international and regional human rights standards Human Rights Campaign (http://www.hrc.org/) organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans represents a force of more than 1.5 million members and supporters nationwide mobilizes grassroots actions in diverse communities invests strategically to elect fair-minded individuals to office and educates the public about LGBT issues. Use your notes to aid in your responses to the questions below. You may need additional resources from the University Library to complete this activity. Write a 750 to 1,050- word paper answering the following questions: What has been the status of women in the United States throughout history? What is the status of women in the U.S. today? What are some examples of concepts or constructions of masculinity and femininity that you see in society and in media? Historically, what has been the social status of GLBT people? What is the status of GLBT people in the U.S. today? What are some social and political issues relevant to women and GLBT people in the U.S.? Provide citations for all the sources you use. Submit this Diversity Organizations worksheet and your paper as instructed by your facilitator.

The Physics of Judo Essay -- Martial Arts Judo Physics Essays

The Physics of Judo Judo is a martial art that is centered around physics. Even just the concept of throwing somebody is physics. To practice judo and not have a basic knowledge of physics is insane considering that physics is what makes judo possible. Judo is sport that consist of throws, take downs and over all control. Judo without physics is like have a sandwich with just bread, you don’t get much out of it. To understand how physics comes into play with judo we must start with Newton’s laws of motion. â€Å"Newton’s first law: law of inertia, a net or unbalanced force is needed to change the state of motion of and object. In a judo match, two players try to throw each other by first off-balancing the other player, the fitting their body into a position underneath their opponent for a throw, and finally throwing their opponent squarely on their back. The key to throwing the other player in the off-balance. Without first off-balancing your opponent, your chance of successfully completing a throw are slim. You’re also asking to be countered if you don’t off-balance first.†(1) â€Å"The first law of motion is important if you want to successfully throw your opponent in a match. For instance, suppose your opponent makes a move to his right in order to make you move to you left. In the instance that you are moving, you’re temporarily off-balanced. Rather than letting your opponent keep control of the situation you and take advantage of his motion by using Newton’s first law. In this scenario, the statement â€Å"an object in motion will stay in motion† applies. As he is in motion you quickly turn into your opponent enabling you to lift him up with your hips and throw him.†(1) â€Å"Newton’s second law: F=ma, the acceleration of a b... ...other example would be be if he took a step larger than he normally would. While his foot is still in motion, you sweep his foot in the direction of his advance. In doing this, he will drop because gravity will be acting directly on him in downwards direction.†(2) Judo is a martial art that relies on physics to achieve its goals and without physics it would not exist. Everything that judo does consists of physics, such as getting your opponent off-balance, using their momentum to get your opponent moving and using gravity to pull them to the ground. Work Cited 1.Internet Source: http://members.tripod.com/~HappyClould/newton.html 2.Internet Source: http://members.tripod.com/~HappyClould/gravity.html 3.Internet Source: http://members.tripod.com/~HappyClould/momentum.html 4.Physics a world view, fourth edition. Kirkpatrick and Wheeler: copyright 2001

Eastman Kodak Marketing Strategy Essay

Q1. Summarize the market characteristics and trends. In the photo film market the major suppliers were Kodak, Fuji, Agfa and 3M. Fuji and Kodak sold only branded product whereas Agfa and 3M sold their film as branded product as well as to other firms in private label. Total Market In 1993 the total market was around 670 million 24 – exposure rolls. Typically a consumer paid between $2.5 and $3.5 for a 24 exposure rolls. So in average they used to pay $3 for a 24 exposure roll. So Total Market = 670million * 3=2 billion Market Share The market within USA was monopoly as Kodak’s market share was about 70%. But worldwide, the market was competitive. Fuji was a strong competitor in worldwide sales (Fuji -$10 billion, Kodak – $20 billion). Appendix A depicts the unit market share of Kodak in U.S. Market Growth The market’s annual unit growth rate was averaged only 2%. So this is basically a fully developed mature market. We can categorize this market as Cash Cow according to the BCG growth share matrix. The annua l growth of Kodak had been only 3%which is much lesser in compare to the rivals. Appendix B depicts the annual growth rate of different companies. Consumer Information Consumer were less educated about the technical aspects of film and view it as a commodity often focusing on price alone to purchase. Appendix C depicts the graph showing the consumer buying pattern trend. Price Tier Based on the price tiers there were multiple category of brands (i.e. Superpremium, Premium Economy & Price) available in the market. Appendix D depicts the price tier ranges. Superpremium brands were not the major sellers . For Premium products of Kodak, the gross margin was approximately 70%.It seems that Kodak implemented market skimming price strategy to handle Premium products. Fuji’s gross margin was about 55% for the economy brands. The margin of  Price product was lower. This lower price brand was targeted towards the segment of customers where consumers were less educated about photography and focused on price alone to purchase. Appendix E depicts the different distribution channel of the overall photo film market. Q4. Considering introduction of Funtime and ignoring Royal Gold, calculate the market shares of Funtime and Gold Plus that would make Kodak indifferent to introduce Funtime or take no action. Evaluate how realistic it is to improve profits with introduction of Funtime taking into account the existing market segments and plausible competitive reaction. Reasons for failure of Funtime The first problem is that they plan not to advertise. This seems to be a mistake because funtime is a new product for the consumers. Consumers need to be educated that they have a new product offering and they need to know what the value proposition is. However, if there is no education of the product, which could lead to consumers to believe that Kodak is offering less quality for their existing products, rather than rolling out a new lower price alternative. In case of failure of the funtime, Kodak Gold and Royal Gold would be able to maintain the same share of the market currently because of brand Loyalty and separate segment of customers targeted. The extra expenses done (packaging, features, styling) to release this product would be a loss for Kodak. But in the near future as the price sensitive customer segment remained unserved by Kodak and growth in private label film activity will decrease the market share of Kodak. Reasons for Success of Funtime and side effects on the market shares Making a move to enter the Economy Tier is a smart play for Kodak. The market appears to be heading toward price being the most important dimension for consumer. So the customer segment who tend to view film as a commodity and often buy on price alone (Price Sensitive Customer Segment) is the main target of funtime. A few of their ideas seem to make sense: For instance, it is probably a good idea they only offer limited speeds. This would probably be sufficient for consumers who are buying in this tier. Also, making them available in value packs seems like a good idea because they will be able to sell more units (rolls) of film this way. Positive Side effects and Market Share: If launching funtime is successful then the market share of Kodak Gold would  remain the same because of its loyalty and brand, Ektar market share will be converted to Royal gold share because of its special segment offering (special occasion) and finally funtime will be able to target the price sensitive segment .As a result the market share of Kodak should be restored back to 75% or more in the upcoming years. As shown in exhibit 2 there would be definite loss of revenue of Fuji and Others. Polaroid and Private market share will remain unaffected as they are out of scope market for Kodak. Negative Side effects and Market Share:Now there are few major drawbacks. As the offer is limited throughout the year consumers may just wait until that time of year to buy fun time film instead of buying their other Kodak products that are available year round. This can cannibalize Kodak’s Gold Plus market share in premium category. Kodak Gold Plus was the flagship brand of Kodak and Kodak’s gross margins were believed to be about 70%.So if the market share of Kodak Gold Plus reduces it may lead to huge loss for Kodak as a whole. As shown in Exhibit 2 though the market share of funtime has increased and it has snatched 5% (Fuji + others) from competitors but it has also capability to cannibalize the market share of Gold Plus which can reduce 10% or more. Like Kodak Gold Plus if we keep the same assumption that the gross profit margin is 70%, retailer’s margin is 20% for funtime then we will be able to see (Exhibit 1) that the profit earned for Kodak Gold plus is $0.39 per unit. Exhibit 3 shows that the total revenue from market has been (1777 – 1692) =85 million dollars It can also be stated that as being limited throughout the year the market growth of fun time will be very less. Also lowering industry profitability by reducing average price of film would keep the customer expectation of lo wer prices in the future product release.

Acting Under Pressure Essay

Some of the professionals or even not yet professionals may face many psychological pressures often without people or resources to turn to for support, or the knowledge and skills to effectively manage these pressures. A great mind being an optimistic can help you a lot in terms of handling these pressures for you to be able to work properly. In contrast with this, a pessimistic mind will lead you no way. Leaders who want to establish a practice of positive workplace within their organizations should develop written ethics standards, provide ethics training, and ensure resources are available for employees in need of some proper advice. According to the internet, Management accounting or managerial accounting is concerned with the provisions and use of accounting information to managers within organizations, to provide them with the basis to make informed business decisions that will allow them to be better equipped in their management and control functions. Those taking this specific subject may face different challenges along the way. In the given data of Institute of Management Accountants, enumerated countries have its own challenges yet it is included with solutions in order to minimize those given challenges. Below are the countries given together with its challenges in the workplace plus the way on how do they resolve those cases. UNITED KINGDOM. One of the challenges faced by the management accountants is limited funding of public money and potentially high penalties if a project failed to be delivered on time. In order to resolve this problem, management accountants should need to ponder how this was being allocated because it can be a threat to year end reporting and matching progress to the budget. To avoid penalties and to adopt with tight timelines, safety and quality issues and working hours should need to be kept in check. Moreover, another challenge faced by management accountants is intense pressure to win a contract. In line with this, management accountants need to confirm that no conflict of interest from the outset and that governance and checks for the awarding of contracts were in place. Also, there must be a regular review of relationships with contractors as well as offers and acceptance of hospitality. Management accountants should use not only her organization’s governance and ethical guidelines and policies but also be guided by the CIMA code of ethics and seek support from her reporting line and senior management. In line with this, management accountants should create relationships with his/her team as well as line managers to enable his/her to influence associates, and to become familiar with the key contacts in the audit or ethics committee to escalate issues by means of asking perceptive and examining questions, encouraging discussions and resolving issues. SRI LANKA. Another challenges faced by management accountants were issues related to the quality of supplies and raw materials in its strict deadlines and fixed budgets because there may be inadequate transparency in the supplier screening process and incentives used to keep things to time. As a management accountant, regular quality checks will help him/her to draw up a policy framework with expected issues with the team, like considering time plans for projects. Also, confidential whistleblowing line of that management will act on. SOUTH AFRICA. Most companies in South Africa are challenged by the pressure brought about by the competitive setting of the business world. Since companies were focused on being the one top, the workforce especially management accountants were pressured to meet the company’s objectives, mainly in meeting the deadlines. Without a proper application of managerial skills and having a harmonious relationship within the management it may be hard for the management accountants to provide accurate and well-articulated information to the managers. Building and strengthening the commitment of every employee is one good solution and it is done by having regular meetings, raising best practice, and sharing knowledge. Build relationship not only with legal departments but also with technical departments in order to extract every details or information needed to provide the best information and precise data for the managers to have an enhanced management of the company. PAKISTAN. In Pakistan, working on demanding deadlines and strict budgets are the main problems/challenges faced by many management accountants. Inducement is commonly observed in order to meet deadlines leading to falsifying records and providing unreliable valuations. For that reason, risk assessment should always be done and a â€Å"highlight to ETHICAL CONDUCT should be observed†. Management accountants should ensure that all requirements are met and have a healthy communication not only with the management but also with external stakeholders to engage them properly. MALAYSIA. In Malaysia, the problems or challenges faced by management accountants were related in the threats of breaching the confidentiality of information and interest of a company. Other problems that management accountants were facing include labor rights, safety and quality issue. Management accountants should keep the customer’s expectation to their product or service to meet up their company’s objectives and goals. To solve these problems management accountants should think about the risk if they were threatened to breach the confidentiality of information of a company. They should also investigate if there were hidden expenses, asset under/over valuation and improper profit recognition. Management accountants have a vital role to play of having a good company especially if they understand professional ethics. They should also give incentives to their employees so they can work harder and it is the key to maintain or improve customer relationship. Management accountant sh ould also go under training and seminars about ethical values of organization.

Economy of Malaysia Essay Example

Economy of Malaysia Essay Example Economy of Malaysia Essay Economy of Malaysia Essay But subsidies are essential, and has always been so to ensure the survival of all persons in Malaysia especially those from the lower-incomes groups including the middle class. The plan of removing subsidies and using the money saved to channel financial assistance directly to the poor is being now thrown around. But alas, this really will not work given the rise of corruption and discrimination in Malaysia. Even today, there are many complaints that the NOUN-led BAN government discriminates against persons belonging to (or alleged to be supporters of) other Opposition parties/persons. Connections are important in Malaysia when it comes to receiving benefits and opportunities, and that is why it is best to Just maintain subsidies for all essential items that affect survival and normal day living of all Malaysian. Remember, subsidies are only for the basic needs. With the opening of markets, and the entry of foreign companies this will mean that the Malaysian government money may have to be given to these foreign companies as subsidies to maintain the low prices that people In Malaysia pays. Why pay the foreign companies? Because there Is no choice for Just paying local rent service/material providers as this would be a violation of the free trade equal competition requirement. Today, subsidies with regard to electricity Is paid to Teenage but when another foreign utilities company comes In, then that company too will have to be paid subsidies. Whose fault? The NOUN-led BAN government but we have to pay for Its mistakes In the past today and tomorrow. Subsidy, at best, Is a poor mechanism to make food/fuel/services affordable to the less fortunate. Because of the nature of goods and services being subsidized, preventing subsidy reaching the wrong hands Is difficult. Put It another way, getting subsidy to be enjoyed by the target people Is tough because these goods and services are consumed widely. Besides, subsidy often create distortions In a market- driven economy giving the false Impression that the cost of production Is low. Hence, subsidy should be given out to specific deserving Individuals through a concession system on selected goods and services (such as medicine, public services). A better form of assistance to deserving citizens Is through financial assistance paid according to needs. The people of a country must learn how to live according to oral prices and this will make It more In tune with global competition. Economics By Yakima as subsidies to maintain the low prices that people in Malaysia pays. Why pay the foreign companies? Because there is no choice for Just paying local equal competition requirement. Today, subsidies with regard to electricity is paid to Teenage but when another foreign utilities company comes in, then that company we have to pay for its mistakes in the past today and tomorrow. *Subsidy, at best, is a poor mechanism to make food/fuel/services affordable to the preventing subsidy reaching the wrong hands is difficult. Put it another way, getting subsidy to be enjoyed by the target people is tough because these goods and services are consumed widely. Besides, subsidy often create distortions in a market- driven economy giving the false impression that the cost of production is low. Hence, subsidy should be given out to specific deserving individuals through a concession system on selected goods and services (such as medicine, public services). A better form of assistance to deserving citizens is through financial assistance paid world prices and this will make it more in tune with global competition.

SERVICE CHARTERS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

SERVICE CHARTERS - Essay Example In this regard, a service charter is an undertaking that is being made to the stakeholders regarding the services they should expect form to be accorded within the authority in its mandate discharge. The principal aim of a service charter is bring out awareness to the public on the roles of the authority, core activities, and values of the authority, provision of the necessary information on the services range that they offer and the standards that have been set. The service charter also informs on what the stake holders should expect for the authority, remedy avenues should the services fall short of the expected standards, and building confidence onto the public that they are striving to excellence about their provision of the services. With the listed information that is provided within the service charter, it is construable that it is a working tool that is designed to facilitate better understanding regarding the kind of services offered by an authority and put the interests of the stakeholders and the authority at the forefront. For better consideration of the service charter, it should work in tandem with other legal requirements that are enacted time to time to facilitate achievement of expectations. Several countries have come up with different service charters in the various sectors that link them to the stakeholders for the services the public should expect from them. In this essay, I have chosen to consider the service charter in Australia with reference to the Australian Federal police as an authority. This paper considers the Australian Federal police charter, the resolution to this authority is informed by the fact that is has faced several challenges in its implementation of the services to the public. The Australian Federal Police have been faced with ever changing tact if crimes including terrorism, cyber-crime, and sexual servitude among other kinds of crimes that they endeavour to fight. In response to this, they developed a service charter that informs the public of their services and how they can cooperate with the public in the fight about crimes. Development of the Charter The motivating factor for the country and specifically the authority to come up with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) service charter is because of the changing environment of the crimes. Crimes have mutated into some more dormant aspect that without a keen interest on their mitigation, it is impossible to realize their occurrence. In this reference, AFP has responded swiftly in putting structures that will keep such crimes a t a bay and to ensure that there is the much-needed cooperation from the public (Ellison, 2000). The authority has made it possible to develop a service charter that clearly stipulates their responsibilities and how they intend to fight the crimes that in the last decades have changed tact. The charter is developed due to the challenges that the AFP has been facing in containing such crimes as counter terrorism, sexual se rvitude, and human trafficking. The authority has also put a spirited fight against cyber-crime, protection, as well as peace operations. The fight against crime for this matter has reached transnational level and the authority is keen in ensuring that it triumphs in mitigating the consequences of crime across their boarders (Ellison, 2000). In pursuit of the implementation of the challenges, AFP in addition to the service charter has also implemented a new organizational structure that is to facilitate a high coordination internally and

Impact of hyperinflation on investors and ordinary citizens Essay - 1

Impact of hyperinflation on investors and ordinary citizens - Essay Example or collection of data and determination of the process for analysing the accumulated data and information in order to arrive at a realistic solution of the research problem (Alexander and Dhumale, 2012). Such research methodology will be framed on the basis of the theoretical framework and ongoing economic circumstances in Zimbabwe. Research philosophy strikes an association between the theoretical aspects of the study with its practical exposure. Therefore, selection of appropriate research philosophy holds utmost importance for the successful completion of a research work. According to Alexander and Dhumale (2012), in order to derive the best research philosophy, its three distinct attributes should be analysed, such as; ontology, epistemology and axiology. The concept of ontology deals with realism and thus, it tends to analyse the social entities and social variables associated with the research objective so that research outcome becomes highly correlated with the practical world. Epistemology concentrates on the study of knowledge and attempts to apply the conjectural aspect for understanding the real world situation. Finally, axiology indicates the importance of value judgements (Alexander and Dhumale, 2012). As this particular research is conducted for academic purpose, epistemology is considered to be the most relevant philosophy for analysing the impact of hyperinflation on the general inhabitants of Zimbabwe. Under the research epistemology, interpretative research paradigm will be adopted. Excellence of interpretative research philosophy is reflected in its ability to study the accumulated data and information explicitly and interpret the inherent implications of such theoretical information as well as the underlying the responses of the selected sample group accordingly, through application of the credible knowledge level (Maxwell, 2012). Research approach aids the researcher to precede the research work in a comprehensive manner. Conventional