Assignment 5 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Assignment 5 - Essay Example â€Å"Bullwhip effect describes how inaccurate information, a lack of transparency throughout the supply chain, and disconnect between production and real-time supply chain information result in lost revenue, bad customer service, high inventory levels and unrealized profits† (Paritosh Agarwal, 2009). The Bullwhip effect can be minimized by studying the drivers of demand and supply patterns. Moreover, companies should try to reduce the cycle time, ensure smooth and quick flow of information and take corrective actions to reduce the impacts of price fluctuations, inaccurate demand forecasts and order batching. Question 2: explain why Volvo manufacturing department believed that customers had started to like green cars in the mid 1990’s. Answer: the demand and supply variations at Volvo resulted in huge stocks of unsold green cars. The overproduction of cars can have a potential impact on unrealized revenues and excessive cost for storing the cars. Therefore, the company planned to offer incentives in order to increase the demand of green cars. On one hand the company was successfully able to sell the excess stock which resulted in the revenue realization of the green cars. However, the production department misinterpreted the sales record and started ordering excessive raw materials in order to produce more cars. This inaccurate assessment of the situation can have a multiplier effect on the profits and production capacity. In future, the company will again have to offer some incentives and attractive deals to deal with the overproduction of cars which will not only reduce the profit margins but it will also lead to increased workload and decline in quality caused by 100% capacity utilization. SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT AT WAL-MART. Question 3: Discuss how the Bullwhip effect can be reduced. Explain how Wal-Mart uses IT to reduce the Bullwhip Effect. Answer: the Bullwhip effect can be controlled by accurately forecasting demand by gathering the real-t ime information, which can be acquired by working closely with suppliers and distributors. The regular flow of information combined with the proper management of sales and inventory growth can be helpful in attaining the proposed financial results. From a different perspective, all the parties involved in the supply-chain management process are mutually dependent on each other and they can significantly influence the rest of the industry players with their actions. Therefore suppliers, distributors, production department and customer relationship department should work in coordination with each other in order to improve the business-customers sales record. Apart from this, organizations should try to improve the downstream communication by using the point of sales (POS) data collection method and vendor-managed inventories (VOI) so that demand is not over/under estimated. Also, price fluctuations caused by various discount offers can create variability in demand; therefore, every da y low price (EDLP) should be used to keep the prices stable. Moreover, cycle time should be reduced to make the availability of the product faster and easier and â€Å"order capacity reservations† could be used by production department so that the retailers reserve a specific quantity of items to be purchased in a given time frame which will help to keep the distributor’

Fukushima Earthquake And Tsunami 2011 Essay Example for Free

Fukushima Earthquake And Tsunami 2011 Essay In March 2011, Japan was struck by a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and a following tsunami. Authorities concluded that the earthquake was the cause of the Pacific plate releasing the friction built up after years converged under the North American plate (as shown in figure 3) along the fault line that lies kilometres away from Japan’s coastline. (Urbano, 2011)This caused the friction to spread through the ground-and what was originally said to be a magnitude 6.6 earthquake through the evaluation of incomprehensive readings from seismometers- shook Japan for over five minutes. The resulting tsunami was triggered by the explosive energy released by the earthquake. However, its damage was minimized by 10m high sea walls and the modeling of buildings along the coast, which had applied various scientific techniques to reduce impact from waves on actual buildings. Macintosh HD:Users:160161:Desktop:Unknown-1.jpeg Earthquakes are a very significant problem around the globe and can cause havoc through towns. The Japan earthquake and following tsunami resulted in 20000 deaths and caused the destruction of entire towns and many coastal areas of the country- the most notably being the TÅhoku region in Honshu. (Pletcher, 2013) A large percentage of the damage and lives lost could have been avoided if sciences techniques in detecting earthquakes- such as seismometers- would have alerted authorities in advance rather than minutes before the earthquake struck, as well as conveyed more accurate readings. Around the globe scientists and organisations have attempted to develop method of detecting earthquakes so that maximum damage can be prevented. Currently, around the globe seismometers, sea walls and building modeling are used to detect earthquakes through the readings of seismic waves. This scientific solution has potential to minimise damage from earthquakes and tsunamis around the globe if implemented correctly and its negatives minimized. The Application of Science To Detect Earthquakes and Consequently Prevent Damage-Seismometers Earthquakes can be detected by measuring the frequency of the seismic waves in a particular area using a scientific device such as a seismometer. Seismic waves are circular waves (see figure 4) created by the back and forth movement that occurs when an earthquake shakes the ground, thus releasing waves. A magnitude 8 or 9 earthquake- like the one in Japan 2011, are caused due to the faster and rapider movement of the ground. This releases a higher frequency of seismic waves that can be detected by scientific instruments like a seismometer-just as they were during the Fukushima earthquake. The science behind the implementation of seismometers in earthquake prone areas such as Japan is that they use the basic principal of inertia to detect seismic waves in the earth’s surface. They consist of a ground motion detection sensor and a recording system. In a simple seismometer’s detection system, a weight and a spring are suspended from a frame that moves along with the earth’s surface. As the earth moves, the relative motion between the weight and the earth, which is caused by seismic waves is measured by the recording system which consists of a rotating drum attached to the frame, (as shown in diagram 1) and a pen attached to the mass. This pencil moves along with the weight and the spring, leaving lines along the drum, which can be interpreted into determining the frequency of seismic waves and the magnitude of the coming earthquake by authorities.(Braile, 2000)Modern seismometers are electronic, and instead of using a pen and drum, the seismic activity generates an electrical voltage that is recorded by a computer. The reason why Japanese authorities and other nations around the world choose this science to help detect earthquakes is because it allows them to determine before hand when an earthquake is going to happen. Seismographs gather information over a long period of time and the patterns in the seismic wave frequency are easily analyzable. Seismometers were implemented in Japan’s coastline by local authorities with readings going to computers where the data from seismic waves was analyzed. This brought to the early conclusions that the earthquake was a magnitude 6.6 and later upgraded to 9.0 from further readings showing an increase in movement within the ground. Seismometers also bring a change in scientific research about certain regions and their risk to earthquakes, as it allows for research to be collected at various points before, during and after an earthquake, so that warnings can be sent out in advance next time or before an aftershock. (Dea, 2003) The Effectiveness of Detection/Damage Prevention Techniques Used In Japan Seismometers- Science’s solution to the problem-can be used to detect earthquakes and their location so that maximum damage can be prevented. In theory, scientists in Japan should have been able to pick up the earthquakes where about, magnitude and timing from the seismic activity under the earth’s surface that should have been detected by numerous seismometers located on the Pacific Ocean’s seabed. Scientists can use the readings gathered- based on the frequency of the waves-to calculate the magnitude of the earthquake before it reaches by working out the difference in arrival between two waves from tree different seismometers. (BBC, 2013) If the gap between the two arrivals is shorter, then the magnitude of the earthquake is also higher. Fukushima scientists also used this method to determine the exact location of the earthquakes epicentre through the process of triangulation in which they determine the distance travelled by waves at each of the three seismomet ers and pinpoint the centre (as shown in diagram 2). Seismometers certainly helped to detect the Fukushima earthquake. Evidence shows that almost a thousand lives were saved due to seismometers monitoring the Pacific seabed. They proved effective in saving lives because they were able to pick up the sudden seismic activity in the ground. The detection allowed scientists back in Japan to sound an alarm minutes before the earthquake arrived in Japan. However, the initial alarm was quite inaccurate, as it was originally sounded for a 6.6 magnitude earthquake. Over the last century around the world, scientists concluded that 9/10 times seismometers were initially incorrect in detecting the magnitude of the numerous earthquakes (Strevens, 2011). Seismometers also have many more limitations, which cause for the technology to be deemed ineffective at times and can be used to partially explain some of the issues that occurred in Japan- issues that could have been avoided. Unlike NASA’s InSAR satellite technology that can detect earthquakes day before they occur (due to its ability to detect even 1cm of movement within the earth) (NASA, 2011), seismometers are only able to detect earthquakes minutes before they happen and the only way scientists can actually issue a warning in advance is if they look closely at the patterns in previous earthquakes or try and interpret seismic readings days before and see if there are any abnormalities. The limitations of possible inaccuracy with data and late warnings made the use of the seismometers quite ineffective during the earthquake. Although seismometers are able to pinpoint the exact location of the epicentre so that aftershocks can be predicted and are able to give a few minutes of warning about the magnitude, it is a scientific device that’s success can easily be affected by influence human error plays in analyzing its data on computers. Sea walls were implemented in Japan to protect its coastal cities from tsunamis. The science behind them is that its strong concrete material, from which it is made of, should be able to block the force of a tsunami. Their height- 10 metres above sea level- were supposed to be sufficient to stop most tsunamis as evidence shows that it is very rare in any part of the world for a tsunami over 10m to a region that is not directly over the fault line. However, if a tsunami were to reach such heights, the sea walls success would be limited greatly. A positive of their use though, is that their success is largely predictable as they do not require any electronic systems to function and nor do they have any human influence. Macintosh HD:Users:160161:Desktop:Screen Shot 2013-10-27 at 6.40.21 PM.png Sea walls proved ineffective in Japan as the tsunami proved to also be 10 metres tall due to the water being very deep in the region. This allowed the tsunami to build up its waves and when the tsunami’s biggest waves arrived at the coast of Japan, they were 1m taller than the walls event though they were still only 10m tall. (Tran, 2013) This was due to the fact that the coastline had dropped by a metre and also moved three metres out to sea. (As shown in figure 5) This outside influence limited the success of the walls greatly and although- in many other tsunamis sea wall have effectively haltered tsunamis due to their concrete strength and height- the tsunami of 2011 flooded into Japan killing thousands that could not escape in the few moments of warning. Sciences Interaction With The Environment The environment has minimal impact on the application and effectiveness of seismometers and sea walls. As seismometers are not affected by an areas air pollution, vegetation or climate, the environment does not play a significant role in positively or negatively affecting the detection ability of seismometers. However there are still a few minor factors- particularly in Japan- that can somewhat prevent an earthquake from being detected accurately. Due to Japans vulnerable earthquake-prone region being located along the Pacific Ocean’s coastline, many low intensity stress waves created by natural noises and ocean waves have the ability to be detected by seismometers. This is because seismometers can detect and measure motions with frequencies from 500 Hz to 0.00118 Hz- a large enough range to detect ocean waves- particularly in the Pacific Ocean. This could have a negative effect on the effectiveness of science’s solution. Negatively, seismometers could be alerting Japan ese authorities every time tidal waves and ocean currents strengthen, thus triggering alarm bells constantly. A positive effect that the Japanese environment has on damage preventing solutions such as sea walls is that the Japanese coastline has numerous mountain and hill landforms. The many hills and low mountains located in Japans coastal region (sea figure 6)-especially where the Fukushima earthquake struck-help to prevent damage due to there significant height above sea levels. This environmental benefit was evident during the 2011 earthquake as authorities guided civilians to high ground so that when the tsunami arrived and the sea walls failed, the landforms saved a few hundred lives. (ONISHI, 2011)This was because the 10m height of the tsunami eventually deteriorated by the time it reached the landforms, thus preventing further damage from occurring. As mentioned above, the environment has minimal influence on the application and effectiveness of seismometers and sea walls, although sea walls do have an effect on the environment. To construct and implement sea walls, natural, agricultural and grassland is destroyed to make way for them. Sea walls require a large amount of space (width and length) if they are to be firm, sturdy and cover a large proportion of the coastline. They also negatively impact the climatic environment as their height to some extent interrupts the sea breeze that Japan receives from the ocean. This means that locations near the walls will be drier in the already tropical climate and environment. Once again these negative effects on Japan’s environment are not significant factors although if these scientific damage prevention measures were not present in Japan 2011, the environment would have been damaged greatly like it was in some towns that were destroyed completely. Economic Interaction Sciences detection and damage prevention solutions have a profound effect on the economy of Japan. The Japanese government invests billions (USD) in coastal defenses such as sea walls and warning systems every year. These expensive devices further cost governments around the world millions whenever a warning and consequent evacuation occurs. For example, since Hawaiis Pacific Tsunami Warning Center was established in 1948, about 75 percent of warnings that resulted in costly evacuations turned out to be false alarms (Pendick, 2012). A positive effect that Japan’s economy has on seismometers and warning systems is that it can afford to research deep into ways on improving the technology, as well as, fund the expensive costs involved with implementing and running them. There is very little limitations that Japan’s economy poses to seismometers as the economy is very stable and has been for the last decade without fluctuating too much (see graph 1), thus allowing for billions to be invested. This allows the government to invest in earthquake damage prevention devices so that when an earthquake strikes, damage costs can be kept to a minimum. Seismometers and damage prevention devices have a major influence on the economy. When the earthquake of 2011 struck and damage was high- especially from the burst reactor in the Fukushima Nuclear Plant- Japan’s tourism industry suffered greatly. This had a chain reaction on the economy with a major dip in Japan’s GDP (as shown in graph 1) during the period. Conclusion For many years now, scientists have attempted to come up with ways to detect and consequently, prevent earthquakes with measured success- especially in the Fukushima earthquake of 2011. Although the application of science through the use of seismometers potentially saved thousands of lives in the few minutes of warning, it’s accuracy and timing was not enough to stop a nuclear disaster. The 10m sea walls that were located around Japans shoreline also proved ineffective as the tsunami soared over them, leaving all types of buildings to be struck down by the shear force of the waves. However, scientists continue to apply their knowledge of earthquakes, tectonic movement and seismic waves so that they can enhance this solution for future earthquakes around the globe. Seismometers and sea walls fit into the world environment nicely as they do not affect it, but rather help to prevent damage occurring to it, whilst the modeling of buildings simply has the same impact as normal buildings do. Economic wise though, billions of dollars are put into the science and evidence shown from Japan might suggest, too much money for fairly inconclusive success. There are some variables in science that we can’t control, but what can be controlled is minimizing their damage to civilization through the processes of detecting and preventing damage. Bibliography BBC. (2013). Seismic waves. Retrieved October 28, 2013, from BBC Bitesize: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/waves_earth/seismicwavesrev2.shtml Braile, L. (2000, November). SEISMOMETER. Retrieved October 28, 2013, from Explorations In Earth Science: http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~braile/edumod/handseis/handseis.htm Dea, J. (2003, August 11). Anticipating Earthquakes. Retrieved October 27, 2013, from NASA Science: http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2003/11aug_earthquakes/ Densmore, A. (2011, March 14). Sendai earthquake and tsunami disaster . Retrieved October 29, 2013, from Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience: http://ihrrblog.org/2011/03/14/sendai-earthquake-and-tsunami-disaster/ Doedens, P. (2013, September 20). MAGNITUDE-5.3 QUAKE HITS FUKUSHIMA. Retrieved October 25, 2013, from Fukushima Update: http://fukushimaupdate.com/magnitude-5-9-quake-hits-fukushima/ Kong, S. C. (2013, March 20). Japans Economy. Retrieved November 2, 2013, from The Market Oracle: http://www.marketoracle.co.uk/Article39557.html Kordian. (2012, May 8). Natural Disaster . Retrieved November 1, 2013, from Oxonian Globalist: http://toglobalist.org/2012/05/risky-business-uncovering-catastrophic-insurance-risks-in-2012/ NASA. (2011). Anticipating Earthquakes-InSAR Satellites . Retrieved October 28, 2013, from NASA Science: http://www.google.com.au/search?client=safarirls=enq=why+did+seismometers+pick+the+japan+earthquake+as+magnetide+6.6ie=UTF-8oe=UTF-8gws_rd=crei=jMhwUtjfJcW_kQXUiYCQBQ#q=why+did+seismometers+pick+the+japan+earthquake+as+magnitude+6.6rls=en ONISHI, N. (2011, March 13). Seawalls Offered Little Protection Against Tsunami’s Crushing Waves. Retrieved October 27, 2013, from The New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/14/world/asia/14seawalls.html?pagewanted=all_r=0 Pendick, D. (2012). Catching a Tsunami in the Act. Retrieved November 2, 2013, from Savage Earth: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/savageearth/tsunami/html/sidebar1.html Macintosh HD:Users:160161:Desktop:Screen Shot 2013-11-04 at 11.43.28 AM.png

Research REport On HUman Beings :: essays research papers

In my report you will find that I researched and wrote about the species known as homosapiens. Also better known as human beings. I learned a lot of information about their life styles, their behaviors, their nocturnal urge to love and their hunger for knowledge. I also learned where they fit into the grand scheme of things. I learned why they are classified how they are and how they obtain food. Humans are classified in the Kingdom of Animalia because all animalia share the common bond that they are required to eat. They cannot make there own food and they can move on there own free will through their movements. Humans are in the Phylum of Chordata because all of the Chordates have elongated symmetrical bodies and all begin life with gills to breathe in a liquid environment. Vertebrata is the subphylum where humans are put because they develop a spinal chord that stretches from the head to a paired of sense organs. Vertebrata is the most advanced and numerous subphylum of the chordates. The Class of Humans is Mammalia because they all conceive there young in the reproductive tract of their mother and then after birth their mothers nourish them with milk from their birth. Humans are in the infraclass Eutheria because the mothers of this class carry there young in their uterus before birth and this is made possible because of the umbilical cord and the placenta. The order of H umans is Primates because all of the organisms in the order of Primates share the common bond that they are all upright, breathing, non-self food producing mammals. Humans are in the suborder of Anthropoida. The Superfamily of Hominoidae. The Family of Homiadidae. The Genus of Homo and the species of Sapiens. The Habitat of Human Beings is pretty much every where. They can live on almost all terrains and they can even live in the ocean and in outer space. However the range that they live in is on the land surfaces of Earth in any kind of conditions because you have Eskimos that live in the extremely cold conditions of the arctic regions, the Californians that live in a varying set of conditions that vary from 60 degrees and raining or foggy to sunny and 100 degrees. Then there are the people of most African desert nations that battle temperatures of over 100 degrees almost every day of the year.

“The Darkling Thrush” Essay -- Poetry Analysis

â€Å"The Darkling Thrush† is a sorrowful poem, which uses a variety of writing techniques to present forth the theme of never giving up hope, while still keeping with the bleak atmosphere of the poem. Poet and novelist Thomas Hardy wrote this poem on December 31, 1899, the last day of the 19th century. The speaker in the poem creates a gloomy and negative tone; yet, in the end it becomes slightly more upbeat, when the belief of hope is spread from the thrush. It is dusk and the speaker is alone outside, leaning against a wooden gate. He is an inward character, which is made evident by the dramatized conviction that â€Å"all mankind†¦had sought their household fires.† The land seemed lifeless with nothing growing and no animals near. Amidst the darkness, a frail thrush began to sing a joyful tune. The feeble bird’s ability to throw its soul to the world uplifted the speaker. It was as though the bird knew something hopeful of the future that the speaker did not. The Darkling Thrush has a variety of rhythm, meter and rhyming elements, which help contribute to the overall value of the poem. It is written in iambic tetrameter, with lines 1, 3, 5, and 7 having four stressed syllables, and lines 2, 4, 6, and 8 having only three stressed syllables. It has an ABABCDCD rhyme scheme, which in turn adds to the melancholy tone of the poem, and creates consistency in the poem’s sense of despair. The lines in this poem are roughly equal in length, and the pattern throughout remains coherently uniform. The poet creates structure in the poem by forming two sentences in each of the first two stanzas, and only one sentence in each of the last two stanzas. This formation combined with the strict use of declarative sentences, and an absence of transition w... ...crypt the cloudy canopy’ creates a strict, harsh sound, adding to the bitter despondency of the poem. The specific use of wording throughout this poem works to create the gloomy atmosphere present within the poem. Thomas Hardy presented a negative tone throughout the poem, while still keeping with the more uplifting theme of hope. With the thorough use of metaphors, similes, terminology, structure, and rhyme scheme, â€Å"The Darkling Thrush† works well to produce its desired intention. Although the theme of hope is clearly presented in the end of the poem, Hardy does not lose the sense of misery within the poem. He finds a way to display both hope and dejection in a cleverly interesting way. â€Å"The Darkling Thrush† is an interesting poem of a frail little bird that is great enough to change the thoughts of a man. Works Cited "The Darkling Thrush" by Thomas Hardy

Dunkin Donuts

44577001079500 Women's Campus College of Business Administration BUS351 International Business Course TERM 172 GROUP PROJECT: FINAL DRAFTDUNKIN DONUTS Working in the Quick Service restaurants industry gave Dunkin' Donuts a huge challenge to face globally, when entering new markets using one mode of entry, â€Å"the Franchising†, it meant establishing a local base for a global business, and great opportunities exist in the Saudi Market, yet great challenges to prove ability of continuing business. For 31 years, Shahia Food Limited was the franchisee global DD selected to represent the brand in the Kingdom, it applied a localized industry by promoting Saudi terms related to the brand, and was massively supported by the government to keep satisfying the Saudi taste, through its 200 shops across the Saudi land. KeywordsDunkin' Donuts, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, franchising, franchisee, joint venture, entry modes, entry determinants, 2030 vision. IntroductionRecently, Saudi Arabia has been the spotlight of the investments internationally. According to 2030's vision, Saudi is attracting new investors every year. The market in Saudi is attractive and has significant attributes. In order to satisfy the Saudi taste and Saudi consumption trends, the company must meet what Saudi clients want, which will ensure an international success in the heart of the global world. Dunkin' Donuts is considered one of the top ten companies worldwide, with more than 12,000 branches in all over the world. Dunkin' Donuts is managed through maintaining a strong position in all its targeted markets, by using the modes of the entrance and proper strategies with an experience of nearly hundred years of offering baked goods and drinks. Overview of the IndustryQuick service restaurant (QSR) industry was established in 1921, which offers previously prepared food immediately to the on-the-go consumers that were defined as a new type of restaurants. Donuts were created in 1847, and it has been developed to be combined with a variety of flavors through years and associated with hot drinks, to please the American taste with sugary products. The size of the market globally is predicted by more than 3 Trillion Dollars, due to the massive number of workforce around the world, fixed assets spread worldwide, and size of activities practiced. The market of QSR maintains a small industry in it, for baked goods and coffee, maintains multiple international brands that operate in this field, and this industry is approximated in more than 1 Trillion Dollars annually, and the market is divided primarily between 4 brands as follows: Company BackgroundIn 1948, William Rosenberg initiated his first shop for coffee and doughnuts, the â€Å"Open Kettle†, which was based on a 40% of revenues, William was able to reach from his food in-plants outlets and food trucks, which was the impending trend of fast food, introduced to the world. In 1950 William Rosenberg chose Dunkin' Donuts as a new name of â€Å"Open Kettle†, to be the first Dunkin' Donuts shop in Quincy, Massachusetts, USA, the shop offered 52 flavors, and William was able to open 6 more Dunkin' Donuts shops during its first five years constructing a chain. In 1960 the International Franchising Association (IFA), was originated to franchise the brand globally and locally. At the moment, Dunkin' Donuts is based in Canton; Massachusetts, USA, Dunkin' Donuts is part of the Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc. family of companies.So far, Dunkin' Donuts was able to achieve success, which maintains more than 11,300 shops in 44 countries (8,500 in the 41 US states, and 3,200 worldwide), offering everyday a stop for baked goods and coffee, setting the brand as a market leader globally.In 1971, William was diagnosed with lungs cancer, he passed the business to other Dunkin' Donuts leaders. An English businessman, Nigel Travis is the current CEO for Dunkin' Donuts, who has been running Dunkin' Donuts since 2009. Dunkin' Donuts founder:William Rosenberg (1916-2002) was American entrepreneur who was the founder of Dunkin' Donuts. Rosenberg attended a public school. Because of financial problems Rosenberg was forced to leave his school in the eighth grade to support his family. At the age of fourteen, Rosenberg worked as a delivery boy for Simco. At the age of twenty-one, Rosenberg raised from delivery boy to national sales manager, supervising the production, cold storage, shipping, and manufacturing. In 1948, the Open Kettle was started by Rosenberg which is a coffee and doughnuts shop. Later, Rosenberg renamed it to Dunkin Donuts. Dunkin Donuts was popular offering fifty-two types of doughnuts over six stores. In 2001, Rosenberg published a book which is â€Å"Time to Make the Donuts: The Founder of Dunkin Donuts†. William Rosenberg's vision is kept until today under the name â€Å"the philosophy of Dunkin' Donuts†: â€Å"Make and serve the freshest, most delicious coffee and donuts quickly and courteously in modern, well-merchandised stores.†Regarding Dunkin' Donuts values, Dunkin' Donuts attains twelve values applied perfectly to franchise owners, and they are as follows:Honesty  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ The truth is always the major key to success.Transparency  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ sharing thoughts fluency. Respect  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Give individuals their nobility and win others' regard.Fairness  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Do what is right even if it is hard to do.Humility  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ helping less fortunate individuals. It is about the team and the society as a whole.Responsibility- Be accountable for the outcome whether the situation is good or bad. Integrity  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Character indicates when no individual is looking.In 1990, Allied Lyons the owner of Baskin Robbins purchased Dunkin' Donuts that was renamed to Dunkin' Brands in 2004. Dunkin' Donuts reached the first rank in customer loyalty of coffee category by Brand Keys for 10 years successively.Dunkin' Donuts's major competitors worldwide: Starbucks: Starbucks is obviously the leader of all Competitors of Dunkin' Donuts. It competes with Dunkin' Donuts by offering a variety of baked food and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere. McDonald's: McDonald's is one of the main fast food chains in the industry and one of the top Competitors of Dunkin' Donuts. Offering a variety of food items and drinks at low prices with quick service.Krispy Kreme: Krispy Kreme offers doughnuts and coffee, which means the toughest competition with Dunkin' Donuts.Dunkin' Donuts's major competitors in Saudi Arabia: In Saudi Arabia market, Dunkin' Donuts has a variety of competitors both international competitors and local coffee shops. International competitors are Starbucks, Krispy Kreme and McDonald's. The local coffee shops are Coffee Day, 12cups, Alchemy. As a result, Dunkin' Donuts should adopt and understand the Saudi culture to compete with their competitors. Furthermore, selecting some reasonable areas that most of the locals may not have the capacity to manage the cost because of their limited budgets, Dunkin' Donuts can gain a competitive advantage.Entering to the Kingdom of Saudi ArabiaGlobalization enabled local companies to become international, by giving them accessibility to invest in foreign markets, expanding their sizes, assets net worth, and targeted segments of customers. Also, it gave governments better opportunities for developing communities.Entering KSA as an international business is an easy process, but must be applied with accuracy and professionalism. The competitive investing climate attracts investors to be on this land, and only the most creative innovative could last, since the mid-1970s as of recently.In 1986, Shahia food Limited Company wins the contract of Dunkin' Donuts franchise and was able to introduce the brand Dunkin' Donuts to Saudi Arabia. Dunkin' Donuts is keeping spreading in KSA over thirty-one year. the first branch was established in Al Olaya. Nowadays, the company has more than 200 branches in all Saudi regions, starting from:Riyadh Region (King Khalid Intl Airport, Wadi Laban, Al Muzahimiah, Diriya, and more). Western Region, which includes (Mecca, Jeddah, and Madinah) Eastern Region (Khobar, Dammam, and Jubail)Qassim Region (Buraydah, Badiah, Bakeereya Unayzah, and Zulfi) Saudi employees versus Foreign employees:Dunkin' Donuts employes an acceptable number of Saudis. Its main purpose of having many Saudi employees is because of the policy of its industry, that employing Saudis to easily serve Saudi consumers will help to reach Dunkin' Donuts products. Moreover, Saudi employees can realize their nation consumption habits more than foreign employees. KSA modes to enter Saudi market:There are many modes to enter Saudi market. every type serves organizations, governments, and customers, reaching their objectives. Methods can be summarized as follows:Exporting: a country (exporter) sells goods and services and distributes them to another country (importer).Piggybacking: Selling goods services to local businesses, but they market the vendor globally.Buying a company: is the most expensive method of entering a country, it is about purchasing a local company. Turnkey Projects: Forming a project from the ground, and selling it to local companies to warranty an indirect existence. Contracting: either through licensing, joint ventures, or partnering, it refers to a contractor assists to introduce the brand to the local market. The percentage of involvement the contractor obtains is different from a contract to another.Greenfield Investments: means a project where a firm builds operations in a foreign market beginning from scratch. This mode has a large cost and local lows control it.A number of elements, such as expenses, local laws, necessities, desired quality, and industry will affect the company choices of these modes. Dunkin' Donuts has chosen since 1960 using the franchising model to enter America and worldwide markets, and Dunkin' Donuts used it in KSA too through Shahia Foods Limited that held the franchising method. Dunkin' Donuts KSA has its own vision statement that sequel the overall Dunkin' Donuts vision: â€Å"To be always the desired place for great coffee beverages and delicious complementary donuts & bakery products to enjoy with family and friends† As well as Dunkin' Donuts Mission:†To be the leading provider of the wide range delicious beverages & baked product around the kingdom in a convenient, relaxed, friendly environment, that insures  the highest level of quality product and best value for money. We provide our guest, the elegant service, and unforgettable experience to meet their expectations in every single visit.?†These strategic management tools state that Dunkin' Donuts KSA works under the localization theme, because of Saudi community privacy, that Dunkin' Donuts exists to make its enjoyable moments with delightful pastries and drinks, it is general in food firm to follow the localization theme because of the dependence of the food fields on the local tastes. The localization method is tracked through the Dunkinha and Dunkawy cards terms that support the customer's loyalty, and a customized menu made by Dunkin' Donuts for only Saudi Arabia. Conclusion It is apparent that KSA was for Dunkin' Donuts an important market, that's why it was chose from the beginning to be located in. Saudi's location, the type of consumption trends the society maintains, the support of the government received by international market players, and the encouraging purchasing power obtained by the Saudi people all these and other considerations, were the reason why 31 Dunkin' Donuts existed in KSA. The unique mode which is franchising is used by the company worldwide, this method was used due to the nature of the industry maintained by Dunkin' Donuts, which is QSR, that means it is a must to have the food on demand, this point cannot be done by other types of entry, it should be done through actual existence, and to reduce cost and time of studying national taste and its trends. To represent the company in the kingdom Dunkin' Donuts preferred to have a national local franchisee. The choice of this franchise was distinctive, due to the 31 years position of ruling the QSR in backed food and drinks industry in KSA, accomplished by Shahia, where the total market share reached is 49% of total market, compared to 29% for Starbucks and 22% for MacDonald's'. Discussion Questions and Answers:Why choose Saudi Arabia? Dunkin' Donuts is considered as the quick service restaurant industry., it is situated in Canton, Massachusetts, USA, it chose to invest in KSA because of its high concentration on building up the company's points of interest by existing in Saudi Arabia the heart of the world, which means rising the abroad experience. Moreover, it strongly supports the fact of investing where it can be focused on expanding resources, inattentive of having power. However, having the ownership flexibility, and publicizing risk.How the investment in Saudi Arabia? The comprehensive advantage of investment in KSA is known as stable. There is no need to concern about the nationalizing of the international businesses because of the encouragement practiced by the Saudi government towards foreign investors and the supporting for liberal ownership in the Saudi market. How do political ; global policies affect your business?The high rate of return, and the taxation system, for foreign investors in KSA, were factors of attracting the international business. The kingdom of Saudi has many advantages for foreign investors which are the highest digits for GDP in the region, controlled inflation rate, the size of the Saudi market, and finally the size and support given for the infrastructure. These great advantages are not only to attract Dunkin' Donuts to Saudi Arabia but all types of investors.Entering KSA as an international business is considered an easy process?Entering KSA as an international business is an easy process, but must be applied with accuracy and professionalism.What were the difficulties you faced to enter the Saudi market? Studying and analyzing the Saudi customer needs, was one of the greatest work done by Dunkin' Donuts KSA. One of its studies stated that employing Saudi Staff, and practicing the Saudization, will give the Saudi clients a more pleasant and stratified experience. SWOT Analysis:Strengths:The industry's most fundamental point of strength that makes it worth to persist the business through the past years is â€Å"the time-saving rule†, which means the industry reaches what regular restaurants can't offer, all these restaurants guarantee fast processes and quick purchase of food. Weaknesses:Staff who work in low conditions, with low wages, are considered from the weaknesses this industry face, which gave it a bad reputation among people worldwide. Opportunities:Due to globalization every year there are new markets added to the demand forces as a huge opportunity to the industry. Threats:Consumer demand for healthier food is increasing the threat in this industry, which will keep these restaurants under the consumer satisfaction indexes pressure. Appendix Interview questions ; answersWho are your national ; global competitors? Our competitors are other businesses operating in the same industry as we are. Which are: Krispy Kreme, McDonald's and the main competitor is Starbucks.Does Dunkin' Donuts buy from other countries or make the products?No, the raw material comes from America and Dunkin' Donuts produces the products in Saudi.How is your marketing methods different here in Saudi Arabia to other countries?Marketing methods are different in each country because of cultural differences. In Saudi Arabia, Dunkin' Donuts understands and respects the culture and religion of the region by following the regulations and guidelines for advertising the company.What is the entry mode that Dunkin' Donuts use (Franchising, licensing, joint venturing, exporting, turnkey projects or wholly owned subsidiary?Licensing with Franchising, as a combined mode used by the company worldwide.How do political ; global policies affect your business? It impacts Dunkin' Donuts by having many barriers to entry in different countries. Each country has its own policies that Dunkin' Donuts needs to follow in order to operate the business there. These days, Saudi is becoming more strictly by developing new regulations regarding operating businesses. In strategic positioning, does your business choose differentiation or low-cost methods for their products in order to create value for Dunkin' Donuts products?No, Dunkin' Donuts likes to keep up with the standards in order to offer high-quality products to the customers. After the value-added tax, Dunkin' Donuts just added one riyal to all products and make more offers to attract customers.Do you have different methods of choosing your employees here from other countries?Dunkin' Donuts likes to follow the government requirements regarding the Saudilization. As well as to have non-Saudi employees as a percentage of the staff, but to be able to speak English and Arabic as well. The interviewee information: Name: Gilhesh Paul Position: Area Supervisor. Phone number: 0560-213-910 Email: [email  protected] ReferencesDunkin' Donuts. (n.d.). Retrieved December 10, 2017, from http://www.dunkinbrands.com/about/donutsG. (2017, December 07).Dunkin' Donuts franchise. Retrieved December 10, 2017, from http://worldfranchise.eu/franchise/dunkin-donutsMarket Entry Strategies. (n.d.).Retrieved December 11, 2017, from http://www.tradestart.ca/market-entry-strategiesNigel Travis. (n.d.).Retrieved December 10, 2017, from https://news.dunkindonuts.com/about/leadership/nigel-travisSaudi Arabia – Market Opportunities Saudi Arabia – Market Opportunities. (n.d.). Retrieved December 11, 2017, from https://www.export.gov/article?id=Saudi-Arabia-Market-Opportunities(n.d.). Retrieved December 9, 2017, from http://www.dunkindonuts.sa/English/Dunkawy/Pages/default.aspx12,000Global Locations And Still Growing. (n.d.). Retrieved December 10, 2017, from http://www.dunkinfranchising.com/franchisee/en.html Dunkin Donuts What are the stages in a product life cycle? What are the marketing implications of each stage? From my studies it has been provine that the product life cycle is a great marketing concept that focus on the revenues from the sales of a product. The product life cycle is drawn like a bell curve. The life cycle is divided into four stages they are introduction, growth, maturity, and decline. Introduction-It takes time of a new product to begin selling in volume. There may be manufacturing or logistics issues to contend with. The marketplace may be unfamiliar with th product and creating awareness takes time. Consequently product sales show a slow growth during the introduction phase. Growth- The growth space is characterized by a rapid increase in sales volume. This is created by increased product demand when customers are buying. Manufacturing and logistics issues are likely resolved and the market is far more aware of the product. Maturity-The maturity phase is established by sales volumes leveling off. At this point competition is strong and margins may begin to suffer. Signs of getting to this stage are that competitors may start advertising more strongly or using other promotional means to increase sales. Decline-Is when a product sales begin to decrease and it is at this point that some serious marketing decisions need to be made. It is sometimes possible to extend the life of a product by changing some of its product attributes, repositioning it or by packaging it with other products. Dunkin Donuts What are the stages in a product life cycle? What are the marketing implications of each stage? From my studies it has been provine that the product life cycle is a great marketing concept that focus on the revenues from the sales of a product. The product life cycle is drawn like a bell curve. The life cycle is divided into four stages they are introduction, growth, maturity, and decline. Introduction-It takes time of a new product to begin selling in volume. There may be manufacturing or logistics issues to contend with. The marketplace may be unfamiliar with th product and creating awareness takes time. Consequently product sales show a slow growth during the introduction phase. Growth- The growth space is characterized by a rapid increase in sales volume. This is created by increased product demand when customers are buying. Manufacturing and logistics issues are likely resolved and the market is far more aware of the product. Maturity-The maturity phase is established by sales volumes leveling off. At this point competition is strong and margins may begin to suffer. Signs of getting to this stage are that competitors may start advertising more strongly or using other promotional means to increase sales. Decline-Is when a product sales begin to decrease and it is at this point that some serious marketing decisions need to be made. It is sometimes possible to extend the life of a product by changing some of its product attributes, repositioning it or by packaging it with other products.

Free Essays on Charles Murray

Charles Murray’s essay â€Å"Choosing a Future† depicts what the future would be like if all federal transfer payments to the poor were abolished. Murray is convinced if our country did away with all federal transfer payments such as AFDC, Medicaid, Food Stamps, Unemployment Insurance, ect†¦ that our country would be better off. Murray seems to be overly optimistic about our future without welfare. Murray seems to think that every one who is on welfare and any other federal benefits would be forced to find a job. If they cannot find a job then they would have to rely on their families or private charities for support. Anyone who cannot achieve this would be considered to have â€Å"fallen between the cracks.† Murray states that this would be a very small percentage of the population and that we have no obligation to help them because they only have their selves to blame. I believe Murray’s speculation has noble intentions, but I think there is a point where he crosses the line. I agree with him that it is not fair for low class people who have a hard working job to earn basically the same amount as people who are just on benefits from the government. However, I don’t agree that all federal benefits should be cut. People who have a disability do not have the same opportunities as everyone else and there for I believe that they should receive some sort of benefit. If we resorted to this living style then I believe that humans would be no different then primitive animals. In the 19-century a famous British scientist Charles Darwin, known for his theories on evolutions coined the term Darwinism. Darwinism means only the strongest survive. This is what animals have to revert to. If your country eliminated all benefits then it would not be ludicrous to say that only the strongest will survive. I refused to believe that our civilization has not evolved more then animals.... Free Essays on Charles Murray Free Essays on Charles Murray Charles Murray’s essay â€Å"Choosing a Future† depicts what the future would be like if all federal transfer payments to the poor were abolished. Murray is convinced if our country did away with all federal transfer payments such as AFDC, Medicaid, Food Stamps, Unemployment Insurance, ect†¦ that our country would be better off. Murray seems to be overly optimistic about our future without welfare. Murray seems to think that every one who is on welfare and any other federal benefits would be forced to find a job. If they cannot find a job then they would have to rely on their families or private charities for support. Anyone who cannot achieve this would be considered to have â€Å"fallen between the cracks.† Murray states that this would be a very small percentage of the population and that we have no obligation to help them because they only have their selves to blame. I believe Murray’s speculation has noble intentions, but I think there is a point where he crosses the line. I agree with him that it is not fair for low class people who have a hard working job to earn basically the same amount as people who are just on benefits from the government. However, I don’t agree that all federal benefits should be cut. People who have a disability do not have the same opportunities as everyone else and there for I believe that they should receive some sort of benefit. If we resorted to this living style then I believe that humans would be no different then primitive animals. In the 19-century a famous British scientist Charles Darwin, known for his theories on evolutions coined the term Darwinism. Darwinism means only the strongest survive. This is what animals have to revert to. If your country eliminated all benefits then it would not be ludicrous to say that only the strongest will survive. I refused to believe that our civilization has not evolved more then animals....

Jane Elliot †A Class Divided

Jane Elliot – A Class Divided Background Discrimination has taken many definitions over the years. However it can basically be said to be a representation of prejudicial treatment to a person for membership in a given category or group. It is the relationship that exists between one group to another and the actual manner in which they treat each other.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Jane Elliot – A Class Divided specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It mostly involves restriction denial and withholding of opportunities or access to such opportunities to an individual of a certain category. Such preferential treatment need not cause harm to be discrimination. It is enough to give worse treatment to an individual over another for some pertinent arbitrary reason. Argument In 1968, Riceville, Iowa teacher, Jane Elliot, watched in horror as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. She was greatly concerned at how discrimination was being perpe trated in society with sheer ignorance of the damage and pain it was causing to the discriminated people. In an attempt at passing the message against discrimination to her 3rd grade students she attempted to give a lesson to sensitize the class on the effect of the vice. However this was an exercise in futility since like their parents and the society around them they did not understand or have a feel of what discrimination was. In fact some of the children only saw black people on the television. The topic as therefore discussed lightly and with ignorance. She therefore used a practical example of discrimination in which she separated the class into two groups. The first group was made up of children with blue eyes while the other was made of children with brown eyes. She then proceeded to praise the group of children with blue eyes as against those with brown eyes. The children were made to believe that the children with blue eyes were more superior and were more intelligent and therefore deserved to be treated better. The children with blue eyes were given advantages and privileges over their brown eyed friends such as more time during breaks and more teacher attention. They were also warned against interacting with their fellow brown eyed class mates and they were not to play with them. The brown eyed students were also made to wear blue scarf’s that would be used to identify and distinguish them from other children. On the second day, the blue eyed children took their turn and were made to wear the scarfs. Jane Elliot altered the mindset to portray the blue eyed students as lazy and rude. They were also made to suffer lesser privileges such as not going to play as well as a single share of lunch as opposed to going for a second share for those who were not satisfied. The brown eyed students were also given more teacher attention and received more congratulatory remarks form their teacher as opposed to their blue eyed classmatesAdvertising Looking for essay on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The response at the end of the two day exercise was exhilarating. The effectiveness of this method in delivering knowledge and affecting the learning process was very good. The children voluntarily condemned the vice of discrimination and gave their feel of the activity. The sense of imprisonment oppression and segregation was deeply felt by the students who when asked to dispose of the blue scarf’s that were used to identify the children who were of a different group choose to tear them up. This intriguing and aggressive sense of remorse shows how deep discrimination goes in offending the individual or person. The experience as reviewed by the students fourteen years later was a total success in cementing and embedding the principles and values against discrimination. Most of the students grew up to enforce the doctrines and moral of the analogy against discrimination to their wives children friends and fellow members of society. They became bolder at proclaiming their stand against discrimination. Teaching method used Jane Elliot employed a marriage between collaborative and participatory teaching methods. She allowed the students to facilitate her teaching process while in the process allowing them to teach and learn from each other. Undeniably other teaching methods such as lecturing and explaining would have had little success at accessing the young mind let alone solidify the knowledge amidst the societal approach to the issue. The method creates an interactive collaboration between the teacher and the student allowing the class to be more practical and realistic. This goes against the grain of most education systems and methods in the contemporary teaching pretext that are more skewed towards an explanatory method of teaching. Practicality and reasons thereof In the modern day information and technology context the method wou ld face certain pertinent challenges that stream from the structural and situational changes that have occurred in the learning environment. For instance, Students learning through electronic methods have little time for the interpersonal interaction with fellow classmates except in instances where it is absolutely necessary. It would therefore be quite difficult to implement the method in a virtual classroom where students are distantly located. The method would however still work in the rural and most modern learning environment where there the class room set up still exists. It will however require certain pertinent modification in its manner of delivery and execution to involve more modern concepts and analogies within the method.

The Public Sector Project Funded by XYZ Foundation Coursework

The Public Sector Project Funded by XYZ Foundation Coursework The Public Sector Project Funded by XYZ Foundation – Coursework Example Through this memorandum, a trial is being done to analyse the ethical issue pertaining to the policy decisions which has to be taken regarding the untrue reflection of the number of beneficiaries being catered under the public sector project funded by XYZ Foundation. Though this issue is under the jurisdiction of the management board and not the supervisor, I am addressing this memorandum to the supervisor keeping in view of the Organizational moral to adhere with the professional hierarchy involved. The works done in continuation with my predecessor to formulate a project proposal in order to attract funds from XYZ foundation has revealed that the previous office bearer had inflated the number of beneficiaries of the project to a count of ten percent. This was done in order to meet the fund receipt standards set by the funding agency. On the other side this fund was inevitable for the follow up activities of the project and the organization as well. Being the new administrator, I analyzed the ethical issue against the moral standards. To determine the moral standards of the ethical issue, the whole scenario was passed through the Cooper’s ethical decision making model whose first step was the perception of an ethical problem which was already realized. The second phase involved the description of the situation and the definition of the ethical issue. Here the trial of the previous administrator to project figures which was more than the actual ones in a scenario of Institutional and Project crisis was the situation of concern. The ethical issue was clearly defined as whether to keep on the hyped figures so as to ensure the fund receipt or to replace the figures with the actual ones. Identification of the alternatives was the third phase in Cooper’s ethical decision making model. On evaluation of the defined ethical crisis, there were few possible alternatives. One of it was to have relentless efforts in order to achieve the inflated number of clients by the time the grant was sanctioned. Another possible option was the correction of the figures to actual ones and the last alternative was to keep the proposal going with the hyped figures. The final step in Cooper’s model was the evaluation of each alternative against moral rules and ethical principles. The practicability of the first alternative was at stake as the grant proposal was due on a sooner date and the gap in the inflated number of clients could not be achieved by the time of proposal submission. The second alternative could have however resulted in the rejection of the fund leading to serious problems with the finance of the organization and the project as well. Though the alternative to keep the proposal going with the hyped figures poised doubts on the rehearsal defense or the publicity test, it was further evaluated against the ethical principles. The moral consistency with the Social standards and the organizational standards could be ensured with transparency in the intention of the option. However the principle of utilitarianism substantiated the lacunas of the suggested solution as it addressed the genuineness of the social cause intended and it proved to be a more practical solution with not even scare traces of Amoralism. Ladd’s concept of moral responsibility John Ladd has described formal organizations as "machines" in order to emphasize the constraints on their options for action.(Risser,2006). He tries to make the point that organizations some times are bound to procedures and policies and some times legalities leading to non compliance with the moral obligations to the society and towards the concerned particular task. His point is completely agreed upon as the non flexibility of the procedural undertakings of organizations often tends to move out and respond as per the ethical and moral requirement at particular point of time and with reference to the specific development involved. He further argues that an organization must be capable of non-programmed behavior, such as responding constructively to moral blame or disapprobation, to qualify as a morally responsible agent However his point that organizations have neither moral responsibility nor moral rights cannot be completely agreed to, as there exists many systems even with in the modern corporate world to address such issues. The concept of Corporate Social Responsibility is in a broader sense an example to this. However it is true that the context of ethics from an individual perspective is much easier to monitor and is more flexible than the Context for Ethics in the Organization. But this does not mean escapism of the organizations from the responsibility of following the moral and ethical standards. Ladd also relates the organizational moral perspective to a machine which is only capable of performing those functions that it has been designed or programmed to undertake. However this philosophy is also challenged in an ironical way, by the upcoming possibility of Artificial intelligence of the next generation computers. WORKS CITED Risser T, The Internet Encyclopedia of Psychology, 2006, Collective Moral Responsibility, 18 Oct 2008, Scott R, â€Å"Ethical  Decision-Making: The Link Between Ambiguity and Accountability†, 2002, Air and Space Jounal, 18 Oct 2008,

Importance of Iron to the Evolution of Civilization in Africa Essay

Importance of Iron to the Evolution of Civilization in Africa - Essay Example While paying attention to the Iron Age in Africa, this expose elucidates the important role of iron to the evolution of civilization in the continent of Africa. African used stones as tools to conduct their daily activities during the first Millennium (â€Å"Early Iron Age in Sub Saharan Africa,† n.d.). In this regard, the activities that they engaged in included hunting and gathering, which was the main source of livelihood for a majority of Africans. Therefore, there were no signs of metalwork in Africa in this millennium. However, the continent traces early signs of metalwork in Egypt during the fifth millennium (â€Å"Early Iron Age in Sub Saharan Africa,† n.d.). In this regard, the first metalwork witnessed in the continent was technology in copper work. Indeed, this innovation coincided with farming and agriculture in the Nile Valley, which is the earliest civilization in Africa (â€Å"Early Iron Age in Sub Saharan Africa,† n.d.). While copper was the first metal for Africans to work with, there are several standpoints regarding the origin of iron in Africa. Nevertheless, there is a common agreement that the first evidence for work related to iron was in the second millennium (â€Å"Early Iron Age in Sub Saharan Africa,† n.d.). According to archeological standpoints, iron traces its origin on two different perspectives. In the first perspective, archeologists identify the invention of iron by the indigenous Africans as the group that invented iron (â€Å"Early Iron Age in Sub Saharan Africa,† n.d.). Archeologists who support this position indicate that Africans invented iron smelting by borrowing from the techniques they used in copper smelting (â€Å"Early Iron Age in Sub Saharan Africa,† n.d.). On the other hand, a second group of archeologists traces the origin of iron in Africa from the surrounding continents and specifically the continent of Asia (â€Å"Early Iron Age in Sub Saharan Africa,† n.d.). In this regard, the archeologists who support this viewpoint indicate that smelting of iron diffused into the continent through Egypt. It is crucial to point out that Egypt is close to the countries in the Arabic area of the continent of Asia. In this case, Egypt received the technology and spread it to the rest of Africa. The interaction of the kingdom of Meroe with the Egyptians is a contributing factor in the spread of iron technology and its crucial role in the evolution of civilization. In this regard, the principal craft for the people of Meroe was using the iron technology to make iron tools (â€Å"Early Iron Age in Sub Saharan Africa,† n.d.). The tools previously used by the people of Meroe were not of superior quality, since the only technology before the use of iron was use of stones or copper. In this regard, iron provided the people of Meroe who engaged in farming and hunting with more superior tools (â€Å"Early Iron Age in Sub Saharan Africa,† n.d.). In effe ct, the new tools ensured that there was more production of food and hunting became more productive. In addition, these superior tools paved way for a stronger army amongst the Meroe since they now had superior tools. In addition, they could capture strong animals like the elephants, which they used during wars (â€Å"Early Iron Age in Sub Saharan Africa,† n.d.). Thus, iron was important to the evolution of civilization in Africa since there were inventions of superior tools used in farming and

Woman study - Final exam Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Woman study - Final exam - Essay Example But this wasn’t the case before. Just like there were discriminations between the black and the white, the poor and the rich, the oppressed and the oppressor, there was also a huge discrimination between Women and Men and their place in society. This discrimination was up to such a level that in some traditional cultures women were considered as nothing but an instrument of exploitation. They were seen as tools for cleaning, cooking, sex, giving birth to children, raising them up, and even worse ‘a punching bag’ in many instances. Women have borne the brunt of it all, violence, oppression, threats, sexual exploitation, and God knows what else. Talk about ‘coming up from the streets’ and a woman would know exactly what that means. After all those years of torment and ill-treatment, women have managed to rise up victorious because of men and women from across the world who spoke in one voice to stop this abuse. Feminists helped shape the future of women to a great extent by handing them the power to do what they felt was right with their life. This changed the era where women were maltreated so that a new era of equality began. There are different feminist theories that have been established and massively supported over an extensive period of time. A lot of other factors including, religion, courts, people, science, the media and even governments for that matter have had a major part to play to implement this change. These have sculpted society in a manner that would benefit everyone and send a fitting reply to few-narrow minded people who still live within their own shadows while they hang their heads low. The appearance of feminists’ theories was not occasional. Eventually, it came as a natural process. People were trying â€Å"to understand the nature, of social life, and hoe to transform inequitable social relationship.† Particular focus of many feminist theorists was the process of creation of sexual hierarchies . The other important focus was providing proper interpretation of these theories as well as explaining the reasons why these theories were created. To come close to the point, feminists tried to question standard social order and to spread their own idea about social life and the main social practices of this life. The other focus was put on the issue of sexual oppression that existed in our society. According to feminists, oppression was an undisputed part of human existence and marked the life of woman during those times. The article by Roberta Hamilton called â€Å"Gendering the Vertical Mosaic: Feminist Perspectives on Canadaian Society† indicates that there is a whole list of â€Å"proliferating and overlapping feminist perspectives regarding the issue of feminist (Shanley, Narayan, 1997). It means that feminist can be approached from different perspective. In this paper I will pay my attention to the following feminist perspectives: (1) liberal feminists, (2) socialis t feminists, (3) radical feminists, (4) lesbian feminists, (5) black feminists, (6) feminists of color. Liberal feminists is closely connected to the individualistic ideology of liberalism. The theory was first initiated by Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-97). Mary is the author of the document titled A Vindication of the Rights of Woman in 1792. The author of this theory was promoting the idea of â€Å"liberty, equality, and fraternity† (Chapter One. Feminist Theories, p.14). Mary Wollstonecraft’s theory was based on the idea that â€Å"women, like men, are rational being with the potential to be fully responsible for their own lives. (Chapter One. Feminist Theories, p.14) This statement clearly showed Mary Wollstonecraft’s social position. Mary was willing to see women as equal to men. The other import

Describe the difference between religion & magic, giving examples of Essay

Describe the difference between religion & magic, giving examples of each. (Give 2 + examples each.) - Essay Example It’s made up of different norms or practices agreed upon and practices by a society. In contrary to magic, a religion is usually accepted and followed devotedly and mostly act as a guidance that contains a moral code governing the conduct of a community. Religion can also be well explained through consideration of its essential characteristics; religious belief, unity of a society of the same faith and finally religious practices and belief (Frazer 38). As indicated by sociologist, religion is not just monotheistic, some religions for example Confucianism recognize no gods at all while others practice polytheism, that is, believe in many deities. Contrary to Adam and Eves story in the Bible, religion is not necessarily a revelation of origins of creation. Not all religions have similar myths of origin though they still fit within the correct definition of a religion. It is, therefore, correct to say that religion is a set of moral norms and principles concerning rules regulating behavior of its believers and sacred. All religion to a greater extent shares at least same features. For example, most religions embrace an individual responsible and is considered to specialize in religious practices (Frazer 41). Christianity and Islam are some of the example of religion. Magic, on the other hand, can be defined as the art that claims to influence or foresee natural events (Frazer 5). It mainly works by invoking the supernatural. Magic is, therefore, performed through superstitious practices and behaviors intended to cause a predetermined or desired end. Magic does require a general agreed set of beliefs or practice upon which its practice is derived as compared to religion. It can be real or manipulation of natural events to attain the desired outcome (Frazer 10). Some religions however incorporate a bit of belief in magic, especially those that arose from traditional practices. An individual who performs magic is assumed

E-law questions part 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

E-law questions part 1 - Essay Example Moreover, US lawyers use technology in litigation, e-discovery, and e filing in courtrooms (American Bar Association 2012). They also use various hardware and software that include videoconferencing technology to take depositions and testimonies and to deliver professional legal education. On the other hand, videoconferencing technology applies in Australian courts in taking depositions and testimonies from witnesses and is accessible to lawyers in the urban areas. Indeed, there is little evidence of technology use by Australian lawyers in the rural and remote areas. Despite its significant benefits, IT and specifically videoconferencing technology is not popular with Australian lawyers (Kennedy &Winn, n.y). Internationalization has a positive impact on tax revenue charged by governments on businesses. Indeed, an increase in the internationalization indicator leads to a subsequent increase in tax revenue. Additionally, internationalization undermines the government’s potential to tax business income hence leading to more business profits. Moreover, it increases a business urge to relocate abroad and enhances the need for a better location with regard to infrastructure that promotes business activities. Indeed, it has adverse effects where a business finally relocates to another country. Globalization has divergent impact on business. It promotes the movement of goods across borders thus enhancing international trade. It leads to integrated customer service and the emergence of global business brand. It enables businesspersons to purchase products from convenient markets, selling of products in markets with higher profits, and outsourcing of raw materials. Additionally, globalization leads to high profit margins for companies that are able to source cheap raw materials and labor force from other countries. This equally leads to low earning potential for employees. Globalization also affects business management where companies can hire managers

Political Science- Middle Eastern Politics Essay

Political Science- Middle Eastern Politics - Essay Example There are two main answers to this difficult question. The first is perhaps the best. If Iraq asks for U.S. combat troops beyond 2011, America should agree, creating several rapid reaction forces, not numbering more than 20,000 soldiers, to help with problems that may arise. The hard part of implementing this policy will be selling it to both the American and Iraqi public. The second option the U.S. could pursue is to create a staging ground for a rapid reaction force outside of Iraq, perhaps in Saudi Arabia, which could be used in cases of emergency. Both potential strategies will be briefly discussed below. Many American lives have been lost in Iraq, and a great deal of money has been spent. It is tempting, now that violence has been dramatically reduced, to wash our hands of the issue. But the possibility remains that Iraq could revert to a chaotic situation and that we must not allow this to happen. The American Defence Secretary Robert Gates recently signalled that the Obama adm inistration would be willing to continue keeping combat troops in Iraq after 2011 if asked by the Iraqi government. The military commander in Iraq, General Austin agreed there may be a need for this: Speaking to a group of reporters travelling with Gates, Austin gave the strong impression that he thinks Iraq needs a U.S. military presence beyond December, but he said he had not yet been asked to provide a recommendation to Washington. He said Iraq faced the possibility of a "more violent environment" next year, given the absence of U.S. military force and the failure to resolve key political problems, like the Kurd-Arab tensions in Kirkuk and elsewhere in the north (NPR). The willingness is there among policymakers, but the largest problem would be convincing the American public that this was necessary. Strategically, this is one of the more difficult parts of the plan. Americans are sick and tired of Iraq. They want nothing more to do with it. While Republicans would probably side with Obama, it will be politically difficult for him to convince anti-war Democrats to permit American combat troops to stay in Iraq. Obama has already alienated left-wing Democrats with a number of his policies; facing reelection 2012, he might be loath to further enrage them, potentially inviting a primary challenge from the left. While the politics of this choice make it strategically difficult, it may be the only good option. Another strategy would involve refusing combat troops in Iraq, and creating a rapid reaction force nearby, in another country. There are problems with this idea, however. America is already committed to having a major diplomatic presence in Iraq after 2011. According to a recent Senate report: â€Å"The diplomatic mission that remains will be an initiative of unprecedented size and complexity, currently projected to consist of some 17,000 individuals on 15 different sites, including 3 air hubs, 3 police training centers, 2 consulates, 2 embassy branch offi ces, and 5 Office of Security Cooperation sites† (Senate Report, 2). Without a security presence, it will be very difficult to sustain this kind of operation. It may be in America's own interest, as much as the Iraqi's, to have a combat force in Iraq. American diplomatic operations will certainly attract fire in the years ahead, and it will be hard to trust the Iraqi army to properly provide security. Having a

E-law questions part 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

E-law questions part 1 - Essay Example Moreover, US lawyers use technology in litigation, e-discovery, and e filing in courtrooms (American Bar Association 2012). They also use various hardware and software that include videoconferencing technology to take depositions and testimonies and to deliver professional legal education. On the other hand, videoconferencing technology applies in Australian courts in taking depositions and testimonies from witnesses and is accessible to lawyers in the urban areas. Indeed, there is little evidence of technology use by Australian lawyers in the rural and remote areas. Despite its significant benefits, IT and specifically videoconferencing technology is not popular with Australian lawyers (Kennedy &Winn, n.y). Internationalization has a positive impact on tax revenue charged by governments on businesses. Indeed, an increase in the internationalization indicator leads to a subsequent increase in tax revenue. Additionally, internationalization undermines the government’s potential to tax business income hence leading to more business profits. Moreover, it increases a business urge to relocate abroad and enhances the need for a better location with regard to infrastructure that promotes business activities. Indeed, it has adverse effects where a business finally relocates to another country. Globalization has divergent impact on business. It promotes the movement of goods across borders thus enhancing international trade. It leads to integrated customer service and the emergence of global business brand. It enables businesspersons to purchase products from convenient markets, selling of products in markets with higher profits, and outsourcing of raw materials. Additionally, globalization leads to high profit margins for companies that are able to source cheap raw materials and labor force from other countries. This equally leads to low earning potential for employees. Globalization also affects business management where companies can hire managers

Ethnic conflict Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Ethnic conflict - Essay Example Fractionalization and polarization are two specific channels of ethnic division that jointly influence social conflict. Polarization influences social conflict more when winners attain a public prize, for example, political power. On the other hand, when prizes are of a private nature, for example infrastructure, government subsidies, or looted resources, ethnic fractionalization is more influential to social conflict (Ganguly 13). The research paper will seek to use recent theoretical research to provide evidence that social conflict is influenced by pre-existing ethnic tension and differences. Ethnicity, by itself, does not cause violent social conflict with most ethnic groups pursuing similar interests peaceful most of the time, despite inter-ethnic differences. The main causes of ethnic conflict, Ganguly (43) portends, are based on the domestic and systemic level of analysis. The systemic approach contends that ethnic conflict is dependent on the nature of security systems that the different ethnic sides operate, as well as their concerns about their security. The first systemic prerequisite is that more than one group lives live in close proximity. The second one is that international, regional, and national authorities are unable to prevent fighting among the different ethnic groups, as well as assure individual ethnic groups of their security. If anarchy prevails in a specific system, it becomes essential for the groups to defend themselves, especially if none of them can absorb the other culturally, economically, or politically (Ganguly 44). Security concerns become a paramount distress when collective fears about the capability of the state to arbitrate between different ethnic groups. In this case, some of the involved groups mobilize and deploy military resources, as the other group seeks to diminish the first group’s security, with most groups unaware of their actions’ impact on

The History Boys Essay Example for Free

The History Boys Essay What elements of Bennetts own educational experiences has he used in â€Å"the History Boys†? Bennett says that he was made fun of at school for coming to school in a suit on the day of his exams. He says he did this because he thought the exam was an occasion and he must rise to it. This show us how he felt towards his exams and probably shows how some of the boys in his book would have felt like when taking their exams. This shows how important he thinks exams are and this theme will probably reflect in the book. Bennett then goes to talk about taking his finals at oxford, this is where the boys in the book are aiming for and he has already been there and knows what it’s like to pass so he will probably talk about the emotions that he felt when he passed. Bennett talks about his Head teacher and describes him as a â€Å"snob† and as we already know that the Head teacher in the book is a snob. Bennett being from a working class family and the boys in the books being from a working class family then he will probably share his experience of feeling like a second class citizen compared to the boys from Eton or the other private schools down south. Bennett says that the â€Å"History Boys† has nothing to do with his â€Å"contemporaries† but this is hard to believe as the subject of the book is so close to his life. He could be telling the truth or trying to hide the embarrassment of whatever happens in the book. Bennett goes to chapel and says in the play that Scripps also goes to chapel this could be show the subtle differences between the boys in the play. He also talks about his teacher getting upset with his class which he also uses in the book. Bennett being a homosexual is also reflected in one of the boys in the book so Bennett’s sexuality is also in the book so it’s like the boys in the book all make up Bennett rather than just one. Bennett felt like he wasted his time at university although I doubt we will see the characters in the book reach university because the book is about the seventh term but some of the boys may end up feeling like this at the end of their school careers. Bennett fe els like a fraud for just retaining information onto a page, he may reflect this feeling onto one of the boys in the book. Bennett states that reading a book about the working class going to university often tires them out and it reflects poorly in their efforts at university and he portrays these feelings into Posner.

Cafe Expresso And Sustained Competitive Advantage

Cafe Expresso And Sustained Competitive Advantage The purpose of this report was to critically analyse the Human Resource and Performance management systems of Cafe Expresso as a source of sustained competitive advantage. Specific objectives were to discuss the Human Resource, as a source of sustained competitive advantage (under RBV) in a company. In addition, the implications of RBV (Resource Based View) on SHRM (Strategic Human Resource Management) of an organization were discussed and how performance management systems are put in place to multiply its efficiency. The role of managers in this regard was also analysed to certain extent. In the end, threat posed to Cafà © Expresso was identified and recommendations were offered. One of the challenges faced by the company was the sustainability of its competitive advantage. The report recommends an extensive use of innovation and creativity at all levels of management in the company and futuristic approach in all its strategies and decision-making process. Table of Contents Introduction The case study on which this report is based, deals with one of the renowned players of the coffee house industry, called the Cafà © Expresso. After reining the coffee industry for almost 15 years, they lost their market share at the hand of rival competitors. As their key staff was poached and business model imitated. The new leadership in the form of charismatic chief executive, Ben Thomson, identified the problem in companys human resource and appointed, Kam Patel as a new global HR director to sort it out. Kam Patel worked on the new HR strategy to achieve Bens vision of becoming the number one coffee house across the globe. She revolutionised the role of HR and introduced functions of Partner Resources, where all employees were termed as partners in the business. Other key areas on which she focused were, resourcing and retention, learning and development, talent management, employee involvement and communication, and compensation and benefits. Her efforts reaped results and Cafà © Expresso moved to number two in the industry. The service had improved considerably and there was an increased level of staff and customer retention. However, they were now concerned about sustaining and developing this competitive advantage, which they achieved through superior strategy and innovative HR practices (Harzing and pinnington, 2011). Objectives of the report The main objectives of the report are to discuss the Human Resource Management strategy of cafà © expresso in light of Resource Based Theory presented by Barney (1991). Followed by key recommendations, as to how it can further develop or maintain its competitive advantage, based on this perspective. Purpose of the report The purpose of this report is to put forward an inductive theoretical discussion, where by, the human resource in an organization can be viewed as a source of sustained competitive advantage. In order to accomplish our mission, we will focus on the need to introduce the Strategic Human resource Management and the summary of Resource Based View of an organization, as well as, cursory touching upon the old and new conflicting theories in the process. We will then identify the circumstances, under which the human resource is actually valuable, rear, inimitable and non-substantial (VRIO framework). We will draw an end to literature review by discussing the implications of RBV on basic SHRM and example case study. Finally, we will discuss the inferences and put forward recommendations, as to how human resources can provide sustained competitive advantage and analyzing the role of HR practices in creating this advantage. Limitations Due to word limit, this report only discusses the theoretical research carried in the field of SHRM development and not the empirical research. Literature Review Strategic Human Resource Management and Transformation Armstrong (2008:5) defines Human Resource Management as a strategic and coherent approach to the management of an organisations most valued assets- the people working there, who individually and collectively contribute to the achievement of its objectives. Therefore, strategic HRM can be termed as those HR policies and practices, which will help an organisation in achieving its long-term goals and objectives through its people. Purcell (1999) defines strategic HRM as those actions, which differentiate an organsiation from its competitors in the market. HR policies and practices are no longer being formulated in isolation, as in the past. In the last half a century, HR functions have transformed from personnel in 1970s to employee welfare (unions) in 1990s to a strategic business partners in 21st century (Holbeche, 2009; Ulrich and Brockbank, 2005). The current period of HR transformation has been greatly influenced by Dave Ulrichs thinking (Holbeche, 2009). Strategic Management Framework Strategic management has seen remarkable advancement in the past half a century. Ever since the realisation of strategy into management, both academic researchers and practitioners have shown great interest in this field (Wright, et al, 1994). The business strategy encompasses the organisations strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats-SWOT (Chanda, 2009). The strategists have relied extensively on this single framework (SWOT) to structure their work (Barney, 1991). Other contribution in this framework is Porters- 5 Force Model in Fig.1.1, which emphasizes on the external environmental factors affecting firms performance. Porters model did receive a wide range of acceptability by the practitioners, but it does not cater for the determinants, on which a companys manager has influence (Wright, et al, 1994). Keeping in view the above mentioned strategic management theories, based on external factors determining the competitive advantage of an organization, let us now narrow down to strategic human resource management. In this regard, the most relative one is the Outside-in (Michigan HRM Model) theory, first published by Tichy, et al., 1982) According to them, People are recruited in to the organisations to do the jobs defined, by the division of labour. Performance must be monitored and rewards must be given to keep individuals productive (Devanna, et, al, 1984). In their model, Fig.2.2 Strategic management and environmental pressures they present the basic elements as interrelated systems, that are surrounded in the work related environment. C:UsersShahrukhDesktopR0801E_A.gif Fig.2.1 The five competitive forces that shape strategy Source: Harvard Business review, 2008 However, critics suggest that this model has harder, less humanistic approach to HRM, holding the employees as a resource, in the same manner as any other business resource. People can be obtained as cheap as possible, used sparingly, developed and exploited to organizations benefit (Price, 2011). Another limitation to this model is that, it cannot fit into dynamic and globalized economic conditions, where innovation and learning is the key to sustained competitive advantage. One of the upcoming and current theoretical discussions on strategic management is the Resource Based View of an organization (Barney, 1991; Wright, 1993). This theory of strategic management is different from environmentally-focused and externally motivated theories (e.g., Poter, 1980; Tichy, et al, 1982; Devanna, et al, 1984). It mainly focuses on the inside out view of the organization (Barney, 1991), its strategy and its performance (Hill and Jones, 2007). Furthermore, the Resource Based model of competitive advantage is mainly organisation- focused as compared to strategic management analysis by Porter and Devanna, which are industry environment- focused (Mc Williams and Smart cited in Wright, 1994). Resource Based View of an organisation Resource based view of a company as described above, emphasizes upon the internal resources of the company as a major factor in competitive success and sustainability (Wright, et al, 1994). It is therefore, imperative to briefly focus on the definitions of resources, competitive advantage and sustained competitive advantage. Resources within Resource Based Theory According to Barney(1991:101) the resources in a firm are all assets, capabilities, organizational processes, firm attributes, information, knowledge, etc. controlled by a firm that enable a firm to conceive of and implement strategies that improve its efficiency and effectiveness. Barney also classifies these resources in to three categories, such as, physical capital resources, human capital resources and organizational capital resources (Wright, et al, 1994). Since our focus is on human capital resources, therefore, according to Barney, it includes such things as experience, intelligence of both managers and workers in an organisation. Competitive and sustained competitive advantage When discussing the RBV of a firm, the above mentioned resources are in fact the source of competitive advantage. Barney (1991:102) believes competitive advantage is being achieved when a firm is implementing a value creating strategy, not simultaneously being implemented by any current or potential competitors. In contrast, in the environmentally motivated strategic models (e.g. Porters 1980; Devanna1984), the resources are considered to be mobile and that companies can create or purchase, resources held by the other firms (Wright, et al, 2001). The second definition is the sustained competitive advantage. Some authors have suggested that a sustained competitive advantage is simply a competitive advantage that lasts long period of calendar time (e.g. Jacobson 1988; Porter1985) (Barney, 1991). Whereas, the new theory is that sustained competitive advantage occurs only when the competitors are unable to copy the benefits of a competitor advantage at the first place (Wright, et al, 1994). Therefore, the criteria chalked down by Barney (1991) for sustained competitive advantage in his resource based theory is VRIO: Value should be created through resource There should be an element of uniqueness or rarity in the resource as compared to its competitors in the market The resource should not be imitable The resource of an organisation should not be substitutable with resources from other competitors Human Resource under VRIO Framework We have established that human resource is one of the components of sustained competitive advantage. Let us now further discuss it under the resource based (VRIO) framework (Barney Wright: 1997). Human Resource as Valuable As mentioned above, in order for human resource to become the source of sustained competitive advantage, it needs to add value to the firm (Elliot, 2003). According to Barney (1991), resources must possess additional characteristics, in order for them to add value to the organization. Other researchers believe that because of the variable level of skills and abilities of employees, there is a variance in individual contribution to the firm, consequently adding to the ability of human capital to provide value. (Wright, et al, 1994). In addition, value can also be created within the organisation for its human resource through regular training and development activities (Ulrich and Brockbank, 2005). Human Resource as Rare In contrast to the idea of rarity of human resources, it can be argued that labor pool is in fact homogenous due to existence of fairly high levels of unemployment, leading to an excess of supply of labor (Elliot, 2003). However, it is widely believed amongst the HR strategists that rarity in a human resource is derived from their variable levels of competencies and skills. For example, cognitive is an ability which is rarely found in all levels of human resource (Wright, et al, 1994). Since these rare competencies are distributed uniformly amongst the talent pool, therefore, quality human resource is rare (Lado and Wilson 1994). Human Resource as inimitable According to Wright et al (1994), If the competitive advantage gained through having a high quality skilled worker is easily imitable, then it not possible for human resource to constitute as a source of sustained competitive advantage. According to the RBV of competitive advantage, SHRM researches argue that the high quality workers can be imperfectly imitable, if they possess pre-requisites such as, unique historical background, casual ambiguity and social intricacy (Elliot, 2003). Furthermore, to sustain a competitive advantage, the human resource must also be imperfectly mobile i.e. that cannot be traded as regularly as possible (Amit Shoemaker; Grant; Peteraf, cited in Elliot 2003). However, William (1992) argues that nothing lasts forever and no matter what the organisation does, its competitive advantage will eventually be copied by its competitors. Therefore, he purposes the idea of First mover advantage- how fast an organization can maneuver across a range of competitive co nditions. Human Resource as non-substitutable Not able to be substituted mean that there must be no strategically equivalent valuable resources that are themselves either not rare or imitable (Barney 1991:111). Alternatively, if the resources are not rare and imitable, the other firms will be able to easily create and implement same business model and strategies, thus, invalidating the benefits of competitive advantage (Barney, 1991). However, it is widely argued that the biggest advantage to human resource is the fact that every person is genetically unique in a way that no two people are exactly identical, thus they are heterogeneous resource (Barney Wright, 1997; Wright et al, 1994; Pfeffer, 1995). In addition, human resources is the only source in an organisation, which has the potential to not to grow obsolete and can be easily introduced to new technologies, products and markets (Wright, et a, 1994). Furthermore, the time human resource spends in an oragnisation, adds to the experience which in turn adds to the total valu e of the organisation (Barney Wright, 1997). Applying RBV to SHRM and sustained competitive advantage As it is mentioned in para.2.1 that SHRM is a set of those HR policies and practices, which are designed to achieve long-term organizational goals. Though field of SHRM has not directly born of the RBV, it has clearly been instrumental to its development (Wright; Dunford; Snell: 2001). It was largely due to the fact that RBV shifted the view from external (environmental) factors to internal firm resources as a source of competitive advantage (Hoskisson: 1999). Therefore, amalgamation of RBV into SHRM should come as no surprise to the practitioners around the world. HR practices and sustained competitive advantage The potential of HR practices to establish a source of sustained competitive advantage has been argued greatly amongst academic researchers (Wright, et al: 2001). Two arguments came in quick succession in 1994. Wright et al (1994) suggested that HR practices (tools used to manage human pool), when studied under the RBV, VRIO framework (Barney and Wright: 1997), does not form the basis of sustained competitive advantage. As, individual HR practices can easily be imitated by competitors. Alternatively, they proposed that only the human resource capital (highly skilled and highly motivated workforce) has the potential to become the source of sustained competitive advantage for a firm (Elliot: 2003).In contrast, Lado and Wilson (1994) argued that HR practices are in fact the source of sustained competitive advantage for firm because HR systems (opposite to individual practices) can be unique, informally ambiguous and synergetic in way they develop firm competencies. Thus, HR practices wi th all its complementariness and interdependencies would be impossible to be copied by another competitor. This argument seems valid in the current SHRM paradigm (Wright, et al: 2001). Development and performance management The constant development in the field of SHRM has rendered RBV to achieve some consensus on the role of human resource in achieving sustained competitive advantage (Wright et al: 2001). These factors are illustrated in Fig.2.5. Fig.2.5: A model of basic strategic HRM components C:UsersShahrukhDesktop1-s2.0-S0149206301001209-gr1.gif Source: Journal of Management (2001) The components depicted in Fig.2.5 are only the levers by which a pool of human capital can be developed (Wright et al, 1994). The role of managers in a firm is inherently limited, when it comes to defining the sources of sustained competitive advantage under VRIO framework (wright et al 2001). However, Wright et al (1994) argues that the managers can play a vital role in developing a pool human capital (highly skilled and motivated workers) by superior HR practices such as: Extensive selection and recruitment process Systems to attract, identify and retain high quality employees Training programs aimed at increasing and developing individual skills and competencies Attractive wages and compensation packages Based on Wright et als(1994) model, Elliot(2003) suggests that the next aim of an HR manager is to affect the individual behavior of employees by introducing Performance Management Systems supportive of firms competitive strategy. For example, Reward systems, Appraisal systems, communication systems and socialization systems and encourage employees to improve their individual performance, where by, they can deliver and act in the best interest of the organization (Wright et al, 1994). Link between theory practice- Cafà © Expresso Here, we will link theory to practice, by practically, adding the example from the case-study on Cafà © Expresso. After Ben Thomson (CEO) decided to re-launch Cafà © Expressos business strategy, the main emphasis of his program was the refurbishment of HR department. As, this discussion focuses on modern HRM theories and practices in light of RBV, it is evident that the new HR director, Kam patel, applied almost the same strategy. For example: To start with, they set aside the external (outside-in) environment (Michigan model by Devanna et al (1984) and Porters forces model (1985)) and focused on the firms internal (Inside-out) HRM strategy and practices (RBV of the firm by Barney (1991) and Wright et al (1994)). Due to high turn-over of employees in the industry and weak retention, they identified the key human capital of the company, as a source of competitive advantage (based on Wright et al, 1994). Kam Patel, with her futuristic and modern approach, transformed the HR function as Partner Resources (based on Holbeche, 2009; Ulrich and Brockbank, 2005). She introduced performance management systems, for example, objective and development needs, in relation to knowledge, technical skills and behavioral skills. Performance appraisal was conducted bi-annually and feedback from customers and peers were included in the process. (Based on Wright et al, 1994; Elliot, 2003). Under the VRIO framework (Barney, 1991), Cafà © Expresso did manage to create Value, Rarity, Inimitability and non-substitutability through their superior HR practices. Value and Rarity by introducing learning and development feature in their HR practice, for example, new recruits were encouraged to spend time on the floor. They spent a day in Cafà © Expresso development Centre, learning the company history and coffee industry. They were made Cafà © expresso ambassador by taking part in the coffee master program. They were groomed through mentor system, where both baristas and managers were provided with a buddy, who would support and provide assistance in their job. In addition, the new resourcing technique (window advertsing and word of mouth) meant that most of their selected partners were actually loyal customers in the past, which is a rare human resource pool in a firm (Harzing Pinnington, 2011). In-imitability and non-substitutability is measured by the fact that cafà © expresso possessed a unique team of partners (mostly former customers) with the same love and passion for coffee house experience amongst them. Furthermore, the retention strategy offered was of high quality and included wide range of benefits, for example, share option scheme and discount of 30% was offered to partners on all cafà © expresso stores. In addition, they empowered their partners to provide suggestions and ideas. Partner Voice a company magazine was introduced, by which all employees were kept aware of all the activities of the company (Harzing Pinnington, 2011). Conclusion One of the objectives, set in the introduction part of this paper was to analyse the HRM strategy of Cafà © Expresso in light of Barneys (1991) Resource Based Theory. It is proven from the discussion that Cafà © Expresso did work on its HR policies and practices based on the reigning Resource Based Theory by Barney and Wright. The link between Cafà © Expressos HR practices and companys performance has been established through the above mentioned theory. For example, when Ben Thomson did not find any solution in the external (industrial) environment, he turned his focus inside the company and immediately discovered problems in the internal resources; out of which the most important one was the HR function. With RBV of the firm he added value to the firm by employing an experienced HR director Kam Patel. She in turn added more value and rarity to the firm by introducing empirical HR strategies and unparalleled performance management systems. The result was that Cafà © Expresso star ted to grow and moved to second place in the industry (Harzing Pinnington, 2011). It has been established that human resource can become a source of competitive advantage in the industry, as well as, a possible source of sustained competitive advantage when scrutinized under VRIO framework (Wright et al, 1994). Furthermore, Cafà © Expresso did achieve the competitive advantage they hoped for, but the true test of the robustness of their strategy is in fact sustainability and development of the same. Finally, is it enough for Cafà © Expresso to not to worry any more about their current competitive advantage, as, they have fulfilled all the prerequisites of the Resource Based Theory of competitive advantage laid down in the paper? The answer will be discussed in the Recommendations part. Recommendations Despite the debate amongst strategists and scholars continue, regarding the effectiveness of RBV, there is no denying the fact that sustainability is the function of companys key resources and their immobility (Brahma Chakraborty, 2011). Undoubtedly, the question is what makes these resources absolutely, valuable? Petraf and Barney (2003:312) state that, Resource Based Theory (RBT) is not the only or a best substitute for industrial level analytical tools, such as five-force analysis (Porter, 1980) or for group analysis or analysis of macro environment. It is relatively an additional tool to complement all these tools, where by, one can search for possible causes of sustained competitive advantage. In view of the above, I have come up with following recommendations for cafà © expresso and their issue of sustained competitive advantage: Aphorism: Innovate or Die is a famous saying these days, which warns companies to innovate or face the consequences of being driven out of the market for good (Barney, Ketchen Wright, 2011). Rapid advancement in the field of Information sharing technologies, Globalisation and dynamic economic environment are some of the factors, which pose an existent threat to any companys competitive advantage in the market. Companies, such as Cafà © Expresso, should not only rely on one successful strategy for long but should constantly revise and develop new ideas to develop and maintain their competitive advantage. How time affects strategy? The common denominator is time; this approach helps managers become proactive in creating change- in policies, in practices and in processes. Williams (1992) suggested this theory for sustained competitive advantage, which I believe holds much valid in todays fierce business environment. The success in this theory is embedded in the managers ability to change the rules of the game so entirely that the competitors are left behind in the chase. The management of cafà © expresso should keep their options open and avoid fixation. Futuristic leadership at all levels in the organisation is one of the key factors to sustained competitive advantage. A visionary team of managers will push the organization towards innovation and creativity, avoiding stagnation in the process. Ben Thomson (current CEO) should constantly monitor market for new avenues and trends in the coffee house industry. He should also develop and train his key managers to become visionary and creative. Capacity for change is an all-time important element of a sustained competitive advantage. Due to highly fluid business environment, where new technologies and features enter the market every day, a company should possess a capacity to change its internal business ethos accordingly. Human resource in an organization has a great capacity to change and being exposed to new environments. Being Customer focused is last but not the least of worries for a company such as, cafà © expresso. The kind of industry in which it operates is directly involved in customer service and satisfaction. Much study has been done on customer service and retention in the past two decades or so, because the focuses of almost all the businesses have now shifted in the direction of its customers. The future of entire coffee house business is embedded in this single aspect.