Critically Evaluate Change at Marks Spencer - 5311 Words

Abstract Marks and Spencer (MS) p.l.c. is one of the largest retailers in the United Kingdom with a selling space of 12.5 million square feet, was established in 1884 as ‘Penny bazaar’. MS sells clothing, food, footwear, gifts and home furnishings in its 760 stores around the world. The company’s wholly own and franchise stores operates in Europe, Hong Kong, Far East, Australia, Middle East, the Bahamas and Bermuda making a total of 34 countries. This report critically evaluates the changes at MS from the mid 1980s to current day. Initially it assesses and outlines the macro and micro environmental factors. Under macro environment the substantial competitive growth is explained using internet technology and globalisation. Under†¦show more content†¦Figure 1: GDP growth of the UK since 2002 Source: National Statistics (2007) According to Turban and King (2003), internet technology renders retailers an additional channel for branding, transactions and customer relationship management, the adaptation of which may drive down retailers’ transaction costs, and ensuring faster and higher quality of customer interactions, resulting in enlarging the existing markets and consumer base. MS realizes this and have tried to sell clothing via high street stores as well as via internet though they have experienced cost cutting, rationalisation and management changes in order to revive their business in recent years. Internet technology might enable sustainable competitive advantage, but problems remain on how to physically organize their online retail operations. As argued by Eaton (2001), globalization is an enterprise management feature, which increases liberalization of international trade and international competition. Needless to say, nowadays most of senior managers tend to plan their companies to go worldwide. In the early 1970s, MS expanded its international operation to purchase a 50 per cent shareholding of three Canadian companies for the first step. In November 1997 the company announced a 2,100 million GBP plan for global expansion which would be across Europe, the Far East and the Middle East (Bevan, 2002). 2.2. Micro Environment This part adopts Porter’s (1985) five-forceShow MoreRelatedStrategic Role Of Human Resource Management1550 Words   |  7 Pagespracticed in UK’s one of most known retail brand Marks Spencer. The company has been performing consistently well since its commencement. The report also analysis human resource planning and the development methods used by the MS, Finally examining how organisations contribute in achieving organisational objectives and requirements in performance. Company Profile Marks Spencer also known as MS established in 1894 in Leeds by Michael Marks and Thomas Spencer. It is one of UK’s leading retail brand andRead MoreMarks Spencer1929 Words   |  8 Pagesï » ¿bstract: This report critically analyses how the external and internal factors affect the strategies of MS and modifies its business strategies. Even though MS has good strategy and marketing plans they haven’t used it to their advantage. It also tells how the macro and micro environment affect their strategy and their plan. The report uses frame works like PESTEL, SWOT and porter 5 forces. It further investigates the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of MS. This report highlightsRead MoreFinancial Management4387 Words   |  18 Pages An Investigation of Marks and Spencer and the Hermes principles DATE: 11/04/08 1. Introduction Marks Spencer Plc (MS) is an international retailer which is currently operating in 34 countries and has established over 600 UK stores as well as over 219 franchise stores. The company trades in clothing, home furnishings and foods. The company’s corporate objective is to increase long-term shareholder wealth. The aim of the report is to evaluate the financial managementRead MoreStrategic Development Report ( Sdr ) On The Princes Trust Charity983 Words   |  4 Pagesthe strategy of the charity and undertake a process of analysis, formulation and review of its implementation (AFI) as outlined by Rothaermel, F (2013, pg20). This report will then outline strategic recommendations for the charity and finally critically evaluate these recommendations. Strategy, strategic thinking and strategic process (AFI) for organizations is important. Porter, M.E (1980) outlined the strategy and competiveness and he developed the term of ‘Strategic competitive advantage’ (SCA)Read MoreMarketing3107 Words   |  13 PagesI. INTRODUCTION Marks Spencer Group Plc is an international organization which doing business through Europe, North America and Asia. The located headquarter is in City of Westminster, London. The company sales clothing, footwear, gifts, house appliances, and food in over 600 stores in UK and over 300 stores across more than 40 countries in the world (Source online: Web1). The consumer’s confidence in the Marks and Spencer brand remains second to none By the way, the company can achieve many opportunitiesRead MoreMarks and Spencer3678 Words   |  15 PagesEXECUTIVE SUMMARY This report critically analyses the impact of external and internal influences on the business strategies of Marks and Spencer (MS) between 1996 and 2002, evaluates the factors, and modifies its business strategies. The major finding is that MS has successful business strategies and marketing plans. However, the company does not maintain these advantages continuously. Indeed, it causes some disadvantages. The purpose of this report is to evaluate how MS survives in theRead MoreThe Key Issues That M S Faced Developing And Implementing Its Strategic Plan3473 Words   |  14 PagesLeeds Beckett University MA International Business Critically evaluate the key issues that MS faced in developing and implementing its Strategic Plan Corporate Strategy Name: Jay Patel Student ID: 77154870â€Æ' Contents Introduction 1 Company overview 1 Environmental analysis 2 PESTLE 2 SWOT 3 Governance and Alliance Structure 4 Key issues facing M S 5 Challenge of Strategy Development in a multiple stakeholder environment 6 Evaluation of the Strategic Options facing MS 7 RecommendationsRead MoreMarks Spencer Case Study6101 Words   |  25 PagesMarks Spencer Case Study Introduction........................................................................ Page 3 EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT 1.0 PEST Analysis................................................................ Page 3 2.0 Porters Five Forces Model................................................. Page 4 INTERNAL ANALYSIS 3.0 Auditing the Resources of MS.......................................... Page 5 4.0 Value Chain Analysis....................................................Read MoreMS Case Study2089 Words   |  9 Pagess Case Study: Marks and Spencer Where now for an icon of British retailing? History and background Early history Marks and Spencer (Mamp;S) was founded by Michael Marks and Thomas Spencer in 1884 - he called his business penny bazaars with signs reading Dont ask the price, its a penny (the forerunner of stores like Poundland today?) The company went public in the 1920s and by the 1970s Mamp;S had established itself as a British institution with locations in every major town andRead MoreIntroduction. This Essay Will Critically Evaluate The Adoption995 Words   |  4 PagesIntroduction This essay will critically evaluate the adoption of International Accounting Standards by UK companies. IAS (International Accounting Standards) created by IASC (International accounting standards committee) are a set of standards stating how particular types of transactions and other events should be reflected in financial statements. Since 2001 the IASB (International Accounting Standards Board) succeeded the IASC to create the IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) which

Pinay Ako Free Essays

Pinay Ako â€Å"MANILA, Philippines- The inability of the Philippine economy to produce high-paying  jobs especially for women has pushed Filipinos to marry foreigners as a way to provide for their families, the study Country Gender Assessment by regional lender Asian Development Bank said. † 1 The research that was conducted last 2009 showed an estimate of 300,000 Filipinos of whom 92% are women, are married to foreigners mainly from United States, Japan, Canada, the United Kingdom and South Korea. Pinay ako (translated as I am a Filipina) and I dislike the fact that we are well-known to the world to be gold-diggers –yes, that is how they call us. We will write a custom essay sample on Pinay Ako or any similar topic only for you Order Now I never planned nor wanted to be one of them. I remember going to a church that does not support the trending 18-year-old-pinay-marrying-80-year-old-kano2. Unexpectedly, I met Jaimee, 20. My parents and relatives were against us. It is because aside from being too young, Jaimee is a foreigner from Kansas, USA. We have been through a lot of troubles and we have prayed and cried so many times to fight for the love. I guess it is true that things that are meant to be will always be. The more they pulled us away from each other, the more we got closer. He became my husband after a year. I am going to be different among typical Filipinas. I have always been ambitious and I think I will always be. Jaimee told me that this is one of the traits that he liked the most in me. If truth to be told, before I met him I never wished for marriage. I wanted to be independent and free. When I was still at university my primary goal was a booming career. I am more of a career woman. I love business. I love office. I actually worked in our family’s small factory and did college at the same time. When I married Jaimee I got new goals in life. First is my promise to be the best wife to him and the best mother to our future children. Second is to make a difference. I am going to be different among typical Filipinas. I am going to take a stand and become a model and inspiration. How to cite Pinay Ako, Essay examples

Tobacco Companies and thier ethics Essay Example For Students

Tobacco Companies and thier ethics Essay Tobacco Companies actively market a highly addictive and lethal product, and have done so for many years here in the United States and abroad. Their lack of ethics and social responsibility in the business world are apparent in documentation brought to light during lawsuits against them in recentyears. The desire for profit and expansion, rather than a concern for societal health, has dictated big tobacco company operations. These wealthy world powers continue to exercise unethical business practices in their approach to conducting business at a great communal and economic cost to societies worldwide. Ethics may be defined as a collection of moral principles and values regarding right and wrong that control individual and group behavior. Standards for ethical behavior and decisions arise from those moral principles and values. An individual or group may benefit or harm others in society. Human behavior may be categorized in one of three ways: codified law, free choice, or ethics. Laws enforced by the government provide values and standards society must obey. Free choice exists at the other end of the spectrum and provides complete freedom to pursue self-interests. No laws restrict free choice behaviors. Ethics occupies the zone between codified law and free choice. Society has shared beliefs and values used to dictate acceptable behavior. Ethical decisions are legally and morally approved by society (Daft, 25). We will write a custom essay on Tobacco Companies and thier ethics specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Tobacco companies produce a product for society desire and they make a profit doing so. They also satisfy legal responsibilities and obey laws although their political influence has frequently slanted the government process in their favor financially. Problems arise for tobacco companies when only law or free choice controls decision-making. Although producing and selling tobacco is legal, the business is not automatically ethical and does not benefit society as a whole. The positive effects of jobs within the tobacco industry are outweighed by the negative social, health, and economic costs to society. Currently, some tobacco companies are exercising discretionary responsibility by voluntary social contributions such as providing food, water, and other supplies to flood victims after recent hurricanes. This is the highest level of social responsibility and goes beyond societys expectations of the company (Daft, 28).The true motivation is more likely to improve their reputation rather than pure generosity. Legal action against tobacco companies left them with tarnished reputations. The tobacco companies have placed economic gain as the number one goal over social responsibility and have ignored the role of ethics in their business practices. Business has allowed corruption in the workplace. Competition is the essence of business. Winning is more important than how the game is played and the reward for tobacco companies is financial. Managers understand right and wrong in their personal life, but do not feel it applies to business practice. Generally people make an ethical decision w hen going to work for a company, then leave the ethical decisions to the company. The society of business rewards performance by obeying rules and performing tasks, not on how performance affects the outside world. As the jobs move further down the line into smaller pieces of the overall puzzle, it is easier to view the relationship between action and effect as less morally and operationally objectionable. In this way, large corporations serve to insulate individuals from the victims of the companys actions. The empathetic feeling that stimulates the conscience is absent. For workers today, life at work is an important social arena outside of the home (Krohe, 16). Ties to the community, extended family, and the political system are weaker compared to past generations. Workers may fear losing their job, and therefore, the desire for acceptance in the workplace encourages them to adopt corporate culture. Tobacco companies display a lack of ethical concern in producing, marketing, and selling tobacco products. The addictive and harmful effects of cigarettes were already well known by tobacco companies from the 1950s (Stauber, 1). The need to keep a supply of consumers addicted to nicotine in order to profit led to the development of the public relations industry. Exposing the tobacco companies knowledge and business practices began with a paralegal named Merrell Williams, Jr. He sent copies of a major tobacco companys internal communications from a law firm to Stan Glantz at the University of California at San Francisco who then published The Cigarette Papers. This analysis of what the tobacco companies knew and how they concealed it from the public was also published in the July 1995 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association (Gibbs, 2). This proved the tobacco companies lied about their findings. .u27b5ee4d64c1994fb44c729409dd621c , .u27b5ee4d64c1994fb44c729409dd621c .postImageUrl , .u27b5ee4d64c1994fb44c729409dd621c .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u27b5ee4d64c1994fb44c729409dd621c , .u27b5ee4d64c1994fb44c729409dd621c:hover , .u27b5ee4d64c1994fb44c729409dd621c:visited , .u27b5ee4d64c1994fb44c729409dd621c:active { border:0!important; } .u27b5ee4d64c1994fb44c729409dd621c .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u27b5ee4d64c1994fb44c729409dd621c { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u27b5ee4d64c1994fb44c729409dd621c:active , .u27b5ee4d64c1994fb44c729409dd621c:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u27b5ee4d64c1994fb44c729409dd621c .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u27b5ee4d64c1994fb44c729409dd621c .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u27b5ee4d64c1994fb44c729409dd621c .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u27b5ee4d64c1994fb44c729409dd621c .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u27b5ee4d64c1994fb44c729409dd621c:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u27b5ee4d64c1994fb44c729409dd621c .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u27b5ee4d64c1994fb44c729409dd621c .u27b5ee4d64c1994fb44c729409dd621c-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u27b5ee4d64c1994fb44c729409dd621c:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Kaymito Leaves as Antiseptic Mouthwash EssayWhen possible harmful effects from smoking led to a decline in cigarette sales, tobacco companies hired legendary public relations figures John Hill, Ivy Lee, and Edward Bernays to restore the security of their product in the market. This psychological marketing was first used on women and the children and included third party advocacy, subliminal message reinforcement, junk science, advocacy advertising, phony front groups, and buying favorable advertising and news reports (Stauber, 2). Sales to women increased with the implied message that cigarettes keep you slim from Virginia Slims and slogans such as Reach for a Lucky instea d of a sweet. To break the taboo that respectable women do not smoke, they produced advertising equating cigarettes with freedom as a symbol of womens liberation. Deluging society with decades of advertising on TV, in magazines, movies, radio, and billboards identified cigarettes with sex, youth, freedom, and vitality. By opening new markets in foreign countries, the tobacco companies continued to profit despite the bad press. Well-paid, powerful lobbyists prevented attempts to impose serious regulation and taxation by the government. The front group, National Smokers Alliance, created by Burson-Marstellar Public Relations and Philip Morris, set out to organize tobacco victims in order to protect tobacco profits. This state of the art campaign ran full-page newspaper ads, engaged in direct telemarketing, paid canvassers, and set up a toll free number and newsletters to bring smokers into the group. Paid young activists visited bowling alleys and bars to sign up smokers and encourage them to stand up for smokers rights. NSA members were encouraged to apply political pressure on politicians with regard to smoking in the workplace. Implying anti-smokers were anti-American pushed a discrimination against smokers freedom and rights, and was effective in uniting the group. Another front group created by PR and Philip Morris in California, nearly succeeded in overturning many restrictions already on the law books. The Californians for Statewide Smoking Restrictions implied they were for smoking restrictions, but actually favored smokers (Stauber, 3). Anti-smoking groups educated the public about the groups funding source andthe tobacco companys smokescreen failed. Politically, tobacco companies wield immense influence through political contributions and well-connected lobbyists (Common Cause, 1). By delaying or blocking bills, the tobacco industry avoided control by the government for years. Politicians were rewarded financially by tobacco and stood to lose easy campaign money if they challenged tobacco. Tobacco companies also exerted influence against anti-tobacco politicians by contributing to their competitors campaigns. Generous awards, special interest money, and jobs after public service sweetened the deal and bought silence and inactivity on legislative bills for many years. Now public awareness and the media make tobacco supporters less popular. Congress has a moral and public policy duty to prevent smoking in children (Common Cause, 1-2). The goal for tobacco companies is now to avoid losing legal and political battles. The battle to alter public opinion on smoking and health is already lost (Stauber, 3). Eventually ignoring ethics le ads to more laws and regulations as society attempts to alter unethical business practice (Daft, 2). One ploy used by the tobacco companies to ease the minds of nervous consumers was the creation of the low tar cigarette. The actual tar exposure and the subsequent health risk are about the same as a conventional cigarette. and nicotine amounts listed on the cigarette label came from machines designed to smoke the cigarette, not humans. The appeal to the public came from the implied lower tar and nicotine yield and thus a lower health risk. The tobacco companies documents indicate the effects of tobacco were known for many years. The cigarettes were designed to give low readings when machines smoked them and higher yield when people smoked them (Jarvis, 2).The tar In 1978 the US Tobacco Institute indicated passive smoking might be harmful (Lown, 1). This changed smoking into a public health dilemma for the entire community. After successful workmans compensation cases, came the intro duction of restrictions for smoking on the job. Consumption of cigarettes and profits dropped in response. Tobacco companies responded to another attack by advertising, attempting to discredit medical research, promoting smokers rights organizations, and by evaluating for sick building syndrome. Sick building syndrome is a general term used to refer to the development of a variety of signs and symptoms believe to be caused by exposure to indoor air (Lown, 1). It diverted unwelcome attention away from smoking in the workplace, and focused on pollutants other than smoke as the cause of employee illness. .u599064d34f8773d1cb7e42791f4e9b85 , .u599064d34f8773d1cb7e42791f4e9b85 .postImageUrl , .u599064d34f8773d1cb7e42791f4e9b85 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u599064d34f8773d1cb7e42791f4e9b85 , .u599064d34f8773d1cb7e42791f4e9b85:hover , .u599064d34f8773d1cb7e42791f4e9b85:visited , .u599064d34f8773d1cb7e42791f4e9b85:active { border:0!important; } .u599064d34f8773d1cb7e42791f4e9b85 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u599064d34f8773d1cb7e42791f4e9b85 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u599064d34f8773d1cb7e42791f4e9b85:active , .u599064d34f8773d1cb7e42791f4e9b85:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u599064d34f8773d1cb7e42791f4e9b85 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u599064d34f8773d1cb7e42791f4e9b85 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u599064d34f8773d1cb7e42791f4e9b85 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u599064d34f8773d1cb7e42791f4e9b85 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u599064d34f8773d1cb7e42791f4e9b85:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u599064d34f8773d1cb7e42791f4e9b85 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u599064d34f8773d1cb7e42791f4e9b85 .u599064d34f8773d1cb7e42791f4e9b85-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u599064d34f8773d1cb7e42791f4e9b85:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: The Ozone Layer EssayEvidence shows most smokers begin smoking at about fourteen years of age and almost all begin before reaching adulthood. Studies indicate the earlier the habit begins, the harder it is to quit. Most smokers are addicted to nicotine before they are old enough to legally purchase cigarettes. Compared to smokers that begin smoking in adulthood, adolescents are more likely to smoke heavily all their life, die prematurely, and succumb to smoking related illness. As with other health related concerns, teens are notoriously unconcerned with future health risks. Adolescents underestimate the harmful effects of cigarettes and do not realize addiction to nicotin e is possible even with experimentation. Nicotine delivered through tobacco is quite addictive. Teens believe they can avoid the long-term harmful effects by smoking for only a few years. Most young people do not plan on smoking for the rest of their lives at the outset. Because of their incomplete growth and development, teens are incapable of understanding what smoking will do to them physically and emotionally. Cigarettes are sold everywhere. Access for minors is easy with vending machines. Convenience stores often sell cigarettes next to the candy racks. Youth receive the message society is not concerned with preventing tobacco use in young people (SAILOR, 1). Another way tobacco companies manipulate youth is by sponsoring sporting and music events. A large number of youth attend these events and tobacco companies get high visibility advertising for their investment. It cements the connection between athletic prowess, artistic expression, glamour, entertainment, individuality, and cigarettes (SAILOR, 2). Tobacco companies indirectly imply cigarettes are a part of that world and smoking is a way of belonging. Despite the attacks on tobacco in this country their profits remain high as they relocate their battle onto foreign soil. Their long-range goal is to maintain current profits in industrialized nations and concentrate their resources on third world countries, Eastern Europe, and the former Soviet Union. In the past ten years sales in the US fell seventeen percent, but exports rose two hundred fifty-nine percent. For RJ Reynolds and Philip Morris sixty percent of their profits are generated from foreign countries (Lown, 3). Developing countries are vulnerable to tobacco companies in several ways. Many foreign countries have no advertising controls in place to limit tobacco advertising. They also do not have appropriate health warning requirements and few, if any, pressure groups fighting for tobacco controls. There are usually no age restrictions or limitations on public smoking. Foreign populations are poorly educated as to tobaccos harmful effects and there is no health information directed to the tobacco companies target teens. Because cigarettes sold overseas have a higher tar and nicotine content, they are very addictive and more lethal (Lown, 3). should not rule business. The goal is to eliminate the tobacco industry not merely drive them into bankruptcy (Gibbs, 2). Not long ago it was unheard of to fight a tobacco company in court and win. Eliminating smoking may be possible sooner than we realize. Measures to end the reign of tobacco should begin in the United States. The American Medical Association has recommended the elimination of all tobacco advertising, regulation of cigarettes as drug delivery devices, prohibition of tobacco exports, and to continue aggressive legal action to recover medical costs from tobacco companies. Society must convey the importance of preventing youth smoking by demanding and enforcing no tobacco use on school and restricted public property and strictly penalizing distribution of cigarettes to minors. Effective counseling and treatment for addicted smokers is essential to help end tobaccos grip on the public. The public attitude toward smoking continues to shift in favor of healthier life habi ts. Finally public pressure is forcing the unethical tobacco companies to pay up. Bibliography:Works CitedDaft, Richard L. (1997) Management. Fort Worth: Dryden PressGibbs, W. Wayt (1998) Big Tobaccos Worst Nightmare. In ScientificAmerican. Available: http://www.sciam.com/1998/0798issue/0798profile.html (10-18-99)Jarvis, Martin, and Bates, Clive (1999) Why Low Tar Cigarettes Dont Workand How the Tobacco Industry Has Fooled The Smoking Public. Available:http://www.ash.org.uk/papers/big-one.htmlKrohe, James (1997) Ethics are Nice, but Business is Business and related articles.In Across The Board. 1997, v. 34, n. 4, p. 16(7)Lown, Bernard (1998) Tobacco 2- The Opium Wars of the 21st Century: Tobaccoand the Developing World. Available: http://www.healthnet.org/programs/procor/9710comm.htmlStauber, John and Rampton, Sheldon (1995) Smokin! How the American Tobacco Industry Employs PR Scum to Continue Its Murderous Assault on Human Lives. Available: http://desrt.net/tw/11-22-95/cover.htmlThe Inhalers. In Common Cause Magazine. (Spring 1995)Available:http://www.ccsi.com/comcause/news/exhale.htmlThe Tobacco Use Among Youth. SAILOR Marylands online public information network. Available:http://www.sailor.lib.md.ustopics/nosale/no_sale.I.html

On Painting, By L.B. Alberti essays

On Painting, By L.B. Alberti essays Medieval art is the art, including architecture that was produced in Europe during the Middle Ages-from the fall of Rome in 500 CE to the start of the early modern period in approximately 1500 CE. Most medieval art and architecture is religious, but the Church was not the sole patron of art in the medieval period. In fact, much of the religious art of the period was commissioned by secular powers. Medieval artists depended, in varying degrees, on the artistic heritage of the Roman Empire and upon the legacy of the early Christian church, mixed with the vigorous Barbarian artistic culture of Northern Europe. It is difficult to define a unified style for all European medieval art because this time period covers many different regions and styles. However, all European Medieval art offers a stylistic treatment that emphasizes spiritual values through an intentional denial of the ancient classical traditions of naturalism and illusionism. L.B. Albertis On Painting was an important piece in that it was the first modern treatise on painting and influenced many painters of the period. On Painting established the rules for how to paint a three-dimensional subject on a flat panel or wall. The three main points were making of an outline, and the composition and reflection of light. Alberti believed that Humanistic studies improve the soul, and that painting also improves the soul, and because of this, he believed that painting should be added to the list of humanistic studies, including grammar, rhetoric, logic, arithmetic, geometry, and music. Alberti even said, one who is ignorant in geometry will not understand these or any other rules of painting. Painting bestows divinity on the painter, for "any master painter who sees his works adored will feel himself considered another god." Painting also influences architecture and other arts. Good painters have alway ...

Essay on Christian Propaganda

Essay on Christian Propaganda Essay on Christian Propaganda This is a free example essay on Christian Propaganda: Throughout history, the Christian community has used various ploys in order to gain members. In the Ninth Century AD, monks, in England, recorded the folklore of their â€Å"heathen† neighbors in their own language. In the 11th through 18th centuries, in various areas, Catholics used raw torture and death to force conversion. And even today television stations such as PAX â€Å"family programming† is little more than tele-evangelists and trumped up â€Å"miracles.† Two prime examples of the texts written and some what enriched by the monks of England are, of course Beowulf and Judith. While it remains unclear as to exactly who wrote the original manuscripts, it is believed that it was a monk or priest, and it has been widely accepted that these stories were handed down, generation to generation, by oral tradition. The epic poem Beowulf directly precedes Judith in the same manuscript, leading us to believe they were recorded by the same persons, with the same motives. In Beowulf we read of a hero that destroys the enemy of his brethren, Grendel (and Grendel’s mother), believed by some to be the descendant of the biblical Cain, thus ending his lineage; a lineage that has been that of pure evil from the time of Cain’s brother Abel’s murder. Beowulf then leads his people into battle with the dragon, killing both the dragon and himself, much like St. George. In Judith we read of a heroine (interestingly an Israelite) oppressed b y a tyrant, Holofernes. Eventually Judith can take no more, and rises up and smites her oppressor, with, ironically, his own sword. Much as the Hebrews did in Exodus. We then must look at instances such as the various Inquisitions instituted by the Catholic Church for nearly eight centuries, the most commonly known being the Spanish Inquisition. Starting in the mid- 15th century (1478), the Spanish Inquisition was not suppressed until 1834. Over these 356 years hundreds of thousands of heretics, heathens and other â€Å"sacrilegious† persons were tortured and killed by some of the most horrible means possible; all for what they believed, or did not believe, as the case may be. People were hanged, burned at the stake, boiled alive, or worse, for no â€Å"good† reason except they were not Catholic. They were told if they renounced their faith, they would be spared, but as those who did found out, more often than not, they were lied to. As anyone would guess, word of these events traveled rather quickly, and the Catholic population in Spain grew rapidly. So we ask. why did the Inquisition last 356 years? The answer is it did not, at lea st not in practice. Granted there were the fanatics that continued to torture those accused of heresy, but as a whole the practice was discontinued after a relatively short period of time. The institution, however, was not officially suppressed by the Pope until July 15, 1834. If a person were to look at local television listings, the majority of what they would find would pertain to what the American public watches most, drugs, sex, and violence. However, there are a few networks, such as PAX that offer what they call family programming; what I call Propaganda. Over half of their programming consists of tele-evangelists. The network executives, rope in young parents with inoffensive material, hoping that they will watch their network almost exclusively. Before long, the children of these young parents are asking Mom and Dad, why they never go to church. Have they ever seen a miracle? And before you know it, this entire family is going to not only a Sunday worship, but Wednesday evening as well, not to mention the Tuesday-Thursday Bible Study; thus completing this vicious cycle. We have in this country, what is called Separation of Church and State, and freedom of speech. This is why we can turn on our television at five o’clock in the morning and s ee The Reverend Brother What’s his Face. But where does it stop? Will the church ever stop trying to brain wash us â€Å"heathens† into belief? ______________ is a professional essay writing service which can provide high school, college and university students with 100% original custom written essays, research papers, term papers, dissertations, courseworks, homeworks, book reviews, book reports, lab reports, projects, presentations and other assignments of top quality. More than 700 professional Ph.D. and Master’s academic writers. Feel free to order a custom written essay on Christian Propaganda from our professional essay writing service.

Preparation for the exam - Strategic Management Research Paper

Preparation for the exam - Strategic Management - Research Paper Example These grants were used for computer systems development, electronic textiles, and competitive enhancement initiatives. The government somewhat supports activities that can make its sportswear industry competitive in the global arena. New Balance, furthermore, is specifically affected by tariff policies. The â€Å"yarn forward rule† ensures that imported products pay proper duties: The rule, which has been included in most U.S. free trade agreements, denies duty-free treatment for apparel unless it is almost entirely manufactured in the FTA country. In fact, if any component of the item—thread, elastic strips, or fabric—is sourced elsewhere, duties are applied on the entire garment. (Kennedy and Appell, 2012) This rule benefits New Balance that has local manufacturing plants. Looser tariffs, however, will be bad news for it. Aeppel (2013) reports: Shoe tariffs add about $3 to $5 to the cost of a pair of midprice imported running shoes. While that might not seem li ke much, New Balance says the loss of that buffer would make the economics of its American-made strategy that much harder. If the tariffs go away, â€Å"it puts our competitors in a position to realize an even greater margin than we are,† says Matthew LeBretton, a New Balance spokesman, â€Å"and they can then reinvest that in their business.† As long as New Balance has U.S. plants, it benefits from the competitive advantage of import duties. Import flooding of cheap apparel from other countries, however, affects it too. Price-sensitive consumers prefer inexpensive products, even if they have lower quality. Economic The economic situation of the U.S. is improving, although at a very slow rate. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (2013): Real gross domestic product -- the output of goods and services produced by labor and property located in the United States -- increased at an annual rate of 2.5 percent in the first quarter of 2013 (that is, from the four th quarter to the first quarter), according to the "advance" estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. In the fourth quarter, real GDP increased 0.4 percent. Slow economic growth affects employment and income rates of consumers, which affect demand for sportswear products. The monthly data for disposable income increase is not so buoyant either: â€Å"In March 2013, real disposable personal income increased 0.3 percent† (U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2013). Despite the laggard economy, since sportswear products depreciate in time, people still buy them, although not in the same rates as better economic conditions. Sivy (2013) notes the depreciation of the U.S. dollar, which has not been the same value as in 2009. With low dollar value, imports become cheaper, and this can affect the sales of New Balance. Social America is becoming more diverse with low fertility rate, and so it is becoming a mature market too. El Nasser and Overberg (2011) summarise the 2010 C ensus: The USA is bigger, older, more Hispanic and Asian and less wedded to marriage and traditional families than it was in 1990. It also is less enamored of kids, more embracing of several generations living under one roof, more inclusive of same-sex couples, more cognizant of multiracial identities, more suburban, less rural and leaning more to the South and West.

Cis 331 discussion wwek 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Cis 331 discussion wwek 2 - Essay Example This week I would like you to choose a problem (make it simple) and discuss how you would go through the problem solving process to solve this problem. Be sure to discuss whether you would use convergent or divergent thinking. In the IT world we come up against the outsourcing problem on a regular basis.   For me it happened when we had some network security hardware that was coming to the end of its life and we had to decide whether to replace the existing hardware or to outsource the function that the security hardware was performing.   For us, this was more of a convergent discussion than a divergent discussion.   We could have brainstormed different ways to accomplish the security function that the hardware was providing but we didnt have the resources to implement any of the ideas that would have been discussed.   With that out of the way, we decided to work towards finding a solution. After discussing the problem,  we thought it would really come down to a financial decision of whether or not outsourcing the function was more cost effective than purchasing new hardware.   The first step in the process was to gather the facts.   We got quotes for the new hardware and defined what the resource costs were to implement and maintain that hardware.   Then we obtained a list of vendors that provided outsourcing solutions.   We documented everything that we use the current solution for and identified a list of requirements that would be used to evaluate each vendor.   For those vendors that met the list of requirements, we obtained quotes for what it would cost to outsource the security function. Once we had the tangible costs identified  someone suggested that we then make a list of the intangible costs related to both keeping the security function in house vs. outsourcing.   That is one area that I think sometimes gets overlooked in these types of problem solving initiatives.   Because so much focus is put on hard and fast