In What Ways Globalisation Involves a Complex Cultural Process Essay

In What Ways Globalisation Involves a Complex Cultural Process - Essay Example As the paper declares global culture involves promoting life-style, consumption, products, and identities. Transnational corporations deploy advertising to penetrate local markets, to sell global products, and to overcome local resistance.† An example of the global culture is the way MTV is being marketed in the more conservative, less boisterous Asian markets. There are still millions of people in the country-side who do not know what MTV is, and would never accept such a concept. However, MTV has succeeded in penetrating the urban market and has vastly increased the generation-gap between the middle-aged population – who resist MTV and do not want the youth to adopt MTV culture – and the youth – who now have no connection with their traditional cultural values and have accepted the MTV culture. This paper stresses that not always does globalisation adversely affect the society. Many a time, when a society is globalised, it retains its local character while assimilating the external influence. This leads to a very positive change called ‘cultural diversity. â€Å"More and more Individuals stress their multicultural biographies, from writers like Salman Rushdie to Tiger Woods, shooting star of the international golf sport, who calls himself "Cablinasian" to point out his ancestry in black, Indian and Asian cultures.† This cultural diversity may, in turn, evolve new enduring local cultures and thus contribute to the development and evolution of an already existing local culture.

Italian Cuisine and Pizza Essay Example for Free

Italian Cuisine and Pizza Essay Pizza is an oven-baked, flat, round bread typically topped with a tomato sauce, cheese and various toppings. Pizza was originally invented in Naples, Italy, and the dish has since become popular in many parts of the world.. Many varieties of pizza exist worldwide, along with several dish variants based upon pizza. Pizza`s in Pakistan The first pizzerias opened up in Karachi and Islamabad in the late 1980s, with Pappasallis serving pizza in Islamabad since 1990. Pizza has gained a measure of popularity in the eastern regions of Pakistan namely, the provinces of Sindh, Punjab, and Azad Kashmir, as well as the autonomous territory of Gilgit-Baltistan. Pizza has not penetrated into western Pakistan; of the remaining provinces and territories of Pakistan, only one (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) has seen much of the dish, in the form of a single Pizza Hut in Peshawar. In the regions where pizza is known, spicy chicken and sausage-based pizzas are very popular, as they cater to the local palate. Health matters Advantages European nutrition research on the eating habits of people with cancer of the mouth, oesophagus, throat or colon showed those who ate pizza at least once a week had less chance of developing cancer. , An antioxidant chemical in tomatoes, which is thought to offer some protection against cancer. Carlo La Vecchia, a Milan-based epidemiologist said, Pizza could simply be indicative of a lifestyle and food habits, in other words the Italian version of a Mediterranean diet. A traditional Mediterranean diet is rich in olive oil, fiber, vegetables, fruit, flour, and freshly cooked food. Disadvantages In contrast to the traditional Italian pizza used in the research, popular pizza varieties in many parts of the world are often loaded with high fat cheeses and fatty meats, a high intake of which can contribute to obesity, itself a risk factor for cancer. Pizza can be high in salt, fat and calories. There are concerns about negative health effects. Food chains, such as Pizza Hut, have come under criticism for the high salt content of some of their meals, which were found to contain more than twice the daily recommended amount of salt for an adult. Some mass produced pizzas by food chains have been criticized as having an unhealthy balance of ingredients. Some studies have linked consumption of the antioxidant lycopene, which exists in tomato products that are often used on pizza, as having a beneficial health effect.

Proportions Of Numbers And Magnitudes :: essays research papers

Proportions of Numbers and Magnitudes In the Elements, Euclid devotes a book to magnitudes (Five), and he devotes a book to numbers (Seven). Both magnitudes and numbers represent quantity, however; magnitude is continuous while number is discrete. That is, numbers are composed of units which can be used to divide the whole, while magnitudes can not be distinguished as parts from a whole, therefore; numbers can be more accurately compared because there is a standard unit representing one of something. Numbers allow for measurement and degrees of ordinal position through which one can better compare quantity. In short, magnitudes tell you how much there is, and numbers tell you how many there are. This is cause for differences in comparison among them. Euclid's definition five in Book Five of the Elements states that " Magnitudes are said to be in the same ratio, the first to the second and the third to the fourth, when, if any equimultiples whatever be taken of the first and third, and any equimultiples whatever of the second and fourth, the former equimultiples alike exceed, are alike equal to, or alike fall short of, the latter equimultiples respectively taken in corresponding order." From this it follows that magnitudes in the same ratio are proportional. Thus, we can use the following algebraic proportion to represent definition 5.5: (m)a : (n)b :: (m)c : (n)d. However, it is necessary to be more specific because of the way in which the definition was worded with the phrase "the former equimultiples alike exceed, are alike equal to, or alike fall short of†¦.". Thus, if we take any four magnitudes a, b, c, d, it is defined that if equimultiple m is taken of a and c, and equimultiple n is taken of c and d, then a and b are in same ratio with c and d, that is, a : b :: c : d, only if: (m)a > (n)b and (m)c > (n)d, or (m)a = (n)b and (m)c = (n)d, or (m)a < (n)b and (m)c < (n)d. Though, because magnitudes are continuous quantities, and an exact measurement of magnitudes is impossible, it is not possible to say by how much one exceeds the other, nor is it possible to determine if a > b by the same amount that c > d. Now, it is important to realize that taking equimultiples is not a test to see if magnitudes are in the same ratio, but rather it is a condition that defines it. And because of the phrase "any equimultiples whatever," it would be correct to say that if a and b are in same ratio with c and d, then any one of the three

Asian-Americans and their Progress towards Essay

During the many years of the continuous immigration of various nationalities in the United States, it could be noted that many immigrants have already absorbed the culture that Americans have. One of the many ethnicities which had migrated in the United States is the Asians. In the current society of the United States it is known that these groups of people are one of the many ethnic minorities that is housed by the United States. In fact, many of the families of the past migrants have now stayed in the United States had had lived their lives similar to full blooded Americans. However, although most of these immigrants have already acquired all the culture, the language and life style of the Americans it is still not enough for the society that they would be called Americans. On the other hand, the Asian-Americans like other ethnic minorities in the United States are somewhat confused to on the proper identity that they must maintain. One of the main examples of the uncertainty is the Asian-American popular culture which presents evidences regarding such group in the society. In the current popular culture, it is noticeable the many of Asian-Americans had been inclined with certain identity which could be very noticeable in the choices of their consuming behavior. In addition, personal choices such of the music, clothing style and etc. In the written work of Min Zhou and Jennifer Lee (2004), they have clearly stated that the Asian-American youth is directly seen by the American culture as not fitting to the popular images which are most associated with the current popular culture. Such popular cultures that are being discussed were being rap artists, skin heads, punks and the likes. For the longest time, Asian-Americans are seen as stereotypically geek who only focuses directly on their studies instead of being socially active. (Zhou & Lee, p. 1, 2004). Many of the Asian-Americans are obviously shying away from these concepts of being geeks and nerds. Instead, they follow the popular culture and act similarly to the demands of the American society. First and foremost, we could see that many of the Asian-American youth are more inclined to look like a gangster rather than a typical Asian-American. In many television shows and advertisements, there are numerous Asians who steps away from the light that they are individuals who are very serious in being successful that they study very well. Due to the very advanced technological innovations that we have such that of YouTube people could truly see that Asian-Americans are truly absorbing and creating new a type of culture when it comes to music. One of the best examples is David Choi who is known to be a Korean-American. Choi is singer, songwriter and guitarist on his own channel in YouTube. As noticed, Choi is very far from the typical stereotype of Asian who shies away from the crowd. After attaining success and massive support from different individuals he was able to have his own album. Instead of being the stereotypical Asian-American, he proclaims and continuously re-invents his music to suit his fans and the current trend in the society. In the film industry there had been few individuals who are known to be popular in the United States due to the certain film which they have done. One of the most famous Asian-American is Lucy Lui who played one of the Charlie’s Angels. In the movies, it is not often that an Asian-American plays a â€Å"kick-ass† role and presents her self as a strong assertive woman. In the stereotypical eyes of most Americans, Asian-Americans are simple and mostly quiet and demure because this is how they are culturally trained. However, due to such character played by Lui, the concept of how and what a woman should be (through an Asian context) is changed. With such, the Americanization of the Asian woman is clearly seen through the portrayal made by Lui. (â€Å"Is Lucy Liu a Heroine or a Curse? †) In terms of music, an article was written regarding the sudden boom of the Asian-American artists in the music industry. In the article, the author stated that various American-Asian artists are suddenly emerging into the music scene within in various localities in the United States. Most of the tunes that these musicians and artists play are mostly western music when do hip-hop and R&B, as well as a DJ in various clubs. Such artists were Yellow Peril, Seoul Brothers, Mountain Brothers, and a lot more. These artists are said to have gained significant success and a symbolic presence of the developments of the Asian-Americans (Wang, 1998). Therefore, Asian-Americans were already able to join the band wagon of having the same musical preference as the Americans. In addition, they are not only listening to type of music Americans hear but also imitating or innovating towards a new genre of music. In the most current popular culture many Asians are excelling in the freestyle dancing, break dancing and etc. (Tseng, 1998) From the lessons that we have taken, it is known that through consumption and consumerism that the factors of living is defined. From my own personal point of view, I do believe that consumption is a cultural issue that must be deeply studied due to the various concepts attached such as social class, cultural norms and etc. Cultural consumption is also affected by advertising as well as the culture of being brand conscious rather than quality conscious. I have stated this due to my personal experiences as a consumer. As I have observed in the super markets most of the time people spend so much time in thinking on what type of brand they would buy. Just last week I needed to do my grocery when I saw a Filipino woman and her son in the cereals and oats lane. She meticulously surfs for the proper brand of cereals while her son stated that â€Å"Mom, why are we staying too long in this section? We don’t really eat cereals for breakfast. I want rice. † Then the mother replied, â€Å"No darling, rice is too heavy for you, studies say that it could cause diabetes. And your playmates eat cereals every morning so you should also eat cereal. † Being in a class that studies such concept of culture, I was amazed on how real the concept of Americanization is. I do know that most Filipinos prefer rice for breakfast because it is a custom meal for them everyday. But through my first hand experience, I did see that people who are not Americans are in need to attain cultural citizenship in order for them to be accepted. Although I do believe that Asians are accepted in the American society, the acceptance is not as whole in comparison to being a white American. In a sense, the mother who was with her child in the grocery would want her son to be culturally American that she is shifting the norms which her son know in order for him to be suitable in the American society. Just like the story presented in â€Å"Consumption Fantasies of Upward Mobility,† Richard wanted to move away from the typical concepts of Asians. Therefore, Richard wanted to be a professional who is likely to be the choice of a typical American who works inside the office. In addition, there is a concept of attaining the â€Å"American Dream in which most important thing for Asian-Americans. Moreover, due to the desire to attain such, they also want to be treated like Americans. As a result, they act and absorb the American culture and norms which they believe will grant them cultural citizenship (Hee Park, p. 112, 2005). In conclusion, the current Asian-American culture is still in the process of attaining acceptance in the American society. In addition, they want to change the stereotypical concept that most of them are geeks and losers thus, the Asian-American community is shifting towards a much western culture. The community is not only doing such in order to be within the trend of the popular culture but also to be accepted and not discriminated by others. In terms of consumption, it is real that it is one of the factors which could justify the Americanization of an individual not only Asian-Americans. Through decision making and choosing what type of product must be used is obviously dictated by the society around them. In addition, professional choice is also an aspect the shows that Asians are Americanized or desires cultural citizenship. Like one of the most famous saying stated: â€Å"If you can’t beat them, join them. † Reference Is Lucy Liu a Heroine or a Curse?. GoldSea . Retrieved 9 December 2008 from http://www. goldsea. com/Air/Issues/Liu/liu. html. Lee, J. and Zhou, M. (2004). Asian American Youth.United States of America: Routledge Publishing. Sun-Hee Park, L. (2005). Consuming Citizenship. United States of America: Stanford University Press. Tseng, J. (1998). Asian American Rap: Expression Through Alternate Forms. Model Minority. Retrieved 9 December 2008 from http://www. modelminority. com/article128. html. Wang, O. (1998). Asian Americans and hip-hop. Asian Week. Retrieved 9 December 2008 from http://asianweek. com/111298/coverstory. html. David Choi : http://www. youtube. com/user/davidchoimusic? ob=4

Health And Social Care Policy Health And Social Care Essay

Social, economic and industrial alterations have changed the forms of life globally. Changes in diet and physical activity forms have been cardinal to the rise of fleshiness among many of the universe ‘s population. Obesity was traditionally seen as a disease of high-income states merely, but it is now replacing malnutrition and infective diseases as a job exceeding societal divides. Obesity carries a higher incidence of chronic unwellness including diabetes, bosom disease and malignant neoplastic disease. This paper will critically measure the current UK and NI policies aimed at turn toing the fleshiness epidemic. There will besides be a treatment around definition of policies, function of authorities in health care, old and current health care policies sing fleshiness in both Britain and Northern Ireland. The official computation for specifying fleshiness was set by the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) where grownups are registered fleshy and corpulent utilizing a expression of Body Mass Index or ( BMI ) , that is a individual ‘s weight in kgs divided by the tallness in meters squared ( DWP, 2012 ) . The chief restraint with utilizing organic structure mass index as an index is that it does non separate fat mass from thin mass ; so a individual could be healthy and have a low organic structure fat, but be clinically fleshy if they have a high plenty BMI. A individual is thought to be overweight if they have a BMI of 25.0 or more and corpulent if the BMI is 30.0 or more. Fleshiness has three categorizations: aˆ? Class 1 BMI 30 to 34.9 ( waist margin 102cm asset for males and 88cm asset for females ) . Person is categorised as corpulence aˆ? Class 2 BMI 35 to 39.9. Person is classed as corpulent aˆ? Class 3 BMI 40 and over. Is when a individual with a BMI of 40+ is said to be morbidly corpulent ( WHO, 2012 ) . Policy originates from the authorities that are in power, who are besides the legal authorization and have a position and counsel over all policy whether they be private or public ( Crinson, 2009 ) . Harmonizing to Crinson 2009 Health policy is hypothesised in footings of macro and micro societal developments, with the macro degree reading the working of societal and formal constructions, such as the economic context of the province and the market, and the National Health Service ( NHS ) . The micro side focuses on the influence of policy from the degree of the health care professionals and the experience of the users ( Crinson, 2009 ) . Policy devising, harmonizing to a White Paper published by the Labour Government in 1999 provinces that it is a method in which a authorities construe their political vision into programmes and actions in order to do alterations that are required and wanted by the population ( Cabinet Office, 1999 ) . It was besides focused on modernizing the authorities scheme ( Cabinet Office, 1999a ) and the demand for more inclusive and reactive policy ‘s linked to people ‘s demands. It planned to vouch that policy devising was to go more forward thought and evidence-based, every bit good as right assessed and based on best pattern. It went on to observe the demand for improved grounds when addressing policy devising and to guarantee a more joined-up attack across authorities sections and bureaus ( Cabinet Office, 1999 ) . Harmonizing to the World Health Organisation wellness policy signifies determinations, programs and actions that are started in order to make elaborate wellness attention ends within a society. It goes on to observe that and clear and string policy can sketch an thought for the hereafter whilst helps to set up aims and points of orientation. A wellness policy can besides assist to plan a model and construct understanding in add-on to informing people ( WHO, 2006 ) . There are three cardinal policies countries within the Department of Health and they are National Health ( NH ) , Public Health ( PH ) , and Social Care ( SC ) ( Kouvonen, 2012 ) . The current theory has two dissimilar backgrounds ; the first is a public policy analysis that is favoured by the United States and Northern Ireland. The 2nd is favoured in the United Kingdom and is a societal policy theoretical construction ( Kouvonen, 2012 ) . Policies are intended to better on current commissariats in wellness and societal attention in the UK and purpose to vouch services that are funded or supported by the Department of Health are delivered in an unfastened and patient-centred manner ( www.dh.gov.uk ) . This was non ever the instance, as harmonizing to Crinson authoritiess were apathetic to the type of attention delivered within the healthcare service ; that was the concern of the physician. This was to alter in the 1970s when the economic system declined and revenue enhancement gross was reduced ( Crinson, 2009 ) . The axial rotation of the province in supplying wellness and public assistance to the public harmonizing to Crinson 2009 takes the position that there are five diverse conceptualizations and they echo differences between political and conceptual actions of the function that the province should play when presenting wellness and public assistance services ( Crinson, 2009 ) . The author goes on to give illustrations of these conceptualizations one of which is the neoliberal prospective that influenced the alteration in the wellness and societal public assistance policies of the Thatcher Government in the 1980s ( Crinson, 2009 ) . In the Political-Economic Critique, harmonizing to O'Connor et Al welfarism serves to construct consent for capitalist economy through the procedure of spliting the population into groups with specific demands. This he notes had the consequence of individualizing what are widespread societal and wellness jobs associates with life in a capitalist ‘s societ y ( Gough, 1979 ) . In a paper by David Berreby in which he asks the inquiry, why do people acquire fat and hazard major wellness job? , He believes the reply to this inquiry is capitalist economy and sites it as the chief cause of planetary fleshiness ( Berreby, 2012 ) . Conversely in a programme series aired on the BBC on the 11th July 2012 the newsman Jacques Peretti reports that our eating wonts were changed by a determination made in America 40 old ages ago. Peretti travelled to America to analyze the narrative of high-fructose maize sirup ( HFCS ) a calorie-providing sweetening used to dulcify nutrients and drinks, chiefly processed and shop-bought nutrients. The sweetening was backed in America in the 1970s by Richard Nixon ‘s agriculture decision maker Earl Butz to utilize extra maize grown by husbandmans. Cheap and sweeter than sugar, it quickly found its manner into about all convenience nutrients and soft drinks. HFCS is non merely sweeter than sugar ; it besides inhibits leptin, the en docrine that controls hunger, ensuing in the inability to halt feeding ( BBC, 2012 ) . This was backed up by grounds from Robert Lustrig an endocrinologist, who harmonizing to this study, was the first to place the dangers of high-fructose maize sirup ( HFCS ) . His findings nevertheless, were discredited at the clip. and a US Congress study sited fat, non sugar, for the dismaying rise in cardio-vascular unwellness and the nutrient industry responded with a series of low fat and ‘heart healthy nutrients in which the fat was removed. ( BBC, 2012 ) . Policy shapers encouraged husbandmans to overproduce maize and soy with the promise of foreign trade ( Philpott, 2008 ) . It was besides in the seventiess that Britain ‘s nutrient industries used publicizing thrusts to promote the thought of noshing between repasts. A fast nutrient civilization besides developed and fast nutrient ironss offered alluring nutrients and clients served themselves, and harmonizing to Ritzer this was the beginning of McDonaldization of Society. He goes on to compose how fast nutrient eating house contribute to the development of fleshiness and it accent on supersizing its parts ( Ritzer, 2004 ) . Conversely poorness increased in the 1970s under Thatcher Government and harmonizing to the Institute for Fiscal Studies in 1979 13.40 % of people in Britain lived below 60 % on average income before lodging costs. With this came a large rise in inequality and under the gini mark for Britain was up to 0.339 from 0.253 ( Crib, et al 2012 ) . Due to the comorbidities associated with fleshiness and their increasing cost to the NHS, the effects of fleshiness are presently and will go on to be of import public wellness challenges globally and in the UK. It impacts through society and across all life classs, and can increase the hazard of life endangering disease ( Kouvonen, 2012 ) .Appendix 1. Presently there is a model in Northern Ireland titled ‘A Fitter Future for All ‘ , this docket spans from 2012 to 2022. Within this paper it explains that in Northern Ireland 59 % of grownups are either fleshy ( 36 % ) or corpulent ( 23 % ) ( DHSSPSNI, 2012 ) . This policy addresses the demand to move from childhood based on grounds from the Foresight Report 2007, and is now a cross sectorial cohesive life class docket that will turn to fleshiness over the following 10 old ages ( Foresight Review, 2012 ) . The Department of Health has published a follow-on papers to the Public Health White Paper called ‘Healthy lives, healthy people: A call to action on fleshiness in England ‘ , which sets new national thrusts for a falling tendency in extra weight by 2020. The Undertaking Fleshinesss: Future Choices undertaking presented its findings on 17 October 2007 and the Undertaking aims to present a executable response to fleshiness in the UK over the following 40 old ages. It besides sets out illustrations of what is intended on a national degree to assist dispute fleshiness, one of these is called Change4life programme. In this programme it states it will assist consumers make healthier nutrient picks ( www.dh.gov.uk ) . This could be linked to Professor Marmot point, when he discussed behavioral picks as persons such as where to shop for nutrient, and how these determinations are dictated by the person ‘s socio-economic circumstance, and if they can afford the recommended good nutrient ( UCL Institute of Health Equity, 2012 ) . ‘A fitter Future for All ‘ and ‘Healthy Lifes, healthy people ‘ are policies that both the British and Northern Ireland authorities support, but there are wider determiners of hapless wellness such as poorness and inequalities that play an of import function in fleshiness ( HM Government, 2010 ) . It could be argued that while policies such as these are aiming the causes of fleshiness, they are non actively seeking out realistic solutions to the job ; people may cognize they need to eat healthier, but merely can non afford to purchase the better nutrient. In developing states rates of fleshiness are inclined to lift, and this is associated with turning societal disadvantage ; turn toing societal want and material disadvantage is likely to cut down fleshiness ( Kouvonen. 2012 ) . Socio-economic category as a factor in wellness is non a new phoneme in the United Kingdom, as it has a history of many 100s of old ages. Harmonizing to Edwin Chadwick ‘s study on healthful conditions of the laboring population in Britain in 1842 showed that in Liverpool the mean age of mortality for people in the upper categories was 35 old ages, and 15 old ages for labor and retainers ( Richardson, 2008 ) . Inequalities still exist today, but have improved and in the Black study published in 1980 it states that there are still inequalities with respect to life anticipation and the usage of medical services ( Whitehead et al, 1992 ) . Harmonizing to the Foresight study ( 2007 ) a authorities scientific discipline think armored combat vehicle reported that most grownups are already overweight. It goes on to observe that modern life will guarantee that approaching coevalss will be heavier than the last, and by 2050, 60 % of work forces and 50 % of adult females possibly clinically corpulent. The study besides states the fleshiness is a many-sided and there is no grounds anyplace in the universe where fleshiness has reversed. Social policy models are overriding harmonizing to this study ( Foresight Review, 2012 ) . The Marmot Report the 3rd such officially approved analysis in every bit many decennaries examining the nexus between wellness and wealth. The findings confirmed an dismaying societal slope, the hapless non merely decease seven old ages earlier than the rich, but they can anticipate to go handicapped 17 old ages earlier. Professor Marmot continues to discourse behavioral picks we make as persons are portion of our societal and economic scenes. He believes that people born into more flush surroundings tend to follow a healthy life style, ensuing in health care differences between the societal categories ( UCL Institute of Health Equity, 2012 ) . In 2011 the Chief medical Officers ( CMOs ) from across the UK published new schemes for physical activity, and they addressed a life class methodological analysis, and included guidelines for early old ages ( www.ic.nhs.uk ) . It could be argued this is a cover policy and it is widely known that poorer people have limited picks with respects to lifestyle picks such as gym ranks. Besides the study appears to put the duty of exercising on the person. Peoples from poorer socio-economic backgrounds have poorer lodging and environments that do n't promote physical exercising which could be due to societal civilization of where these people live and deficiency of resources ( UCL Institute of Health Equity, 2012 ) . Addressing fleshy kids that become corpulent in ulterior life was issue raised by Dr Hilary Jones on Good Morning Britain, when he stated that fleshiness begins in childhood. He went on to state that the National Health Service and the Government know causes of fleshiness but a ctively forestalling it in childhood demands to be addressed ( www.gm.tv ) . Prevention of fleshiness is more accomplishable end than turn toing fleshiness when it becomes established, as some wellness jobs that are acquired through fleshiness remain an issue even after weight loss. Therefore authorities policies are largely directed at primary bar of fleshiness such as eating good, exercising and no smoke ( Kouvonen, 2012 ) . Social determiners of wellness are besides a cardinal factor in fleshiness in both kids and grownups. Harmonizing to the World Health Organisation the societal conditions in which people live are paramount to their wellness. It goes on to observe that deficiency of income, hapless lodging and deficiency of entree to healthcare installations are merely some of the factors taking to inequalities ( www.who.int ) . Medical attention on its ain can non adequately better person ‘s wellness and turn toing where people live and work is besides of import The societal determiners of wellness are the â€Å" upstream † societal, economic, and environmental factors that affect the wellness of persons and populations, including income, societal support, instruction and literacy, employment and working conditions. Downstream determiners, which include physical activity, clean air and H2O and healthy lodging. These factors can act upon wellness inequalities difference between societal groups that can ensue in fleshiness in poorer countries ( Kouvonen, 2012 ) . Incidents of Childhood fleshiness are higher in countries with a lower socioeconomic population harmonizing to National Health Service Information Centre study on fleshiness. It besides states that fleshiness is more widespread in schools in deprived countries. It besides noted that with Reception kids ( kids in the primary school age group ) 6.9 % of those in least disadvantaged countries were corpulent, in comparing to 12.1 per centum of kids in most disadvantaged countries ( www.ic.nhs.uk ) . In Northern Ireland statistics show that 8 per centum of kids ages between 2 and 15 old ages are corpulent, harmonizing to the Health Minister Edwin Poots. The wellness Minister went on to state that the likeliness of corpulent kids become corpulent grownups was likely ; this would set greater strain on the wellness and societal attention services due to the comorbidities associated with the status ( Northern Ireland Executive, 2012 ) . Governments province that wellness policies are micro driven, but in world it could be argued that they are macro driven as ultimately fleshiness will be more in the long tally due to fleshiness related unwellness such as diabetes and heat disease, and harmonizing to NHS website the cost will be ?4.20 billion per twelvemonth ( HM Government ) . Undertaking fleshiness is a challenge for non merely the UK, but globally and harmonizing to the Department of Health and Social Services Northern Ireland web site, corpulence and fleshiness will catch malnutrition and infective disease in footings of their cost to the wellness services and people enduring from the status ( www.dhsspsni.gov.uk ) . Appendix 2. It was non until 1999 that fleshiness was declared an epidemic in America and was considered to impact all racial groups and across all ages in United States ( National Medical Association, 1999 ) . Harmonizing to the information published there was an addition from 12 % to 18 % over a seven twelvemonth period utilizing a organic structure mass index ( BMI ) that was greater than 30 ( National Medical Association, 1999 ) . Historically obesity rates were low and unaffected until 1970s and 80s, and the obesogentic environment ( an environment that encourages and leads to fleshiness in persons that relates to the influence that contribute towards fleshiness such as nutrient, physical activity and environment. Many broader determiners of hapless wellness such as wellness inequalities, poorness and want play a important function, and these factors have non swayed over the old ages. In pre-war Britain big differences in mortality and morbidity degrees between rich and hapless were recogni sed as the norm by policy shapers. It was the debut of the National Health Service in the fortiess that brought with it hope that the societal category differences impacting wellness would worsen. It was n't until the seventiess that the Marmot Report stated people ‘s life style and fortunes have a direct consequence on their wellness ( Crinson, 2009 ) . The wellness deductions from fleshiness are huge and can finally ensue in a premature decease. Although fleshiness is caused by consumption of more energy through nutrient and drink than needed and the ensuing extra stored in fat in the organic structure, the position that obesogenic environment besides plays a portion in fleshiness is going widely accepted. Social and economic fortunes are besides evaluated in this paper as are the function of authoritiess and policy shapers, both in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. The overall position of this paper would be that policies are made by persons that have no penetration into what portion of society they are directed at such as disadvantaged and socio-economic countries that lack the agency and installations whereby persons feel that their part to society is valued and of import sufficiency for them to care about their ain well-being. Policies are non directed at one specific group such and the one size fits all does n't look to be working as fleshiness is now a planetary epidemic.BibliographyBBC ( 2012 ) ‘The Work force who made us fat: episode 3 ‘ , available at www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01kd06l ( Accessed 06/11/2012 @ 20.05 ) Berreby, David. ( 2012 ) . ‘Is Capitalism To Blame for Worldwide Obesity? ‘ Available at hypertext transfer protocol: //bigthink.com/Mind-Matters/is-capitalism-to-blame-for-worldwide-obesity ( Accessed 5/11/2012 ) Braveman, Paula. Egeter, Susan. Williams, R. William ( 2011 ) ‘The Social Determinants of Health: Coming of Age ‘ , Annual Review of Public Health, Vol. 32: 381-98 Cabinet Office ( 1999 ) ‘Modernising Government White Paper ‘ : available at hypertext transfer protocol: //www.archive.official-documents.co.uk/document/cm43/4310/4310.htm ( accessed 05/11/2012 ) Crib et Al ( 2012 ) ‘Briefing Notes on Jubilees compared: incomes, disbursement and work in the late seventiess and early 2010s ‘ , available at hypertext transfer protocol: //www.ifs.org.uk/publications/6190 ( Accessed 12/11/2012 ) Crinson, Iain ( 2009 ) ‘Health Policy, a critical prospective ‘ , SAGE, London Department of Health Public wellness ( 2012 ) ‘Adult societal attention, and the NHS: Obesity Document ‘ , available at www.dh.gov.uk/health/category/policy-areas/public-health/obesity-healthy-living ( Accessed 10/11/2012 ) Department of Works & A ; Pensions ( 2011 ) ‘Causes of Obesity ‘ available at, hypertext transfer protocol: //www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/medical-conditions/a-z-of-medical-conditions/obesity ( Accessed 05/11/2012 ) Department for Works & A ; Pensions ( 2011 ) ‘Definition of Overweight and Obesity ‘ available at, hypertext transfer protocol: //www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/medical-conditions/a-z-of-medical-conditions/obesity ( Accessed 05/11/2012 ) DHSSPSNI ( 2012 ) ‘Framework for Preventing and Addressing Overweight and Obesity in Northern Ireland: 2012-2022 ‘ , available at hypertext transfer protocol: //www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/framework-preventing-addressing-overweight-obesity-ni-2012-2022.pdf ( accessed 8/11/2012 ) DHSSPSNI ( 2011 ) ‘Safety, Quality and Standards: Safety and Quality Policy Document ‘ available at www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/index/phealth/sqs.htm ( Accessed 6/11/2012 ) Foresight Review ( 2012 ) www.foresightreport.com ( Accessed 08/11/2012 @ 9.50 ) GMTV ( 2012 ) www.gm.tv.uk ( Viewed 07/11/2012 @ 7.47 ) Gough, I. ( 1979 ) ‘The Political Economy of the Welfare State ‘ , Macmillan, Basingstoke HM Government ( 2010 ) ‘Healthy Lifes, Healthy Peoples: Our Strategy for Public Health in England ‘ , available at www.official-documents.gov.uk ( accessed 10/11/2012 ) NHS Information Centre ( 2011 ) ‘Statistics on Obesity, Physical Activity and Diet: England ‘ , available at hypertext transfer protocol: //www.ic.nhs.uk/webfiles/publications/003_Health_Lifestyles/opad11/Statistics_on_Obesity_Physical_Activity_and_Diet_England_2011_revised_Aug11.pdf ( Accessed 08/11/2012 @ 8.25 ) NHS Information Centre ( 2011 ) ‘Obesity Rising Among Concluding Year Primary School Children ‘ , available at www.ic.nhs.uk/ncmp ( Accessed 10/11/2012 @ 20.55 ) Kouvonen, Dr A. ( 2012 ) ‘What is Health Policy? ‘ , Lecture Notes Week 1: Lecture 2 Kouvonen, Dr A. ( 2012 ) ‘Current Issues in Health Policy: Obesity ‘ , Week 4: Lecture 2 National Medical Association ( 1999 ) ‘Obesity Declared an Epidemic in the United States ‘ , J Natl Med Assoc. 1999 December ; 91 ( 12 ) : 645 PMCID: PMC2608606 Northern Ireland Executive ( 2012 ) available at hypertext transfer protocol: //www.northernireland.gov.uk/index/media-centre/news-departments/news-dhssps/news-dhssps-08032012-obesity-cuts-life.htm ( Accessed 08/11/2012 @ 20.15 ) Philpott, T ( 2008 ) ‘A Contemplation of the Lasing Legacy of the 1970s USDA Secretary Earl Butz ‘ available at hypertext transfer protocol: //grist.org/article/the-butz-stops-here ( Accessed 7/11/2012 ) Richardson, W.B. ( 2008 ) ‘The Health of Nations: A Review of the Works of Edwin Chadwick ‘ , Volume I. BiblioLife, LLC Ritzer, G. ( 2004 ) ‘The McDonaldization of Society ‘ , SAGE, California UCL Institute of Health Equity ( 2012 ) ‘Strategic Review of Health Inequalities in England: Post-2010 ( The Marmot Review ) ‘ , available at www.marmotreview.org ( Accessed 9/11/2012 ) Whitehead, M. , Townsend, P. , Davidson, N. , Daivdsen, N. , ( 1992 ) ‘Inequalities in Health: The Black Report and the Health Divide ‘ , Penguin Books Ltd ; New edition ( 29 Oct 1992 ) World Health Organisation ( 2006 ) ‘Commission on Social Determinants of Health ‘ , available at www.who.int/social_determinants/resources/csdh_brochure.pdf ( Accessed 09/11/2012 @ 17.56 ) World Health Organisation ( 2012 ) ‘Health Policy ‘ , available at www.who.int/topics/health_policy/en/ ( Accessed 05/11/2012 @ 8.50 ) World Health Organisation ( 2012 ) ‘Obesity ‘ , available at www.who.int/topics/obesity/en/ ( Accessed 05/11/2012 @ 17.43 )Appendix 1

Research Report on the House Permanent Select Committee on I essays

Research Report on the House Permanent Select Committee on I essays Research report on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence On the 14th of July 1977, more than a year after the Senate had already formed its select intelligence ruling body, the House of Representatives instituted its very own Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. This put an end to years of limited congressional oversight and paved the way for jurisdiction, an improved influence, and an overall expansion of resources. With the establishment of this committee came exclusive control (in concurrence with the Senates Select Intelligence Community) over sanctions and legislation affecting the CIA, along with the Director of Central Intelligence and a fusing of jurisdiction over the remainder of the intelligence community. This was simply the beginning of the HPSCI and it would find itself undertaking many modifications in the years that lay ahead. My intention in this report is to discuss all of the required aspects that you have specified to as much of a degree as seems sufficient. The institutional purpose of this bureaucracy , the means by which its members are selected, the responsibility of and from where this committee derives its power, and to what extent its influence carries out with regards to foreign policy will all be covered. Past crises and the steps this committee has taken in putting a peaceful end to seemingly ceaseless violence will also be presented. Finally, the scenario that has been given in class will be discussed and possibilities of action by the HPSCI will be evaluated. The HPSCI has basically three functions. The first of which is budget oversight, or in other words power of the purse. This capability gives the committee its power to authorize funds for the entire intelligence community (Smist 242). This particular branch of the HPSCI is essentially an outreach of the House Appropriations Committee, meaning its tasks and practices are qu...

support groups essays

support groups essays Participants who attended a support group were surveyed on why they were attending support group, what their participation level is, and what their expectation from the support group is. There were many different trends that were found among the three different groups, Alcoholic Anonymous, disabled workers, and heterosexuals with the Aides Virus. Some of the responses were similar, and others were attending the meetings for different reasons. The experience of illness is a profoundly social one. Suffering elicits intense emotions and hence the desire to talk to others. Through interpersonal exchanges, patients develop an understanding of their illness: They may talk to friends, relatives and professionals about what their diagnosis and treatment may entail. Over the course of their particular illness, relationships are strained or broken, and new ones become valuable, such as those with doctors, nurses, or physical therapists. For some, the condition itself constitutes a dangerous secret that erects a barrier between themselves and their support network. Thus, patients experiences of illness both influence, and are influenced by, the social fabric that surrounds them. There are many different reasons people choose to attend support groups. It may be they are reaching our for comfort they cannot find other places, or because they feel the network of friends they have met through the support groups is the only people who truly understand what they are going through, or it may be because they have been ordered to do so by some outside authority. Whatever the reasons may be, the need and outcome of people who attend support groups is a necessity for those searching for support and guidance. Many years ago Leiverman, Yalom, and Miles (1973) developed an empirical models to study encounter-group leader behavior. An analysis of leader behaviors and participant outcomes revealed a substantial and statistically signifi...

Benefits of Solar-Powered Water Heaters

Benefits of Solar-Powered Water Heaters Dear EarthTalk: I heard that using a solar powered water heater in my home would reduce my CO2 emissions significantly. Is this true? And what are the costs? Anthony Gerst, Wapello, IA Conventional Water Heaters Use Energy According to mechanical engineers at the University of Wisconsin’s Solar Energy Laboratory, an average four-person household with an electric water heater needs about 6,400 kilowatt hours of electricity per year to heat their water. Assuming the electricity is generated by a typical power plant with an efficiency of around 30 percent, it means that the average electric water heater is responsible for about eight tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually, which is almost double that emitted by a typical modern automobile. The same family of four using either a natural gas or oil-fired water heater will contribute about two tons of CO2  emissions annually in heating their water. And as we know, carbon dioxide is the main greenhouse gas responsible for climate change. Conventional Water Heaters Pollute Surprising as it may seem, analysts believe that the annual total CO2 produced by residential water heaters throughout North America is roughly equal to that produced by all of the cars and light trucks driving around the continent. Another way of looking at it is: If half of all households used solar water heaters, the reduction in CO2  emissions would be the same as doubling the fuel-efficiency of all cars. Solar Water Heaters Gaining Popularity Having half of all households use solar water heaters might not be such a tall order. According to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI), there are 1.5 million solar water heaters already in use in U.S. homes and businesses. Solar water heater systems can work in any climate and EESI estimates that 40 percent of all U.S. homes have sufficient access to sunlight such that 29 million additional solar water heaters could be installed right now. Solar Water Heaters: The Economical Choice Another great reason to switch to a solar water heater is financial. According to the EESI, residential solar water heater systems cost between $1,500 and $3,500, compared to $150 to $450 for electric and gas heaters. With savings in electricity or natural gas, solar water heaters pay for themselves within four to eight years. And solar water heaters last between 15 and 40 yearsthe same as conventional systemsso after that initial payback period is up, zero energy cost essentially means having free hot water for years to come. What’s more, in the U.S. federal government offers homeowners tax credits of up to 30 percent of the cost of installing a solar water heater. The credit is not available for swimming pool or hot tub heaters, and the system must be certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation. What to Know Before You Install a Solar Water Heater According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s â€Å"Consumer’s Guide to Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency,† zoning and building codes relating to the installation of solar water heaters usually reside at the local level, so consumers should be sure to research the standards for their own communities and hire a certified installer familiar with local requirements. Homeowners beware: Most municipalities require a building permit for the installation of a solar hot water heater onto an existing house. For Canadians looking to get into solar water heating, the Canadian Solar Industries Association maintains a list of certified solar water heater installers, and Natural Resources Canada makes its informative booklet, â€Å"Solar Water Heating Systems: A Buyer’s Guide,† available as a free download on their website. EarthTalk is a regular feature of E/The Environmental Magazine. Selected EarthTalk columns are reprinted on About Environmental Issues by permission of the editors of E. Edited by Frederic Beaudry.

College Athletes Should be Paid to Play Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

College Athletes Should be Paid to Play - Essay Example Some argue that athletes are paid by virtue of their scholarship and that is sufficient reimbursement for their services. Putting aside for the moment that athletes that participate in the more popular sports earn millions of dollars for the university and that other students reap these benefits as well, athletes are denied the same lack of restrictions to earn while they learn and as a result should be somewhat compensated. The NCAA alone makes hundreds of millions of dollars every year from the men’s March basketball tournament. The bowl games that follow the regular football season supply the conferences with revenues of many million each winter. Now add up ticket and concession proceeds, corporate sponsorships and money gained from merchandise sales that without the presence of sports would not be funneled into a university annually. The athletes know that they generate literally many billions of dollars for their schools, yet are not allowed to earn even pocket change whi le at school, giving their all for ‘ole State U. Athletes are allowed only the most meager of an existence under NCAA regulations. Meanwhile, they witness other students with money enough at least for an occasional date and their coach earning a multi-million dollar salary but know that they are the ones that make the greatest sacrifices. The NCAA reports that of the 1000 schools in its membership, only 40 earn a profit each year, all of which are Division I-A institutions and have either a successful football or basketball program. Though revenues continue to rise for these select schools; the remaining schools are suffering growing deficits. In most cases, schools utilize money gained from its more successful and thus profitable sports programs to fund the other sports activities at the school such as the bulk of women’s athletic programs. The vast majority of schools could not afford to pay for programs that did not pay for themselves if not for the athletes that put ‘butts in seats.’ These athletes are producing enormous revenues that not only pay for other sports programs but pump money into the general scholarship fund. Athletes should be compensated at least minimally but not just athletes that are involved in revenue producing sports. All college athletes should receive a modest salary because all of them allocate so much of their time to their particular sport. Even the non-profitable sports programs provide publicity to the institutions in amounts impossible to quantify. â€Å"There are also student-athletes who have to leave school early because they do not have enough money to continue, or to pay their bills and leaving school for a career in professional sports is an easy way of making money.   The argument is that if student-athletes get paid, they will remain in school and complete their education† (Meshefejian, 2005). When a student-athlete or their family is experiencing financial problems as is the case in m any situations, the pressure to quit school and pursue a professional career is immense. What would motivate an athlete in this predicament to stay and finish school if they were offered even a minor league contract or a backup role at the major league level? Many examples exist where athletes opt to turn professional, then are out of a job within a year or two and cannot return to school because they can no longer be offered a scholarship. If they could have justified, financially speaking, staying in school, many may have graduated and whether or not they succeeded at the professional level, they would have had a diploma and therefore a solid career and a

Concepts of Supply and Demand Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Concepts of Supply and Demand - Essay Example Figure 1.0 below shows in detail what the elasticity of demand portends for the price and quantity of a given item as a function of graphic analysis. Of course it cannot always be understood that price elasticity of demand will be a primal motivating factor (Fouquet, 2012). Due to the fact that the market for many goods and services has a very inelastic price elasticity of demand, the actual level of demand that consumers express bears little relation to the price that is being offered for the commodity. Figure 1.0 Source: Marban, Zwaan, Grigoriev, Hiller, & Vredeveld, 2012 This particular graph is indicative of an elastic demand curve. It is important to bear in mind that the demand curve is not steeply sloping; rather, it exhibits a gradual decline as price fluctuates. Naturally, determinants such as consumer time horizon will greatly impact the total elasticity that is represented in the above representation by elongating and flattening the demand curve as a result of the fact tha t the consumer believes that the cost is likely to change within the near future (Chai & Moneta, 2010). Similar changes to the demand curve will also be noted if/when changes to the consumer’s income are noted and/or if the availability of substitutes weakens or strengthens the demand that has hitherto been illustrated. Cross price elasticity Similarly, â€Å"cross price elasticity† is a term that is used to measure the responsiveness of the demand for a given good to the change in price of a competing good. This level of change is given as a percentage point and is derived as a function of measuring the percentage change in price of the secondary good/commodity (Marban, Zwaan, Grigoriev, Hiller & Vredeveld, 2012). As a quick example, if the price of shipping were to increase by 10% and the price of the finished good itself were to decrease by 25%, the following formula would be used to calculate the cross price elasticity of the given good: -25/10= -2.5. In this way, the reader can see the level to which competing goods/commodities play with relation to the elasticity of demand for a given product within the marketplace (Khan, 2012). An important fact to note is that the question of whether the cross price elasticity is positive or negative denotes whether or not the given good/commodity in question is either complimentary or supplementary of the primary good. Negative cross elasticity means that two products are compliments whereas a positive means that they are supplementary to each other. Figure 2.0 represents the graphical interpretation of cross price elasticity. Figure 2.0 Source: Arak & Spiro, 1973 Income elasticity Thirdly, this brief analysis will consider the term â€Å"income elasticity.† This can be described as the responsiveness of demand for a given good or service to the change in the overall income of the individuals who are demanding the item. In much the same way as the previous term was calculated, income elasticity is calculated as the percentage change in the demand as compared to the percentage change in the income of the affected consumer base (Fouquet, 2012). In this way, the observer could calculate a 10% increase in income as compared to the demand for a good increasing by 20% as 20%/10%=2. Figure 3.0 illustrates the decreasing demand for a product as a function of reducing incomes of the affected population that would otherwise serve as the primary consumers of the given good/service/commodity. Figure 3.0 Sources: Fouquet, 2012 Increases in consumer spending/income would

Gender leadership style in the workforce. Who is more respected Assignment

Gender leadership style in the workforce. Who is more respected - Assignment Example There are various diversity conceptualizations as highlighted by the researchers, which define the equality in gender representation at the place of work (Qin, Muenjohn & Chhetri, 2014, 133). b). Nowadays men and women are fighting for gender equality in the executive and management positions with the study results showing that men are more effective in fighting for gender change compared to women (De Vries, 2015, 28). ii). The findings of the research indicate that an executive composed of both genders is more effective in the execution of the organization duties than one with no gender diversity (Qin, Muenjohn & Chhetri, 2014, 134). ii). The executive can use its powers to influence diversity in the workforce through allocation of posts to women by proposing a percentage for women representation (Qin, Muenjohn & Chhetri, 2014, 134). ii) In some financial institutions, the participation of women is very important in the development of the economy yet the disparity in the recruitment of managers reduces their participation (Shelley, 2011, 151). d). However, for the 200 top universities researched globally, only 28 are headed by women showing that gender bias is still a concern. Other universities lack women in te top leadership positions (Of the top 200†¦, 2015 n.p). ii). Sex, gender, perceptions, and disparity can affect the behavior of various leaders and lead to the discouragement of female leaders to take top leadership roles (Kenneth, & Tracey 2015, 109). Ghulam Abbas, JavedIqbal, AjmalWaheed, & M NaveedRiaz. (2012). Relationship between transformational leadership style and innovative work behavior in educational institutions.Journal of Behavioural Sciences, 22(3), 18. Shelley Reciniello. (2011). Is the woman the future of man? an exploration of the potential of women in the knowledge economy and of the problem of gender inequality in the workplace.

Cultural diversity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Cultural diversity - Essay Example The advancement of social justice and push for health equity have changed from traditional measures of health status from death rates to the society experience of unpleasant health and impairment, physical ill health and mental health issues and physical & cognitive challenges that make the daily activities of these individuals challenging (Graham 2). There has been a gradual and consistent evaluation by research and policy focusing on the well being status rather than ill health (Ryff and Singer 28). Racism is prevalent in the British society. According to a national representative survey by the UK policy studies institute, 20-26% of white participants admitted to having prejudice against Asian, Caribbean and Muslim ethnic minorities (Modood et al 40). Racial and ethnic constructs in the current world are increasingly becoming difficult to grasp because of the complexities of their use and definitions and the changing dynamic world (Harris 2). Race is the biological classification of individuals, and it categorizes people based on their physical features, character, and genetic composition, while other people use social classes to categorize people (Spickard 14). These qualities and characteristics of people have traditionally been used by some sections of Europeans to group people into classes with Europeans being superior of all races, followed by Asians and Native Americans, and lastly Blacks being inferior to all other races (Spickard 14). The skin colour determines the raci al identity of a person with individuals having the same colour categorized as being from the same race. Racial classification of people uses blanket generalization and stereotyping of people without any consideration of individual capabilities and differences in tradition, culture, religious or political belief systems. Ethnicity classifies people from the same origin who share the same

Hw Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Hw - Assignment Example Since 2004 the company has shown some reasonable profits in only 2007. In the fear of entering bankruptcy, Kodak used immense patent litigation in their attempt to generate revenues (Mattioli, 2010). They got 838 million dollars from licensing of patents; this also included settlements and lawsuits against companies including LG, Samsung and their recent fight is with Apple. Patents are thus a way to protect companies from losing their profits entirely and to keep them safe from going bankruptcy. 2. Kodak was a company that brought new technology in photography and thus held a dominant place in the market for a very long time. They had an advantage as their products were patented meaning no other company could use their invention to make any profits for twenty years. This implies that any company who uses their invention before the expiry period would be facing a lawsuit from Kodak and would have to pay heavy settlement moneyfor patent infringement. The company is said to have been breathing its last breaths and is on the brink of bankruptcy. They have to present a reorganizational plan till the deadline of 15th February 2013 under the terms of the bankruptcy protection. For them till now their patents were all they had to regain their lost position as none of their other tactics seemed to work. 3. As most of Kodak’s patents expire, the company will have to come up with a reorganization plan that will get it out of its lost position. According to Antonio Perez the Chairman and CEO of Kodak they are restructuring the company by rebalancing it towards packaging, functional and commercial printing. They will use their competitive edge in deposition technology and material science along with their knowledge of digital imaging to capitalize on their prospects and market growth. Kodak had its patents on auction but the bids they received from Apple and Google were 150 million and 250 million billion dollars

Blog Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 13

Blog - Essay Example In response, the Cleveland Indians Baseball Team has responded to the racism critics by backing itself up for having recreated its current logo as a throwback to its Indians blue ‘C’ logo that the team used between the 1915 and 1927. The team has adjusted its logo over time since 1927 until the time it acquired its current logo which is a reconstruction of its original logo. Looking keenly at the Cleveland Indians’ logos since 1928 to present, there is a unique progression that is tied to racism. In 1928, the mascot used by the Cleveland Indians had a whole red painting, with just some few places bearing black color. In 1929-1932, they changed the logo to another mascot with red face and white helmet. In 1933-1938, there was a change of the logo to a mascot with a brown face and a brown and red helmet. Coming to 1938-1945, the mascot logo was changed to bear a red face and a white helmet again. In 1946 to 1950, the logo was changed to the head of a cartoon with a brown face and red and black helmet before they changed the color in 1951-72 to a red face and red and white helmet. This went on with one more change before they finally acquired their current logo which is a red ‘C’ from 2014 to present. All these are criticized to portray

Hw Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Hw - Assignment Example Since 2004 the company has shown some reasonable profits in only 2007. In the fear of entering bankruptcy, Kodak used immense patent litigation in their attempt to generate revenues (Mattioli, 2010). They got 838 million dollars from licensing of patents; this also included settlements and lawsuits against companies including LG, Samsung and their recent fight is with Apple. Patents are thus a way to protect companies from losing their profits entirely and to keep them safe from going bankruptcy. 2. Kodak was a company that brought new technology in photography and thus held a dominant place in the market for a very long time. They had an advantage as their products were patented meaning no other company could use their invention to make any profits for twenty years. This implies that any company who uses their invention before the expiry period would be facing a lawsuit from Kodak and would have to pay heavy settlement moneyfor patent infringement. The company is said to have been breathing its last breaths and is on the brink of bankruptcy. They have to present a reorganizational plan till the deadline of 15th February 2013 under the terms of the bankruptcy protection. For them till now their patents were all they had to regain their lost position as none of their other tactics seemed to work. 3. As most of Kodak’s patents expire, the company will have to come up with a reorganization plan that will get it out of its lost position. According to Antonio Perez the Chairman and CEO of Kodak they are restructuring the company by rebalancing it towards packaging, functional and commercial printing. They will use their competitive edge in deposition technology and material science along with their knowledge of digital imaging to capitalize on their prospects and market growth. Kodak had its patents on auction but the bids they received from Apple and Google were 150 million and 250 million billion dollars

Safety Supervisors in the work place Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Safety Supervisors in the work place - Essay Example Most of the accidents caused are directly related to unsafe practices and actions taken by people at workplace. In addition, ancestral causes, social environment, unsafe acts and mistakes lead to accidents or injuries at work place. Just by eliminating unsafe worker behaviors, often referred to as risk behaviors and ignorant behaviors, about 90% of the accidents at work place can be effectively prevented (Taylor, Easter & Hegney, 2004). To increase the safety at work place and to encourage behavior based safety, every organization has its own methodology which it follows. Some organizations lay very rigid safety measures to be followed without fail while some offer spot incentives for fun and get the behavior based safety measures maintained to the best. In few organizations, spot warnings are given to employees that commit defects of faulty and unsafe actions; extreme measures such as dismissal letters are also issued to the defaulters. To positively reinforce behavior based safety actions, supervisors incentivize their staff with goodies, applauds, appreciations etc. At an organizational level, such staff members can be rewarded with monetary incentives. As a safety supervisor, it is important to communicate safety methods and practices to all employees and ensure they understand the significance of safety and reasons for implementing such safety measures.

Revolutionary Changes in the Atlantic World Essay Example for Free

Revolutionary Changes in the Atlantic World Essay 1. List four (4) 18th century European wars. p.542 2. Define, in short, John Locke’s political philosophy. p.542- 3 3. What was Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s political argument? p.543 4. European monarchs that supported some Enlightenment ideas were called â€Å"enlightened despots†. Who were these monarchs (examples) and why did they favor some Enlightenment ideas? P.543 5. What is Nicolas-Jacques Conte famous for? P.544 6. Describe at least 3 ways in which women were instrumental in the dissemination of new ideas. P.545 7. The intellectual movement known as the Enlightenment most deeply influenced what emerging class in Europe? P. 545 8. What were folk cultures and what were some of their characteristics? P.546-7 9. What two (2) related problems did the British face after defeating the French in 1763? P.547 10. Which Amerindian chief drove the British from some western outposts and raided Virginia and Pennsylvania at the end of the Seven Years’ War? p.547 11. What was the purpose of the Proclamation of 1763? P.547 12. What sparked a political confrontation that led to rebellion in the British N. American colonies? P.548 13. What was the Stamp Act of 1765? P.548 14. Who were the Sons of Liberty? p.548 15. What violent event radicalized many colonists against the British? p.548 16. Before declaring its independence (essentially war), list at least three (3) tactics used by American colonists in response to British policies. P.548 17. Who wrote the inflammatory pamphlet Common Sense? p.549 18. Read the excerpt from the Declaration of Independence. What kind of â€Å"rights† are expressed in the excerpt and what famous British philosopher popularized it? p.549 19. What convinced the French to enter the war on the side of the U.S. in 1778? P.550 20. What were at least two negative aspects of the government under the Articles of Confederation? p.551 21. Why were slaves counted as 3/5 of a person when considering representation? P.551 22. Until what year did the U.S. Constitution permit the slave trade to continue? p.551 23. What happened to King Louis XVI as a result of the French Revolution? p.552 24. (a)Describe the makeup of the Estates General. (b) Why did Louis XVI call a meeting of the Estates General after 175 yrs of recess? P.552-3 25. Which French Estate declared itself to be the National Assembly? p.554 26. What was the Bastille and what prompted common people to attack it in 1793? pp.554-5 27. List four things that were accomplished by the new French constitution. p.555 28. What happened when rumors of counter-revolutionary plots circulated throughout working-class neighborhoods? p.555 29. With whom did Robespierre forge an alliance? p.556 30. What was the period of repression led by Robespierre called? p.556 31. Why did Robespierre remove Sunday from the new calendar? p.556 32. Why did Napoleon succeed in forming Europe’s first popular dictatorship? p.557 33. How did Napoleon achieve support of the peasantry and the middle class? p.557 34. Napoleon’s arch nemesis was Britain, which he attempted to invade in 1805. What was the name of the decisive naval battle and what was the outcome? p.557 35. Napoleon’s invasion of what country eventually led to his demise? p.557-561 36. At what famous battle was Napoleon finally defeated after only one hundred days in power? p.561 37. What was the financial worth of Saint Domingue to French trade? P. 561 38. What destabilized the colonial government of Saint Domingue (Haiti)? p.561 39. What was the main purpose of the Congress of Vienna? p.563 40. The revolutions of 1848 were widespread across Europe and were inspired by what? p.564 41. Greece gained its independence in 1830 from whom? P.564 Free Response Focus Questions: Answer these questions in a 5-7 sentence paragraph. In your own words. Do not simply copy from the book and memorize the response. Know it. Support your response with plenty of facts. Understand where events fall historically (global context, cause/effect, etc) 1. How were the revolutions of the 18th century inspired by a body of new ideas? Discuss Locke and Rousseau in your response. 2. After defeating the French in North America in 1763, the British faced the related problems of continued westward expansion by its settlers and paying for governing the colonies (taxation). What did the British government do in response to these problems and how did they contribute to colonists’ resentment of the British government and eventual war? 3. Describe the nature of the fiscal crisis that triggered the French Revolution. 4. What were some of the reasons for the failure of the French Revolution to initiate lasting representative government and for the rise of the new dictatorship? 5. What were the causes of the revolution in Saint Domingue? 6. The Enlightenment as a social and intellectual movement impacted many segments of society. How did this movement affect women in the elite classes and the common women during the revolutions? Compare/Contrast Thesis statement 7. Compare and contrast the goals and outcomes of the French and Haitian Revolutions.

Catcher :: essays research papers

Catcher in the Rye Holden Caulfied: Saint, Snob, or Somewhere In-between? Although J.D. Salinger has only one novel to his credit, that novel, The Catcher in the Rye, is recognized as an exceptional literary work. The key to the success of The Catcher in the Rye is the main character, Holden Caulfield. There are many different critics that view Holden in many different ways. Some believe Holden to be a conceited snob, while others see Holden as a Christ-like figure. It is my opinion, however, that Holden is somewhere in the middle. Holden Caulfield is a character who has a definite code of honor that he attempts to live up to and expects to as abide by as well. Since the death of his brother Allie, Holden has experienced almost a complete sense of alienation from the world around him. This alienation is evident in every part of his life. Holden is unable to relate to anyone at the three prep schools he has attended. While standing on Thomsen Hill, Holden cannot help but feel isolated when he observes t he football game, â€Å"you were supposed to commit suicide or something if Old Pencey didn’t win† (Salinger 2). Not only does Holden feel isolated at the schools he has attended; he has this feeling when it comes to his family as well. Upon his return to New York City, Holden does not go home. Instead, he chooses to hide out from his family. According to Ernest Jones, â€Å"with his alienation go assorted hatreds – of movies, of night clubs, of social and intellectual pretension, and so on. And physical disgust: pimples, sex, an old man picking his nose are all equal cause for nausea† (Jones 7). Holden feels Previts 2 as though all of these people have failed him in some way or that they are all â€Å"phonies† or â€Å"corny† in some way or another. It is Holden’s perception of those around him as â€Å"phonies† and again according to Jones; â€Å"Holden’s belief that he has a superior moral standard that few people, o nly his dead brother, his 10-year-old sister, and a fleeting friend [Jane] can live up to† that make him a snob (7). Presenting Holden as â€Å"snobbish† hardly does him justice. Critics such Frederick L. Gwynn, Joseph L. Blotner, and Frederic I. Carpenter view Holden as a character who is â€Å"Christ-like in his ambition to protect children before they enter the world of destruction and phoniness† (Carpenter 24).

A Feminist Alternative to Fetterleys Criticism of A Farewell to Arms :: Farewell Arms Essays

A Feminist Alternative to Fetterley's Criticism of A Farewell to Arms      Ã‚  Ã‚   After finishing A Farewell to Arms, I found it difficult to reconcile Judith Fetterley's feminist attack of the novel with my own personal opinions. I agree that Hemingway does kick women to the curb in his portrayal of Catherine, but my reasons for pinning this crime on Hemingway are different from hers'. Although she means well, Fetterley makes the ridiculous claim that by portraying Catherine as an angelic, selflessly loving "woman to end all women," Hemingway disguises misogynistic attitudes and a deep-seeded hatred towards the XX chromosome. This claim is not supported by the text. If we look at Hemingway through the lens of his own words, we find that his misogyny does not spring from a "too good to be true" portrait of Catherine, but rather in his tendency to cast her down into the dirt-Catherine is a dependent, baby-manufacturing trap that stifles Lieutenant Henry: "Poor, poor dear Cat. And this was the price you paid for sleeping together. This was the end of th e trap" (320). It is his penchant for sex and his need for womanly comfort that keeps Henry coming back to Catherine, not some notion of "love" or true connection. This is Hemingway's misogyny, however unintentional, unmasked.    But to get a true sense of this "anti-Fetterley" feminist view of the novel, it is important too look at the specifics of Hemingway's construction of Catherine-facts that stand in direct opposition to Fetterley's stated attacks.    First of all, Catherine is not Fetterley's unique and unattainable goddess-she is an object in Henry's universe, a feast of sensations but nothing more. She is akin to good food and good drink: "'I was made to eat. My God, yes. Eat and drink and sleep with Catherine'" (233). Indeed, Henry's thoughts about Catherine, both when he is at the front or by her side, mingle with longings for good wine and reflections on sumptuous meals. In Henry's world, a good Capri would be nice, a nice hunk of cheese would be grand, and sleeping with Catherine would be sublime. These things all equate to the satisfaction of basic human needs. Every now and then, Henry feels a grumbling in his loins-a periodic hunger for the "cheese" between Catherine's legs. Hemingway dissolves Catherine into the least common denominator-the object, devoid of meaning or real importance (when Henry isn't hungry).

Cmi Level 7 Unit 7006

1. Identify the current strategic aims and objectives 2. Undertake an evaluation of the component parts of a strategic plan 3. Analyze the factors affecting the strategic plan The history of Harley-Davidson began in 1903, in a 10†² x 15†² shed located in the Davidson family's Milwaukee backyard. The Davidson brothers – William D. , Walter, and Arthur – and William S. Harley crafted their first motorcycle using the best tools they had available – mostly their hands and their ingenuity. Since that time Harley-Davidson has learned many lessons on how to operate a business.We are focused on providing our customers with not just a quality product, but also an overall experience. Our mission statement is as follows: honesty, integrity and personal growth in all of our dealings with stakeholders. Our values are the rules by which we operate. At Harley-Davidson, we are equally committed to a corporate vision that mandates how we run our business. Within this vi sion we emphasize the relationships that we deem crucial to our success, including our relationships with customers and suppliers. Our vision states: HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.IS AN ACTION-ORIENTED, INTERNATIONAL COMPANY, A LEADER IN ITS COMMITMENT TO CONTINUOUSLY IMPROVE OUR MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL RELATIONSHIPS WITH STAKEHOLDERS (CUSTOMERS, SUPPLIERS, EMPLOYEES, SHAREHOLDERS, GOVERNMENT, AND SOCIETY). HARLEY-DAVIDSON BELIEVES THE KEY TO SUCCESS IS TO BALANCE STAKEHOLDERSi INTERESTS THROUGH THE EMPOWERMENT OF ALL EMPLOYEES TO FOCUS ON VALUEADDED ACTIVITIES. Doing Business With Harley-Davidson Our vision is our corporate conscience and it helps us to eliminate short term thinking, such as â€Å"cashing in† on the intense demand for our motorcycles by giving quantity precedence over quality to save a few dollars per unit.It also encourages every employee in our organization to be acutely aware of his or her role in satisfying our stakeholders. Harley-Davidson has become the world leade r in the super-heavyweight (850cc+) motorcycle market because of our unwavering commitment to continuously improve upon the superior quality of our products. This quality commitment is built on the satisfaction of each and every customer, internal and external, including everyone from our production line employees to our end users.This belief is captured within our quality policy statement: HARLEY-DAVIDSON IS COMMITTED TO CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT TO REDUCE WASTE, DEFECTS AND VARIABILITY IN EVERYTHING WE DO, WHILE STRIVING TO MEET / EXCEED CUSTOMERS' EXPECTATIONS. It is the goal of Harley-Davidson to satisfy our customers by not only meeting, but also exceeding their expectations and by giving them superior value for their money. We can accomplish this only if you, as a Harley-Davidson supplier, embrace our company's values and commitment to quality to the extent that we do.Our hope is that you will see reward in satisfying our customers, which are also your customers. Please remember you are not simply selling your products to Harley-Davidson, you are selling them to our customers. 1. Apply a range of strategic analysis tools to audit progress towards strategic aims and objectives 2. Review and assess the expectations of all stakeholders and their influence upon the organizational strategy 3. Analyze, interpret and produce a structured evaluation of organizational strategic positionHarley Davidson has always been known for its differentiated products that have continuously stood out from the norm. This has a lot to do with strategies Harley uses to promote its products and services. Some of the key strategies used throughout 2013 were the promotion of its 110th Anniversary Special Edition Motorcycles and the worldwide Open Road Tour used to advertise their current production line. The stunning 2013 model 110th Anniversary Harley-Davidson motorcycles, which feature rich new paint schemes and special 110th Anniversary identification has been an instant success.Eve ry 2003 motorcycle in the line-up has been designated a 110th Anniversary model. The company has extended the model year to 14 months to give even more customers the opportunity to own a piece of Harley-Davidson history. The Anniversary celebrations began back in late 2011 as the Open Road Tour made its way to Atlanta, Baltimore, Los Angeles, Toronto and Dallas/Fort Worth. The festivities then traveled overseas to Sydney, Tokyo, Barcelona and Hamburg. Billed as the world’s largest rolling birthday party, the Open Road Tour brought the Harley-Davidson experience full throttle to riders and enthusiasts around the world.Receiving worldwide exposure at minimal advertising costs, the Open Road Tour has been a complete success, thus allowing Harley’s unique and differentiated products to be seen up close around the world. Additionally, Harley-Davidson established the Harley Owners Group (HOG) in 1983 in response to a growing desire by Harley riders for an organized way to sh are their passion and show their pride. By 1985, 49 local chapters had sprouted around the 12 country, with a total membership of 60,000.Now in 2013, the promotion of the 110th Anniversary has allowed the membership to include over 1200 chapters and close to 800,000 members. HOG has played a major role in the success of the 110Th Anniversary celebration. This one of a kind, unique strategy which started 20 years ago by Harley and its members, has grown tremendously and will continue to play an important role in the future success of the company. Strategies such as these implemented by internal management and carried out by dedicated customers and members are one of the most precious assets a company can ever dream of.That is the Harley way!! Furthermore, the key strategies relating to the distribution channels have allowed Harley-Davidson the world-wide exposure needed to market its product with tremendous success and demand that has always seemed to exceed supply. To date, there ar e more than 1300 independent dealers worldwide. Over 630 are within the United States alone. Recognizing that to grow sales will take more than just an increase in capacity, the company’s aim has been to add 20-30 dealers per year to grow the dealer network, with an increase of roughly 5-10 domestically and the balance internationally.In addition to its dedicated dealer network, the company also uses smaller, occasionally temporary retail outlets in high-traffic areas, such as airports, to sell accessory products like apparel, collectibles, and licensed products. This gives Harley the additional exposure needed without having to spend millions on other forms of advertising. In order to effectively analyze Harley Davidson, we wanted to present a breakdown of the different price ranges offered based on the current list of the five classes of heavyweight motorcycles produced under the Harley Davidson name. BusinessHarley-Davidson, Inc. was incorporated in 1981, at which time it purchased the Harley-Davidson ® motorcycle business from AMF Incorporated in a management buyout. In 1986, Harley-Davidson, Inc. became publicly held. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to the â€Å"Company† include Harley-Davidson, Inc. and all of its subsidiaries. The Company operates in two segments: the Motorcycles ; Related Products (Motorcycles) segment and the Financial Services (Financial Services) segment. The Company's reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services.They are managed separately based on the fundamental differences in their operations. The Motorcycles segment designs, manufactures and sells at wholesale heavyweight (engine displacement of 651+cc) Harley-Davidson motorcycles as well as a line of motorcycle parts, accessories, general merchandise and related services. The Company's products are sold to retail customers through a network of independent dealers. The Company conducts business on a global basis, with sales in North America, Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA), AsiaPacific and Latin America.In 2009, the Company decided to exit its former Buell product line and ceased production of Buell motorcycles. The sale of remaining Buell motorcycle inventory to independent dealers and/or distributors was substantially completed during 2010. The majority of independent dealers continue to provide ongoing service and replacement parts to Buell owners. In 2010, the Company completed the sale of MV Agusta (MV). The results of MV have been presented as a discontinued operation for all periods. The Motorcycles segment discussion that follows is specific to the Harley-Davidson brand unless otherwise specifically noted.The Financial Services segment consists of Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS). HDFS provides wholesale and retail financing and provides insurance and insurance-related programs primarily to Harley-Davidson dealers and their retail customers. HDFS conduct s business principally in the United States and Canada. Harley-Davidson, Inc. , SWOT Analysis * Overview Harley-Davidson, Inc. (Harley-Davidson) designs, manufactures, and sells heavyweight motorcycles. The company markets, its products in North America, Europe, Asia/Pacific and Latin America.The company’s strong brand image, coupled with its wide range of products, helps it to be a front-runner in the industry. However, dependence on the domestic market and product issues are a few areas of concern to the company. Nonetheless, expansion in global markets, especially Asian markets, and launch of new models could ensure a strong future for the company. New emission standards for two wheelers and the prevailing competition could negatively impact the company’s growth. Harley-Davidson, Inc. SWOT Analysis| Strengths| Weakness| Strong Brand ImageBroad Product and Service PortfolioFocused Research and Development Activities| Product Recalls/IssuesDependence on the Domestic M arket| Opportunities| Treats| Global ExpansionNew Product LaunchesRestructuring Plans| New Emission Standards for Two WheelersProcurement of Raw MaterialsCompetitive Landscape| * Strengths Strong Brand Image Harley-Davidson owns one of the strongest brands in the world, which helps it attract and retain a loyal customer base.The company established a strong brand image with its motorcycles achieving iconic status and being ranked among the world’s most valuable brands. Harley-Davidson has been continuously ranked among the top 100 global brands in the world. The company holds 55. 7% share in the US heavyweight market; and is ranked No. 1 or No. 2 in the heavyweight motorcycle market share in nine countries across Europe. Harley-Davidson’s motorcycles are known for their traditional styling, design simplicity, durability and quality.The company achieved industry recognition for its high quality, best design, robust performance and unflinching customer confidence, loyalt y and trust of its products and services. The Harley-Davidson brand has significantly contributed to the success of the company by building strong market recognition and a loyal customer base. Broad Product and Service Portfolio Harley-Davidson offers a broad array of products and services through its two business segments, namely, the Motorcycles ; Related Products segment and the Financial Services segment.The company offers a variety of products in the motorcycle segment to cater to the various needs of its customer base. Harley-Davidson designs, manufactures and sells heavyweight touring, custom and performance motorcycles, besides a line of motorcycle parts, accessories, general merchandise and related services. Harley-Davidson is well known for its unique motorcycles. Its subsidiary, Harley-Davidson Motor Company (HDMC), manufactures five families of motorcycles, namely, Touring, Dyna, Softail, Sportster and V-Rod.These models are distinguished by their frame, engine, suspensi on, and other characteristics. The company shipped 233,117 motorcycles in the fiscal year ended December 2011, comprising 39. 5% Touring motorcycle units, 39. 2% Custom motorcycle units, and 21. 3% Sportster motorcycle units. Through Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS), the company offers a package of wholesale and retail financial services for its products, providing it a competitive edge in the motorcycles business in the US and Canada regions. HDFS financed 51% and 30. 4% of the new Harley-Davidson otorcycles retailed by independent dealers in the US and Canada respectively in 2011. HDFS provides wholesale financial services to Harley-Davidson motorcycle dealers, including floor plan and open account financing of motorcycles and motorcycle parts and accessories. These specific services provide a competitive edge to the company in capturing a higher market share and enhancing its bottom line. Focused Research and Development Activities Harley-Davidson has a strong research a nd development unit that facilitates innovation and attracts industry attention.Its Product Development Center (PDC) undertakes the development of new and better quality products. The company spent $145. 4m, $136. 2m, $143. 1m and $163. 5m in the fiscal years ended December 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008 respectively on research and development activities. Harley-Davidson’s continuous focus on R;D helped the company in launching innovative products such as Softail motorcycles with 1584 cc engine with new features such as new hand controls, a larger odometer, and an anti-lock braking system option.Continuous research and development activity enables the company to maintain a leading position in custom and touring motorcycle market and develop products for the performance segment. Focused R;D activities enable the company to offer innovative products and improve its operational performance. * Weaknesses Product Recalls/Issues Product recalls/issues not only affects the companyâ€⠄¢s current revenue, but could also affect its long-term performance by reducing customer confidence.In February 2012, Harley-Davidson launched a repair service campaign to fix faulty brakes in about 1,228 units of 12 models, including the Road King and the Electra Glide Ultra Classic. In October 2011, the company initiated a world-wide recall affecting over 308,000 units of its Touring, CVO Touring and Trike motorbikes. The company made this recall owing to a potentially dangerous glitch with their braking systems, where in the problem with a switch on the bikes could cause the brake lights to stop working, or may even cause the rear brakes to fail.Such recalls would hamper Harley-Davidson’s brand image and have a significant impact on its product sales. Dependence on the Domestic Market Harley-Davidson focuses predominantly on the US and generates a major part of its revenue from that market, which could increase its business risk. For the fiscal year ended December 2011, t he company’s Motorcycles business reported revenue of $4. 67 billion comprising 67. 7% revenue generated from the US, 16. 8% from Europe, 4. 9% from Japan, 3. 3% from Canada, 3% from Australia and 4. 3% from Other foreign countries.In 2011, its Financial Services business reported revenue of $649. 44m comprising 95. 3% from the US, 0. 7% from Europe and 4% from Canada. Such geographical concentration makes Harley-Davidson vulnerable to the risks of economic downturn in any single market. * Opportunities Global Expansion Harley-Davidson has huge opportunities for growth in the overseas market. In October 2011, the company opened a new permanent Latin America headquarters in Miami, Florida, the US. Through this new headquarters, the company can expands its focus on customers in Latin America.In the fiscal year ended December 2011, retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles from the international markets witnesses a rise of 6. 1%. The rising demand in Europe, Asia, Australia, L atin America and Africa offers huge potential for the company. In 2011, Harley-Davidson completed its second CKD (complete knock down) assembly plant in India to further strengthen its operations in the Asia-Pacific region. In 2010, the company opened a 1,000 square meter showroom in Beirut. This is the first and only showroom in the Levant which includes six-station service facilities with staff trained by the company.In a bid to garner a higher market shares in these regions, the company already refined its business and marketing strategies that are attuned to local customer preferences. Focus on international expansion would help the company enhance its business aggressively and reap greater benefits. New Product Launches Harley-Davidson could benefit from its new product launches. The company intends to explore new methods to enhance its value by introducing new products, which provide an edge over other players in the market.In February 2012, Harley-Davidson launched two new mo torcycle models, namely, the Seventy-Two and the Softail Slim, further strengthening its heavyweight custom offerings. In July 2011, the company offered its customers an H-D1, a comprehensive set of customization tools. In January 2011, the company introduced new Softail motorcycles with 1584 cc engine and through its Touring motorcycles line, the company introduced Electra Glide Classic, Road King, Road King Classic, Ultra Classic Electra Glide and Electra Glide Ultra Limited touring bikes.The company’s 2010 models include nine new domestic models of heavyweight motorcycles. New model launches could help the company sustain its leadership position in the highly competitive automotive industry. Restructuring Plans Effective 2009 – 2010, Harley-Davidson announced a series of restructuring measures, which focused on reducing administrative costs, eliminating excess capacity and exiting non-core business operations.In 2009, as a part of the restructuring plan, the company consolidated engine and transmission plants, closed a distribution facility, discontinued the domestic transportation fleet, consolidated vehicle test facilities, and exited the Buell product line. In September 2010, the company’s unionized employees in Wisconsin ratified three separate new seven-year labor agreements, which take effect in April 2012 when the current contracts expire. The new contracts would allow flexibility and increased production efficiency.Harley-Davidson also repurchased expensive debt worth $300m and is expected to save $45m annually for three years. In December 2011, the company announced plans to cease its operations at New Castalloy, its Australian subsidiary producer of cast motorcycle wheels and wheel hubs; and source those components through other existing suppliers. This move was made in line with its overall strategy to develop world-class manufacturing capability throughout the company by restructuring and consolidating operations for greater competitiveness, efficiency and flexibility.Such restructuring initiatives by Harley-Davidson are expected to improve its operational performance in the long-run. * Threats New Emission Standards for Two Wheelers Harley-Davidson could face increased challenges in its two wheeler business due to the stringent emission standards. According to Dealernews. com, motorcycle industry stakeholders in Europe announced plans to increase EURO 3 emission standards to more stringent EURO 5 standards by 2015. Association des Constructeurs Europeens de Motorcycles (ACEM) is likely to introduce EURO 3 standard for mopeds and Euro 4 standard for motorcycles by 2012.It also proposed the introduction of more stringent emission test cycle, and EURO 5 standard for motorcycles by 2015. Such implementations might require the company to redesign its vehicles, which could result in increased operating costs. Failure to comply with the standards could result in penalties and affect its profit margins. Procu rement of Raw Materials Harley-Davidson relies on suppliers to obtain raw materials and provide components for use in manufacturing its motorcycles. It depends on a single supplier for certain of its raw materials.Such a situation makes the company’s business dependent on the ability of the supplier to deliver the ordered raw materials in time. The rising input costs could also have a major impact on the operational costs of Harley-Davidson. Increasing pressure of the costs of commodities leads to capacity constraints, lower production and financial distress to raw material suppliers. In case of a delay in receiving the raw materials, product delivery to its customers could also get delayed, which impacts its business and customer relations.Competitive Landscape Harley-Davidson manufactures motorcycles in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Many of the company’s competitors have more diversified businesses and they may compete in the automotive market or all segments of the motorcycle market. Its motorcycle retail prices are generally higher than that of its competitors. If price becomes a crucial factor for consumers in the heavyweight motorcycle market, Harley-Davidson would be at a competitive disadvantage.Moreover, its financial services operations face stiff competition from various banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions that may have access to additional sources of capital at more competitive rates and terms, particularly for borrowers in higher credit tiers. The company’s failure to address and respond to these competitive pressures worldwide would have a material adverse effect on its market share. 1. Identify and develop a range of alternative strategic options to meet strategic aims and objectives 2. Determine and justify the strategic option that meets the revised strategic position

Tesco Plc. 2012 Annual Accounts compare them with Sainsbury Plc. as appropriate

Tesco was established in 1919 and now has become the largest retailer in the UK, the second largest retailer measured by profits and third largest retailer measured by revenues in the world. It has operations in 14 countries with 520,000 people employed and millions of customers served every week (Tesco, 2013). Tesco’s 2012 Annual Report has just published, through which we can critically analyse the company’s operational and financial conditions.There are numerous relationships between the figures published in the annual report, and ratios have been commonly used for conducting a quantitative analysis of these relationships (Atrill and McLaney, 2013). They are calculated by comparing the current year numbers (2011-12) with previous years (2010-11) and other companies. Hence, J Sainsbury plc (known as Sainsbury’s) is chosen since it is the major competitor of Tesco at home. The ratios can be classified into five categories, namely profitability ratios, liquidity ratios, activity or efficiency ratios, gearing ratios and investment ratios. When using the ratios to assess two companies’ performances, relevant social, political and economic changes will all taken into account.Profitability Ratio Profitability ratios are the ratios used to assess a company’s capability to generate earnings in comparison to its expenses and other relevant costs. Major profitability ratios include return on investment (ROI), return on capital employed (ROCE), gross profit margin and net profit margin. Firstly, ROI is a concept evaluating the efficiency of an investment, and equals to ‘net profit after tax’ dividing ‘shareholders’ funds’. For Tesco, its ROI for the financial year 2011-12 was 15.8, decreased by 1.9% from previous year. Nevertheless, it is still better than Sainsbury’s, which got only 10.6%. Therefore, it can be argued that in general the investment on Tesco is more efficient and you can get bette r return.Besides ROI, ROCE is a similar concept which is a relative profit measurement demonstrating the return the business generated from its gross assets. A higher ROCE shows that the company is using its capital more efficiently. In consequence, ROCE should be higher than company’s capital cost, otherwise it tells us that the company is not employing its capital effectively and is not generating shareholder value.It is calculated by ‘profit before interest and tax’ diving ‘shareholder’s funds + long-term debt’. Tesco’s ROCE for the financial year 2011-12 was 13.3%, higher than previous year’s 12.9% and Sainsbury’s 11.1%. The rise of ROCE to some extent resulted from the discontinued operation of Japan. From this point of view it can be argued that Tesco made a right decision to exit from Japan where its investment failed to generate good returns (The Telegraph, 2012).Moreover, gross profit margin and net profit margin are the other two commonly used profitability ratios. The former is defined as the percentage between ‘gross profit’ and ‘sales’, whereas the latter is the percentage between ‘net profit’ and ‘sales’. For Tesco, the two ratios both decreased compared to previous year: The gross profit margin reduced from 8.5% to 8.2% and the net profit margin reduced from 6.0% to 5.9%. It means that this year the company failed to control cost as well as last year. The reduction was caused by various reasons. First of all, the economic downturn in the UK, particularly the high petrol prices and falling real incomes affected  customers’ discretionary spending significantly(BBC News, 2012). In addition, 2012 was a transition year for Tesco .The company not only changed its chairman, CEO and a number of other senior managers, but also made some adjustment on organisational structure and business focused. Finally, the company decided to increa se investment so that to improve customers’ shopping trip, making trading profit declined. In spite of these challenges, Tesco still outweighed Sainsbury’s on profitability, which got 5.4% and 3.6% respectively.Liquidity ratios The second category of ratios called liquidity ratios, which are utilized to determine the ability of a company to pay off its short-term debts. There are important as companies must ensure that these ratios are liquid otherwise they may have problem in paying back its creditors. Two important liquidity ratios are current ratio and acid test ratio.Current ratio measures ‘current assets’ (cash +debtors + stock) against ‘current liabilities’. Tesco’s current ratio in 2012 was 2.01, reduced from 2.12 in 2011. The current asset was rising, but it failed to offset the bigger rising of current liabilities, which was mainly led by the increased short-term borrowings. In 2012 there was a â‚ ¬1500 million medium term n ote (MTN) matured. Nevertheless, it still outperformed Sainsbury’s, whose current ratio was 1.84 in 2012. Because Tesco’s current ratio for the past two years were both greater than 2, it means that the company has no problem to meet creditor’s demands.Acid test ratio differentiates current ratio by excluding stock from the equation as stock may not easily be converted into cash. Tesco’s acid test ratios for the past two years were 1.56 (2011) and 1.45 (2012) respectively. Though decreased by 7.1%, it still great than 1 and Sainsbury’s 0.99, again indicating that Tesco has enough short-term assets to cover its short-term liabilities without selling inventory.Activity/Efficiency Ratios This category of ratios, which mainly includes ratios such as asset turnover,  stock turnover, debtor days and creditor days, measures how well a company utilizing its internal assets and liabilities.Primarily, asset turnover, which equals to ‘sales’ di viding ‘total assets’, measures how efficiency a company is in using its assets to achieve sales revenue to the company. Tesco’s asset turnover ratio in 2012 was 1.27, lower than its previous year’s 1.28 and Sainsbury’s 1.81. Since those companies with low profit margins tend to have high asset turnover ratio whereas companies with high profit margins tend to have low asset turnover ratio, Tesco has bigger profit margin than Sainsbury, and this advantage has been expanded. We should also realize that companies in the retail industry like Tesco and Sainsbury tend to have higher asset turnover ratio than companies in other industries because of their competitive even cutthroat pricing.In addition, the stock turnover ratio indicates how many times a company’s stock is sold and replaced over a period, for instance a year, and is calculated as ‘cost of sales’ divided by ‘stock’. According to this formula, we can get the r esults of 17.50 and 16.48 for Tesco in 2011 and 2012 respectively and 22.48 for Sainsbury’s in 2012. The numbers are within the appropriate interval. A very low stock turnover rate may indicate overstocking whereas a overtop rate may point to stock shortage, which further result in the loss in business. From this point of view, both of the companies manage the stock appropriately.Thirdly, debtor day measures the number of days, on average, that customers take to pay. The formula is ‘debtors (accounts receivable) / sales * 365’. Companies should ensure that its debtor ratio is neither too high nor too low. Otherwise it may face potential risks of either losing customers or losing profit by bad debt. Since most of the retailing business is cash business, supermarkets usually have very short debtor days. Tesco’s debtor days for the past two years were 14 days (2011) and 15 days (2012) respectively while Sainsbury’s has a even shorter debtor day of 5. C reditor day, on the other hand, measures the number of days, on average, that companies take to pay its suppliers.It is calculated by ‘accounts payable / cost of sales * 365’. From the formula we can get that Tesco had 60 creditor  days for the past two years. Together with a very short debtor day, it is evident to see its bargaining power in the market. This helps Tesco maximize profits. Sainsbury also has a big creditor day of 47 days, indicating its strong bargaining power as well.Gearing Ratios Another category of ratios is defined as gearing ratios, including gearing and interest cover ratio. Gearing is defined as the portion of net assets financed through debt rather than equity, and the calculation formula is ‘long-term debt / shareholders’ funds + long-term debt’. The aim of the calculation of gearing ratio is to see whether the company is able to get a healthy long-term financing. Tesco and Sainsbury’s both have good gearing ratios. For Tesco, its gearing ratio in 2012 was 38.4%. In comparison with 40.8% in 2011, it reduced by 5.9%. The decreased gearing reflected Tesco’s stable debt position despite the investment in assets growing. For Sainsbury’s, its gearing ratio in 2012 was 31.7%, meaning that it used even smaller portion of debt to finance net assets.Investment Ratios The final category of ratios is referred to as investment ratios, which are mainly calculated to meet the interests of shareholders and potential investors of the company. The most commonly used shareholder returns rations include dividend per share, dividend yield, and earnings per share (EPS).First, dividend per share, equalling ‘dividend paid’ divided by ‘number of shares’, reflects the belief of the company’s management towards its future growth. For instance, a growing dividend means that the company’s management is confident that the growth can be sustained. Tesco’s 2012 fu ll year dividend was 14.76p, which was an increase of only 2.1% on last year, but lower than Sainsbury’s 16.1p. Although the company continued the record of consecutive years of dividend growth in the FTSE 100, for its shareholders, 2012 was a tough year. The company’s management explains that this was due to their new strategy to forego some short-term profit to re-invest in the long-term health of the business.Second, dividend yield shows how much a company pays out in dividends each year relative to its share price. In the absence of any capital gains, it equals to the return on investment for a stock. Dividend yield can be calculated according to the formula ‘dividend per share / Market price per share’. On 30th March 2013, Tesco and Sainsbury’s dividend yield were 4.24 and 4.14 respectively.Furthermore, earnings per share, known as EPS and calculated as ‘profit after tax’ dividing ‘number of shares’, shows the profit ( or loss) made by every issued share. It is an important indicator of a company’s profitability, and also the single most significant factor in determining the share price. In 2012 Tesco’s EPS was 37.4p, increased by 2.1% from 2011 and higher than its competitor Sainsbury’s 28.1p. Consequently, we can argue that Tesco achieved a modest profit growth in 2012 and it is more profitable than Sainsbury’s.Non-financial performance analysis Financial information particularly the ratio analysis has its limitations. Therefore, we need to analyse non-financial information as well. Primarily, from the scale of the business, Tesco definitely enjoys a larger business scale. It has businesses in 14 countries throughout the world and the total stores numbers is 6,234 in 2012. By contrast, Sainsbury’s on operates in the U.K. with around 1,000 stores. Additionally, from the brand reputation and value aspect, Tesco in general outweigh Sainsbury’s to a large ex tent, particularly in global markets. Nevertheless, at home Sainsbury’s brand awareness is almost as famous as Tesco since the company is using competitive pricing strategy and providing fresh goods to improve customer loyalty.Conclusion To sum up, this essay has used five categories of ratios to critically assess the financial performance of Tesco in view of previous year’s results and the competitor Sainsbury’s. Generally speaking the company delivered modest profit growth in a challenging economic environment, with a strong international performance largely offset by a reduction in UK profits. Owing to strategic changes on organisational structure and business focused,  Tesco’s financial performance was negatively affected. Nevertheless, in many aspects such as profitability and liquidity it still outperformed its major competitor Sainsbury’s. It is confident that the company is able to pass the period of change and development smoothly and it s future prosperity can be expected.