Stratigey and action Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Stratigey and action - Assignment Example Technological Analysis: Zara is recently enjoying a high tech environment which enables it to put ideas into market more frequently than its competitors. Zara has also provided its store managers a system to check real-time sales data. Store managers are also free to order designs from Headquarters of their own choice with preferable colors through their computerized system. Industry Analysis: The retail clothing industry is large and extremely competitive. With the strategy of global selling including East Asia and African countries, Zara left its many competitors behind. Presently Gap, and Hennez and Mauritz (H&M) are two direct competitor of Zara in fashionable retail clothing industry. This industry is always growing because of brand name recognition and dedication for it among people, and a continuous rise in population of specially developed economies. It is true that this industry is highly dependent on developed countries, but it is also very unstable in trends and consumer behavior. Legal Analysis: Zara has been recently accused of stealing design ideas from Prada and online magazines, but no serious action has been taken so far against it, because many ideas can be categorized as art reproduction instead of stealing. It is only a mater of where you want to draw line. Ecological Analysis: Like any other manufacturing concern, apparel manufacturing can also use additives that can pollute environment. However, Zara take their social responsibility very well. In 2007, it was publicly revealed that Zara is going to use renewable energy system including usage of biodiesel for logistics. Zara’s business model is highly innovative as it focuses more on customer satisfaction than competition with other fashion retailers.  The customer’s feedback is not the end of the value chain but also a starting point for the new design proposals. Design centers at Zara’s take the feedback seriously and develop inspiration for new designs on that basis. In order to

The Importance of Deductive Reasoning Essay Example for Free

The Importance of Deductive Reasoning Essay We make decisions every day that impact our lives. Some individuals, just do not realize how much. Whether we realize it or not, everything we do and say, is a result of a decision we have made. There is no easy way to change the fact that we make decision, however we can change how we approach the decision, resulting in better outcomes from making better choices. If an individual knew what the results of doing something will end up being, then, they can decide if that is the best course of action or decision that they want to make. If an individual knows all of their options and the outcomes of those choice they can deduce from the best choice. When making a decision, such as buying a car, you need to know all of your options and what responsibility’s they will include, how high is the interest rate? What will your payments and insurance be? Do you want to finance the car or lease it? These are all just some of things that need to be thought about when you are looking to buy. By knowing everything before you decide to purchase something you will not be caught off guard when you find out how high or how much the payments are. Also if you could really afford the car and if you had been better off not purchasing it. It is so important to know and understand what is known prior to making a decision because it could and most of the time will affect others and yourself. The process of deductive reasoning helps in the understanding of an argument because it starts with a general statement and then attains at a specific conclusion. According to Moore, B.M. Parker, R. (2012) â€Å"Its main purpose is not to make you either more persuasive or a better contestant against others, but to improve your ability to come to conclusions that are correct and make decisions that are wise†. Deductive reasoning is like, thinking of as your guideline, for using the premise to the end of your conclusion. For example all red haired women are vegetarians. Julia Roberts is a rad haired women. Therefore Julia Roberts is a vegetarian. Deductive reasoning helps aid in understanding an argument by â€Å"an argument is the attempt to support a claim by providing reasons for accepting it† (Moore, B.M. Parker, R. 2012). By avoiding certain kinds of problems by defining the key terms in a claim can help with the aiding in a deductive argument. Having all the facts and information can help make better life choices. In conclusion thinking critical and having deductive reasoning can making your life a little less stressful and you a happier person. Not to mention others, if you are a boss and you think about the cause and effect actions that you have on them, it can save you stress from losing a valuable employee and money. There is that saying think before you act.

Social Policy Essays Structural Consensus

Social Policy Essays Structural Consensus Welfare, the Individual, and Inequalities: A Structural Consensus Evaluation Using the two competing welfare ideologies of conservatism and marxism,and their different assumptions concerning the individual and inequalities. critically evaluate aspects of social policy using structural consensus theory. Many view the maturity of a government or civilization in relation to how that community treats its most needy citizens. The UK government became a welfare state in the 1940s, (Taylor-Gooby 2004). There has recently been a shift in views on many aspects of welfare, with the future of many government programmes, or at least their scope, in question. The government and communitys struggle to improve the welfare system can be considered in light of two of the more prominent social ideologies, Marxism and conservatism. Both have strong opinions on welfare as a part of society, the role of the individual within such society, and how inequalities should be best addressed. These views are addressed more completely, however, by structural consensus theory. Marxism sees human history as a class struggle, with oppressor and oppressed wrestling for control. The dominant class controls and owns the means of production or wealth generation, and the working class in therefore controlled by them. Welfare is a result of the strength of working-class resistance to exploitation, a concession the dominant class must make to maintain social order (Anon 2005). Programmes such as welfare and pensions help to legitimise the capitalist system with the working class. Welfare then becomes another vehicle for power and control by the dominant class. Its purpose is to placate rather than empower the poor, and seeks to reduce the individual to a state of dependency on those in power (Anon 2005). According to Marxist theory, society has unfolded in a series of ever-progressing and better structures, as defined by their economic development and modes of production, from the primitive communal to slave-based to feudal to capitalist. The final stage was communism. This was predicted to be the best possible means of governance and structure of society, one that would erase inequalities and allow individuals to achieve their full potential and value within their community (Anon 2005). While communism has faded, at least as it was practised in the Soviet Union and similar countries, socialist ideas have strongly pervaded capitalist ideology, leading to the development of the capitalist welfare state common today. Marxism viewed the individual as part of a collective organism, society. Inequalities in society resulted from distinction in classes, not particular individual decisions or behaviours. Conflict was between these classes, and rooted in struggle for power. Only when class distinctions were eliminated could individuals experience equality, although the theory still views them as part of a greater collective (Taylor-Gooby 2004). Marxism assumes the individual can and will contribute to the greater community as much as they are able, and will be motivated by the common good. When society has evolved or elevated itself to this place, inequalities will be dealt with appropriately (Anon 2005). Important ideas of Marxist theory that relate to the current welfare system are the states responsibility to provide for its members and the need for redistribution of wealth. The idea of entitlement, that one must be provided for simply because one is a British citizen, is in keeping with these two ideas (Timmins 2004). Welfare is a good and natural occurrence in a mature society, and should be available as much as needed. If society is unable to provide a job, it should provide support; if a member of society is unable to support himself, the government should do so. Difficulties in the application of pure Marxist ideology have led to a broadening of its doctrines. Marxism now represents a variety of ideas and opinions, grouped by their general opposition to the capitalist society. Supporters of these views have watched in dismay as welfare reform has been introduced in various countries, and at the success the US and other countries have had with the adoption of more conservative welfare policies (Barr 2004). The problem with broad application of Marxist theory is that individuals do take advantage. Easy welfare leads to many choosing to receive benefits when they could work, which weakens society. An example of this in our society is the explosion in the numbers of those receiving incapacity benefit; the number has doubled since 1993. It is possible for the unemployed to complain of mental problems say, stress or panic attacks, and be given a life-long sick note (Nelson 2005). Persons claiming incapacity when they are in fact able-bodied, then receiving government support, does not truly benefit anyone in the long term. Well-meaning welfare provisions, such as giving increased benefit to single-parent households, has been shown to contribute to the breakdown of the family structure. An average family pays 5,000 pounds a year more in tax than they receive in benefits. If they break up, they claim 7,000 pounds more in benefits than they pay in tax (Nelson 2005). This serves as a disincentive for the poor to maintain stable family units, further eroding their independence from government support. Marxist theory would contend this is an example of a supposed benefit offered by the dominant class that really serves to oppress the working classes. Conservative theory holds to very different tenets. Conservatives stress the need for social order and the responsibility of the individual (Taylor-Gooby 2004). Traditions, usually based on the values of the majority or dominant segment of society, are important and should be respected if not practised by all members of society (Taylor-Gooby 2004). The emphasis on individuality can also be interpreted as the assumption of inequality, that people have different abilities and motivations, and are therefore more or less able to succeed in society. Advancement is seen in terms of individual decisions and actions, rather than something dictated by society or its institutions (Anon 2005). In regard to welfare, conservative theory minimises the need for welfare programmes, particularly those for the able-bodied unemployed and elderly who chose not to save or plan for their old age. The unemployed on welfare are often seen as lazy and unwilling to work (Johnston 2005). The individuals ability to hold a job and succeed in society rests upon his or her own shoulders, and not working is deemed irresponsible. This opinion, voiced by Fraser Nelson in a recent The Business article, holds that welfare is not saving people from unemployment, but from unpleasant jobs (2005). Conservatives stigmatise welfare recipients, believing the stigma or negative perception by other members of society will facilitate their move off the welfare rolls. This type of mindset, at its best, leads to the creation of jobs programmes and other vehicles to assist the individual in rising above his or her need for welfare (Johnston 2005). The conservative considers individuals who do not take such opp ortunities as unwilling to work or become self-supporting. The social policy of the British government shifted towards conservatism under the Thatcher administration, although still providing a broad welfare programme (Taylor-Gooby 2004). The problem with the conservative perspective is that it fails to fully consider the social, psychological, and economic depravity of certain segments of society or disadvantaged geographical areas. It expects everyone to be able to pull themselves up by their boot-straps, as the saying goes, regardless of whether society has afforded them the means or tools to do so (Barr 2004). Whilst some from a deprived environment will be able to self-equip themselves to the point they can compete, vocationally and other wise, with persons from advantaged backgrounds, this has historically not been the case for the majority. The logic of and benefit to and individual getting off welfare in favour of a menial job is also questionable, at least from the individuals point of view (Johnston 2005). If given the choice between working at a distasteful or unpleasant place or receiving the same monthly support from a welfare programme, many will logically take the welfare. The Centre for Policy Studies notes that A two-parent family with a stay-at-home mother on average income and a mortgage is only four pounds a week better off than a single-parent household reliant entirely on benefits (Nelson 2005). This makes encouraging the single parent to put his or her children in some type of care whilst they work a hard sell. The Marxist and Conservative viewpoints are represented today as left and right wing politically. The left wing supports broad welfare programmes and public provision; it tends to function from a collectivist viewpoint. The Gordon Browns in this camp advocate expanding the current welfare system. The right wing supports only residual welfare, opposing public provision and championing individual responsibility (Anon 2005). The British populace has been progressively moving towards a more centrist view of welfare and public provision, although sweeping reforms are yet to occur (Johnston 2005). This gives rise to a functionalist, or structural consensus theory, attitude towards the future of welfare. Unlike Marxism and Conservatism, Structural Consensus Theory focuses on the functional needs of society, and how society meets these needs (Taylor-Gooby 2004). It offers a future vision of society, based on ideals and agreeable relationships. These ideals include a central value system, holistic social order, stability, and that the functional needs of the society must be met. The focus is on society as a whole rather than the individual. Society is seen as having the right both to define common values and impose them on its members (Anon 2005). This strong social integration leads to social control and stability. The parts and institutions of a society contribute towards meeting the societys functional needs. The cohesion required for these contributions is developed through shared experiences and relationship amongst members and institutions in society (Anon 2005). It then supports aspects of both Marxist and Conservative theory. There is a legitimate, functional need for welfare in society. There will always be some people that are unable to work through no fault of their own. Society has a responsibility for the physically or mentally disabled person, for the widow with small children, for the poor older person who is past the age of employment. It has a responsibility to provide food, clothing, shelter, and schooling to children whose parents cannot or will not do so. These are widely agreed-upon needs. The functionalist sees the institutions of society as both providing for these needs and integrating the individuals receiving support into the broader society. The unemployed on welfare are to be encouraged and included, not stigmatised, because doing so is the best course for returning them to work (Barr 2004). Inequality is not a given, but exists as a possibility. A balance between the responsibilities of society and those of the individual member of society are envisioned in balance. Whether this future balance can be achieved is a contested topic. There is a growing concern about and resistance to immigration into Britain. Immigrants are seen as taking British jobs, for less pay, and sometimes rightfully so. A recent poll showed three-quarters of British citizens believe the number of immigrants should be cut back, up from two-thirds with this opinion in 1995 (Timmins 2004). More people are viewing immigration as a factor in increasing crime and disintegration of quality of community life (Timmins 2004). Some blame welfare recipients unwillingness to work as contributing to the immigration issue. Others foresee cultural changes they oppose as the number of immigrants rise (Johnston 2005). This type of divisive strife does not propel the country toward common values, stability, or social order. It also creates resentment amongst those required to foot the bill for programmes such as welfare, which they begin to see as undermining their way of life (Johnston 2005) . In conclusion, the British welfare state and social policy shifted toward conservatism in the 1980s, and is beginning to experience the effects of a more conservative mindset amongst its citizens. Whether all the tenets of structural consensus theory can be achieved remains to be seen, but the emphasis on focusing on the functional needs of society, and providing systems to meet these needs, will go a long ways toward achieving balance between the responsibility of society to its members and the responsibility of members to be independent contributors to their society. REFERENCES Anon 2005. The politics of welfare. Robert Gordon University Centre for Public Policy and Management [online]. Available at www.2rgu.ac.uk, accessed 28 March 2005. Barr, N., 2004. Economics of the Welfare State. Oxford University Press, Oxford. Johnston, P., 2005. Do we really not want to work? The Daily Telegraph, London, Features section, p. 23, 14 February 2005. Neslon, F., 2005. How pro-poor policies are widening the welfare gap. The Business, 23 January 2005. Taylor-Gooby, P., ed, 2004. New Risks, New Welfare: The Transformation of the European Welfare State. Oxford University Press, Oxford. Timmins, N., 2004. Hardening attitudes to benefits mesh with government policy. The Financial Times, London, National News Politics and Policy section, p. 4, 7 December 2004.

Essay --

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) due to absolute (Type 1 diabetes) or relative (Type 2 diabetes) deficiency of insulin hormone (World Health Organization, 1999). Diabetes affects almost every organ system in the body due to metabolic problems caused by hyperglycemia, especially in undiagnosed or uncontrolled individuals (World Health Organization, 1999). Until recently it was believed that diabetes affected mainly developed countries, but recent research reveals an increase in the number of type 2 diabetes cases in developing countries (Chuang, 2002; Kinra, 2010; Narayanappa, 2011). Diabetes is associated with complications such as cardiovascular diseases, renal failure, loss of vision and neurological impairment, which can lead to a chronic disease state and even death (American Diabetes Association, 2004). The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 350 million people worldwide have diabetes. Almost 80% of deaths caused by diabetes occur in countries with low income. According to WHO, India is currently the country most affected by this disease with more than 32 million diabetic patients (Mohan, 2005). Background Insufficient response to insulin in what causes diabetes. The pancreas, an accessory gland of the digestive system, is the organ that produces insulin (ref Human Biology Book). The pancreas has a dual function because it features as both an endocrine and an exocrine gland. The part of the pancreas with endocrine function is organized in cell clusters called islets of Langerhans, which contains four main cell types that can be classified according to their secretion: alpha cells secrete glucagon, beta cells secrete insulin, del... ...cose multiple times each day and dealing with the various highs and lows (both physical and emotional) of life with diabetes can make all the difference. Conclusions To prevent diabetes related morbidity and mortality, there is an immense need of dedicated self-care behaviors in multiple domains, including food choices, physical activity, proper medications intake and blood glucose monitoring from the patients. Though multiple demographic, socio-economic and social support factors can be considered as positive contributors in facilitating self-care activities in diabetic patients, role of clinicians in promoting self-care is vital and has to be emphasized. Realizing the multi-faceted nature of the problem, a systematic, multi-pronged and an integrated approach is required for promoting self-care practices among diabetic patients to avert any long-term complications. Essay -- Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) due to absolute (Type 1 diabetes) or relative (Type 2 diabetes) deficiency of insulin hormone (World Health Organization, 1999). Diabetes affects almost every organ system in the body due to metabolic problems caused by hyperglycemia, especially in undiagnosed or uncontrolled individuals (World Health Organization, 1999). Until recently it was believed that diabetes affected mainly developed countries, but recent research reveals an increase in the number of type 2 diabetes cases in developing countries (Chuang, 2002; Kinra, 2010; Narayanappa, 2011). Diabetes is associated with complications such as cardiovascular diseases, renal failure, loss of vision and neurological impairment, which can lead to a chronic disease state and even death (American Diabetes Association, 2004). The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 350 million people worldwide have diabetes. Almost 80% of deaths caused by diabetes occur in countries with low income. According to WHO, India is currently the country most affected by this disease with more than 32 million diabetic patients (Mohan, 2005). Background Insufficient response to insulin in what causes diabetes. The pancreas, an accessory gland of the digestive system, is the organ that produces insulin (ref Human Biology Book). The pancreas has a dual function because it features as both an endocrine and an exocrine gland. The part of the pancreas with endocrine function is organized in cell clusters called islets of Langerhans, which contains four main cell types that can be classified according to their secretion: alpha cells secrete glucagon, beta cells secrete insulin, del... ...cose multiple times each day and dealing with the various highs and lows (both physical and emotional) of life with diabetes can make all the difference. Conclusions To prevent diabetes related morbidity and mortality, there is an immense need of dedicated self-care behaviors in multiple domains, including food choices, physical activity, proper medications intake and blood glucose monitoring from the patients. Though multiple demographic, socio-economic and social support factors can be considered as positive contributors in facilitating self-care activities in diabetic patients, role of clinicians in promoting self-care is vital and has to be emphasized. Realizing the multi-faceted nature of the problem, a systematic, multi-pronged and an integrated approach is required for promoting self-care practices among diabetic patients to avert any long-term complications.

Professor D. Philip Kotler Essay

Philip Kotler is widely acknowledged as the father of modern marketing and the world’s foremost expert on strategic marketing. . His writing has defined marketing around the world for the past forty years. He is the S.C. Johnson & Son Distinguished Professor of International Marketing at Chicago’s Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management. The Management Centre Europe has labeled him â€Å"the world’s leading expert on the strategic practice of marketing.† Early Life Kotler was born in Chicago on May 27, 1931. Both Kotler’s parents emigrated in 1917 from Ukraine and settled in Chicago. Education He studied at DePaul University for two years and was accepted without a bachelor’s degree into the Master’s program at the University of Chicago (1953) and his PhD at Massachusetts Institute of Technology-MIT (1956), both in economics. He studied under three Nobel winners in Economic Science: Milton Friedman, Paul Samuelson, and Robert Solow. He did a year of postdoctoral work in mathematics at Harvard University and in behavioral science at the University of Chicago. Professional Life Kotler started teaching marketing in 1962 at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University. Kotler moved into marketing which he believed is an essential part of economics. He saw demand is influenced not only by price but also by advertising, sales promotions, sales force, direct mail, and various institutions (wholesalers, retailers, agents, etc.) operating as distribution channels. Kotler is the author and co-author of over 55 books and 150 published articles. His other textbooks include Principles of Marketing and Marketing: An Introduction. He has authored several books on all aspects of marketing, including the most widely used marketing textbook in graduate business schools worldwide, Marketing Management, (originally published in 1967 is the world’s leading book in  marketing, and is translated into over 25 languages. It has educated millions of students. In 1996, it was judged to be one of the top 50 best business books of all times) now in its 14th edit ion. He has published more than 150 articles in leading journals, including the Harvard Business Review, Sloan Management Review, Journal of Marketing, Management Science and the Journal of Business Strategy. His first research in marketing was in mathematical modeling of marketing processes and impacts. In Journal of Marketing on January 1969, he extended the concept of Marketing. This article proposed the thesis that marketing concepts apply to non-commercial activities as well. Not-for-profit organizations can apply marketing analysis and concepts to advantage. He has consulted for IBM, General Electric, AT&T, Honeywell, Bank of America, Merck and others in the areas of marketing strategy and planning, marketing organization and international marketing. He has also advised governments on how to develop and position the skills and resources of their companies for global competition. He was voted the first Leader in Marketing Thought by the American Marketing Association and named The Founder of Modern Marketing Management in the Handbook of Management Thinking. Professor Kotler holds major awards including the American Marketing Association’s (AMA) Distinguished Marketing Educator Award and Distinguished Educator Award from The Academy of Marketing Science. The Sales and Marketing Executives International (SMEI) named him Marketer of the Year and the A merican Marketing Association described him as â€Å"the most influential marketer of all time.† (2008, Leaders in London Conference).

Mine essays

Mine essays Did you know three cigarettes could get one addicted? Every time one takes a puff of a cigarette theyre playing a dangerous game with life. I always wondered, why are cigarettes so deadly, what is in cigarettes; if people know theyre deadly then why do they still smoke them; finally why does the government allow people to buy them when they can kill you?(12) Every time one smokes a cigarette its like putting a gun to your head and pulling the trigger with out knowing if the gun is loaded or not. If we could vote to make cigarettes illegal then 80% of the smokers in the United States will most likely vote Cigarettes are very unhealthy. If you knew what is in cigarettes you would think twice about even touching them. The basic substances are nicotine, tobacco, and TAR. Yes TAR that black smelly stuff that you have on your roof, in the streets, and if you smoke in your lungs. Some other substances used to make cigarettes are: uranium, water, carbon dioxide. These chemicals are also used to make nuclear bombs. I guess smokers enjoy smoking nuclear bombs. Some side effects of smoking are cancer, thickening of the blood, thinner and smaller arteries, and cancer of the vocal cords. You will have to talk out of a microphone in youre neck, and could cause constant Bronchitis. Not only has that but Tobacco use during pregnancy reduced the growth of babies during pregnancy. Smaller babies may not catch up in growth after birth, and the risks of infant illness, disability, and death are increased. Your children are twice as likely to smoke if you do. Half of all premature deaths among life-long smokers result from tobacco use. Addiction is probably the worst part. Before I explain what addiction is like Im going to tell you about the process of addiction. 1. You light the cigarette. 2. You smoke two or three. 3. That dizziness is the nicot...