Symbolism In The Drummer Boy Of Shiloh By Ray Bradbury

To begin with, the mass bloodshed that occurred during the major, long-drawn conflict of 1861 to 1865 was called the Civil War. The stakes were dangerously raised as a casualty count climbed toward roughly 1,264,000 deaths and other similar ailments. Although, a number of books and historical fiction are based on the Civil War; the short story that we are particularly focusing on is â€Å"The Drummer Boy of Shiloh.† In this piece of literature beautifully written by the author, Ray Bradbury, we experience Bradbury’s story based on a 14-year old, dejected drummer boy, Joby, who doubts that he has a crucial role in the army. Throughout the short story, a various amount of symbols stick out like a sore thumb and ultimately enhance the story’s†¦show more content†¦Moreover, the next example of symbolism is the muted thunder that occurs when the peach blossoms beat against the drum. This important event occurs once Joby has changed his pitiful views based on himself, so inferences can be made to say that the muted thunder represents a new dawn and tranquility. Cited from the story on line 199-200, â€Å"He lay next to it, his arm around it, feeling the tremor, the touch, the muted thunder as†¦Ã¢â‚¬ , we can draw inferences that Joby has turned over a new leaf in terms of his emotional and mental state. Likewise, another object that holds relevance in this particular novel is the peach blossoms that appear throughout the story as repeated symbolism or a motif. This means that the object or relevant detail is repeated in a pattern of meaning to convey an emotion, idea, or element. The peach blossoms not only appear at the beginning of the short story where they fall before the two-day battle that began on April 6, 1862, near the southwestern Tennessee church from which the bloody clash takes its name, but also near the end to signify the new feelings and emotions that Joby experiences. In other words, the peach blossoms, in this case, corresponds with the idea of serenity and peace of mind because as seen on line 1-2, â€Å"In the April night, more than once,

Harriet Beecher Stowe and the Civil War - 862 Words

Abraham Lincoln once told Harriet Beecher Stowe,†So you’re the little lady who wrote the book that made this great war†(Hillstrom and Baker 431). Harriet Beecher Stowe, in a way, did start the Civil War, one of the bloodiest battles in American history. She tried her hardest to abolish slavery and never gave up on the slaves no matter what obstacles there were along the road. Stowe wrote Uncle Tom’s Cabin, helped release slaves during the Civil War, and also worked to abolish slavery in her life. Harriet Beecher was always a good writer, even when she was young. When she was young, she won an essay contest. Besides winning essay contests, she also wrote an essay for her high school graduation. In the future, writing would be her life.†¦show more content†¦Uncle Tom’s Cabin was so popular that it was translated into more than 60 languages(Harriet Beecher Stowe). Because of the book, it caused Northerners to accuse the Southerners of treating s laves badly. In turn, the Southerners accused Stowe of exaggerating how they treated their slaves and said that Stowe didn’t know that much about slaves and just made up some of the things in the book. Stowe responded to this by writing a book called Key to Uncle Tom’s Cabin. This book lists all resources she used to help write her book Uncle Tom’s Cabin(Randolph 67). However, the book caused the Northerners to not cooperate with the Fugitive Slave Act, therefore picking up an argument with the South. The argument caused the Civil War(Hillstrom 431). Harriet Beecher Stowe not only tried to abolish slavery before the Civil War by writing Uncle Tom’s Cabin, but also helped during the Civil War by help convincing President Abraham Lincoln to sign the Emancipation Proclamation(Haugen 82).When the Civil War started from the attack on Fort Sumter, Abraham Lincoln wanted to defeat the South as quickly as he could. Stowe had criticized Lincoln for not freeing th e slaves since Lincoln didn’t include as part of his plan in defeating the rebels. She had a meeting with Lincoln in the White House. Stowe wanted to convince Lincoln to sign the Emancipation Proclamation, which released slaves in the South from the seceded states. Lincoln had signed theShow MoreRelatedThe Civil War, By Harriet Beecher Stowe2254 Words   |  10 PagesToutant-Beauregard better than that? It could be said that Beauregard, with his quick wit and tremendous skill, was destined to play a vital role in the Civil War. Decades of tension and rivalry between the North and the South led to the five year â€Å"war between the states,† more commonly known as the Civil War. No one knows for certain what the true cause for war was; some people claim it was slavery; some people insist it was state’s rights. The main issues included the South’s dwindling political powerRead MoreThe American Civil War By Harriet Beecher Stowe1193 Words   |  5 PagesThe American Civil War Following the victory against Mexico, the U.S had gained a vast amount of land in the southwest. However conflict arose again when the debate on whether these new lands should allow slavery or not became a matter in question. This caused trouble between the northern states and southern states leaving the nation divided. One factor that led to the Civil War was that the North was so different from the South. In 1860, the North’s population was largely white, only two percentRead MoreThe Civil War Was By Harriet Beecher Stowe1953 Words   |  8 PagesThe Civil War was caused by a compilation of many significant events. One reason was the Abolitionist Movement. This was the movement to help end slavery in the South. While many Northerners were against slavery, most white Southerners were proponents of slavery, and even went as far as to use the Bible to try and justify the act. Among the advocates of the Abolitionist Movement were John Brown, who decided to protest with violence, Harriet Beecher Stowe, who elected to protest peaceably throughRead MoreHarriet Beecher Stowe s Family897 Words   |  4 PagesHarriet Beecher Stowe was born on June 14, 1811 in a town in Connecticut called Litchfield. Her parents were Reverend Lyman Beecher and Roxanna Foote Beecher, who wanted their children t o influence the world in some way. Harriet Beecher Stowe’s family based their philosophies on social justice. Some of the Beecher’s children were ministers, teachers in education for women, the youngest daughter was founder of the National Women’s Suffrage Association, and Harriet was the writer of the family (HarrietRead MoreSummary Of Harriet Beecher Stowe s Uncle Tom s Cabin 1124 Words   |  5 Pages FINAL PAPER: Harriet Beecher Stowe Bertha Hernandez History 1301: United States History Dr. Jahue Anderson July 2, 2017 Slavery will always be one of the most inhuman acts of today’s history. African American men and women had no way of life, being taken from their social and cultural lives. Food was scarce for slaves and they were lucky to grab a bite to eat. On the route to the America’s from the west coast of Africa, many of them died from starvation, disease, lack of space andRead MoreUncle Tom s Cabin By Harriet Beecher Stowe1008 Words   |  5 Pagesmade, protests held, but what no one was expecting was a short white lady by the name of Harriet Beecher Stowe to make the change that no one had yet achieved. In times of disagreement and discrimination, people search for ways to make change. Harriet Beecher Stowe did so through a work of literature known to many as Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Uncle Tom’s Cabin focused on the horrors of slavery in the 1800’s. Stowe believed that slavery was a horrible sin against God and decided to write the book in hopesRead MoreHarriet Beecher Stowe : An Abolitionist1645 Words   |  7 PagesHarriet Beecher Stowe Elisabeth is most famous for being an abolitionist toward slavery. Harriet was born in Litchfield, Connecticut, on June 14, 1811. He was the seventh of 13 children. Stowe was born religious leader Lyman Beecher and his wife Roxana, an extremely religious woman who died when Harriet was just five years old. Brothers Harriet s include a sister, Catharine Beecher, was an educator and author, as well as brothers who became ministers whose names are Charles Beecher, Edward BeecherRead MoreTerm Paper1494 Words   |  6 Pagesbecause Ma tthiessen did not appreciate women writers of the nineteenth century does not mean that others have to follow in his footsteps; which is why this is an appreciation essay to two nineteenth century female writers: Catherine Sedgwick and Harriet Beecher Stowe. Catharine Maria Sedgwick was born December 28, 1789 in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. In childhood, Sedgwick was cared for by a former slave and as a young woman, Sedgwick attended a private school where girls are prepared for entry into fashionableRead MoreHarriet Beecher Stowe: The Eyes Behind Slavery1640 Words   |  7 PagesHarriet Beecher Stowe: The Eyes Behind Slavery Harriet Beecher Stowe became one of the most famous writers, reformers, and abolitionist women of the 1800s in large part due to her most effective selling fictional book, Uncle Toms Cabin. The image of brutal whippings, rape, and the splitting of families broke down the hearts of people in the eighteenth century. Her writing influenced thousands to become a great phenomenon, take a stand, and change the world. Harriet Beecher Stowe lived much ofRead MoreEssay Uncle Toms Cabin as written by Harriet Beecher Stowe911 Words   |  4 PagesUncle Toms Cabin as written by Harriet Beecher Stowe The novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin as written by Harriet Beecher Stowe and published in the United States in 1852. The novel depicted slavery as a moral evil and was the cause of much controversy at the time long after. Uncle Tom’s Cabin had impact on various groups publics. It caused outrage in the South and received praise in the North. It is in opinions and historical movements that the impact of this novel can be justified and shows how

How Is Curley Presented by Steinbeck in of Mice and Men Free Essays

Curley is one of ‘Of Mice and Men’s’ major characters. Although he does not appear to hold a central role, he is very important in other respects. The first of these is the way in which he treats George and Lennie, and the ranch workers in general on the ranch. We will write a custom essay sample on How Is Curley Presented by Steinbeck in of Mice and Men or any similar topic only for you Order Now Curley is the boss’ son. Therefore he acts like he is the boss himself. He orders the others around, and, although it is true that he does hold some power on the ranch, he does not hold any respect from the workers. He is nasty towards them, treating as though they are them below him, and often trying to pick fights. Curley is disliked by pretty much everyone on the ranch, and with good reason. George immediately dislikes his hostility, and shows the same attitude in return. He himself says â€Å"I hate that kind of a guy† as soon as he has and warns Lennie to â€Å"have nothing to do with him†. Even Curley’s own wife dislikes him, sarcastically saying â€Å"swell guy, ain’t he† when told to talk to him by Candy. Furthermore, Candy, although not directly airing his dislike mentions the he is â€Å"handy. God damn handy. † The way in which Candy says this hints towards his dislike for Candy being on account of his aggressive nature and hostility, rather than simply being due to his nastiness. His desire to fight with people all the time shows two things. Firstly, it shows inferiority complex: Curley is short, and therefore is constantly trying to be better than â€Å"big guys†. Secondly, it shows his aggression. Curley holds a fighting stance when he first encounters George and Lennie: â€Å"his arms gradually bent at the elbows and his hands closed into fists. He stiffened and went into a slight crouch. † According to Candy, Curley is an amateur boxer and is always picking fights, especially with guys who are bigger than he is. Ultimately, Curley is trying to prove his masculinity. Another way in which Curley can be seen as trying to prove himself is by marrying a physically attractive woman. His wife is never given a name, but by calling her â€Å"Curley’s wife,† Steinbeck indicates she is his possession. Curley refuses to let her talk to anyone on the ranch, isolating her from everyone and setting the stage for trouble. This trouble happens in Section 3, where he accuses Slim of being with his wife and is completely wrong. He is ganged up on by the ranch workers, and picks on Lennie in order to vent his anger at being picked on. This turns out to be a mistake. Lennie quickly crushes his hand, and Curley has to be taken to the hospital. Luckily for George and Lennie, Slim comes to there aid, telling Curley â€Å"your hand got caught in a machine†. He makes a big show of keeping his hand soft to caress her, yet also visits the local whorehouse on Saturday night. While he may strut around the ranch because of his position as the boss’ son, he obviously cannot satisfy his wife and is mean, or perhaps simply detached from her. Curley beats up any man who dares to talk to her, but ironically, he rarely talks to her himself, and they spend the majority of the book looking for each other. When Curley’s wife dies, Curley, rather than showing the reaction that would be expected of a man whose wife has just been killed. He does not appear to grieve at all in any way, barely looking at the body, or regarding the her death into his immediate future plans. Instead, his first thought is towards seeking revenge and hunting down Lennie. It is perhaps this moment in the novel which epitomises the way in which Curley is aggressive, nasty, and shows no concern for anyone else apart from himself. All of this seems to be negative however. Surely Steinbeck didn’t present Curley in a poor light? Well, there may some positive aspects to Curley, or perhaps those which are not entirely bad. Firstly, he does appear to show some care for his wife. He is constantly looking for her, and appears to try and protect her. Although she is more of a possession to him than a person, he is clearly proud of her, but perhaps for the wrong reasons. Also, Curley is a good worker. He is one of the best on the ranch, having grown up there, and this shows in his care for his work. Unlike most of the other characters, Curley doesn’t develop much over the course of the book, but he stands out as a character with whom Steinbeck does not sympathise. Whilst everyone else is struggling, Curley’s busy picking fights and trying to throw his weight around on his dad’s ranch. He seems to be outside of the economic struggle and even the personal struggle of the Depression. Curley’s the kind of person that is needed in contrast to the mild peacefulness of the other characters. Also, someone is needed to be the source of trouble among the men of the ranch who mostly want to get along. In conclusion, if Steinbeck wrote ‘Of Mice and Men’ as being a microcosm of American society, then Curley represents one clear type of person. This is all the men in the country at the time who are petty and embittered, who wish to appear better than all of the others. He acts as a sort of control variable, whose actions and reactions can almost always be predicted, because he is such a simple shallow person. How to cite How Is Curley Presented by Steinbeck in of Mice and Men, Papers

Initiative Of Disclosure Undertaken By IFRS †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Initiative Of Disclosure Undertaken By IFRS. Answer: Memorandum TO: All the Employees of Cruz Accounting Ltd. FROM: XYZ CC: Senior Accounts Manager DATE: 22 September, 2017 SUBJECT: Issues with respect to initiative of disclosure undertaken by IFRS The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) can be regarded as the guidelines, which are set for ensuring transparency in the style of financial reporting at the global level. These standards are infact set by theInternational Accounting Standards Board (IASB) (Rouse, 2017). During the year 2017, IASB was observed to pass disclosure initiative- principles (DP), so that it would be possible to improve the communication between the users of financial report and the ones who have prepared it. Precisely, the disclosure initiative provided better information regarding the financial performance to the users. IASB has focused on the agenda of enhancing the reporting standards for the period 2017 to 2021. The IASB proposes an inappropriate way of preparing financial statements that can lead to errors with respect to making investment decisions, as the investors may not be able to trace performance of a business. Moreover, the board propounded that adding irrelevant information in the final accounts involves loss of time and extra costs pertaining to the preparation of financial statements. Even, if relevant information is provided in the financial statements, improper presentation can make it difficult for the stakeholders to correctly interpret the performance of the business firms (EY, p. 1-2). In paragraph 6.16 of the disclosure initiative, it is mentioned that the primary intention of this particular initiative is to enable the organizations to get adequate insights about the aspects that have to be disclosed in the financial statements. For example, IFRS makes it necessary to mention regarding the changes in financial items that have included in the report (IFRS, 2017, p. 62). The disclosure policies of the IFRS state that disclosures enable the investors to have a better understanding about the style of financial reporting standards. There is no such need for disclosing financial information that is useless to the stakeholders. The entities must focus on explaining, whether a property has been measured at cost of acquiring or at the market price (IFRS, 2017, p. 60-67). It can therefore be stated that mitigation of disclosure issues will enable the stakeholders to make comparison of the financial statements of a particular period with others. On the contrary, it can further be stated that readability is critical pertaining to paragraph 6.22. This is because excessive sections and subsections have been used for describing the disclosure principles. In part, b and c of the paragraph 6.16, mentions about category 1, 2 and 3, which makes it necessary for the readers to focus on the previous paragraphs. These complexities could have been avoided by directly men tioning about the categories in paragraph 6.16 (Deloitte Global Services Limited, 2017; IFRS, 2017, p.64-66). Paragraph 6.22, additionally mentions that entities have to decide regarding the place, where disclosure of theaccounting policies will be conducted. The policies can be disclosed either in the footnotes of the financial reports or at the beginning. More precisely, the disclosure policies states that all the disclosure onaccounting policies can be given on a single note in a comprehensive manner. It enables to trace the items that have been given due importance while preparing of the financial statements. Another choice that is present before the entities is to give information on accounting policies separately pertaining to separate heads. For example, at the place where depreciation has been calculated, a note can be given on the method used for evaluating the same (IFRS, 2017, p.64-66). Finally, the entities can provide a complete separate note, which will focus on mentioning the accounting policies that have been used for the preparation of the financial statements. Thus, it can be stated that the disclosure initiatives have provided wide range of guidelines to the business entities, so that they can flexibly prepare the financial statements by disclosing accounting policies in the most convenient (IFRS, 2017, p.64-66). However, the statement but disclose the rest in the same notes as the information to which they relate is not well comprehensible. This is due to the fact that it is not possible to trace, whether it implies towards the need of disclosing information under a single note or under each specific items along with the foot note. Hence, it can be stated that the paragraphs 6.16 and 6.22 can be better understood with the support of higher level accountants as compared to those who work at the lower hierarchy. The above mentioned developments of accounting disclosures are done as per the norms laid down by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB). It is observed that the disclosures requirements are set by AASB are similar to the provisions mentioned in the paragraph 6.16 of the disclosure initiative pertaining to IFRS. For example, AASB makes it mandatory to mention about the basis of measurement that has been used while calculating investments. It can be done on historical basis or at the fair value that prevails in the market. In case, if more than one method is used, then it is necessary to mention about them. The AASB also states that the final decision regarding the policies of accounting lies with the management. Additionally, the standards of IFRS provide a scope of disclosures pertaining to the accounting policies that can be presented. For example, in paragraphs 6.22, it is clearly mentioned that the information relating to accounting policies can be given on a single not e, under separate heads or completely a new report can be attached with the financial reports that states about the accounting methods (AASB, 2015, p. 24; IFRS, 2017, p.64-66). Pertaining to small business entities, it can further be stated that providing information on accounting methods is feasible within a single note. Medium scale organisations can mention the specific accounting policies under a separate head. On the other hand, large organisations that have several subsidiaries or operate in multiple nations having a wide range of products must disclose all the information on a separate note under specific headings. This will enable the investors and other stakeholders to easily know about the policies that are used for the preparation of financial statements. Pertaining to Cruz Accounting Ltd., it can be inferred that the disclosure initiatives of 2017 will enable in preparing financial statements more precisely for the clients. This is because customized notes can be given on the financial statements pertaining to the policies of accounting methods. As a result, the end users will be able to get sufficient information from the financial statements. Thereby, the clients will place repeated orders with Cruz Accounting Ltd. for preparation of financial statements, which can lead to rise in revenue earnings. On the contrary, more time and cost will be involved in the preparation of the financial statements, which can be set-off by increasing revenues (IFRS, n.d.; Deloitte Global Services Limited, 2017a). Letter To, The Senior Accounts Manager Alex Chemicals Pvt. Ltd, Australia, Date-22 September, 2017 Subject: Use of IFRS 2017 Dear Sir, It is hereby informed that on March, 2017 IFRS has passed a Disclosure InitiativePrinciples of Disclosure, which mentions about the changes regarding certain criteria of disclosures in the financial statements. These standards are duly important for the business entities, as it will enable them to improve the mode of communication with the stakeholders. The same benefits are applicable for Alex Chemicals Pvt. Ltd, so that it is possible to disclose the vital information in the financial statements. Alex Holdings Pvt. Ltd. will enable to obtain information that is to be included in the financial statements. For example, being a chemical manufacturing organisation, it is important to mention about the depreciation of machines in the financial statements. This will help the investors to easily understand regarding the methods used for calculating depreciation and its impact on the level of profit and return on shareholders wealth. It will boost up confidence of the investors and provoke them to purchase more shares (IFRS, 2017a). The board committee of Alex Chemicals Pvt. Ltd have wide range of options available pertaining to the disclosure mechanisms. Previously, the AASB only stated about the need of mentioning changes in the accounting policies that are brought about in an organisation along with the present ones that are being followed. On the contrary, on March 2017, the initiative that has been taken by IFRS, specifically mentions about the three types of options that can be followed during financial reporting. In case of quarterly annual reports, Alex Chemicals Pvt. Ltd can use single note mechanism for reporting the accounting procedures. This is because quarterly reports contain information only on three month time period, and so it is rational to mention regarding the accounting procedures at one place. In case of an annual report, the same can be provided on a separate attachment, as numerous policies are used for pertaining each of the items that are present on the financial statements (AASB, 2015, p. 24; IFRS Foundation, 2017, p. 4). The chemical industry and other sectors in Australia are observed to adhere to the policies that are initiated by IFRS. It is thus logical for Alex Chemicals Pvt. Ltd to easily adapt the standards of disclosure that have been prescribed in the disclosure Acts of IFRS in 2017. Hence, it is advisable to proactively adopt the standards while preparing the financial statements, as it will enable to get accustomed to the disclosure initiatives. It is possible that after a few years, AASB will make it necessary to adopt accounting policies and disclosure requirements that are given by IFRS on March 2017. Already, AASB has made certain regulations that make it necessary to adapt the IFRS standards (Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, 2005, pp. 2-3). Finally, it is to remind again that Alex Chemicals Pvt. Ltd must start adhering to the standards of disclosure that has been passed by IFRS in 2017. Yours sincerely XYZ Accounts Manager Cruz Accounting Ltd References AASB 2015, Presentation of financial statements File, pp. 1-31. Australian Prudential Regulation Authority 2005. Adoption of international financial reporting standards Lifs, pp. 1-19. Deloitte Global Services Limited 2017, IAS 1 presentation of financial statements, EN, viewed 22 September 2017, https://www.iasplus.com/en/standards/ias/ias1. Deloitte Global Services Limited 2017a, Background, EN, viewed 22 September 2017, https://www.iasplus.com/en/news/2017/03/dp-pod. EY 2017, Disclosure initiative principles of disclosure, Publications, pp. 1-4. IFRS 2017, Disclosure initiativeprinciples of disclosure, Media, pp. 1-110. IFRS 2017a, Snapshot: disclosure initiativeprinciples of disclosure File, pp. 1-16. IFRS Foundation 2017, Disclosure initiative principles of disclosure File, pp. 1-113. IFRS, No Date, Principles of disclosure. Work, viewed 22 September 2017, https://www.ifrs.org/projects/work-plan/principles-of-disclosure/ Rouse, M 2017, Definition IFRS (international financial reporting standards), Techtarget, viewed 22 September 2017, https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/IFRS-International-Financial-Reporting-Standards. EFRAG 2016, Disclosure initiative - principles of disclosure Activities, viewed 22 September 2017, https://www.efrag.org/Activities/322/Disclosure-Initiative---Principles-of-Disclosure. PwC 2016, IFRS disclosure Assets, pp. 1-236. Robinson K 2016, Disclosure initiative An overview XBRL Europe, Luxembourg, pp. 1-17. XBRL 2017, Webinar about disclosure initiative from the IFRS foundation News, viewed 22 September 2017, https://www.xbrl.org/news/webinar-about-disclosure-initiative-from-the-ifrs-foundation/.

George Orwell and Animal Farm A Critical Analysis

Accounting for Uncollectible Accounts Essays

Accounting for Uncollectible Accounts Essays Accounting for Uncollectible Accounts Essay Accounting for Uncollectible Accounts Essay For the exclusive use of X. LIU CASE: A-165 DATE: 09/00 (REVD. 05/07) SEARS: ACCOUNTING FOR UNCOLLECTIBLE ACCOUNTS Sarah Simons picked up the 1999 Annual Report for Sears, Roebuck and Co. , which had Just been delivered to her office. As an analyst for a major brokerage, she was responsible for providing investment advice regarding companies in the retail industry, including Sears. She looked over the income statement, noting that net income grew by 39 percent over the previous year, despite a slight decrease in revenues (see Exhibit 1). Before long, however, she turned her attention to the Companys credit card receivables and allowance for uncollectible accounts (see Exhibit 2). In recent years, Sears had suffered heavy write-offs from uncollectible credit card accounts, as well as an expensive scandal caused by illegal collections procedures. These problems had depressed Sears stock price substantially from its peak in mid-1998. Had Sears overcome their credit card problems? BACKGROUND Sears, Roebuck and Co. as founded in 1886 as a retail mail-order business and grew rapidly by providing a wide range of products to people in rural areas who did not have access to large, well-stocked stores. The Company began to diversify into financial services in 1931, when it established Allstate Insurance Company. This diversification continued in the 1980s, as it acquired Dean Witter Reynolds and Coldwell Banker, and launched the Discover card. By 1990, however, Sears was struggling and the investment community was critical of its business strategy, which was derisively characterized as socks and stocks. Shareholder discontent drove the Company to a massive restructuring to refocus on its retailing roots. According to former CEO Edward Brennan, 1992 was a disastrous year in which the Company lost 3. 9 billion, of which $3. 1 billion was a charge related to the restructuring. By 1995, Sears had divested its financial services businesses and largely restructured its merchandising operations. The transformation of Sears was largely credited to Arthur Martinez, the former chairman of Saks Fifth Avenue, who Joined the Company in 1992 as head of the merchandising group. His actions were swift and decisive. He immediately closed the unprofitable Sears Catalog, shut 113 Research Associate David Hoyt prepared this case under the supervision of Professor Karen K. Nelson as the basis for class iscussion rather than to illustrate either effective or ineffective handling of an administrative situation. Copyright 2000 by the Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University. All rights reserved. To order copies or request permission to reproduce materials, email the Case Writing Office at: [emailprotected] tanford. edu or write: Case Writing Office, Graduate School of Business, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-5015. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, used in a spreadsheet, or transmitted in any torm or by any means lectronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the permission of the Stanford Graduate School of Business. This document is authorized for use only by XUEYONG LIU i n Financial Accounting taught by Yonca Ertimur from August 2013 to October 2013. Sears, Roebuck and Co. A-165 unprofitable stores, cut 50,000 Jobs, and launched a five year, $4 billion capital investment program to renovate and update the stores. In 1993, he initiated an intensive marketing campaign, Come See the Softer Side of Sears, which was a hugely successful move to call attention to changes in the apparel division and ttract women to the stores. Sears made a remarkable turnaround. From its massive 1992 loss, it recovered to post net income of $1. 8 billion in 1995. Martinez was named Sears CEO in 1995 and was also recognized as Financial Worlds CEO of the year. The stock price responded accordingly, increasing more than seven-fold from 1991 to mid-1997. 1 By the late 1990s, however, problems had surfaced and the financial press had become critical. They questioned whether some components of the Martinez turnaround had backfired, most notably his strategy related to the Sears proprietary credit card, the sears card. THE SEARS CARD AND CREDIT CARD RECEIVABLES Prior to 1993, the only charge card that Sears accepted was the Sears Card. In order to attract new customers and prop up sagging store sales, Sears began accepting other major charge cards in 1993. While this helped improve sales, Sears lost the opportunity to collect interest on purchases made with other cards. To avoid a drop in profits from its own credit operations, Sears aggressively marketed the Sears Card, mailing out pre-approved card offers, hawking the card at tables positioned at store entrances and paying incentives to sales clerks for opening new accounts. Between 1993 and 1996, Sears issued 24 million new credit card accounts. In his Letter to Shareholders in the 1996 Annual Report, Martinez commented on the importance of the credit card program, stating that the Sears Card is one of the most important ways we form an alliance with our 50 million customer households. The availability of credit is critical to the ability of moderate-income families to finance the purchases they require. Despite rising delinquencies in the industry, we have a very strong and profitable credit portfolio. However, the new Sears Card users were not necessarily he best credit risks. Sears marketing of their credit card tended to attract customers that had trouble paying their bills. Those that could get cheaper credit elsewhere used bank cards with low teaser rates and incentives. These factors, combined with an increase in delinquencies and average balances, were cause for concern (see Exhibit 3). By late 1997, the average Sears Card balance was more than three times that carried by J. C. Penny Co. cardholders and delinquencies exceeded the industry average by two percentage points. Sears drive to issue more cards, and the lax credit policies that were needed to ncrease cardholders at such a rapid rate, eventually caught up with them. Uncollectible receivables and charge-offs started rising in 1995. The Company responded by increasing the interest rate toa hefty 21 percent while at the same time lowering the minimum required monthly payment. This let cardholders continue to ring up purchases on their Sears Cards and also increased interest revenue on outstanding credit balances. To offset the impact of delinquencies, Sears raised late fees and other charges. However the quality of their credit card receivables was still questionable, as by 1997 Sears was a creditor in about one-third f U. S. personal bankruptcies. This case was prepared using public documents, including Sears Annual Reports and a variety of news accounts, including: Debra Sparks, Arthur Martinez: Financial Worlds CEO of the Year, Financial World, March 25, 1996; John McCormick, The Sorry Side of Sears, Newsweek, February 22, 1999; Joseph Cahill, The Softer Side: Searss Credit Business May Have Helped Hide Larger Retailing Woes, Wall Street Journal, July 6, 1999. Neither Sears nor any current or former employee participated document is authorized for use only by XUEYONG LIU in Financial Accounting taught y Yonca Ertimur from This in preparing this case. The problems went further, however. In January 1997, it was discovered that Sears had illegally coerced payments from cardholders who had sought bankruptcy protection. This resulted in a criminal conviction as well as restitution payments to 187,000 customers. In the end, the scandal cost Sears $475 million in fines, refunds, interest, and legal fees, which the Company charged against income in 1997. ACCOUNTING FOR UNCOLLECTIBLE ACCOUNTS Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) require that accounts receivable be ecognized in the balance sheet at net realizable value†that is, at the amount the company can reasonably expect to collect from its credit customers. Moreover, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5 (SEAS 5) requires that an estimated loss from a contingency, such as uncollectible receivables, be accrued by a charge to income if two conditions are met: (1) it is probable that a loss has been incurred; and (2) the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. According to their Annual Reports, Sears reported credit card receivables net of an allowance for uncollectible accounts. The allowance was based on impaired accounts, historical charge-off patterns, and management Judgments. Until late 1998, uncollectible accounts were generally charged off automatically when the customers past due balance was eight times the scheduled minimum monthly payment, except that accounts could be charged off sooner in the event of customer bankruptcy. In 1998, Sears began phasing in a new system in which accounts were charged off automatically when the customer fails to make a required payment in each of the eight billing cycles following a missed payment. In the fourth quarter of 1998, 12 ercent of accounts were converted to this system, with the balance being converted in the first and second quarters of 1999. This new system was intended to help Sears better manage its collection efforts by identifying delinquent accounts earlier and enabling better c ontrol of uncollectible expenses. It also had the affect of charging off balances earlier than under the previous system. ARE THE PROBLEMS IN THE PAST? As she read the Letter to Shareholders in the 1999 Annual Report, Sarah noticed Martinezs comments regarding credit: In our credit business, we worked tirelessly to trengthen our portfolio quality, reduce our losses, and improve our collection processes. Sarah knew that the credit business was important to the overall performance of Sears (see Exhibit 4) and that the Companys stock price had been affected by credit-related issues (see Exhibit 5). Had Sears truly put its problems behind it? Was the allowance for uncollectible accounts adequate? What should she say to the investment community? EXHIBITS Consolidated Financial Statements Analysis of Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts Key Credit Portfolio Information Summary Segment Data Stock Performance This document is authorized for use only by XUEYONG LIU in Financial Accounting taught by Yonca Ertimur from August 2013 to October 2013. Exhibit 1 Income Statement (in millions) 1995 1996 1998 1999 Revenues Merchandise sales and services Credit revenues Total revenues Expenses Cost of sales, buying and occupancy Selling and administrative Provision for uncollectible accounts Other Total costs and expenses Operating income Other income, net Income tax provision Net Income $31 ,133 $33,752 $36,649 $36,957 $36,728 3,702 4,313 4,925 4,618 4,343 34835 38,064 41 ,574 41 ,575 41 ,071 23,160 7,428 589 1,953 33,130 1,705 703 1,801 24889 8,059 971 2,062 35,981 2083 834 $1,271 26,985 8,394 1,532 2,669 39,580 1 ,994 106 912 $1,188 27,444 27,212 8,384 8,418 1 ,287 871 2605 2,157 39,720 38,658 1 ,855 2413 (41) (56) 766 $1,048 $1,453 1997 Balance Sheet (in millions) Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 606 $ 660 Credit card receivables Allowance for uncollectible accounts (819) (801) Net credit card receivables 20,106 1903 Other current assets 5,729 8,484 Property and equipment, net Other assets Total Assets $ 358 20,956 (1,113) 19,84 3 10,042 495 $ 729 18,946 18,793 (974) (760) 17,972 18,033 10804 9,905 5,077 5878 6,414 6,380 6,450 1,612 1 ,842 043 2,024 1,837 $33,130 $36,167 $38,700 $37,675 $36,954 Liabilities Current liabilities Long-term liabilities Total liabilities Shareholders equity $14,607 $14,950 $15,790 $14,222 $13,701 14,138 16,272 17,048 17,387 16,414 28,745 31 ,222 32,838 31 ,609 30,1 1 5 4,385 4,945 5,862 6,066 6839 Total Liabilities and Equity Source: Sears, Roebuck and Co. s Annual Reports. Exhibit 2 Allowance, beginning of year Net credit losses Allowance, end of year $ 808 578 $ 819 989 $ 801 1 ,220 $1,113 1 ,426 $ 974 $974 1,085 $ 760 Source: Sears, Roebuck Co. s Annual Reports. Exhibit 3 56. 6% 4. % 5. 8% 55. 1% 2. 3% 51 1. 1% 47. % 1. 8% Sears Card sales as a % ot sales Comparable store sales growth (%) Merrill Lynch Broadline Retailers Index of comparable store sales growth (%) 2. 0% 3. 8% 5. 2% Average account balance ($) $ 914 $977 $1,058 $1,076 $1,121 Delinquency rates (%) 4. 16% 5. 40% 7. 00% 6. 82% 7. 58% Net credit charge-offs to average credit card receivables 2. 77% 5. 02% 6. 23% 7. 54% 6. 03% Sources: Sears, Roebuck and Co. s Annual Reports; Merrill Lynch Broadline Retailers Index for 1999 from Merrill Lynch Industry Report Retailing-Broadlines, January 6, 2000. Exhibit 4 Operating Income Retail Services Credit International

Business Environment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 2

Business Environment - Essay Example This paper approves that the PMT brand of organic products is also part of a monopolistically competitive industry, but a recent visit to their business advisor informed them that the Price Elasticity of Demand for their products is inelastic. But being in the monopolistically competitive industry, the stiff competition from rival businesses does not affect the profit margins of PMT. There is a niche market for the PMT products, which are unique in their own way and add to the variety of organic cosmetics, soaps and perfumes. People who buy such products will prefer to have variety, and so a good number of buyers will regularly come back to the PMT brand, though they test out other brands in the mean time. The factors that would affect this demand curve and hence the PED include the variety of substitutes available for buyers to try around, the proportion of income required for the item and degree of necessity or luxury. This essay makes a conclusion that disposable income is the amount of income a person or an organization has, after the taxes have been deducted from the total amount. It is being assumed that disposable incomes are going to fall in the next two years. With the decrease in the people’s income, the Income Elasticity Demand for the organic products would turn positive or high positive and the niche market catered to would reduce. The organic perfumes, soaps and cosmetics would thus, come under the category of luxury goods.But the fall in disposable income is not likely to affect the services offered by the salon, since people would still be catering to their basic needs. The income elasticity demand for the services is likely to fall between one and zero.

Andrew Marvell and Oliver Cromwell Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Andrew Marvell and Oliver Cromwell - Essay Example His sympathies were on the whole royalist and aristocratic but he felt great admiration for Oliver Cromwell the Lord Protector of England who came to power after deposing Charles I. Milton's impunity at the Restoration was largely due to Marvell's influence and exertions. Very few of Marvell's poems were published during his lifetime. Most of his poems appeared posthumously in 1681. His satires were published only in 1689 after the Glorious Revolution. Marvell's best poems were written in the early 1650s. He used to be considered as a typical love poet who wrote in the metaphysical strain. But Marvell displays curious traits which set him apart from the usual poets who wrote of love. Marvell though a poet of wit, love and fancy strangely though not without reason professes admiration for Puritan ideals. "Marvell strangely enough was a Puritan __an admirer of Cromwell, a devote reader of the bible, a supporter of the joyless regime whose spirit is to unlike that of his verse" (Wilson 136).But this ambiguity is not surprising when one considers the turmoil and political upheavals of Marvell's time. In August 1642, the long standing quarrel between Charles I, and the Parliamentarians or Roundheads involving political, religious and constitutional matters, broke up into open hostilities. In the battles that followed, Oliver Cromwell soon proved himself to be the most powerful candidate the Parliamentarians had. In spite of oppositions among his own people Cromwell assumed the position of the Lord Protector of England. In 1647, Cromwell organized the New Model army which inflicted a crushing defeat upon the royal army. Charles surrendered to his Scottish subjects who later turned him over to England in 1647. It is surprising to note the different strains of thought which coloured Marvell's poetic output. In his poems from the Horatian Ode Upon Cromwell's Return from Ireland e onwards the one finds his admiration for Cromwell increasing. The way in which Marvell's perception of Cromwell changed is an indication of the difficulty of the choices of political allegiances facing an alert and sensitive mind of a poet who had political aspirations himself. In the Horatian Ode the Marvell we meet is a troubled man torn between divided loyalties. The title refers to Cromwell's return from Ireland which took place in May 1650. The poem welcomes Cromwell home from his conquest of Ireland, looking forward to his campaign against the Scots. Since Cromwell returned from Ireland in May 1650, and entered Scotland on July 22 of the same year, the poem therefore, was probably written in the early summer of 1650.The poem contrasts two political figures, the ceremonial Charles I and the military Cromwell. I t expresses a deep sense of loss in the passing away of ceremony and ritual with the beheading of the king. A dichotomy is seen in the thoughts and emotions of Marvell the lyric poet and Marvell the Parliamentarian. The Puritan revolution, the new science and modern liberalism were all seen as disrupting an older unified world view in which poetry had a favoured place. In this poem Marvell's attitude towards Cromwell is at best ambivalent. While he shrinks from certain elements in Cromwell's personality and government the poem concludes with a balanced view of his administration. The Ode in two parts celebrates Cromwell

Tools of Organizational Change Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Tools of Organizational Change - Essay Example A leader could further ensure that there is effective communication and engagement within the organization when implementing an organizational change. In order to achieve this, the leader could ensure that workers are not only aware of required changes that are happening but also understand them. A leader could further seek to engage workers in the formulation and implementation of an organizational change as this creates a positive attitude among workers (Lewis, 2011). The third component that a leader could use involves internalization of the change. This refers to the actual implementation of the change. Depending on the nature of the change, a leader could choose the appropriate channel for internalization of the change by the workers. These channels include seminars and departmental meetings. During internalization, workers review the proposed change and analyze how better it is than the old practices. This helps workers to realize the benefits of the change and propel them to work within the set rules of the proposed change (Lewis,

Review And Determine The Mcdonalds Strategic Marketing Essay

Review And Determine The Mcdonalds Strategic Marketing Essay LO1) Review and Determine the McDonalds Strategic Aims and Objectives McDonalds is one of the leading global fast food service retailers, with about more than 32,000 restaurants serving more than 60 million people in more than 117 countries each day. McDonalds is well known for some of its much desired food like; Chicken McNuggets, Big Mac and Egg McMuffins all around the globe. McDonalds 75% of its chains are owned and operated by the franchisees all over the world and only 25% of its chains are owned by the company. In 1967 McDonald opened its first international outlet in Canada. Most of the McDonalds outlets are free standing units, other than that it also has many units located at airports and in other retail areas. Since the opening of McDonalds first international outlet in Canada it is known for providing the outstanding quality, quick service, cleanliness and value to its customers (McDonalds, 2011). Current Strategic Aims and Objectives of McDonalds McDonalds has clearly defined its strategic aims and objectives; the vision of McDonalds is to be the leading, quick and the best fast food service provider all over the world. Other objectives of McDonalds are; to maintain and develop the best quality food products in the quick service restaurant market, McDonalds also wants to lead the quick service restaurant market by attracting new customers, opening more profitable restaurants, increasing its sales through promotion that enable them to continue their program of expansion. The McDonalds goal is to maximize its profits, maintain its competitive advantage by constantly creating new products to add onto its menu, which will help to attract new customers and satisfy their existing customers that gives customers a reason to visit McDonalds often (McDonalds, 2011). McDonalds main objective is to be the worlds best quick service restaurant ever experience and for this McDonalds provide outstanding service, quality, cleanliness and value to its customers all around the globe. McDonalds also aim to grasp every opportunity to innovate and lead the industry on behalf of the customers, they also have a passion and feel committed to go beyond their customers expectations every time in every restaurant in order to enhance and protect the McDonalds brand all over the world (McDonalds 2011). An Evaluation of the Component Parts of a Strategic Plan Strategic planning is a very important business activity and it is used to achieve certain goals and objectives. An organization sometimes summarizes its goals and objectives into a mission statement and a vision statement. Vision is basically a long-term view, which outlines what an organization wants to be in the future and also describe how the organization wants the world in which it operates. Vision basically concentrates on the future and provides the decision making criteria to the organization. Whereas mission defines the basic purpose of the existence of an organization, the mission also defines about the desired level of performance needed in order to achieve the organizational aims and objectives (Kotler, 1986). The Vision of McDonalds is to be the best and the leading fast food provider all over the world (McDonalds, 2011). There are five different ways of judging the suitability of an organizational vision; the first one is the foresight which tells whether the vision of an organization is strong enough and realistic and when the vision of McDonalds is evaluated it is clear that it is strong enough as well as realistic. The second way to judge the vision of an organization is the breadth, which tells does the vision of an organization fully cover likely changes in the market place and McDonalds has a capability to change with the environment and make sure that in every country of the world its customers must always get quality products, in quick time, in a clean and pleasant environment and at a reasonable price. Another way to judge the vision is the uniqueness that an organization can capitalize on and surprise its competitors and the uniqueness in the vision of McDonalds is that the tas te and the size of its burgers are same in each outlet all around the globe where it provides its products and services. The fourth way to judge the vision is through consensus, which tells that an organization should have only one vision and the McDonalds has only one and clear vision and that is to be the best and the leading fast food provider all over the world. Lastly through action-ability a vision can be judge which tells whether the vision is ready for implementation or does the organization have core competences. The vision of McDonalds is ready for the implementation and the core competency of McDonalds is providing convenience to its customers when they want to eat fast food at the prices that are competitive and provide best value for the customers money (Hamel and Prahalad, 1994). The mission statement of McDonalds is to be our customers favorite place and way to eat. Their main focus is on being the best fast food provider and for this their worldwide operations has been aligned around a global strategy called a Plan to Win based on the five factors of an exceptional customer experience; People, Product, Price, Place and Promotion (McDonalds, 2011). Just like the vision statement the mission statement of McDonalds can be judge by seeing how far it meets the certain formulations. Firstly McDonalds should have a clear idea in what business they are in and should also do a thorough market research before introducing any new product. Secondly the mission statement should be made from a customer perspective and the mission of McDonalds is clearly defining that they have made their mission statement while keeping their targeted customers in mind. Thirdly an organization must make sure that its mission statement reflects the core values and beliefs of an organizatio n and the McDonalds mission statement is clearly defining that it provides convenience when people need and want to eat good quality fast food at reasonable price in a pleasant environment. The fourth way to assess the mission statement of an organization is to define what sustainable competitive advantage an organization has over its competitors and one of the McDonalds competitive advantages is it focuses on the consistency of the quality, the use of raw materials and the production of food all around the world. Lastly an organization should summarize the strategic approach they would use in order to achieve the strategic aims and objectives of an organization. McDonalds has design certain strategic approaches to achieve its aims and objectives like the utilization of technology, the defined work routines and maintaining the competitive advantage (Lynch, 2006). Factors Affecting the Strategic Plan There are certain factors that affect the McDonalds corporation so much that their role in shaping the strategies cannot be ignored and these factors are; political, economical and social factors. The political factors affect the organization in different ways like the international operations of McDonalds are highly influenced by the individual state policies enforced by each government. For instance different countries focus on different areas of concern like; the worker protection, health and the environment. All these elements are in the control of government and considers when giving a license of the restaurant in different countries (Bateman and Scott, 2004). Different organizations in the fast food industry have their individual concerns involving economic factors. The different branches and the franchises of McDonalds have the tendency to experience difficulties where the economy of certain countries hit by the inflation and the changes in the exchange rate. Therefore, if a franchise operates in a particularly economically weak country, then these franchises must make certain adjustments in their strategies to maintain the economies of scale (Sustar and Sustar, 2005). The social factors also affect the strategies of an organization. McDonalds cater variety of customers with different types of personalities in different countries. McDonalds uses different concepts of consumer behavior like product personality and purchasing decisions of consumers to make proper strategies, so that it can attract new customers and satisfy their existing customers in order to achieve its aims and objectives efficiently (Bateman and Snell, 2004). LO2) Evaluate the Alternative Strategies to meet the desired Future Strategic Position 2.1) A Range of Strategic Analysis tools to Audit Progress towards strategic Aims and Objectives   The marketing audit is very essential for an organization as it provides the backbone strategic analysis that supports corporate decision making process and it also tells the current position of an organization. The SWOT analysis is one of the auditing tools that are use to analyze the internal as well as the external factors of an organization that are favorable and unfavorable to achieve the objectives of an organization (Aaker, 1997). The biggest strength of McDonalds is its large market share, strong brand image and reputation, strong financial performance and position in the food industry, friendly environment for customers and the practice of going green has made it possible for McDonalds to gain more fame all around the world. The weaknesses of McDonalds are it had to face certain legal action because of using trans-fat and beef oil that can negatively affect its brand image, other weaknesses of McDonalds are it offers the variety of junk food which is considered as a very unhealthy food among people and it is also losing its customers due to the increase competition (Peter and Donnelly, 2007). There are certain opportunities as well for McDonalds like; through globalization open more profitable restaurants, it could also make itself more innovative by offering deals that appeal to new customers, and other opportunity is that in the last few decades there is a huge growth in the fast food industry has been observed. Like some opportunities there are certain threats as well that McDonalds faces like; the health professionals accuses McDonalds because of increasing health issues of diabetes, high cholesterol heart attacks and obesity. Another threat for McDonalds is the competitors market share of the company both internationally and domestically (Peter and Donnelly, 2007). 2.2) The Expectations of major Stockholders and their Influence upon the Organizational Strategy The major stockholders like; the top management, customers and suppliers influence the organizational strategies in different ways. So for this the top management should establish a superior strategic decision process throughout the company so that the strategies can evolve and flourish consistently over time. All the strategic preferences that increase the value for both the customers and the share holders are highly desirable and should increase the growth of any organization. For instance, McDonalds rapid withdrawal of its fifty-five cent hamburger campaign, which separated franchises without creating much new customer loyalty or demand, was a costly but necessary decision to avoid further damage to share holder value (Hill and Jones, 2009) The conflict arises when the manager face choices that involve real trade-offs between the customer and the share holder value. Let say if a proposal to increase customers or customer value will reduce the shareholder value, then it should be rejected. For example with increasing awareness about the food and the importance of the balanced diet, if McDonalds would start encouraging people to opt for low calorie food with high fiber content then people might appreciate McDonalds for giving this awareness and people will might change their eating patterns and spend less on fast food. This would be beneficial for customers but not for the shareholders and this would gives rise to conflict that would harm the organizational strategy (Hill and Jones, 2009). Suppliers play a vital role in achieving the organizations aims and objectives and also influence the strategy of an organization and it is believed that suppliers success is an integral to an organizations success (Webster, 2002). So an organization should remember that suppliers cannot be expected to support their plan with an organizations plan unless organizations have shared its strategic plans with suppliers. 2.3) Analyze, Interpret and Produce a Structured Evaluation of the Organizational Strategic Position The challenges that McDonalds faces are; as the food industry is continuously growing the competitors are entering into the market with competitive prices not only internationally but domestically also and due to this McDonalds can lose its customers as well as its market share. The other difficulty that McDonalds is facing is the increasing awareness about the food and the importance of the balanced diet nowadays people are opting for low calorie food and changing their eating patterns by consuming less fast food and this is because there are competitors that provide the low calorie food at the prices almost the same as McDonalds and due to this McDonalds can lose its customers (Freidman, 1999). McDonalds can achieve competitive advantage by using three generic strategies of cost leadership, differentiation and focus. The competitive advantage can be achieved by differentiating the products from those of competitors and McDonalds is differentiated by its brand name and brand images of Big Mac and Ronald McDonald. Another way to achieve competitive advantage from those of competitors is through low costs and McDonalds provides substantial entry barriers from economies of scale and cost advantages which clearly define that McDonalds follow the cost leadership strategy. Organizations can achieve competitive advantage through targeting their products by a broad target, thereby covering most of the market place, or they can focus on a narrow target in the market. McDonalds target market is broad almost covering the most of the market and not focusing a particular market (Porter, 1998) PEST/EL is an analysis of the external macro environment in which a business operates. The operations of McDonalds in each country are highly influenced by the individual country policies enforced by each government and every country has its own political affects on the organization and its operations. The economic factors are also different in different countries that affect the organizations strategies like the different franchises of McDonalds in different countries have to face different problems due to the change in economic environment (McDonalds, 2011). McDonalds run its operations in more than 100 countries which mean it serves variety of consumers with different cultures and personalities. So McDonalds cannot use only one strategy for all its food chains, the strategy might not be completely different but differs with respect to the social environment. The technology has greatly helped McDonalds in providing quick service to its customers. The incorporation of technology in the operations of McDonalds tends to add value to their products. The social responsibilities of McDonalds on the country are influential to the operations of the company and these involve allegations of environmental damage with such claims like the using non-biodegradable substances for their drinks glasses and the Styrofoam coffers for the meals. McDonalds also had to face certain legal actions because of using trans-fat and beef oil and this could easily harm the reputation of the McDonalds all over the world (McDonalds, 2011). LO3) Decide the Strategy and Justify the Selection to meet the Required Future Strategic Position 3.1) Develop a Range of Alternative Strategic Options to meet Strategic Aims and Objectives The fast food industry is often criticized because of its role in creating numerous health problems like obesity, cholesterol and diabetes and was thought to be the driving force for the unhealthy eating disorders. These days customers are becoming more aware of the nutritional values and the health benefits of the products they are consuming. So in order to achieve strategic aims and objectives McDonalds should come up with greater variations in its menu and offer healthier food like sandwiches and salad and innovative fresh juices for the health conscious people. There are many competitors in the industry because of the rapid growth of the fast food industry all over the world and these competitors are offering almost the similar products and services at almost similar prices. So if McDonalds wants to achieve its strategic aims and objectives and wants to attract new customers as well as retain the existing customers then it need to focus more on the strategies that attract more children to their restaurants by offering toys that are most desired among children with a happy meal because this would help them in retaining their customers. McDonalds should also see what similar products the other competitors are offering and try to offer something very innovative product that no other competitor is providing or as well as that attract the customers. McDonalds should also start separate McCafes for teenagers and college going students and the ambience of that cafà © should reflect the different colors of youth. McDonalds should also introduce more variety in the existing range of milk shakes and smoothies and also introduce a variety in coffee and offer innovative high quality and refreshing products at a reasonable price that attracts the young people. 3.2) Determine and Justify the Strategic Option that meets the Revised Strategic Position Among the four strategic options that were given above the first option and that is McDonalds should offer healthier food like sandwiches and salad and innovative fresh juices is the best option for McDonalds to achieve the strategic aims and objectives in the food industry because of the increasing health problems like heart attack, obesity, cholesterol and diabetes. As the awareness about the nutritional values, health benefits and the benefits of low calorie food with high fiber content has increased among people and due to this people have started changing their eating patterns and spend less on junk food that the fast food chains are providing. McDonalds need to introduce a healthier menu that emphasize the healthy side of McDonalds and should also introduce the low calorie variations of all its burgers and make its fries healthier by using the right kind of oil, then do the aggressive promotion of the new menu variety in order to cope with the health concerns related with its products. This would help McDonalds to achieve its strategic aims and objectives efficiently as well as it would proof that McDonalds has the capability to change with the environment and the consumers preferences and lastly this would also enhance the brand image of the McDonalds in the consumers mind.

Social Networkings Influence on Eating Disorders Essay -- Facebook, T

As many as 10 million woman and girls suffer from anorexia or bulimia in the United States (Steele). Anorexia and bulimia are very serious eating disorders. Many women and young girls feel that these disorders are the only way for them to be accepted by others. However the strive for acceptance only ends up causing pain, emotional harm, or death to those affected. Being a sufferer of anorexia, I know the emotional and physical damage this disease can cause. The root cause of having an eating disorder is still undetermined, yet some doctors and physiologist believe the new focus on a perfect body, shown by the media is to blame. Society’s portrayal and promotion of a thin body image as the ideal female body contributes to eating disorders and poor self-esteem in many woman and young girls. Eating disorders are a group of illnesses characterized by abnormal eating habits. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) classifies eating disorders into three categories: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and eating disorders not otherwise specified, such as binge eating. The history behind these controversial diseases start as far back as 1689 when an English physician, Richard Morton gave the first medical description of anorexia nervosa, which he called "nervous consumption", he said was caused by sadness and anxious cares (Eating Disorders Timeline). The more recent fascination of eating disorders came to light when model Twiggy arrived in the U.S. Her short-haired, super-thin, look altered the fashion industry and shed light on a new feminine body image based on extreme thinness. Twiggy also introduced the â€Å"model† body image known today (Eating Disorders Timeline). In 1994 a study published in the Journal of Adolescen... ...anice. "Old Problem, New Victims." Winston-Salem Journal (Winston-Salem, NC). 26 May 2009: n.p. SIRS Researcher. Web. 05 Apr 2011. Ogilvie, Megan. "How Biology Trumps Image As Cause of Anorexia 'I Became Obsessive..." Toronto Star (Toronto, Canada). 13 Apr 2008: SIRS Researcher. Web. 05 Apr 2011. Onstad, Katrina. "Thin Is Inviolate." Globe and Mail. 20 Nov 2010: L.15. SIRS Researcher. Web. 05 Apr 2011. Siegel, Judy. "Link Found Between Heavy Use of Facebook and Eating Disorders..." Jerusalem Post (International). 01 Feb 2011: 6. SIRS Researcher. Web. 05 Apr 2011. Schwarz, Fred. "Not Our Stars But Ourselves." National Review Vol. 61, No. 3. 23 Feb 2009: 22-24. SIRS Researcher. Web. 05 Apr 2011. Topping, Alexandra. "Kate Moss Fallout: 'Pro-Anorexic' Community Finds Comfort..." The Guardian (London, England). 21 Nov 2009: 11. SIRS Researcher. Web. 05 Apr 2011.

A Community Foundation in Lakeland Florida and its projects

Lakeland Florida is one of the cities in Florida that is vested with so many special features that make it so different from the rest of the states. Lakeland has such a philanthropy, which makes it such a big part of the larger community; it has the kindest people who are rare individuals in the way they dedicate themselves to various programs and organizations making Lakeland so special. (Argandona, A. (1999)Needless to say therefore is the fact that being such a good city with the best features there are so many community foundations in Lakeland ranging from sports, recreation, non-governmental and even church organizations.One of the most developed and sound of these organizations is sports and recreation since Lakeland has the best sceneries and attractions that make so suited for this area. (Argandona, A. (1999) as the name suggests Lakeland Florida has so many lakes making fishing to be a recreational activity, fun and even a routine to both residents and non-residents.The Flor ida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (F. W. C) is one of the community foundations here in Lakeland. The F.W.C encourages and motivates families to enjoy and participate in the joys derived in fishing. Florida is well known and even titled as the capital for fishing in the whole wide world and the best location for such activities as compared to other states. (Lange, H. and Steinman, H. (2000).The organization as part of its activities will once in a while give special treatment to the people of Florida and beyond, this includes being allowed to do fishing in the fresh public waters without licensing, people are able to appreciate nature and families are able to come together and have fun. (Argandona, A. (1999)The organizations will also at times give bonus programs where people fish for free, this is a way of promotion and provides incentives in various forms that add to the convenience and cost cutting. These fishing license fees are used for the fish and other wildlife c onservation and maintenance purposes. They are also a major source of funds for various programs like habitat restoration, adding stocks of fish and even manage their accessibility.The organization has also not been left behind in sponsoring competitions and tournaments a good example is Florida Senior Games State Championship, where it enhances and promotes sports and ensures development of the same. (Lange, H. and Steinman, H. (2000) It is greatly supported by other organizations that also sponsor partly an example being the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, Performance Health, and makers of Bio freeze.Since Florida has one of the best training sites, it is such an economic asset to the State of Florida it generates millions of dollars for our state and thus acts like an economic engine. Lakeland has a lot to offer from the climate, which is conducive all year round, best fans that are so supportive, it is able to attract tourists from all angles and corners of the world that hel p generate money for our rich economy.Since 1996, the Florida Sports Foundation help communities to attract sporting events all the year round this gives it good publicity and people identify new areas where they can tour on their holidays and get always. This organization has done Florida so proud and known all over due to its ability to keep up to date with current trends and development in technology thus providing the right services at the right time. (Lange, H. and Steinman, H. (2000)The Florida Fishing and Wildlife Conservation Commission also provides employment opportunities to the people of Lakeland Florida in various areas, it employs trainers, life savers, cleaners caretakers, managers at different levels of management and even recruits trainees to assist tourists. This earns the economy extra money in terms of labor inflow and also the fee charged to those on training. (Argandona, A. (1999)The organization also does a lot in encouraging the people to participate in the n ation and state building of our state joyfully without complaining since they pay to have fun and the money so collected helps in development activities which goes to construction of more infrastructure and also new projects are started to develop the same.Citizens are able to feel included and recognized; it also creates individual confidence and self-discipline in all activities. (Argandona, A. (1999)Other activities include promoting health that goes to raising the life expectancy. In conclusion, the F.W.C is an organization to reckon with bearing in mind that it has made our sports and recreation to be such a big success.References1)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Argandona, A. (1999), Community Projects, London; Institute of Business Press.2)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Lange, H. and Steinman, H. (2000), Planning of Projects, London; Kluwer Press.

Pets in the Classroom

Pets in the Classroom If youre thinking about getting a classroom pet its important to know a few things first. While research has shown that classroom pets can be stimulating and help to enrich a students experience, you must know which animals are the best to get, and which are not. Classroom pets can be a lot of work, and if you would like to teach your students some responsibility, then they can be a great addition to your classroom. Here are a few quick tips to help you decide which pet is good for your classroom. Amphibians   Frogs and salamanders make great classroom pets because students rarely (if ever) have allergies to them and can be left unattended for days at a time. Frogs have been a staple in many classrooms, a popular frog that most teachers like to get is the African Clawed frog. This frog only needs to be fed two to three times per week, so it is a very convenient pet to have. The only concern with amphibians is the risk of salmonella. You would need to encourage frequent hand washing before and after touching these types of animals. Fish Like Amphibians, fish can be a popular classroom pet because students are not allergic to them nor do they have any bad order to them. They can also be left unattended for days at a time. The maintenance is low, all you really have to do is clean the tank about once a week, and students can easily feed the fish with little supervision. Betta and Goldfish are the most popular in classrooms. Hermit Crabs   Hermit crabs have been popular in science classrooms for some time now. What people don’t realize is they can be a lot of work, die easily and not to mention they smell really bad. Other than that, students seem to really love them, and they can make a great addition to your science curriculum. Reptiles   Turtles are another popular choice for a classroom pet. They are another good choice because they can be picked up easily and are pretty low maintenance. Snakes like the garter and corn are popular as well as ball pythons. Good hygiene is recommended in caring for reptiles  because they may carry salmonella. Other Animals   Pets such as guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, gerbils, rabbits, and mice may harbor viruses and children may be allergic to them so make sure before choosing your pet that you find out what allergies your students have. If students do in fact have allergies then you may need to stay away from any â€Å"furry† pets because of this risk. Try and stick to the animals listed above if you want low maintenance and have allergies in your classroom. Before you decide upon purchasing your classroom pet, take a moment to think about who will take care of this animal on the weekends or on the holidays when you are gone. You should also think about where you would put the pet in your classroom, that would not cause a distraction to your students. If you are still set on getting a classroom pet then please consider getting a grant from Petsintheclassroom.org or Petsmart.com. Pet Smart allows teachers to submit one application per school year to receive a hamster, guinea pig or snake. These grants are used to support the teaching the of children on how to bond and care about pets responsibility.

Homosexuality Laws In Various Muslim Countries Religion Essays

Homosexuality Laws In Various Muslim Countries Religion Essays Homosexuality Laws In Various Muslim Countries Religion Paper Homosexuality Laws In Various Muslim Countries Religion Paper In this article, homosexualism in the Quran, Sharia, Islamic Societies, and Islamic Countries is exhaustively described. In the Quran, five poetries are provided: They refer to homosexualism as lewdness , the act of immorality. These poetries oppose the males penchant of males over females, particularly when Allah has created females to be their ideal psyche couples ; hence, they identify homophiles as ignorant. In the Islamic law, homosexualism is expectedly considered as a jurisprudence misdemeanor, nevertheless many Islamic Schools of Thought have different sentiments sing its penalties. Some say that homophiles should be punished as an fornicator, while others leave the penalty up to Allah. In order for the act to be punished for criminal conversation, it MUST be proven with four informants or a physical/screen testing. The history of homosexualism in Islamic societies discuss how love and desire in homosexualism may be allowed, nevertheless sexual inter courses cross the sexual boundaries set by Allah. In assorted modern Islamic states ( such as Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Iran, etc. ) , the penalty really carries a decease punishment. In others ( such as Bahrain, Algeria, etc. ) , the penalty is imprisonment or all right. The article concludes to province the homophile s defence of their actions disputing that the Schools of Thought are ill-defined in their sentiments and that the Quran does non stipulate any penalty. I chose this article because it gave me a good thought sing how homosexualism is treated in assorted states, and besides how the Schools of Thought warrant the act that conflicts with assorted people s beliefs. Mission Islam. ( 2010 ) . Islam and Homosexuality. Retrieved December 10, 2010, from hypertext transfer protocol: //www.missionislam.com/knowledge/homosexuality.htm This article discusses a assortment of information sing Islam and homosexualism: Islam s position and position, poetries from the Quran and Hadith, the out facet of homosexualism, and buggery and sapphism. The Islamic Society of North America besides explains the ground for Islam s jurisprudence against homosexualism: It is physically harmful for the person, and it is socially and spiritually scandalous. On sapphism and buggery, a few poetries are provided that discuss what happens to the person that commits them. The article returns to explicate that the common construct of perpetrating self-destruction to get away the penalty of being a homophile does non break the state of affairs, as self-destruction is perfectly FORBIDDEN. Alternatively, if a homosexual is sincere of his wickedness, he should atone to Allah. The facet of homosexualism that is forbidden is an existent sexual intercourse, nevertheless this article emphasizes in deepness of Allah s clemency, forgiveness, and ways t o subject to him for his counsel and aid to bring around such feelings. As the poetries in the Quran that quote about homosexualism are frequently mentioned, poetries of the Hadith will be discussed here: It summarizes that work forces should non look at physical parts of another adult male, and should non lie under one screen have oning no unmentionable ; the same regulation applies to adult females. This shows how Allah condemns homosexualism in the Quran and Hadith. A long overview of homosexualism accepted in a few topographic points ( such as U.S ) and encouragement to express oneself is described in this article. It emphasizes how this behaviour is promoted, and how Muslims must non allow the credence return over their beliefs and what Allah forbids. It mentions that Allah can non alone alter the state of affairs by merely prohibiting it ; nevertheless Muslims would necessitate to lend by distributing the message to advance proper values. The article stopping points by re-men tioning Islam s position on homosexualism, which, by now we know to be considered sinful. However, it besides mentions that we are non homosexual by nature, but through our environments because it is a pick, non what we are born with. I chose this article because I was really funny sing the badness of penalties of a homosexual. This article, without uncertainty, went into deepness sing this ; in fact, they are overstated throughout the article, so it is decidedly apparent that these Acts of the Apostless are punishable by Allah and considered as a profound error. Robinson, B.A. ( 1997 ) . Islam and homosexualism: All point of views . Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance. Retrieved December 10, 2010, from hypertext transfer protocol: //www.religioustolerance.org/hom_isla.htm In this article, Robinson discusses how spiritual beliefs on the five chief faiths frequently studied worldwide are based on disclosure of their Bible, tradition, logic and ground, and a personal religious experience. He touches on two aureate motions: the Liberal and the Conservative. Without a uncertainty, we already understand that the Liberal involves the logic, ground, and personal experiences ; these involve much of scientific discipline and research, which is normally identified as the other side of the ocean with faith. The other aureate motion that Robinson references is the conservative motion, which doubtless involves the Bible disclosure and spiritual tradition. From reading the article, it is really easy to separate the difference between the two. One motion is more modern than the other, which explains how and why people feel what they do about homosexualism. In the broad motion, the faiths do non needfully hold with homosexual behaviour, nevertheless see it as an act that is fixed and exists. With the conservative motion, faiths decidedly do non hold or back up the behaviour in any manner or signifier ; hence, they regard it as a chosen way and unnatural. Robinson farther discusses how faiths can play a function in finding such determinations as these, to go a homosexual. Because faith is so profoundly involved and considered, many conservativists of these chief worldwide faiths portion similar positions with respects to God s instructions and Torahs on the act. I chose this article because it goes into deepness as to how faith plays a function, and how it balances both sides: the broad and the conservative. It summarizes precisely what one would necessitate to cognize about both universes with respects to credence of the behaviour, socially and sacredly. The Religion of Peace Guide: Guide to Understanding Islam. ( 2006 ) . What Does the Religion of Peace Teach AboutaˆÂ ¦Homosexuality. Retrieved December 10, 2010, from hypertext transfer protocol: //www.thereligionofpeace.com/Quran/026-homosexuality.htm This article clearly outlines Islam s place when it comes to homosexualism. It provides the same verses that the Holy Quran quotes on the topic ; nevertheless it explains them in deepness so that it is comprehensible to the reader. In the first poetry, it explains how homosexualism is punishable by decease, narrating the narrative of Sodom and the rain of rocks upon homophiles. The 2nd poetry compares the wickedness to assorted other wickednesss committed by personhood, to be the worst of the sexual wickednesss ( such as criminal conversation ) . Many mentions may debate amongst homosexualism and adultery otherwise. What is different about this beginning is that it besides discusses homosexualism in Paradise ; of class, the same regulations would non be applicable to this celestial topographic point ( as the Quran refers to homophiles in Eden as scattered pearls ) . This article besides provides a few poetries from the Hadith that aim to unclutter the difference between criminal c onversation and homosexualism, as many persons regard the sexual Acts of the Apostless to be the same. It farther returns to explicate the penalties in assorted states that have really happened, nevertheless in farther item than the article above. It remarks on the consciousness of homosexualism raised because of Muslims, for their on-going attempts to extinguish it. I chose this article because I felt the demand to carefully understand what the quotation marks in the Quran and Hadith were stating. It was easier to understand this article ; nevertheless it was hard to accept the terrible penalties that are undergoing in assorted Muslim states worldwide. They were more descriptive and even addressed the inquiry as to how they should be persecuted. In a manner, I personally believe there must be a less-violent option to restrict this behaviour. Investigating Islam. What is Islam s position of homosexualism? Retrieved December 10, 2010, from hypertext transfer protocol: //www.islamic.org.uk/homosex.html In this article, it goes more into accent of sinning and how to travel about altering the behaviour in assorted ways that involve our inner and outer attempts. This article besides suggests that those who are homosexual may non acknowledge anything incorrect with the behaviour, as they perchance are non sing the act from a spiritual position. Sexuality is an single pick that can be controlled if the head is put to it. The complexness of accommodating to alter in behaviour is besides emphasized ; it is hard to acquire into the rhythm as backslidings may happen. As this is non the lone act that is harm in Islam, this article proceeds to discourse how these attempts to alter can use to any out act against Islam ( such as imbibing intoxicant ) . I chose this article because it to a great extent addresses on the power of the head and its ability to alter an action of ours. I appreciated how it took a more humanistic position and was non every bit rough as the other articles. It involved the person and attempts that many of us aim to do. Most significantly, I chose this article because I respected that it underlined the imperfectness of us all as Allah s creative activities.

Summarize employment, labor, and anti-discrimination law Essay

Summarize employment, labor, and anti-discrimination law - Essay Example It’s a less favorable treatment, direct or indirect, on grounds of color, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin† (Whincup, 1998). Sam in the above case appears to be a casualty of such discrimination. In this discussion it will be important to recognize the elements of the alleged offence as well as the liability of the parties with special regard on the applicable regimes of law. i â€Å"The complainant must fall within the class protected by law† (Emerson, 2009). For instance, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, religion, race, language, political or other opinion, origin, color, property, birth or other status. In this regard, Sam falls within groups of persons discriminated on the basis of race and/or color. ii The party must have suffered as a result of such discrimination. In this case Sam could not secure a promotion despite the fact that he possessed the requisite qualification. The complainant must suffer a disparate impact. â€Å"A disparate impact results from certain employer practices or procedures that though not discriminatory on their face, have a discriminatory effect† (Miller, 2011). iii A party must also establish that there is a connection between the protected status and the suffering occasioned. This can be ascertained from the words used by the interviewer that Sam did not receive the promotion because the interviewer thought whites are lazy. This is a generalized discriminatory opinion. iv The party who has suffered must also prove that another party with either similar or lower qualifications was favored at his expense. It’s most likely that the interviewer gave the promotion opportunity to another person who according to him was not lazy. From this discussion, it is noteworthy that the employer is liable since in any company, an interviewer to any job

Organisational Change Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 4

Organisational Change Management - Essay Example Leadership is interpreted by different theories for different situations. To some, it means control; to others, it means representation. â€Å"Leadership is ‘the behavior of an individual . . . directing the activities of a group toward a shared goal’† (Yukl, 2010). Yukl’s definition suggests that leadership is the authorization to make decisions on the behalf of others. Management is a process that interconnects and transverses every aspect of the organisation. As the integrating force, the company management coordinates, synthesizes and directs the myriads of variant activities within the organisation to maximize shareholder value. According to Easterby-Smith, a manager’s tasks include: 1) organization and coordination; 2) anticipating problems and handling them to ensure the continued operations at an acceptable level; 3) effectively overcoming functional, cultural and technical obstacles and perhaps rebuilding the organization’s structure (Mark Easterby-Smith, 2012). Decisions are based upon the unique variables of a scenario. The choice and much of the success of a leadership style depends upon the character traits of the leader. Businesses suffer and eventually fail due to inadequate or improper leadership. Values have also changed; in some instances values have disappeared from company visions and missions. Neither the employee nor the customer affects decision making, just profits – and increasing shareholder value. The employee’s perception of how the organization values his or her contribution is also important. â€Å"Perceived organizational support (POS) is the degree to which employees believe the organization values their contribution and cares about their well-being† (Robbins, 2011). Employees can sense how much the organization values their input. In order to achieve its goals, leaders must be multi-dimensional. â€Å"Effective leaders make frequent use of task-oriented and person-or iented behaviors† (Yukl, 2010). The key is consistency. If a leader can be found that can perform using the high-high model of leadership, he or she should be considered a highly valuable asset. The leader can effectively serve the staff only to the extent of his or her character. â€Å"The values are likely to be internalized by managers who grow up in a particular culture, and these values will influence their attitudes and behavior in ways that may not be conscious† (Yukl, 2010 In the past, management was mainly seen as a technical, functional and mechanistic activity related to effective organisation and implementation of resources. Although synthesis, coordination and direction are really important functions of managerial behaviour, it does not mean that they are homogeneous; on the contrary, managerial functions are extensively diverse (Bandura, 1982). Consistency is paramount during periods of recession. Implementation of sustainability programs must exist to ens ure the long run success of the operations. This is considered true by Fiksel (1999) in his study of strategies employed by top international corporations to maintain superior business performance Case Scenario: D2 Manufacturing (See Appendix A) The D2 car manufacturing case scenario will be analyzed by use of the ‘Appreciative Inquiry 5D framework’ method (Cooperrider & dan Whitney, 2001): a. Definition b. Discovery c. Dream d. Design e. Destiny The following questions will be

Contemporary Developments in Employment Relations Coursework

Contemporary Developments in Employment Relations - Coursework Example Labour demand on the other hand, consists of the employers who have a need for work to be done, and who offer compensation for this work to employees who undertake it (ONS 2014). In normal market operations, the market wage in this case would be determined by the intersection between labour demand and labour supply or the equilibrium. However, the government intervenes to control wages thus setting minimum wages below which they are not legally acceptable. The employed are those who are actively engaged in work and comprised 72.7% of the labour force in March 2014 while the unemployed are those not actively engaged in work but are willing and able to work and are actively engaged in search for a job and are of the required age and the unemployment rate for the same period was 6.8% (ONS, 2014). By December 2013, there were 5.5 million people working in the public sector comprising 18.2% of those in employment representing a fall of 159, 000million workers between September and Decembe r 2013. The top three employers included National Health Services (NHS), education and public administration. In order to function properly, the labour market needs to be regulated and this is done through the employment law. These regulations include: national minimum wage; working time; maternity/paternity leave; health and safety; race and/or sex discrimination; information and consultation but for the sake of this paper we will discuss the national minimum wage and working time. According to the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) rankings, the UK has the least regulated labour market just next to U.S and Canada. However, the industry is more regulated than in the 1960s when collective employment rights ad use of trade unions in bargaining terms and conditions was the norm. Employment contracts were unheard of, working time was deregulated, minimum wage restricted to a limited number of

Affirmative Action PRO vs. CON Essay Example for Free

Affirmative Action PRO vs. CON Essay The 108th Congress of the United States brought up the debate of whether to allow public institutions to adopt the Affirmative Action, allowing minorities to have higher opportunities than the majority. Although no specific stand was approached, it clearly shows the growing interest of people on the act of Affirmative Action. I am pro Affirmative Action when dealing with public institutions. However, I believe a private institution should practice equality. Affirmative Action compensates for the past faults and biased treatments toward minorities, provides ample opportunities to unprivileged people who currently cant be accepted to institutions, and could rid of the biased view many people still have on minorities. Looking back on American history, we can clearly see many prejudiced acts and viewpoints towards the minorities. The most obvious example is with African Americans. Now at present times, Affirmative Action can and will compensate to a degree the hurts and pains minorities suffered. Although people call America the land of opportunity, many people, consisting largely of minorities, never get a chance to succeed. Many colleges screen applicants with a biased standard, calling it tradition. Companies and institutions prevent employees from receiving full privileges, shouting company regulations. Affirmative Action can tear down those obstacles and false standards giving those underprivileged new opportunities. When Asians fluctuated to the United States during the gold rush, many locals responded violently thinking they will take all the jobs there were. Even today, a number of people still hold biased views toward the minorities. It is evident on the existing practices of the Ku Klux Klan. Affirmative Action can change much of those biased views and allow the minorities to be accepted in the eyes of others. Although Affirmative Action should apply to public institutions, equality should be practiced in private institutions. Equal treatments should allow others to participate on making a non-discriminatory system. Equality, not favoritism, should be standards on private institutions. However, on the overall view, I stand pro on Affirmative Action.

Questions on compensation management

Questions on compensation management Managers of compensation and benefits play vital role in determining key aspects of decisions taken during strategy creation on compensation. The key premise is that the way employees are compensated can be a source of sustainable competitive advantage. Two alternative approaches namely best-fit/contingent business strategy/environmental context approach and best practices approach are common and applied by compensation and benefits managers in their decision-making on strategy creation on compensation i) Based on the above scenario, analyse the approach your company uses to pay staff. Infer its compensation strategy using five issues (objectives, alignment, competitiveness, employee considerations and management). ii) How does your company compare the compensation strategy using five issues? (Objectives, alignment, competitiveness, employee considerations and management) with the TWO (2) selected benchmark companies of your choice? iii) What business strategy does it seem to fit (i.e., cost cutter, customer centered, innovator, or something else)? Why? QUESTION 2 You own a non-union company with 100 non-exempt employees. All of these employees pack books into boxes for shipment to customers throughout the Southeast Asia and Europe. Because of the wide differences in performance, you have decided to try performance appraisal that has never been done before. Until now, you have given every worker the same size increase. Now you want to measure performance and reward the best performers with bigger increases. Based on this: i) Propose and develop performance appraisal format that you think would be most appropriate. Why do you choose this format? Justify your answer. ii) Do you anticipate any complaints, or other comments, from employees after you have implemented your new system? Build argument to support your answer. DATE OF SUBMISSION : 13 November 2010 QUESTION 1 Managers of compensation and benefits play vital role in determining key aspects of decisions taken during strategy creation on compensation. The key premise is that the way employees are compensated can be a source of sustainable competitive advantage. Two alternative approaches namely best-fit/contingent business strategy/environmental context approach and best practices approach are common and applied by compensation and benefits managers in their decision-making on strategy creation on compensation Based on the above scenario, analyse the approach your company uses to pay staff. Infer its compensation strategy using five issues (objectives, alignment, competitiveness, employee considerations and management). Compensation Compensation is defined as pay provided to an employee by an employer in return for work performed as required by a relevant task in the form of monetary and non- monetary. http://humanresources.about.com/od/glossaryc/g/compensation.htm Compensation is based on: Economic outlook in the market research about the merit of comparable jobs in the marketplace; Contributions and accomplishments of an employee; Employees skills which is available in the marketplace; the need of a employer to retain and attract employees; and the success of the company or the availability of funds and capability of an employer to pay employee the market-rate compensation. Best Practice Best Practice is defined as methods and techniques that have consistently shown results superior than those achieved with other means, and which are used as benchmarks to strive for. http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/best-practice.html Best Fit The McGraw-Hill text book quoted that the best-fit approach presumes that one size does not fit all. The art of managing compensation strategically involves fitting the compensation system to the different business and environment condition. It is important that each organisation develop a compensation system in the perspective of its organisation mission (what it is and what it does). Scholars have agreed that it is important that leaders of an organisation embrace compensation/fair pay practices. An effective system of compensation is highly significant because several problems relating to employee remuneration such as absenteeism occurs because employee feels they are under paid. Remuneration must fulfill the expectations and aspiration of employees and exploit their energies for the benefit of organisation. Retaining competent individuals for long is more difficult than attracting new fresh ones. Loyalty of employee towards an organisation depends on his/her perceptions about compensation. The organisations pay structure must, therefore be equitable and consistent. Employees get motivated to perform better when their past performance is rewarded adequately. Employees set expectations about rewards and compensation to be received, if certain levels of performance are achieved. Compensation Strategy in ABC Managed Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd Background of Organisation ABC Managed Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd is a subsidiary of ABC Consultants India Pte. Ltd. It was established here in Malaysia on July 2004 and has about 15 members as at today. Main focus of the business is Human Resource Outsourcing (HRO) and Information Technology Outsourcing (ITO). The HRO division takes care of the payroll processes and statutory compliance of organisations within the Asia region. Where the ITO division works on the information technology which assist a HR department to manage and maintain HR records. The organisation has mixed of local and expatriates member working for them. The Malaysia office is headed by a country manager who reports to Head of Asia Pacific who is based in Singapore. Current Practice at ABC Managed Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd Compensation in ABC Managed Services ABC Managed Services compensation program is managed by their corporate office based in Chennai, India and there is a compensation policy which is used as a guideline as their compensation program for all ABC Consultant employees worldwide. These policies are designed to assist in the consistent, equitable, and effective administration of the program, in all ABC Consultant operations and its locations. Application of these policies is contingent upon specific review of local legal, regulatory, tax, and prevailing business practice considerations. The policies applies to all employees and administered without regard to an employees race, color, nationality, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation or disability as it relates to relevant local regulations. Responsibility of Compensation Administration The administration of ABC Managed Services compensation program is a shared responsibility. The manner in which responsibility is shared is as follows: The Board The Board will have responsibility for approving the ABC Managed Services pay strategy and philosophy, and for establishing annual compensation program priorities and budgets. Guidance will be provided to the Board by the Global Head of Human Resources. Global Head of Human Resources The Global Head of Human Resources, working with the Global Compensation Team and Regional HR Heads, is the final management authority on all compensation administration issues based on the Boards directives. Specific responsibilities include: Formulating and finalizing the overall compensation administration program objectives and general policies Recommending any promotions, equity adjustments and/or merit budget Approving any significant changes or exceptions to the compensation administration program Reviewing and approving career band and pay zone assignment for all new or revised jobs Reviewing and approving salary adjustments for all employees Ensuring the overall compensation administration program is administered in accordance with the policies and procedures documented in the compensation manual Reviewing, approving, and maintaining job descriptions for all jobs Producing regular monitoring report of salary increases and budget. Global Compensation Team/HR Regional Heads The Global Compensation Team and HR Regional Heads are responsible for maintaining the effectiveness of the compensation administration program for employees in their respective regions/countries. Specifically, the group will be collectively responsible for: Reviewing salary adjustments and making recommendations, declining or gaining approval from executive management Administering the compensation administration program in accordance with the policies and procedures documented in the compensation manual Developing, in conjunction with the Global Compensation Team, recruiter and hiring manager, an appropriate starting salary for new hire Department Management Each management employee is responsible for maintaining the effectiveness of the compensation administration program for employees in his/her area(s) of responsibility. Specifically, these department management employees are responsible for: Coaching and mentoring staff to deliver on corporate goals and values Conducting performance appraisals for subordinates Recommending salary adjustments and promotions when warranted Developing job descriptions for new/revised jobs within his/her area(s) of responsibility Developing, in conjunction with the Regional HR staff, an appropriate starting salary for a new hire Compensation objectives: Studies have shown that Pay systems are designed to communicate strong messages of strategy and directions are necessary to generate organisational performance. (Lawler, 1995) ABC Managed Servicess pay objectives are as follows:- to increase performance by reducing costs creating new process, enhancing quality and productivity increasing speed to market service Recognizing employee and team effort and treat everyone fairly To ensure that the organisation meets the above, it needs to focus on the capabilities of their employees. With the above objectives, ABC Managed Services and Global HR department uses it as a guide and as standard to design its pay system. Internal Alignment Since ABC Managed Services are into the HRO and ITO industry, the job and skills required by employee are compared to the companys organisation business objectives. For examples, in the HRO division, executive with knowledge/skills of preparing payroll for other part of Asia region are welcomed, it is found to be difficult to get talent with knowledge of other Asia countries payroll skills. Therefore, ABC Managed Services manages the differences with an addition of allowance if one knows and has Asia country pay rolling skills. The allowance can be in the range of RM300 to RM500 depending on experience and skills obtained. Since it is a niche market obtaining talent of such skills, the organisation also invest into additional training to be competitive within the standard and market. The organisation also encourages its team members to have multitasking skills and encourages harmonious working environment. The ABC Managed Services current pay structure is based on Pay- for performance. Pay for performance includes the management of both salary increments and bonuses, based on individual, group or company performance or a combination of these. External Competitiveness The ABC Managed Services has high risk losing its employee to its competitors. Based on the recent salary outlook survey conducted by Kelly Services recruitment agency for year 2010/2011, it is found that ABC Managed services is underpaying its employee 2% less compared to the market. Although ABC Managed Services is underpaying its members based salary, but it was providing good benefits such as traveling allowance, gym membership, and meal allowance. It also provides good annual leave structure for its employee which we cant find their competitors providing the same. Since the organisation is paying its employee based on performance, there are opportunities for its employees to perform better and get a higher pay. Employee Contributions In ABC Managed Services it emphasis pay for performance and it can be individual or team performances. At times, the organisation receives one time project which requires members to work in a team, so in this scenario, the management fix a onetime bonus payout for team achievement and paid to individual based on their contribution to the success of the project and if it is a team effort, the team will be paid double upon completion of the said project. This encourages the team members to work as a team since if it is a team effort the bonus will be higher if compared to an individual payout. If the customers give good feedback, the team will be given a holiday package as a treat. Management The decision of pay and incentives of ABC Managed Services is decided by Global Head of Human Resource who is based in India. She usually makes use of the information of labor market in local countries and base on the countrys economic status before establishing the compensation level for its employee. The text book mentioned that how open and transparent should the pay decisions be to all employees? In this case, employee here in Malaysia isnt aware how the pay is decided, or how the pay for performance is based on. All they know is that, their pay increases on yearly basis if their performance falls into exceed expectation category of their individual performance appraisal and what their immediate bosses has recommended on their performance. To answer the question, if the organisation is using Best Fit or Best Practice, I would say the organisation uses best fit which matches for the organisation to stay competitive in Malaysia and retain its employee so the scope for local judgment is built in, allowing for some adjustment by local management to local business needs, thus resulting in compensation system that are aligned to both corporate and local performance targets. ii) How does your company compare the compensation strategy using five issues (objectives, alignment, competitiveness, employee considerations and management) with the TWO (2) selected benchmark companies of your choice? I am using 2 other organisation which is in the same industry with ABC Managed Services which focuses on HR outsourcing business here in Malaysia. The only differences between ABC Managed Services and the other 2 organisation (ZX Services and MY Agency are both locally owned and not foreign owned like ABC Managed Services and been in the industry for more than 2 decades. All of this 3 organisation have a pay strategy to support their business strategy. ABC Managed Services ZX Services MY Agency Objectives To increase performance by reducing costs Creating new process, enhancing quality and productivity Increasing speed to market service Recognizing employee and team effort and treat everyone fairly Hard work towards meeting difficult goals and achieving objectives Innovation in a highly technical environment Team work motivated Perseverance against tough competition High ethical standards in a constantly changing world Support business mission and goals Internal Alignment Support Multitasking skills Performance based Encourage team culture Ensure compensation is internally equitable through annual pay analysis Ensure cost is justified allowing company to meet financial goals link pay to performance through the performance appraisal system ensure compensation is externally competitive through annual salary review; while salary increases are not guaranteed, we will review salaries annually Externally Competitive Market competition in base and benefits Leader in benefits Compares favorably with higher-performance competitors Their leaders are committed to review their programs, policies and practices on a regular, and as-needed, basis to maintain in the competitive position Career band system is based upon the 50th percentile of the competitive market in each country relative to the outsourcing industry Career bands and pay zones are broad, allowing company to reward high performing employees without undue pressure to promote people outside of their interests, Employee Contributions Bonuses and commission paid based on organisations success and on individual performance Annual salary increments rate is for respective countries based on market survey Annual increment based on individual performance Bonus based on the overall performance of the company Annual increment based on individual and team performance Management Annual Salary Increment controlled by top management of the organisation. Technology support Open communication Ensure compensation is internally equitable through annual pay analysis Ensure employees understand how they are compensated and the value of their total compensation packages Salary matters controlled by local company Salary matters controlled by local company Open and transparent Company ABC Managed seems to have aligned compensation strategy compared with the other 2 organisation. Their strategy is fitting into the organisations mission and also staying competitive within the industry. They have happy employees working for them and who have loyalty to serve the organisation. The organisation that fosters a friendly and family culture helps the organisation to meet its objective and goal to be a leader in the Outsourcing industry. Since ABC Managed Services is a new organisation compared with the other 2 organisation, there are always rooms for growth in the industry if they stay competitive. iii) What business strategy does it seem to fit (i.e., cost cutter, customer centered, innovator, or something else)? Why? In my opinion, I dont think there is one business strategy which seems to fit for any organisation. Most organisations will likely have the mixture or combination of cost cutter, customer centered or innovator as their strategy. In ABC Managed Services, their business strategy are based on being innovative, customer oriented since its in the services industry and always looking towards cost cutting measures and increase productivity. With these business strategies, it becomes the main drive for them to achieve their vision to become a leader in the HRO/ITO industry worldwide and remain excellent in customer satisfaction. Compensation decisions should be fully integrated into the organizations business and operations strategy, through company own compensation philosophy. QUESTION 2 You own a non-union company with 100 non-exempt employees. All of these employees pack books into boxes for shipment to customers throughout the Southeast Asia and Europe. Because of the wide differences in performance, you have decided to try performance appraisal that has never been done before. Until now, you have given every worker the same size increase. Now you want to measure performance and reward the best performers with bigger increases. Based on this: Propose and develop performance appraisal format that you think would be most appropriate. ( Enclosed) Why do you choose this format? Justify your answer. The reason why I choose the following format is because the performance appraisal form should be simple and easy to understand by employee and the supervisors. This method used to describe a performance rating that focused on specific behaviors or sets as indicators of effective or ineffective performance. This method is very useful and exact. This will also allow supervisor just focus on the questions based on competencies which had been stated on the form and provide rating according to employees performance. The appraisal form will also wont take much time for the employee to prepare and we used simple English as mode of communication. Performance appraisal encourages employee to discuss their performance with their supervisor and strengthen their working relationships. By doing a performance appraisal, it allows healthy competition among employees to be more productive and motivate since increment henceforth will be based on employees performance. Initial training will be provided to supervisor on how to use the performance appraisal and this will also allow us to inform all employees what is our organisations objective and what is expected from them to ensure the organisations goal are met. Having a performance appraisal will also help supervisor to ensure career path for all employees. The annual performance appraisal review becomes one of the most effective methods of insuring an efficient and effective operation. Question 2(i) Performance Appraisal Form Non Exempt employee Name of Appraisee: Appraisal Period: Department: Job Title: Name of Appraiser: Appraisal Date: Instructions Review the current position description with employee and discuss how the tasks relate to the performance standards. Use the following rating scale for each performance standard. High and low ratings must be supported by specific examples of critical incidents occurring during the appraisal period. Rating Scales Rating ( Scales of 1 5 ) Definition 5. Outstanding Exceptional performance in all areas of responsibility. Planned objectives were achieved well above the established standards and accomplishments were made in unexpected areas 4. Exceeds Expectations Performance consistently exceeds expectations of the position. Reserve this rating for a highly-motivated employee who demonstrates superior quality work and maintains a high level of effectiveness with little or no supervision. Document specific critical incidents of behavior that illustrate this rating on the back of the performance management form. 3. Meets Expectations Performance consistently meets expectations of the position. Use this rating for a fully-trained employee who performs all expectations of the position. 2. Needs Improvement Needs on-the-job or outside training to gain new skills and/or knowledge. Use this rating for an employee who is newly hired, recently promoted or has assumed new responsibilities. 1. Does Not Meet Minimum Standards Performance does not meet expectations of the position. Corrective action has been identified and discussed with the employee. Reserve this rating for an employee who has not benefited from development and training, and continues to have difficulty with job responsibilities. Document specific critical incidents of behavior that illustrate this rating on the back of the performance management form. Standards are divided into three categories: basic performance standards, optional performance standards and supervisors performance standards. Basic standards are designed to be used for all jobs. Supervisors can use optional standards in addition to the basic standards. They may also write standards that are specific to the job on additional paper and attach them to the form. The supervisors performance standards are for jobs with clearly defined supervisory responsibilities and are used in addition to the basic and optional standards for all supervisory jobs. The appraisal period is identified at the top of the form. To determine ratings, only use critical incidents that took place during this appraisal period. The section for goal setting is provided to promote discussion during the appraisal interview. Supervisors can identify goals for the next appraisal period, indicate training needs, or specify corrective action when appropriate. Once an employee and supervisor have set goals on a previous performance management form, supervisors will request the employee to conduct a self-assessment of progress towards these goals prior to the next performance appraisal interview. When an employee receives a 5 (Outstanding) rating, identify the critical incidents that support the rating. This rating cannot be used unless critical incidents are identified. When an employee receives a 2 (Need Improvement) or 1 ( Does not meet Minimum standard) rating, define corrective action required, identify an appropriate time frame for desired results, and discuss any appropriate training needs. If verbal or written counseling has occurred on the same topic during the appraisal period, indicate dates of the counseling and identify any evidence of progress. Have the employee sign the form when the appraisal interview is completed. The signature indicates all the information on the form has been discussed with the supervisor. Make copies of the completed form and give one copy to the employee, keep one copy for department files, and forward original to human resources. Complete the basic standards in Section I and select any optional standards from Section 2 that are appropriate for the job. Use ratings 5 Outstanding, 4 Exceeds expectations, 3 Meets expectations, 2 Needs performance development, or 1 Does not meet minimum standard. If you use 5, 2 or 1, you must document with specific examples of critical incidents to support the ratings on the back page. Section One: Basic Performance Standards Competency Description Ratings Job Knowledge Possesses knowledge of basic functions of the job. Does not require supervisor to explain routine tasks. Quality Completes tasks accurately, neatly and thoroughly. Checks work; limited rework required. Productivity Uses time effectively to complete work within prescribed deadlines with limited supervision. Safety Applies safe work habits for safety of self and coworkers. Uses tools and protective equipment carefully and correctly. Follows department safety rules. Service Responds to people in a helpful, polite, cooperative and friendly way. Judgment Analyzes situation before making decisions. Obtains feedback from appropriate individuals before making decisions. Follows policies and procedures. Maintains confidentiality. Relationships Works effectively with others to accomplish tasks. Shares information, accepts and incorporates suggestions from others. Keeps supervisor informed. Section Two: Optional Performance Standards Select any optional standards that are job related. You can also write standards that are specific to a job on a separate piece of paper. Competency Description Ratings Initiative Recognizes need for intervention and independently takes effective action. Attendance Arrives on time, schedules time off in advance. Sick leave accumulates regularly. Creativity Generates and applies creative ideas that improve operating procedures. Makes suggestions to simplify and improve procedures or tasks. Versatility Accepts changes in job or work area. Remains flexible and tries new approaches. Oral Communication Expresses thoughts clearly to others. Listens to questions and comments of others. Written Communication Expresses information clearly and concisely in writing. Job Enhancement Identifies job-related goals and ways to achieve them. Acquires new skills, increases education level when appropriate for job. Professional Appearance Dresses neatly and appropriately. Portrays image appropriate for job Rating Summary Count the total number of ratings in each category. 5 Outstanding 4 Exceeds Expectations 3 Meets Expectations 2 Needs performance development 1- Does Not Meet Minimum Standard Goals Use this area to set goals and identify training needs. Goals Training Needs High/Low Ratings Identify specific critical incidents of behavior that support rating 6, 2 or 1 ratings. Standard ( High/Low) Date Details of Critical Incident Supervisors Signature: Unit Heads signature: For HRD Use: Employees Comments: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Signing this form means your supervisor has discussed all the information on the form with you. You do not have to agree with the appraisal summary when you sign the form. You may choose to make comments. Use additional paper if necessary. Employees Signature Date ii) Do you anticipate any complaints, or other comments, from employees after you have implemented your new system? Build argument to support your answer. Yes, I do anticipate complaints after implementation since most of the employees didnt experience appraisal process for a long time in this organisation. Since its something new to them and they need to understand that the appraisal tool will help them to grow and be motivated. They shouldnt see the performance appraisal tool is used to judge their capability and a tool which make them loose their income. I foreseen several resistance from employees especially those fear of getting poor rating. To avoid such scenario, I will ensure the employees understand the purpose as well the process of appraisal. Every employee should be aware of the standard and what exactly is expected from them. The employees may fear that there also may be rater error which likely to occur, to avoid such incident the supervisor should exercise objectivity and fairness in evaluating and rating the performance of their employees. Training will be provided to supervisor and advising them on how to ensure accurate evaluation. Common errors like positive leniency, where supervisor gives all employee high scores or negative leniency, where supervisor gives all employee low scores. This will create unhappiness among employee especially for those who are really making good contribution and being productive. In reality, many supervisors conduct performance appraisal poorly. The appraisal procedure is to have 2 way communications between employee and supervisor to find out how to improve the current performance standard and move to the next level, but this seldom