History Comparison Betwen Mexican and African Americans Essay

The history of Mexican Americans is comparable to that of African Americans: filled with stories of conquest, racism, and discriminatory acts posed by society. The past has triggered Chicanos to fight back against injustices, in hopes of reforming immoral treatment, and emerging as an equal part of America’s society. The Chicano movement yielded some successes in this aspect. However, mass media and stereotypes confirm the notion that Mexican Americans are still viewed as a â€Å"lesser† people. This stems from the long-established concept of racial stratification. In this case, it indicates that Anglo-Americans have hierarchy over Mexican Americans. Consequently, discrimination towards Chicanos is still prevalent, despite ongoing efforts by activists for change. This nation was socially molded based on the idea that there is a hierarchy of races, and as long as that idea exists, Mexican Americans will continue to suffer inequality. In â€Å"Sexual Violence in the Politics of Conquest’, Castaneda explores the sexual crimes against Amerindian women during the Spanish conquest of Alta California. The soldiers accompanying the missionaries on the settlement raped and violated the native women openly. There were many incidents before rules were set to govern the matter, but even after the rapes continued to occur. One court case recorded in 1773 indicates that there was no intention to grant justice to the victims. The natives took matters into their own hands and formed forces to seek their own justice (similar to Chicano activist groups that seek reform for discrimination), but to no avail. Castaneda goes on to explain that the actions of the soldiers were not farfetched from practices of Western civilization (27-28). Because these dark crimes were normal for the dominant culture, they were automatically imposed on the natives, who were supposed to accept this without resistance. This is similar to Mexican Americans during the Chicano movement, who were not given equal opportunities for education and employment because they were not in the central group. In both situations, the majority emasculates the men and oppresses the women of the minority. The idea of hierarchy is apparent in this passage; Catholic missionaries try to strip the natives of their culture and convert them to value Western practices because they consider themselves the ‘prominent’ people. The history of the Chicano Movement can date back to the Manifest Destiny. In the 1840s, the United States planned to expand its territory and take Mexico, which had become independent from Spain. In reporting these events, Leo Cervantes notes the attitude of superiority that the Americans displayed in their imperialist plan. He notes one adherent’s thoughts, who asked â€Å"why resign this beautiful country to the custody of the ignorant cowards who have ruled for the last 25 years? † (13). Cervantes also quotes Thomas Jefferson, who has similar views of the matter, and promoted â€Å"policies of non-miscegenation† during the expansion (14). Even before Anglo-Americans were acquainted with Mexicans, they held predisposed opinions of contempt for them. As I suggested, Arturo Rosales agrees, â€Å"An underlying cause for the hostility Anglo-Americans felt for Mexicans was a preexisting ideology of racism† (5). These preconceived notions of Mexican Americans were the beginning of negative stereotypes attached to them. Today Chicanos are often represented in the media as uneducated thugs, loose women, or undocumented workers. Even whites who claim they are not racist may practice aversive racism by absorbing the images portrayed in media. It is this ideology of racism has contributed to discrimination over the years and inversely, the building of the Chicano Movement. The movement flourished in the 1950s and 1960s, feeding off other civil rights movements, particularly the African American movement. Both African American civil rights activists and Chicano activist protested the unlawful repression of minorities in America. They protested the terrible education system, police brutality, and denial of economic opportunities. Arturo Rosales compares Chicano activist, Cesar Chavez to Martin Luther King. It is expected that on this path to address the plight and repression of their people, Chicanos were met with resistance from White Americans. Rosales notes that police officers and other uniformed officials â€Å"were employed to suppress manifestations of discontent and did so using violence† (xv). It can be suggested that Anglo-Americans considered Chicanos a threat to the racial hierarchy, so they took action. Cervantes supports this theory, quoting Brooks Adams who said, â€Å"When a highly centralized society disintegrates, under the pressure of economics condition, it is because the energy of the race has been exhausted (18). This point illustrates the pressure Anglo-Americans felt to keep superiority over Mexicans. The American achievement ideology suggests four points: Anyone can make it. American society is fair and open. Success is based on merit. Moreover, inequality is the result of differences in ability and ambition. This ideology contradicts the apparent effects of a racial hierarchy. Stratification of races has formed structural discrimination among minorities, specifically, Mexican and African Americans. The poor education, poor neighborhoods, and badly equipped jobs that these minorities are subjected to prevent them from achieving upward mobility. However, white America still neglects to acknowledge these factors. Historian, Oscar Lewis, believed that people living in poverty are to blame for their own situation, yet minorities’ history in America consists of repression and treatment as inferior beings. There is no questioning it; racial classes have been socially constructed and this has directly affected minorities. The Chicano Movement has led to some advances for Mexican American such as the growing numbers of Latinos attending school, and raise concerns about unequal treatment to Chicanos. However, because underlying values of America are products of a deep-rooted, corrupt social structure, issue of prejudice will continue to exist.

International Marketing

In addition, the celebrations. Com we Bessie informs that there now exists a huge gap between the rich and the poor in BRB jail, which would lessen when poor people have access to education and the opportunity to develop reading skills. In a recent article dated October 1 , 2013, the www. Goalposts. Com website reports that Brazil now experiences disappointing economic growth. Despite President Dilemma Recourses efforts to revive the economy with stimulus packages and TA x cuts, the GAP grew only 0. 6 percent and both stock market and currency rates plume Ted.Other economic problems in Brazil include: â€Å"high salary costs, falling productivity, an d terrible 2 logistical bottlenecks that Rousseau has not yet addressed† ( l). In addition, Humblers Barbara, president of BEANIE, a lobby group for the elect Nils industry, predicts that unless infrastructure resolves its problems, industry will I continue to suffer ( 1 The website also informs that household consumption grew jus t 0. 1 percent due to inflation which adversely affected the purchasing power of consumers. In order to combat the problem of high inflation Brazil has increase seed interest rates.Brazier's business leaders have also encore raged Rousseau to reform tax a ND labor costs â€Å"so factories can regain their competitiveness at home and abroad† ( 2). Although Brazil now experiences these problems, the article states that Brazier's economy still flourishes in some areas. These areas include: low unemployment, strong foreign investment levels, Recourses approval rate of 80 percent, and a strong harvest and increased agricultural activity. In addition, Guide Ma enter (Brazier's Finance Minister) asserts that the investment growth trend will contain u.The article concludes with David Reese' (an economist for Capital Economics in Loon don) suggestion that Brazil should rebalanced the economy towards investment in 0 order to create growth rates of five percent, which investors want to see ( 3). A recent article in The Economist titled ‘ ‘The Price is Wrong,† and dated September 28, 2013 reports that â€Å"Brazil offers appalling value for money† ( www. Economist. Com 1). The article states that a pizza in Brazil costs 530 and also that a cheap, windowless hotel room in ROI costs $250/ night.The article also reports that 3 payroll taxes are 58% Of salary, that a Broadminded car costs 45% less in Mix than in Brazil, that a smartened costs 50% more than in the US, and that large domestic appliances and cars cost 50% more than in other Mendocino coo entries. The article presents the following reasons why these problems exist in Brazil: or infrastructure, high crime rates that necessitate an army of 650,000 security g awards, expensive office rents, expensive credit, decreased household consumption, a decreased exports of manufacturing goods.The article explains that the Brazil liana people go on foreign shopping sprees in order to make more e conomical purr chases and to avoid the â€Å"Custom Brazil† which â€Å"refers to the increased operational costs ass associated with doing business in Brazil, making Brazilian goods and services more expel noise compared to other countries† ( www. Economist Another recent article in , titled â€Å"Stuck in the Mud,† and dated June 8, 201 3 describes the current economic growth of Brazil as feeble limited.The article informs that Brazil now experiences a trade deficit, a shrink king primary fiscal surplus, and growing government debt mainly due to domestic rigidities. The article also discusses Dilemma Recourses efforts to â€Å"stimulate growth by hike Eng public spending and the minimum wage, and forcing starters banks to lend more† ( 2). Again, despite these efforts, consumer confidence continues to suffer, which greatly impairs economic growth.The government (the Centre al Bank) has responded by increasing base interest rates to 8% in addition to elim inate g a tax on foreign purchases of bonds in order to increase currency inflows and to â€Å"slow the weakening Of the real† ( 2). The government has also attempted to 4 solve these problems by encouraging investment and discouraging consumption Ion. However, these efforts proved unsuccessful for the steamrollered oil giant p terrors, for the grandmotherly industry, and for the electricity and banking industry sees.Other attempts to correct the dismal situation include: investments in the oil industry Y, the government's attempts to attract bidders to its road and rail concessions, and stimulating sales to increase business confidence. However, the challenging a ND diverse political landscape in Brazil, as well as Recourses inability to be diploma attic, will most likely cause further corrective actions to be unsuccessful. Http://Brasilia. Com/economy/ http://www. interdependence. Com/Brazil/economy. HTML http://www. celebrations. Com/bristlecone. HTML http://www. Goalposts . Mom/dispatch/news/thunderstorms/131001 / barometrically http://www. Economist. Com/news/ species Loretta/21 586678whybrazi I paraprofessional's Americas/21579048feeblegrowthhasforcedchange c b. Demographics As of July 2012, Brazil had a population of 199,321,413 people, with the majors y being in the 2554 age range. The majority of their population (87%) resides in urban areas. The largest city in Brazil is SAA Paulo with about 20 million residents. Ri o De Jeanine, where the 2016 Summer Olympics will be held, is the second largest c tit with about 12 million residents.In terms of diversity, over half of Brazier's residents are Caucasian and the sec 5 largest group is mulatto (mixed), making up almost 40% of the total population n. The official and most widely spoken language is Portuguese. The largest religious group IS Roman Catholic, with almost thirds of the demographic. A vast majority of Brazilian are literate with 89% of the population fifteen years old and over be inning a ble to read and write. ( http://www. Undermine. Com/Brazil/demographics_profile. HTML ) c. Cultural information Sports are very popular and important in Brazil.Most citizens regularly follow participate in various sport activities. The most popular sport in Brazil is foot all (American soccer). It is said that football â€Å"†¦ Is in the blood of the people of Bra Brazier's tropical climate is excellent for playing and practicing football. Brazil is also the only country to have participated in and qualified for all of the Football World Cups to date. The Brazilian soccer team is known all over the world for their brilliant Pl areas. Everyone in Brazil, from small villages to large cities, is known to go crazy for t heir country during the World Cup.Brazilian are known for the pride they feel for their country during sporting events. Brazil holds the most wins for the World Cup with five wins, known to Brazilian as the â€Å"Pentane†. The most dollied Brazilian soccer P l areas are Cafe, Aid, Ronald, and Reinhold. Sports such as sailing and golf are considered to be for the high class and are not accessible to the general public. Brazilian also enjoy footloose, basketball l, tennis, auto racing, and volleyball ( http://www. Mayflowers. Com/Brazil/sports/ Women's football has gathered an increasing share of interest in Brazil.The country's SST ring of successes in volleyball since the midnight century have made it Brazier's second most 6 popular sport. Municipal governments often provide volleyball courts and 10th recreational equipment for the country's beaches, including ROI De Jeaneries FAA moss Copernican and Panama. Brazier's beaches are gathering places for young pee people, the more athletic of which play football and various racket games. Brazilian chasm pincushion of beach football and volleyball draw thousands of spectators and television.Brazil has competed in every Olympic Games since 1920, except the 1 928 Summer Games in Amsterdam. It has been successful in many events, include Eng transfixed, swimming, yachting, and such team sports as football, volleyball l, and basketball. In 2009 the International Olympic Committee selected ROI De Jeanie or as the site of the 201 6 Summer Games. It was the first city in South America to be chi seen to host the Olympics. Http://www. Britannica. Com/Checked/topic/781 01 ‘Brazil/25115/ Superconductivity II.Background on Underarm (Mary Kate) under Armor, a relatively new company was established in 1 998 by a former University of Maryland football player, Kevin Plank, who was sick of repeatedly changing his sweat soaked Theists during football camp and took it upon him elf to invent a new type of This that would keep athletes cool, dry and light by rep ailing moisture. Under Armor has come a long way from young Kevin Plank selling Theists along the east coast out of his grandma's basement-?on November 18, 2005 Under Armor went public and became the first Seabed initial publi c offering to do blew on the first day in five years.Over the years the company began to expand its pr duct line to providing clothing for different weather temperaments, creating equipment t for various 7 sports fields, as well as developing lines for women and children. They have e expanded from the clothing collegiate sports team and now sponsor numerous professor Anal sports teams and world's athletes which include Olympian, national champions, etc. They have expanded in a global scale to Europe, China, Canada, Japan, parts of LATA America and are known as a global leader in performance footwear, apparel, accessories.Today, Under Armor has revenues approaching $2 billion dollar s and continues to maintain its mission to â€Å"make all athletes better through passion , design, and the relentless pursuit for innovation by creating exchanging products t hat provide an advantage for athletes. † Under Armor takes its corporate responsibility very seriously. As outlined on its companies website, AU operates under the core values with which the comma NY was established: innovation, inspiration, reliability, and integrity.They only seek to do business with third parties that operate under these values as well. Under Ar ours products are made by thirdly manufacturers: consequently, they hold these e third parties to the high standards in which they hold themselves. AU will not do buy seines with any companies that use any form of forced labor, child labor, or harass .NET/abuse on their employees. The CIA suppliers and subcontractors must provide their employees with a safe and healthy working environment and comply with all laws and re solutions.AU must provide employees with at least legally mandated minimum wage an d benefits. The employees of CIA and its suppliers or subcontractors are not forced to woo ark more Han 48 hours with 12 hours overtime and countries that have no limit on how RSI worked must provide one day Off out Of every seven days Of work. CIA complies with a 8 environmental regulations, rules, and standards as well as making all subsonic reactors and contractors comply with all local, state, federal, national, and international I laws, rules, and regulations in the company of manufacture.The suppliers and sub contractors are regularly monitored by ALGA internal employees and third party contractors . As well as taking corporate responsibility seriously, CIA prides itself on its community involvement. They created CIA Giveback which partners with prior ms that are dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer, environmental sustainability , supporting military and law enforcement, and empowering youth athletes. From a marketing perspective, Under Armor target athletes of all ages as we as fans as they have entered into the collegiate and professional sports appear el market.Internationally, this is an asset to the company as well as having lines of cloths Eng for all ages and genders. AU has unique temperature specifi c clothing that can cater to the specific temperaments as they expand on a global level. However, it appears as if Under Armor is heavily rooted in its football background in America which el eaves room to question the company's success on an international level as it tries to break free of its American football image in countries where the sport is nearly nonexistent. International Marketing In addition, the celebrations. Com we Bessie informs that there now exists a huge gap between the rich and the poor in BRB jail, which would lessen when poor people have access to education and the opportunity to develop reading skills. In a recent article dated October 1 , 2013, the www. Goalposts. Com website reports that Brazil now experiences disappointing economic growth. Despite President Dilemma Recourses efforts to revive the economy with stimulus packages and TA x cuts, the GAP grew only 0. 6 percent and both stock market and currency rates plume Ted.Other economic problems in Brazil include: â€Å"high salary costs, falling productivity, an d terrible 2 logistical bottlenecks that Rousseau has not yet addressed† ( l). In addition, Humblers Barbara, president of BEANIE, a lobby group for the elect Nils industry, predicts that unless infrastructure resolves its problems, industry will I continue to suffer ( 1 The website also informs that household consumption grew jus t 0. 1 percent due to inflation which adversely affected the purchasing power of consumers. In order to combat the problem of high inflation Brazil has increase seed interest rates.Brazier's business leaders have also encore raged Rousseau to reform tax a ND labor costs â€Å"so factories can regain their competitiveness at home and abroad† ( 2). Although Brazil now experiences these problems, the article states that Brazier's economy still flourishes in some areas. These areas include: low unemployment, strong foreign investment levels, Recourses approval rate of 80 percent, and a strong harvest and increased agricultural activity. In addition, Guide Ma enter (Brazier's Finance Minister) asserts that the investment growth trend will contain u.The article concludes with David Reese' (an economist for Capital Economics in Loon don) suggestion that Brazil should rebalanced the economy towards investment in 0 order to create growth rates of five percent, which investors want to see ( 3). A recent article in The Economist titled ‘ ‘The Price is Wrong,† and dated September 28, 2013 reports that â€Å"Brazil offers appalling value for money† ( www. Economist. Com 1). The article states that a pizza in Brazil costs 530 and also that a cheap, windowless hotel room in ROI costs $250/ night.The article also reports that 3 payroll taxes are 58% Of salary, that a Broadminded car costs 45% less in Mix than in Brazil, that a smartened costs 50% more than in the US, and that large domestic appliances and cars cost 50% more than in other Mendocino coo entries. The article presents the following reasons why these problems exist in Brazil: or infrastructure, high crime rates that necessitate an army of 650,000 security g awards, expensive office rents, expensive credit, decreased household consumption, a decreased exports of manufacturing goods.The article explains that the Brazil liana people go on foreign shopping sprees in order to make more e conomical purr chases and to avoid the â€Å"Custom Brazil† which â€Å"refers to the increased operational costs ass associated with doing business in Brazil, making Brazilian goods and services more expel noise compared to other countries† ( www. Economist Another recent article in , titled â€Å"Stuck in the Mud,† and dated June 8, 201 3 describes the current economic growth of Brazil as feeble limited.The article informs that Brazil now experiences a trade deficit, a shrink king primary fiscal surplus, and growing government debt mainly due to domestic rigidities. The article also discusses Dilemma Recourses efforts to â€Å"stimulate growth by hike Eng public spending and the minimum wage, and forcing starters banks to lend more† ( 2). Again, despite these efforts, consumer confidence continues to suffer, which greatly impairs economic growth.The government (the Centre al Bank) has responded by increasing base interest rates to 8% in addition to elim inate g a tax on foreign purchases of bonds in order to increase currency inflows and to â€Å"slow the weakening Of the real† ( 2). The government has also attempted to 4 solve these problems by encouraging investment and discouraging consumption Ion. However, these efforts proved unsuccessful for the steamrollered oil giant p terrors, for the grandmotherly industry, and for the electricity and banking industry sees.Other attempts to correct the dismal situation include: investments in the oil industry Y, the government's attempts to attract bidders to its road and rail concessions, and stimulating sales to increase business confidence. However, the challenging a ND diverse political landscape in Brazil, as well as Recourses inability to be diploma attic, will most likely cause further corrective actions to be unsuccessful. Http://Brasilia. Com/economy/ http://www. interdependence. Com/Brazil/economy. HTML http://www. celebrations. Com/bristlecone. HTML http://www. Goalposts . Mom/dispatch/news/thunderstorms/131001 / barometrically http://www. Economist. Com/news/ species Loretta/21 586678whybrazi I paraprofessional's Americas/21579048feeblegrowthhasforcedchange c b. Demographics As of July 2012, Brazil had a population of 199,321,413 people, with the majors y being in the 2554 age range. The majority of their population (87%) resides in urban areas. The largest city in Brazil is SAA Paulo with about 20 million residents. Ri o De Jeanine, where the 2016 Summer Olympics will be held, is the second largest c tit with about 12 million residents.In terms of diversity, over half of Brazier's residents are Caucasian and the sec 5 largest group is mulatto (mixed), making up almost 40% of the total population n. The official and most widely spoken language is Portuguese. The largest religious group IS Roman Catholic, with almost thirds of the demographic. A vast majority of Brazilian are literate with 89% of the population fifteen years old and over be inning a ble to read and write. ( http://www. Undermine. Com/Brazil/demographics_profile. HTML ) c. Cultural information Sports are very popular and important in Brazil.Most citizens regularly follow participate in various sport activities. The most popular sport in Brazil is foot all (American soccer). It is said that football â€Å"†¦ Is in the blood of the people of Bra Brazier's tropical climate is excellent for playing and practicing football. Brazil is also the only country to have participated in and qualified for all of the Football World Cups to date. The Brazilian soccer team is known all over the world for their brilliant Pl areas. Everyone in Brazil, from small villages to large cities, is known to go crazy for t heir country during the World Cup.Brazilian are known for the pride they feel for their country during sporting events. Brazil holds the most wins for the World Cup with five wins, known to Brazilian as the â€Å"Pentane†. The most dollied Brazilian soccer P l areas are Cafe, Aid, Ronald, and Reinhold. Sports such as sailing and golf are considered to be for the high class and are not accessible to the general public. Brazilian also enjoy footloose, basketball l, tennis, auto racing, and volleyball ( http://www. Mayflowers. Com/Brazil/sports/ Women's football has gathered an increasing share of interest in Brazil.The country's SST ring of successes in volleyball since the midnight century have made it Brazier's second most 6 popular sport. Municipal governments often provide volleyball courts and 10th recreational equipment for the country's beaches, including ROI De Jeaneries FAA moss Copernican and Panama. Brazier's beaches are gathering places for young pee people, the more athletic of which play football and various racket games. Brazilian chasm pincushion of beach football and volleyball draw thousands of spectators and television.Brazil has competed in every Olympic Games since 1920, except the 1 928 Summer Games in Amsterdam. It has been successful in many events, include Eng transfixed, swimming, yachting, and such team sports as football, volleyball l, and basketball. In 2009 the International Olympic Committee selected ROI De Jeanie or as the site of the 201 6 Summer Games. It was the first city in South America to be chi seen to host the Olympics. Http://www. Britannica. Com/Checked/topic/781 01 ‘Brazil/25115/ Superconductivity II.Background on Underarm (Mary Kate) under Armor, a relatively new company was established in 1 998 by a former University of Maryland football player, Kevin Plank, who was sick of repeatedly changing his sweat soaked Theists during football camp and took it upon him elf to invent a new type of This that would keep athletes cool, dry and light by rep ailing moisture. Under Armor has come a long way from young Kevin Plank selling Theists along the east coast out of his grandma's basement-?on November 18, 2005 Under Armor went public and became the first Seabed initial publi c offering to do blew on the first day in five years.Over the years the company began to expand its pr duct line to providing clothing for different weather temperaments, creating equipment t for various 7 sports fields, as well as developing lines for women and children. They have e expanded from the clothing collegiate sports team and now sponsor numerous professor Anal sports teams and world's athletes which include Olympian, national champions, etc. They have expanded in a global scale to Europe, China, Canada, Japan, parts of LATA America and are known as a global leader in performance footwear, apparel, accessories.Today, Under Armor has revenues approaching $2 billion dollar s and continues to maintain its mission to â€Å"make all athletes better through passion , design, and the relentless pursuit for innovation by creating exchanging products t hat provide an advantage for athletes. † Under Armor takes its corporate responsibility very seriously. As outlined on its companies website, AU operates under the core values with which the comma NY was established: innovation, inspiration, reliability, and integrity.They only seek to do business with third parties that operate under these values as well. Under Ar ours products are made by thirdly manufacturers: consequently, they hold these e third parties to the high standards in which they hold themselves. AU will not do buy seines with any companies that use any form of forced labor, child labor, or harass .NET/abuse on their employees. The CIA suppliers and subcontractors must provide their employees with a safe and healthy working environment and comply with all laws and re solutions.AU must provide employees with at least legally mandated minimum wage an d benefits. The employees of CIA and its suppliers or subcontractors are not forced to woo ark more Han 48 hours with 12 hours overtime and countries that have no limit on how RSI worked must provide one day Off out Of every seven days Of work. CIA complies with a 8 environmental regulations, rules, and standards as well as making all subsonic reactors and contractors comply with all local, state, federal, national, and international I laws, rules, and regulations in the company of manufacture.The suppliers and sub contractors are regularly monitored by ALGA internal employees and third party contractors . As well as taking corporate responsibility seriously, CIA prides itself on its community involvement. They created CIA Giveback which partners with prior ms that are dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer, environmental sustainability , supporting military and law enforcement, and empowering youth athletes. From a marketing perspective, Under Armor target athletes of all ages as we as fans as they have entered into the collegiate and professional sports appear el market.Internationally, this is an asset to the company as well as having lines of cloths Eng for all ages and genders. AU has unique temperature specifi c clothing that can cater to the specific temperaments as they expand on a global level. However, it appears as if Under Armor is heavily rooted in its football background in America which el eaves room to question the company's success on an international level as it tries to break free of its American football image in countries where the sport is nearly nonexistent. International Marketing INTRODUCTION TO THE REPORT & THEME The basic objective of this report is to study about the Global market opportunities for Kandos chocolates & prepare a Strategy to capture it. I would like to take this opportunity to gratefully the Chairman & Board of Directors to give a excellent Opportunity work as International Marketing Manager & I would really enjoying to take the challenging task, which has been mentioned in this whole report. BUSINESS PROFILE 5th May 1962 was an evolutionary day for Sri Lankan confectionery industry due to the commencement of Ceylon Chocolates Ltd.Prior to the establishment of Ceylon Chocolates Limited Sri Lanka was 100% relaying on imports for Chocolates. The main objective behind the pioneering activity of producing chocolates locally is to gain certain advantage on foreign exchange by increasing the local production as well as controlling the imports. In 1970 Kandos became one of most popular brand among the consumers. On the same year the millionaire ind ustrialist Philip Upali Wijewardene acquired full control of Ceylon Chocolate Ltd.During this time Delta confectioner products manufactured by Ceylon sugar company Ltd which was started by Upali Wijewardene1 in 1962 was the leader in sugar confectionery. In 1970 both these companies were amalgamated and the production of Kandos Chocolates and the Delta toffees were merged and started operating as Ceylon Chocolate Ltd. As the next avenue Kandos emerged into global market. Kandos became very successful brand in South East Asian Region. As a result of the above successes in order to take the business towards another step forward Mr.Upali Wijewardena formed Upali Group of Companies and Ceylon Chocolate Limited became one of the subsidiaries. Upali Group of Companies established them as one the large conglomerate and also as a key diversified business enterprise in South East Asia. It was leading in the products such as Chocolate, confectionary, beverages, soap & detergents and also moto r cars, Aviation, Electronics, newspapers, plantation became their key business. From the inception Kandos products were locally distributed by M/S Shaw Wallace & Hedges Ltd. In 1991 Ceylon chocolate Ltd had a mile stone of stepping into their own distribution channel.The head office is located in Colombo & The factory and main stores are located in Kundasale. Another small warehouse is located at Homagama, in order to distribute the chocolates demand of the Colombo city and suburbs. At preset it has 68 Distributors island wide and also it has Delta Toffee plant, Wafer Biscuit manufacturing plant & Pudding manufacturing plants as well. There are two chocolate outlets which are named as â€Å"Kandos Shop†, which produce varieties of products using chocolates and there our plans for future developments as another trade mark operation. Product RangeChocolates are categorized as dark, milk, compound, flavored, filled chocolates and couverture. There are many sub brands under thes e categories with different varieties. Basically the chocolates are classified as Cocoa butter chocolates (CB) and Non Cocoa Butter chocolates (NCB). In NCBs cocoa butter substitute (Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil) is used instead of cocoa butter. CB chocolates include Couverture-A, Super Blend, K-21 Collection, Milk and Fruit & Nut, Classic milk, while NCB chocolates include Super-10, Crispy, New Gen, Tak Tik, Kiddies, Super car and Couverture-B.Each category has different varieties. PHASE 1: GOAL SETTING Vision To be the leader in our chosen field in the confectionery industry in Asia. Mission To be the leader in manufacturing & marketing best quality chocolate & confectionery products maintaining the highest brand values in a profitable manner to satisfy the needs of consumers. Long Term Objectives 1)To be the market leader in chocolate industry in Sri Lanka in year 2015. 2)Diversify the Business in to biscuits range, adding varieties of toffees & other confectionaries such as pudd ing, beverages etc in year 2020. )Re-brand Kandos in globally in year 2013. 4)Go to Cocoa Plantation through vertical Integration of Supply Chain Management in Sri Lanka in year 2012 & extend to overseas by year 2016. (China, Malaysia & Indonesia) 5)Re-build new manufacturing plants in China, Malaysia & Indonesia by year 2018. 6)Start Exporting of Biscuits & toffee range in year 2018. 7)Capture the Asian Market by year 2035. (Achieving 60% of Asian market) As go with company Vision, Mission & Long Term Objectives as an International Marketing Manager, I & my division also have following goals. )Execellarate Export market & do the preset Export Orders in effective & efficient manner. b)Re-branding as an International Brand in tourist countries such as Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong & Dubai from year 2013 as a Joint Venture agreement with respective local agents. Planning to capture 40% market share by year 2018. c)Gradually Increase the small Export O rders to countries such as India, Malaysia, Pakistan, China, Japan & Middle East countries by year 2013 onwards. Strategic approach to capture 20% market share by year 2025) d)Go beyond from Exporting & check feasibility of establish own plants from countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia or Pakistan to act as true global player by year 2014. e)Capture 25% market share by year 2018 & increase up to 50% in year 2025 from above selected country, which we establish a plant. f)Using the same strategy & builds own manufacturing plants in selected countries, based on prevailing situation in the Asia. Year 2020 & beyond) g)Plan to capture 25% of market share in above mentioned countries in year 2025. h)Gradually positioning the Kandos brand in other Asian countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal, Philippines, Korea, Taiwan, Myanmar, & other Asian countries i)Ultimately we strategically approach to capture 50% of Asian Countries. Functional Strategies Business Strategy: Vision, Mission & Long Term Objectives’ of the Kandos as stated above. Marketing Strategy: How sales, marketing effort will support firm’s Business Strategy.Operation Strategy: It support Business Strategy through specifies the policies & plans for using organizational resource. Strategic Decisions in operation involves products, services, process & technology, capacity, supply chain management, Product Design, Layout Planning & quality etc. Finance Strategy: Develop LT finance plan in order to support Business Strategy. In a simple term, corporate strategies are essentially about what the business wants to achieve. Strategy is about making high-level decisions & forms the management game plan for †¦.. †¢Satisfying customers (meeting customer needs) Running the business (organizing resources in the most efficient & effective way) †¢Beating the competition (strategies $ tactics to gain competitive advantage) †¢Achieving corporate objectives. Corporate business object ives are set at the high level & are quite distinct from any more detailed functional objectives set for the functional areas of a business. The position of corporate objectives in the hierarchy of business objectives can be illustrated as follows; BCG Matrix2 & Ansoff growth matrix2 can be used to explain how corporate objectives achieved through strategy as follows.As far as International market is concern, Kandos is at Growth stage at the Product Life Cycle, since they are in the Export market. We have to decide the place in the BCG Matrix in accordance with stage in the Product Life Cycle. Only Coco Butter ranges chocolates that we are going to market, then we are in Stars level at the Local market. When we consider International market it is in cash cow level, we need to build up strategies to become Star level. GLOBAL STRATEGY FOR KANDOS IN ANSOFF MATRIX 1)Market Penetration – An existing product in an existing market.Therefore to penetrate the market, the company will have to consider the following. †¢Offer competitive prices. †¢New minor changes – Improved taste, different tastes (such as 3 layer chocolates) †¢Sales promotional Activities & advertising. (Push & Pull Strategies’) †¢Positioning in alternative usages. (Gift packs, gift for lovers, promises chocolates) †¢Change the packaging. 2)Product Development – New Product to the Existing Market. †¢Develop white chocolate, Dark Chocolate. †¢Chocolate cake for wedding. †¢Re-launch Coco Powder packet for households. 3)Market Development – Existing Product in a new market. Presence in the global market. †¢Increasing the Chocolate consumption of the elders. 4)Diversification – New Product in a new market †¢Pure Coco Chocolate Biscuit to Middle East. †¢Energy Cocoa Drink. PHASE 2: MARKETING AUDIT FOR INTERNATIONAL MARKET & ASSUMPTIONS The marketing audit3 is a fundamental part of the marketing planning process. It considers both internal internal & external influences on marketing planning, as well as a review of the plan itself. Therefore it’s not involving at the beginning of the process, but also at a series of points during the implementation of the plan.SWOT Analysis, PEST Analysis, Porters Five Forces Model & Value Chain Analysis are most widely used as a tool to marketing audit. In many ways the marketing audit clarify opportunities & treats, and allows the marketing manager to make alterations to the plan if necessary. In this phase as a International Marketing Strategy, and introduces a marketing audit checklist. The checklist is designed to answer the question, what is the current marketing situation? Lets consider the marketing audit under three key headings4; 1)The Internal Marketing Environment. 2)The External Marketing Environment. )A Review of our Current Marketing Plan. The Internal Marketing Environment. What resources do we have at hand? (i. e. Five â€Å"M†s5 ) I. Men (Labour) II. Money (Finance) III. Machinery (Equipment) IV. Minutes (Time) V. Materials (Factors of Production) †¢How is our marketing team organized? †¢How efficient is our marketing team? †¢How effective is our marketing team? †¢How does our marketing team interface with other organizations & internal functions? †¢How effective are we at Customer Relationship Management (CRM)? †¢What is the state of our marketing planning process? Is our marketing planning information current & accurate? †¢What is the current state of New Product Development? (Product) The External Marketing Environment. As a market oriented organization, we must start by asking – What is the nature of our ‘customer’? Such as; †¢Their needs & how we satisfy them? †¢Their buyer decision process & consumer behavior. †¢Their perception of our brand, and loyalty to it. †¢The nature of segmentation, targeting & positioning in our ma rkets. †¢What customers ‘value’ & how we provide that ‘value’? What is the nature of competition in our target markets? Our competitors’ level of profitability. †¢Their number/concentration. †¢The relative strength & weakness of competition. What is the cultural nature of the environment(s)? †¢Beliefs & religious. †¢The standards & average levels of education. †¢The evolving lifestyles of our target consumers. †¢The nature of consumerism in our target markets. What is the demography of our consumers? Such as average age, levels of population, gender make up, & so on. How does technology play a part? †¢The level of adoption of mobile & internet technologies. †¢The way in which goods are manufactured. Information systems. †¢Making communications uses of technology & media. What is the economic condition of our markets? A Review of our Current Marketing Plan. †¢What are our current objectives for ma rketing? †¢What are our current marketing strategies? †¢How do we apply the marketing mix? (Including factors covered above in (a)) †¢Is the marketing process being controlled effectively? †¢Are we achieving our marketing budget? †¢Are realizing our SMART objectives? †¢Is our marketing team implementing the marketing plan effectively? †¢Levels of staffing. †¢ Staff training & development. Experiencing & Learning. 1)SWOT Analysis STRENGTHWEAKNESSES †¢Brand Value †¢50 years presence in market †¢Good Rapport with Super market †¢Good Rapport with Government †¢High Quality †¢Loyal Employees†¢Did not change with Environmental changes †¢High Cost of Production, sp. Labor †¢Less Advertising & modern marketing approach †¢Problems in Distribution Channel, cause by above matters †¢Failure of facing competition †¢Slowly emergent of Quality issues OPPORTUNITIESTHREATS †¢High growth rate in co untry †¢Consumer pattern is changing for better in confectionary industry †¢Export pportunities, including Maldives, Middle east & Pakistan(SLPFTA) etc †¢Agricultural Economy is enhancing worldwide useful for cocoa plantation. †¢Emergent of New technologies†¢High competition(within other brand & industry in Local & Global brands) †¢Increasing trend of RM prices (Cocoa etc due to inflation, Exchange rate) †¢Encourage to new Entrants (Global through Free Trade Agreements, Horizontal integration of Super Market channel. Ex. Cargill’s have Kist, Cadbury) †¢Rules & Regulations in Food Industry 2)Porters Five Forces Analysis6 of the Kandos Bargaining Power of Suppliers’ )As an industry bargaining power of suppliers are very high, & as per the company it is also high. Examples are as follows. †¢Sugar Industry. Monopolies in the market in worldwide, new entrants are not possible at all. †¢Our Production is comparatively low; he nce bargaining power is less possible in a world market as well as locally to some extent. Ex : Cocoa consumption is very low, considering world market. Coco Butter Substitute usage is low, compare with Ritzbery & Edna. Ritzbery has more bargaining power in Milk powder & Sugar with a synergy effect. )Price determination is high in local Coco beans suppliers; hence it is very price sensitive market. The risk is high comparatively since only Cocoa Beans processing Chocolate Company in Sri Lanka. 3)Packing materials are also playing major role, therefore Edna is doing it their under own control. Ritzbery’s strategy is concerning core business & outsources supporting activities as much as possible. We have waste experience is printing industry & we have to upgrade it to present culture. 4)Direct buying is widespread concept in Food industry, examples are as follows. Elephant House is doing their own Vanila plantation for Ice Cream & Ginger for ginger bear. -Munchee is buying igur u for Samaposha,soya for soya meet. 5)Continually conducting R & D for alternative suppliers & RM. -Ritzbery is doing continuously R & D for alternative suppliers for CBS & other RM too. -Producing Rice cookies, Kurakan biscuits. (by munchee) -Sweet treat (by Kandos) Bargaining Power of Customers’ 1)There is considerable bargaining power of customers in the world market & local since there are few operators are in the chocolate industry.Further switching cost is almost nil, and customers consider taste, quality, attractiveness of packing, advertising & pricing. 2)Generally Sri Lankan consumers are very much price sensitive, so it is obvious all competitors are tend to price competitive, in that condense Customer bargaining power is very high. Ex: Offer product at Rs 5, Rs 10. 3)As a norm Producers are changing customers mind through introducing new Products. Munchee is introducing new Biscuits in regular basis. Ritzbery also doing New Product Development. 4)Advertising also t ool to reduce customer bargaining power & maintain Brand & product Loyalty.Ex : Cream cracker for small hungry. Elephant House ice Cream is new method of giving gifts. New Colours of Lovers, blue (by Ritzbery) Novel way to lovers’ gift, tropica coconut based chocolate by Ritzbery 5)Doing continually market research is helpful to identify customers mind & their consumer pattern changing. Threat of New Entrants 1)Chocolate industry is somewhat challenging industry, therefore there is limited chances to entering this market. Nevertheless there is trend to import & distribute in Sri Lanka, since it has less Business risk. )Diana is latest newcomer to the market & there is trend to enter this market by following Companies in Local & global. -Cargills. They are going to vertical integration Strategy & sell their own brands. Therefore there will be high probability to entering Chocolates market in the future. Ex : Kist, Walls Ice cream,Diana Biscuits (Kist Biscuits) , 3 Coin Beer co mpany,Cargills meet balls, Kothmale Milk Products, Cargills detergents etc -Other players in the super market Industry are also following Cargills. Ex : Keels going to acquire Rich Life MilkArpico is selling their own brands Laufgh Sun up is going to start their own brands. -There is high probability to enter world class Chocolate in to Sri Lanka, since we are booming economy in the region & world, changing consumer patterns & emergent tourist industry etc. -There is also probability to enter chocolate market by confectionary manufacturing Companies as Diversification strategy. Ex : Nestle, Hemas, Maliban,Rigam, Daintee, Cherish etc Threat of Substitute Products 1)In Sri Lankan culture, most of the confectionary products are buying to give as a gift.Therefore following products are competing with chocolate products such as Biscuits, Ice Cream, Gift Vouchers, Sugar, fruits, Fruit Drinks etc. 2)Further there are more products to be chosen by consumers as alternative to eat as a desser t or as snacks. These Products are also including Biscuits, Ice Cream, fruits, Fruit Drinks, Yogurt, Milk packet, Chocolates & many more. 3)As the result of that there is numerous treat to Chocolate industry, & we must focus on increasing chocolate consumption of the general public in order to hike Sales. Ex : Biscuit Consumption per Person has been increased due to advertising & competition.Elephant House Ice cream has increased their sales volume through market development through branding it as â€Å"new method of giving gifts ’’. Sunquick also tried to do market development through branding it as â€Å"new method of giving gifts †. Cream crackers is re-position as â€Å"small hungry† Samahan is positioned to use daily prevents from cold. 4)Knowing culture & consumer pattern through effective market research, we can create delighted customers rather than satisfying customers. Competitive Rival within Industry 1)Price competition is done by Edna, Ritzb ery is compete through heavily advertising. )We mainly use our unmatched quality as a core competence to compete in the local market. 3)We are focusing to prevail in the market as a leader. 4)Growing global chocolates brands will be treat to Kandos. 5)Vertical & Horizontal Integration strategies used by the competitors to survive in the market. 3)Porters Generic Strategy7 of the Kandos In Sri Lankan Chocolates markets, the above categorization is as follows, according to Brands. Cost Leadership Differentiation †¢EDNA †¢RITZBERY †¢KINDER JOY Focused Low Cost Focused Differentiation †¢DIANA †¢DAINTEE †¢CADBURY †¢TOBLERONE FERRARI †¢KIT KAT Kandos does not have any particular strategy, hence theoretical it is categorized as Best Cost Provider &/or Stuck in the Middle. Because Kandos is not cost focusing, focusing differentiate a products to some extent & catering whole market, same as Edna & Ritzbery. SWOT FOR MARKETING OFFER A detailed SWOT anal ysis is to be carried out for the marketing mix8 of the company as shown below and the recommendations made in each component of the marketing mix will lead to formulation of a better comprehensive marketing strategy. ?SWOT for PRODUCT – Done for Coco Butter range in Singapore, Malaysia & ThailandStrengthsWeaknessesOpportunitiesThreats Was there in 1980’s & have prior experience. Working capital problems. Emerging economies of the selected countries for chocolates. Already there is a presence of multinationals. Be in a market as unmatched quality of Coco Butter Chocolates’ in the Asian region. Difficult in Product adaptation in ASEAN region. There’s a lot of room to do value additions & product development in Chocolates’. High Competition. Excellent sales staff with a strong knowledge of existing productsNon Coco Butter Products are popular in those countries.Trade Barriers for global companies. Recommendations ?Market penetration ?More product ada ptation ?More value additions ?New product development ?SWOT for PRICE N/A ?SWOT for PLACE StrengthsWeaknessesOpportunitiesThreats Excellent R&D staff with a strong knowledge of existing products for Local marketControlling issues in overseas operationDistribution systems are good enough compare to other Asian countriesMultinationals have more bargaining power in the Distribution channel Have prior experience in Overseas DeliveryHaving own distribution mode will be more costlyCultural difference Recommendations Change distribution channel & outsource distribution ? Offer more sales commission to Agents ?Implementing Intensive strategy ?SWOT for PROMOTION StrengthsWeaknessesOpportunitiesThreats Promotion for just remind the customer mind towards Kandos brand. Less experience of handling promotional campaign in the selected countriesThe use of latest technology to develop advertisementsMultinational Companies Promotional Budget & effort is very competitive. The use of social media lik e facebook for online advertisingThe high costs to be spent for promotions in the selected countries compared to Sri Lanka Read also: Reed Supermarkets: a New Wave of Competitors International Marketing In addition, the celebrations. Com we Bessie informs that there now exists a huge gap between the rich and the poor in BRB jail, which would lessen when poor people have access to education and the opportunity to develop reading skills. In a recent article dated October 1 , 2013, the www. Goalposts. Com website reports that Brazil now experiences disappointing economic growth. Despite President Dilemma Recourses efforts to revive the economy with stimulus packages and TA x cuts, the GAP grew only 0. 6 percent and both stock market and currency rates plume Ted.Other economic problems in Brazil include: â€Å"high salary costs, falling productivity, an d terrible 2 logistical bottlenecks that Rousseau has not yet addressed† ( l). In addition, Humblers Barbara, president of BEANIE, a lobby group for the elect Nils industry, predicts that unless infrastructure resolves its problems, industry will I continue to suffer ( 1 The website also informs that household consumption grew jus t 0. 1 percent due to inflation which adversely affected the purchasing power of consumers. In order to combat the problem of high inflation Brazil has increase seed interest rates.Brazier's business leaders have also encore raged Rousseau to reform tax a ND labor costs â€Å"so factories can regain their competitiveness at home and abroad† ( 2). Although Brazil now experiences these problems, the article states that Brazier's economy still flourishes in some areas. These areas include: low unemployment, strong foreign investment levels, Recourses approval rate of 80 percent, and a strong harvest and increased agricultural activity. In addition, Guide Ma enter (Brazier's Finance Minister) asserts that the investment growth trend will contain u.The article concludes with David Reese' (an economist for Capital Economics in Loon don) suggestion that Brazil should rebalanced the economy towards investment in 0 order to create growth rates of five percent, which investors want to see ( 3). A recent article in The Economist titled ‘ ‘The Price is Wrong,† and dated September 28, 2013 reports that â€Å"Brazil offers appalling value for money† ( www. Economist. Com 1). The article states that a pizza in Brazil costs 530 and also that a cheap, windowless hotel room in ROI costs $250/ night.The article also reports that 3 payroll taxes are 58% Of salary, that a Broadminded car costs 45% less in Mix than in Brazil, that a smartened costs 50% more than in the US, and that large domestic appliances and cars cost 50% more than in other Mendocino coo entries. The article presents the following reasons why these problems exist in Brazil: or infrastructure, high crime rates that necessitate an army of 650,000 security g awards, expensive office rents, expensive credit, decreased household consumption, a decreased exports of manufacturing goods.The article explains that the Brazil liana people go on foreign shopping sprees in order to make more e conomical purr chases and to avoid the â€Å"Custom Brazil† which â€Å"refers to the increased operational costs ass associated with doing business in Brazil, making Brazilian goods and services more expel noise compared to other countries† ( www. Economist Another recent article in , titled â€Å"Stuck in the Mud,† and dated June 8, 201 3 describes the current economic growth of Brazil as feeble limited.The article informs that Brazil now experiences a trade deficit, a shrink king primary fiscal surplus, and growing government debt mainly due to domestic rigidities. The article also discusses Dilemma Recourses efforts to â€Å"stimulate growth by hike Eng public spending and the minimum wage, and forcing starters banks to lend more† ( 2). Again, despite these efforts, consumer confidence continues to suffer, which greatly impairs economic growth.The government (the Centre al Bank) has responded by increasing base interest rates to 8% in addition to elim inate g a tax on foreign purchases of bonds in order to increase currency inflows and to â€Å"slow the weakening Of the real† ( 2). The government has also attempted to 4 solve these problems by encouraging investment and discouraging consumption Ion. However, these efforts proved unsuccessful for the steamrollered oil giant p terrors, for the grandmotherly industry, and for the electricity and banking industry sees.Other attempts to correct the dismal situation include: investments in the oil industry Y, the government's attempts to attract bidders to its road and rail concessions, and stimulating sales to increase business confidence. However, the challenging a ND diverse political landscape in Brazil, as well as Recourses inability to be diploma attic, will most likely cause further corrective actions to be unsuccessful. Http://Brasilia. Com/economy/ http://www. interdependence. Com/Brazil/economy. HTML http://www. celebrations. Com/bristlecone. HTML http://www. Goalposts . Mom/dispatch/news/thunderstorms/131001 / barometrically http://www. Economist. Com/news/ species Loretta/21 586678whybrazi I paraprofessional's Americas/21579048feeblegrowthhasforcedchange c b. Demographics As of July 2012, Brazil had a population of 199,321,413 people, with the majors y being in the 2554 age range. The majority of their population (87%) resides in urban areas. The largest city in Brazil is SAA Paulo with about 20 million residents. Ri o De Jeanine, where the 2016 Summer Olympics will be held, is the second largest c tit with about 12 million residents.In terms of diversity, over half of Brazier's residents are Caucasian and the sec 5 largest group is mulatto (mixed), making up almost 40% of the total population n. The official and most widely spoken language is Portuguese. The largest religious group IS Roman Catholic, with almost thirds of the demographic. A vast majority of Brazilian are literate with 89% of the population fifteen years old and over be inning a ble to read and write. ( http://www. Undermine. Com/Brazil/demographics_profile. HTML ) c. Cultural information Sports are very popular and important in Brazil.Most citizens regularly follow participate in various sport activities. The most popular sport in Brazil is foot all (American soccer). It is said that football â€Å"†¦ Is in the blood of the people of Bra Brazier's tropical climate is excellent for playing and practicing football. Brazil is also the only country to have participated in and qualified for all of the Football World Cups to date. The Brazilian soccer team is known all over the world for their brilliant Pl areas. Everyone in Brazil, from small villages to large cities, is known to go crazy for t heir country during the World Cup.Brazilian are known for the pride they feel for their country during sporting events. Brazil holds the most wins for the World Cup with five wins, known to Brazilian as the â€Å"Pentane†. The most dollied Brazilian soccer P l areas are Cafe, Aid, Ronald, and Reinhold. Sports such as sailing and golf are considered to be for the high class and are not accessible to the general public. Brazilian also enjoy footloose, basketball l, tennis, auto racing, and volleyball ( http://www. Mayflowers. Com/Brazil/sports/ Women's football has gathered an increasing share of interest in Brazil.The country's SST ring of successes in volleyball since the midnight century have made it Brazier's second most 6 popular sport. Municipal governments often provide volleyball courts and 10th recreational equipment for the country's beaches, including ROI De Jeaneries FAA moss Copernican and Panama. Brazier's beaches are gathering places for young pee people, the more athletic of which play football and various racket games. Brazilian chasm pincushion of beach football and volleyball draw thousands of spectators and television.Brazil has competed in every Olympic Games since 1920, except the 1 928 Summer Games in Amsterdam. It has been successful in many events, include Eng transfixed, swimming, yachting, and such team sports as football, volleyball l, and basketball. In 2009 the International Olympic Committee selected ROI De Jeanie or as the site of the 201 6 Summer Games. It was the first city in South America to be chi seen to host the Olympics. Http://www. Britannica. Com/Checked/topic/781 01 ‘Brazil/25115/ Superconductivity II.Background on Underarm (Mary Kate) under Armor, a relatively new company was established in 1 998 by a former University of Maryland football player, Kevin Plank, who was sick of repeatedly changing his sweat soaked Theists during football camp and took it upon him elf to invent a new type of This that would keep athletes cool, dry and light by rep ailing moisture. Under Armor has come a long way from young Kevin Plank selling Theists along the east coast out of his grandma's basement-?on November 18, 2005 Under Armor went public and became the first Seabed initial publi c offering to do blew on the first day in five years.Over the years the company began to expand its pr duct line to providing clothing for different weather temperaments, creating equipment t for various 7 sports fields, as well as developing lines for women and children. They have e expanded from the clothing collegiate sports team and now sponsor numerous professor Anal sports teams and world's athletes which include Olympian, national champions, etc. They have expanded in a global scale to Europe, China, Canada, Japan, parts of LATA America and are known as a global leader in performance footwear, apparel, accessories.Today, Under Armor has revenues approaching $2 billion dollar s and continues to maintain its mission to â€Å"make all athletes better through passion , design, and the relentless pursuit for innovation by creating exchanging products t hat provide an advantage for athletes. † Under Armor takes its corporate responsibility very seriously. As outlined on its companies website, AU operates under the core values with which the comma NY was established: innovation, inspiration, reliability, and integrity.They only seek to do business with third parties that operate under these values as well. Under Ar ours products are made by thirdly manufacturers: consequently, they hold these e third parties to the high standards in which they hold themselves. AU will not do buy seines with any companies that use any form of forced labor, child labor, or harass .NET/abuse on their employees. The CIA suppliers and subcontractors must provide their employees with a safe and healthy working environment and comply with all laws and re solutions.AU must provide employees with at least legally mandated minimum wage an d benefits. The employees of CIA and its suppliers or subcontractors are not forced to woo ark more Han 48 hours with 12 hours overtime and countries that have no limit on how RSI worked must provide one day Off out Of every seven days Of work. CIA complies with a 8 environmental regulations, rules, and standards as well as making all subsonic reactors and contractors comply with all local, state, federal, national, and international I laws, rules, and regulations in the company of manufacture.The suppliers and sub contractors are regularly monitored by ALGA internal employees and third party contractors . As well as taking corporate responsibility seriously, CIA prides itself on its community involvement. They created CIA Giveback which partners with prior ms that are dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer, environmental sustainability , supporting military and law enforcement, and empowering youth athletes. From a marketing perspective, Under Armor target athletes of all ages as we as fans as they have entered into the collegiate and professional sports appear el market.Internationally, this is an asset to the company as well as having lines of cloths Eng for all ages and genders. AU has unique temperature specifi c clothing that can cater to the specific temperaments as they expand on a global level. However, it appears as if Under Armor is heavily rooted in its football background in America which el eaves room to question the company's success on an international level as it tries to break free of its American football image in countries where the sport is nearly nonexistent.

How Christians Belief about Jesus Guides them to Confront Evil Essay

How Christians Belief about Jesus Guides them to Confront Evil - Essay Example In Romans chapter twelve verse seventeen, Christians are told; â€Å"repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all† (Rom 12: 17). When abiding by this command, in real life, Christians choose to forgive and forget. Take an example of this situation. Jane and Catherine have been friends since childhood. They live together and share expenses. They contribute the same amount to pay rent, do some shopping and buy other household items. One time, the two decided that it was time for them to live separate lives. To help each other, they agreed to buy the household items in two phases, using the money they had saved. Jane was to receive the first batch, and Catherine the last. This, however, never happened since Jane bought the first batch and left with all the money to an unknown location. This is a painful experience for Catherine, and naturally, she may feel the urge to revenge. The Christian way, however, advocates for forgiveness. They use so many of Jesus’ teachings and others from the Bible to justify forgiveness. In this case, they could argue, that the â€Å"wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ, our Lord (Romans 6:23).† This is according to Romans chapter six verse twenty-three. If one is a believer in Christ, he or she should refrain from acting against his teachings. Doing so is a sin, and that means death. Evil is not only through revenge. Evil is multi-faceted and dealing with it is also complex.

Organisations and Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Organisations and Management - Essay Example The situation of Mainland Enterprises suggests that most people have little contact with people of other cultures/ethnicities in their everyday lives that is not role-related. Some employees avoid interacting with members of other cultures/ethnicities and/or view them as "undesirable" staff. This case vividly portrays that interpersonal communication employed by the CEO is ineffective and inefficient caused by different values and traditions of people, and poor interaction between all employees. For instance, the CEO and Western employees have different perception and understanding of the â€Å"family† concept of organizational culture but the CEO is unable to recognize these difficulties and problems experienced by the subordinates. The â€Å"western† are perceived as impolite and disruptive because of different communication n corms and traditions which have not been communicated and explained to Westerns people by the CEO (Wood, 2003). 2. The case study vividly portrays the important role of CEO and his vision in organizational culture. Communication should be seen as a process by which knowledge that resides in one or more people comes to be represented in one or more others. Certainly the transfer of knowledge is not the only thing that happens in communication, and for certain purposes it may not be the most useful way of thinking about the process. Below we refer briefly to some other dimensions of communication that may be important for cooperative work. Underlying the knowledge transfer view of communication is the assumption that any communicative act rests on a base of mutual knowledge (West and Turner 2006). The example of Mainland Enterprises reveals a set of mechanisms derives from the fact that individuals can often be assigned to social categories, and such category membership often predicts individual knowledge. Of course, category membership is not a perfect predictor of knowledge.

A paper about the nature of religion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

A paper about the nature of religion - Essay Example What happens when a person dies?, Is there God?. How one should live? Why human beings should not commit sin? There are many different religions in this world; all of them have their separate set of beliefs and rituals, each unique and entirely different from the other. Yet a common thread binds through them all – that religion should stand for the common good of all; that its ultimate aim should be the welfare of all human as opposed to serving the purpose of those who believe in a particular sect. Scholars the world over have viewed religion differently and therefore have promulgated a variety of theories while defining the term religion. However most definitions, the modern scholars think are found wanting in terms of being able to communicate clearly what the scope of the word should really encompass. Some of the definitions are too vague and unspecific that they fail to adequately demarcate religion from other areas of human thought such as law, psychology, and physics etc, while others are too narrow describing religion in terms of a particular religion or culture. The Encyclopedia of Religion describes religion as: â€Å"When more or less distinct patterns of behavior are built around this depth dimension in a culture, this structure constitutes religion in its historically recognizable form. Religion is the organization of life around the depth dimensions of experience — varied in form, completeness, and clarity in accordance with the environing culture." From t his definition it emerges a definite culture and pattern of behavior, and it determines the organization of life within that community. Max Muller a German philologist and orientalist who created the discipline of comparative religion has defined religion as, "The living kernel of religion can be found, I believe, in almost every creed, however much the husk may vary. And think what that means! It means that above and beneath and

The economics of end stage renal disease Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The economics of end stage renal disease - Essay Example For ESRD patients, all medical expenses both relating to their kidney disease or other conditions are the responsibility of Medicare (Hirth, 2007). ENDR patients pay for their treatment in four ways: 1) a monthly premium ($78.20 in 2005), 2) 20% for covered outpatient facilities (copayment) 3) a deductible for inpatient care and 4) outpatient prescription drugs. In many cases, patients have private insurance that cover the copayment and prescription drugs. In low-income groups, people may have their premium and deductible paid for by the government too. The amount actually paid by ERSD patients is very low (Hirth, 2007). The Medicare plan provides payments depending on the service provided. There is a single composite rate for dialysis for patients that comprise dialysis including labour, equipment and supplies (Hirth, 2007). Physicians, generally nephrologists, are paid a fixed monthly amount for out-patient services where as hospitals are paid a fixed amount too for in-patient care depending on the diagnosis of the patient (Hirth, 2007). The decision by the American government to cover ESDR was motivated by the political and economic prognosis at the time (case study). The funding for the Medicare program is from wage taxes, general tax revenues and beneficiary premiums (Hirth, 2007). 76% of dialysis centres are private run (Hirsh, 2007) and two chains are responsible for all private dialysis centres in the US (Hirth, 2007). An example being Fresenius National Medical Care (case study). A study in Canada looked at the economic burden of ESRD in 2000 and found that the direct, mortality and morbity costs to the government in one year was $1857 million (Zelmar, 2007). In the US, $27 billion was spent in 2003 (USRDS from Hirth, 2007) and costs are still increasing (case study). Outpatient clinics need a large investment to be profitable (case study).The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission has recommended

The Effectiveness of Knowledge Management In Organizations Literature review

The Effectiveness of Knowledge Management In Organizations - Literature review Example This report stresses that the globalized business environment is featured with the fast changing business condition, high production, flexible organizational structure, information and communication technology, market liberalization and partnership development. With the changes in the environment, the intensity of competition is sharpened in the market. Therefore the companies are forced to develop and implement new strategies for improving the functionality and quality of the products in order to survive in the market. This paper makes a conclusion that the application of knowledge management is very critical and difficult to be implemented and also it is very time consuming. But the advantages and its contribution in the present world has replaced its limitations or disadvantages. Every organization is required to adopt the concept of knowledge management in their organization for its workers or employees. Knowledge management contributes significantly towards the growth and development of the organization. The organizations are expected to recruit skill and knowledgeable employees in their organization, since the inability or inefficiency of the workers in the company may affect the productivity or performance of the whole organization or entity. Knowledge management through the learning, strategy and information technology influenced positively the organizational performance in terms of its return on investment for achieving its long term as well as short term goals of the organization. It has a strong affect on the productivity of the organization.

Dehumanization in the book A Lesson before Dying by Gaines Essay

Dehumanization in the book A Lesson before Dying by Gaines - Essay Example Along the corridors of justice, after Jefferson has been convicted of murder, his lawyer puts it that his client is no more than a poor fool and likens him to a hog. It is his way of showing that Jefferson is not capable of committing the act he is charged with. Infuriated with the lawyer’s dehumanizing and insulting reference to her godson, Miss Emma, Jefferson’s godmother decides to coerce Grant Wiggins to help her in ensuring at least Jefferson dies an honorable death (Gaines 7). Grant, who now teaches at a plantation in Louisiana, secretly loathes the acts of injustices extended on his fellow black men but does not want to get involved in the judicial administration. It is therefore no surprise that he does not want to feature in the Grope vs. Grant case. Tante Lou, Grant’s aunt how manages to convince him into helping Jefferson. The company’s- Grant, Miss Emma and Tante Lou- first trip to see Jefferson in his cell is futile as they discover that he heard too much of the lawyer’s hurting words which had a depressing effect on him. He therefore refuses to talk to them and after an hour of uncomfortable silence, they all leave. Jefferson would later say that dignity is preserved for young man’s and not hogs when Grant tries to get him in touch with his humane side (Gaines 26). Grant continues to see Jefferson and is surprised while he initiates a conversation about ice cream one day (Gaines 27).

The adoption of common language poilcies in companies Essay

The adoption of common language poilcies in companies - Essay Example It tends to spawn behaviors and emotions resulting to inefficiencies and poor collaborative efforts hence, leading to poor performance and low company productivity. These inefficiencies tend to be overlooked since the companies direct their attention to the benefits of linguistic integration in order to fit in the globalizing market. The main reason English is being adopted fall under the pressure from the external global players who seem to be well equipped with the English language and its application in the business field. In addition, there is too much diversification of tasks related to a company among countries. If the corporate goals rely on departments within different countries that are working harmoniously, language becomes a significant element. Implementation of language mandate has revealed challenges in the transition from diverse languages to a common language2. The experience that employees have had when working using another language or engaging with a non-native speaker has proved difficult. GlobalTech, FrechCo, Global Moves, Carco and ChipCo are some of the companies that have tried or rather have implemented the language mandate. All of the companies are from different countries of origin; Germany, French, Japanese, United States and United States respectively. The language mandate was put into test, and the impact analyzed that shows that it resulted to psychological and emotional impacts to the employees3. GlobalTech introduced English to the German Employees, and this resulted to ineffective communication. FrenchCo had employees who were non-native speakers who were originally from France, but experienced challenged in having to communicate in English since some lacked sophisticated language skills. The same case is evident for GlobalMoves, Japanese Company where much time was wasted in a task that could have been done easily. For

2nd Take Home Exam Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

2nd Take Home Exam - Essay Example The doctrine of promissory estoppel is a policy that allows the recovery of a promise made without considering that it will be enforceable (Clarkson 249). The promisee may encounter losses or suffering in the process of ensuring that he gets the promise. This discussion uses a case study where Cato promised Isabella $40,000 after she graduates from State College. Cato fails to honour his promise and claims not to remember promising her the money. Isabella has a right of demanding the money that Cato promised her. The doctrine of promissory estoppel gives her the right to demand that Cato fulfills his promise. Isabella relied on Cato’s promise to complete her university education. The following issues compel Cato to give Isabella the money. First, Cato’s promise was clear and definite, and this means that he knew what he was doing when he promised her the money. Cato wanted Isabella to complete her university education and graduate. Therefore, promised her the money to encourage her to complete her studies. Isabella and Cato understood the promise and thus it is legally binding for him to give her the money. Secondly, Isabella had adequate reasons to rely on the promise to complete her university education. It is necessary to explain that she would not have gone back to school if Cato did not promise her the money. Therefore, she was justified to rely on the promise because she hoped to use the money after gradu ating. Therefore, she perceived the promise to be an economic gate to success. Thirdly, Cato knew that Isabella would rely on his promise to complete her university education. She was sure that Cato would honour his promise and give her the money, and that is why she went to school without doubting Cato’s promise. This doctrine states that the promiser has an obligation of honouring a promise if he knows that the promise will influence the behaviour of the receiver (Clarkson 248). Therefore,

The Innocent Man Essay Example for Free

The Innocent Man Essay â€Å"The Innocent Man† apparently is the story of Ron Williamson, who spent 12 years on Oklahomas death row after having been convicted of a murder he did not commit; the book is more than Williamsons touching story. Co-defendant Dennis Fritz was wrongfully convicted of murder but sentenced to life in prison. Together with Williamson he was eventually vindicated by DNA evidence. Two other inmates, Karl Fontenot and Tommy Ward, whose cases were interconnected with Williamson and Fritz, remain imprisoned in Oklahoma serving life sentences regardless of substantial evidence of actual innocence. Ron Williamson, the lead character in the story was wrongfully convicted of Carters killing. Williamson is not the benevolent character. He appeared as a high school athlete in baseball and was chosen by the Oakland Athletics in the 1971 Major League draft. His professional baseball career never realized the promise displayed by his youthful potential, and he returned home to lead a life reduced by divorce, drugs, alcohol and small-time crime. Loaded by mental illness, his attitude added in many respects to his conviction. But the author’s portrayal makes perfectly apparent that Williamsons conduct in no way warranted the outrageous actions of law enforcement, prosecutors and judges. It is possibly one of the ironies of the law that while lawyers and judges botched Williamson, it would be others in those same professions who saved him only five days before he was calendared to be executed from imposition of his sentence of death. Lawyers from the Oklahoma death penalty assistance program and a courageous federal judge eventually held a new trial for Williamson. During the flow of the investigation and preparation for that trial, Williamson underwent DNA examinations that would prove his innocence. It was one of the first considerable DNA exonerations in American courts. â€Å"The Innocent Man† commences by unfolding the disappearance of Mr. Williamson’s and Mr. Fritz’s supposed victim from the parking lot of the nightclub where she worked. But she was later found dead at her home. By the time he has written 13 pages, the author has presented 22 witnesses, relatives, law officers and forensic experts, with many more to occur. If it takes a time for Ron Williamson to materialize, because it is clear in Mr. Grisham’s mind: Mr. Williamson had no direct relationship to the crime. The book illustrates the tortured process by which Mr. Williamson, with a reputation for being drunk, moody and troublesome, in the long run caught the interest of the police. The book offers much evidence of Mr. Williamson’s mental weakening. His behavior becomes violently inconsistent. His substance abuse intensifies. His habits turn progressively stranger. Meanwhile the author takes his extensive legal expertise to the job of being staggered by what he portrays as the law’s systematic breaking of Mr. Williamson’s rights and by the brutal handling of his suspicion. In the face of such blatant mistreatment of a suspect, the author has a difficult time keeping sarcasm at bay. Of the intense circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Williamson’s mother, and that he was kept constrained even at her funeral, the author writes: â€Å"Such precautions were obviously needed for a felon who forged a $300 check. † Far worse than her son’s embarrassment is that Mr. Williamson’s mother died believing that she had ascertained to the police that her son was home watching videos with her on the night of Debbie Carter’s murder. Though her lawyer said he watched her make this testimonial to a police detective, a video camera evidently failed to register what she said. No evidence of it appeared in the legal proceedings that resulted. â€Å"The Innocent Man† is plural, despite its title because it is a story of four men, four average white guys from good families, all crushed up and abused by the system and locked away for a combined total of 33 years. This is a lot for a nonfiction narrative to deal with, and this book sometimes injures under the burden of so much harsh, frustrating data. Mr. Grisham’s information on the formation of an underground, completely daylight-deprived prison provides the most egregious hall of horrors in a book that is symbolically full of them. On occasion â€Å"The Innocent Man† provides a touchable souvenir of Mr. Grisham’s novels. Take Barney Ward, Mr. Williamson’s court-appointed lawyer, who appears as if he walked right out of the author’s fiction. This is Mr. Ward’s first death penalty case. He is a passionately colorful character. He is also blind; and just as the case revolves on forensic evidence that demands visual examination, his assistant leaves him in the motion. Mr. Ward’s relationship with Mr. Williamson is so touchy that Mr. Ward’s son is prepared to challenge the client physically should trouble take place. The author has an Olympian ability to launch thunderbolts. His book causes a plague of vipers upon the head of Bill Peterson, the Ada district attorney who managed both these investigations and is still in office. â€Å"The Innocent Man† forces readers to take an interested look at and ask some serious questions about a legal system that, in important criminal cases, seems to be malfunctioning in every corner of our nation. Reference: Grisham, J. (2006). The Innocent Man: Murder and Injustice in a Small Town. 1st ed. New York: Doubleday Books.

Effect of Employee Empowerment on Customer Satisfaction

Effect of Employee Empowerment on Customer Satisfaction Employee empowerment and customer satisfaction is one of those terms that everyone thinks they understand, but few really do. Ask a dozen different people and youll get a dozen different answers to the question, What is employee empowerment? In fact,  research a dozen organizational theorists and youll get as many answers to the same  question. Some writers indicate that empowerment consists of sharing power and  authority. Others say that empowerment occurs when the organizations processes are  set-up to allow for it. If you keep in mind the secondary dictionary definition of to give  faculties or abilities to: enable (Grove, 1971, p.744), with all that this word implies, then  you will be on the right track for the purposes. Employee empowerment is a key feature of the modern management style. Empowered employees are expected to perform more effectively as compared to those working in  traditional or authoritarian organizational cultures. Empowered employees are more  motivated as compared to those who just follow the given lines. Employee  empowerment creates sense of belongingness and ownership towards the parent  organization. Empowered employee feel more confident and try to give their best to  their employers, as a result, service quality improves. Improved product or service  quality generally results into higher level of customer satisfaction. Higher level of  customer satisfaction results into a bigger sales volume resulting into an improved  profitability. Every business aims at earning profits; however profits and customer value  go hand in hand. In order to give maximum value to a customer, the service provider is  required to develop a sound understanding of the customer e xpectations. In the first part of this thesis, the authors will present the background to the problem,  which will then be specified in the second part. Further, the delimitations of this study  will be stated. After reading this first part, the reader will have gained a better  understanding of the research subject which leads to purpose and related research  questions guiding this study. 1.1 BACKGROUND Global markets have built a competitive environment in business. If the organizations  want to remain in the market, they must be inventive in lowering costs and value to  customers. So it is essential for an organization to utilize the full potential of its people. But the employees need power and control to make decisions to fulfill the customers  needs. According to (Cook, 1992) studies shown that people work with full energy when they  feel happy, even they are ready to sacrifice for organizations and give their blood to the  company. But when they feel valued and important. They show their involvement in the  business. (R Maxwell, 2005) Employees in a service organization and particularly, those who have  frequent contacts with the customer usually serve as representatives of both the  Organization and their products or services to the customer at contact point. The quality  of the service and the satisfaction the customer may derive will be an assessment of the  entire service experience. Employees who are empowered in an organization can either  portray a positive or negative picture to the customers. 1.2 PURPOSE STATEMENT The purpose of this survey based quantitative research is to determine and identify the  perception of employees about the employee empowerment in banking sector of  Pakistan. At what extent these organizations are practicing employee empowerment,  and how much this empowerment has impact on service quality and customer  satisfaction. In matters concerning financial commitments, investments and spending customers, not  only need reassurance that their finances are safe, but also that they are valued for  committing their stakes with a particular financial institution. Customers of a bank rely  on the services delivered to them by the bank whether they are saving depositing,  taking loans, cashing cheques or buying funds, they count on the employees  responsible for handling issues relating to them, to deliver high service quality in other  to increase their satisfaction. 1.3 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY This research will provide a deep view to the implications of employee  empowerment to employees, government, employers, students and the general  public who have an interest in the study. The readers will be able to understand new relations between different variables  and conceptual understanding of these variables. They will read new concepts in  the context of banking sector e.g. organizational image, effectiveness and  efficiency and building trust. This research is targeted at the management of organizations within the banking  industry, and industries producing highly intangible-dominant services, as  suggestion regarding employee empowerment, which when practiced can  enhance customer satisfaction and create a good customer- perceived service  quality. 1.4 OBJECTIVES Main objectives of the study is to determine the impact of employee empowerment on  customer satisfaction in banking sector of Pakistan. General objectives: To determine the impact of employee empowerment on effectiveness and  efficiency. To determine the impact of employee empowerment on service quality. To determine the impact of employee empowerment on organizational image. 1.5 RESEARCH QUESTION What is the impact of employee empowerment on customer satisfaction in banking  sector of Pakistan? CHAPTER TWO LITRATURE REVIEW 2.0 INTRODUCTION Inside of todays unstable public and private sectors, external pressures from political,  environmental, social and technological sources require management to seek out,  evaluate and embrace, new planning, organizational and operating techniques to  remain on track in pursuit of their associations mission and long-term goals. Among  the myriad of proposed theories, models and plans submitted in the past decade to the  managerial community for possible acceptance and implementation is the concept of  employee empowerment. Within the spectrum of discussion on employee  empowerment, rhetoric inevitably mentions the relevant success or failure of  empowerment as a viable tool to upper management. According to (Kirkman, 1989) empowerment of employees is continuously growing  today in Europe. Multinationals have a great concern on empowerment of employees. Empowerment increase employee motivation and positive orientation towards his work  role and finally results in higher productivity.(Watson,2003)over the past few years,  traditional management has gone and new democratic approaches has takes its place. Employee empowerment, which came up in 1990s, is known as one of the new  management concepts. (Hanold, 1997) However, when the relevant literature is  analyzed, this concept is understood to have a longer history than previously thought  with its roots Human Rights Movement of 1950 and 1960s, empowerment has rather  closely related to the various concepts and techniques designed to democratize the  work-place. 2.1 EFFECTIVENESS EFFICIENCY (Conger, Kanangu, 1988) management researchers and practitioners have keen  interest in concept of empowerment and related management practices. This interest is  due to several reasons. First studies on leadership and managerial skills suggest that  the practice of empowering subordinate is a principal component of managerial and  organizational effectiveness. Second analyses of power and control within organization  reveals that the total productive form of organizational power and effectiveness grow  with superior sharing of power and control with subordinates. (Mayers, 1987)  employees are effective performers when they are empowered. Because it is the fact  that the employees who have authority to take decisions perform better. And utilize the  resources of the organization efficiently. 2.2 SERVICE QUALITY In banking organizations, the general offering in a particular industry is averagely  similar, even though they may engage in different approaches to achieving a  differentiation from the others, to be able to gain more market share and customers in  the industry. According to (Gooronos, 2001), that almost any retailing bank can provide  an individual with retailing services, but not every bank manages to treat customers in a  way that they are pleased with. Service providers therefore seek to differentiate themselves from their rivals by offering customers higher quality of services than their  competitors, which makes the basis of their competition to be defined by their services. (K.Sen, 2008)The nature of services as being intangible, heterogeneous, perishable,  produced, and consumed at same time makes it peculiar to deliver, and challenging to  organizations to achieve a differentiation from the others. 2.3 CUSTOMER SATISFACTION (Spetz, Butler; 2008)In the past years the competition in the banking sector is  increasing. There is more choice for the customers and thereby the banks have to work  harder to attract customers. (Peter, Waterman, 1982) focused that good organizations  align their strategies and goals to the requirement s of their customers .One way is to  care employees and empower them. (George 1992)There exists an interaction between  the desired results and customer satisfaction, customer loyalty and customer retention. CHAPTER THREE RESEARCH METHADOLOGY 3.0 INTRODUCTION Research methodology is defined as the analysis of the principles of methods, rules,  and postulates employed by a discipline or the development of methods, to be applied  within a discipline or a particular procedure or set of procedures. It should be noted that  methodology is frequently used when method would be more accurate. Methodology  includes the following concepts as they relate to a particular discipline or field of inquiry: 1. A collection of theories, concepts or ideas. 2. Comparative study of different approaches. 3. Critique of the individual methods. Methodology refers to more than a simple set of methods; rather it refers to the rationale  and the philosophical assumptions that underlie a particular study. This is why scholarly  literature often includes a section on the methodology of the researchers. Another key,  although arguably imprecise, usage for methodology does not refer to research or to the  specific analysis techniques. This often refers to anything and everything that can be  encapsulated for a discipline or a series of processes, activities and tasks. Research is the search for knowledge through objectives and systematic method of  finding solutions to a problem. It is an original contribution to the existing stock of  knowledge making for its advancement. It is also pursuit of truth with the help of study  observation comparison and experiment and it is the science of studying how a  research is done. This chapter outlines the various stages of the research  methodology. Namely sampling procedures, data collection methods, questionnaire  design and coding of questionnaire etc. 3.1 RESEARCH STRATEGY For the purpose of this research, questionnaire-filling strategy is chosen. Primary data  will be collected through the survey questionnaire. The required information was  collected from the selected areas of Lahore in Pakistan, in order to have a complete  knowledge and insight about the activities of the banking. The study will involve a sampling of 130 individual customers of banking from a Lahore  in Pakistan. CHAPTER FOUR 4.0 TIME SCALE The following Gantt chart represents the estimated time the researcher plans on  covering the research. November December January February No ACTIVITY 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 Submission of proposal waiting 1 for approval 2 Read literature 3 Introduction objectives of study 4 Draft literature review 5 Draft methodology Write questionnaire, send 6 questionnaire 7 Updating chapter 1 2 analysis Draft submission, review of all 8 chapters 9 Conclusion abstract 10 Final review of all chapters 11 Final draft submission 4.1 TIME A time resource, available is approximately 3 months (Beginning from proposal  approval) and its management has been planned as shown in the Gantt chart above,  from the Gantt chart. 4.2 COST The cost of whole research is fully sponsored be researcher. This includes all costs  incurred, inclusive of printing, transport, and communication costs. 4.3 OTHER RESOURCES Other resources that the researcher is planning to use are SPSS version 16.0 for this  analysis and other statistic analytical tools.

Ethics Moral Business

Ethics Moral Business A) I chose readings â€Å"Ethics: A basic framework† to analyze first point. From this reading I have formed the view that, although, the markets are impersonal, but particular real persons act directly or through companies, as its managers, in these marketplaces. The mobility of employment, capital, produce and technology is making business increasing global in its transactions and its effects. Laws and market forces are necessary, but insufficient guides for ethical conduct. Moral values in business decision making is very necessary, without them stable business relationship is impossible. All people are very different, but still there are existing instinctive understanding about what is good – bad and what is right – wrong. Human actions are the primary subject – matter of our ethical judgments. By human action we mean behavior or activity that is deliberate. An ethical person always is more agreeable and he looks more reliable than unethical ones. Talking about business, an ethical human doesn’t look only agreeable or good manner person, he also looks honorable, trusted, conscientious and sincere. Ethical person is good partner; he is able to conduct successful negotiations and so on. So a good business human should always be ethical and observe some special rules, principles of conduct and moral values. The deliberate actions we designate as â€Å"ethic† or â€Å"unethical† are usually actions that benefit or harm other people or ourselves positively or negatively in some serious way. However, it’s need acknowledge, people can have different understanding about moral values and ethics. As I understood from readings â€Å"Ethics: A basic framework†, there are many definitions of ethics in society, but in my opinion, the ethic is a system of moral values and principles of market participants. Every person has an ethical set of beliefs or ethical principles. Most people think that cheating or stealing are wrong, promises ought to be kept and so on. Ethic in all its forms is concerned with intention â€Å"right† or â€Å"wrong†, â€Å"good† or â€Å"bad†. The word â€Å"ethic† has a number of meanings. According this framework, there four fundamental questions to which market participant must answer before acting ethically: Is the action consistent with the persons’ basic duties? Does it respect the rights and legitimate claims of the affected parties? Does it reflect best practice? Is it compatible with the persons’ own deeply held commitments? Explaining meaning of â€Å"duty† it should be note, that duty is a human action which is exactly conformable to the laws which require us to obey them. In one cases, basic moral duties involve specific obligations to particular parties (for example, to pay for good), in other cases – more general and open – ended (for example, banks’ duty to be cautions and careful before granting the loans). In common meaning, the natural rights are those which have no relation to the establishment, support, or management of the government. These consist, for example, in the power of acquiring and enjoying property and the like. However, the basic, essential rights like duties are determined in the codes or statutes. Ethical activity is such as it doesn’t violate other person’s rights and liberties (natural or fixed in the codes or statutes). Every person must have a responsibility to respect human rights and democratic institutions. Also recognize government’s legitimate obligation and support public policies and practices that promote human development through harmonious relations between business and other segments of society. Best practice – It are the certain posit principles and standards of excellence, which are desirable, but not necessarily obligatory. Ethical activity isn’t activity, which mere doesn’t violate others persons rights and liberties, however, it must correspond to best practice. Moral commitments are often involve in behavioral rules, such as keep promises or respect property rights., however, in general case, moral commitments are wider person’s obligations than law establishes and it depends on person’s outlook, moral values and etc. For example, the companies have a responsibility to provide theirs customers the highest quality products consistent with their requirements and to ensure its maintenance thought guarantee was over. Or, the company should listen to their employees and act on theirs suggestions, ideas, requests and complains, avoid â€Å"silence† discrimination and guarantee equal treatment and opportunity in areas such as gender, age, race and religions. Presented framework in the article â€Å"Ethics: A basic framework† consist of three main stages: Understanding the facts; Identifying relevant standards; Maintaining objectivity. At first stage, the company has to traverse what it has to do and to forecast possible result of its activity. The analysis, according this framework, consists of three basic components: Identifying the parties likely to be affected by the action; Mapping for each party the positive and negative consequences; Evaluating proposed action against ethical standards (duties, rights, best practice and commitments). At second stage, the company must decide what ethical standards (company’s own code, industry standards or other) will be applied. The last stage – maintaining objectivity. Company must evaluate its ethical judgment reference to various tests. It this case it were given three questions to which company must answer before acting: Would company be comfortable if target action were described on the front page of a respected newspaper (evaluating how company’s actions may be viewed by society); Would company be comfortable if everyone in a similar situation did this (evaluating what would happen if company’s action became the general practice); Is this how I’d (to have in mind manager of company) like my leadership to be remembered (manager’s self – evaluation)? Generally speaking, ethic is very necessary and compulsory for every person (both natural and legal). Business person should be ethical especially. Human actions are not the only subject matter for ethic. Besides action, ethic examines and evaluates social practices, organizations, institutions, and even social, political and economic systems. Good manner and compliance business principles always help to communicate with others, to negotiate, find reliable partner and expand successful business. If a business person agrees with employees, the customers trusted him, if owners and suppliers do not doubt him; every activity will be fortunate and profitable. B) I chose â€Å"IKEA’s Global Sourcing Challenge† Indian Rugs and Child Labor† case to analyze second point. Because the problem of child labor is very tender subject currently, now children have received more attention than before (the word â€Å"child† is understandable as any person below fifteen years of age, unless local minimum age law stipulates a higher age for work or mandatory schooling, in which case the higher age would apply; if, however, the local minimum working age is set at fourteen (14) years of age in accordance with exceptions for developing countries, the lower age will apply). Child labor is understandable as the employment of children under an age determined by law or custom. Human Rights Watch, the largest human rights organization, in their homepage announces, sustaining International Labor Organization (ILO) data, that 250 million children between the ages of five and fourteen work in developing countries – at least 120 mil lion on a full time basis. Sixty-one percent of these were in Asia, 32 percent in Africa, and 7 percent in Latin America. Most working children in rural areas were found in agriculture; urban children worked in trade and services, with fewer in manufacturing, construction and domestic service. The reason of this view to the children – in the early twentieth century it was acknowledged that childrens rights are distinct from those of adults and it must be protected much more. The United Nations in 1989 adopted the Child Rights Convention, which established that children have special rights to protection and special rights to development. But it’s necessary that these rights would be realized in practice. The both individual person and companies must understand clearly meaning and important of Child rights and Child Rights Convention. The IKEA is very proper example of company, which tries to ensure rights of children and promotes negative view of society to illegal child labor in all world, especially, in third world countries (India, Pakistan and etc.). As I understood from readings, IKEA follows by the Child Rights Convention, collaborates with International Labor Organization (ILO), International Organizations Save the Children and UNICEF. Below I will present the main importance points of IKEA activity related with the children rights. In my opinion, the one of most important matters is to acknowledge that problem exists. In this case, IKEA understands and knows that child labor exist in various countries (India, Paskistan and etc.) where IKEA products are manufactured, but IKEA refuse child labor at its suppliers (it must be mentioned that IKEA supports the legal employment of young workers). Possibly, child labor was and is normal traditional phenomenon in some South – East Asian countries and IKEA allows to different cultures and values in countries where IKEA operates and sources its products. However, it does not compromise on the basic requirements regarding the Child Rights Convention. To ensure rights of children IKEA works actively to prevent and detect child labor. At first, IKEA established Childrens Ombudsman (first in 1998, Barner), who is responsible for ensuring that IKEA would operate in such way that wouldn’t violate the best interests of the child. Its work complies with the UN Convention on Child Rights Convention. Also, IKEA has a special code of conduct called The IKEA Way on Preventing Child Labor, which is a part of  The IKEA Way on Purchasing Home Furnishing Products (IWAY). The IKEA Way on Purchasing Home Furnishing Products code is invoked to all suppliers and their sub-contractors. Next – monitoring of compliance to The IKEA Way on Preventing Child Labour is done by IKEA trading service offices and with unexpected visits by internation audit company’s KPMG auditors at suppliers and sub-contractors in South East Asia. If child labor is found, IKEA requires the supplier to act in the best interests of the child. The supplier must implement a corrective and preventive action plan, including education and training. If corrective action is not made within an agreed time frame, or if further violations occur, IKEA terminates all business relationship with the supplier and their sub-contractors. The complexity of the child labor issue requires contribution and influence of many parties (countries’ governments, international organisation defending human rights and etc.), not only IKEA. IKEA understands that problem of child labor can’t solve by economic blockade. By co-operating closely with International Organizations such as UNICEF and Save the Children, the IKEA Social Initiative tries to create the general support structure necessary to tackle the root causes of child labour and achieve a sustainable solution. The IKEA Social Initiative supports a project, run by UNICEF, promoting childrens rights in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, from where IKEA sources many of its carpets. The aim is to prevent and eliminate child labor in the carpet belt by addressing root causes such as debt, poverty, lack of access to education disability and ill health. Despite to putting forth, IKEA confronts with child labor yet. It should be note that this goal (to eliminate child labor) can’t be achieved straight away. Only complex strategies that involves access to education opportunities, open avenues for gainful employment and eradicate parental illiteracy can eventually eliminate child labor. C) I’m working in AB DnB NORD bank – I’m the Head of Special assets department. The Bank is part of the DnB NORD banking group registered in Denmark. This holding was established by Norway’s largest bank DnB NOR and North Germany’s largest bank NORD/LB. As I understood from readings and discusses it’s very important that each employee of AB DnB NORD bank exercises due care and refrains from acts that could weaken confidence in and is loyal to AB DnB NORD bank. To achieve this goals each employee must know AB DnB NORD bank’s vision, values, policies and procedures. If in doubt as to whether certain action is allowed, the employee of AB DnB NORD bank must abstain from it. A bank is a very specific company, the high requirements of ethics is applied to it and its employee. According my understanding about ethics no employee may participate in or seek to influence a decision where special circumstances exist which might bring the issue of his or her impartiality into question. Such a circumstance could be any connection with the matter under consideration, e.g. through relatives, close associates or financial interests, etc. An employee is also not authorised to take decisions if circumstances exist that may lead others to believe that he or she promotes interests other than those of AB DnB NORD bank. This also applies to actions undertaken by the employee as a private individual. I think, that employees of my organization must exercise due care in situations where their integrity could be questioned. No employee or close associate shall require, receive or accept any offer of â€Å"undue benefits† from bank’s business connections. Nor must any employee give or offer others undue benefits. AB DnB bank employees can see various personal data of customers. By my opinion, employees in AB DnB NORD bank following by perception of ethics can’t, via the computer systems or in other non-public sources, to actively seek information about colleagues, customers or third parties when they do not need to be privy to such information in order to carry out their work. As a part of ethics, especially in the banking system, is observance of confidentiality. It’s essential to ensure that confidential information is not misused or passed on to unauthorised persons. Employees of AB DnB NORD bank group would be recommended to refrain from other activity if it that may lead to believe that it could have negative impact of the employee’s performance in AB DnB NORD bank group or weaken confidence in AB DnB NORD bank group. However, in my opinion, it wouldn’t be violation of ethics if employee would participate in clubs or associations. To avoid conflicts of interests, parents/children or spouses/partners should not work in the same structural unit if one of them is a immediate superior to the other. Nor should such persons hold positions where they have the opportunity to prevent, evaluate, approve, audit, control or in any other way affect the work of the other. For this perception of ethics to be effective, it is especially important for each employee to continuously value his or her activity in relation to ethics rules. All employees in a managerial position have a particular responsibility for ensuring that their conduct as well as that of their subordinates complies with the Code of ethics at all times. It would useful that companies, especially banks, insurance companies and other companies, which activity is related to upper trust of society, would have the policy of ethics, which would be is an integral part of the employment agreement and rules of internal work procedure of the companies and the employees will be familiarised with the policy of ethics. The employees non fulfilling, non-complying or ignoring the regulations of the Code of Ethics shall be subject to disciplinary punishment. Depending on the degree of breach of the Code of Ethics, employee‘s guilt and resulting outcome, the employee may imposed to disciplinary punishment, including dismissal from the position without notice.