Bridgestone Firestone Inc Essay Research Paper free essay sample

Bridgestone / Firestone, Inc. Essay, Research Paper Company Overview Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. , a subordinate of Bridgestone Corporation, was formed in 1990 when Bridgestone U.S.A. merged with The Firestone Tire A ; Rubber Company. In add-on to fabrication tyres, Bridgestone/Firestone produces a assortment of merchandises including air springs, edifice stuffs, man-made and natural gum elastic, and industrial fibres and fabrics. The Nashville, Tennessee-based company has over 38 QS9000/ISO9000 Certified production installations throughout the Americas, along with legion international installations throughout the universe. Firestone # 8217 ; s company doctrine is derived from a blend of Nipponese and Americans methods, with a focal point on supplying quality merchandises. In the words of the former leaders of Bridgestone and Firestone, Bridgestone/Firestone strives to # 8220 ; Serve Society with Products of Superior Quality # 8221 ; and to be the # 8220 ; Best Today? Still Better Tomorrow. # 8221 ; Bridgestone/Firestone is best known for it # 8217 ; s production of tyres ( more than 8,000 different types and sizes ) , which account for more than 75 per centum of its one-year grosss. We will write a custom essay sample on Bridgestone Firestone Inc Essay Research Paper or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page As a leader in universe tyre engineering, Firestone utilizes research and development centres in three states and proving centres around the universe to assist develop, industry and market tyres for about every sort of vehicle. ( Bridgestone/Firestone Profile ) Strengths Bridgestone/Firestone finds much of its strength in holding # 8220 ; one of the richest tyre shapers in the universe as its parent # 8221 ; ( Chappell, 09/11/00 ) . Bridgestone Corporation has been around since 1931 and has established itself as a well-known international maker of tyres, gum elastic merchandises, automotive merchandises, chemical merchandises, featuring goods, and other merchandises ( Bridgestone Annual Report, 1999 ) . The resources and prestigiousness of holding Bridgestone as a parent gives Firestone an excess border in the market. One of Firestone # 8217 ; s biggest strengths is the fact that Firestone # 8217 ; s rider vehicle trade is non the critical portion of Bridgestone Corp # 8217 ; s universe net income image. Approximately 60 % of Bridgestone # 8217 ; s North American net incomes came from the sale of heavy-duty truck tyres. Firestone has a 16 % portion of that market, and the Bridgestone trade name holds another 6.5 per centum portion. Another strength for Firestone is its well-established trade name name. Harmonizing to an Automotive News newsman, the Firestone trade name is # 8220 ; positioned in such a manner that even a major diminution in its original-equipment automotive concern would non needfully drop it # 8221 ; ( Chappell, 09/11/00 ) . This fact is indispensable to the endurance of the company should the Firestone tyre concern disappear as a consequence of the current callback debacle. Bridgestone/Firestone has besides signed a new trade with Honda of America Manufacturing Inc. Firestone has antecedently supplied about 75 per centum of the tyres to be put on the Honda Civics manufactured in Ohio and Alliston, Ontario. Dunlop Tire Corporation supplied the other 25 per centum. The new trade will fit all new Civicss from those workss with Firestone tyres. Not merely does this add to Bridgestone/Firestone # 8217 ; s grosss, but it besides shows that Honda has assurance in Firestone # 8217 ; s ability to bring forth quality tyres ( Chappell, 09/15/00 ) . Bridgestone/Firestone besides has a trade with Saturn Corporation to fit every Saturn with Firestone tyres. Some Saturn traders say that clients have asked about the callback but that clients have non stopped purchasing them because of the callback. A spokeswoman for Saturn says that they are non even sing taking a different provider. This, along with the Honda trade and a strong committedness to Toyota helps Bridgestone/Firestone # 8217 ; s image in that it shows that Firestone # 8217 ; s non-Ford clients have faith in the Firestone trade name ( Chappell, 09/11/00 ) . Another of import strength for Bridgestone/Firestone is the fact that they have survived another large callback in the yesteryear. In 1978, the National Highway Traffic Safety Admininstration forced the company, so cognize as Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. , to remember about 13 million tyres. That callback involved the Firestone 500-series radial rider auto tyres. The 1978 callback # 8220 ; remains the individual largest product-safety action in automotive history # 8221 ; ( Hess, 09/16/00 ) . There are many similarities between the current callback and the 1978 callback. Both involved long strips of tread dividing from the tyres, seemingly a consequence of a dislocation of the adhesion among the beds of the tyres. Until the recent jobs began at Bridgestone/Firestone, Firestone tyres were among the top merchandising tyres. Problems/Weaknesses Problems at Bridgestone/Firestone have late become some of the top intelligence headlines. The three most pertinent countries of contention include labour dealingss and works safety, production jobs, and the current tyre callback. Menaces of a brotherhood work stoppage back in September brought to light issues affecting hapless labour dealingss at Bridgestone/Firestone. Harmonizing to perceivers, there has been a # 8220 ; long history of labour problem at the company # 8211 ; and in the tyre industry in general # 8221 ; ( Wilson, 09/04/00 ) . The United Steelworkers of America had threatened to strike at nine of the Bridgestone/Firestone workss if an understanding could non be reach by September 1, 2000. Allegations have been made that defective tyres were made at a works that was utilizing replacement workers. On September 21, nevertheless, Bridgestone/Firestone announced that three contracts covering those nine workss had been ratified by the brotherhood ( Bridgestone/Firestone Corporate News ) . Despite the contract declaration, Firestone is still in demand of bettering dealingss with its workers. Working conditions and works safety is another country that needs betterment. A series of tragic accidents at Firestone workss has besides caused jobs for Bridgestone/Firestone. One worker in an Oklahoma City works died when the tire-assembly machine he was working on all of a sudden turned on and crushed his caput. Two welders besides died in oil armored combat vehicle detonations at a mill in North Carolina in 1994. Two workss in Tennessee were given commendations by province OSHA functionaries that same twelvemonth for # 8220 ; neglecting to guarantee that machinery was disconnected from its energy beginning before fixs # 8221 ; ( Newsweek, 09/18/00 ) . The recent callback of certain Firestone tyres is decidedly the company # 8217 ; s biggest job. The callback began on August 9, 2000, and applies to the Radial 9235/75R15 ATX, ATXII, and Wilderness tyres. The ATX and ATXII tyres were produced at workss in the U.S. , Canada, and Mexico ; the Wilderness tires come from the Decatur, Illinois works. As of October 16, 2000, 119 deceases in the U.S. have resulted from jobs with these Firestone tyres. Experts say there may be every bit many as 250 deceases and over 3,000 hurts related to the callback. Accidents occur when beds of tread Peel off from the tyres, frequently doing the vehicle to turn over over. These accidents have occurred most frequently with Ford Explorers equipped with Firestone tyres. # 8220 ; Ford functionaries estimate the defect rate is 241 tyres per million for 15-inch ATX and ATXII tires # 8221 ; ( Firestone Tire Recall Legal Information Center ) . The cause of the tread separation is still a beginning of contention for Bridgestone/Firestone. Bridgestone/Firestone denies that the tyres are faulty. Firestone besides claims that high temperatures and high velocities encourage the tread separation, theorizing that consumers may be at mistake. High heat and humidness in some of the workss may besides hold caused the dislocation of the adhesion. The deficiency of air conditioning in some countries has been fifty inked to the corrosion of the brass-coated steel in the steel-belted radials. Prior to the official callback of the Firestone tyres, four former employees at the Decatur works gave depositions sing the allegations against Bridgestone/Firestone. Each of the employees had worked at the works for over 30 old ages and had retired after a acrimonious work stoppage in the mid-1990 # 8217 ; s. The employees claim that out-of-date stuffs were used to do tyres, that supervisors frequently encouraged cheapjack patterns such as spliting bubbles in the tyres to cover up the defects, and that accent was placed on production instead than quality. One of the employees had been an inspector at the works and claims that high production quotas made it hard to sufficiently inspect the tyres before they left the works. He besides claims that the # 8220 ; green tyre, # 8221 ; the carcase of the tyre on which the steel belts and paces were applied, were frequently set on the land, doing dust to lodge to the green tyre and weave up in the concluding merchandise. Claims were besid es made that the chemical used refresh the adhesion may really hold straight caused harm to the gum elastic ( United Press International, 08/14/00 ) . Opportunities Because Bridgestone/Firestone is non dependent on its original-equipment concern for its endurance, Firestone # 8217 ; s hereafter is non every bit blue as some may believe. Gross saless of heavy-duty truck tyres account for more net incomes than the rider auto tyre gross revenues. Besides, if Firestone # 8217 ; s North American concern all of a sudden plummeted, the extra capacity could be aimed toward Europe, where Bridgestone has been progressively picking up market portion. Menaces As a consequence of the many jobs that Firestone has experienced a figure of menaces have surfaced. Firestone # 8217 ; s rivals are quickly increasing production to catch replacing concern. On September 29, 2000, Ford decided to fit the 2002 Explorer with Michelin tires instead than Firestone tyres. Ford finally plans on allowing traders and clients choose the trade name of tyres they want on their vehicles. The populace is going progressively flighty about any of Firestone # 8217 ; s tyres although the huge bulk of them are safe. The public merely sees this as a Firestone job and non as an stray incident of production. These menaces are peremptorily damaging to Firestone # 8217 ; s repute and hereafter concern minutess. Recommendations We recommend that Firestone take specific stairss to carry through good religion and quality back to their consumers. Firestone will necessitate to concentrate on the European market as a major purchaser of their merchandises and stress the rider auto market. Working to construct better OEM dealingss and upgrading workss will non merely force them to break engineering but will make a # 8220 ; cheques and balances # 8221 ; type environment. They will necessitate to rewrite processs from the underside up, making new policies to coexist with the ascent of the works. We recommend for their dealingss with consumers to concentrate on reconstructing market portion in the U.S. by originating a PR run that brings to illume Firestone # 8217 ; s ISO 9000 enfranchisement and concentrate on merchandise quality and safety. Execution Old ages 1-5 Car makers account for a big part of the tyre market. For this ground we feel that Firestone should work to construct better OEM dealingss. This will assist Firestone to keep its net incomes and market portion while traveling through this disruptive phase. This should be pursued throughout the execution procedure and may go a lasting portion of Firestone # 8217 ; s selling plan. Old ages 1-4 We feel that Firestone should implement these alterations over a five-year term. The first measure in implementing these alterations will be to concentrate on the European market where Firestone has seen an addition in market.Firestone # 8217 ; s jobs have received much less promotion in the European market and the potency for increasing market portion is much better than in the US market. While concentrating on the European market, accent should be moved from the light truck market to the rider auto market. Firestone # 8217 ; s recent jobs have been confined to their light truck tyres with no existent harm being done to their repute as a quality rider auto tyre maker. Firestone # 8217 ; s greatest growing potency lies in the rider auto subdivision of the European market. Old ages 2-4 These alterations should be implemented in old ages 2 through 4. This should let Firestone adequate clip to procure the capital required for this stage of the execution procedure. The following measure in the execution procedure is to upgrade out-of-date machinery in bing workss. This will assist to see that jobs with merchandise quality do non originate in the hereafter. This may besides take to a decrease in fabrication costs and increased profitableness. As workss are upgraded, an attempt should be made to rewrite works processs from the underside up. Using a # 8220 ; bottom up # 8221 ; procedure should assist to increase employee morale and consequence in a higher quality finished merchandise. This may besides assist Firestone avoid future labour relation jobs. Year 5 We feel that over the following five old ages the callback be forgotten by most US consumers and Firestone can get down to reconstruct market portion in the US. This will be done through a monolithic PR run. The run should concentrate on Firestone # 8217 ; s ISO 9000 enfranchisement, merchandise quality and safety. Educating consumers on the degree of quality needed to achieve an ISO 9000 enfranchisement should assist to relieve consumer uncertainties on Firestone # 8217 ; s merchandise quality. Other steps taken to increase merchandise quality, such as works remodeling, should besides be focused on. Through out this # 8220 ; reconstructing # 8221 ; process a panel of executives from Firestone # 8217 ; s fiscal, fabrication, selling, and technology sections will be appointed to supervise and measure each phase. This squad will do quarterly appraisals of the program # 8217 ; s advancement and consequences, which will be reported to the company # 8217 ; s senior executives. They should besides do recommendations as to any alterations that should be made to the program. Bibliography Beginnings: Chappell, Lindsay. Automotive News, September 11, 2000 v75 i5893 p46. # 8220 ; Analysts: Future OK for Firestone. # 8221 ; Chappell, Lindsay. Automotive News, September 11, 2000 v75 i5893 p47. # 8220 ; Firestone # 8217 ; s Non-Ford Customers Show Little Concern Over Recall. # 8221 ; Chappell, Lindsay. Automotive News, September 25, 2000 v75 i5895 p8. # 8220 ; More Firestones for Honda Civic # 8221 ; # 8220 ; 3 providers may sell tyres for following Explorer. # 8221 ; Automotive News, Sept 4, 2000 v75 i5892 p8. # 8220 ; The tyre flap: behind the feeding frenzy. # 8221 ; Business Week, October 16, 2000 i3703 p126. Firestone Tire Recall Legal Information Center, hypertext transfer protocol: //www.firestone-tire-recall.com Grimaldi, James V. and Caroline Mayer, Washington Post, # 8220 ; 4 Former Firestone Workers Deposed, # 8221 ; August 24, 2000, pE01. Hess, David. National Journal, September 16, 2000 v32 i38 p2896. # 8220 ; Firestone # 8217 ; s Other Tire Debacle. # 8221 ; # 8220 ; A Company Under Fire: Did Firestone make Enough to Protect Its Own Workers? , # 8221 ; Newsweek, September 18, 2000 p30. # 8220 ; Ford, Fireston knew of tyre jobs for years. # 8221 ; United Press International, September 29, 2000 p1008271u8435. # 8220 ; Testimony Indicates Abuse at Firestone, # 8221 ; United Press International, August 14, 2000 p1008226u6557. Wilson, Amy. Automotive News, September 4, 2000 v75 i5892 p8. # 8220 ; Labor Unions Unrest Adds to Bridgestone/Firestone # 8217 ; s Problems # 8221 ;

Global Strategy and Plan of Action on Public Health The WritePass Journal

Global Strategy and Plan of Action on Public Health Introduction, Background and Aims Global Strategy and Plan of Action on Public Health Introduction, Background and Aims  The Problem – Innovation GapCore Elements of the GSPAOngoing Monitoring on ImpactConclusionsReferencesRelated Introduction, Background and Aims The Global Strategy and Plan of Action on Public Health, Innovation and Intellectual Property (GSPOA) established by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2008 suggested that the WHO should take a central role when it comes to managing the relationship between innovation, intellectual property and the provision of health services across the globe. As noted in the background understanding of the strategy set out by the WHO, 4.8 billion people are living in what is considered to be a developing country, with 2.7 billion of those living on a budget of less than two US dollars a day[1]. Linking this to the provision of healthcare services and the recognition that communicable diseases are often central to the mortality rate in these countries, the WHO recommended looking at how new products could legally be managed so that they are made available to fight diseases within the developing countries, thus providing the necessary foundation for the pharmaceutical industry, so that there woul d be no gap in treatment between the developed and developing regions[2]. The purpose of this report is to consider how effective the strategy has been in terms of dealing with the issues of neglected diseases and ensuring that individuals have access to medicines, based on their needs and not determined by where they live or their financial resources. This paper will first look at the perceived problems that were to be addressed by the strategy in terms of the innovation gap and why the developing regions seem to be lagging behind where access to medicine is concerned. It will also explore the link that has been established between accessibility and the ability to protect intellectual property, and encourage innovation. The key elements of the strategy, including how these are to be prioritised will then be looked at, to ascertain which are likely to encourage such innovation and the legal provisions that are likely to be formative in achieving this. Consideration will then be given to regional platforms and ways in which this strategy has been applied in localised developing regions, as well as identifying any ongoing issues that have emerged in more recent years; finally, recommendations will be made for the future, in order to deal with any weaknesses in the original agenda of the strategy.   The Problem – Innovation Gap Before looking at whether or not the strategy and subsequent legal approach has been successful in addressing neglected diseases and improving general levels of access to medicine, it is first necessary to consider the stated problems which the strategy aims to deal with and the way in which it viewed the issue of innovation, at the outset, when setting out the appropriate strategy to deal with this gap[3]. The need to deal with the issue of access to basic medical care is increasingly important according to the international agenda for global health. Much of this has been encouraged by the HIV pandemic taking place in the developing countries at a much more serious rate than that the experience of the more developed locales[4]. With this in mind and in the context of the introduction of the World Trade Organisation Agreement on trade related aspects of intellectual property rights by offering patent protection to pharmaceutical products, there is increasing attention being placed on issues relating to the availability and pricing of the essential medicines[5]. The issue of dealing with the innovation gap and the resulting gap in the availability of medicines between the developing and developed regions is something that emerged during the 2008 strategy and is also central to the research undertaken by the Commission on Health Research and Development, back in the 1990s, where commitments were made as part of the millennium development goals to ensure that activities would be undertaken to benefit some of the poorest countries in the world; for example, encouraging donations from both public and private sectors, in order to ensure that these countries were able to undertake their own research and development, thus reducing any disparity that existed within global health. Despite this commitment, the innovation gap remains, and this has led to the establishment of the 2008 strategy. Since the establishment of the 1995 World Trade Organisation protection of intellectual property rights relating to pharmaceutical products, there has been an ongoing tension between the ability of commercial organisations to achieve financial success as a result of patenting pharmaceutical products and the need to ensure consistent global health services. This tension was such that, in 2003, it was decided by the World Health Organisation that it was necessary to obtain the advice of an independent expert commission[6]. As a result, the Commission on Intellectual Property Rights, Innovation and Public Health established that there are key policy measures that need to be created, in order to fill in the gaps which have emerged in this area and to deal with the ever increasing disparity in health care services. In particular, the commission focused on the gap that existed in the innovation cycle. The commission saw the crucial step of breaking down the innovation cycle as a means of l ooking at the various stages of bringing medicines to the market and, critically, identifying any weaknesses within the developing regions that emerge as part of the innovation cycle. When looking at countries that have made essential innovative improvements, it is possible to identify more accurately how the developing countries could potentially improve in the future, so as to ensure that appropriate medicines becomes available on a needs’ basis, rather than on an economic basis. Recommendations were made on policy improvement in the area and as such the Working Group on Public Health, Innovation and Intellectual Property was established[7]. The group worked with the notion that the development of innovation is a complex process and requires a wide range of policy areas to be considered including the actual scientific and medical fields, but also taking into account social, economic and historic factors, all of which are likely to be relevant when it comes to the underlying success of policy initiatives. Despite this, the focus remains on the concept of pharmaceutical innovation, which looks at the process of discovering, developing, producing and delivering medical products, as and when people require them. Each of these four steps is potentially relevant when considering why certain groups in certain countries do not achieve an acceptable level of health care. Any blockage at any of these stages will have a detrimental impact on the ability of individuals to be treated on a needs’ basis. By using health innovation as an ongoing cycle, several critical practical realities need to be considered[8]. Firstly, it is noted that any form of health innovation will continuously lead in to further health innovation and therefore it will be necessary for experts to have access to previously gained knowledge, before they can then develop this into new knowledge. Secondly, it is also noted that the development of new drugs in isolation is insufficient, as a health infrastructure is required in order to ensure that the correct people have access to the medical care that is produced. This is often perceived to be an underlying problem of intellectual property, in itself, as it may be possible for an individual within an industry to develop a new product or new process, but it is ensuring that this new product or process enters the market which ultimately makes it commercially viable. The health innovation market is no different and, whilst it may be possible for key individuals to develop new innovations, if there is no structure available to ensure that everyone gains access to these medicines, the cycle is broken and the underlying goal of the WHO is not achieved[9]. Therefore, in the developing regions, there is the difficulty, not only of lacking potential technical expertise to develop the drugs, but also of being unable to develop, produce and distribute any medical advancement, which will ultimately block the ability of key individuals to receive the treatment they require based on need. Core Elements of the GSPA Eight core elements are identified as relevant as part of this policy for legal and research reform. Each of these is considered briefly, in order to identify the impact that they have had on the overall development of the ability of developing countries to utilise health innovation in such a way that will benefit the necessary groups of individuals. Prioritising research and development needs: starting at the outset of the health cycle, the WHO ensured that a better understanding of the health needs of developing countries was required, so that any research and development is focused on these key areas. This crucial stage is vital when identifying neglected diseases as, without identifying the diseases to be targeted, it is difficult to ensure that appropriate innovation takes place. Promoting research and development: although there are multiple different ways of determining the innovative capacity of a particular region, the WHO feels that those responsible for ensuring that neglected diseases in the developing countries are managed more effectively should receive enhanced support to bring their research and development more in line with the developed regions. Building and improving innovative capacity: effective policies and regulations that will promote any abilities and capabilities that are emerging within the developing countries for health innovation; for example, allowing developing countries to undertake their own clinical trials and improving intellectual property protection, as well as the local production of pharmaceuticals. Technology transfer: a large amount of the focus here is placed on ensuring that capacity is noted in the developing regions for policies which also recognise that technology transfer and development is a key way in which the developing countries can gain at least some benefit from existing technologies in other regions[10]. For example, the TRIPS Agreement offered specific incentives for developed countries to work alongside developing regions; therefore, these incentives need to be reviewed, in order to ensure that they are sufficiently strong to encourage and develop countries to transfer technology wherever possible[11]. Application and management of intellectual property: there needs to be recognition that there is a requirement to strengthen capacity to allow intellectual property to be developed within developing regions. It has been proposed by the WHO that there needs to be a review of the application of intellectual property rights within health innovation, to offer incentives to promote the use of intellectual property in the developing countries, even where it may not be immediately perceived to be commercially beneficial. Improving delivery and access: as noted at the outset, establishing health innovation is merely one step in the innovation cycle and there needs to be a strong infrastructure in place to ensure that mechanisms are available to ensure that quality medicines are made available directly to those people who require them, at the correct time, with this being inherently linked to pricing and taxation. Ensuring sustainable financing mechanism: this core element looks more towards the long-term impact on the provision of healthcare services within the developing countries. Whilst there are often substantial financial injections into the developing countries, this needs to be made on a more sustainable footing in order to ensure that there are no substantial gaps in the financing of research and that the development cycle is continuous. Establishing a monitoring and reporting system: the final stage of the focus is to ensure that ongoing monitoring takes place and any potential gaps identified at the earliest opportunity, so that other aspects of the policy can be tweaked in order to encourage appropriate behaviour from both the developing countries themselves and also commercial organisations elsewhere which regularly interact with the developing regions, particularly when it comes to the provision of intellectual property and health innovation.   Ongoing Monitoring on Impact Having set out the various different policy approaches, it is proposed here that, if these were to be effectively applied, the developing countries would be in a much stronger position to ensure that health innovations are developed securely in relation to neglected diseases and are more readily available to those in need[12]. However, the strength of these policies really lies in their implementation and whether or not implementation has been successfully achieved, on a practical level. For this reason, the latter stage of this analysis looks at monitoring and evaluating the impact of these policies[13]. By looking in more detail at the area of the policy that is focused on establishing a robust monitoring and reporting systems, the WHO suggests that four areas need to be monitored, specifically. These include, the gap that exists in terms of health products and medical devices; the impact that intellectual property has on all aspects of the policies under scrutiny; the impact of any incentive mechanisms for transferring technology between the developed and developing regions; and finally, the level of investment in research and development, particularly in the developing regions[14]. The key difficulty when it comes to monitoring the impact of the strategy has been that it requires interactions among a variety of different entities, not all of whom are within the health sector. For example, it is necessary to look at the various political and economic issues, as well as goals, in order to gain an understanding of how effective the strategy is proving, from a practical perspective. Conclusions To a large extent, it is suggested here that the best approach for strategy implementation is to utilise regional platforms. By recognising that such a wide variety of landscapes exist among the various different countries, it is necessary to start at a regional level to develop platforms that will enable these regions to promote the underlying strategy, rather than focussing on one consistent approach. The same is true for the development of intellectual property, where having one overall global policy is simply impractical. Here, again, there is a need for intellectual property protection to take into account the demands from developing regions and for incentives to be provided to ensure that those producing medical developments are offered sufficient incentives to provide this information to the developing regions, despite reduced economic capabilities in these regions. When looking at this from a legal perspective and in particular the TRIPS Agreement, it can be seen that there are elements of incentives offered to ensure that developing countries are able t to attract at least some element of intellectual property development[15]; however, these need to be looked at in more detail, to encourage greater practical application, if the WHO strategy is to be successful and the gap between developing and developed countries is not to increase to an unsustainable level. Fundamentally, therefore, mechanisms need to be put in place in order to ensure that the commercial agents developing these medicines are encouraged to focus on those areas of greatest need, rather than on those areas with the greatest financial resources are able to pay for medicines that have been developed. It is concluded here, that there is always likely to be a disparity between commercial demands, as a result of intellectual property protection and health requirements weakening the position of the poorer regions. It is therefore down to international bodies such as the WHO to ensure that there is an incentive mechanisms are in place, in order to redress this imbalance as simple economic tools of supply and demand will not achieve this alone. References Abbott, F.M. (2005) ‘The WTO Medicines Decision: World Pharmaceutical Trade and   the Protection of Public Health’. American Journal of International Law 99(2): 317–58. Borrell, J.-R. (2007) ‘Pricing and Patents of HIV/AIDS Drugs in Developing Countries’.Applied Economics 39(4): 505–18 Branstetter, L., R. Fisman and C.F. Foley (2006) ‘Do Stronger Intellectual Property Rights Increase International Technology Transfer? Empirical Evidence from US Firm-level Panel Data’. Quarterly Journal of Economics 121(1): 321–49 Chaudhuri S. (2010), â€Å"RD for development of new drugs for neglected diseases in India†, Int. J. Technology and Globalisation, Vol. 5, Nos.  ½, pp. 61-75   Giaccotto, C., R.E. Santerre and J.A. Vernon (2005) ‘Drug Prices and Research and Development Investment Behavior in the Pharmaceutical Industry’. Journal of Law and Economics 48(1): 195–214. Ito, B. and R. Wakasugi (2007) ‘What Factors Determine the Mode of Overseas RD by Multinationals? Empirical Evidence’. Research Policy 36(8): 1275–87. Kremer, M. and R. Glennerster (2004) Strong Medicine: Creating Incentives for Pharmaceutical Research on Neglected Diseases. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press. MSF (2001)., Drugs for Neglected Diseases Working Group and the Campaign for Access to Essential Medicines, Fatal Imbalance: The Crisis in Research and Development for Drugs for Neglected Diseases, MSF, Geneva. Lacetera N. and Orsenigo L. (2001), â€Å"Political regimes. technological regimes and innovation in the evolution of the pharmaceutical industry in the USA and in Europe†, paper prepared for the Conference on Evolutionary Economics, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, 30-31 March 2001 Ostergard, R.L. (2000) ‘The Measurement of Intellectual Property Rights Protection’. Journal of International Business Studies 31(2): 349–60. Resolution WHA61.21, â€Å"Global strategy and plan of action on public health, innovation and intellectual property†, i Sixty-First World Health Assembly, Geneva, 19–24 May 2008,   Volume 1. Resolutions and decisions. Geneva, World Health Organization Sampath P. (2010), â€Å"Global health innovation, big pharma and emerging trends†, in Reconfiguring Global Health Innovation: Creating Capacity for Disease of the Poor, Routledge Publishing, September 2010. Santa Cruz M. and Roffe P., â€Å"A review of recent developments at the multilateral level with respect to intellectual property and the pharmaceutical industry†, Journal of Generic Medicines 6, 323-331 World Health Organization (2006), Public Health, Innovation and Intellectual Property Rights, Report of the Commission on Intellectual Property Rights, Innovation and Public Health, WHO, Geneva, , p. 174. Yamin A. (2003), â€Å"Not Just a Tragedy: Access to Medications as a Right Under International Law†, Boston University Law Journal, vol. 21:325-372 [1] Resolution WHA61.21, â€Å"Global strategy and plan of action on public health, innovation and intellectual property†, i Sixty-First World Health Assembly, Geneva, 19–24 May 2008,   Volume 1. Resolutions and decisions. Geneva, World Health Organization [2] World Health Organization (2006), Public Health, Innovation and Intellectual Property Rights, Report of the Commission on Intellectual Property Rights, Innovation and Public Health, WHO, Geneva, , p. 174 [3] Ito, B. and R. Wakasugi (2007) ‘What Factors Determine the Mode of Overseas RD by Multinationals? Empirical Evidence’. Research Policy 36(8): 1275–87. [4] Borrell, J.-R. (2007) ‘Pricing and Patents of HIV/AIDS Drugs in Developing Countries’.Applied Economics 39(4): 505–18 [5] Santa Cruz M. and Roffe P., â€Å"A review of recent developments at the multilateral level with respect to intellectual property and the pharmaceutical industry†, Journal of Generic Medicines 6, 323-331 [6] Abbott, F.M. (2005) ‘The WTO Medicines Decision: World Pharmaceutical Trade and   the Protection of Public Health’. American Journal of International Law 99(2): 317–58. [7] Sampath P. (2010), â€Å"Global health innovation, big pharma and emerging trends†, in Reconfiguring Global Health Innovation: Creating Capacity for Disease of the Poor, Routledge Publishing, September 2010. [8] Ostergard, R.L. (2000) ‘The Measurement of Intellectual Property Rights Protection’. Journal of International Business Studies 31(2): 349–60. [9] Yamin A. (2003), â€Å"Not Just a Tragedy: Access to Medications as a Right Under International Law†, Boston University Law Journal, vol. 21:325-372 [10] Branstetter, L., R. Fisman and C.F. Foley (2006) ‘Do Stronger Intellectual Property Rights Increase International Technology Transfer? Empirical Evidence from US Firm-level Panel Data’. Quarterly Journal of Economics 121(1): 321–49 [11] Kremer, M. and R. Glennerster (2004) Strong Medicine: Creating Incentives for Pharmaceutical Research on Neglected Diseases. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press. [12] Chaudhuri S. (2010), â€Å"RD for development of new drugs for neglected diseases in India†, Int. J. Technology and Globalisation, Vol. 5, Nos.  ½, pp. 61-75 [13] MSF (2001)., Drugs for Neglected Diseases Working Group and the Campaign for Access to Essential Medicines, Fatal Imbalance: The Crisis in Research and Development for Drugs for Neglected Diseases, MSF, Geneva. [14] Lacetera N. and Orsenigo L. (2001), â€Å"Political regimes. technological regimes and innovation in the evolution of the pharmaceutical industry in the USA and in Europe†, paper prepared for the Conference on Evolutionary Economics, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, 30-31 March 2001 [15] Giaccotto, C., R.E. Santerre and J.A. Vernon (2005) ‘Drug Prices and Research and Development Investment Behavior in the Pharmaceutical Industry’. Journal of Law and Economics 48(1): 195–214

Global Marekting and Ethics Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Global Marekting and Ethics - Coursework Example The success of the vehicle companies largely depends upon supplying vehicle models keeping in parity with the customers’ tastes and preferences. In this world of perfect competition, continuous innovation is ushering among the companies for building up new design of cars. Attracting customers along with product innovations, customers taste and preferences must be given prime emphasis for success. In 1980s and 1990s the main thrust of the automobile companies was to produce so called â€Å"world cars†. The term â€Å"world cars† mean that several automobile multinational companies like Ford, General Motors, and Toyota during that time targeted to sell cars in a same design produced in their centralized units in their overseas global market with a perspective that it would reap them huge benefit over their cost coverage. But the ultimate scenario in the reality was reverse. It was found that consumer in different market showed different taste and preference orienta tion as for example in North America the consumers demand were biased towards pick up cars while in European countries pick up cars were treated as utility vehicles purchased by firms for production use. Life style and preferences of the consumers can be referred to as a chief driving force in global marketing of automobile industries.... In many cases the firms may have to adopt unique mix in their marketing strategies in order to appeal purchasing behavior of a certain segment in a certain region. Management studies have revealed that African-Brazilian market is completely different from African-American market –the causal factor being the differences in social norms. In another example it was seen that group of people in China aged 45-55 who had few parallels in other countries during 1960s and 1970s were highly sensitive to price change and produced negative attitude towards entry of new products (Hill, n.d., p.491). So the firms had to rethink and formulate their marketing strategy mix in order to find a solution. Gender bias can also be regarded as a strategic factor in the global automobile industry. In the American society, in the automobile industry initially there was a trend in mixed workforce (both male and female) but gradually that trend changed and focus was diverted towards male dominance in the workforce and the famous Ford Company were in favor of this policy and promoted the same and gained unparalleled success. From table 1 (appendix), it can be seen that percentage women employment in Ford Company gradually declined (Robertson, 1999). Role of religion in global marketing of automobile industries Religion also acts a chief driving force in global marketing paradigm. In United States of America, there is predominance of small groups and they have deep belief in spirituality. There is no certain rigorous rigidity in joining different religious group only following few simple rules and some informal meetings (generally couple of months in that religious group) will suffice. These small religious groups rather behave like product

PsyInfo Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

PsyInfo - Essay Example This entails applying social work ethical principles, applying critical thinking, accepting diversity and difference, advancing human rights and social and economic justice, and engaging in practice that is research-informed among other things. 3. The primary functions of the National Association of social Works include, advancing sound social policies, maintaining professional standards of practice and providing services that protect the members and their status as professional social workers. 4. Clinical social works have master's or doctorate degrees in social work with an emphasis on mental health services and clinical experiences. 5. The history of social work is intimately tied in with helping poor people. It is possible to say it some its formal origins as urban missions came together to help people during the early years of the Industrial Revolution and mass migration during the 19th century. Eventually professionals came together in New York City and in 1889 with Jane Addams and the Hull House in Chicago. Adams also created the settlement house movement that involved providing assistance to the poor. Ida M. Cannon developed and head a multi-disciplinary social work department at a Boston hospital that become influential.

Sustainability at ASDA Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Sustainability at ASDA - Essay Example Supermarkets in Europe are investing time and effort into the accomplishment of sustainability in their operations since this is the new competitive advantage they ought to possess. The paper discusses the drivers as well as the sustainability initiatives to be undertaken by ASDA in its shopping centre at Wolverhampton, keeping in view dynamics of the industry as well as social, political, legal, economic and other factors. Before delving into the concept of sustainability, it is useful to understand the nature of the grocery industry in the U.K. The U.K supermarkets industry was worth more than ? 150.8 bn in 2010 which showed considerable increase of 3.1% compared to the last year (Schnedlitz et al., 2010). Food and grocery expenditure accounted for 0.52% of retail expenditure (Schnedlitz et al., 2010). Of this 0.53%, 21% is roughly spent shopping for the same in convenience stores (Schnedlitz et al., 2010). The private label brands, including Tesco, Asda, Morrison’s and Sain sbury’s have their unique brand identity and are not me-too or imitations of their branded competitors (Schnedlitz et al., 2010). The U.K retail market seems to be on the maturity stage of its lifecycle, however, growth is still quite prominent. The market is on its verge to a 15% growth in the next 5 years (IGD, 2010). Economic dynamics such as rising interest rates and consumer prices, house prices as well job insecurity are only few of a plethora of factors affecting firms in this sector (IGD, 2010).The new government following the election in May, 2010 also seems to bear impact by way of its proposed contractionary fiscal and monetary policy which could mean tough times for the high end markets. The history of ASDA can be traced back to the 1920’s when farmers in Yorkshire created the Hindell’s dairies in 1920 (ASDA, 2011). The company was an instant hit and diversified and expanded to become the Associated Dairies and Farm Stores Ltd in 1949, hence the name ASDA (ASDA, 2011). At the same time, in 1958, two brothers came up with The Asquiths store which offered, to some extent, convenience shopping to customers at a single place (ASDA, 2011). In 1965, the Asquiths merged with Associated Dairies and Farm Stores Ltd. to create ASDA (ASDA, 2011). Thereon, the company was named as ASDA in 1970 when The Asquiths was acquired by Associated Dairies and Farm Stores Ltd (ASDA, 2011). Today, ASDA is known as a subsidiary of Wal-Mart, and is a merchandising and grocery retailing giant in the U.K. The company owns about 583 stores that stock various items ranging from grocery to apparel (ASDA, 2011). ASDA has its headquarters in Leeds, U.K and is home to approximately 178,000 workers (ASDA, 2011). The company is widely known for its staunch sustainability initiatives and has undertaken massive reforms in the same area in order to maintain its competitive edge over competitors such as Morrisons, Sainsbury’s Tesco and Waitrose. Sustainability is defined as the ability to survive or sustain. Popularly, the term environmental sustainability is being used to represent efforts to sustain and prolong the survival of all species and the ecosystem in the environment. A more comprehensive definition of sustainability encompasses all three foundations of sustainability, including the people, economy and the environment (Dunphy, 2000). The relation between these three foundations suggests that there exist limitations on the

Innovation for Tesco

Innovation for Tesco Tesco has rivals like Sainsburys, Asda, Morrison and Iceland, the rivals of Tesco always try to introduce something new and different in the products to attract the customers. But the technology management of Tesco thought that we should have to introduce an innovation which could be in the form of technology as well as which can reduce the staff, time and cost of the organization and which also can provide the good and efficient services to attract the customers, so after a long consideration the Tesco technology management introduced an innovation in the forms of self check outs tills and online ordering, such kinds of devices are the innovation for the Tesco as well as the new technology. Tesco was 1st organization in the retail chain which introduced the self check outs tills and online ordering. Therefore we can say that it was an innovation for Tesco as well as in the retail chain, with the help of this innovation Tesco is the 3rd largest retail company in the world now days. ( Interview from Store Manager) Definition of Innovation:- Innovation is not a single action but a total process of interrelated sub-processes. Is not just the conception of a new idea, not the invention of a new device, nor the development of a new market the process is all these things acting in an integrated fashion.(Myers Marquis, 1969) All activities which is involved in the procedure of generating ideas, development of technology marketing and producing new products and the process of manufacturing is called innovation (Trott, 2005) General Definition of Innovation:- In the organization the innovation is the process to improve or develop the new products and services in order to gain the competitive advantage in the market place. The innovation approach adopted by the Management:- The organization benefits through innovation How the innovation improved the overall organization performance Estimate the successful of the innovation (Questionnaires from the customers) Conclusion and Recommendation Organization:- The founder of Tesco was Jack Cohen in 1919. They started with the small stall but after 10 year in 1929 they opened a first store in Burnt Oak, now days in Britain Tesco is the king in the retail chain and in the world retail chain Tesco is the 3rd largest company. Tesco have 3700 stores all over the world and more than 440000 employees. Outside the Britain Tesco have stores in 13 countries. Tesco is a well known company in Britain as well as in central Europe. Tesco is dealing with every kind of Garments, wines, frozen food, electronics, groceries, travelling, and banking Tesco is struggling to become the 2nd in 2012. Tesco Mission Statement:- Mission statement is very important for every organization rather small or large, because a mission statement sets the general goals or purpose of the organization. It is very vital for the employees to obtain the organization goals. The Tesco mission statement is to keep loyal customers, in order to achieve the mission Tesco have to know who their loyal customers are, due to this reason Tesco introduced the club card services with the help of this Tesco may reward the customers by distributing the special kinds of vouchers and giving them extra points. What is the Tesco aim? The Tesco aim is to achieve the long term goals. What is an organization objective? The objectives in other words are goals which the organization sets for its future. Objectives have the time period like three or five years. The objective of the Tesco is measureable as well as they also contribute to obtain the aims. How the objective and aims merge with each other. All Tesco aims and objective merge with each other no one will work without each other. All over the world Google is the top search engine. Tesco has wonderfully detailed existence on the Google. Instances of Self check outs services:- In the retail chain Tesco is the first organization which introduced the self check outs tills the benefits of these tills for the customer is that customer can easily scan their items without any intervention of the staff as well as these tills are used both orders like small and large Tesco also gives the facility of automated checkout machines to the customers, customers its self can easily use these tills which reduce the customer time as well as the cost of staff and timing. These tills are very helpful for the Tesco to attract the customers and the profit. Instances of Online ordering:- If anyone write Tesco in the search box of the Google instantly the company possible detail come up like offers, Bog of deals, Voucher, Menu, Coupons, Club card, Home electrical etc. The new and old customers can easily choose the field of her/his choice and get all the relevant information as well as if any one write Tesco in the search box of the Google it shows many links of the company. The website of the company gives you very easy way to order online, location of the nearest store, food guide, feedback system, participating events, memberships, business information etc. The given below websites picture is describing that how Tesco is facilitating to their customers. For example if any customer enter the post code on the website he/she can easily track the nearest store, store phone number, store address as well as get information about the special offers, regular etc. Source: Tesco.com The Estimation/Evaluation:- Time by time Tesco considers the many things to check its improvement/progress. Increasing in number of customers (weekly, monthly and yearly) What are the customers views/suggestion/reviews regarding services and food Customers can give feedback thorough online as well as direct regarding their services etc The weekly average sale in a certain period. Change model:- Beckhard and Levin in 1969 and 1951 respectively developed the most famous change models. However other important contributions have been introduced by Quinn 1980 and Lewin 1980. Lewin:- The introductory methods for managing change are as follows according Lewin 1951. Unfreezing, existing behaviour and attitudes are supported by changing the present state equilibrium. According to new information new responses can be developed. Refreezing, by introduction of new responses in to personality concern can stabilize change. Field force analysis is a methodology for analysing change suggested by lewin which involves Transition to the future state is affected by analysing driving or restraining forces Differentiating between driving and restraining forces is essential. Action should be taking to increase critical driving forces and decrease critical restraining forces (Martin, 2006) Value change analysis can be applied to an organization , every time cost is reduce value substitution should be implemented, through this organization and customers both gain this has been practiced by Tesco self service check outs have not only reduce the staff cost but it also has made shopping experience easier for the consumer. (Horovitz, 2004) Guideline for Change Management:- Armstrong has explained the following factors to make sure that change management is successfully implemented in an organization. Understanding of the organizational structure and levels of change needs to be affective with the help of a strong and visionary leadership. Appropriate attitude and leadership is required to those concerned at all levels when implementing change strategies. Encourage workers who accept the idea of change participation in planning and implementation. Change should be advocated with the help of hard evidence and data. Instead of attitudes or corporate culture change should be implemented by process and behaviours. This should be completed by awarding people who encourage change and challenges. (Armstrong, 2006) Trigger: There are two types of trigger are involved in this change Internal Trigger: The management of Tesco realized that the sale and services are going bad due to negligence of staff and the shortage of staff so they need to change something, after the consideration they recognized an innovation in the form of technology like automated self services tills which can provide better customer services. External Trigger: Every organization is brining change introducing different technologies so Tesco also needs to bring the change in the organization and change could be technology, however Tesco adapted the computer technology to satisfy the customers. Innovation Analysis:- Like many others companies Tesco is also affected in every season as well as environment and lots of staff mistakes. Tesco needs are to introduce an innovation that can expand its way, and Tesco swap the workforce in to the computer technology. The Tesco management considered that our services are going to low level due to lack of staff, however empty spaces could be filled with the help of computer technology as well as efficient performance. The world is changed due to the new development in science since last decades. Computer technology is very good as well as very affordable. Tesco can easily use the technology and new improvement in technology is very important trigger for the Tesco, from last 10 years the information system is more advance and fast. The customers behaviour has been changed due to the computers. So self check out and online ordering is the part of the technology which Tesco is using very efficiently. Benefits of Innovation:- Tesco is one of the biggest retailers in Britain, so Tesco needs an innovation which could be in the form of technology as well as which can reduce the cost of staff and increase its profit as well as compete its rivals like Asda, Morrisons and Sainsburys. There are many benefits for Tesco after introducing the technology which we discussed above online ordering and self check outs services, the customers can give order very easily at home through online which is very good for Tesco to increase its customers as well as sale and reduce the cost of staff, customers can order online at any time and day. This technology is very important or bon of Tesco because Tesco sales boosted up to 49% after adapting the online ordering system. Tesco is the first organization whom introduced this facility, the self check outs services are also very vital for Tesco because with the help of these tills Tesco is saving the time and money as well as reducing the staff and also giving better facility to their customers. Adapting this innovation/ technology is one of the huge changes in the organization. Tesco opened a new store in Northampton there is no check out staff, because Tesco used the automated self tills. By using good technology Tesco needs to handle the customer demands. Primary Research:- In order to understand the role of manager in the innovation, we took an interview one of the Tesco store manager. In an interview the store manager of Tesco described the basic role of the manager when any change or innovation adapted the Tesco as well he also described the factors while adapting the new technology, which are as given below. Understanding the innovation:- In an interview the store manager said that the manager always ensure that the new technology is understandable and supportable for the management and the staff as well as its also very helpful to achieve some benefits from the head office. Role of Manager:- Staff training:- The basic role of the manager that they train the staff according to the new technology as well they make sure that all staff has full information regarding the technology. The managers also confirm that the innovation is suitable for the organization and staff. They solve the staff problem regarding the new technology. Managers train the staff very efficiently in order to provide the good service and quality of the product. In every organization staff training is very essential because they tell the customers about the innovation which is very good for the organization to increase the sale. (Interview) Role of Deputy Store Manager:- After getting an interview from the Tesco store manager. We also took an interview from the deputy store manager of Tesco, during an interview he told us about his role when any change or introduce an innovation. He makes sure that all the staffs have idea about the technology as well as the advantages for this purpose he call the staff meeting and tell them about the innovation and then they train them. The deputy store manager also keep watching the performance of staff regarding the technology and he also ensure that every single staff must have the knowledge about the new technology, staff after getting the training then they could be able to help and teach the customer about the self check outs and online ordering by themselves. He also said that after getting the technology the Tesco need to maintain and provide good quality of services to their customers. (Interview) Managers External Roles:- The external role of Tesco management is they give ads to the social websites regarding the innovation to attract and tell the customers about the new technology. This is very beneficial for Tesco to increase the customers and the sale. Technology management cycle:- The Tesco technology management introduced an innovation in the form of self check outs tills. When Tesco technology management introduce this technology/innovation, management of Tesco managed this technology through a technology cycle, which is given below. Experience Experiment Reflection Concept Customer Analysis on the Innovation:- When Tesco introduce or adopt new technology. Tesco takes feedback from the customer to evaluate the success of technology/innovation. (Q No#1) Are you happy with the Tesco Service? When we are conducting an interview from the customer round about 88% of the peoples said that they are satisfied and happy with the Tesco services. In an interview customers told us that they have chosen the Tesco for good food, products and good services. Tesco products may not be cheaper than the Sainsburys and Asda. But customers are also very happy and satisfied because Tesco provides good services as well s the quality of the products. (Q No#2) Are you happy by using self check outs services and online ordering? In an interview round about 83% customers said that they are very happy and satisfied by using online ordering as well as self check outs services, Tesco implemented this technology before couple of years. According to the consumers this technology is very helpful to complete the process of buying very fast, reliable and efficient. According to the customers they do not like to stand in the queue as well as spend more time in the store, so such kinds of innovation/technology attract the customers and save the time. (Q No#3) Are you known about the term of technology management? Almost 60% customer said in an interview that they have good information/knowledge regarding the term of technology management. (Q No#4) Are you known about the change management and how the change affects the customers/people? Many customers whom were interviewed found that they have very good idea as well as knowledge about the change management; round about 75% customers said that yes change management affects the customers as well as the staff. The example is this people can buy or give order online with the help of technology. It saves their time. (Q No#5) Is Tesco should have to adopt new technology? Almost 92% customer said during the interview that Tesco should have to adopt new technology with the passage of time and also give more flexibility as well as advantages to the customers, because new technology always unique and special for customers. (Q No#6) What would you say that organization change management has been effective on the innovation? The 80% people said that yes organization change management has been effective on the innovation and Tesco should have to carry on innovating, it is very helpful for Tesco to remain and gain the sustainable competitive advantage. Recommendation:- Martin in 2006 suggested that it is the responsibility of the experienced co-worker to train and guide new staff this reflects the fact that organizational structure needs to change with the introduction of new technology, in return the workforce with look towards the management for training guidance. (Martin, 2006) Technology today improves the quality of life. It improves choice in foods, transportation, jobs, housing, healthcare, water quality and entertainment, further more. It is looked upon as a source of progression in most societies. (Henry Mayle, 2002) This new concept not only improves staff image but also helps in customer service. This would be communicated to the general public through the Ads, media, radio, television etc. Tesco Implemented the customers Suggestion/Recommended:- The company has initialized an online feedback facility where a customer can comment about their experience in the store regarding the automated tills. For example if a customer shopped in Leyton, comments asked would be about the location of the store, customer experience, stock readily available, in short general view of the customer this not only gives the customer a chance to voice their opinion, it also is forward to the concern store, on these recommendations the store manager takes steps to compensate their drawbacks and improve service at their store. My Recommendation:- We will recommend that Tesco should have to adopt more self check out tills in future and provide more reliable services to the customers as well as to resolve the problem of the customers regarding the automated self tills. Conclusion:- Tesco is the biggest retail company in the United Kingdom. It is the third largest company in the world. It provides the quality of products and services. Tesco has many kinds of products according to their customer needs and desire. Tesco always give tough time to their competitors. So Tesco technology management introduced self check out tills and online ordering system. This technology is very helpful and reliable for the customers, Before introducing new technology the technology management ensure that the technology should be understandable and supported by the staff and the top management. However in the organization the staff must have training before using the new technology, on the other hand this innovation/technology is very beneficial and favourable for Tesco. Tesco can gain and remain the sustainable competitive advantage.

Track State Championship Essay -- Memoir Essays

Track State Championship The pit of my stomach felt as if it was being eaten away by gnawing insects inside. It wasn't just the ordinary butterflies but evil-biting insects. I was standing impatiently on the track quickly sliding further toward the inside as the incoming runner completed her handoff. Screaming encouragements, I waited for Rachel to make her way down the last stretch. We successfully completed our exchange of the baton and I was off. We arrived at Dutch Clark Stadium in Pueblo, Colorado our normal two hours early on a dark, rainy Friday morning. Our team carried in the large tarp, blue tent, coolers full of energy food and many cases of water to keep us hydrated throughout the day. The sight of the enormous red rubber track brought that familiar tingle to my stomach. "It's the same size as any other track, but we just run the opposite direction," I heard Coach Dirst joke with the always gullible Erin. Shortly after we set up camp, I heard the familiar words, "Get out of here!" come from Coach Dirst. Our team made our way down the mountain of unevenly spaced, concrete stairs to the track. After doing our routine warm-up of a two-lap jog, stretches and form running, the team scattered, some preparing for their event, others just hoping to catch a few more zs. As I was making my way back to camp, I noticed everyone's red stained t-shirts and sweatshirts from stretching on the damp track, not realizing those stains would in time become memories I'd never forget. The day of prelims jumped off to a great start. The medley relay qualified for finals, and Kendal became a two-time state champion in high jump capturing the team's first ten points. The rest of the day went just as well. After placing fourth a... ...owerful! To hear Coach Dirst say that just made the whole experience that much more special. All the hard work we'd put in throughout the year had finally paid off when it mattered most. As we ran our final victory lap of the 2002 track season, we realized we had accomplished what every team dreams. After the sharing of many hugs and tears, happy ones of course, I made my way back to camp to gather my belongings. I then slowly strolled to the parking lot wanting to savor the incredible feeling. As I gazed up at the pitch-black sky, a raindrop fell to my forehead. Within no time at all, I was standing in the midst of a downpour taking everything in as I thought, "This is as good as it gets!" All the emotions, triumph, thrill and excitement, I was feeling acted like a bug bomb to the evil-biting insects that were at one time eating away at the pit of my stomach. Â  

A factors that may affect communication Essay

Often when we communicate there is always an overall power within that communication. The speaker may create the status of ring leader. This power throughout communication may be seen as a strength, as they are leading the conversation, however this power may be perceived negatively. The recipient in the conversation may feel small and belittled as there is no chance for them to talk, this may therefore cause communication to be less effective. In health and social care both the care provider and patients have power. The patient would have power over final decisions that need to be made concerning their care, however the care provider would have power over the level of care given. This balance of power should always be shared positively. Power throughout communication plays an important role. The care giver should always take the lead. It is important for the patient to have their say on any decisions that may be made, however if the care provider feels they are making the wrong deci sion they should use their all their power of medical intelligence to persuade the patient to make the right decision. Abuse of power may be seen in the workplace. As an example a care worker may be the subject of abuse) by senior management. The senior management may think that the care worker won’t tell anyone due to his or her higher status. This would be an abuse of power on their behalf as they are using their higher level of management to intimidate. This care workers communication throughout the job may also suffer due to their being in a vulnerable state. A strategy that may help any use and abuse of power being stopped may be to promote individual rights within the workplace. This could help to ensure everyone is clear of what help they could have. Putting staff in touch with trade unions may also help. In relation to the above-mentioned case study, an abused care worker might apply the strategy  of speaking to someone in higher management. If the care worker did not feel comfortable doing this, another idea might be to report it to a complaint company or the police. Reporting to higher management may be seen as a positive or a negative. The positive to this strategy is that fast action could take place to ensure the problem is resolved. However the negative could be that the situation isn’t kept private as each different manger might have to discuss it, this may in turn cause the care worker to feel embarrassed and unsafe. In conclusion I feel the use and abuse of power is a key consideration for the care worker and one that will certainly need to be applied strategically. The use of various strategies to meet various situations will create an image of the personality of the care worker in the eyes of their patient. The final factor which effects effective communication would be the use of alcohol and drugs. When having to care for persons under the influence of these substances the lack communication will become a great struggle and may cause great difficulties. A case study example could be in an A and E unit. If the carer is dealing with a person under the influence they would have to be very patient. The person receiving the care may be angry, the best way to defuse this anger is to make sure the person has enough space, if they feel overcrowded this may make them more angry as they are unaware of what is going on. As a carer you would ensure yourself to talk slowly, you may also find that you have to often repeat yourself. While communicating with someone who has drank or taken substances they may either be quiet and be struggling to talk or they may say things that don’t make any sense. As a carer you would try to make them understand where they are and what is going on. Reassuring may gain trust as they know you are only trying to help. If a carer had to undertake a procedure while the patient was under the influence communication would be key. Making sure the person understands what is happening and why is very important. If the person cooperates this will make the procedure a lot easier however there could be a possibility that the person may decide half way through the procedure that they no longer want it or as the drugs or alcohol are wearing off they may feel more confused. Confusion could cause the patient to become angry against the person who is caring for them. Their only defence mechanism they  may feel they have to defend their- selves may be to act physically against the carer. To help ensure this does not happen communication throughout the whole process is vital. However if the patient still reacts angrily having another carer there should ensure more safety. By making the patient aware of their surroundings could bring both negatives and positives. The positive side to this is the patient is aware of where they are, this may help by them being more comparative in any procedures that may need to take place. However this action could also be looked at negatively by telling the patient about their surroundings might make them not want to be there this may cause their cooperation to be poor. Receiving effective communication with a persons under the influence of drink and drugs can be proven difficult however talking slowly and using appropriate strategies should ensure the communication is as effective as possible.

The Gullah or Geechee Community

The Gullah or Geechee Community The Gullah people of South Carolina and Georgia have a fascinating history and culture. Also known as the Geechee, the Gullah are descended from African slaves who were prized for their ability to grow crucial crops such as rice. Due to geography, their culture was largely isolated from white society and from other slave societies. They are known for having preserved a tremendous amount of their African traditions and language elements. Today, approximately 250,000 people speak the Gullah language, a rich mixture of African words and the English that was spoken hundreds of years ago. The Gullah are currently working to ensure that future generations and the general public know about and respect the Gullah past, present, and future. Geography of the Sea Islands The Gullah people inhabit many of the one hundred Sea Islands, which stretch along the Atlantic Ocean coasts of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and northern Florida. These marshy tidal and barrier islands have a humid subtropical climate. Sea Island, St. Helena Island, St. Simons Island, Sapelo Island, and Hilton Head Island are some of the most important islands in the chain. Enslavement and Atlantic Voyage Eighteenth-century plantation owners in South Carolina and Georgia wanted slaves to work on their plantations. Because growing rice is a very difficult, labor-intensive task, plantation owners were willing to pay high prices for slaves from the African Rice Coast. Thousands of people were enslaved in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Angola, and other countries. Before their voyage across the Atlantic Ocean, the slaves waited in holding cells in Western Africa. There, they began to create a pidgin language to communicate with people from other tribes. After their arrival in the Sea Islands, the Gullah blended their pidgin language with the English spoken by their masters. Immunity and Isolation of the Gullah The Gullah grew rice, okra, yams, cotton, and other crops. They also caught fish, shrimp, crabs, and oysters. Gullah had some immunity to tropical diseases like malaria and yellow fever. Because plantation owners did not have immunity to these diseases, they moved inland and left the Gullah slaves alone in the Sea Islands for much of the year. When the slaves were freed after the Civil War, many Gullah bought the land that they worked on and continued their agricultural way of life. They remained relatively isolated for another one hundred years. Development and Departure By the mid-20th century, ferries, roads, and bridges connected the Sea Islands to the mainland United States. Rice was also grown in other states, reducing the rice output from the Sea Islands. Many Gullah had to change their way of earning a living. Many resorts have been built in the Sea Islands, causing lingering controversy over ownership of the land. However, some Gullah now work in the tourism industry. Many have left the islands for higher education and employment opportunities. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas spoke Gullah as a child. The Gullah Language The Gullah language has developed over four hundred years. The name Gullah probably derives from the Gola ethnic group in Liberia. Scholars have debated for decades over classifying Gullah as a distinct language or merely a dialect of English. Most linguists now regard Gullah as an English- based Creole language. It is sometimes called Sea Island Creole. The vocabulary is comprised of English words and words from dozens of African languages, such as Mende, Vai, Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba. The African languages also greatly influenced Gullah grammar and pronunciation. The language was unwritten for much of its history. The Bible was recently translated into the Gullah language. Most Gullah speakers are also fluent in standard American English. Gullah Culture The Gullahs of the past and present have an intriguing culture that they deeply love and want to preserve. Customs, including storytelling, folklore, and songs, have been passed down through generations. Many women make crafts like baskets and quilts. Drums are a popular instrument. The Gullahs are Christians and attend church services regularly. Gullah families and communities celebrate holidays and other events together. The Gullah enjoy delicious dishes based on the crops they traditionally grew. Great efforts have been made to preserve the Gullah culture. The National Park Service oversees the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor. A Gullah Museum exists on Hilton Head Island. Firm Identity The story of the Gullahs is very important to African-American geography and history. Its interesting that a separate language is spoken off the coast of South Carolina and Georgia. The Gullah culture will undoubtedly survive. Even in the modern world, the Gullah are an authentic, unified group of people that deeply respect their ancestors values of independence and diligence.

Free Essays on Venus And Earth

Venus and Earth: The Twin Sisters Venus is known as Earth’s sister planet because they are similar in mass, sizes density, and volume. But have you ever wondered how they are different. Venus is actually very different from Earth in many ways. Venus is closer to the sun than any other planet except Mercury. Venus’s distance from the sun is about 67.2 million miles, compared with about 93 million miles from the Earth. Venus orbits the sun in a circular motion. The Earth and all other planets orbit the sun in an oval shaped motion. Venus takes about 225 Earth days to go around the sun once compared to earth’s 365 days. Unlike Earth, Venus does not rotate in the same direction in which it travels around the sun. Rather, Venus rotates in the opposite direction and spins around once every 243 Earth days. Venus can be see going through changes in shape and size. These changes are called phases much like the moons. Earth does not go through phases such as those of Venus. Earth and Venus do have some similarities when it comes to the their surfaces features. Both planets have mountains, valleys, and canyons. Venus’s surface is still very different from Earth’s surface. For example, Venus has crowns, ring like structures that range from 95 to 360 miles in diameter. These crowns form when hot material inside the planet rises to the surface. Earth has huge bodies of water and land, compared to Venus’s extremely dry planet. Venus has do lakes, oceans, or any bodies of water because the temperatures are to hot. If it did have water it would boil and evaporate, thus still leaving not water on the dry planet. The atmospheric pressure of Venus is estimated at 1,323 pounds per square inch, which is about 90 times greater than the atmospheric pressure on Earth, which is about 14.7 pounds per square inch. Such difference in atmospheric pressure is due to the fact that Venus’s atmosphere is made up primarily of ca... Free Essays on Venus And Earth Free Essays on Venus And Earth Venus and Earth: The Twin Sisters Venus is known as Earth’s sister planet because they are similar in mass, sizes density, and volume. But have you ever wondered how they are different. Venus is actually very different from Earth in many ways. Venus is closer to the sun than any other planet except Mercury. Venus’s distance from the sun is about 67.2 million miles, compared with about 93 million miles from the Earth. Venus orbits the sun in a circular motion. The Earth and all other planets orbit the sun in an oval shaped motion. Venus takes about 225 Earth days to go around the sun once compared to earth’s 365 days. Unlike Earth, Venus does not rotate in the same direction in which it travels around the sun. Rather, Venus rotates in the opposite direction and spins around once every 243 Earth days. Venus can be see going through changes in shape and size. These changes are called phases much like the moons. Earth does not go through phases such as those of Venus. Earth and Venus do have some similarities when it comes to the their surfaces features. Both planets have mountains, valleys, and canyons. Venus’s surface is still very different from Earth’s surface. For example, Venus has crowns, ring like structures that range from 95 to 360 miles in diameter. These crowns form when hot material inside the planet rises to the surface. Earth has huge bodies of water and land, compared to Venus’s extremely dry planet. Venus has do lakes, oceans, or any bodies of water because the temperatures are to hot. If it did have water it would boil and evaporate, thus still leaving not water on the dry planet. The atmospheric pressure of Venus is estimated at 1,323 pounds per square inch, which is about 90 times greater than the atmospheric pressure on Earth, which is about 14.7 pounds per square inch. Such difference in atmospheric pressure is due to the fact that Venus’s atmosphere is made up primarily of ca...

Risk Management Processes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Risk Management Processes - Essay Example Risk has been known to be unavoidable; as a result, every individual and organisation needs to ensure that they manage risk to a level which is tolerable or acceptable depending on its â€Å"risk appetite†. Resources available for managing risk are finite. Therefore, individuals, entities and organizations should strive to achieve an optimum response to risk, prioritised according to an evaluation of the risks. Risk Management There has been various definition of risk management. Eppler and Aeschimann (2008) defined risk management as ‘an effective method that is critical in minimizing hurting effects of risks and optimizing the benefits of risky situations’. Risk management can be deduced to mean taking measures that are defined and should be able to reduce the potential risky results of specific action in various socio-political and economic climates. Identifying, analyzing, minimizing and monitoring risk is the very essence of risk management. Risk management i s the process of helping organisations and managers make the best use of resources available to them given unpredictable situations. When organisations apply risk management, they address systematically the risks that face their events and processes. The ultimate goal of managing risks is to achieve augmented benefit across portfolio of their activities (IRM, 2002). Risk management process entails activities aimed at assessing risk, and engaging in activities that help reduce risk to levels that are acceptable and able to maintain the level of risk. Eventually, an organisation would ensure that risks are analyzed in relation to existing potential benefits, putting into consideration existing alternatives, and, finally, implementing the best course of action according to management goals. Risk management involves the process of risk analysis that studies people’s interactions and various risks in relation to their surroundings. It is believed that humans are responsible for cr eating risks while at the same time bearing its burdens or at the same time assume both roles in their quest of trying to reduce personal risks. In any organisation, risk analyses that are effective should be able to involve all relevant fields including social science, natural science and engineering (Fischhoff, 2005). Risk management is known to be different in many organisations depending on its size, type, outcomes, the purpose of their existence and the role they play especially in delivering goods or services. Organisations that exist in the private sector main purpose is mainly directed towards enhancement of shareholder value; at the same time organisations in the public sector main objective is to deliver services for the benefit of the public. Whatever the type and purpose of the organisation, achieving and delivering their objectives is surrounded by uncertainty that would bring about threats to success at the same time provide opportunities for increasing success. Risk m anagement consists of the process of analyzing and interpreting risk, at the same time, it also involves the process of identifying and analysing details and level of formation of systems. The subject also includes the process of collecting and analyzing data on different component of risk and finally, interpreting the Risk Assessment output. In risk management, risk mitigation involves the selection and implementation of security controls to reduce

The Giver Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Giver - Essay Example The book and the movie have same ideas that they convey out. In both the book and the film there is pain being experienced by different characters involved. For example, in the film, there was a war that took place and the community went through tough times. After the war, they decided to do away with racial feelings. On the other hand, in the book, there are options on how to make things work for the community especially in decision making by the elders. The book and the film have series of similar events that resulted to the main theme of both the book and the movie. Therefore, in this review, there is no different in the plot or subplot as can be realized when watching and reading the book and the film respectively. In class structure, the movie and the book have a positive impact on students in building the knowledge of literature, hence improvement in academic standard. In addition to this, the book and the movie clearly show some types of leadership that can be copied by the most governments in many nations around the globe. This can be either positive or negative to those who put them into practice. For example, Jonas is nominated to take charge of all memories and provide them when they are needed for use by the community. However, the government has the responsibility to control the use of any written material and films. This is done by different institutions within the government at different levels. Sometimes the contents of some materials may be dangerous to peace or economic stability of the nation. In this case, the content of the book and the film have important information that is helpful to the citizens. Example is showed when the community elders seek the receiver’s advice whenever they needed wisdom to make decisions on various issues within the committee. The occasions that needed wisdom were during population increase and when the pilot always takes