Gettysburg Address Rhetorical Analysis

On November 19th, 1863, Abraham Lincoln composed one of the shortest yet greatest speeches of all time. In the midst of a Civil war, Lincoln commemorated this address with a hopeful, serious, and empathetic tone. His display of tone can best be seen when he appeals to the audience with ethos and pathos when he announces, â€Å"We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live.† Through the speech, Lincoln never addresses the audience as â€Å"you,† instead he uses â€Å"we,† â€Å"our,† and â€Å"us,† to connect with the audience. As President of the United States he addresses the people as one collective group; there is no individual who caused the division between the North and South, however, we must come together as one nation to fix it. He connects with the audience because a majority of the audience had suffered a loss of a family member, further developin g a bond between him and his audience.His compassionate, understanding, and empathetic tone is best supported by the utilization of ethos and pathos. Another place that displayed Lincoln’s tone was in sentence 8 when Lincoln rhetorically parallels and uses a triple by saying, â€Å"But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate—we can not consecrate—we can not hallow—this ground. † This is significant in that he tells the audience that we should not take any of these actions and that we have to look towards the future. We cannot look back on this mistake, this civil war that should never have happened.We have to come together as a nation. Lincoln effectively uses these strategies because he hopes that since we have been conceived by liberty that we will be borne by a new freedom for a new nation that will come after the Civil War. This new nation will have a better relationship between its government and its people. Lastly, given that Lincoln had only crafted this speech on the back of an envelope during a train ride, the quality does not reflect the circumstances of its composition.Lincoln outlined his speech chronologically: past, present, and future. Lincoln begins his speech by contrasting how our nation was â€Å"conceived in liberty,† giving life to a united nation yet currently there are many soldiers losing their life by fighting against each other. For the future, Lincoln hopes that the living will help make everything all better and construct a nation that will represent equality with a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.Lincoln effectively uses a â€Å"full circle ending† in his outline. He alludes to the Declaration of Independence and the birth of our nation and concludes with an allusion to the Declaration of Independence with a reference to a new birth of freedom. The audience can see his call-to-action as he effectively analyzes the past, present, and future. His hopeful ton e will hopefully inspire the living to help make our nation a united nation. Gettysburg Address Rhetorical Analysis On November 19th, 1863, Abraham Lincoln composed one of the shortest yet greatest speeches of all time. In the midst of a Civil war, Lincoln commemorated this address with a hopeful, serious, and empathetic tone. His display of tone can best be seen when he appeals to the audience with ethos and pathos when he announces, â€Å"We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live.†Through the speech, Lincoln never addresses the audience as â€Å"you,† instead he uses â€Å"we,† â€Å"our,† and â€Å"us,† to connect with the audience. As President of the United States he addresses the people as one collective group; there is no individual who caused the division between the North and South, however, we must come together as one nation to fix it. He connects with the audience because a majority of the audience had suffered a loss of a family member, further developing a bond between him and his audience.His compassionate, understanding, and empathetic tone is best supported by the utilization of ethos and pathos. Another place that displayed Lincoln’s tone was in sentence 8 when Lincoln rhetorically parallels and uses a triple by saying, â€Å"But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate—we can not consecrate—we can not hallow—this ground. † This is significant in that he tells the audience that we should not take any of these actions and that we have to look towards the future. We cannot look back on this mistake, this civil war that should never have happened.We have to come together as a nation. Lincoln effectively uses these strategies because he hopes that since we have been conceived by liberty that we will be borne by a new freedom for a new nation that will come after the Civil War. This new nation will have a better relationship between its government and its people. Lastly, given that Lincoln had only crafted this speech on the back of an envelope during a train ride, the quality does not reflect the circumstances of its composition.Lincoln outlined his speech chronologically: past, present, and future. Lincoln begins his speech by contrasting how our nation was â€Å"conceived in liberty,† giving life to a united nation yet currently there are many soldiers losing their life by fighting against each other. For the future, Lincoln hopes that the living will help make everything all better and construct a nation that will represent equality with a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.Lincoln effectively uses a â€Å"full circle ending† in his outline. He alludes to the Declaration of Independence and the birth of our nation and concludes with an allusion to the Declaration of Independence with a reference to a new birth of freedom. The audience can see his call-to-action as he effectively analyzes the past, present, and future. His hopeful tone will hopefully inspire the living to help make our nation a united nation.

Mla Sex Education

Sex Education is Necessary in High-School Does sex education encourage sex? According to Benjamin Spock the author of Dr. Spock’s Baby and Child Care, â€Å"Many parents are afraid that talking about sex with their teenagers will be taken as permission for the teen to have sex. Nothing could be further from the truth. If anything, the more children learn about sexuality from talking with their parents and teachers and reading accurate books, the less they feel compelled to find out for themselves. † Before 1910 there is no recollection of the history of sex education.We managed as people to â€Å"replicate† ourselves very well for decades and absolutely nowhere near our level of family disruption. In 1915 the first of anyone who introduced a significant change in all of this was Margaret Sanger [The founder of Planned Parenthood, the largest promoter of sex education and abortion in the U. S. and in the world. ] She wrote, What Every Boy And Girl Should Know. Sex Education should be taught in High-Schools because the research on sex education has shown that the prevention programs have a high affect on behaviors and they help achieve positive health impacts.It has helped reduce the frequency of sex, new number of sex partners, and also the unprotected sex mishaps which are increasing the use of condoms and contraception’s (â€Å"Sex Education†). About every year over 800,000 pregnancies and young adults under the age 25 experience about 9. 1 million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (â€Å"Effective Sex Education†). Criticize that by age 18, 70 percent of U. S. females and about 62% of males have engaged in sexual intercourse.In the program no abstinence-only-until-marriage has shown results that they help teens to be able to delay in engaging in sexual intercourse or to at least protect themselves when they actually do engage in sex (â€Å"Effective Sex Education†). Sex education and HIV/STI prevention prog rams do not increase rates of sexual engagement, and do not lower the age at which youth engages them in sex, and they do not increase the number of sex partners and the frequency of sex among young adults.But do consider that between the 90s and 2004 the U. S teen birthrate fell from 62 to 41 per 1000 female teens. Experts say that 75 percent of the decline is due to increased contraceptives and 25 percent in to being abstinence of sexual intercourse. Others might say contraceptives and abstinence are very equal, but regardless contraceptives have been very critical to reducing the teenage pregnancy (â€Å"Abma et al†).Some might say that parents should teach their teenagers about sexual intercourse or to at least talk to them about it, but some will say that it is easier for someone who actually knows what they are talking about such as a sex education classes to give the reasons of why being abstinence is more important than being sexually active because teenagers tend not to listen to their parents they would rather listen to their peers and the society. Also consider that some teenagers don’t like to be embarrassed especially when talking about their gender based anatomy.But what they don’t know is that classes are gender exclusive, which saves the embarrassment amongst their peers and teaches them only what is necessary for their gender. If taught properly sex education could become a regular course such as the human anatomy and biological science are taught as high school credits that go towards their graduating credits. If students are taught the correct terms of reproductive systems, sexually transmitted diseases and birth contraceptives instead of the â€Å"street lingo† and the appropriate sexual education can have such an impact on preventing the sexual problems in adulthood.As for the Planned Parenthood issue it just â€Å"promotes comprehensive sex education in schools and for school-aged youth as an important way- al ong with parental guidance- to help young people lead sexually healthy and responsible lives†(â€Å"Sex Education in Schools†). Advise that parents and teachers do have doubts about the sexually education but Planned Parenthood just helps assist schools in developing and delivering medically accurate, age-appropriate sex education curriculum, so teens just don’t learn things beyond their age maturity.Although about 13% of U. S. teens have had sex by the age of 15, most of them initiate in sex in their late teen years. By their 19th birthday, 7 in 10 teen men and women have had intercourse (Abma et al). Between the years of 1988 and 2006-2010, the proportion of never-married teens aged 15-17 who had ever engaged in sexual intercourse declined from 37% to 27% among females and from 50% to 28% among males. Conclude that during the same period, among teens aged 8-19, declined from 73% to 63% among females and 77% to 64% among males (Martinez G et al).Experts at the G uttmatcher Institute say 86% of the decline in the teen pregnancy rate between 1995 and 2002 was the result of dramatic improvements in contraceptive use, including increases of teens using a single method of contraception’s and increase of using multiple methods simultaneously and a substantial decline in nonuse. But only 14% of the decline is attributable to the decrease in sexual activity (â€Å"Facts on American Teens’ Sources of Information About Sex†).Public school systems have been implementing sexual education into their classrooms as a regular part of instruction for decades. The controversy are very abundant and when dealing with such delicate issues and there are many pros and cons to the sexual education being taught in the public schools. It seems that most parents are either strongly against or strongly in favor of sexual education classes, but very few parents are in the middle ground. But in fact there are more parents that are actually in favor of sexual education classes.As the result of polls they have estimated that less than 7% of the population does not believe that sexual education should be requirement in schools (â€Å"Pros and Cons†). As of 93% who are actually in favor of the subject matter that are as part of the regular curriculum such as when teens take human anatomy and physiology or biology the classes are very similar to sexual education but as sexual education tends to be more based to the diseases, STD’s. But as the 7% of the parents/teachers that are disagreeing to the class are considering more of the cons aspect than what good it could possibly do.Such as being aware of his or her own family or religious beliefs and values and know their child’s intellect and maturity levels, or the myths surrounding the intercourse can be dispelled (such as not being able to get pregnant the first time) (â€Å"Pros and Cons†). But even when these such classes are available the sexual educat ion are taught as a brief interlude during a physical education or a health class which in reality is not long enough to relate such serious material.Also the teachers are not always trained how to properly teach sexual education courses and may transgress their own beliefs and morals into the subject matter rather than sticking with the facts. But what parents/teachers are ignorant to even just a class of appropriate sexual education can have an impact on preventing sexual problems in adulthood, studies show that many teenagers become sexually active before the inclusion of the educational classes.Early inclusion of classes has proven to help student remain either abstinent or to at least be responsible if they are active (Parker). Conclude that the idea of schools and the state have a responsibility to teach young people about sex is a peculiarly modern one. The rise of sex education to a regular place in the school curriculum in the United States and Western Europe is not, howeve r, simply a story of modern enlightenment breaking through a heritage of repression and ignorance.The movements of sex education can be understood through several related angles: as part of larger struggles in the modern era over who determines the sexual morality of the coming generation; as part of the persistent tendency to view adolescence especially adolescent sexuality (â€Å"Sex Education†). Sex education has always been shaped by its historical context. Much to the distress of sex educators, young people do not simply memorize their school lessons and apply them perfectly.But all in all sexual education to an understanding and despite the educators’ moralistic tone, sex education met immediate opposition. Sexual education has very well statistics being taught in school when relating it to the pregnancies and more teens being aware of the contraceptives and condom use has proven/ shown fewer percentages of sexual activity, and new numbers of sex partners and few er less mishaps of unprotected sex mishaps.

Brandon Suing Essay

Brandon Suing Essay Reality T.VWhy do people watch Reality T.V.? What makes it reality? If it isreality, whycan we separate our lives from theirs? Reality shows arent really reality,they just depictsmall pieces of real life. Most people think of it as just an ordinaryshow. Others see it assomething that they can relate to everyday life. Given this; there aredisputes while livingtogether, arguments, and actual fistfights can break out when viewing thesetypes ofshows. Sounds like real life right?When you actually put time and thought into it before you watch it,(most peopledont analyze the tendencies of these shows) you begin to notice that adesignatednumber of people might act the same way in a different show, or may actthe same way,every time. These characters are developed as the show progresses, gainingspecific attitudes. The characters consist of the witty, shy, smart-assedloud mouth, anda relatively mellow character. All must have encompass some traits; if theydidnt, itwouldnt really appeal to the v iewers. You cant make money out ofsomething peopledont watch. The way society is designed, most people watch what is shoved intotheir faces,and watch what is given. To watch these shows, you need the I.Q. of 1. Whydoes theirreality differ so much from ours? Society also determines how the people inthe showsact during the course of it. For instance, if two people are beingevaluated, and they getbad reviews, the editors of the show clip out parts that are irrelevant,and they showparts of that person that would make them more appealing to the viewers. This isnt right,adjusting the way that a person is shown so that they be more appealing,with or withoutthe persons consent. This cant be real, Dramatizing people for the solepurpose ofentertainment. Racial issues are in this as well; most shows consist of a variety ofnationality. They try to have at least one of each of the ethnic groups. This way, theshow may drawattention from viewers from different races. From my personal view, thedirections ofthese shows are headed down a one-way street, theres hardly any characterdevelopment. Most of them center on just a few themes, including danger, dating andfamily feudsituations. This goes on and on from one show to the next. This isntsomething that wehave to struggle to understand. The shows require a little directing and alittle fewerscreen writing. They compete for prizes which vary (cars, to money, even ahusband / wife!). Then to add to the drama, they add a twist; a person hasto vote off theirfriends, or the one least liked, some are even voted off by the actualpeople who watchthe show. All in all, reality T.V. may be something that you and your friendsand family cansit back during the day to watch just to get a kick out of it. As for thereality part, youmay not find that much, if any at all. It may be the new thing in T.V., butits still got along way to go before it deserves the name Reality T.V..

What finance options are open to a fast growing UK Listed Maritime Assignment

What finance options are open to a fast growing UK Listed Maritime Company that is looking to expand - Assignment Example The market failure may  arise from imperfect information fuelled by volatile economic conditions where lenders become risk averse. #1 Critical evaluation of the difference between debt and equity from the perspective of a UK listed company Listed companies have a broad range of financing options available to them, which include debt and equity (Graham and Smart, 2009, p. 44). Companies utilize a blend of debt and equity funding to finance their operations. Companies bearing high credit ratings can borrow money at low interest, besides selling shares at a premium. Debt refers to money raised from banks and bondholders, while equity refers to money raised from the shareholders. In return for investing their money in a company, shareholders are rewarded with a percentage of the company (a share). Equity financing refers to issuing additional shares of common stock to investors. The issuing of common stock decreases the previous stockholders’ percentage of ownership. Debt financ ing is often accompanied by strict conditions or covenants, besides having to pay interest and principal on stipulated dates. Debt Sources of Financing Debt financing incorporates collateralized bonds, leases, bank overdrafts, debentures, lines of credit, and bank loans. A bond refers to a written promise to pay back a certain amount of money on a stipulated date in the future. In the interim, bondholders receive interest payments at fixed rates on stipulated dates. Debt financing typically includes an interest rate of about 3-8% depending on the  debt and the arrangement. The face value, maturity date, and coupon rate are evaluated at the time the bond is issued (Morris, McKay and Oates, 2009, p. 328). The shareholders assume all the risks and rewards from debt financing. As a result, debt financing can be relatively less expensive compared to equity finance depending on the expectation of the equity financiers. Equity Sources of Financing Companies usually seek capital from inve stors through the issuance of either common or preferred shares. Equity financing may also incorporate employee stock options. Equity funding does not incur interest or have to be repaid. Debt financing is usually more risky compared to equity financing, although equity financing is more expensive (Gleyberman, 2009, p. 8). Some of the advantages of debt financing include interest payments being tax deductible and that there is no dilution of ownership to the existing equity holders. The disadvantages of debt financing include the fact that the debt holder has priority over the company assets during liquidation. Besides, in cases where the investor doubts the capability of the company to meet interest payments, investors may demand higher interests to compensate for the uncertainty. In addition, there are several covenants associated with debt instruments that may constrain a company’s freedom of action (Albrecht, Stice, Stice and Swain, 2011, p. 507). In debt financing, loan repayment should be done on a predetermined date even if the business is in a loss. The cost to the company in debt financing is known beforehand. The cost to the company in debt financing is straightforward to predict, plan, and repay. Equity financing has several advantages such as no current payments due and no preferential rights on the company’s assets. The process of raising funds through equity

Business and Sustainability Adidas Company Research Paper

Business and Sustainability Adidas Company - Research Paper Example Companies that record huge profit levels take up CSR as a way of giving back to the society. Such companies set aside funds to cater for the recommended corporate social responsibility activities. The paper will analyze the CSR activities implemented by Adidas Group of Company. Additionally, the paper will evaluate the impact of the CSR activities and the community perception of the implemented activities. CSR activities by Adidas With numerous years in the market, Adidas has been able to gather a significant market support and demand for its products. This has transformed the organization to a multi-millionaire company and one the one of the leading enterprises in the supply of sport kits and merchandise. Similar to its large profit recording, the organization has invested a lot in CSR activities. The activities go beyond participation in local community activities and charity events. The organization has also invested in global community give back projects (Smit 102). The CSR activ ities include: I. Group initiatives In this initiative the organization seeks to support projects that support the activities in the local context of their supplier’s communities (Adidas Group 49). Additionally, this category of programs involves using employees to participate in community activities that surround the organization’s environment. ... The other group initiative project is the infrastructure and education program in Sudhaar, Pakistan (Adidas Group 48). II. Employee involvement projects This category is involved in organizing charitable events involving staff members. In most cases the events involve are fun activities. One major event under this category was the Kids Sports Fun Day in Germany (Adidas Group 49). The main aim of this activity was to involve the unfortunate children in this particular society in a fun having activity. Additionally, the event involved also disabled children as the company found way of incorporating them into the fun activity. Environment sustainability projects by Adidas Apart from the social responsibility efforts, Adidas has indulged in environmental activities that around the globe. Environmental sustainability projects refer to projects that are used to increase the level at which environments are comfortable to hold human life. These activities are used by Adidas to create a stron g market position and also as a community appreciation strategy. The environmental sustainability projects may be planned or they may be immediate events that have occurred and need support from corporate. In words by Smit sustainability projects are also used by organizations to create comfortable environments from which they operate (87). For example, it is difficult to trade in areas with famine and drought. In this case, an organization may drill boreholes or come up with efficient transport services for the provision of water. One of the most significant indulgences of sustainability projects by Adidas is in the United States in case of hurricanes. The organization helps rebuild

Career or job search Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Career or job search - Research Paper Example I searched for and used three websites that have different emphases in their writings. I could use what I have learned through this research in a job search by being familiar with alternative work arrangements and knowing if certain organizations offer them, or being capable of requesting it if it can be applied to my target job position. First, it is important to be familiar with alternative work arrangements because it means that I know the pros and cons enough to justify it to my employers. Second, this knowledge will help me find organizations that support flexible work arrangements. Third, this knowledge will also help me know how to request for it and to use it properly without affecting my performance. This website is useful in understanding an example of a policy regarding alternative work arrangements and it is important in giving information about definitions and responsibilities, key considerations, performance evaluations, and request process. The content comes from the Human Resources department that emphasizes that alternative work arrangements are seen as a â€Å"privilege,† not an employee right, because â€Å"[n]ot all employees and jobs are suited for these types of arrangements† (Human Resources at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 2013). This is a crucial point because there is no employment law that states that all workers have rights to demand flexible work time. Moreover, the website offers key considerations and performance evaluations. These variables stress the dimensions of work that allow it to be done through flexible arrangements and that employees still have to go through performance evaluation. Finally, the request process is added, which enlightens employees about guidelines and procedures. The website provides useful information on actual alternative work arrangements policy and processes. The website is

Environmental Issues Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 3

Environmental Issues - Essay Example Taking for instance, Donald Mitchell argument on a supporting statement from World Bank report (2008). He insists that as much as several factors contributing to the increase in food prices from January 2002 to June 2008, the senior most contributing factor is attributed to large increase in bio-fuels productions from oilseeds and grains in the U.S and E.U that has increased the demand of these products while reducing supplies of wheat and crops that compete with food commodities used as bio-fuels. This has lead to land use changes in wheat and maize exporting countries shifting towards plantation of oilseeds for bio-fuel production resulting to shrunk wheat and maize production hence witnessing rise in wheat and maize prices. Donald also supports his claims from (FAPRI, 2008) that food prices have also increased due to expansion of bio-diesel production and higher costs of bio-fuel production. On the contrary, Keith sharply disagrees by arguing that the impact of bio-fuel production is much less than alarmist claim (2009). Keith K. et al rather claims that there would be greater impact if bio-fuels development focused on converting bio-waste, fast growing trees and grass into fuel. According to him, increased food prices arise out of increased demands in emerging economies, drought in food exporting countries, global warming, and market-distorting subsidies. In fact a supporting report from U.S department of agriculture (USDA) calculated that bio-fuel production only contributed to 5% of the 45% increase in global food prices. Additionally, bio-fuel crops provide alternative diversities that boost rural perennial incomes therefore reducing international burning that contributes to global warming. It hence addresses efficient production and utilization of bio-fuels, global mismanagement of land, stabilization of land cover, protection of biodiversity and improving water quality. From my point of view I would agree to the fact that bio-fuels indeed contribute to increasing food prices and other environmental drawbacks. Supporting arguments, according to Robin Maynard, when food and fuel compete for farmland, food prices will rise drastically and the poor will suffer as well as rainforests (2007). Additionally, Renton emphasizes that when forests are cleared, to create space for bio-fuel crops, they no longer serve as â€Å"carbon sinks† therefore leading to global warming as it takes longer for the benefits of bio-fuel crops to be noticeable (2007). The bio-fuel crops also displace natural ecosystems and destroy habitat for several species. Bio-fuels hence will maintain as a contributive factor to increasing food prices. Issue 12 - Nuclear Power The debate over use of nuclear power sparked out of its negative connotations in the past that threatened the survival and future of the world during the world war, nuclear disasters and links to chronic fatal diseases. Discussion have also arisen out of the proponents that nuclear power can be economical, safe and a clean form of energy. From these proponents there are disagreements amongst scholars on the question of nuclear energy. Lain Murray for instance has a positive position on use of nuclear power. He argues that the worlds experience shows it to be both safe and reliable. Supporting documents such as the Congregation Budget Office

I am not sure the topic Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

I am not sure the topic - Research Paper Example Access of women in military is still an unpopular phenomenon due to their physique and psychological effectiveness. Since the inception, women in military were assigned only clerical, nursing, driving jobs and many at times in the production of ammunition. Hence, women worked in military, but their roles were just to support soldiers passively. However, with immense human loss in World War I, the need to grow troops demanded replacement of gender. Thus, First World War brought with it dramatic alteration in the role of women, instead of protesting and grieving over their loved ones they provided their support by being recruited on their military posts. When men were assigned overseas job, women replaced their vacant spaces in all walks of life from industry to armed forces. Hence, the trend of Victorian and Edwardian era of women was discarded completely. United Kingdom: In current decade, United Kingdom has allowed seventy percent of their female gender to opt for military positions . In 2002, Ministry of defense pronounced these positions for women and they could actively participate in naval crafts and air force. However, frontline fighters post is not open for them due to their physical and psychological structure (Noakes, 10). This dynamic change did not happen rapidly, but in 1998 it was increased to forty percent and later on to a maximum limit of seventy percent till twenty first century (ibid). The reason to ban them from frontline combatant position was their capability to endure, pressure, danger, strength, suitability and numerous psychological factors. However, few exceptional females did fit under the established criteria for such posts, but their quantity was small and unusual. Nevertheless, contribution of women in other European countries like Germany, Finland, Romania, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, France, Netherland and few others has significantly increased and these countries also have assigned women to the front line combat positions as well. Th e current statistics of recent decade shows that there is an incline in women for the front line combatant position with an approximate of thirteen to seventeen percent. Hence, except United Kingdom, most of the other European countries have increased the number of women admittance in military. In 1996, women on prominent positions of military forces were denounced by the authorities and were transferred to female platoons. Their transference was referred as training and adjustment according to their physique. Hence, they were not allowed to join Royal Armoured corps and Marines, RAF Regiment. Moreover, they could not drive tanks or become mine clearance divers (Sherrow, 44). The question is how UK has proved its Victorian and Edwardian theory of docile women. A research and observation on mixed gender troops and single gender troops was conducted to assess the efficiency and influence of Women in military services along with men. The hypothesis was that women in front line troops e ntail risk with less or zero efficiency in terms of combat effectiveness. Hence, their presence stimulates a sense of weakness, delicacy, liability towards them and male combatants also lose their efficiency. Therefore, to maintain the level of efficiency in a troop, single gender troop either of male or female works toward the desired target more efficiently (Noakes, 10-11). Moreover, theory of mixed troops entails

Research Project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Research Project - Essay Example Tesco deals in electronics, food, cloths, mobile, and internet service with competitors being â€Å"Morrison, Asda, Sainsburry’s, Waitrose, Iceland, and Aldi’s† (Jennifer, 365). The main reason for the business high sales and profits are that the business aims at always being the best in whatever it sets to do (Humby et al, 2008). Tesco prides itself of three main pillars aimed at augmenting their satisfaction as a means to up sales as customers, communities and the employees. From an abstract position, this would seem to be the case, but is it? This study aims at answering the question by investigating if Tesco’s loyalty program measures up to customer’s expectation (Pearson Education, 2011). The study will make great use of secondary data for the formation of the conclusion. The study will mainly consider the various ways Tesco uses to meet customer needs and make the overall conclusion if these efforts are bearing enough fruit for effective custo mer expectation delivery. This will allow the study to make a concrete conclusion to meet the need for the formation of a conclusion that will be a guide for us to meet the needs of this research on if it is meeting customer expectations (Egan, 2001). ... The introduction of customer loyalty card was aimed at meeting customer expectations and needs better through the following ways. Tesco Loyalty Card Tesco in the aim to augment consumer satisfaction and retention of loyal customers through rewarding them introduced loyalty cards for its consumers. This was a revolutionary technique aimed at gaining a competitive advantage over its main rivals Marks and Spencer, Waitrose and Sainsbury (Plimmer, p. 377). The Club card aimed at rewarding loyal customers for the purchase of items at Tesco shops. One point was awarded for every dollar spent and other currencies earn a one point to the client for each unit of currency spent and the use of Tesco cards for access to all other products of the company (Jennifer, 366). The points can be redeemed for flying time, used for club card deals for use for three times the value and the ability to be converted to Avios. These allowed the company a means to offer appreciation to their clients and the cus tomers feel cared for and appreciated to make the comeback increasing service and retention of customers. Tesco Baby Club and Student card There have been improvements to the loyalty card by Tesco with the aim of augmenting the benefits and tailoring the uses of these cards to the specific needs of the customers. The student card was aimed at rewarding students for making purchases at Tesco through the incorporation of benefits and bonuses on products tailored for students. Increased utility by the teens increased their allegiance to Tesco and allowed the company to meet their demand by giving their preference and requirements feedback. The Tesco Baby Club was aimed at women in their pregnancy terms and through to two years after child birth.

Revolutionaries and Freemasonry Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Revolutionaries and Freemasonry - Research Paper Example It often calls itself "a strange system of ethics covered in allegory and demonstrated by symbols (Word IQ.com, 2010). As King (1998) asserts, freemasonry is the worlds oldest and leading system. Its customs look back to most basic history. Masonry in its existing structure appeared when the inhabitants of London, England perceived its public incidents in 1717. Although masonry, mainly in its initial days had some aspects of confidentiality, the first publicity of the evidently highly confidential Masonic ceremony essentially emerged in 1696. Tens of thousands of books has been published about this secret organization since then. In spite of the good works done by its members, Freemasonry has repeatedly suffered the slings and arrows of those who seek to use its silent nature in opposition to it for over three hundred years. Freemasonrys singular principle is to make good men better and its bonds of friendship, kindness and brotherly love have survived even the most divisive political, military and religious conflicts through the centuries. Freemasonry is neither a forum nor a place of worship. It i s not a religion nor does it teach a religious philosophy. For almost three hundred years, it has attracted men of high moral character who support the doctrine of self-control, resilience, caution and justice. Great thinkers and revolutionaries were highly influenced by the Masonic dogma and activities. It is asserted that advancing in time from 1789, enormous revolutions were led by Freemasons: Simon Bolivar, Josà © de San Martin and Bernardo O’Higgins in South America; Vicente Guerrero, and later Benito Juarez, in Mexico; Josà © Marti in Cuba, Josà © Rizal in the Philippines, and Giuseppe Garibaldi in Italy. Most remarkably, the Texans who rebelled against the government of Mexico, and fought a triumphant war of secession, were mainly masons, and certainly, all the presidents and vice-presidents of the Republic of Texas were masons too

Untouchability Practice Essay Example for Free

Untouchability Practice Essay Untouchability is a form of discrimination, the social-religious practice of ostracizing a minority group by segregating them from the mainstream by social custom or legal mandate. It is a menace and social evil associated with traditional Hindu society. The term is used in India to talk about the public treatment of especially the Dalit communities, who face work and descent-based discrimination at the hands of the dominant Hindu castes. . It is being practiced since times immemorial and despite various efforts made by social reformers such as Dr. B. R. Ambedkar; and despite there being provision on abolition of untouchability in our Constitution under Article 17, the evil is still in practice in our country. Although untouchability has been made illegal in post-independence India, prejudice against them are seen in the society, especially in rural areas. Definition of Untouchability Untouchablity in simple terms can be understood as a practice whereby a particular class or caste of persons are discriminated with on the ground of their being born in that particular caste or on the ground of their being members of those social groups involved in menial jobs. The discrimination can be in the form of physical or social boycott from the society. For instance: the members of so-called higher castes such as Brahmin, Kshatriyas etc would not dine or sit with a person of Bhangi class. It was believed that people of higher castes could become impure even if a shadow of an untouchable person touches him and to re-gain his purity he had to take a dip into holy waters of the Ganga. Who Are Untouchables? According to traditional Hindu ‘Varna System’, a person is born into one of the four castes based on karma and ‘purity’. Those born as Brahmans are priests and teachers; Kshatriyas are rulers and soldiers; Vaisyas are merchants and traders; and Sudras are laborers. Untouchables are literally outcastes. They do not directly figure into any of the traditional ‘Varna System’ of Hindus. According to Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, untouchables form an entirely new class i.e. the fifth varna apart from the existing four varnas. Thus, untouchables are not even recognized under the caste system of Hindus. However, historically persons born in lowest castes and classes of persons  doing menial jobs, criminals, persons suffering from contagious diseases and tribals living outside the so-called civilized world were considered as unto uchables. Their exclusion from the mainstream society was based on the belief that they are impure and harmful and it was necessary to ostracized them for the overall benefit of the society. Untouchability was also practiced as a form of punishment to the law-breakers and criminals; they were socially boycotted for their misdeeds. Who Are Dalits? Untouchables are also known as depressed classes, harijans etc; but today they are more frequently referred to as ‘Dalits’. In modern times, ‘Dalit’ refers to one’s caste rather than class; it applies to members of those so-called menial castes which are born with the stigma of â€Å"untouchability† because of the extreme impurity and pollution connected with their traditional occupations. They are considered impure and polluting and are therefore physically and socially excluded and isolated from the rest of society. Today members of Schedule Castes and Schedule Tribes (SC/ST) are considered as ‘Dalits’ and they are subjected to various forms of discrimination in the society. Especially, Schedule Castes such as Chamars, Passi, Bhangis and Doms etc are known as ‘Dalits’; these people are generally associated with menial jobs such as tanning, skinning of hides, works on leather goods, sweeping, scavenging etc. Forms of Discrimination against Untochables or Dalits According to National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights (NCDHR), there are various forms of discriminations being practiced against Dalits in India, these are: Prohibited from eating with other caste members, Prohibited from marrying with other caste members, Separate glasses for Dalits in village tea stalls, Discriminatory seating arrangements and separate utensils in restaurants, Segregation in seating and food arrangements in village functions and festivals, Prohibited from entering into village temples, Prohibited from wearing sandals or holding umbrellas in front of dominant caste members, Prohibited from using common village pat, Separate burial grounds, No access to village’s common/public properties and resources (wells, ponds, temples, etc.), Segregation (separate seating area) of Dalit children in schools, Bonded Labor, Face social boycotts by dominant castes for refusing to perform their â€Å"duties† Abolition of Untochability under Indian Constitution India got Independence on 15th of August, 1947 after long and painful struggle of more than one hundred years. The struggle was not only against the foreign rule of British but it was also against the social evils such as untouchability prevailing from centuries. After Independence when great leaders of freedom struggle agreed to make our own Constitution, it was decided that there must be provisions under the Constitution regarding the abolition of social evils and upliftment of down-trodden castes and social groups etc. In view of this objective Article 17 was added to the Constitution; Article 17 reads as follows: â€Å"Untouchability is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden. The enforcement of any disability arising out of â€Å"Untouchability† shall be an offence punishable in accordance with law.† Thus, Article 17 abolishes and forbids untouchability in any form. At the same time, it also makes it an offence punishable as per the law made by the Parliament. In order to fulfill the mandate of Article 17 of the Constitution, the Parliament enacted the Untouchability (Offences) Act, 1955. It made several discriminatioray practices punishable as offences, although the punishment provided were rather mild and in their actual application even milder. Several lacunae and loopholes were found in the working of the Untouchability (Offences) Act, 1955 which compelled the Government to bring about a drastic amendment in the Act in 1976. The Act was revamped as the Protection of Civil Rights Act. However, the menace of untouchability continued and ‘dalits’ were still being treated in a discriminatory way, their socio-economic conditions remained vulnerable, they are denied a number of civil rights and were subjected to various offences, indignities and humiliations. Therefore, to counter theses atrocities meted out to so-called ‘Dalits’ section of society, the Parliament passed ‘Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Attrocities) Act, 1989. The Act provided more comprehensive and punitive measures to deal with and to prevent discrimination and atrocities against  Ã¢â‚¬Ëœdalits’. The ultimate objective of the Act was to help the social inclusion of Untouchables/Dalits into the mainstream Indian society. These above mentioned Acts were made with good intention and with positive objective of removing discriminatory practices against untouchables/dalits but in actual practice, these Acts have failed to live upto their expectations. Untouchability: Present Scenario In our society there still exist feeling of superiority of caste and birth. We can experience the practice of untouchability in everyday life around us, especially in rural and semi-urban areas of the country. Also, in big metro cities, the inhuman practice of manual scavenging is still there. According to a news report of Press Trust of India (PTI), on January 3, 2014, four tea shop vendors were arrested by the Police in Karnataka for practicing untouchability while selling tea- they were serving tea in different types of cups to caste Hindus and SC/STs. The incidence shows that the evil practice is so deep rooted in Hindu society that even after 67 years of Independence is continuing in one form or other. However, it can be said that things are slowly changing; the mind set of modern generation is also changing. Today’s youth with modern education and globalized outlook are viewing the social order from different perspective of equality and impartiality and not from the religious or traditional point of view. Hopefully, the wicked practice of untouchability would be removed from the society sooner rather than later and our country would usher into a new era of social equality and brotherhood which will be the true India of Gandhi and Ambedkar. What is â€Å"Untouchability†? India’s Constitution abolished â€Å"untouchability,† meaning that the dominant castes could no longer legally force Dalits to perform any â€Å"polluting† occupation. Yet sweeping, scavenging, and leatherwork are still the monopoly of the scheduled castes, whose members are threatened with physical abuse and social boycotts for refusing to perform demeaning tasks. Migration and the anonymity of the urban environment have in some cases resulted in upward occupational mobility among Dalits, but the majority continue to perform their traditional functions. A lack of training and education, as well as  discrimination in seeking other forms of employment, has kept these traditions and their hereditary nature alive. Prevalence of Untouchability Practices Discrimination These statistics are taken from a survey of practices of untouchability undertaken in 565 villages in 11 major states of India. They clearly demonstrate that the inhumane and illegal practice of untouchability is still commonplace in contemporary India: In as many as 38% of government schools, Dalit children are made to sit separately while eating. In 20 percent schools, Dalits children are not even permitted to drink water from the same source. A shocking 27.6% of Dalits were prevented from entering police stations and 25.7% from entering ration shops. 33% of public health workers refused to visit Dalit homes, and 23.5% of Dalits still do not get letters delivered in their homes. Segregated seating for Dalits was found in 30.8% of self-help groups and cooperatives, and 29.6% of panchayat offices. In 14.4% of villages, Dalits were not permitted even to enter the panchayat building. In 12% of villages surveyed, Dalits were denied access to polling booths, or forced to form a separate line. In 48.4% of surveyed villages, Dalits were denied access to common water sources. In 35.8%, Dalits were denied entry into village shops. They had to wait at some distance from the shop, the shopkeepers kept the goods they bought on the ground, and accepted their money similarly without direct contact. In teashops, again in about one-third of the villages, Dalits were denied seating and had to use separate cups. In as many as 73% of the villages, Dalits were not permitted to enter non-Dalit homes, and in 70% of villages non-Dalits would not eat together with Dalits. In more than 47% villages, bans operated on wedding processions on public (arrogated as upper-caste) roads. In 10 to 20% of villages, Dalits were not allowed even to wear clean, bright or fashionable clothes or sunglasses. They could not ride their bicycles, unfurl their umbrellas, wear sandals on public roads, smoke or even stand without head bowed. Restrictions on temple entry by Dalits average as high as 64%, ranging from 47 % in UP to 94% in Karnataka. In 48.9% of the surveyed villages, Dalits were barred from access to cremation grounds. In 25% of the villages, Dalits were paid lower wages than other workers. They were also subjected to much longer working hours,  delayed wages, verbal and even physical abuse, not just in ‘feudal’ states like Bihar but also notably in Punjab. In 37% of the villages, Dalit workers were paid wages from a distance, to avoid physical contact. In 35% of villages, Dalit producers were barred from selling their produce in local markets. Instead they were forced to sell in the anonymity of distant urban markets where caste identities blur, imposing additional burdens of costs and time, and reducing their profit margin and competitiveness.

Crossing Ethical Boundaries Between Counselor and Client Essay Example for Free

Crossing Ethical Boundaries Between Counselor and Client Essay Eli Coleman and Susan Schaeffer, authors of the article _Boundaries of Sex and Intimacy Between Client and Counselor_, write, _Dilemma_. A woman comes to see a male counselor and complains of anxiety and depression associated with her recent divorce. She is also deeply concerned about her attractiveness and ability to attract another partner. The thought of single life frightens her. After five sessions, she confesses to the counselor that she is deeply attracted to him. Although she finds him sexually attractive, she is equally or more attracted to his sensitivity, care, and support of her. Emotional intimacy is something her previous relationships have lacked. And, at times, those relationships have been abusive. The Counselor does not know how to respond. He too is attracted and has already fantasized about a relationship with her. But because she is a client, he does not dare reveal his feelings. He knows that allowing a relationship to develop would be wrong. That, however, does not solve the problem. (Coleman Schaeffer 341). For almost every individual, having to go to counseling can be one of the most nerve wracking things a they may have to go through during his or her life for whatever reason. Becoming attracted to your counselor, or learning they are attracted to you, may just as equally give the same nerve wracking feeling. How can things like this be prevented from happening right from the beginning? Is there not a code of ethics a counselor must follow to ensure that there is only ever professionalism during all sessions, and that clients are only seen during counseling sessions and not pursued at any time outside of sessions? Believe it or not, when it comes to the code of ethics that a counselor must follow with his or her patients during sessions, it is very vague and easy to see where violations can be made,  often times without even being fully aware of the violation. Samuel T. Gladding, author of _Counseling A Comprehensive Profession_, states, Some forms of unethical behavior are obvious and willful, whereas other are more subtle and unintentional. Regardless, the harmful outcome is the same. (Gladding 59), in addition to that, What types of intimacy are appropriate? What types are not? These dilemmas are faced by counselors at one time or another. (Coleman and Schaeffer 341). Most programs spend little to no time addressing the prohibition against sexual contact with clients, yet it is the most commonly violated of the ethical principles. Melba J.T. Vasquez writes in her article, _Counselor-Client Sexual Contact: Implications for Ethics Training_. Kathy Hotelling, author of _Ethical, Legal, and Administrative Options to Address Sexual Relationships Between Counselor and Client_, sheds light on the fact that, Many clients do not know that sexual relationships between counselor and client are unethical and, in some states, illegal. They also do not know that they can file a complaint nor do they know the avenues available for doing so. Unfortunately, many counselors also may not be aware of these facts. (Hotelling 233). The article Hotelling writes is all about educating victims of ethical abuse during counseling, because counselors can not only be an abuser, but a victim as well. After a few counseling sessions, Dave asked his counselor to go have a cup of coffee, and he agreed. Initially, Dave was flattered that his counselor liked him enough to spend time with  him outside of counseling. He enjoyed the counselors company and thought it would be nice to have him as a friend. Meeting in this setting, Daves counselor told him much more about himself and that he was having marital problems. Again, Dave was flattered by this display of trust. It made him feel  important. As time went on, Dave and his counselor began to see more of each other socially (e.g., having dinner together, playing racquetball, inviting each other to parties). At one point Daves counselor call him, looking for support. The counselor had just learned that his wife had asked him for a divorce. At this point, Dave began to question the value of his counseling sessions. (Coleman Schaeffer 343). This is a perfect example of roles being reversed, and the counselor becomes the victim in this situation. Counselors, like many of all of their clients, can have their own problems going on outside of the office. However, even if the counselor sees one of their clients in an outside setting, the roles should never become reversed. This becomes an ethical breach in the sense that vulnerability, and weakness come into play for the counselor and the client can take advantage of this, and begin their own form of manipulation on how the sessions may play out. According to Theodoros Giovazolias Paul Davis, authors of the article _How common is sexual attraction towards clients? The experiences of sexual attraction of counselling psychologists toward their clients and its impact on the therapeutic process_, state in the introduction of their article that, Although there is considerable information about the incidence and consequences of sexually intimate relationships between therapists and clients, there is very little documentation of the extent to which sexual attraction occurs in therapy, especially from the part of the therapist, how such feelings are handled, and what the effects on the therapeutic relationship are. (Giovazolias Davis 281-282). Giovazolias and Davis also uncover that, In a survey by Pope _et al._ (1986), it was found that 87% of 575 psychotherapists revealed that they had been attracted to their clients,  at least on occasion. In a more recent study, Rodolfa _et al._ (1994) found similarly that 88% of psychologists had been sexually attracted to at least one  client. (Giovazolias Davis 282). If this is the case, there is clearly a need for a much stronger ethical training program for up and coming counselors who wish to make a profession out of this career. However, this should not just be limited to new counselors, there should also be a retraining program in place for current counselors so that all ethical boundaries can be refreshed in their mind, and violations can be cut down. The training will not only help cut down the violations, but if made mandatory for a pre-determined number of times per year, this issue could be eliminated altogether. Wood, Klein, Cross, Lammers, and Elliot (1985) found that those psychologists who had had an ethics course were more aware of impaired or burned-out colleagues, more likely to seek help themselves, to help and impaired colleague, and to report an impaired colleague to a regulatory agency. (Vasquez 238), This article proposes that not only should ethical training be a required component of every program in the mental health profession but also that emphasis should be given to the problem of therapists sexual contact with clients. (Vasquez 238). So what would be some of the items stressed to future counselors? 1. dressing in a professional manner, 2. conducting counseling sessions only in the traditional professional setting where others are present, 3. furnishing the office in a businesslike manner, avoiding the too crazy ambience. (Vasquez 240). All of these qualities listed are to help not only the counselor keep a sense of their control and integrity, but also the integrity of the clients they service within the counseling sessions. These professional qualities are provided in order to make a safe and comfortable environment for all parties, and to make sure the sessions stay on track. In the article, _Ethics and the Sexual Countertransference,_ Hugh Gee states, Confidentiality is not there to protect the unethical acting out of the patient as in the case where the patient is a danger to themselves or  others. (Gee 74). Many clients who first start out seeing  a counselor will at one time or another think that the counselor is going to tell everyone about their session once it is over. The client, however, does not have to worry about fears such as these. The ethical code that is in place only allows the counselor to disclose information if it is under court order, or the client has threatened to put someones life is at risk. However, what is the policy for a minor? According to authors Madelyn Isaacs and Carolyn Stone, who wrote _Confidentiality with Minor: metal health counselors attitudes towards breaching or preserving confidentiality,_ say, Confidentiality is further complicated when the client is a minor. Societal stressors such as juvenile crime and subs tance abuse, which threaten the well being of children, have created the need for information sharing among agencies, families, and law enforcement units when the information is necessary to protect children (Taylor Adelman, 1998). Prom, DeMartino, and Prout (1999) explained that professionals working with the same child routinely share information with each other, which is quite different from the way adult confidentiality rights are handled. (Isaacs Stone, 2001). This, however, can feel like an ethical boundary breach to the client in question that the counselor would have to report on. The only thing a counselor can do in this position is speak to the client, and let them know that due to their age, they will not have the same confidentiality as an adult would, however, they should still have complete trust in you as a counselor so that you can find some way to help them. Also let them know that it is not just your policy, but the overall code of ethics that every counselor adheres to, so they will receive the same treatment at any other practice they choose to move to. There are many different ways that a counselor can cross ethical lines, either by a complete accident, or in some cases, intentionally. However, what do you do as a counselor when you see one of your colleagues first pushing, and then completely crossing said  boundaries? The ethical principles that guide professionals and the ethical dilemmas that they face have received much attention in recent years. When a professional becomes aware of unethical conduct practiced by a colleague, however, there is little literature to consult on how to respond and intervene. (Levenson, 1986). This article goes on to list the various ways of bringing to your colleagues attention without it escalading to a hostile altercation, and how you can help them deal with it. The steps are as follows: Learning of Misconduct, this involves gathering solid evidence in order to substantiate your claims. If it is just hearsay, it is likely that it will just be overlooked and no investigation will go into it. You can gather evidence from fellow colleagues to see how they see the counselor you are looking into. Evidence can also be gathered straight from the source. You can talk to them, and see how they respond, and in some rare cases they might confess right away. Next comes the intervention for your colleague. Let them know what is happening, if they have not already confessed to it, and how things will be handled in a professional manner from that moment forward. The intervention process can vary from professional to professional. In some cases, they may just be terminated without question, or they can be treated, and they can go from there. In any case, it is a long process, but one that should be started as quickly as possible while all of the evidence is still fresh, and can be presented right away. The longer you try to compile evidence, the more people will want to know why you let the unethical behavior continue for as long as you did before speaking up. The best policy is to just ask as many people as you know about your colleague before you bring light to their behavior. A series of legal cases have sparked considerable discussion around the question of whether counselors can use their religious beliefs as the basis for refusing to counsel lesbian,  gay, bisexual, and transsexual (LGBT) clients. This discussion has  illuminated tension between counseling professionals and counselor educators who view LGBT relationships as normal and healthy expressions of love and intimacy (see Whitman Bidell, this issue) and some religiously conservative counselors and counselors-in-training who consider same-sex relationships to be immoral. (Herlihy, Hermann Greden, 2014). The act of a counselor using his or her own religious belief so they do not have to work with certain ethnicities, genders, or people who choose a certain sexual orientation that is different from what they consider normal should be basis enough for an ethical violation. Counselors are people who go into this profession with the intention to try and help people make sense of their lives. By denying them this goes against why they chose to be a counselor in the first place. Regardless of how different someone may be from you, by using your religious belief that you cannot counsel someone shows that you are not able to remain objective in the session. This would have many questioning what other issues you were not able to remain objective about, and it could lead to you being investigated as a counselor. A counselor is supposed to remain neutral in all sessions. They are not there to talk about them, but instead the client, whoever he or she may be, and whatever it is they may do. They decided to come to your place of business, and choose you as a counselor, you should be welcoming new clients, not turning them away due to their background. Men and women who choose to go into therapy are seeking answers and guidance, not judgment. The most important thing a counselor can do before he or she begins a session with a new client is to try and find out who they are. It is always best to know what kind of person you are  dealing with before hand, rather than find out half way down the road they have been manipulating you the whole time, because that is what they are there for. It is also best to know the code if ethics inside and out. Ethics and boundaries crossings can be hard to distinguish and often are understood through opinions. There is a difference between crossing the boundaries and violating the boundaries. Crossing a boundary is a gray area where are violating is black and white. Sometimes crossing boundaries can be defensible however; the counselor must take into consideration all possible outcomes. For example, a chemical dependency counselor may have helped a pregnant addict come clean and get her life back on track so that she was able to deliver and keep a healthy baby. Once the babys born the client may ask the counselor to come visit her at the hospital to meet the new bundle of joy. At this time it would up to the counselor to decide whether or not crossing this boundary is justified. The counselor must look at all angles including the legal ramifications that could possibly take place. Either way, deep thought and consideration from the counselors end is necessary. (Live Rehab). This website goes on to list several other examples of what a counselor should be careful of doing in their profession, such as bartering. Bartering is an exchange of goods or services in place of payment. Bartering is not prohibited or unethical in the counseling relationship however there could be situations when it may not run as smoothly as anticipated. If a counselor decides to barter for services oftentimes the proportion of services to counseling can be extremely off. For example, if a counselor is providing services to a mechanic and the mechanic is having troubles paying for services, he or she may offer to provide car maintenance to the counselor. At first this may seem like a decent deal, especially if the counselors car is due for more than the regular maintenance. Lets take for example, the car needs about $1500 worth of work and the counselor charges $250.00 per  session. If the mechanic is attending sessions once per week this would get him about 6 weeks worth of sessions. What about when the 6 weeks are up? An oil change is about $40.00 and thats only needed every few months. At that point the counselor and client could be progressing in their sessions and since their therapeutic relationship is established it would be a shame for the client to be forced to quit counseling for lack of payment. On the other hand however, since it does not go against the ethical standards of the  counseling profession, the counselor and client could look at the situation as a gained benefit and that is that the mechanic received 6 weeks of service that he may not ever had the chance to get. (Live Rehab). While bartering may not be covered as unethical, it still raises a lot of red flags as to why a counselor would be giving the sessions away for free. It is best to just stay ethical, and out of all trouble things like this may lead to. If you would like people to take you seriously, then you have to act like a professional who takes pride in their presence and shows nothing but integrity. RESOURCES Coleman, E., Schaefer, S. (1986). Boundaries of Sex Intimacy Between Client and Counselor. _Journal Of Counseling Development_, _64_(5), 341. Ethics and Boundaries Ethics and Boundaries What is at stake?. (n.d.). _Live Rehab_. Retrieved April 15, 2014, from http://www.liverehab.com/ethics-and-boundaries/ Gee, H. (2007). Ethics and the Sexual Countertransference. _Journal of Analytical Psychology, 52,71-88._ Giovazolias, T., Davis, P. (2001). How common is sexual attraction towards clients? The experiences of sexual attraction of counselling psychologists toward their clients and its impact on the therapeutic process. _Counselling Psychology Quarterly_, _14_(4), 281-286. Gladding, S. T. (2009). _Counseling, a comprehensive profession_. (Sixth ed., p. 59). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson College Div. Herlihy, B. J., Hermann, M.A. Greden, L.R. (2014). Legal and Ethical Implications of Using Religious Beliefs as the Basis for Refusing to Counsel Certain Clients. _Journal of Counseling Development_. 92. 148-153. Hotelling, K. (1988). Ethical, Legal, and Administrative Options to Address Sexual Relationships Between Counselor and Client. _Journal Of Counseling Development_, _67_(4), 233. Isaacs, M.L. Stone, C. (2001). Confidentiality with minors: mental health counselors attitudes toward breaching or preserving confidentiality. _American Mental Health Counselors Association_. 23(4). Levenson, J.L. (1986). When a Colleague Practices Unethically: Guidelines for Intervention. _Journal of Counseling and Development._ 64. 316-317. Vasquez, M. T. (1988). Counselor-Client Sexual Contact: Implications for Ethics Training. _Journal Of Counseling Development_, _67_(4), 238.

Detailed models of strategic change management

Detailed models of strategic change management This unit helps would-be-managers to understand the nature of change and to cope with it. It gives an understanding about change and the ways to manage with it without disturbing the working of the organization. In this unit we have discussed the different definitions and models of change which have been given by thinkers in the past which helps in evaluating the relevance of models of strategic change to organizations in the current economy. As we proceed, we examine the need for change and assess the factors that are driving the need for it. Also, the resource implications are discussed which do not respond to strategic change. The theories given by Kotter, Prosci, Lewis and others are milestones of the research on change management. Their theories have helped in thorough understanding of change management. As the topic develops, it gives vital information on the reasons of change in markets, budget pressures, new technologies and other new programs such as TQM and re-engineering. All in all, the topic is an important resource on the factors and implications that bring change. Another unavoidable and inseparable resource of the organization is stakeholders of the company. The topic discusses about systems modelling, divergence and convergence and methods of involving them into organization. It is also quite obvious that change brings resistance; therefore this unit enables us to manage resistance giving a way to strategies such as communications, education, forums, etc. The entire work gives a clear picture of change management. All a manager needs is to understand the criteria and manage with a difference on the guidelines of the researchers. Task 1: Discuss the Models of Strategic Change There are many theories about how to manage change. Most of the theories originate with leadership and change management guru, John Kotter who is a professor at Harvard Business School and world renowned change expert. The following eight steps in the change process are his contribution. JOHN KOTTER: Eight steps to transforming an organization (Kotter.J, 1995) Establishing a sense of urgency Forming a powerful guiding coalition Creating a vision Communicating the vision Empowering others to act on the vision Planning and creating short term wins Consolidating improvements and producing still more change Institutionalising new approaches Kotters research gave a whole new way to managing change. A programme of planned change and improved performance developed by Lewin involves the management of a three-phase process of behaviour modification. Lewins Change Management Model Source: http://www.infed.org/thinkers/et-lewin.htm Unfreeze- Reducing those forces which behaviour in its present form, recognition of the need for change and improvement to occur. Movement Development of new attitudes or behaviour and the implementation of change. Refreezing Stabilising change at the new level and reinforcement (Hardy 1996) A new culture should be created within the organization such that managers look to change as an opportunity and adapt their business system to continuously emerging conditions. (Hussey 2000) Proscis ADKAR Effective change management demands five key goals to form the basic ADKAR model: Awareness of the need to change Desire to participate and support the change Knowledge of how to change (and what change looks like) Ability to implement the change on a day-to-day basis Reinforcement to keep the change in place (Hiatt 2003) Proscis ADKAR Source: http://techotoys.com/qwxDnJu0J/ Action Research Action research refers to a way to look at ones own work practically and check as he would like it to be. Because research is done by the person himself or the practitioner, it is called practitioner based research. It is also referred to as a form of self reflective practice because it involves the person himself and his own work. (Hardy 1999) Action research Source: http://www.llas.ac.uk/projects/2837 Task 1.2 Evaluate the relevance of models of strategic change to organizations in the current economy Teambuilding Consensus Strategic change models, as discussed above are the keys to success of any organization provided they are implemented in a sophisticated way. To achieve effective team decision making leadership, (Franzen 1994) describes Consensus Team Decision Making CTDM model which has three key pillars. Maintain high conceptual level Strive towards consensus Manage the decision making process Strategic interventions Types of interventions selected for a project although depend on variety; they are highly concentrated in a project. Strategic interventions are useful in situations like Rapid changes in the external environment Rapid or stagnant sales Increased competition Rapid expansion of markets Mergers and acquisitions (Lewin 2005) Decision Making Contingency Theory of Decision Making Decision participative contingency theory or the Normative Decision Theory is a model which says that the efficiency of a decision procedure depends on a number of aspects of the situation: the importance of decision quality and acceptance; the quantity of relevant information possessed by the leader and subordinates. (Fiedler 1999) In the autocratic style, the leader takes decisions without consulting others. (Lewin 2005) The participative style leadership, also known as participative democratic leadership style does the job of creating and maintaining healthy relationships between the employees and their leaders.(Kotter 2007) Proactive and Reactive (Whitehead 2006) PROACTIVE REACTIVE Needs to have and use own answers Understands the power of and uses team in solving problems Makes decisions by self Requests that team members make decisions Pushes for results Shares a vision so compelling the team wants to move towards it Reacts to change Foresees and influences change Teaches team to expect direction Teaches team to be self reliant Focuses on finding and fixing problems Focuses on achieving performance outcomes Quick to punish on mistakes Lets the team learn by errors Task 1.3 Assess the value of using strategic intervention techniques in the organization The most important asset of any organization is human resource and strategic intervention helps them to adjust with the changing strategies of the organization and understand it.(George 1999). At Sapphire Beauty Box, it is vital to have a peaceful mind and sound behaviour as this profession deals with direct clientele. The method of strategic intervention assists the employees of Sapphire to find meanings to their life, discover what, and why they do and how to meet their needs in positive and negative ways which helps to promote sustainable change. (Hiatt 2006) Human Process Interventions: These are helpful in particular during change project in organizations where there are some combinations of many new employees, different cultures, working together, many conflicts, etc. Activities: Coaching, counseling, delegating, group learning, virtual teams, etc. ( Hiatt and Creasey 2003) Techno-structural Interventions: These interventions are helpful in particular for rapid growth but few internal systems to sustain growth, many complaints from customers, etc. Activities: Balanced scorecard, downsizing and out placing, ISO 9000, Six sigma, etc.(Kurt 2005) Human Resource Management interventions: These interventions are helpful in situations like establishment of new organizational goals, implementation of technology for a short time, low productivity, etc. Activities: Staffing, evaluating performance, career development, employee wellness programme (George 1999) Task 2.1 Examine the need for strategic change in the chosen organization Reasons for change Change in market: The United Kingdom is going through recession and there has been recession and the CPI annual inflation has rose to 3.3%. (London Business Times 2009). There has been increase in prices, job loss, bankruptcy and what not. Every business has gone through losses and needs to cover up their expenses. (Fiedler 1999). At this point of time, Sapphire needs to change accordingly to ease customers at their purse and still keep them coming. Economic downturns: Due to price rise, the raw material needed at the store is also become expensive. It is important to cover the costs by bringing about change in the organization. (Paul 1996) Customer Expectations: There is a very hard competition in the market especially in the beauty field. Customers get attracted to offers and it is not easy to get their confidence. To invest into customers, It is important to change the strategies accordingly. (Kotter and Cohen 2002) Competitive Edge: Competition is healthy but can be fatal if the strategies become too monotonous and outdated. There is need for change to face competition. (Kotter 1995) Sapphire needs to be updated with products and material being used by competitors and try to do better than other turning the tables towards them. (Kotter 2007) Mergers: The merger of the organization with another can lead to change in strategy as the new staff can have better ideas and plans to make the company a success. (Paul 1996). If Sapphire merges with another company to make it a success, it may have to revise the ways to do things. Change in mission: If the mission of the company changes, obviously there has to be a different strategy to deal with it. The mission of Sapphire is to fight ageing and make people look beautiful but now the market demands more of stress releasing treatments. So Sapphire needs to rethink about its strategy. (Franzen and Hardaker 1999) Task 2.2 Assess the factors that are driving the need for strategic change in an organization The Shifting Economy The economy is so very changing and dynamic. Due to the unpredictability of it, the organization is in constant need of change in the strategy and economic plan. This is more prevalent since recession Environmental factors There are certain environmental changes that have an effect on the production and sales. These changes are to be monitored and the demand of change arises. Financial pressure There occur financial pressures on the organizations, in order to meet deadlines and targets. In order to handle finances, there has to be a change in finance plans. This is where the need for change management occurs. Technological advances There has been drastic change in production, marketing, outsourcing and other fields due to technology. The organization needs upgrading and has to keep in pace with the technological advances to succeed in its mission and make way for growth. Keeping in mind the factors discussed above, there is a need for change. Funding cuts With the recession in the economy, the company has cut down on costs and funds. There is need for change in financial strategy to keep the balance. Competition Competition is a healthy asset for any business. To keep up to the standards and do better than others is very important, hence it is vital to keep a watch at what others are doing and bring change in the company accordingly. Task 2.3 Assess the resource implications of the organization not responding to strategic change Restructuring of HR- If the company does not respond to the changes as discussed above, it may have to face severe consequences and lose in the process. The organization will have to restructure the HR making way for a new beginning. There have to be leaders chosen again and staff employed for the smooth working of the company. Interview and hire of new employees Interviewing and hiring of new staff will have to be done which is a time consuming and costly process for any business. Redundancies The organization will have redundancies if proper steps for the change are not taken in time. This will affect the working and time management of the strategy of work. Training Training is another costly and time taking process. It takes a lot to train the employees and bear the costs. If the need for strategic change is understood, there is no need for the organization to bear costs or losses. Task 3.1 Develop systems to involve stakeholders in the planning of change in the chosen organization A stakeholder is one who has something to gain or lose through the outcomes of a planning process or project. These are also called interest groups and can have a strong bearing on the outcomes of political processes. It is useful for research projects to identify and analyse the needs and concerns of different stakeholders, particularly when these projects have an effect on policy Input-output transformation model Operations management transforms inputs (labour, capital, equipment, land, buildings, materials and information) into outputs (goods and services) that provide added value to customers. Transformation System is the critical element in the model that determines how well the company produces goods and services that meet consumer needs. It does not matter whether the organization is a for-profit company, a non-profit organization (religious organizations, hospitals, etc.), or a government agency; all organizations must strive to maximize the quality of their transformation processes to meet customer needs. Steps Involved Step 1: Clarify the research or policy change objective (Problem Tree Analysis or objectives analysis might help with this.) Stap 2: Identify all the stakeholders or interest groups associated with this objective, problem or issue. Stakeholders can be organizations, groups, departments, structures, networks or individuals. http://www.odi.org.uk/resources/details.asp?id=5257HYPERLINK http://www.odi.org.uk/resources/details.asp?id=5257title=stakeholder-analysisHYPERLINK http://www.odi.org.uk/resources/details.asp?id=5257title=stakeholder-analysistitle=stakeholder-analysis Step 3: Using the grid organise the stakeholders in different matrices according to their interest and power. Interest measures to what degree they may to be affected by the research project. Power measures the influence they have over the project or policy, and to what degree they can help achieve, or block, the desired change. The Cultural Web The Cultural Web http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newSTR_90.htm The Cultural Web identifies six interrelated elements Johnson and Scholes (2002) call it the paradigm the pattern or model of the work environment. By analyzing the factors in each, you can begin to see what is working, what isnt working, and what needs to be changed. The six elements are: The past events and people talked about inside and outside the company. Who and what the company chooses to celebrate say a great deal about what it values, and perceives as great behaviour. The daily behaviour and actions of people that indicate acceptable behaviour. This determines what is expected to happen in given situations, and what is valued by management. The visual representations of the company including logos, how exquisite the offices are, and the dress codes. Multiple Cause Diagrams Multiple cause diagrams http://ilearn.cto.int/login/index.php Multiple cause diagrams are a way of using interconnectedness to shape up a complex situation. They represent both adequate and casual cause without making a distinction between them. This system is pictured as an interconnected group of events or effects to cause an effect as a purpose. Sometimes, if the input cause is removed, the output cause continues to happen, may be because feedback loops are present or other causes drive the effect. Influencing skills The careless reception of authority is becoming increasingly less common in the world. To get things done, it is better to rely on commitment rather than authority. For example, gaining co-operation from other departments. Task 3.2 Develop a change management strategy with stakeholders in the chosen organization Developing a winning strategy is messier than textbooks suggest. Most insights that are important for formulating strategies rest in the heads of operating managers. (Kotter 2007) The Stakeholder Circle This is designed to put stakeholders on the project management radar. It is a proven method supported by a tough, easy to use tool that guides us through five easy steps namely: Identify your projects stakeholders and understand their needs Prioritize the stakeholders on the basis of power, proximity and urgency. Visualize the key stakeholders using the Stakeholder Circle. Engage with the stakeholders by building and implementing an effective communication plan. Monitor changes as you update and review your stakeholders at key points in the project. Public Hearings: There can be events where stakeholders are allowed to give evidence or question general public authorities about decisions. Public hearings: Regulated, formal arrangements for times and places at which members of the general public and other types of stakeholders can give evidence or question public authorities about decisions. Deliberative Polling: This collects views when people are introduced to the issue and think about it. It also includes a feedback session. Task 3.3 Evaluate the systems used to involve stakeholders in the planning of change in the chosen organization The stakeholder model is helpful in explaining the rules of the economic game and the link between stakeholder value and competitive advantage. The stakeholder strategy plan guides us on how to interact and communicate with each stakeholder during different stages of a project. It also helps to define who should participate, in what ways and on what level of the project. It gives thorough knowledge of the matter and suits best to most organizations. Other ways such as polling, seminars and workshops are also perfect ways to handle change in a proper manner. Task 3.4 Create a strategy for managing resistance to change in the chosen organization Selective Perception: Peoples self interpretation of stimuli presents a unique image of the real world and results in selective perception. This leads to biased view of the situation that fits into the perception of reality. Habit: People are used to the same way of doing things which makes a habit. It becomes serves as a source of comfort. Bringing about change brings resistance. Loss of Freedom: If the change is seen as an inconvenience, it reduces freedom of action or results in increased control, there will be resistance. Direct vs Indirect There is staff that may resist directly and others that may be indirect in resistance. Direct resistance is to oppose in a direct manner and fighting straight but indirect resistance is to show resistance by making excuses such as resigning. Task 4.1 Develop appropriate models for change in the chosen organization that will reflect their circumstances The best model for change that applies to Sapphire Beauty Box is Proscis Five Building Blocks change management model which includes the ADKAR The first thing Sapphire needs is the Awareness of the need for change. If the need for change is understood, half the job is done. Planned communication is essential for understanding. Sapphire needs change as there is a need for it. Next is the Desire to participate and help the change. The employees of Sapphire need to make a personal decision to support the change and sustain it too. The CEO announced incentives for individuals creating a desire to be a part of the change. The third building block is providing Knowledge. Sapphire held a seminar for imparting awareness for change, how to undergo change and how to implement it. Prosci (2003) suggested forums and mentoring for knowledge of change. Ability to implement required skills and behavior is another building block of the ADKAR model. It is the difference between theory and practice. Once knowledge is imparted on change, the performance of the individual needs to be supported. Sapphire can do this by practice, coaching and feedback. Lat, but not the least comes Reinforcement. It is the final and essential stage of the model where efforts to sustain the change is accentuated. It is to be ensured that changes stay in place and individuals do not revert to old ways. The ways to do it are positive feedback, recognition, rewarding, etc. Sapphire makes it a point to take feedback of the customers as well as the employees to keep both sides balanced. There is a Best Employee of the Month award scheme at Sapphire Beauty Box which inspires employees to do their best. Proscis Change Management Model http://www.change-management.com/tutorial-adkar-overview.htm Task 4.2 Plan to implement a model for change considering the internal and external circumstances impacting on the organization Kaizen Method This is a Japanese method for continuous incremental improvement. It is a concept for gradual, continuous improvement. It assumes that every aspect of life has to be constantly improved. The main elements of Kaizen are effort, quality, and willingness to change, communication and involvement of employees. Its five founding elements are Teamwork Personal Discipline Improved Morale Quality Circles and Suggestions for Improvement. The Kaizen method is best for Sapphire Beauty Box as it is people oriented, requires long term discipline and easy to implement. Matrix Organizations This kind of organization offers the advantages of flexibility, greater security and control of project information. It establishes a grid with a two way flow of authority and responsibility. Task 4.3 Develop appropriate measures to monitor progress of the developed model Goal Based Evaluation To start with goal based evaluation, there can be two main questions we can ask for How has the programme made a difference Are the participants of the programme feeling better as a result of the programme? Outcome based evaluation is a way that determines if the project at Sapphire Beauty Box have achieved its goals. The organized process using OBE helps to establish clear outcomes, to measure benefits, clarify groups for which benefits are targeted. Other ways to monitor progress in Sapphire Beauty Box are regular reports of the activities being practiced in there. Meetings are also undertaken by higher authorities to administer the changes and keep a watch on them. Quality Circles appear simple and straightforward but have to be viewed in regard to Japanese culture and management systems. Quality circles are do work and are used successfully by British organizations. . CONCLUSION It can be concluded that strategic change is the key factor in any organization. Change is a pervasive influence. We are all subject to change in one form or the other which is continuous. The steps to change from Kotter give vital knowledge about making change Kotter is called the GURU in terms of change management. Proscis ADKAR building blocks give deep understanding and guidance for applying change and monitoring it to sustain change. Kurt Lewins change model is also an important one. The freeze, refreeze and transition stages develop new attitudes and behaviour.

Juvenile Delinquent Gangs :: essays research papers

Juvenile Delinquent Gangs   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As a kid I could remember walking to school every day. While on the way to school there was always a group of kids sanding outside of the school walking away. These kids dressed differently and they all whore the same type of clothes. It wasn’t until years later that I was told to stay away from them because they were gangsters. They were gangsters that caused problems to the community. These gangsters would go up to kids and try and jump them into their gang. For them the more members they had the more â€Å"territory they had.† One problem that major cities around the world have is gangs. Most of these gangs are made up of many juvenile delinquents looking for trouble. These gangs tend to hang out in certain places and claim it as their territory. Many of the gang members are drawn together by similar interests, and are brought up in similar neighborhoods. The Social Disorganization Perspective   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The social disorganization perspective follows the substance users to their living era and environment. Social disorganization perspective examines why individuals more from one environment to another and how they struggle to adjust to new environment, and how they are lured or forced into substance user, deviance, or criminal activity in the face of difficulty from the new environment or due to their individual maladjustments.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  On the other hand it studies how a particular environment causes stress, disillusion, and disorders among individuals who live in it, and why substance abuse, deviance, crime, and other social problems tend to increase in a time when or in a place where change occurs abruptly Social Class Most of the gang members that have been reported come from the lower social economical class. When these kids are out in the streets they have nothing better to do so they begin go commit delinquent behavior. Since these economically challenged kids have no money to go anywhere they tend to hang round their neighbor hood. These kinds of groups encourage each other to commit criminal activity. Since they feel that if one does it all of them can do it too. Drugs According to the social disorganization perspective gang members do drugs because they are forced into a substance. Drug offences are a common substance that is used and abused in gangs. Most people and kids that do drugs are because of peer pressure. Others reasons why gang members do drugs are because the environment that they are in forces the to do drugs to fit in.

Basketball in NS Essay -- essays research papers

Basketball was first introduced to Nova Scotia as early as 1895 but in the past thirty years the popularity of the sport has really taken off. The high concentration of universities in the province, the tradition and esteem of the high school programs, and the continued support from a large and knowledgeable basketball community have made the game a staple of Nova Scotia life, culminating with the capital city of Halifax becoming known as the basketball capital of Canada. When you talk about basketball in the Maritimes you can break it down into different levels of competition. There are the club systems throughout the province, the regional and provincial teams, then high school basketball, then you have to look at intercollegiate basketball, and finally pro basketball that was here for a short period of time. Another way of looking at how the sport has come along in the past thirty years is by focusing on the people who have been an integral part in its development. People such as Bob Douglas, Mickey Fox, Ritchie Spears, Brian Heaney, Steve Konchalski, and Bill Robinson, who through different roles have made and continue to make an impact on basketball in this province. Others who will not be discussed as much but whose role was just as important are those who laid the groundwork for all of the aforementioned. People such as Stu Aberdeen who created a legacy at Acadia University and in the process developed some of the best coaches this province has ever seen. Others like Al Yarr, Terry Symonds, and Frank Baldwin, whose tremendous efforts at the minor, high school, university, and national levels earned him the name Mr. Basketball. The foundation that was set by these people has allowed basketball to flourish in Nova Scotia on every level.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the 1970’s basketball in Nova Scotia was starting to gain popularity and in the minor system, the community YMCA and the Halifax Martyrs started basketball programs that provided children with an opportunity to play. At the high school level the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation took control of administering interscholastic athletics in 1971 and made many changes which improved the league. One of the improvements was to change the provincial format to qualify eight teams instead of just four, which allowed for more excitement as underdog schools had a chance to upset higher ranked t... ...st in the country the CIAU still decided that Halifax should become the host for the Final 8 tournament. The 90’s brought professional basketball and along with it, increased interest in the game, as participation levels reached new heights. As we move into 2002 basketball is still very much a marquee sport in this province and its rich heritage ensures that it will be treasured for a long time to come.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Young, A.J.(1988). Beyond Heroes: A Sport History of Nova Scotia. Hantsport, NS: Lancelot Press. Douglas, Bob. (2000). Life is a Ball: 50 Years of Nova Scotia Sport. Halifax, NS: Links Publishing. Morrow, D., Keyes, M., Simpson,W., Cosentino, F., & Lappage, R. (1989). A Concise History of Sport In Canada. Toronto, ON: Oxford University Press. http://www.basketballns.ca Saunders, C. (1993, May 2). Hoops: Symonds tourney a cultural event.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Halifax Daily News, p. 29. Connolly, P. (1995, December 24). Halifax has earned the moniker of Canada’s basketball capital. The Halifax Daily News. Bezanson, S. (1984, July 25). Halifax being considered for CBA franchise.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Chronicle Herald.

walmart :: essays research papers

Wal-Mart’s everyday low prices gives an edge over other retailers. †¢ Efficient IT infrastructure enables to smoothen inbound and outbound logistics. †¢ Distribution efficiencies reduces the dependency on the suppliers inefficiencies. †¢ Wide range of products provides customer anything and everything under one roof. †¢ Current dominating market position gives advantage in market development and penetration. †¢ economies of scale of scale Weaknesses- †¢ The weakness is that their overhead is expensive to run store facilities all over the world. †¢ Hierarchical corporate structure may impair decision-making. †¢ In an attempt to succeed by means of low prices, may possibly portray Walmart as a cheap store. †¢ Market maturing †¢ Concentration in a low margin industry †¢ †¢ Zoning issues are the store real estate problems. Just because a company has the ability to build a huge store anywhere it wants to, it does not necessarily mean that it is possible to build one anywhere it wants to. The real estate issue becomes more evident in crowded cities such as Japan where there is a major concern over the availability of real estate. Opportunities †¢ Expansion into emerging International markets †¢ Societal trend towards environmental friendly and American –made products †¢ Move toward value for money products in the slower economic growth Threats- †¢ Even though Wal-Mart is the largest retailer and most successful, they can still be threatened by many factors ranging from their main competitors, environmental, and economic factors. †¢ In many places in USA, Wal-Mart has faced the Anti Wal-Mart activists. According to them having Wal-Mart in the neighborhood kills the local retailers, increases the property taxes to pay for sewage, roads, utilities, and sidewalks. †¢ Regulations and political stability in the international markets †¢ Exchange rate fluctuations †¢ A union problem for ex.Germany has one of the highest degrees of unions and this has a profound effect on hiring, retaining, and laying off employees. Once an employee is hired, it costs more in Germany to keep the employee on payroll and to lay off the employee. German workers are one of the highest paid workers in the world. †¢ Capital intensive for expansion †¢ Challenges The main challenge for Walmart in the years to come is to make sure they continue to keep their customer’s and associates satisfied. In addition, to be a profitable corporation for their investors who own stock in Walmart.