Summary and Response on Growing Up in America

Amanda Stivala Composition 1030-72 Summary and Response 9/24/12 Growing up in America one doesn’t really question our customs or the daily lives of the people here. Everyone kind of has a precedent for our everyday live and no one really tries to break the mold on that. Poranee Natadecha- Sonsel argues that Americans are unlike many other countries because they have a certain individualism about everything they do in their culture.In her article, â€Å"The Young, the Rich, and the Famous: Individualism as American Cultural Value†, the author reiterates over and over again that the way Americans value their individualism really impresses her. She names a few examples of American individualism such as conversational topics, privacy, and family life. Ms. Sponsel further evaluates each subtopic thus shedding more light on her argument. One of the author’s many arguments about American individualism is how they converse with other people. Associated essay: †On Compassion†She notes that when asked the time old question of, â€Å"How are you? † , Americans most of the time have one set response only and don’t reveal much information about how they really are that day. Ms. Sponsel seems taken back by how Americans don’t really appear to care about how the other person is feeling and just blurt out the automated response of, â€Å"I’m good, how are you? ’. She often references the customs of her culture back in Thailand and how very different it is from American culture.She notes how open they are with everyone they talk to and pretty much tell their whole life story to everyone they meet. America’s individualism set’s them apart from many other countries, not just Thailand and every country has their own way of doing things. Ms. Sponsel is a well educated anthropologist, so it is her job to study a culture and watch how it operates which is why America’ s such individual culture really shocks her. America has a culture unlike any other where privacy is a main component. She emphasizes that even from a young age privacy is introduced into our lives.She points out that unlike other more traditional countries, America is one of the few countries where an infant is given their own room separate from their parents and are progressively taught to become independent emotionally and economically from their families. She once again references Thailand and their family cultures by saying that in Thai families all of the members of the family stick together and take care of each other and the children of the family really aren’t given independency until they get married and move out.Ms. Sponsel tries to show the extreme differences between the two cultures to emphasize America’s individualism. In response to Ms. Sponsel’s article about American individualism, I do agree for the most part with that she has to prove when sh e says that America is very different from the other cultures throughout the world especially the Thai culture she constantly compared America to. What she fails to recognize however, is that America is a cultural melting pot.Most Asian countries are homogenous and really haven’t become integrated, so sure it’s easy to have one steady flow of the same culture there. However, in America we have so many different cultures so it’s really difficult to conform to one specific race’s cultural norms. Some of her sub arguments in relation to her main point are a little far fetched to me though.. One of Ms. Sponsel’s big issue is that Americans are very private especially in the home and with their own families. I don’t understand why she is stunned that American children are taught to become independent at such a young age.The younger you learn that, the better equipped you will be for the real world once you become an adult and then you won’ t have to rely on your parents to help you with everything. The Thai culture that Ms. Sponsel always refers back to seems to not want their children to be independent at all, let alone leave the house and move out when they married adults. Americans have such a busy and fast paced life, being sheltered from that type of individualism would affect their lives in very negative ways.One really prime example of how her culture can show evidence of being overprotective of their children unlike Americans can be is, when Ms. Sponsel said that when she was working at an East-West summer camp one of the supervisors brought their 10 month old child and when the baby tried to walk it fell right down. Naturally the baby started crying, but it wasn’t the baby’s parents that went to go help the baby, it was all the Asian students. The parents knew that the baby would be fine so they left it alone and eventually he got up and started walking again.It’s a perfect example of how American’s individualistic culture norms are just totally opposite of other cultures, we know that one day that baby is going to have to get up and get over it so why not start at a young age so they get used to it instead of coddling them like the Asian culture or any other culture different than our would have done. Overall, I do see some very valid points provided by Ms. Sponsel about Americans and their odd sense of individualism, but also on the contrary she does have some faults where she overlooks some key aspects in her argument.

Filter Innovations Inc Case

2008 > John Dragasevich (president), small water filtration company based out of Toronto, Ontario, considering expansion, increasingly strict regulations on wastewater management implemented by government, invest in new technology (membrane biological reactors)? Industry: > increased demand for water and water treatment, trend expected to continue > market projections reaching $348 billion > demand growing for safe drinking water in developing countries > sustainability challenges and advancements in environmental regulation result in growth of demand for higher water treatment standards > 2008, 1. billion without drinking water, 2. 4 billion not connected to wastewater systems > 40% projected increase in water consumption by 2025, 1/3 of world population affected by water shortage > in Canada, more than $2 billion in sales > largest consumers – municipalities, both products and services > significant portion of market – industrial Competition: > dominated by 2 large mu tli-national companies ( Siemens water tech and Zenon membrane solutions) > competition targeted large users of filtration systems (corporation and municipalities) requiring over 1 million litres/day > Siemens – 2. million in revenue, 6000 employees (150 R&D), serve more than 90% of fortune 500 manufacturing companies, around 100,000 industrial consumers, parent company Siemens AG over 100 billion electronics and engineering company in over 190 countries with 428,000 people, leader in innovation > Zenon – owned by GE, provided a complete range of filtration processes, offered broadest product line in industry, over 100 years of experience, over 300,000 employees in over 100 countries, publically traded with 18 million in revenue > smaller competitors, specialize in niche market, offer sales and support on a specific type of filtration and treatment product Environment: have to meet provincial regulations based on standards set by federal legislation > some environmenta l legislation required wastewater treatment > discharge limits for sewer use, storm sewers, and groundwater seepage; limits vary regionally > wastewater dumped for use of a fertilizer must be treated > stricter legislation raising environmental standards required by companies > many companies require certificate of approval from ministry of environment and energy, validating compliance with all guidelines Filter Innovations Inc: > dragasevich studied marine biology, worked for major supplier of filter presses in NA > extensive experience in industrial process and environmental products, sales manager with GAF (industry leader for filter vessels and bag filters) > 1992, founded Filter Innovations Company: > small industrial water filtration company identifies and supplies treatment solutions for groundwater, wastewater, process water and air > evaluated client`s needs and design appropriate system to meet need, develop and build system, install it, monitor it regularly, offer product support > supplies wide range of environmental products to support filtration systems > goal – prioritize social and environmental responsibilities at all times to ensure that actions positively influence both the community and environment > ongoing R&D development of new technologies for new products and systems; important to be recognized as being at forefront of the leading technology > employs 14 people, sales representatives, technology engineers & technicians, administrative staff > alliance with firms acting as distributors of its products and systems across NA with few sales in Europe and SA > serves 500 clients, FII equipment operational in over 1500 business sites; 80% sales in Canada, 15% sales in US, 5% sales outside of NA > wants to be recognized as primary supplier of environmental equipment and products, offers simple, innovative solutions for air and water treatment; wants to be one-stop shop for all filtration needs, offering timely and cost-effective soluti ons Calco Group: > 2006, FII purchased by CEG (identifies and acquires environmental companies that were leading suppliers of its specific products) > membership with Calco allowed companies to share resources, networks, and knowledge > MLE (groundwater remediation) offers similar products as FII; MLE benefit from sales expertise; FII able to capitalize on MLE strong manufacturing focus Operations: high focus on sales/technical knowledge; high customer-centric outlook; flexibility in meeting needs of customer key to success; unique/comprehensive business structure (engineering, manufacturing, and distributing of various filtration products and systems > commodity products in inventory for quick sale (filter media, off-the-shelf filtration units), other products ordered from suppliers as needed (keep inventory investments and storage costs low) > advantageous membership with CEG and strong supplier networks > customized systems – engage in collaborative design efforts with cli ents and engineers; once designed, system built by manufacturing alliances then installed and supported by FII > offers rental and leasing option; three types interested in this – those who want to test a system before purchase, those who need it for a specific time period only, and those who want to finance system through regular instalment payments Sales: > about 65% of revenues from sale of individual products; customized products represent 35% of sales Consumers: 2 reason for demand – companies pollute above regulated level obligated to avoid environmental penalties; companies recognize opportunity to save money by cleaning/recycling wastewater by reducing disposal costs; demand ranges from short-term, quick-fix to long-term consultation/installation (ongoing monitoring and support) > tend to focus on projects requiring less that 1 million litres/day; able to provide personalized support; larger companies don’t find these projects profitable, less competitio n > customers in 2 equal groups – environmental consulting companies/distributors on behalf of their clients; end users (buy direct from FII) Environmental consultants: > analyse clients’ wastewater treatment needs, recommend solution and help implement it; after assessing need, issue request for RFP from each vendor, use industry expertise to recommend best option for client End user: > no internal capability, FII identify needs, build custom solution to fix problem (incorporating restrictions); if commodity products much more price sensitive choose vendor with lowest price, for custom products price less of a concern and willing to pay; learn through tradeshows, advertising, word-of-mouth, and industry reputation MBR: new, stricter government regulations meant that company’s existing wastewater treatment designs did not meet new guidelines; faced with decision of whether to expand into MBR market > MBR – new technology for wastewater treatment, allow fo r water re-use; different application than FII > MBR designed to treat biological wastewater, predict that MBR system will be used to add reverse osmosis to make water safe for portable water consumption > Europe leading in development > currently best environmental option; FII would benefit from MBR sales and advanced knowhow/expertise with respect to manufacturing, engineering, building, and supporting new systems Potential Customer base: MBR system would be important factor for FII’s profitability; treating wastewater under 10,000 litres/day means government approval to pass building code > testing costs (one time) $200,000; over that volume company only needs certificate of approval available at no cost as customer would pay fee based on percentage of system cost > FII fearful of competition, FII need to target and seek out contracts that would be profitable but not attractive to large competitors MBR competition: > Sanitherm (subsidiary of Peak energy services based in w estern Canada and direct competition with FII, provides turnkey solutions, built, installed and operate various products/systems, hold 3% of MBR market, sold water and wastewater treatment systems globally) > Enviroquip (division of Eimco Water Technologies, hold 30% of MBR market share in NA, operates in Texas, specializes in design and manufacturing, offers full range of equipment for water pollution control, advanced waste treatment, water treatment and sludge handling) Potential Expansion: reputation with MBR will take a while to build, expect sales to be minimal to start but will grow; sales could reach a high of $500,000 (before installation) in 1st year, reaching several million in following years > additional revenues (half of each system) for installation paid at beginning with allowance of 90 days COGS > MBR cost average of 35% f system sale (20% for membrane and 80% for fabrication) > membrane purchase from supplier (SGR AQUIRIS in Europe), minimum start-up membrane inven tory of $25,000 on hand and had to pay cash upon receipt > fabrication components bought from member of Calco, extended credit terms and alwys paid in 60 day, transportation paid for by FII and cost 5% of COGS Other Expenses: need to hire technology expert ($48,000), and support person ($38,000) > dragsevich and other managers have to co-ordinate with suppliers and customers to monitor new business in terms of R&D; 20% of time spent on MBRs ($30,000) > more space needed for inventory and personnel, operates in facility that allows for lease of additional adjacent units for expansion; $2,250/month/unit; utility $180/month > important to brand itself properly to gain recognition as reliable supplier of MBR business; planned an additional $6,400 annually MBR marketing > need to purchase software modelling program for $18,000, beneficial for 3 years and amortized using straight-line with zero salvage value > paid for advertising, attends tradeshows, provided articles; 25% of costs would directly relate to new MBR business; plan to subscribe to various publications, advertise and attend tradeshows that specialize in MBR; if sales reached 1 million would need to hire s MBR sales manager ($70,000) Conclusion: is it right time to get into MBR? Wise investment? Sales projection may be overly optimistic and it could vary highly depending on ability to brand itself

Question 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Question 1 - Essay Example Here the project leaders create a charter for the project, create the process high-level view, and start understanding the customer’s need of the process. This is the critical stage for the company where the leaders define their effort outline for the leadership and for themselves. In the evolution of Lean Sigma Enterprise, Mematech Pharmaceutical Company is on the early successes. At this stage, Mematech’s initial projects are in under way. Their improvements have shown crucial impacts and financials. The support from the initial team undergoes validation by other results. This is an important stage, where it is crucial for the previous successes to be publicized so that the entire organization can see the impact of the lean sigma. The technology drivers that influence the lean sigma enterprise’ evolution are Enterprise Resource Planning and Customer Relationship Management. The advantage of the technology is to re-design the solution and offer discipline and process systemization (Taghizadegan, 2006). The changes of uncertainty and ambiguity of the potential impact of the business is replaced by the relevant and proven illustration of the problems that face the company. The organization has responded to the changes through leadership support, p eople, training, project selection, reporting, software, and financial impact. The key challenge is ensuring that the projects are through early and that the company’s financial impacts are

Management and Organizational Theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Management and Organizational Theory - Essay Example The paper tells that current critical management studies have criticized traditional management with creating scientific or objective knowledge which is nothing more than elitist thinking institutionalized as wisdom The result of this is the elitist groups have managed to maintain a status quo that deprives and exploits members lower down an organization due to their class, gender and ethnicity. Many of the simplistic views on management needs revision and rather than applied mechanically, critical management needs to take a broader 360 view encompassing politics and ethical perspectives. Today's organizations and workplaces are a melting pot of ethnic and multi-culturally diverse set of individuals. More foreigners are employed in western businesses than ever before; young and old work together. People form a diverse backgrounds and skill sets now coordinate their work in order to arrive at the best solution for complicated problems. The merger of companies, threat of downsizing, an d rapidly changing work environments have tended to create a sense of unease about job security. Even then, employees demand more from the organization they're employed in, high expectations in terms of workplace treatment, greater respect for their individuality irrespective of their ethnic, gender, racial or family background or sexual orientation. The challenge then for companies is to develop more inclusive policies and procedures to embrace a wide variety of people while respecting their individuality. This model has largely been ignored by organizations which use their employees mechanically, expecting them to only produce. Up until the mid 20th Century, the organization was seen as a machine with characteristics such as a central authority, a hierarchy of power, divisions of expertise and specialisations, categories of labour and distinct sections between staff, management from lower paid workers. With the economic boom and moves towards globalisation, the internal culture of organizations changed with greater emphasis placed on the people instead of on the inner machinery of the organization. There was more focus on delegation of authority, employee self-rule, open dialogue where concerns of workers were shared with the authority. Much of this resulted from the development of new technologies. At the workplace, this meant requirement of new skill sets and specializations utilized in order to achieve organizational goals. People with expertise in various disciplines were sought and recruitment became selective. With more power to the labour force, the hierarchy of authority was forced to develop a more cooperative model of management. This in addition to the changing markets and branch diversification required management to be more adaptive. The existing scientific management model had inadequate concepts to cope with the rapidly changing work environment and there was a move towards changing the industry and discarding forms of scientific management. A s society grew modern, people started to develop social etiquette and became more morally conscious. Things that were considered normal a century ago began to be questioned. Child labour for example was outlawed. Customers demanded better quality products and attitudes in society changed. This spilled over into the workplace. Dictatorial methods of authority were no longer tolerated and generally people expected proper treatment.

Management and Leadership Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Management and Leadership Paper - Essay Example The preceding statement in essence implies that managers are task oriented as opposed to leaders who are goal oriented. Another noteworthy difference is that managers believe in directing employees to get the work done while leaders believe in getting the work done by way of inspiring and empowering team members. To summarize it can be rightly said that managers are efficient whilst leaders are effective (Bertocci & Bertocci, 2009, p.9-11). Therefore cultivating leadership skills in managers will eventually lead managers becoming effective along with being efficient and the manager will ultimately have an edge as they will be able to foresee things and become long term planners. Once the manager acquires leadership skills he can help employees identify and set clear goals for better performance in the job. Manager can implement policies while a manager who has got leadership skills is able to not only implement but also frame policies for betterment of the team members in particular and the company in

Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Essay Example The seven wastes include motion; transportation; waiting time; overproduction; inventory; processing time; and defects. Other common wastes are energy; untapped human resources; and by-products. Motion and transport are related to layout; organisation; and engineering. Waste arises as motion and transport does not always result in useful work. In the current case study, motion and transportation includes rearrangement of storage areas that are temporary before and after manufacture or product components; and movement associated with searching fixtures, jigs, tools, equipment, materials, etc. Movement allows an opportunity for product damage during handling and movement; poor space utilisation – large distances between stages or large gangways or storage areas; higher labour cost from low productivity; large batches waiting for transport – large inventories, long leadtimes, low responsiveness. Waiting time, overproduction and inventory are related to scheduling; setups; communication; quality; skills; reward systems; breakdowns; and layout. Waiting time could be caused by material; machine; or labour. Lack of material could be caused by scrap; breakdown; poor schedule; or poor supplier. Machine unavailability could be caused by breakdown; setups; large batches; or unavailability of tools, jigs, fixtures, etc. Skills shortage, absenteeism, or operating or supervising more than one machine could cause skill shortage. Overproduction could be a case of too much or too early. Too much is when there is more production than needed. This could be caused by setups that are long, improper scheduling for EOQ, or inadequate design of processes. Too early includes production earlier than required. This could be caused by lack of machine capability, subcontracting of operations, long in-process delays, or long leadtimes. Overproduction could also be caused by unbalanced material flow; cushion storage; safety storage; and lot delays.

Lesson 6 Discussion & Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Lesson 6 Discussion & - Assignment Example Every song, though being simple at the first sight, conveyed the ideas of the things that are eternal for the human being. The Beatles’ style, moreover, introduced music techniques that were new for that time and made the band’s sound unique. Due to this, they managed to reach global sympathy, and their songs appeared in the US music charts. A new music direction, Merseybeat, was distinguished, as the band came from Liverpool, Merseyside. Another success factor is that the band song several languages, which was rather unusual for a typical rock band of that time. Such breath-taking success of the Beatles is not a reason, however, for pushing other music bands of the British Invasion period aside. This is the case when it is similarly the case of â€Å"primus inter pares†, that is, the first among the equal ones, which means that other bands are worth mentioning at least. The Who is a good example of such a band. Introducing not only new sounding, but also scenic drive, breaking a guitar at the concert, for example, they managed to reach not less success than the previously mentioned band. Taking the above said into consideration, it is quite possible to assume that the Beatles influence on popular music is over estimated. Many bands of today confess that their songs have been composed under impressions the Beatles made on them, but the number of the musicians giving names of other bands is constantly increasing. Today’s music, for instance, is greatly impacted by national motives, as national conscious is rising all over the world along with the growing necessity to take care for one’s own

Health Care Accreditation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Health Care Accreditation - Essay Example These accreditations are important for clinics because customers tend to trust clinics that have such accreditations. The accreditation of Minnesota Hospital Price Check is not quite compulsory for Mayo Clinic but it is quite important to the patient as such accreditations aid patients in comparing the cost they will be paying for acquiring services. To obtain accreditation, a clinic has to first write an application letter to the accreditation company such as the Joint Commission, next the company provides details about what they will be evaluating and what are the standards, next the company conducts a survey of the clinic and if the clinic is operating according to the standard, the clinic gains accreditation. All accreditations last for a limited period of time, after this period, companies need to gain reaccredited. The process of getting reaccredited starts with an application sent to the accreditation company, the company then conducts an onsite survey and desk assessment and then decide whether to provide accreditation or not. If the organization is expected to loose or has lost its accreditation, the consequences are that consumer stop trusting that company and they start preferring other companies or clinics. " Top Performers on Key Quality Measures | Joint Commission." Accreditation, Health Care, Certification | Joint Commission. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Aug. 2012.

DEMONSTRATION OF A CRITICAL UNDERSTANDING & AWARENESS OF PROJECT Essay

DEMONSTRATION OF A CRITICAL UNDERSTANDING & AWARENESS OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT ISSUES - Essay Example At present, it is quite difficult to find a project, in progress without Project Management, as it can be very catastrophic at the end with huge losses of time, money and reputation. Even the working environment is in complete disarray, with everyone being confused over the sequencing of the task. We all know that the road to success is not one without challenges; and there are factors of Project Management that, if not fulfilled properly, can cause hindrances and thus, failure of the project. Following are such factors along with their courses of action in a particular framework. Information is the most vital resource for the completion of a successful project. It is mainly concerned with detailed information about the required standards of the final product, the time given for its completion, and the budget available for the task. Information regarding the nature of every aspect of the project is very important for the correct choice of work force hired for that particular job, but still keeping budget constraints in mind. In the same way, you should have knowledge of places where you can extract the maximum out of the initially set budget when looking for the required equipment for the project. Lack of information can lead to a complete disaster of the project. ... For example, if you do not have information regarding the aim of the final product, it is impossible to manufacture a product that perfectly meets its purpose. Lack of information regarding the different constraints and details of the nature of the product can lead to a bad choice of human and material resources along with defective quality management. All these problems combined will create a product nowhere near the required one. Let us keep the BSI (2006): 6079-4 framework in consideration and go through it systematically with inadequate information. First, the feasibility of a project cannot be deduced correctly if you do not know the detailed nature of the product. Then, a slight change in the outline design of the project will start a chain of events disrupting the scheme and detailed designs too. This obviously causes defects in engineering and construction works and thus the desired product is not manufactured. (Structured PM and CW) Example: Figure 1: The Eden Project in Cornwall. "Building" (Rawlinson, 2006) The Eden Project is a recreational place in Cornwall now in its fourth phase of construction. It has been a success until now as it is a huge tourist attraction and an exceptional construction project being well within budget and time constraints. In fact, it was actually a milestone, as fine points from this project, were used in the development of the 'DLivering Success', a popular system that analyses the status of a project. The Eden Project is a huge success as the information fed into its framework was appropriate and complete. It had no missing feature either in its planning, sequencing or in designing. That is why it has a faultless design and is quite within the range of the available time and money. So now, we can see

A Clean, Well-Lighted Place by Ernest Hemingway Essay Example for Free

A Clean, Well-Lighted Place by Ernest Hemingway Essay 1. A Clean Well-Lighted Place 2. In the short story A Clean Well-Lighted Place written by Ernest Hemingway in 1933, there are three characters that are defined by light.   First there is the elderly gentleman who is a customer in the bar.   He regularly comes to the bar to get drunk while he sits in the shadows of the leaves of a tree.   This man has lived a long life and has known much pain.   In fact he has known enough pain that he has tried to commit suicide. The two waiters inside the cafe knew that the old man was a little drunk, and while he was a good client they knew that if he became too drunk he would leave without paying, so they kept watch on him. Last week he tried to commit suicide, one waiter said. (Hemingway)   He drinks to dull his pain of loss and pain.   The shadows are symbolic of all of his bead memories clumped together and the leaves that through tiny shadows to hide him are specific memories.   Even though he wraps himself in the darkness, he must be close to the light in order to survive.   The light, or goodness, gives him hope to carry on in a life that he cannot even successfully leave. The next character is the young waiter who must have the light.   He has not lived long, has a wife, and children.   Because his life seems to be exactly where it should be things are good and that is represented by the clean light of the bar.   Because of his youth, there has not been time for messes or losses.   He fears the shadows that shroud the elderly man because he sees them as foreshadows of his own life that he does not want to face. Hell stay all night, he said to his colleague. Im sleepy now. I never get into bed before three oclock. He should have killed himself last week. (Hemingway) The last is the older waiter.   This man has experienced enough life that he, like the elderly gentleman, prefers the dark.   He sees the light as only something to illuminate the defects in life.   The light is very bright and pleasant but the bar is unpolished, the waiter. said. (Hemingway)   This way feels that understands that he has more in common with the elderly man in the shadows, but he longs to be back in the light. I am of those who like to stay late at the cafe, the older waiter said. With all those who do not want to go to bed. With all those who need a light for the night. (Hemingway) 3. Hemingway uses A Clean Well-Lighted Place to ponder the meaning of life.   Life is lived and through the journey, individuals know the joy which leave them with a lack of understanding of others like the young waiter and the elderly man.   You should have killed yourself last week, he said to the deaf man. The old man motioned with his finger. (Hemingway) Only those who are satisfied with life should be around him.   Money is not what makes people happy. The elderly man has money, but still he tries unsuccessfully to committee suicide.   Hemingway was well into his career at this time and had plenty of money yet he was not happy.   He adds the quick glimpse of the girl and the soldier who brave the fear of getting caught for the sake of love or the physical part of love to show that there are things that are meaningful in life that are worth the risk.   Yet in the end people are left with their shadows of memories that are so painful that they either desire for nothing but to turn back to the light part of their lives or to desire to leave life.

Role of Cognitive Mapping in Health Care Management Decision

Role of Cognitive Mapping in Health Care Management Decision Describe and discuss the role of cognitive mapping in health care management decision making. Description of Cognitive Mapping Cognitive mapping is an operational research technique that consists of creating a graphical representation of a persons (or groups) way of thinking about an issue, and where directionality within the map is assumed to imply perceived causality among the concepts (Eden, 2004). The proposed value of the graphical representation, as argued from the field of political science, is that it makes it easy to for anyone to see how concepts and causal relationships are related, and appreciate the overall structure of all the assertions (Eden 2004 cited Axelrod 1976, p. 676). It is one mechanism of system dynamics simulation modelling that generally came about as a reaction to failure of traditional approaches to capture interactions within complex problems in social systems (Edkins et al. 2007 cited Checkland 1981). It avoids the common research process pitfall of reductionism by allowing multiple conflicting views to be revealed and, providing a comprehensive picture of the participants perspectives but keeping all details to represent beliefs that are most important to stakeholders represented (Duryan, Nikolik, Merode, 2015; Eden Ackermann, 2004). Cognitive mapping was initially introduced as a method for problem analysis. But recognizing its value, it has then found roles in performance measurement, decision making, and strategy formulation. Eden and Ackermann (1991) expounded on the possible uses of this technique in becoming an instrument for developing consensus about shared goals, providing structure to multiple and conflicting aspects of an issue, informing negotiation, and suggesting actions to resolve issues. Use of Cognitive Mapping in Health Care Cognitive mapping is argued to be best for messy situations wherein stakeholders do not understand the problem or interpret them differently, and often do not realize it (Mingers 2008 cited Ackoff 1979a). Healthcare decision making falls into this realm as it has always been complicated by information asymmetry, trade-offs between efficiency and equity, or moral ambiguity that become legitimate sources of uncertainty and debate among stakeholders. In fact, the first uses of cognitive mapping in operational research were in healthcare, education, and defense (Eden Ackermann, 2004). Mingers (2008) described an example in 1997 Manchester, where the UK Health Authority commissioned the Salford Community Trust to develop an integrated approach to childrens services. Mingers argued that while the project seemed straightforward, it turned out to be a messy problem as there was no agreement on the definitions of service specifications, services to be included, direction of the strategy, and how the project should be tackled. There were also many stakeholders involved in the issue (i.e. government, doctors, patient groups, industry) that had very strong opinions about the project. If the group were to make a plan based on epidemiology, practice guidelines, budget constraints and other numerical factors alone, without taking into consideration the stakeholders differing views, the proposed program would likely fail during implementation. Situations like these are common in healthcare decisions given the complexity of issues faced at doctor-patient, organizational, and national-policy level. Mathematical and statistical methods provide a narrow focus on measurable aspects of decision that fails to catch the reasoning, motivations, and interactions relevant to achieving these outcomes. Problem structuring through cognitive mapping provides an opportunity for healthcare decision makers to systematically measure these missing interactions and assess their impact to the goal under assessment (Pidd, 2004). Sachdeva et al (2007) explored the added value of cognitive mapping from traditional approaches in understanding patient flow delays in a Pediatric Intensive Unit (PICU) of a Childrens Hospital in Wisconsin, USA. Hard operations research (OR) results using modelling were persuasive, but became inadequate to result to change given politically sensitive issues that arose. Soft OR using cognitive mapping that was done identified new issues and offered a more holistic and comprehensive understanding of the issues complexity that helped persuade decision makers to act on the recommendations. SODA The most common technique for cognitive mapping is the Strategic Options Development Method (SODA). SODA is an ethnographic method derived from interviews that are intended to represent the participants subjective worlds the theoretical basis of which is explained by personal construct theory (Eden 2004 cited Kelly 1995) wherein people make sense of their world by seeking to manage and control it. SODA uses a formal modelling technique with rules for its development as described by a user guide developed by Eden and Ackerman (Ackermann et al., 1991). The transcripts of the interviews are separated into short distinct phrases (nodes) that eventually get sorted as goals, strategic directions, or potential options. Fidelity in transcription is imperative to represent the participants intentions and to promote ownership of the resulting map created. The concepts are linked (arrows) to determine accurate subordination of concepts, directionality and opposing poles to create the overall structure. While the map is an important output of its own, these can also be subject to further analysis to gain deeper insight, such as: Analysis Map Characteristics Goals Head analysis Nodes with only incoming arrows To identify end goals or effects Density analysis Number of mentions of the concepts To determine potential key issues from the perspectives of the participants that may need further examination Centrality analysis Number of links to the concept, or ratio of arrows to concepts To measure the importance and complexity of the concepts implication chain Hierarchical cluster analysis Number of concepts in chain or arguments linked to option To identify most potent options or valued outcomes to influence on the goals Potency analysis Number of goals each option supports To prioritize options with consequences for the biggest number of key issues Composite tail analysis Ranking of potency analysis To determine the single action that may cause multiple goals to be achieved Source: Summary by Author Healthcare Example of Using SODA A case study by Duryan et al. (2015) on intellectual disability care in Netherlands made use of SODA to determine factors that adversely affect delivery of patient-centered care as evidence for future resource allocation. Following SODA guidelines, the team conducted one-on-one, semi-structured, hour-long interviews with the managers and patient group leaders within one division of a residential care facility. Initially, they were thought to have contrasting goals financial sustainability for the managers and quality of care from resource constraints for the patients. Using the Decision Explorer software, cognitive maps were created and merged to reflect the combined views. Key assumptions were then discussed and verified, and follow-up focus group discussions with different subgroups of the patients (young vs old) and their families were done to refine the ideas represented by the initial group. The merged map was then subject to head, domain, centrality, potency analysis, and comp osite tail analysis. Results showed that group leader freedom to make decisions, flexible shifts, and time spent with patients were the most potent options/solutions, and therefore needed quick action by the managers. According to the researchers, the exercise successfully facilitated critical analysis of the problem and fostered ownership of the proposed solutions by all stakeholders. Seeing the different/ opposing thoughts organized and their end-goals similar also helped reach consensus and manage disagreements. Expansions of SODA While SODA provides solutions to complex strategic processes, it lacks a mechanism to allow for agreement among the strategies to be developed. SODA was developed further into JOURNEY Making (JOintly Understanding Reflecting and NEgotiating strategY) to become a process-oriented and management-science strategy by using the composite map in a workshop setting as a tool to help negotiation and explore policy options that will allow the issue to be intelligently resolved (Mingers, 2008). Another method, the Oval Mapping Technique (OMT), creates a cognitive map but through a highly participative strategy workshops. White et al (2007) used JOURNEY Making to collect and define public values and voices among stakeholders involved in a community hospital project in South London. Intergroup workshops were done in phases to map/graph the issues and options related to the decision. The process resulted to wide acceptance of the recommendations and an official plan enacted by the Department of Health. This is one among many examples of the opportunity to use these newer OR tools in healthcare strategy management planning at both organizations and the national policy arena. Limitations Cognitive mapping provides an opportunity to deal with messy problems in a systematic way, but general acceptance of it as a method is still lacking. Mingers (2008) explains that especially in the United States, it is viewed as a soft OR method not regarded for publication in top journals nor teaching in courses among top schools. The concerns on subjectivity of results remain valid that even though the process is systematic and rigorous, they are still variable and dependent on both study design and recruitment. The cognitive maps developed will depend largely on the choice of participants, their active participation, their personal motivations, and the assumption that they are adequately informed of the problem. And the probability of one person skewing the result is high given the small sample (i.e. 4-10 people) used for these activities. The method also assumes adequate facilitation by the research team to determine the key nodes and domains, which may not always be the case. Also, while cognitive mapping provides a snapshot of the decision making, it does not promote understanding over time periods and cannot be used to derive numerical assessments of its impact (Pidd, 2004). Cross-validation or triangulation using many models of the same issue may be done to increase its validity (Abernethy et al, 2005). Combination of soft and hard methodologies is believed to increase acceptance and sustain organization change especially in healthcare settings (Sachdeva et al., 2007). And, it should always be used in conjunction with other methods for research data gathering, monitoring, performance measurement, or decision support. Lastly, for cognitive mapping to be useful in decision support, it requires the decision makers to understand the method/process, recognize the value of the issues at the front line, take the results seriously, and act on the recommendations. It is therefore crucial for any research team using this method to help the decision makers appreciate the approach and engage with the recommendations. Reference Abernethy, M. A., Horne, M., Lillis, A. M., Malina, M. A., Selto, F. H. (2005). A multi-method approach to building causal performance maps from expert knowledge. Management Accounting Research, 16(2), 135-155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mar.2005.03.003 Ackermann, F. ., Cropper, S. A., Eden, C. L. (1991). Cognitive Mapping for Community Operational Research-A Users Guide. (E. Munford, A., Bailey, T., Ed.), Operational research tutorial papers. Duryan, M., Nikolik, D., Merode, G. Van. (2015). Reflecting on the efficacy of cognitive mapping for decision-making in intellectual disability careà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¯: a case study. International Journal of Health Planning and Management, 30(August 2013), 127-144. https://doi.org/10.1002/hpm.2215 Eden, C. (2004). Analyzing cognitive maps to help structure issues or problems. European Journal of Operational Research, 159(3), 673-686. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0377-2217(03)00431-4 Eden, C., Ackermann, F. (2004). Cognitive mapping expert views for policy analysis in the public sector. European Journal of Operational Research, 152(3), 615-630. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0377-2217(03)00061-4 Edkins, A. J., Kurul, E., Maytorena-Sanchez, E., Rintala, K. (2007). The application of cognitive mapping methodologies in project management research. International Journal of Project Management, 25(8), 762-772. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2007.04.003 Mingers, J. (2008). Reaching the Problems that Traditional OR/MS Methods Cannot Reach. Centerbury. https://doi.org/10.1080/00369220601100075 Pidd, M. (2004). Systems Modelling Theory and Practice. Systems Modelling Theory and Practice. Retrieved from http://www.untag-smd.ac.id/files/Perpustakaan_Digital_1/DECISION MAKING Systems modelling, theory and practice.pdf#page=16 Sachdeva, R., Williams, T., Quigley, J. (2007). Mixing Methodologies to Enhance the Implementation of Healthcare Operational Research. The Journal of the Operational Research Society, 58(2), 159-167. https://doi.org/10.2307/4622680 White, L., Bourne, H. (2007). Voices and values: Linking values with participation in OR/MS in public policy making. Omega, 35(5), 588-603. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.omega.2005.11.002

Hope Leslie by Catharine Maria Sedgwick Essay -- Hope Leslie Catharine

Hope Leslie by Catharine Maria Sedgwick American Puritans in the 17th century were known for their fervor for personal godliness and doctrinal correctness. In addition to believing in the absolute sovereignty of God, the total depravity of man, and the complete dependence of human beings on divine grace for salvation, they stressed the importance of personal religious experience. In her novel Hope Leslie, Catharine Maria Sedgwick critiques the idea of Puritanism and shows its deficiencies through the characters of Everell Fletcher, Hope Leslie, and Magawisca. A weakness of Puritanism that Sedgwick identifies is the idea that communal emotion and authority should take precedence over the desires and emotions of the individual. Some examples of this criticism are seen through the character of Everell Fletcher who is born and raised a Puritan but does not so easily conform to the pressures being placed upon him by both the public and his family. The Puritans viewed the Indians as a savage people whom they were to conquer and convert. At age fourteen, Everell is certainly aware of this view, and yet he not only befriends, but arguably falls in love with Magawisca, an Indian servant in the Fletcher house. His mother’s concern over this is seen in a letter she writes to her husband addressing the issue of Everell and Magawisca’s mutual affection for one another: â€Å"‘†¦it is for thee to decide whether it be not most wise to remove the maiden from our dwelling. Two young plants have sprung up in close neighbourhood, may be separated while young; but if disjoined after their fibers are all intertwined, one, or perchance both, may perish.’† (33). Despite Mrs. Fletcher’s desire for Everell’s personal contentmen... ... halo that encircled the pilgrims’ head; and not mark the dust that sometimes sullied his garments (156). In this text, Sedgwick identifies one of her qualms with Puritanism. She points out that Puritans view things that bring happiness as sin and things that are challenging and hard as obligations. She argues that Puritans lost the true meaning of God’s mercy but are still seen as perfect examples of godliness. In her book Hope Leslie Catharine Maria Sedgwick forces the reader to understand and judge some of the 17th century Puritans’ ideas, two being the idea of communal interests being of more importance than personal interests and the idea of youth being completely subordinate to adults. Through the characters of Everell, Hope, and Magawisca, Sedgwick brings to light the often overlooked shortcomings of Puritanism.

Euthanasia Essay -- essays research papers fc

Imagine yourself lying on a hospital bed totally unaware of the happenings around you. Doctors and family members come and go, mostly out of habit now, because they know there’s nothing more they can do. Many of their visits are a blur to you, with their voices and movements becoming unrecognizable. The pain you experience is nothing short of excruciating, but the hospital has exhausted all of their resources in their attempt to help you. After months of medication and efforts to assist your recovery, you’re left with nothing to show for it other than the dreadful bills. Your family is just patiently waiting for your final days.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Luckily, you are not in a situation like this, and hopefully you never will be. However one must wonder what they would want to be done if they ever were. Would you want the hospital to keep searching for answers and cures? Or would you rather be brought to the comfort of your home to die peacefully? Or would you, like many others seem to, prefer ending your personal suffering and inconvenience to family through euthanasia? In the article titled â€Å"Euthanasia Definitions†, euthanasia.com defines euthanasia as â€Å"the intentional killing by act or omission of a dependent human being for his or her alleged benefit.† An action similar to euthanasia, defined in the same article is known as physician assisted suicide. While sometimes the two terms are used interchangeably, physician assisted suicide is when a doctor provides a patient with education and or instruments useful to ending their own life without truly partaking in the death. â€Å"Euthanasia Definitions† also passionately stresses the fact that there is no such thing as passive euthanasia, which is thought of as death resulting from ending treatment that was ineffective, or providing too much medication without the intention of ending life. Euthanasia is fully an intentional act resulting in death. With a growing public awareness and its abundant levels of controversy, the currently illegal act of euthanasia has come of widespread interest. Derek Humphry is a significant advocate for the legalization of euthanasia for the terminally ill. He wrote the book Final Exit: The Practicalities of Self-Deliverance and Assisted Suicide for the Dying that became a #1 Bestseller for the New York Times. In this book Derek Humphry provides information to the terminall... ...a growing concern of most Americans.† Works Cited â€Å"Arguments Against Euthanasia.† Euthanasia.com. 2004. 22 December 2004 Baskin-Jones, Michelle. â€Å"Biographical Profile of Dr. Jack Kevorkian.† Death and Dying. 2004. About, Inc. 29 December 2004. Cundiff, David. Euthanasia is Not The Answer: A Hospice Physician’s View. Totowa, New Jersey: Humana Press, 1992. â€Å"Euthanasia Definitions.† Euthanasia.com. 2004. 22 December 2004   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Humphry, Derek. Final Exit: The Practicalities of Self-Deliverance and Assisted Suicide for the Dying. New York, New York: Dell Publishing, 2002. Kirkland, Michael. â€Å"Analysis: Life, death in the Schiavo case.† United Press International. 2004. The Washington Times. 29 December 2004.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   â€Å"Live Suicide Show and Related News.† Hell On Earth. 2004. 2 January 2005 MacQueen, Ken. â€Å"Choosing Suicide.† Maclean’s 5 Aug. 2002: 40. MAS Ultra – School Edition. EBSCO. CLS High School Lib., Crystal Lake, IL. 9 December 2004. â€Å"Reasons for Euthanasia.† Euthanasia.com. 2004. 22 December 2004   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   â€Å"The Thanatron.† The Kevorkian Verdict. 1998. PBS. 29 December 2004.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  

Gang membership, Drug Selling, and Violence in Neighborhood Context Ess

Smiley is a man who was released back into the society on a parole. He was sent back to live in his neighborhood. Shinichi Suzuki, a famous Japanese violinist who invented Suzuki Method, got the right idea of Smiley’s situation when he said â€Å"Man is a child of his environment†. It means that Smiley is a product of his environment. His neighborhood is a no picnic. The neighborhood is a basically a graveyard of American dreams. Like everyone else in America, Smiley values individualism, achievement, money, and family unity highly. However he is in a hostile society where his rough background is rejected and regarded as a stigma. He does not have education or an escape from his neighborhood where people are under a great strain. The reason for the strain is because American culture sets the bar for gold standards of an ideal lifestyle that in the reality that social structures in some groups cannot follow (Shelden, Brown, Miller, & Fitzler, 2008). According to strain theory, Smiley’s neighbors all want same things but they cannot get them legally so they decide to find illegal loopholes. They go in this state that Robert Merton would call anomie (Shelden, Brown, Miller & Fritzler, 2008). According to him, the state is when â€Å"social structures exert a definite pressure upon certain persons in the society to engage in nonconforming rather than conforming conduct† ( p.78). A gang in Smiley’s neighborhood pressures Smiley into practicing norms that are considered unacceptable legally . Smiley’s gang approves stealing, violence, abuse of drugs, and organized crimes. Smiley had to adapt by conforming to the gang’s values, follow ritualism like wearing certain colors and speaking gang jargon, and view the world as us ( gang) against them.... ..., T. (2009). Gang membership, drug selling, and violence in neighborhood context. Justice Quarterly, 26(4), 645-669. Opsal, T. (2009). Women on parole: Understanding the impact of surveillance. Women & Criminal Justice, 19(4), 306-328. Shelden, R.G., Brown, W.B., Miller, K.S., & Fritzler, R.B. (2008). Crime and criminal justice in american society. Long Grove, Illinosis: Waveland Press, INC. Stickels, J. (2007). The game of probation. Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, 22(1), 33-43. Wilkinson, D.L. (2007). Local Social Ties and Willingness to Intervene: Textured Views Among Violent Urban Youth of Neighborhood Social Control Dynamics and Situations. Justice Quarterly : JQ, 24(2), 185-220. (Document ID: 1295281001). http://ezproxy.rit.edu/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com.ezproxy.rit.edu/pqdweb?did=1295281001&Fmt=7&clientId=3589&RQT=309&VName=PQD

Midterm Essay Cj210-04

Midterm Essay Exam xxxxxxxxxxx Kaplan University CJ210-04 1. What are methods of inquiry and how are they used in criminal investigation? The main methods of inquiry are the reconstruction of the past and the discovery or creation of new knowledge. In order to reconstruct the past there are three sources available to the investigator. These are people, physical evidence and records. People are a good source of information once you learn the art of questioning and how to sift through the lies and deceptions. Physical evidence paints a picture or can accurately recreate a crime.Records are used to show an investigator trends leading up to the crime. Now the discovery or creation of new knowledge is what separates the skilled investigator from the rest. This involves instinct, experience, an open mind and what some consider gut feelings. You need to think outside the box. 2. What is the optimal mindset of an investigator and how are the concepts associated with the optimal mindset of an investigator manifest? I believe the optimal mindset of an investigator is to be wary of all. An investigator needs to believe all suspects are guilty until proven otherwise.Never dismiss a clue or lead and never let your guard down. The manifestation of this mindset comes with common sense, experience, training and traits that some people are just born with. I think some of these traits can be learned but the best of the best are born to be investigators. 3. What is the scientific method and how is it applied to criminal investigation by criminal investigators? â€Å"The scientific method is a way of observing, thinking about, and solving problems objectively and systematically. † The criminal investigator uses this process much like a mathematician solves a problem.They identify the problem then come up with a theory. Then they collect data through observations and experimentation. This then helps the investigator to draw conclusions. 4. Discuss the three primary sources o f information for criminal investigators and provide detailed practical examples of each source listed. The three primary sources of information for criminal investigators are physical evidence, people and records. Physical evidence is comprised of things found at a crime scene such as fingerprints, tool marks, bullets, casings, hairs, fibers and many other things.When it comes to people this includes friends, family, witnesses, victims, business associates and people that share the same recreational interests. An example of records could be phone calls, credit card purchases and video surveillance tapes from banks, parking lots, and just about anywhere you go anymore. References Osterburg, James & Ward, Richard (2010). Criminal Investigation: A Method for Reconstructing the Past. Sixth Edition. Anderson Publishing http://www. ncjrs. gov/App/Publications/abstract. aspx? ID=78300

To what extent do organizations challenge the nation state’s ability to shape domestic economic and social policy?

To what extent do organizations like the IMF, WTO, and World Bank challenge the nation state’s ability to shape domestic economic and social policy? This should not be a paper about the history of these organizations. The International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and the General Agreements on Trades and Tariffs(GATT), which turn into the World Trade Organization(WTO), are the main organizations that deal with the stability of the global economy.They have done this but promoting trade, issuing loans to countries in economic trouble and allowing international investing. The problem that has arisen from these organizations is that they have sacrificed the domestic economy of many countries in order to support their global agenda. A quick over view of how the WTO, IMF and the World Bank started and operate. Post World War II, many countries looked to rebuild the financial structure of the global economy without losing their power in the economy. The three organizations ea ch share a common goal of international policies.The IMF was created to maintain global monetary cooperation and stability by making loans to countries with balance of payment problems, stabilizing exchange rates and stimulating growth and employment, the WTO deals with international trade, both formalizing trade and settling disputes between countries, and the World Bank has steadily increased its original mandate of providing long term loans for reconstruction, to funding multimillion dollar infrastructure projects in developing countries. These individual organizations have come under much scrutiny for their involvement in the international economy.They have been accused of negatively affecting the economies of its participating countries instead of helping. Many policies set forth by these groups have shown a drastic change in the growth of the domestic economy and social policies. These policies mostly affect less developed countries’ economies since the IMF and the Worl d Bank are control by few, wealthy nations like the â€Å"Big Five†(U. S. , UK, Germany, Japan, and France) who look to remain the controlling powers in the global economy. The reason for this uneven voting power is because the IMF and World Bank are set up so that the voting power is distributed by thefinancial strength of countries. Unlike the IMF and World Bank, the WTO does in fact have equal voting power through its participating members. Less developed countries do not have the resources and government power, like these more developed countries. So even with the equal voting power, these less developed countries still fall victim to these more developed countries. The IMF, World Bank and WTO are often interconnecting because how they each contribute to international policies. For example, a country that is looking to increase its domestic economy will turn to the World Bank for a loan in order to invest in a project.More often than not, these project result in more debt for this country than profit. By putting themselves in a bigger financial hole, this country must now turn towards the IMF in order to keep them from becoming bankrupt. Before the IMF issues a loan, this country must agree to certain conditions that often require economy policies to be adjusted. These conditions allow for foreign corporations to invest and control the economy of this country. The WTO joins in by maintaining trade agreements set up by them.â€Å"The WTO has the authority to prevent, overrule, or dilute and laws of any nation deemed to burden the investment and market prerogative of transnational corporations. † (ROTHENBERG pg 450) This allows for the WTO to maintain its control over this country. The major factor in this process is the IMF’s terms and conditions that they require from their participating members. These conditions are greatly detrimental to the domestic economy of these countries because once these conditions are satisfied, these countr ies are now left powerless and unable to grow internally.These terms include cutting social spending and the national budget, increasing interest rates, dismantle regulations international investing and ownership of public businesses, eliminating tariffs, cut and redirect subsides certain goods, and decrease government power. This type of â€Å"structural adjustment is conducive to a form of â€Å"economic genocide† which is carried out through the conscious and deliberate manipulation of market forces. †(ROTHENBERG pg. 455) First, the cutting of social spending and the national budget affect the domestic economies and social policies in quite a few ways. Cutting socialspending has a very obvious affect on the social policies by taking money away from health care, education, military, ect.. The national debt, on the other hand, allows the IMF and World Bank to reduce the amount of money in the domestic economy, which in turn forces countries to have to take out loans f rom these groups. These loans that are taken are often too hard to repay. This in a way creates a paradox between these organizations and the people they are trying to help. They make it so that poorer nations need to take receive help from the IMF, but by taking their help they inevitably put themselves in more debt and economic turmoil.One of the big ways the domestic economy and social policies are being challenged is the dismantling of foreign ownership and international investing. This creates a huge uphill battle for the local enterprises. By getting rid of these regulations, the IMF allows foreign investor to control the economy and run local companies out of business as well as control many of the public sectors of the economy, like healthcare or education. With public sectors of an economy now controlled by an outside investor, the domestic economies are not only at risk but the social policies are also subject to much change.Increase in interest rates is a direct result of tightening monetary policies. This has made domestic borrowing very hard. For example, many smaller and poorer famers must fight for the little money available. And because they are small and poor, they lack the collateral and are a high risk so when they borrow money they are subject to interest rates of 50 to 400 percent. â€Å"Rice traders generally provide loans for production inputs and then extract small farmers to lose their mortgage land.With an increasing number of landless laborers in the countryside, real rural wagers and income have declined, and the incidence of starvation has doubled since 1985. The latest figures indicate that approximately 75 percent of rural households live in abject poverty. † (Danaher pg. 65) By eliminating tariffs, taxes are not being applied to international companies. This gives these companies an easier time incorporating their product into domestic economies. These products can be made for cheaper than the domestic product. And once t hese companies are producing in these countries, these groups can now protect them.This causes competition between the domestic product and the international product. Cutting and redirecting subsides on certain goods. Subsides are used to help produce certain goods, such as wheat and vegetables, at a more affordable cost. These subsides are often the only profit that these companies make since it cost so much to produce these goods which are sold for cheap. Without subsided, these manufactures must increase the cost of goods and this increase make it hard for these domestic economies to resist taking loans from these organizations.This also makes these economies more dependent on imported goods. This all leads to a reducing in the government power for many of these countries. By reducing the domestic economy and social policies, these countries have little say in how they are treated. So instead of helping these countries that look to these organizations for help in developing their Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the IMF, WTO and World Bank will leave these less developed countries in a poorer state than they were originally.And on top of that fact, slowly weakening the government powers of these less developed countries will lead to less democratic countries with any power within the global economy. All of these previously mentioned factors have contributed the IMF, WTO, and World Bank’s negative reputation as far as hurting the domestic economy and social policies of many countries, especially less developed ones. In a lot of cases, these organizations have a tight hold on the countries that rely on them for help.It is shown that between these three organizations, the main problem with their plan is that it only favors the more developed countries while at the same time putting restricting on the domestic economies of less developed countries. These less developed countries few options and therefore must turn towards these organizations in the hopes of increasing their economies. They are often left in more debt and a worse GDP because of their few financial resources to invest in the foreign trade and their lack of power to stop other countries from doing the same to them.

Cultural Tourism Development Essay

With its modern sky line and quality infrastructure, it is difficult to believe that Dubai in the United Arab Emirates was once a small town of Bedouin traders. Exotic animals used to inhabit the grounds occupied by the present-day Nad al Sheba racetrack Contemporary Dubai has been built beyond reasonable expectations, more so from the stigma which befell a post-Gulf War Arabia. High-technology and high-fashion shops are now as commonplace as the gold souks. Modern Dubai is an eclectic mix of old and new, ancient and modern. Tourism, cultural tourism particularly, is considered one of the fastest-growing industries globally; with fierce competition being its natural corollary. Dubai is viewed as one of the prime tourist destinations, giving the country a distinct vantage in the arena. Dubai’s relative advantages pertinent to tourism are manifold. First, tourism is a rapidly-growing, huge industry; it is, therefore, a crucial sector that Dubai can take advantage of. Dubai is aptly capable in meeting global standards, being in itself, a set of visions. Dubai’s global position, as predicted, will be that of an â€Å"internationally-recognized hub and destination of choice for cultural tourism†. Dubai’s 2010 vision reiterates this notion, stating a threefold agenda for its long-term goal of becoming an international tourist hub: (1) creating a quality environment conducive to immigration and investment inflows, necessary for enticing a technologically-knowledgeable/skilled human capital base, (2) launching a policy of arts and culture developments, with the creation of an arts center in Dubai, (3) initiating an annual program of cultural activities (e. g. expositions, concerts, visiting artist performances) to mark its reputation as a modern society. Second, tourism is a highly-unpredictable industry, with trends and factors influential of tourist influx. Factors that positively affect tourism are disposable income increase, transportation cost decrease, tourism package cost decrease, and political stability presence. Travel distance has become an irrelevant tourism factor. Third, competition has spurred creative marketing strategies on the part of tourism providers. They have started providing leisure and business packages in greater variety, higher quality, and more competitive pricing scheme- thereby boosting the market demand for tourism. With the current trends in tourism at work, the demand being on the favorable side, it is projected that the $ 3. 3 trillion global tourism industry will grow at a 6. 8 % annual rate for the next 10 years. Fourth, the tourism industry is challenged by a body of better-informed and discriminating clientele. Tourism providers, therefore, need to package destinations in a detail-specific and compelling manner, categorized on the basis of market segmentation, in order to lure prospective tourists. The package destinations can also aim at a wider range of tourists for particular destinations in order to satisfy the market demand. In view of these trends, Dubai must adhere to the aforementioned steps to be able to take advantage of the tourism sector to its fullest. Dubai must maintain research-based equilibrium values per tourist segment, from where tourism providers can base tourist package offers from. The move is expected to optimize Dubai’s gain from possible tourism-generated revenues. It must also continue upgrading its support services in order to be able to service the increasing flock of tourists, broaden the basis of their motivation for tourism, and eventually, draw more tourists into visiting. A study of tourism’s framework is a requisite for understanding it. According to the Singaporean Board of Tourism website, the tourism landscape is composed of two sections: motivating attraction and supporting services. Motivating attractions include business tourism, cruise events, honeymoons, and especially, cultural tourism. Supporting services, however, include IT & Communication systems, travel agencies, hotels, entertainment management companies, and computer reservation systems. Cultural activities, in addition, are part of a broader tourism framework; by building on both Motivating Attractions and Supporting Services, Dubai will be able to attract tourists and encourage repeat visits. Cultural Tourism Cultural tourism is the type of tourism intent on an exploration of and education on the culture of a particular state. The motivating attraction components of cultural tourism are cultural/historical heritage, performing arts (theatre), visual arts and music. The CulturalHistorical Heritage component includes parks sightseeing, tours, cultural events, festivals and fairs. Performing Arts (Theatre) includes musicals, operas, ballet and dance exhibitions, and dramatic and classical performances. The Visual Arts component includes museums, painting galleries, craft exhibits, and film and photography showcases. Music, however, includes symphonies, orchestras and concerts. Supporting Services for cultural tourism comprise of marketing organizations to promote the Arts and Dubai’s position as a ‘center for the arts’ in the region, operational organizations to collaborate with performing arts talents and IT specialists for marketing, state-of-the-art venues like auditoriums, screening rooms, seminar rooms and staging arenas, and the technology that allows for world-class performances and shows. This US-based data on cultural tourism illustrates some key characteristics of the tourism demography (regular/cultural tourists), with important implications on the possible benefits from cultural tourism. Research suggests that promoting cultural tourism in Dubai will attract an extremely valuable clientele that will be willing to spend more ($ 174 average difference) and lengthen the duration of their visit (4% difference). Cultural tourism promotion, research also suggests, increases the likelihood of drawing clients with more advanced ages (48 vs. 46 average, 3% difference in retired tourists demography) and educational backgrounds (3% difference in graduate degree-holding status). Hosting such a demography is a boost for promoting Dubai as the ‘image leader’ in the region, an immense contribution to the knowledge economy. The National Assembly of State Arts agencies website asserts that some economic and cultural trends has had a huge impact on cultural tourism statistics. First, there has been a general rise in affluence and education level trends. Second, the United Arab Emirates has bore witness to cultural diversity; with expatriates now accounting for more than 75% of the UAE population. Third, an increase in the economic role and education of women had women typically setting up vacation plans. Fourth, a lesser time for leisure which is a mark of modern society increased the demand for and placed emphasis on shorter and value-added trips. Lastly, there has been an intensified influence of technology in every domain; an increased awareness of cultural issues therefore effected in tourists demanding a greater variety of cultural activities. These trends imply favorable growth prospects for cultural tourism in Dubai. Analyzing Dubai’s situation, it is evident that the current cultural tourism landscape is insufficient. Cultural Tourism Activities in Dubai are on a small-scale, fragmented, and uncoordinated way, and bereft of independent quality check and strategic guidance. The Dubai Explorer 2002 has it that the only activities/establishments which garnered a medium rating on the concentration graph were Dubai’s six (6) parks (Creekside Park, Mushrif Park, Rashidiya Park, Safa Park, Al Mamzar Beach and Jumeira Beach Park). The Performing Arts Division (comprising of nine (9) groups and clubs), the Visual Arts Sector (composed of four (4) galleries) and Falconry Division’s three (3) centers were noted as having the lowest concentrations. Dubai, however, is not deficient in Venues for Musical and Theatrical Performances which include: seven (7) venues for Classical Concerts (e. g. Crowne Plaza Hotel), six (6) venues for Theatrical Performances (e. g. a 500-seat Community Theater built in 2002 near Nad Al Sheba) and fifteen (15) venues for Dance/Pop Concert Events. These numbers are suggestive of the budding need for appropriate staging facilities and equipment; the demand for performance venues having been predicted. Comparing the aforementioned figures to a cultural tourism-investing country’s infrastructure statistics will reveal some startling differences. The data has it that Dubai has 80% the GDP/capita of Hong Kong but pales in comparison with regard to cultural infrastructure- with only 15% the number of museums and 0% the number of theaters and arenas. Based on these ratios, Dubai should have at least 10 museums and 5 theaters in order to parallel Hongkong’s status as a tourism spot. The Cultural Tourism Industry Group and the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies websites specify the apparent quality and tourism potential of museums, art galleries, concert halls, historic sites, and national and state parks as main considerations influencing cultural tourists. The organization of cultural events, festivals and fairs is a consideration too. With an understandably hectic itinerary, the logistics scheme and accompanying amenities also count. Some of these features have already been instituted/organized in Dubai such as national and state parks, cultural events, festivals and fairs. These institutions/affairs are considered highly-competitive and very manageable. On the other hand, theaters, concert halls and archeological sites are basically non-existent. The construction of theaters and concert halls are reasonable, achievable objectives as exemplified by the construction of a 500-seat Community Theater (built in 2002 near Nad Al Sheba). The contrary holds for establishing archeological sites, a challenging feat. The creation of and investment in organizational networks in Dubai that promote cultural activities will beget ample dedication which will enable cultural organizations to fund, foster and implement innovative ideas crucial to the development of cultural activities. In addition, the implementation of high-impact activities will command the highest visibility and draw a significant number of tourists. Those projects are intent on Cultural Tourism which is currently unavailable in Dubai. Cultural Tourism necessitates the creation of a dedicated oversight committee within the DTCM structure to: (1) coordinate with the private sector regarding the development of projects, (2) fund and foster the development of different project concepts, and (3) assist in projects implementation to foster the development of cultural activities. Possible High-Impact Projects Cultural Tourism necessitates an identification of viable high-impact activities for implementation. Possible projects include: (1) the construction of a culture complex (Barbican or Lincoln Center model-based), (2) the construction of an opera house (London’s Royal Albert Hall-modeled), (3) erection of a major performing arts venue (in joint effort with the private sector’s Community Theater project currently underway), (4) the erection of a concert hall (in partnership with Moscow for purposes of production and guidance), (5) the initiation of a desert arena, (6) hosting cultural events and activities, and (7) erection of art cinema houses for Indie Films (NYC’s Angelica Theater-based). Moreover, there is an apparent need for an amendment in Dubai’s existing laws on private ownership to further the development of cultural tourism in this region. In a 1999 DTCM survey, as posted in the HK Leisure and Cultural Services Department website, a majority of the respondents specified the scarcity of peculiar activities and sightings in Dubai. The respondents criticized the offered cultural activities as being small-scale, fragmented and uncoordinated. These survey results support the need for improvements in cultural tourism infrastructure, developments in ongoing cultural activities, and initiation of high-impact projects. The DTCM, with its current organizational setup, is ill-equipped for a full development of cultural services. A labor force comparison between the DTCM and the HK L&C Services Department yielded startling results; the HK L&C Services Department has 26 times more employees. There is an immense need to foster a dedicated organization, in charge of coordinating the development of cultural activities in the region. The organizational setup will be based on the Hong Kong model where its primary role would be to act as the central node of cultural activities in the region. Other organizational responsibilities include: (1) promotion of cultural performances, (2) provision of support to festival organizers and private companies, and (3) offer of audience-aimed educational programs, and (4) overall logistical operations (e. g. venues and ticketing). Conclusion It is evident that the dearth of cultural facilities and cultural activities has brought Dubai to a tourism disadvantage. Cultural facilities/activities have been described, aptly or otherwise, as being small-scale, quality control-bereft, and seemingly uncoordinated with other cultural tourism authorities. Established institutions, however, such as the Dubai Museum, Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding, and the Dubai Natural History Group have potentially important roles in boosting Dubai’s cultural tourism prospects. Currently, there is an insufficient government emphasis in Cultural Tourism, although an AED 10M Dubai Community Theatre project which is currently underway is definitely a step in the right direction. An expedient cultural tourism infrastructure will facilitate Dubai’s agenda of drawing a desirable demographic, generating ample revenues from increased expenses and lengthened travel duration on tourists’ part, and according Dubai the status of an ‘image leader’ in the world. Furthermore, it is expected to heighten students’ thespic awareness and enthusiasm, sufficient encouragements for the scholarly and professional pursuit of the Arts. An overall improvement in the quality of life is expected with the creation of an inculturated tourism experience; creative arts specialists and cultural promotion companies will then be drawn to Dubai. Implications The magnitude of Dubai’s long-term agenda has various implications for the government and support systems, and marketing and production logistics. For one, a high degree of government support is entailed, more so that the need to institute a governmental agency for cultural promotion purposes presents itself. Secondly, creating partnerships with relevant local and overseas organizations is required for the promotion and improvement of Dubai’s Art and Culture. Third, the creation of specialized umbrella organizations, like a National Heritage Board or an Arts Council, is a significant assistance to the government for a more focused management. Fourth, the government has to support, subsidize and grant incentives to private sector initiatives in support of Dubai’s cultural tourism agenda (e. g. museum foundation, arts organizations). Lastly, there is a need for the government to set guidelines and policies directed on an effective management of cultural facilities, heritage conservation and tourist education. Support services have their own share of responsibilities. First, the management of major facilities, such as stadiums and performance venues, will ensure organizers a constant facility access and facility maintenance. Second, there is a need for the implementation of an accessible and automated ticketing system, possibly with the use of the Internet, to ensure a widespread distribution and expediency. Third, the endowment of financial support to festivals, events organizers, museums’ administration and arts organizations can be a tourism marketing tool. Lastly, the Internet is an effective marketing instrument with a global domain; therefore, creating websites and publishing electronic newsletters on cultural tourism is an information dissemination option. Dubai’s cultural tourism agenda has peculiar implications for marketing and production logistics. First, ticket pricing has to be reasonable and demand-based; with discount offerings for senior citizens, students and children, and price markdowns on special occasions and for promotional means. Second, an effective marketing strategy is key to succeeding in this arena; to participate and organize sales missions, trade and tourism fairs, consumer fairs and other promotional events is therefore necessary. Third, cultural organizers have to be responsible for audience-briefing on cultural themes in order to help the audience appreciate different cultural performances. Lastly, an educated domain is a boost to cultural tourism; therefore, the provision of educational programs addressed to students (lectures, workshops, seminars and symposia) and the encouragement of learning institutions to participate in cultural activities will significantly bolster Dubai’s tourism agenda. Dubai’s vision has crucial implications for production logistics too. First, affairs organizers have a wide array of production options ranging from traditional repertoires to avant-garde creative performances. Organizers have a corollary responsibility of heeding consumer demand and garnering independent ideas; providing a means for the submission of independent project proposals is therefore requisite. Second, it is the organizers’ privilege and responsibility to provide performance opportunities to both established and upcoming local artists and groups. Third, there is an organizer responsibility for a performance venue planning and management, with a corollary need for the constant enhancement and upgrading of performance facilities. Lastly, production organizers have to establish and be of support to local professional artists groups like philharmonic societies, dance companies and orchestras. With a competent strategy and ample guidance, Dubai’s 2010 Vision of Cultural Tourism need not be an impossibility!

How CSR is your company Essay

What is Corporate Social Responsibility? Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a self-regulated system that companies use to ensure that their operations are in line with ethical standards, the law and the norms of society. CSR aids companies in taking responsibility for their actions and â€Å"encourage a positive impact through its activities on the environment, consumers, employees, communities, stakeholders and all other members of the public sphere (WIKIPEDIA, 2012)† The company that has been selected for analysis is Burberry. Burberry was established in 1856 by Thomas Burberry and is now an ‘internationally recognised luxury brand with a worldwide distribution network (Burberry PLC, 2012)’. They have 473 stores worldwide and employ approximately 6,681 people. This company claims that they are in compliance with CSR and have on their website listed the ways in which they achieve this. â€Å"One of Burberry’s five strategic themes is pursuing operational excellence. Operational excellence in CR has five key areas of focus: * Healthy business partnerships: based on shared values and high ethical standards * Excellent products and service: quality, craftsmanship, heritage and service standards * Environmental excellence: operating efficiently with minimum waste and maximum control * Excellence in people management: attracting and retaining talented employees * Contributing to society: investing and engaging in the communities where Burberry operates (Burberry, 2011)’ Employee diversity When it comes to employment, it is important for a company to be extremely diverse and offer equal opportunities. Not only are they required to do this by law (under acts such as the Equality Act 2010), but they should also choose to be diverse. A company that chooses to be diverse is well respected by societies in which they operate, and will find that increasing numbers people/other companies are seeking them out to work for/with them. In the long run, embracing equality & diversity could also benefit the company as it will enable them to gain new ideas and look at things from a different perspective. Burberry claims that they are a diverse company when it comes to employment and says that their diverse work force strengthens and drives their success as a luxury brand. The brand now ‘employs nationals of 95 countries across all continents’ (Burberry PLC, 2011). They state that gender equality is promoted within the organisation and equal opportunities are offered at every level of employment. Health, safety and well being Organisations need to genuinely care about the health and safeties of those who are working for them because once they are on their premises the employees become their responsibility. Procedures should be put into place to ensure that the working environment is safe and comfortable enough for their employees to operate in. In order to provide safe and healthy working conditions for their employees and third party contractors, the company sate that they use third party auditors in its locations all of the world to ensure that standards are being met. Stores and offices are said to be audited once every 3 years, and distribution & manufacturing sites annually. In 2010/11, a well-being programme was launched within the company designed to ‘encourage staff to lead healthier lifestyles (IBID, 2011)’. According to the company’s research, the numbers of sick days were reduced by roughly 0.8% per employee. Operating responsibility There has been much controversy around the world in regards to workers in places in third world countries being exploited by companies who simply want cheap labour and have no regards for those producing their products or merely fail to have procedures in place that ensure that these workers are not being treated any differently to for instance a factory worker in the United Kingdom. Burberry believes that ‘to be a great brand u need to be a great company (IBID, 2011)’. They are members of the UN global impact and use its ten principles to guide their CSR activities. The company have a committee of 16 which is solely dedicated to CSR. In the years 2010/11 three meetings were held. â€Å"Burberry believes that its products should be made only in factories that comply with local labour and environmental laws and by workers who work fair but not excessive hours, are provided with a safe, hygienic work environment, and who can exercise their right to freedom of association as well as collective bargaining (IBID, 2011)†. The group have an Ethical Trading Policy, under which clear rules/expectations are said to be set concerning the management of labour standards. Burberry added four new policies to the existing rules that cover bribery and corruption, foreign contract labour, unauthorised sub-contracting and animal welfare. The CRS team deliver training to suppliers where they are made aware of the company’s trading expectations, management systems and counsel on transparency standards for sub-contractors. Stake holder engagement Corporate responsibility should not just be practised with the walls of the organisation. Companies should aim to work together and encourage one and other to do what is morally right and socially acceptable in order to better the supply chain process. By working together, it will increase the chances of change occurring. â€Å"Burberry understands that it cannot solve supply chain labour issues alone and maintains an open dialogue with suppliers, other brands, NGOs and trade unions to bring collective action to bear across the supply chain† The organisation joined the Ethical Trading initiative in June 2010. Ethical trade define the ETI as being â€Å"a sound breaking alliance of companies and trade unions†¦that work in partnership to improve the lives of poor and vulnerable workers across the globe who make or grow consumer goods (2010) Fur When discussing what is ethical and socially acceptable, it is not only human beings that should be discussed. Animal cruelty is a big issue in the especially within high end fashion industry as many of them implement real animal fur and skin into their products. It is a matter of opinion as to whether or not animal fur should be used, however if a company do decided to utilise it, then it should be executed in the most ethical way possible. Burberry openly admits to using real animal fur in the designs. However they state that they only source animal fur from furriers that uphold high standards when it comes to the ethical treatment of animals & share the company’s concerns regarding animal welfare. Helping the environment Global warming is a major concern within the world today. People are being encouraged to reduce their carbon footprints whether it is by taking a greener form of transportation or using less electricity. Organisations more than anyone should be making big changes to the ways in which they operate, as through their production and distribution channels emit more carbon emissions than a normal household. Although it may cost them more money, or even lengthen the time frame of certain processes and procedures, it is an important factor that cannot be overlooked. Recycling is also very important and companies must learn to utilise all of their resources to the fullest. When it comes to trying to assist in sustaining the environment, Burberry’s website make a number of claims as to what they actively do to make a difference. They state that they are dedicated to finding new and innovative ways to reduce their carbon footprint and throughout their global operation. Their performance report for the years 2010/11 is as follows; â€Å"Energy: * Committed to purchasing solar energy to power our distribution centre in Vineland, USA * Inductive motor optimisation panels were trialled in all UK manufacturing sites to reduce energy consumption Business travel: * Due in part to executing the Group’s under-penetrated markets strategy, air travel for UK employees increased by 52% per  £1,000 of turnover Waste: * There was a renewed focus on diverting waste from landfill. In Horseferry House there was a 54% increase in waste recycled during the year * The closed loop textile recycling system launched in the UK last year has been expanded to Europe. Since April 2010, Burberry’s recycling partner has converted over 130 tonnes of sample and raw material waste into car door insulation Logistics transport emissions: * An unprecedented rise in sales coupled with the shift from seasonal to monthly deliveries impacted the Group’s ability to ship goods by sea. To address this, a number of key initiatives have been introduced, including centralised logistics decision making, shortening of critical path and increasing strategic raw materials pre-buys in order to accommodate sea transportation lead times. (Burberry PLC, 2011)† Charity work Giving back the community is an extremely huge part of CSR as it helps to build relationships between the organisation and the community in which it operates. Burberry has its own foundation which came into establishment in 2008. This foundation aims to help young and disadvantaged people with reaching their full potential and realising & accomplishing their dreams. The company encourage their employees to dedicate up to four hours of paid leave per month to help and support the foundation. They provide the youths with one-to-one mentoring, and weekly help with school homework. * â€Å"In 2010/11 over 25% of employees located in cities where the Foundation is active offered their personal talents and business skills to help disadvantaged young people work towards realising their full potential. In total, over 3,700 hours or 490 working days were dedicated to volunteering (IBID, 2011)†. Is Burberry as ethical as it portrays itself to be? Burberry makes a large number of claims on its website in regards to how seriously they take Corporate Social responsibility. However not all companies that present themselves to be good and ethical practice what they advertise. Carelessness and/or neglect can lead to a company’s image being tarnished, even if they have had a good reputation in the past. There have been a number of incidents where Burberry has been seen not to be fulfilling their Corporate Social Responsibility. In 2007, it was exposed that a Chinese factory that manufactured Burberry goods were mistreating members of staff (Appendix 1). Staff were working long hours, with no unions and earning approximately  £15 per week. â€Å"Workers at Tai Yi Sheng Fashion factory, just across the border from Hong Kong in Guangdong province, claim they work 12-hour shifts through the night, in breach of even China’s lax labour laws (The Mirror, 2007)†. In China the law states that no worker should work more than eleven hours per day, however staff claimed that over time is a regular thing and that â€Å"8pm to 8am and Saturday is a full working day(IBID, 2007)†. The Mirror reported that not only were the factory workers working over-time with very little payment, but they were also being docked large sums money from their monthly wage if any mistakes were made. As many of the staff were migrants, they lived in shared accommodation provided by the factory, with up to eight people in one room. Although the factory did not belong to Burberry and was not responsible for manufacturing solely Burberry goods, the company still should have made efforts to inspect the production on a regular basis as the supplier is indirectly representing them. As time has gone by, the company have increased the number of visits made to factories (Appendix 2). In 2008, there were 314 CR visits to factories, 2009 saw 487 visits and in 2010 637; which is approximately a 51% increase within the space of two years. The company have also provided all their supplier’s factories with worker hotlines where they can whistle blow on any unethical activities that may be occurring. This shows that they have responded to incidents such as these and are aspiring to be more ethical. Burberry has also been given a number of awards and recognition for various aspects of Corporate Social responsibility. * In 2010 they were awarded the Female FTSE 100 Award which is given to a company that has the most women on their board. In the same year Burberry were awarded the FTSE Executive Women Award. To earn this award you are required to employ the most female executives in the FTSE 100. â€Å"Thirty-seven companies have multiple women directors, but one quarter of all boards in the FTSE 100 still have no women at all†¦ 43% of their [Burberry] boards are women(BitcDiversity, 2010)† * The company again in 2010 were awarded The Carbon Trust Award. This award recognises a company’s efforts in reducing carbon emissions and it also provides proof to the public that they are committed to making a change. Competitors * Primark On Primark’s website, they state that they take their Corporate Responsibility seriously when it comes to their employees, supporting the community and packaging and waste regulations. The company, just like Burberry are part of the Ethical Trading Initiative which to an extent does provide evidence that they practice good ethics. This is an improvement for them as in 2005, the company came under fire after evidence of them using child labour and exploiting workers in India came to light. In regards to recycling, the company in 2008 recycled ‘8863 tonnes of cardboard and 1194 tonnes of polythene packaging (MRW 2010)’. Primark are yet to win any awards in relation to being eco-friendly and ethical. * Louis Vuitton Following research it is clear that Louis Vuitton strives to be an ethical organisation and is very concerned about the environment. In 2009 the company donated 15% of all sales made through their online store to The Climate Project. â€Å"The company now favours transport of products by ship, far more environmentally friendly than transport by air (as of today, 60% of all leather goods are transported by ship) (Purseblog, 2009)† However, just like their competitor, Louis Vuitton is fond of implementing animal furs and skins into their designs. Recommendations * Burberry should publish all of their emissions in greater detail as they do not provide insufficient information on the emissions that come from their operations. Carbon emissions are based on air travel and global building energy; however all of the figures that Burberry provides are based on their turnover. The company have not made clear its future goals when it comes to reducing carbon emissions within the supply chain and have not shown the public their total carbon footprint. * Remove fur from their production Although Burberry does state that they only deal with furriers that are ethical, there is still great concern around the fact that even some of the higher end furriers are not using ethical procedures and are ignoring animal welfare laws. If Burberry were to completely remove fur from their products it would greatly increase how it is perceived ethically. Other designer brands have taken the plunge in banning fur from their product lines such as Polo Ralph Lauren and Ann Taylor. Alternative materials should be sourced to replace the fur. * Eco friendly factories By winning a Carbon Trust Award, it shows that Burberry is moving forward when it comes to trying to help the environment, yet there is still more than can be done. Eco-friendly factories can help to pave the way to bettering the environment. In an eco-friendly factory, renewable energy can be used such as solar panels. It may not be able to run the whole factory however it will reduce the amount of electricity that is utilised. The factories will incorporate; * Eco-friendly bricks * Plants around the factory as this will create a cooler microclimate * Natural lighting indoors for the staff, via sunroofs * Open their own factories Burberry claim that the majority of their products are made in Europe, however for the remaining locations around the world, the company should open their own factories. This will better enable them to keep an eye on operations and to ensure that workers are being allowed to exercise their rights. When leaving the production in the hands of another organisation, it is very likely that they will operate as they please and could eventually tarnish the brand’s reputation. * Currently, Burberry is using too much air freight. To be greener they should look into using ships to transport their products and materials. Conclusion In conclusion, Burberry is a company that has been able to fulfil their Corporate and Social Responsibility to the fullest. They have been able to react quickly to any areas within the organisation that they may have intentionally or unintentionally overlooked in the past and put regulations in place to ensure that those things do not re-occur in the future. Corporate Social responsibility is not about simply ‘portraying’ the organisation in a good light, it is about going above and beyond away from the eyes of the public and trying to make genuine change. BIBLIOGRAPHY BITCDIVERSITY. (2010). Burberry. 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