Cretaceous Period Essay Example

Cretaceous Period Essay Example Cretaceous Period Essay Cretaceous Period Essay The Cretaceous period was 144-65 million years ago. It was the last period of the Mesozoic era. The Cretaceous period was first defined by a Belgian geologist named Jean d’Omalius d’Halloy in 1882, using the strata in the Paris Basin and named for the extensive beds of chalk (calcium carbonate deposited by shells of marine invertebrates, principally coccoliths), found in the upper Cretaceous of Europe. The name Cretaceous was derived from latin creta, meaning chalk. The name of the island, Crete, has the same origin. The Cretaceous period had a relatively warm climate and high eustatic sea level. The oceans and seas were populated with now extinct marine reptiles and on the land, dinosaurs. And at the same time mammals, birds, and flowering plants appeared. Flowering plants spread during this period although they did not become predominant until the Campanian stage near the end of the epoch. Therid evolution was aided by the first appearance of bees. At the same time, some earlier Mesozoic gymnosperms like Conifers continued to thrive. On land, mammals were a small and still relatively minor component of the fauna. The fauna was dominated by the Archosaurian reptiles, especially dinosaurs which were the most diverse. Pterosaurs were common in the early and middle time of the period, but as the Cretaceous proceeded they faced growing competition from the radiation of birds, and by the end by the end of the period, only tow specialized families remained. During the Cretaceous, insects began to diversify, and the oldest known ants, termites, butterflies, moths, grasshoppers and wasps appeared. In the seas, rays, modern sharks and teleosts became common. Marine reptiles such as the ichthysosaurs were in the early to middle time of the Cretaceous, plesiosaurs throughout the entire period, and mososaurs in the late Cretaceous. There was a progressive decline in biodiversity during the Maastrichtian stage of the Cretaceous period prior to the suggested ecological crisis induced by the events of the mass extinction. Biodiversity required a substantial amount of time to recover from the events of the mass extinction, despite the probable extinction of many species. Despite the severity of this boundary event, there was a significant variability in the rate of extinction between and within different fossils. Species which depended on photosynthesis declined or became extinct due to the reduction of solar energy reaching the Earth’s surface because of atmospheric particles blocking the way of sunlight. Evidence suggests that herbivorous animals, which depended on plants as their food, died out because as their food sources became scarce. Consequently, top predators, such as the Tyrannosaurus Rex also perished.

Free Essays on Advantages Of Solar Energy

The use of solar energy with today’s technology would greatly decrease much of the harm to the environment, as well as eventually alleviate much of the world’s financial strain on both a large and small scale level. Since there are many categories of solar energy it is important to find the one most suitable for the entire world’s population. Through out my research I have found that the best method of utilizing solar energy is that of solar cells for the simple fact that the benefits of using a solar cell system clearly outweigh the costs in comparison to the ratio of the other systems. Of the six disadvantages discussed in the class textbook (Need access to sun, Low efficiency, Need electricity storage system or backup, High land use, high costs, and DC current must be converted to AC) all are seemingly not a huge sacrifice. The most important problem that I can see, as far as for the U.S. consumer industry, is the high cost, which is expected to reach a compet itive level for the energy industry within the next 10 to 15 years. The solar cell model, in my opinion would most surly come as a great advantage for much of the third world especially. Many of the third world countries do not have significant, if any, restraints on the amount of dangerous emissions allowed to enter the environment, a change to solar cell energy would eliminate a large portion of the pollution coming form these countries, not to mention the fact that the majority of the third would countries lie closer to the equator then the rest of the 1st world, a great bonus for sun accessibility. Another major issue concerning energy is that of nuclear energy. Based on the discussion with my classmates, and the information given in the lecture, I have to lean my opinion toward promoting the use of nuclear energy; but with some limitations. The high costs of building the nuclear power plants seems to have been an issue of the past because of frequently changing laws... Free Essays on Advantages Of Solar Energy Free Essays on Advantages Of Solar Energy The use of solar energy with today’s technology would greatly decrease much of the harm to the environment, as well as eventually alleviate much of the world’s financial strain on both a large and small scale level. Since there are many categories of solar energy it is important to find the one most suitable for the entire world’s population. Through out my research I have found that the best method of utilizing solar energy is that of solar cells for the simple fact that the benefits of using a solar cell system clearly outweigh the costs in comparison to the ratio of the other systems. Of the six disadvantages discussed in the class textbook (Need access to sun, Low efficiency, Need electricity storage system or backup, High land use, high costs, and DC current must be converted to AC) all are seemingly not a huge sacrifice. The most important problem that I can see, as far as for the U.S. consumer industry, is the high cost, which is expected to reach a compet itive level for the energy industry within the next 10 to 15 years. The solar cell model, in my opinion would most surly come as a great advantage for much of the third world especially. Many of the third world countries do not have significant, if any, restraints on the amount of dangerous emissions allowed to enter the environment, a change to solar cell energy would eliminate a large portion of the pollution coming form these countries, not to mention the fact that the majority of the third would countries lie closer to the equator then the rest of the 1st world, a great bonus for sun accessibility. Another major issue concerning energy is that of nuclear energy. Based on the discussion with my classmates, and the information given in the lecture, I have to lean my opinion toward promoting the use of nuclear energy; but with some limitations. The high costs of building the nuclear power plants seems to have been an issue of the past because of frequently changing laws...

Analysis of Three Selected Poems by Robert Frost Research Paper

Analysis of Three Selected Poems by Robert Frost - Research Paper Example After his death, life became tough for the family and they moved to live with their grandfather who used to live in Lawrence, Massachusetts. His mother then supported her children by working as a teacher in a school. In the year 1892, Frost completed his graduation from the Lawrence High School where he developed a liking for poetry. His poems were published in his school magazine. His first official work was ‘My Butterfly: An Elegy’ which appeared in the New York Independent in the year 1894. This was the beginning of his career as a poet. In the following year, Robert Frost got married to Elinor Miriam White. Frost took up different professions which included farming as well as teaching. He was unsuccessful in these and he finally sold the farm for a journey to England. In 1912, he settled in Beaconsfield, a small town outside London. This is where he found the fascination for rural life and nature, which became the chief ingredients for his poetry. After a year of his arrival in England, he started walking towards the path of success as his poems became successful. He published his first book of poetry ‘A boy’s will.’ The book was welcomed by the public and notable poets of the time. He has written many famous poems which include the Oven Bird, The Road Not Taken and The Gift Outright. An analysis of these poems assists in understanding the theme of the poems (Francis 2004; Thompson 1959). The Oven Bird In this poem, Frost uses the sobriquet of the Oven Bird that sings beautifully in the jungle, sending the message of the changing seasons. But a point comes when the bird stops singing. The poem follows two important themes. It presents the theme of modernism and the destruction of nature owing to this. He also uses the different seasons to explain the life of a man and the aspect of ageing. With the assistance of the poem, Frost tries to convey the message that modernism had sucked out all the simple joys of life. Everything is losing its natural gleam and machines are taking over, making life fast and self-centered. For the poet, the lofty purpose of life is lost. For him, the height of life’s purpose existed in the classical era. Like many poets of his time, Frost believed that life’s joys were lost as man moved away from nature. Frost was a true admirer of nature and he believed that nature was not being preserved. The second idea that is presented in the poem is that of ageing and death. The seasonal changes depict the changes in the life of the people. The season of spring is indicative of the youth of an individual which serves as the peak in every human beings life. But despite of all these changes, ageing and death are unavoidable. The word â€Å"diminished† in the last line of the poem clearly reveals the fact of mortality and explains that everything has to end and death is the ultimate end. Robert Frost, thus, shows the different phases of life with the assistance of the seasons. A student of Robert Frost Sydney Cox used to refer to Frost by calling him â€Å"The Oven Bird.† It was implied by him that the poem was indicative of the life of Robert Frost himself. Cox believed that Frost had reflected his personality in the poem and at the same time he had discussed the issue of the damage that was being brought to nature. He indicated that Frost was actually

International Marketing Strategy of Starbuck in China and In the UK Essay

International Marketing Strategy of Starbuck in China and In the UK - Essay Example This paper will discuss the way Starbuck Corporation in China and UK was created and how it changed over time especially with increased competition in a marketing environment based on cultural differences. More significantly, this study wants to emphasize the strategic thinking about all the factors involved in applying and analyzing the increasingly enthusiastically satisfied customers served by Starbuck’s management unlike its competitors in the international market. More considerably, the main debate on this subject is on the impact faced by Starbuck Corporation in its expansion globally into China and UK based on regulations, international marketing strategy to increase profitability and increased competition. As a remarkable company, Starbucks Coffee Company has grown into a global brand since it was founded in Seattle, the United States, in 1970 and is focused on building increased customer satisfaction as it treats every customer with respect and dignity. As a company, focused on building its market share, profitability and productivity, Starbucks Coffee outlet began in the 1970’s as a single shop offering high-quality coffee and brewing products. More so, Starbucks Coffee outlet has grown to be the largest roaster internationally with over nineteen thousand stores as it offers the high standard of excellence in all aspects of purchasing, fresh delivery of coffee and roasting as it provides increased customer satisfaction. Over the years, Starbucks has enriched its service in offering roasted coffee sold out to customers its enriched Italian style espresso coffee beverages in all Starbuck stores and branches along with pastries and other coffee-related products. More remarkably, the chain of outlets seeks to give its consumers increased service reliability, high product quality, and management of operations as it seeks to increase its business growth and sustainability. As a result, Starbucks embrace cultural diversity in different regions through its employees who seek to blend with different cultures thus, developing increasingly enthusiastically satisfied customers.

Social Implications of Business Ethics Essay Example for Free

Social Implications of Business Ethics Essay For this part of my assignment I have been asked to describe the social implications of business ethics which face my chosen company. I will be looking at social implications such as trade unions and protest groups. I will then describe how these groups may affect my organisation. Government policies The government creates the rules behind how a business is run and how it can interact with competition and other business. The government has the ability to change these rules and also the framework which then means that the business has to change the way in which it operates. An example of when a business has had to change the way it operated due to the government is when the Malaysia government brought in a law which stated that Tesco had a five year freeze on building any more supermarkets in three major cities of the country due to the fact their presence was controversial. The article stated: Despite having been in Malaysia for a relatively short time, and having few stores, Tescos presence has been controversial and a catalyst for the implementation of stricter trading laws. As of January 2004, there is a five-year freeze on the building of any new hypermarkets in Malysias three major cities Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor Bahru. We have to think about whether it is ethical to bombard a third world country with all of these supermarkets. The article went on to say that due to the fact they weren’t allowed to open new stores they just extended the hours in the other supermarkets to 24hour. Is this ethical to put a 24hour Tesco in a third world country. It is going to cause noise and pollution and also a lot of controversy. Tesco have stated on their website that they plan for world domination. This is a scary thought for many people in society as these big supermarkets are becoming very powerful, in fact too powerful. In one article I found that the government had actually given in to supermarkets . The article stated: Labour has been accused of caving in to big business cronies after it was revealed that planning safe guards for Britain’s historic town centres were scrapped following pressure from the supermarket giants. The disclosure will fuel suspicion that Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Asda have a strange hold on government policy, while small business owners struggle to be heard. (www.thisismoney.co.uk ) Pressure Groups A pressure group can be described as an organised group that does not put candidates up for election, but seeks to influence government policy or legislation. The aim of all pressure groups is to influence the people who actually have the power to make decisions. Tesco has attracted recent criticism for its activities. Tesco is a massive business ,which now takes  £1 in every  £8 made in UK shops. The organisation has become very dominating and is always expanding. But this success has apparently come at a price and chief executive Terry Leahy is careful to monitor opposition to the business. The company puts it success down to the ability to meet customer demand. It is important that Tesco make sure that fears over their marketing power does not affect their business or reputation. A pressure group called friends of the earth point to Tesco’s policies of buying up large amounts of landing order to build new stores, fighting battles with local communities over planning, and bringing the company’s brand to the high street through its purchase of small convenience stores. The opposition voiced by FOE is well summarised in its report ‘calling the shots: How supermarkets get their way in planning decisions’ The key questions here are not about illegal activity, but about an erosion of democracy, with the inability of local authorities to make a decision against supermarkets. Many councillors express strong concern about the potential impact of major supermarkets on their community, but they are often unable to convert these concerns into decisions because the planning system and the strength of the supermarkets act against them. Tesco also face opposition from less mainstream pressure groups for example a group called Tescopoly, this is an online group which aims to expose and limit what they see as the market- distorting power of the business. The group points out to people when Tesco have overstepped their permission to build retail outlets or where they have admitted to breaking the planning regulations. Is it ethical that Tesco are not listening to what they have been told because they believe they are so powerful that they do not need to listen. Trade Unions A trade union is an organisation of workers that have banded together to achieve common goals such as better working conditions. The trade union through its leadership, bargains with the employer on behalf of the union members. I have found an article which shows a trade union standing forward for employees about an issue they are un happy article. The article named Tesco and Trade union at logger heads over strike taken from road transport.com reads: Tesco and the TGWU section of the Unite trade union were both claiming a success this week following three days of strike action at the supermarkets depot in Scotland over drivers pay and conditions. The union claims picket lines reduced supplies coming out of the Livingston depot by 75% and the public were behind the drivers stand against Tesco. It is now considering a national ballot for strike action. Is it ethical that Tesco employees are claiming poor working conditions for drivers? It is important to always look at two sides of every argument on the Tesco website they claim that they offer good pay to all their workers and that they always comply with health and safety regulations so working conditions are good.

Power and Money do not Substitute Love :: essays research papers

Money and power in the world today are two of the most envied things. Most people, well in fact all people live by the thesis that they must have as much power and money as possible. 'Money is not a substitute for tenderness, and power is not a substitute for tenderness.' This was the statement that Morrie used to bring his point across. I believe this statement is to show Mitch that by him working so hard for a new car, house etc. is not what life is about, also this was used to show others in the world that power and money are not substitutes for love, affection and compassion. Money is not just a possession as much as a way of life as it is the one thing that will keep us alive in the modern world. It seems ignorant to think that money is what drives us to what we are considering it is a mere possession, a fragment of our modern world. Without it we would be stranded, without shelter and without livelihood when we realize that it is what we live by and for. Every pert of our life revolves around money whether it be leisure or work. We work for money in order to have leisure time. This is a simple way to put it. What we should be living for is love, companionship, friendship and respect. To me these simple things seem worth more than what money can bring and therefore I do believe that the human race has become something out of a science-fiction movie or book. We seem not to care for the simple but most pleasurable things in life. Many people in today?s world seem to think that when they buy something new that they have thrived to own it will give them a ?hug? show compassion or love towards them, but the simple fact is that it won?t. Money cannot buy love, it can only be given and taken as a show of respect for others. Almost everyone in this world has fallen into the same trap, thinking that money will bring them happiness. We can all agree that having money is a nice experience and may make you happy for a short period of time but cannot stand in place of the affection (tenderness as Morrie puts it). I am sure that each one of us realizes Morrie?s statement to coincide with their own thoughts and beliefs but it seems to me that everyone is afraid of showing tenderness but even more afraid of loosing it so they venture into something such as money for a guaranteed ?

Proctor and Gamble: No Links with Satanism Essay

Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It is human nature to be easily lured into tales of the strange and the extraordinary. In fact, any person generally relishes on spinning tales of his/her own probably to attract attention, and for sheer fun, make others believe as if they were true. Nowhere is this more applicable than in the many instances of modern oral traditions. Stories such as the biggest snake reared as a twin of the daughter of the owner of the biggest mall in the city. That this huge snake got lost one day and swallowed one or two customers in the mall. This story has circulated in countless other malls and in plentiful variations.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the case of one of the world’s biggest manufacturers of household materials, Procter and Gamble experienced one of the unforgettable rumors some malicious people spread in an obvious effort to pull them down. It was allegedly orchestrated by a rival corporation. What happened with Proctor and Gamble that it has suffered losses in business because it was accused of being involved in satanic activity? Just what is the nature of urban legends and its proliferation today inspite of modernism? This paper briefly describes and explains urban legends, the case on the Procter and Gamble and its supposedly satanic connection, and the veracity of the claims to the contrary by the management of the corporation. Discussion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In Microsoft Encarta, urban legends refer to â€Å"contemporary stories that are set in an urban environment and reported as true (sometimes in newspapers) but that contain patterns and motifs that reveal their legendary character† (2006). Why people believe in them and the apparent failure to quash these stories are crucial to our deeper understanding of the nature of this phenomenon.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The myth and controversy that featured well the problem of P&G, gives people in the present time to adjust and â€Å"feel† that urban legends exemplify the fact that at times people would rather believe an unsubstantiated report, even stick to it in the face of obvious lack of proofs. Discussion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   What is the case of the Proctor and Gamble company and reasons why the belief that it has satanic alliances? In all likelihood, there was truth to the fact that rival Amway Company made sure that this rumor will reach the public and might probably cause the public to pull out their product support from P&G. Before the controversy, P&G had many little rumors spreading like bush fire. It started with the logo – that of the thirteen stars among the head of a man with horns on his head and the news then communicated that it represented satanic occultism. Later many short stories around the same theme circulated already, i.e. that the CEO of P&G had arranged for an appearance in Donahue show, and supposedly spoke openly of his alliance with the satanic church. Many, after P&G won its lawsuit against Amway, still enjoy the way the story gets around. On a more serious note, what it had escalated to be, authoritarian voices say, was all a part of the fierce marketing approaches that had existed for a time now. After the rumor, approximately 200,000 inquiries were received by the company which all inquired on the satanic church alliance or its friendship with Rev.Sun Myung Moon (known as Moonies) that P&G was accused of. All these were not true because no evidences are available to establish that the P&G CEO or president had this affiliation. Conclusion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Many believe urban legends like what happened with Proctor and Gamble because they think that the strangeness of its logo, are proofs that something â€Å"fishy† is going on. The unstoppable proliferation of the story is deemed to be due to our curiosity of what unfamiliar things are to us. The P&G dilemma remains to be a continued reminder of again, lack of preparations which might probably due to the inconvenient manner of physical preparation. Works Cited Page _____ It’s Back:Rumors of Satanism plague Proctor and Gamble.    accessed june 21, 2007. ______ 5th circuit: Proctor and Gamble ant have another shot at Amway. Associated Praise. Marrs, Texx. Devil companies, Devil Products and Devil logos?    Accessed June 20, 2007.

Natural Sciences Essay

What is it about theories in natural and human sciences that make them so convincing? During the course of my Biology HL syllabus, I came across the theory of the fluid mosaic model. I instantly considered this theory to be absolute and accurate. This level of certainty was created with the first reading of the theory, and evoked the question as to what makes the theories formulated in natural and human sciences as convincing as they are. Both Natural and Human scientists take pride in the fact that their work is the result of long, precise and experimental research and the fact that their theories are able to overcome the skeptical approach of human nature and produce enough certainty in people to accept their work without further questioning. I will attempt to state and explain the reasons for this creation of such certainty by incorporating three areas of knowledge. Firstly, natural sciences and how they are so convincing despite the lack of certainty. Then I will elaborate on the human sciences and how its theories are debatable and the difference between the two sciences. Lastly I will intrude into the ethical aspect of the knowledge issue, as conflicting emotions and reason are essential in creating the faith and belief in the theories formulated by these explicit and evidence rich areas of knowledge. We as humans are generally skeptical about various sources of information, but this skeptic approach does not apply to science as we consider all scientific information to be true and from a reliable source. This approach reveals the fact that evidence and understanding of the concept is a key factor assisting the reasoning of the mind. While studying Taxation in microeconomics, I realized that theories that are said to produce a certain effect are not realistically proven or implemented in the real world. For example, a theory in taxation states that, if a tax is imposed on a producer with inelastic supply then the entire tax incidence is borne by the producers themselves. But, in reality such a situation does not exist, the producers generally raise prices to higher levels where the revenue is more than sufficient to pay the tax imposed on them, which means that the consumers actually bear the brunt of the new taxation policy. We accept such theories at first as they are said to be formulate by a reliable source and seem to be probable. So why do the theories from these areas of knowledge appear so convincing to us despite the uncertainties that are presented by them? Why are they accepted as the truth even before they are completely evaluated? It is evident that the reason we trust science as a reliable and infallible source of information is because we believe in science. This belief has led to the creation of faith towards science, which has compelled us to accept all that science offers without a doubt of reason. The psychology behind this belief exclaims that we believe in science the same way as we believe that our new car is not going to explode on its first travel. Cars stay safe more often than not and science in the same way has proven itself accurate many more times than it has been proved wrong. The belief and faith induced by scientific theories has been developed over time through constant provision of proof and evidence, which are the basic requirements for human beings to trust in something. While studying and understanding theories regarding sub-atomic particles, which are practically invisible, such as the VSEPR theory or the theory of hybridization, I don’t question the strength of the theory itself as it is a result of extensive research and has overcome the challenges posed by many to prove them wrong. Thus, the efforts to prove the theory wrong and the failure to do so have actually strengthened the belief in science, thus providing a logical and universal explanation justifying the theory formulated. Also, human nature suggests that we need to believe in something, and more often than not people choose the logical, experimental and evidence rich path provided by science. We tend to believe in the ideals a majority believes, be it a country, a city, a community or even our immediate family. For example, if your family believes that the economic crisis will eventually affect your future, even you tend to follow â€Å"convention† and believe in the same thing. Taking the example of the cure for cancer, people at first did not believe that cancer was ever curable due the number of deaths that had amounted. Their belief that the drug developed, actually cured cancer was eventually strengthened as the positive evidences kept increasing. Today if a scientist says that he has developed a new cure for cancer, people would believe in the drug as they know science has accomplished it before, and hence can probably achieve the same feat again. In the natural sciences, research begins with a hypothesis which is followed by experiments and later proof of whether the hypothesis is accurate or is invalid. In contrast to this, we observe that in many experiments conducted, the results vary marginally and hence hamper the certainty of the research, which means that scientists have o rely on various degrees of certainty based on their recorded values to establish the overall certainty of a research project. This implies that many of the theories being applied today are not of absolute certainty, thus the use of such theories can be attributed to our belief and faith in science as a reliable source of information. Shifting the focus to my second area of knowledge which is human sciences, I’d like to state its primary objectives to help understand the formulation of the theories more effectively. The aims of virtually all human sciences are the same: to explain human behavior, formulate theories to predict it, and then develop remedies for the problems identified by those predictions. They use the same scientific method as natural sciences but cannot hypothesize the reactions of the human beings, as each of them respond to the research questions in different ways and depict different and forms of emotion and reasoning depending upon the kind of questions asked. Most research in human sciences begins with intuition which then leads to proof. Here, the scientists believe that a particular stimulus would produce a certain behavioral effect on a person or a community that is being experimented upon and the statistics collected are processed to analyze the change in behavior. These theories regarding human behavior are accurate for a majority of the trials but often there are exceptions which destabilize the foundation of the theory, which again affect the belief people have in the theories in human sciences. Taking an example from economics; the Keynesian and the Monetarist views are contrasting market development methods which argue the role of the government in regulating the market function in the economy. One proposes intense government intervention whereas the other proposes minimal intrusion by it respectively. Till the 2007 global recession the markets followed the monetarist model but the immense financial problems caused and market failures recorded called for a reform which turned the governments towards the Keynesian model. This signifies that more often than not the theories in human sciences stand, but they can be overcome and felled with the inclusion of a strong stimulus. And if the theories prove ineffective there would always be another theory formulated as backup which could be applied and the same expected results could be yielded. The economic example presented here stresses on the fairly large margin for error present in the human sciences, which primarily differentiates it from natural science which are purely dependent on proofs and evidence. Also the common element prevalent in both these sciences is that of research period. Theories of both sciences require a long and strenuous research period to incorporate all the hypothesis, observations, experiments, and data collection, which are required to prove the theory. These similarities and dissimilarities introduce us to the ethical concept of certainty which plays a vital role in balancing out the conflict between emotion and reason. We perceive science to be a reliable and an accurate source of information due to its extensively experimental, research dependent and foolproof nature, i. . we are emotionally inclined towards the sciences as they have the proof to back up their theories. But as we see from the examples, they do not offer complete certainty as there is always an exception to a particular theory and hence by reason, our belief in science should be far less than it actually is. The simple explanation to this would be that reason favors science as it has proven itself more often than not and as we have observed, failure to prove theories wrong increases and strengthens our belief in its relevance and accuracy. Thus we can conclude by answering the primary question staged in the introduction as to what makes theories formulated by the sciences so convincing. The extensive research involved and the proof presented in favor of the theory play a major role in developing the certainty, this is well complimented by the belief and faith science has cultivated in human beings and the strong the emotional and reasonable backing that has been made available by this belief in them.

IKEA Company Case

IKEA Company Case Background IKEA, a leading Swedish home furnishing retailer, was founded in 1943 by Ingvar Kompred with a vision to service young and price-conscious consumers with a wide range of its knock down furniture sold at competitive prices.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on IKEA Company Case specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Traditionally, IKEA has been known to maintain low-cost operations by contracting and maintaining dedicated independent furniture supplier networks, developing innovative modular designs whose components could be mass produced, maintaining relatively few sales clerks, using a classic cash-and-carry approach to trim costs at a minimum, selling the same type of furniture all around the world to benefit from the economies of scale, using a flat management strategy to enhance fast decision-making processes, abolishing internal budgets to check on expenditure, and utilising inexpensive advertising strategi es such as word-of-mouth and limited advertising to promote sales revenue. Recently, IKEA has been involved in expanding into international markets to reach out more customers and hence leverage its competitive advantage and profits. For instance, the company succeeded in setting store locations in Switzerland in Germany and even proceeded to become the furniture provider of choice for young and price-conscious customers despite facing supply difficulties as well as cultural and regulatory obstacles in these countries. Although the company faced minimal entry barriers in many European countries due to its European history and origin, it did receive unique challenges when gaining entry into the American market due to a host of problems as discussed below. Statement of Problems IKEA faced a host of entry barriers while attempting to gain access to the American market not only due to a diversified population and great cultural diversity demonstrated by potential customers, but also due to strong local competition and imitations. Indeed, the company had not faced such entry barriers before while attempting to gain access to European markets, hence the need for their further exploration. The underlying problems for IKEA’s entry into the American furniture market include: Creation of stable supply networks – IKEA’s operation costs drastically rose upon entry to the American market because it used to source its products from suppliers in Europe. There were unique logistical problems involved in transporting these products to U.S. markets that guaranteed an attractive consumer base.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More IKEA had to move with speed to recruit local suppliers to reduce the dependency of imports and hence cut down on costs. The U.S. suppliers also needed to be trained on more efficient methods to use in the productio n of furniture so that quality was not compromised in attempts to cut down on costs. Product adaptation issues – Upon entry into the American market, IKEA soon realized that some of its products were not reconfigured to the expectations and desires of U.S. customers. For instance, its European-style beds were somewhat narrower and longer than the standard American beds and hence customers could not buy them despite their high quality and low cost as their existing mattresses and beddings could not fit the beds. Again, IKEA’s management was called to attention to solve the adaptation issues with the view to increasing sales purchases and therefore achieve profitability and competitiveness. Unique advertising and promotion challenges – IKEA had traditionally relied on word-of-mouth, limited advertising and the use of catalogues delivered free of charge to customers residing in areas where the furniture retailer had set up business. However, upon gaining entry into the American market, IKEA’s management soon realized that the traditional advertising strategies could not bring positive outcomes in the American market due to a competitive retail market and diversity of the consumers, which made the traditional word-of-mouth advertising less powerful that it had been in ethnically homogenous European countries. Additionally, many American consumers did not identify with the traditional Moose symbol used in other European countries to advertise IKEA products as it was considered strange, provincial and, in some quarters, projecting the wrong image. These unique promotion and advertising challenges necessitated IKEA’s management to go back to the drawing board and devise advertising strategies that could fit well into the American market. Floor layout issue – Traditionally, IKEA utilised a floor layout approach that necessitated consumers to obtain an inventory tag number upon deciding what they wanted to purchase and then pro ceeding to find the kit on the rack in the expansive stores without much assistance from the sales clerks. However, this layout plan proved to be a major problem in the American market owing to customers’ buying behaviour, leading to long queues and declining sales as customers left empty-handed.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on IKEA Company Case specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Again, this was an issue that IKEA’s management needed to solve to make any headway in the American furniture market. American consumers are averse to long waiting times, hence IKEA’s management was once again tasked with a responsibility of developing and implementing strategies that would reduce the long queues and enhance customer service experience while maintaining operational costs at a minimum. Non-available stock – this problem was related to the difficulties experienced in the supply chain networks as IKEA attempted to import products from European-based suppliers and furniture makers to stock local stores in diverse locations across the United States. To remain competitive, IKEA had to move fast in the recruitment and training of local suppliers to ensure that listed products were available for the customers when needed.

buy custom Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management essay

buy custom Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management essay Chapter 1 Introduction This section covers the background to the problem, problem statement, research questions, research objectives and the justification. 1.1 Background to the Problem Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to the concept whereby companies take some responsibility in developing the community around them and the environment of their operations (Bendell, 2005). This obligation can extend to comply with legislation and makes organizations voluntarily take further steps to improve the standard of life for the people in the community and society at large (Stiglitz, 2006). The issue about CSR begun in the 20th century, although it did not gain a lot of momentum at the time. However, there were growing concerns from the large corporations. Some believed that giving back to the community would dilute the company's targets causing a reduction in company sales. Some other companies felt that social responsibility was the governments job, and they should not be involves. However, these people failed to realize that giving back to the community that had given so much to them would boost their position in the market as it would gain competitive advantage over other firms. This move would also attract employees and other investors. CSR helps to upgrade the living conditions of the people living in the society. The company ensures that it maintains a healthy and happy, work force and a conducive environment to operate by elevating poverty, hunger and illiteracy.. The United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) has also played a key role in increasing the awareness of CSR. The CSRs have helped to alleviate hunger and poverty, making the community aware of the impact the business has on the society.(Utting 2005). Garvey and Newell (2005) argue that CSR embraces the fact that all activities undertaken by a firm have an effect either inside or outside the company. Corporate Social Responsibility encompasses four distinct areas: The Workplace, The Marketplace, The Environment, and The Community. Many corporate continue to argue that their responsibility is to shareholders only. Stiglitz argues that companies are communities or people working together to achieve a mutual goal. The companies should care about each other and the community they operate in their production process. Chatterer (1994) defines community development as the process where people in a society organise themselves for planning and action; define their individual needs and problems; execute their plans while fully relying on the community resources and supplements from the government and non- government organizations. Chitere further notes that, in this connection, companiespracticingCSRs work towards an end that appeals to the community by development agencies or their clientele. It is now an accepted fact that poverty reduction and the sustainable development within the community may not be achieved through government action alone. Since the advent of the role of the market in development and characterised by the rolling back of the state, other players like the non- governmental organizations, the civil society and the private sector, play an increasing role in community development. Of late, policy makers paid additional attention to the potential input of the private sector to these policy objectives. Further, Utting (2005) notes that the private sector ought to play a key role towards achievement of MDGs especially in the developing countries. The foundations support communities in the areas of environmental conservation and provision of essential services such as education, health, water and economic development. CSR is associated with philanthropy, although the concept of CSR is gaining some prominence within policy debates in the UK. There are many private-related initiatives and business activities that might be described as expressions of CSR, and there are also emerging specialist CSR organisations Many CSR initiatives in South Africa operate through projects covering areas such as education, water, health and human capacity development through training. According to Kosura (2000) a project is a set of complex activities where community resources used yield expected returns. In addition, a project ensures that the involved parties commit themselves through the planning, implementation, financing and completion of the project. Kosura notes that a project must have a definite starting point and ending point. The object ive of establishing the progress of a project is to ensure the company achieves all the objectives set. A project will thus have the stages of identification, planning and designing, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Monitoring and evaluation helps determine the progress towards achieving the intended goals and objectives. 1.2 Problem Statement Corporate Social Responsibility has widely been used as a marketing strategy by the corporate world with the aim of increasing a firms profits (Utting, 2005; Bendell et al, 2005; Cappellin and Giulian, 2004). Though some studies conducted in the past suggest that socially responsible firms have better performance in the stock market, as opposed to their competitors, many firms consider social responsibility an ethical moral issue, as opposed to an economic one. (Stiglitz, 2006). Moreover, available literature shows that when split off from commodities and when done with the involvement of the local community, CSR can highly contribute to community development (U N, 1993; Bryame, 2003; Manokha, 2004; Utting, 2005). Newel (2001) further argues that CSR has got the potential to contribute to poverty alleviation and sustainable development, though with some limitations. Alyson (2001) notes the business world playsa strategic role in the development process by engaging in CSRs. More often than not, it is the corporate view of the initiatives made and thus the perception in the society. There are studies done at the macro-level focusing on what companies do to their shareholders, workers and activities touching on the community, but assessment of whether such initiatives require the involvement of the local community, more so their view of the extent of mutuality in such CSR initiatives, is scanty. Hence, the study sets out to establish the communitys view of mutuality in CSR initiatives through a case study of The Shell Foundations Flower valley project in South Africa. 1.3 Research Questions As noted in the study background and problem statement, the gap identified in literature on CSR in community development is the lack of documented community views on such CSR initiatives. The study thus aims to answer the question, what is the communitys view of mutuality in Shell Foundations CSR Flower Valley. The following questions will help answer the main question: 1). what was the contribution of the community at the conceptualisation of the Shell foundation project? 2). what was the contribution of Shell Foundation at the conceptualisation of the Flower Valley project? 3). what was the contribution of the community in resource mobilisation for the Flower Project? 4). what was the contribution of Shell Foundation in resource mobilisation for the CSR Flower Valley Project? 1.4 Research Objectives The main objective of the study is establishing the communitys view of mutuality in Shell's Foundation Flower Valley Project. The 1objectives helping feed on to the main objective includes: 1). to find out the contribution of the community at the conceptualisation of Shells foundation flower valley project. 2). to find out the contribution of Shell Foundation at the conceptualisation of the CSR Flower valley Project. 3). to find out the contribution of the community in resource mobilisation for the CSR Flower Valley Project. 4). to find out the contribution of Shell Foundation in resource mobilisation for Shell Foundation. 1.5 Justification In the past, scholars have expressed fears that the society only understood the corporate worlds view, as the players in CSR. The study will help in addressing such fears amongst scholars in their scholarly works and contributions to policy-making. It will highly contribute to the understanding of local-level development, especially the role of local community in such development. Recommendations of the study will be useful to policy-makers for better planning of companies engagement in CSR initiatives. Knowing the communitys view of their engagement by the companies will help companies adopt appropriate ways of engagements that help both the communities and companies, as well. The study will be useful to Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOS) and Community Based Organisations (CBOs) in designing community engagements in their various activities on the local-level development. CHAPTER TWO 2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Introduction This chapter gives an in-depth review of literature on corporate social responsibility; its origin and development, its prospects for community development, its theoretical underpinnings. It also gives an overview of the concepts community development, mutuality, and the theoretical framework revolving three theories of Alternative Development, Community Participation and Basic Needs Approach. 2.2 Corporate Social Responsibility The debate about CSR begun in the early 20th century, although it was not as common as the time. This was amid growing concerns that the large corporations would gain excess power and hold in the community. The concept of corporate charity and stewardship played a key role in shaping the early thinking and perceptions about CSR in the United States (Bendell, 2005). According to Ida Tarbell in his 1904 publications, the History of the Standard Oil Company inspired the Supreme Courts decision where the US attained the mandate to split the company on the grounds of antitrust. Similarly, Sinclairs ideas in the book, The Jungle, published in 1906 helped to influence the congress decision to pass the Pure Food and Drugs Act, and the meat Inspection Act in the United States. These case studies can be used to demonstrate the early attempts made to mandate corporate social responsibility (Utting, 2005; Newell, 2001). According to Bendell (2005), the initials, CSR itself came in to be applied in the business world in the early 1970s. The term stakeholder, on the other hand, meant those individuals directly affected by an organization's activities. This means it refers to corporate owners who are beyond the shareholders level. The new paradigm of alternative development, which stresses on, developing the capacity of local communities to meet their needs has seen the increased emphasis of CSR in development. The international CSR agenda mainly represented the investors, NGOs, consumers, business associations and businesses. In developing countries, CSR has in the past been criticized for being insensitive to the plight of the local people and the basic needs of people. Newell (2001) and Alyson (2001) are categorical that any CSR initiative directed to a group of people ought to be designed and implemented with the involvement of that group of people. Today, many large companies now print copies of t he corporate social responsibility reports alongside their annual reports. This helps the organizations to plan for future projects as well as follow up on previous projects. In addition, the report usually concentrates on what companies call the non-financial activities which are positive in nature. Such CSR initiatives usually target the development of the local communities. 2.3 Theoretical Underpinnings of CSR There are considerable challenges in the corporate world that limit the growth of the organizations by limiting the potential returns of the firm. Government regulations and restriction also play a key role in influencing trade in a region. The government regulates the business using tariffs and other forms of restricting barriers. Globalization, Environmental regulations, political interference and exploitation are problems organizations face costing them millions of dollars. Ethical implications are in some instances, used as a costly hindrance that drives businesses and investors to shift their view point. CSR can also be used as a marketing strategy for organizations. When an organization takes up community projects in the environs, it attracts workers from the community who would want to be affiliated with an ethical company. In addition, this gives an organization competitive advantage over its competitors in the region. Although initially it might be a costly affair, the end j ustifies the means. This means that a company might advertise itself subconsciously through the CSRs. (Utting 2005). Globalization, therefore, makes competitions steeper as other firms will emerge /acquiring other businesses with competitive and alternative core competencies (Stiglitz, 2006). Stakeholder and governance theory suggests that modern business should no longer be preoccupied exclusively with the interests of shareholders and relations with the state and trade unions, but must respond to the concerns of multiple stakeholders, including NGOs, consumers, environmentalists, and local communities. Business can be pro-active and work with civil society organisations, government and multilateral institutions (Alyson, 2001; Utting, 2005: Stigliz, 2006). 2.4 Concept of Community Development Chitere (1994) defines community development as a movement designed toimprove the living standards off the entire community. He also sees it as a form of social action where the people of a community organise themselves for planning and action; define their individual needs and problems; execute their plans using the community resources. The government and the NGOs also play a role in supplementing the resources required for projects. The two definitions above appreciate the role of the community coming together, mobilising resources available from within and without, and working together for the fulfilment of a common objective. Chitere (1994) observes that community development perceives projects as a process, a method, a programme, and a movement, with its conception also portraying it as a means and an end. As a method, community development is a means for accomplishing some end. Itere further states that corporations participating in CSRs gain the appreciation and admiration of development agencies and their clientele. 2.5 CSR and Community Development Bryame (2003) argues that there are three schools of thought in the practice of Corporate Social Responsibility in the development. These are neo-liberal, which is self-regulation, by industry according to risks and rewards of CSR; state-led, national and international regulation and co-operation; and the "third way" which is the role of profit and non-profit organisations in community development. However, the author argues that the three theories may be criticized using theories applicable to a broader field of development, hence the importance of contextualizing the concepts under discussion. According to Newell (2001) the relationship between companies and local communities helps to build trust. This in the long run boosts the company image in the community. 2.6 The Concept of Participation According to Chambers (1997) and Paul (1987), participation is an active process by which local people take part in the planning, acting, monitoring and evaluating activities touching on their day-to-day lives. However, Bamberger (1986) argues that a complete definition of community participation must take into consideration the agents or organisational groups used; the medium or methods used to participate; the stages of the project; the programs level or scope; the participants and the intensity of participation. Paul (1987) proposes five objectives to which community participation might contribute, namely: Sharing project costs- Participants contribute money or labour during the project process. Increasing project efficiency- Involves the beneficiary consultation and involvement in project planning, management, implementation and operation. Increasing project effectiveness- The greater beneficiary involvement to help ensure project achieves its objectives and that benefits go to intended groups. Building beneficiary capacity- This will be by ensuring participants participate in project planning and implementation, and through formal and informal training and consciousness raising activities. Increasing empowerment- By increasing the control of the available resources in the underprivileged sectors of society and ensuring that the decisions made benefit the society in which they live. CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3.0 Introduction This chapter gives an analysis of the research methodology to be adopted by the study, and it includes the site selection, the sampling, data and its sources, data collection criteria and techniques of data analysis and presentation of the study findings. 3.1 Site Selection Flower Valley district is a district located in South Africa, in Africa. Though regarded as well-off region in resource endowment, access to quality education still remains a crucial problem amongst the local community. This paper will focus on the Flower Valley, a Shell foundation Project. 3.2 Sampling The study will assume the approach of a case study and mainly with a deductive thinking with the units of analysis being the local households who are beneficiaries of the water project. The chairman of Shell Foundation and Flower Valley project director will be the key informants in the study. All households within the Flower Valley Location benefit from the education project. The sample will involve 60 households. The method used to select households will be the Simple random sampling.. 3.3 The data and its sources The study will use secondary sources of data. Secondary sources will involve review of the Shell Foundation annual reports and the companys publications on CSR. 3.4 Data Collection The researcher prefers using both structured and semi-structured questionnaires as well as interviews to collect data on the communitys contributions during project conceptualization, resource mobilization and in the on-going operations. A structured questionnaire mailed to the director of Shell foundation will effectively collect information on the company contributions during Shell Foundations conceptualisation, resource mobilisation and in the on-going operations. Shell Foundation seldom allows face-to-face interviews with their employees, hence the decision to mail the questionnaires.. This will, however, be a challenge to study as there will be no chance to enquire further on the responses given. An interview with the chairman of Shell Foundation to get an in-depth analysis of the on-going operations of the water project- the roles of the community, Shell Foundation and any other party involved. 3.5 Data Analysis and presentation Data analysis wills both quantitative and qualitative techniques will be used for data analysis. Questionnaire information will be coded and entered in SPSS for analysis to generate percentage figures on the extent of mutuality at the three stages of the project and overall, as operational zed by the study- Not There, Less, Much and Very Much. Figures on Percentage contributions of the Shell Foundation, the Community and others, will also be generated. Data from interview schedules and secondary sources will be analysed qualitatively through description. Review of the project annual report will help review the success of the project, thus helping tell with some certainty the likelihood of the project being sustainable. The findings of the study will be presented using figures and tables showing the extent of mutuality in project conceptualization, resource mobilization and on-going operations. This summarized data uses frequency tables in the SPSS and results explained using inferenc es as peoples opinion. On the other hand, descriptive continuous prose is the best present secondary sources information. Buy custom Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management essay

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Film Analyse, Analyse Mise-en-scene, in The Red Shoes (1948 film)and do Ten shots analyse of it - Essay Example Central to the plot is the clash between Miss Victoria Page’s (played by Moira Shearer) artistic ambition and her love life. Tragedy looms large in this type of plot set up and inevitably Miss Page is ruined by this conflict. In this way the plot and the simple straightforward narrative do not match the creative and exuberant visual imagery. Despite the said flaws, the film is worth studying purely its picturization and visual aesthetics. This essay will is an endeavour to study the mise-en-scene of a handful of scenes from the film. To be able to understand the principles being applied for constructing various shots, one has to keep in mind Michael Powell’s philosophy in filmmaking. Powell believed in the notion of the ‘composed film’, in which, â€Å"music, emotion and acting made a complete whole, of which the music was the master†. (Mayer, 2008, p.48) This philosophy is writ large in The Red Shoes, as well as Powell’s other notable films B lack Narcissus (1947) and The Tales of Hoffmann (1951). As a matter of fact, in The Red Shoes, Lermontov says to Miss Page on more than one occasion that â€Å"music is everything†. This is perhaps a reflection of Powell’s own understanding of composing a film. ... riest (danced by Ivan Boleslawsky/Robert Helpmann), to an infernal, red-lit space that is inhabited by the ballet's demonic shoemaker (danced by Ljubov/Leonid Massine).† (Grist, 2012, p.28) These sequences of events are synchronized to the tempo and prompt of the instrumental music. Just as the musical composition by Brian Easdale carries symmetry and repetitive structures within it, the performance of The Ballet of the Red Shoes display a similar arrangement. There is a conscious attempt on part of the directors to unite the strands of various media of art into one dramatic output. It is this accentuation of dramatic effect thus produced which accounts for the continuing remembrance of this film and its ballet performances by generations of film audiences. (Mclean, 2008, p. 135) As a treatise on cinematic art, the film reveals its exceptional ability to exploit the medium and alter accepted boundaries. In its own implicit way, The Red Shoes goes on to shatter the myths surroun ding fairytales, the world of classical ballet and the myths surrounding cinema itself. The notion that fairytales all end on a happy note is refuted in the film. Instead, the comforting aspects of Christen Anderson’s fairy tale (upon which the film is based) are disillusioned and the underlying horror is revealed. For example, the earlier part of the film has the audience believe that Vicky and Julian will live happily ever after. But as events unfold and take a dire turn, the aspirations of the couple are frustrated. In Anderson’s fairytale, a young girl, similar in age and disposition to Vicky Page, wishes to wear the red shoes. But upon wearing them, she cannot stop herself from dancing. This eventually leads to unbearable exhaustion she even resorts to ask the executioner to have mercy

Analysis opera market in Princeton area including psychographic Assignment

Analysis opera market in Princeton area including psychographic profile including life-styles, attitudes, personalities - Assignment Example Such has been used to hold iconic events in the region. An example of an Opera House that has been successful over time is the Sydney Opera House that has been active for over 40 years (ABC News). Linking personality to promote the opera house is important. People who are mostly open, conscientiousness and extroverted are more willing to offer clientele. In the area, people like meeting up, the opera would provide the meeting point. The opera house will be a place to exchange ideas among the people. The people may perceive opera houses to be places for rich people. This may influence the high income earners to go to the opera house. The desire of the people in the region to go to the opera house will be driven by curiosity to seek entertainment from the new establishment in the area. Moreover, more people can be coerced to the opera by their peers since most of the population in the region consists of young adults to middle aged person. In this regard, the psychographic data is important in establishing the market for the opera house. According to Kane, an editor with the Irish Times, a good example is the Wexford Opera house where in 2014 reported to have sold almost 90% of the 21 500 tickets put for sale for the different