Meaning of life †Philosophy of life Essay

What is the meaning of life? The answer to this question has sought over since mankind became capable of exercising their brain capacity past a level of primal instinct. In general life is rather meaningless, we all simply exist together on this planet. But before one dwells on the pointlessness of human existence, they should think about the purpose of each individual person in our society. We create goals for ourselves; we all have a role to play in our society. In a sense, we choose our future and in doing so, give ourselves a purpose to live. The purpose of human existence in general may be absent, but in our society and through our goals and achievements, I believe each individual creates their own purpose. Through one question I realized this great truth: what do you want to be when you grow up? For the longest time, I didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up. What did it matter to me anyway? I was a kid (well, I suppose I still am) and didn’t like any of the generic jobs they told us about in elementary school. Police force, teachers, fireman, none of them interested me. Then, in middle school, my life changed, a lot. I got completely new friends, after the old ones left me behind. I slowly started to become more and more enclosed, I spent most of my time out of school alone. As I developed into this over-dramatic teenage state, life suddenly became meaningless. I would often find myself sitting bored in my room, mindlessly surfing the internet or playing videogames. I slowly started to hate it; it was like I could feel my brain melting inside my head. I needed to find a more constructive hobby, and so I found myself musical instruments and started creating more and more music every day. Music became my life and from then on, I knew that my goal, the meaning of my life, was to become a musician. I believe that life was meant to be enjoyed; nobody wants to spend their life in a dead end job. After all, just how much meaning is in an unhappy life? Just ask Monty Python’s John Cleese, who states, â€Å"If I had not gone into Monty Python, I probably would have stuck to my original plan to graduate and become a chartered accountant, or perhaps a barrister lawyer, and gotten a nice house in the suburbs with a nice wife and kids, and gotten a country club membership, and then I would have killed myself. † I find this quote strongly inspiring because instead of choosing a highly respectable, well paying job and living a comfortable life, he choose to work with some of most popular men to ever wear woman’s clothing. Comedy is what he finds gives meaning to his life, and although his second choices would have been nice, Cleese didn’t find as much value in them as he did in Monty Python. Perhaps life itself is meaningless, but I believe it doesn’t have to be. I believe that a happy life is a meaningful one. I believe that mankind may not collectively have a reason for existence or a common goal, but each individual certainly does. I believe that each and every person has to create their own reason to live, instead of waiting for that reason to come to them, or they must just find themselves waiting forever.

Health Care: History, Developments, and Problems Essay

Health care is necessary in every individual’s well-being. A lot of individuals require health care in one way or another, for, unfortunately, illness—not to mention old age and the disadvantages that come along with it—are inevitable. While it may seem rather frivolous to many, it is necessary to understand the various aspects of health care, as well as the related issues to it, for this will help pinpoint necessary information in the advent one needs to undergo hospitalization and long-term care. Understanding Nonprofit and For-profit Hospitals The difference between nonprofit and for-profit hospitals is actually historical. Nonprofit hospitals are were originally found by religious organizations. In a sense, these hospitals are those which aim to help people out of kindness. It is stated that nonprofit hospitals tend to be more dedicated in caring for their patients because their motivation is to help people without expecting anything in return. However, one important issue regarding nonprofit hospitals is that their facilities and equipment may not be updated, for they are getting no returns for their service (Cutler, 2000). On the other hand, for-profit hospitals are those hospitals which eventually emerged from nonprofit hospitals due to one important factor: profit. for-profit hospitals earn money and can afford to develop their health care programs, as well as provide better equipment and facilities in order to provide better service. Apart from this, for-profit hospitals can fund health education for its employees as well as fund medical research. However, it is stated that for-profit hospitals might skimp on health care. Since for-profit hospitals have â€Å"shareholders who demand the highest possible returns† (Cutler, 2000, p. ), there is a tendency for the hospital to be stingy with its services in order to provide the business demands of its shareholders (Cutler, 2000). Trends in the Hospital Sector As the service of health care improved over time, a various amount of changes occurred. Currently, there are several trends in the hospital sector which are said to aim for organization improvement and better service. One of the most prominent trends in the hospital sectors is the consolidation of hospitals. This merging is done in order to ensure that some of the small hospitals are able to survive. Apart from this, merging is a way to improve health care quality, as well as strengthen their financial and organizational capacity. This will also end the competition between hospitals whenever there are scarcities in resources (Laschober, Wiley & Gelband, 1995). Another trend in the hospital sector is the increasing number of doctors who specialize in various fields of practice. This only means that hospitals have decided to focus on creating a more efficient means of treatment for patients through hiring a wide range of specialists who can provide the appropriate health care needed by a patient. Laschober, Wiley & Gelband, 1995). And lastly, the hospital sector has largely improved in its patient care through removing the hotel function of hospitals. Gone are the days that patients need to spend days lying on a hospital bed; there is now a significant increase in the volume of outpatient care and the trend is that patients who undergo same-day surgeries and are allowed to go home on the same day (Laschober, Wiley & Gelband, 1995). Long-Term Care in Hospitals and Nursing Homes Nursing homes are residential settings for individuals who need assistance; commonly, individuals who are admitted into nursing homes are there due to poverty, advanced age, living alone, impaired mental status, loss of ability to take care of oneself, heart disease, and dementia. Primarily, the criterion is that the individual must be sick enough to need nursing care, but not sick enough that he or she requires hospitalization. Read more: Problems of Old Age Essay The long-term care plan in nursing home involves assisted-living facilities (focuses on providing all of the basic needs), special care units (different units created to address different needs of specific residents in the nursing home) and resident-centered care (addresses the need of patients for increased quality of life) (Miller, 2009). On the other hand, long-term care in hospitals is very different; usually, patients require an array of services which are dependent on the their changing condition. This is referred to as integrated care, wherein every single condition is addressed differently. Also, unlike a nursing home, patients are not required to stay in for a long time in hospitals; they may eventually go to their homes under the care and supervision of home health agencies (Singh, 2010), whereas those who are admitted in nursing homes are predetermined to stay there. Also, the patient can move into different types of long-term care, depending on his or her condition—this can also mean that the services provided may either be long-term or non-long term (Singh, 2010). Long-term Care in the United States As seen in the aforementioned discussion, long-term health care is undoubtedly important in ensuring that patients are well-cared for during times of illnesses and weakness. However, currently, the state of the long-term care policy in the United States is rather problematic. For example, long-term care benefits cannot be collected for the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) program is still not running. The earliest predicted date when individuals can claim their benefits will be in 2017, which is a problem especially if some individuals need benefits to support their hospitalization and so on. Apart from this, this health care policy concerning CLASS does not cover individuals who are not working, such as those who cannot work or retired (Andrews, 2010). Summary As seen in the aforementioned discussion, health care has come a long way from being provided by religious institutions. It has developed systems for the benefit of its patients, as well as new policies. However, it could be seen in the current situation of long-term care in the United States, there needs to be more improvement in order to attain the appropriate policies to serve the people. In a nutshell, although long-term care has been developed appropriately, whether it is on a hospital or in a nursing home, long-term care policies which have been currently implemented, such as CLASS, will prohibit people from receiving the appropriate health care. Even if such program will provide more benefits for individuals compared to the private long-term care insurances, it, nevertheless, excludes other individuals from being properly cared for because it is not encompassing.

Recruitment At Richer Sounds Essay

John Clayton is the training and recruitment director within the business. His two key areas are the colleague support or the recruitment/training office. He works closely with the manager of colleague support, Tracey Armstrong. Richer Sounds personal views on Recruitment Richer Sounds always tries to recruit people who have friendly personalities and like to enjoy their work. The company looks for these keys on candidates rather than much of their grades because normally these people normally start to work as a sales person or work in the support department. The promotion policy in Richer Sounds enables efficiently working colleagues to be promoted up in the company rather than recruiting new employees who have no understanding within the business. Richer Sounds only recruit employees if they need someone who has the skills to do particular work such as professional in I.T. How Richer Sounds advertise for new colleagues Within every edition of the in-store catalogue and website they advertise their vacancies, these vacancies are usually for needs of new sales person or need new employees to work in the departments. This generates ongoing application from many interested people. If there are no vacancies at that time then they keep all record of people who applied, for about six months. Colleagues are also able to advice his/hers friends o relatives to work in the company, however these applicants should also follow the same rule of application as all other people. These adverts causes the company to save major amount of money each time because if they would publish it on the newspaper everytime then they would have to pay certain amount to the newspaper company therefore this idea of having to publish on their catalogues and website is good idea. If the company doesn’t receive any phone call from any people regarding the job then finally the company will have to publish it on the newspapers. For specialist employees to recruit the company notifies the vacancy to the employment agency. The recruitment process at richer sounds The recruitment process is shown on the following steps: – Identify any vacancies within the business – Advertise the vacancies – The company the look’s through all the CV’s relevant to that store or department – They schedule for interviews – with appropriate store or department manager. In Richer Sound all managers have completed their Managers Development Course and while doing they also received training on interview, how to interview a candidate. – The applicant which is been successful is been given a trial day to work at richer sounds – If all the interview and trial day is completed and the candidates are successful then the candidates can either send an application form which states that he/she is agreeing to work with richer sounds. – Next all these new candidates have to meet either Jez Avens, John Clayton or Lee Nelson for their final approval – When the company receives the application form, the business then sends these forms for references and as the candidate gets one or more good reference he/she is offered the job. They then write a letter to the candidate, which also includes the statement of terms of employment. – Final step for the company is to send off letters to all candidates given an interview regarding that they have given this job to someone. This is given so the candidates would know if he/she would get the job. The company policy and rules Richer sounds have several policies on recruitment so they do not operate within the law but also operate truthfully. These include – The company’s equal opportunities statement. – The test shouldn’t require high level of English – Richer Sounds never ask a woman about their family

Knowledge Management System Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Knowledge Management System - Research Paper Example A Knowledge Management System (KMS) is often viewed to be a specially computerized designed system that largely supports the generation, storage and broadcasting of information by a greater level. It is a well processed central processing system and a kind of well structured arrangement which offers huge figure of tools to find the answers of different questions quickly. It is worth mentioning that information technology (IT) is used in the KMS arrangement for conducting free flow of knowledge. This field has become quite popular in recent days. The main reason behind this is the advent of internet. KMS refers to an enhanced IT system that generally stores and retrieves knowledge, improves collaboration, locates related knowledge sources and uses knowledge. Basically, technology enhances the capabilities of KMS at large. The importance of knowledge in business organization is incessantly becoming much which is ultimately making the mangers to think utilizing technology in their respe ctive KMS. It helps for the knowledge generation, codification and the transfer of knowledge. A few of the examples of knowledge management service providers include Cobble Soft International Ltd., ePath Learning, Knowledge Powered Solutions, KANA Software, Inc. and Overtone Software. KMS actually smoothes the flow of communication transfer. Any sort of information can be retrieved with the use of KMS. Knowledge management process requires well defined process of architecture for generating, storing, organizing, reviewing of knowledge. Today, economy is getting benefits from the contemporary communication and information technologies in terms of mounting the competence of the businesses globally by exchanging knowledge and ideas within the organizations (Maier, 2004). Globalization increases the communication between the organizations with the introduction of newer information technology involvement in KMS. Certain large organizations such as Ernst & Young and Andersen Consulting ha ve been viewed to exploit innovative technology in their respective KMS. They have developed a number of techniques for the purpose of codification in the last five years (Hansen, 1999). The different activities along with the supporting procedures relating to the execution of technology especially in KMS can be better understood with the help of the following graphical representation. Source: (Nevo, 2003) With this concern, this paper intends to discuss about the technological aspect relating to KMS. Various aspects like the role of technology particularly in KMS, challenges along with critiques regarding this particular subject matter and valuable recommendations to mitigate those challenges will also be discussed in the paper. Role of Technology in KMS The increasing complexity of the business organization needs a process by which the knowledge can be transferred to anywhere in a faster way. Knowledge can now be seen as a factor of production. In this similar context, KMS has bee n introduced in business with the combination of information technology for a faster access (Rollett, 2003). The role of information technology especially in the arena of KMS not only lies on strategy implementation but also upon strategy formation as well. Thus,

POLI0098 Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

POLI0098 - Research Paper Example Together with Inner Deep Bay, the Reserve was listed among the ‘Wetland of International Importance’ in 1995 under the Ramsar Convention. In the past years, WWF has seen a significant increase in the volume of work required to maintain the habitat. The habitat is very crucial for the future of the many migratory birds every year. The Reserve is currently a point where remedial work has to be carried out in order to maintain its ecological importance. Management costs for the reserve are increasing rapidly and the yearly contribution of HK1.4 million from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department is insufficient. In the fiscal year 2010, the Reserve management cost was set at HK6.6 million and the funding from the government was only about 22 percent of the management cost. Government funding has been successful in the United Kingdom in particular where the NGO’s are managing the land within the environmentally sensitive sites such as the Ramsar Sites and Sites of Special Scientific Interests. These sites receive between 50 and 100 percent funding for capital investments and approximately 50 percent for management of the habitats. WWF seeks HK$6 million per year for the next two years and HK$3.5 million for the third year. The funds needed for the subsequent years will be adjusted according to the Construction Inflation Index. This amount in funding will go a long way in bringing Hong Kong to a level with other countries’ funding of internationally significant habitats. It would also reflect the government’s commitment to the conservation of the important wetland habitat. The Big Bird Race event manages the Reserve and so far it has raised HK$30 million, this year seeking to raise HK$1.2 million (WWF-Hong Kong). The present government policy according to WWF is based on the public perceptions rather than actual scientific facts. It has not yet been proven that a human contracted

Literature Review on Leadership Theories, Leadership styles and Research Paper

Literature Review on Leadership Theories, Leadership styles and Visioning - Research Paper Example This generosity and unconventional style has been adapted by many ICT companies. Facebook has the same casual office lay-out and also provides employees with free food. Viximo has a â€Å"come and go as you please† policy and actually encourages their employees to establish their own business. The question now is whether this leadership styles are really borne of the technology or a modification of the classic ones. Servant Leadership As early as 1977, Robert Greenleaf already came up with Servant leadership theory. He argues that great leaders are the ones that serve his constituents. Yet, earlier thinkers like Socrates and Xenophon (Adair, 1989) believed that leaders should lead by serving and even earlier than that is St. Paul who publicly declared that his strategy in ruling other people and making them follow him is by serving them. This is the same strategy used by Jesus Christ. Though many may question his persona as God, no one can question the greatness of his leaders hip style (Cross, 1998). ... These things allow the employees to grow and learn and do their jobs (Dess and Picken, 2000). The test of whether or not servant leadership (Greenleaf, 1977) is effective lies in the productivity of the people within the organization. Servant leaders prove the system is working when people are more independent and able surpass the quality of work expected of them. It can be argued that an organization with a servant leader actually serves a purpose, not the person. Some examples of servant leaders are Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. They all rule their nation but put their cause front and center instead of relying on their persona. This allows the people to hinge their faith on a dream instead of a person. It strengthens their faith in a vision instead of a person (Zohar & Marshall, 2001). Action-Centred Leaders Adair (1973) also developed the Action-Centered Leadership theory. This leader clearly demarcates three levels of leadership: the team, the job, and the person. These thre e elements require separate strategies but also overlap as each cannot be operated in a vacuum, one must be operated in consideration with the other two. This theory argues that there is no leadership style that may be considered the best kind and that several styles may actually be used in a single organization by one person. The key is in determining what kind works best for a certain situation. If servant leadership puts the members’ need in front and center, ACL believes that the task is the most important element in leading an organization (Adair, 1989). Leaderless Theory This is, perhaps, the newest of the new theories that are emerging and also the one that is directly influenced by ICT. Ori Brafman and Rod Beckstrom

H&M KEY ISSUE Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

H&M KEY ISSUE - Research Paper Example This is because maintaining this balance in the present truly competitive times translates into gaining a competitive edge over rival companies. Every successful company has its share of problems, but success is sustained only after finding answers to those problems. H&M is no different in the sense that the organization gets its fair share of problems related to fast growth. H&M’s rate of success and growth is considered dazzling in nature. Research proves that stores like Hennes and Mauritz (H&M) â€Å"have grown to become the largest apparel retailers in the world† (Caro & Mart ´Ã„ ±nez-de-Alb ´eniz, 2014). Fast growth has helped H&M strike a chord with a broad range of consumers from diverse backgrounds. However on the other hand, this has also been a real source of tension for the company from a management perspective. H&M is known globally as a fast fashion giant due to fast growth which is a good thing, but also this has brought the brand’s social resp onsibility under increased scrutiny (Caro & Mart ´Ã„ ±nez-de-Alb ´eniz, 2014). Fast growth also lays emphasis on accelerating the production phase. Growing fast in a safe manner without speeding up the production phase is impossible. This is why H&M has also encountered challenges in the area of getting products reach different stores in different parts of the world as soon as possible. Making delivery in a short time is important to deliver real value to customers. But, ensuring such a thing when there are so many international stores to look after can be understandably daunting. This is why H&M began to invest more wisely in the department of operational agility (Caro & Mart ´Ã„ ±nez-de-Alb ´eniz, 2014). Operational agility helps to ensure quick response or QR which was missing in the way H&M operated. In the absence of QR, there are increased pressures on suppliers which readily damages â€Å"overall retailer and supply chain

John Steinbeck's novel Cannery Row - Look at them Essay

John Steinbeck's novel Cannery Row - Look at them - Essay Example The novel explains the grassroots realities of life, in its positive and negative aspects, its glory and meanness and the Doc’s character is penned by the author to highlight the complexity of this philosophy. Steinbeck observes, the inhabitants are, "whores, pimps, gamblers, and sons of bitches," by which he meant everybody. Had the man looked through another peephole he might have said, "Saints and angels and martyrs and holy men," and he would have meant the same thing (1). Doc is a man of scientific approach, but at the same time, he is interested in enjoying the luxuries of day to day life. He is not the one to chase the perfect disciplines in life, but is willing to carry on happily with the available levels of discipline. The readers first see him leaving his Western Biological Laboratory for purchasing five quarts of beer. He is not interested to tread the beaten and routine tracks of life and exhibits defiance towards the vested interests that take control of the soci ety and his approach is evident in his suggested â€Å"method for getting revenge on a bank if anyone should ever want to: `Rent a safety deposit box, then deposit in it one fresh salmon and go away for six months.† (15)Thus Doc is an individual who accepts and lauds the contradictory facets of life and his Western Biological is a kind of experimental laboratory for the living things as per their levels of progression. A true philosopher (the realized soul) knows the past, present and the future and they are one with the, the great leveler of humankind, the Time. They are unaffected by the day to day agitations, ups and downs occurring in the world outside. The author compares Mack and the boys, the ordinary folks, to such philosophers as they have the capacity to survive in this world of pluralities and pairs of opposites, like happiness and sorrow, light and darkness etc. There are others, the simple types of people, to whom ignorance is bliss and they also remain happy, li ke philosophers, in all circumstances. The intelligent, successful and competitive people remain upset always; their mind is full of agitations over the business and secular challenges they face and the author categorizes them as men with â€Å" bad stomachs and bad souls†(142) but Mack and the boys are fit physically and mentally. They are carefree people, eat what they like, and do what they wish. They are free in every sense of the term. Steinbeck is a master in depicting the lives of the ordinary people and their perspective of life. Such people do not have the predefined goals in life and craze for aggrandizement of wealth; they just live life. Even though they live different types of life, their trials and miseries of life are of different categories and grades, yet there exists the common thread that binds them all. Their minds are not small, their behaviors and motives are great. Steinbeck has understanding and sympathy for the poor and the common people. His love for the lowest strata of the society, the economically poor, and his admiration for the nobility of human existence, can be observed throughout the novel. This reflection of Doc reveals the inside working of the mind of Steinbeck: â€Å"It has always seemed strange to me† said Doc. â€Å"The things we admire in men, kindness, generosity, openness, honesty, understanding, and feeling are the concomitants of failure in our system. And those traits that we detest, sharpness, greed, acquisitiveness, meanness, egotism, and self-interest are traits of success. And while men admire the quality of the first they love the produce of the second.† (143)Steinbeck is able to read the minds of his common characters well, the delineation, dialogue and situation building is

ECON Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

ECON - Essay Example The prices are usually categorized according to age where senior members pay more than the young generation while VIP tickets sells more than terraces. The categories have created price discrimination in the market even though the service offered is the same. The industry can be described as a competitive market where entry and exit are free. As more industries make more money, many firms are expected to join the market. But there is less government support as they see no value in the service provision and assumes population growth rate is on the decline. However, it seems all this are based on baseless facts and the reality is that, demand is increasing and so should the supply. Price is majorly determined by the owners and is usually distributed among the population so that they can attract more sales. The market though does experience a lot of competition from other quotas2. This major competitor has been the National Television live streaming that is almost free to the consumers at their door steps. Hence, the less privileged in the society resorts to in house entertainment rather than spend exorbitantly on the grand cinemas. The market is hence denied a lot of revenue reducing their profitability in the industry. Demand and supply are two economic policies that majorly dictate the consumption patterns by the consumers. Data from the governmental surveys shows an increase in population in the near future. The demand would increase as the grand cinemas becomes most satisfactorily. Population census also suggests that the young generations are the majority groups attracted to grand cinemas. The fluctuations are expected to increase the demand adding to the fact that leisure has become a priority to other populace3. Due to the rise in demand and for the market to clear out, supply is expected to increase that will reduce the market equilibrium prices so that the general consumer can gain from the venture. Below is a

The Pangaea Theory Essay Example for Free

The Pangaea Theory Essay The Pangea theory describes that all continents were joined together in one enormous land mass millions of years ago. Later on the continents broke apart and start drifting in opposite directions and still continued to make another arrangement. In 1912, Alfred Wegner, a German meteorologist and geologist gave the hypothesis the all the continents were joined together in a single continental land mass surrounded by a single ocean (Panthalassa) Late Paleozoic times. The Wegner used the term Kontinentalverschiebung for the breakup and displacement of crustal blocks. Pangea situated around where Antarctica is now presently. During Jurassic Period the Pangaea started to break up into smaller units called Laurasia and Gondwanaland. In late Cretaceous period, the continents were further separated and transformed as present day continents (William Lowrie, 2007). Figure-1 shows the reconstruction of Wegener’s continental mass using paleo-climatic data from Carboniferous, Permian, Eocene and to Quarternary. Figure-1 (a) Pangaea reconstruction by Wegener in Late Carboniferous time (b) continents in Eocene times (c) continents in Early Quaternary, where K, S, W, E refers coal, salt, desert areas, ice sheets respectively (after William Lowrie, 2007). Evolution of Himalayas The Himalaya holds very important geological and tectonic history. The arc of Himalayan belt is about 2500 km from northwest to southeast. It comprises of well-known famous peaks like Nanga Parbat, Evereast and Namche Barwa etc. The Himalayan ranges hold a huge concentration of lithospheric mass comprising Precambrian to Recent sediments. The contnent to continent collision of Indian and Asian plates is considered as the grave reason for the origion and development of Himalaya. This collision occurred in last 100 Ma yielding the uplifting of Himalayan chain of mountains. This lead the closing of Tethyian sea during 60-50 Ma. The over trust sheets and formation of nappe and klipps was generated as a result of crustal shortening. The uplift resulted huge erosion and deposition phases in the Arabian sea and Bay of Bengal. The subduction process is still under continuation causing earthquakes and tsunamis in the entire region (Anshu Kumar Sinha, August 2008),(An Yin et. al, May 2000) During cretaceous age the indian plate started it journey of collision with Eurasian plate. The subduction of the Indian plate occurred under Eurasia making Tibetan crust with huge thickness (Figure-2). The Tsangpo Indus suture zone was formed in western while MKT/ MMT zones were created. Several regional faults like main continental and boundary thrusts as well as salt range thrusts were generated (Klootwijk et al., 1992). Figure-3 show the distribution of major thrust faults associated with the indianeurasian plate collision Hamalyian orogeny. Figure-2, The subduction of Indian plate under Eurasian plate (after Klootwijk et al., 1992). Figure-3, Regional thrust faults distribution due to the collision of Indian plate (after Harald Drewes, 1995) Tectonics of Sulaiman Kirthar Range Sulaiman Range The Sulaiman Kirthar ranges comprises of about 1250 km long and 75 to 180 km wide zone. The zone is highly complex structurally (Figure-4). There are regional thrust belts in northern and southern side of these ranges. On the eastern and southern side of these belts the successions are highly folded. The intensity of folding diminishes as we move more eastward and southward. A huge foredeep zone containing 10 km thick Jurassic to Recent sediment is present in front of these ranges in the eastern and southern direction (A. H. Kazmi et al., 1997). Sulaiman Kirthar ranges comprises of various tectonos tratigraphic zones. The fold belt contains arc shaped zone is east-west direction. There is exposure of Jurassic to recent strata having a regional unconformity at the base of Dungan Limestone of Palaeocene age having Biabi volcanics a protolith. The folding style in Sulaiman fold belt area are enechelon, parallel/ sub parallel or open which becomes tighter as we move northward. The northern and central part of this belt holds the steep and huge thrust faulting effects including NW and NNW trending strike slip faults originating syntaxis. The lobe shape of Sulaiman fold is believed to be the result of presence of weak basal decollement composed of pilitic rocks or fine carbonates at 14 km deep above the crystalline basement which is supported by tear faults. The northward zone also comprises tight detachment folds as well as forward propagating anticlines with duplex geometry in piggy-back style while in south eastern side broad and dome shaped wider anticlines are present. The Sibi trough exist between Sulaiman and Kirthar fold belts. The trough contains 15 km thick sequences of Triassic to Recent sedimentary rocks above the basement. The thickness of Siwalik molasses in Sibi trough is 7000 meters (A. H. Kazmi et al., 1997). Kirthar Range The Kirthar Fold Belt is 330 km long and 50 to 70 km wide. The belt runs between Quetta and Karachi from north-south. In north and western side Bela-Zhobophiolite are present while on eastern side the Sibi trough, Kirthar foredeep and Indus platform are present (Figure-4). Jurassic to Recent sedimentary rocks are present in the Kirthar Fold Belt. Smaller structural units appear in the belt by differences in tectonic style and variations in stratigraphic successions (A. H. Kazmi et al., 1997). Kalat anticlinorium It lies in northern-most part of this belt contains massive Jurassic carbonates and comprises parallel or en echelon folds. Tallest peaks of more than 3000 meters are present in the area. The doubly plunging broad anticlines with steep limbs and flatter crests are common which are cut by normal and reverse faults. Wider synclinal valleys covered with Cretaceous and Paleogene shales and limestones are present. Kalat Plateau: The plateau is situated in the south of Kalat anticlinorium. This plateau is a depression or downthrown block that is containing Kirthar Limestone of Eocene age. This plateau is a gently undulating synclinorium and holds small and gentle folds having tear and reverse faults. Khuzdar knot: This area is having irregular geometry of structural feature. The zone has gone through intense deformation that lessens in southward. The massive Jurassic limestone here is forming tightly folded anticlines that are separated by tight valleys of irregular geometry. The trend of anticlinal axes is dancing in almost every direction. The folds in eastern side are larger broader. Khude Range Fold Belt The range consists of Paleogene sediments comprising thrust faults that are dipping away from the range. Narrow elongated and en echelon anticlines are present with Jurassic-Cretaceous exposed in the core. Nagau-KirtharFold Belt This belt comprises tight, en echelon, subparallel and doubly plunging folds characterized by reverse and tear faults. On the eastern side of the belt a lot of small popup structures are present due to presence of Kirthar Limestones. The passive roof duplex models are observed in this area. Karachi Embayment Zone This zone is characterized as a synclinorium and contains Miocene to Recent sediments forming SSW trending anticlines. Sanbakh-Lakhrauplift zone The zone lies in the east of Karachi embayment. Paleogene and Neogene sedimentary rocks have filled this area. The zone holds a lot of unconformities and comprises of broad doubly plunging, gentle northsouth trending folds that are cut through by numerous reverse and normal faults. The unconformities depicts that this zone was a structural hight in the paleotimes. KakarKhorasanBasin Kakar Khorasan is referred as Flysch basin. This basin is present in the north of Zhob ophiolite and thrust belt. The basin is comprised of flysch sediments. The deltaic and molasse sediments are also present in the basin. It is assumed that the oceanic crust related to Indian plate has subducted beneath Afghan block, this analysis is based on the gravity surveys which depicts that the oceanic crust beneath the Afgnan block is getting thinner causing Afghan block about 57 km thick. Nisai Limestone of Eocene age as well as Khojak Flysch sediments of Oligocene to Miocene age are exposed in the basin which are underlain by Pliocene sediments or younger molasse. Broad to tight anticlines and synclines associated with the reverse faults are present in this area (A. H. Kazmi et al., 1997). Figure-4, Geological map of a part of Sulaiman-Kirthar Fold Belts (after A. H. Kazmi et al., 1997). Geology Stratigraphy of Salt Range Salt range is composed of very interesting geology and tectonics. Tectonically the salt range is the result of Himalayan orogeny. The salt range thrust is the key tectonic feature that controls the whole configuration of these ranges. Various syntaxes were created due to the movements along vertical axes. Hazarasyntaxis (Jehlum fault) and Indus River syntazxis (Kalabagh fault) are characterized by lateral movements are present in East and west of the salt range respectively (Figure-5) which are the result of adjustment of major thrust plate around the subducting one. The area mainly comprises of thrusted salt cored anticlines and popups where salt is acting as decollement surface (A. H. Kazmi et al., 1997). Figure-5, Tectonic map for salt range (after Harald Drewes, 1995) The salt range comprises of Infra-Cambrian evaporates deposits which are under the coverage of EoCambrian package. The absence of Middle Cambrian to Early Permian rocks depicts regional unconformity in salt range. In Nammal, Chichli Nilawahan gorges of western salt range the younger while in western side at Choa Sayden Shah the older strata is exposed. The salt range area contains molasse deposits of Miocene to Pliocene age which are the result of Himayalian erosion. These recent sediments cover the thick EoCambrian package that overlies evaporite deposits (A. H. Kazmi et al., 1997). Mesozoic and earlier rock rocks exposures are exposed also in Surghar and Khisor ranges. The dolomites, shales and sandstones of Jehlum Group are unconformably overlain by a thick succession of carbonates and clastics of Nilawahan and Zaluch groups. Talchir boulder beds are the indications of a regional angular unconformity at the base of Permian. The exposed Eo-Cambrian formations are about 550m thick in Eastern salt range while the Permian sequence is about 700m thick in western Salt range. Figure-6 is a schematic cross section of Salt, Surghar and Khisor range showing the stratigraphic distribution of formations. The area is devoid of Ordovician to Carboniferous strata depicting a regional unconformity. In western salt range Permian to recent sediments are present uncomfortably over the Cambrian succession. On the contrary in the eastern salt range the Cambrian package is quite preserved and also do not contain Ordovician to Carboniferous successions. There is an abrupt change of stratigraphic successions that just above the Cambrian the Oligocene to recent sediments. An average thickness of continental molasses sediments is about 8000 meters overlying the Eo-Cambrian packages. The Nilawahan group of Lower Permian age acts as a regional unconformity in the entire area (A. H. Kazmi et al., 1997). Figure-6, Stratigraphic distribution of various successions in Khisor, Surghar and Salt range (after A. H. Kazmi et al., 1997). Tobra formation’s Talchir Boulder bed is a result of a global glacial event; the Bain Boulder bed of Marwat formation of Pliestocene age in Bhittani and Shinghar ranges is result of a single catastrophic flood event comprising volcanic debris flow. The salt range area contains highly fossiliferous stratigraphic sequences. Permian sequences contains wide range of fossils, the lower part contains cold while its upper part has water fauna and flora. Lower Eocene’s Kuldana Formation contains vertebrate fauna of whales. The successions in Cretaceous age contain vertebrates like rodents, artiodactyls, bounodonts, anthracobunid and proboscideans. The Siwaliks on the other hand contains mammalian fossils (A. H. Kazmi et al., 1997).

Established Brand In Highly Competitive Indian Market Marketing Essay

Established Brand In Highly Competitive Indian Market Marketing Essay As there are other strong players like Britannia, HUL, Knorr etc. in the market for branded packaged food, it is imperative for ITC to implement sustainable marketing and operations strategies to gain a competitive advantage and rapidly grow its business share. In order to attract new customers and to retain existing ones a new plan is proposed for ITCs Sunfeast to launch brown bread, as growing health concerns and WHO identifying the high level of sugar, salt and preservative found in biscuits as harmful might affect the brand in near future. The SOSTAC (Situation, Objectives, Strategy, Tactics, Action and Control) framework will be used to understand the companys marketing strategy. Differentiation in terms of product marketing can be useful for Sunfeast as it already has its presence in the FMCG market, a study of existing strategies of this brand in the FMCG market can help draft new marketing strategies for the future. Identifying the strengths of ITC in utilizing its already existing market for product marketing, distribution and also its operations strategies implemented to create brand positioning is important in formulating a new strategy, to achieve its goal of sustainable growth through increased revenues and higher profitability. Detailed understanding of the activities required for the successful implementation and their operationalisation for launching brown bread can be found in the Gantt chart. 2-Introduction As a marketing consultant, this report will aim to exhibit current marketing and operational strategy to implement a sustainable marketing and operations plan that enables Imperial Tobacco Company (ITC) brand of Sunfeast Biscuits to enhance value for its customer and in the process increase its revenue share and profitability The report will demonstrate the ability of Sunfeast to launch brown bread in fast moving consumer good market (FMCG) of India to generate sustainable revenue and value for both customer and the company, by suggesting meaningful changes to its current marketing and operational strategy. 2.1 Objectives Critical evaluation of the current and revised Marketing Strategies In detail, planning of one specific, and new, sustainable initiative, and its marketing/operationalising, to both current and new customers Provide detailed understanding of the activities required for the successful implementation and their operationalisation Justify how both Marketing and Operations must integrate strategically and drive this initiative for sustainable customer value. 3-Analysis The current situation Company Background Sunfeast biscuits ITCs brand in the FMCG segment in the branded and packaged food was initiated in July 2003 with an aim to capture the biscuits market and it has been successful in expanding its foray into a range of biscuits and bakery products. According to business standard (2009) the brand has been catering to all segments of the market with variations in its products to help differentiate itself from other brands like Britannia and Parle. Among the other range of products like tobacco, cigarettes, personal care and stationary, the company has is well diversed portfolio in branded food segment that include staple food, biscuits, snack food, ready-to-eat food and confectionery with over 170 different products under 6 brands. In 2005 Sunfeast diversified into food segment with Sunfeast yippee noodle and pasta to gain sustainable competitive advantage over its competitors like Maggie (Nestle),Knorr (Galaxo Smith Kline) Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), utilising a well established distribution channel that has been created by huge tobacco business. Sunfeasts key products are : Sunfeast Milky Magic ,Sunfeast Marie Light, Golden Bakery ,Dark Fantasy, Dream Cream, Snacky, sweet n salt, Nice ,Sunfeast Benne Vita Flaxseed Biscuits ,Sunfeast Special. (Sunfeast collection -source -itcprtal.com) 3.1.2 PEST ANALYSIS FOR SUNFEAST Political Rapid development programmes, facilitation of increased FDI. Larger centralized wholesale markets (Chengappa, 2011 p.1). Support for competitive markets. Tax relief for international firms, incentive to develop in India. Strong technological focus in order to present to the global economy, India as a technology hub. Greater liberalization in the markets (Market research, 2010 p.1). Economic Rising consumer spending in India, Indias income will triple over the next three decades (McKinsey Global, 2010 p.1). Fifth largest consumer market Predicted to be the second largest economy by 2050 in the BRICS study (Wilson and Purushothaman, 2003 p.19). Declining poverty Greater infrastructure developments, allowing for a greater output of goods. Shift from rural spending to the cities, predicted that by 2025 cities will have 62% of the countrys appending power. Rise in supermarkets. Social Desire for healthier produce. More globalized tastes influencing the range of food produce available. Greater product ranges, in line with consumer expectations for an increasing amount of variety. Increased affluence is re-shaping consumer desires. Focus on international brands and goods. Technological Advances in technology to improve production and operations management. Links with total quality management in which a focus is created on long=term relationships in order to improve production. Rapidly developing market, rate of change is fast and thus, technological improvements will result in a more innovative culture for the firm. Technology facilitates greater quality control. SWOT ANALYSIS FOR SUNFEAST Strengths ITC is one of the worlds most reputable companies Market capitalization to the value of $18 billion Diversified product portfolio, which results in a spreading of strategic risk. Sun Feast has a strong brand image, which connotes happiness and pleasure. Growth rate of 53%. Focus on experiential marketing in which, the emotional aspects of the brand are highlighted. Diversification within the product line, presence in all types of biscuits categories. Strong focus on healthy products, kid friendly goods, which mothers will purchase. This is in line with the changing social environment. Strong brand image and high levels of customer loyalty. Successful move into the savory market. Production of noodles and pasta. Key focus on operations management in order to ensure minimal waste and efficient production. In line with lean manufacturing. Inherent focus on marketing, customer focus and a need to be reactive and adaptive to change. Weaknesses The business continues to use its original trading name Imperial Tobacco Company this could result in negative connotations with the brand and it is difficult to find a link between tobacco and Sunfeast goods. Company is inherently dependent on its tobacco products, as such this accounts for 47% of the firms revenue. Thus, the company is likely to experience future criticism due to the health associations with smoking. Lack of focus on sustainability and corporate social responsibility this is an area which could differentiate the company in the future. Failure to treat staff as an intangible resource (Henry, 2007 p.32). Opportunities Further expansion into the savory market Differentiation strategies in order to gain a competitive advantage (Henry 2007 p.42). Future strategic vision in order to discern trends in the external environment. Internationalization of product range. Utilise innovative strategies in order to leverage sales. Long-term strategic vision to turn the company into Indias premier brand. Opportunity to increase market share Threats Increase in both domestic and international competition. Emerging consumer society could result in greater buyer power. Is being a diversified conglomerate the most beneficial strategy formation? Negative association with the parent company. 3.1.4 ANALYSIS OF SWOT AND PEST A review of the external environment facilitates an ability of the firm to discern trends, which, can then be translated into a strategic vision. To ignore the external environment is to be unfocused, and a in a market as rapidly developing as the food retail market, this could result in a decline in profits for the firm. From a resource-based view of strategy (Wernerfelt, 1997 p.6), it can be seen that ITC are able to utilise their strengths to respond to the market. For example: the company have a strong brand image, and it is this brand image, which has supported the development of the firms diversification strategies. The very move into the production of biscuits has been allowed due to high levels of customer loyalty and recognition that the brand represents quality. This will in the future facilitate the firms diversification into other markets, such as the launch of brown bread products. Finally, consideration must be given to the huge potential, which the domestic market hold s for Sunfeast. India is developing at a rapid rate, and as mentioned has gained increased attention due to the publication of the BRICs study, as such it is important for the firm to further establish themselves in their own domestic market, before tapping into the potential of international markets. Such advice is given due to an influx of international firms, who may produce a more competitive environment, which Sunfeast must be well equipped to respond to. 3.1.5 STP ANALYSIS OF SUNFEAST Segmentation is an adaptive strategy, and as such it consists of a separating of the market with the intention of selecting one or more market segments, which will facilitate the ability to match marketing mixes to specific market needs. Through such a strategy Sunfeast will be able to gain a competitive advantage, and this is something, which as noted by Porter (1998p. 231) has a powerful effect on competitive advantage because it shapes the configuration of the value chain. By understanding consumer needs, Sunfeast will be able to specifically meet their needs and expectations, and therefore, added value results. Thus, at present Sunfeast can be seen to carry out large amounts of market research. This is something, which provides the firm with an ability to position themselves in the market successfully. They are able to segment their consumers based on their needs, for example: families, affluent single consumers, elderly consumers, those with dietary requirements etc. As a result, Sunfeast have several ranges, and this has resulted in them developing their market share in a steady manner (current market share 10%). By focusing on the specific needs of the consumer, Sunfeast are able to provide higher value to their consumers. From an economic perspective, it can be seen that firms create monopolistic market conditions through the utilisation of various curves of demand for a specific product category (Ferstman and Muller, 1993). Thus, in line with Porters five forces model, it can be seen that specific market segmentation lowers competitive forces through the creation of submarkets, and a more focused marketing approach. With regards to positioning, Porter (1998 p.42) noted how a firm must either follow a strategy of cost leadership or differentiation. To follow both is to have an unfocused strategy, and thus it can be seen that ITC through their Sunfeast brand target the mass market through a strategy of cost leadership. By targeting the mass market the firm are able to target to the needs of a large group due to a variety of product lines. This in turn produces higher revenues and results in greater profits for the firm. CURRENT MARKETING AND OPERATIONAL STARTEGY OF SUNFEAST Establishing a new brand in highly competitive Indian biscuit market was not easy for Sunfeast, especially when its an unrelated diversified venture. In 2003, ITC forayed into this market; everybody doubted its ability to launch a successful brand in biscuit market. According to Business Standard (2008) ITCs ability to gain competitive advantage by utilising its competences like highly organised distribution channel and brand building capabilities has helped establish itself as a serious FMCG player. Economic times (2009) states that Sunfeast holds 9-11% share of this market. Careful brand building and heavy and innovative promotion has helped Sunfeast position itself as a dynamic and exiting brand. Being a convenience good, Biscuit industry requires constant innovation so that value can be provided and sustained for both customers and shareholders. Innovative products like orange marie and milk glucose biscuits aim to provide that extra value than can edge Sunfeast over its competitors. In 2003, Sunfeast was launched with innovative six varieties of biscuits. Primarily the product, which has been taken as a teatime snack, has encountered a wild transformation with new innovative flavors of Sunfeast. The core strategy of its products has been new taste, something fresh and 4 biscuits equal to 1 roti did wonders. The excellent promotion and advertising policy like Sunfeast Open and Hara Bano campaigns helped the product and created awareness among people. Market Share Breakdown  -The Indian biscuit industry is dominated by brands like Parle, Britannia and Sunfeast. The company set up and integrated food manufacturing facility in each region that gives them advantage when it comes to distribution and packaging. The company leverages its excellent distribution and supply chain management system that has made sourcing from farmers very easy, 4 lakh display rack is a by product of combining both its mark and operation network. ITCs Sunfeast packaged food has high quality and safety measures with its manufacturing units being accredited by third party for Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) standards. Also, ITC has RD centers with product-specific technology cells (PTCs) which cater to the business through market intelligence, product testing and Product Quality Rating System (PQRS) services, Prototyping services through advanced pilot plants, flavor and fragrance development services, periodic audit of factory quality systems and Product Knowledge and Training Workshops. It also collaborates with national and international RD institutions to continuously improve its RD facilities, key processes, products, services performance (www.itcportal.com) TV commercials along with print media are prominent in Sunfeasts advertisements. Celebrity endorsements, children, advertisements revolving around the theme of happiness with a smiling sun as logo, event sponsoring like The Sunfeast Tournament for Tennis, etc. are the promotional activities that the brand engages in (Angshu, 2009). ITC has been investing 35-40% of its turnover from the biscuits segment for advertising and promotion which amounts to about Rs 115-120 crore which is much higher than the 10% investment by leading player, Britannia (rediff.com, June 28, 2006). RECOGNIZED RISKS As mentioned, Sunfeast provides a large selection of different products in packaged food segment, in order to maintain its competitive positioning in the market Sunfeast is continuously increasing its product range. Hence there is a lot to pressure on its marketing department to be dynamic and proactive. New communication strategy is required to reach ever demanding and price wise Indian consumers. Therefore, company cannot rely on same marketing and operational strategies to stay competitive especially when huge global giants like Galaxo SmithKline (GSK) and United biscuits are ready to take on Indian market. Growing health concerns regarding effects of packaged food on kids has not helped the company as majority of the products are targeted towards kids. World health organization (WHO) has identified the high level of sugar, salt and preservative found in biscuits as harmful for kids. Therefore, company has to come up with products that are free from artificial stuff and at the same time is health option rather than just being a snack so that value can be added and sustained for its customers and shareholders in long run. PROPOSED MARKETING PLAN In order to minimize level of salt, sugar and preservative and yet improve value for the customers, Sunfeast can introduce brown bread which is rich in anti-oxidants like magnesium, iron, selenium etc. Brown bread rich fibre content acts as a bowel stimulant and prevents digestive problems and constipation. Brown bread has zero calories and it is very good for health. According to (hdfc.com) there are about 75000 bread manufacturers spread all over India including some of those operating from even residential premises. South India consumes 32 percent of the total bread produced in the country followed by north which consumes about 27per cent, west 23 per cent and east 18 per cent. The total bread production in the country is estimated to be 3.75 million tonnes annually growing at a rate of about 6 per cent. Sunfeast will need to have manufacturing units in all four regions to keep quality and freshness. The key driver that indicates vast scope for consideration of nutrient enriched brown bread is the encouraging trend among of population of lower and middle class to consume nutrient rich bakery products. According to a survey conducted by times of India (2010) bread consumption during breakfast is finding popularity among Indians, replacing traditional Chapattis. This initiative will help Sunfeast gain 2-4 % share in first year and in the year two can company will plan to target wholesale market by supplying Kfc and McDonald direct which will help generate extra revenue and contribute to grow overall revenue of Sunfeast by 4-6% in year three. Sunfeast has a core strategy of providing healthy products at basic price and our proposed plan is in line with overall business strategy. 3.2.1 SOSTAC FRAMEWORK The SOSTAC framework will be used to discuss the marketing strategy for Sunfeast brown bread. This framework helps evaluate the brands position in the market along with identifying ways or options of how to position it in the future (Smith, 2003). SOSTAC- a generic framework for e-marketing planning 3.2.1.1 SITUATION where are we now In order to analyse the current situation the TOWS matrix will be used as below: TOWS MATRIX FOR SUNFEAST External Opportunities: 1-Long-term trend of consumers purchasing healthier goods. 2- Expansion of diversified product ranges. The opportunity to use brand image to further the business portfolio of the group. 3- Increasing consumer spending, more affluent market. 4- Rise in supermarkets allowing for products to reach a greater mass market External Threats: 1- Global economic crisis causing a strain on consumer income. 2-Rise in social concerns, linked to negative connotations with the parent company image. 3-Increased domestic and international competition. ITC must focus on the creation of submarkets and a focus on diversification strategies. Internal Strengths: 1- Trusted brand image, this is linked to higher levels of customer loyalty. 2-Strong, reputational brand in India. 3-Infrastructure development in India. 4-Strong customer focus and a development of the marketing mix. SO strategies: 1-Strong organisational culture, focus on innovative measures. 2-Expansion of product ranges to spread risk and target a larger mass market. 3-Rise in e-commerce, online supermarkets allowing a greater access to markets. ST strategies: 1-Intangible focus on staff. Greater training and development in order to ensure strong supplier relationships and consumer relationships. 2-Differentiation in order to overcome competition. Internal Weaknesses: 1-Confused brand image, no clear link between tobacco and biscuits. 2-Issues with quality control, returned produce. 3-A need for a clear strategic focus. WO strategies: 1-Clear displays of product ranges. 2-Changing the image of ITC in order to present one clear dedication to a specific product range. WT strategies: 1-More customer orientated relationship. 2-Focus on added value for the consumer; experiential marketing will enable a greater ability to link to consumers. 3.2.1.2 MARKETING MIX OF SUNFEAST -7PS The marketing mix of sunfeast has helped it grow 28% in the last quarter. Figure On next page 3.2.2 OBJECTIVES Where do we want to go The objective of introducing Sunfeasts brown bread will be discussed in details below using the SMART model. Specific Greater focus on training programmes for their staff. This will promote the intangible nature of their staff, which in turn will contribute to a competitive advantage. This can be developed within 1-2 years. ( Continued-next page) Focus on strong relationships with the consumer and suppliers. This will increase the quality of the goods being released and will ensure a greater reputation. Continued development on product ranges greater diversification. Launch of a brown bread range. Measurable Feedback systems can be developed to review the financial benefits associated with a greater development of strong relationships with suppliers. Feedback systems from which consumers can give their opinions and input into new product ranges. Achievable ITC has an established recognition as a strong and developed brand. As such it can be seen that the firm have already many provisions in place, which will ensure the achievability of the objectives. http://www.itcportal.com/shareholder/annual-reports/itc-annual-report-2010/images/page39-1.png(The Stockholm challenge award 2006 ITC e-chaupal winner) The firm has strong resources and capabilities. As such it is these resources, which will develop an achievability of the objectives. Realistic The objective to build stronger relationships with both suppliers and consumers is realistic as it is in line with the culture of the firm. Furthermore, it can be seen that the development of new product ranges, is in line with the innovative culture of the firm. Large and experienced workforce. Timed A detailed breakdown of time required to complete this objective can be found in appendix 1. 3.2.3 STRATEGY How do we get there? Strategic vision is seen as the long-term direction of the firm. A focus on a vision is needed and as such this will develop the organisational culture of the firm (Wilson, 1992 p.18). ITC have a strategy, which is customer focused, and in turn this has resulted in a development of ranges, which are specific to consumer needs. Segmentation of the market can clearly be identified as the family market, and the more affluent single market. Thus, a clear differentiation exists between milky family biscuits, and luxury chocolate biscuits. Even better understanding of market segmentation, targeting and positioning is needed for future success. The launch of a brown bread product range requires a greater understanding of the market, and thus a combination of internal, external and customer analysis will contribute to the development of a strategy which is customer focused. 3.2.4 ACTION Who is responsible for what and when? ITC need to conduct in-depth customer research in order to find out whether customers have a desire to eat brown bread, and whether they would purchase such a good, and if so at what price. Pricing strategies are vital, and as such it can be noted that the price point of the product must be correct. Furthermore, due to it being a new product launch, the company must ensure that quality is assured. This therefore promotes a need to focus on marketing strategies and in particular the need to promote experiential marketing (Schmitt, 1999 p.53). The product range can be tried by consumers, and can result in the development of a customer base before the official launch of the product. The company must focus on building an image, and developing an emotional link between the consumer and the product. Table below (Source: Sustainability Report 2010, 2010, pp 30, 31) represents the stakeholders roles and responsibilities at ITC: Stakeholders Role Task Shareholders Ensure continued profitability and growth, communication and investor servicing. Corporate website is made available to inform and serve the shareholders with a direct response email too. Also, the Chairman meets the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting to address and provide clarifications through an open dialogue. Customers Share needs and aspirations for products and services during customer engagement process. Market surveys, personal contacts, customer satisfaction surveys, joint development and improvement projects, discussions of quality, cost, etc during customer engagement process. Employees High levels of performance to strengthen organizational efforts for competitiveness. Through workplace interactions, talent recognition programmes and employees/Manager surveys, employees are engaged to remain globally competitive. Farmers Form part of the value chain. Improve quality of agri-based raw materials sourced from the farmers by partnering with them while ensuring improved productivity, assured markets and better price realization. Suppliers Have a critical role in the value chain as they have the capability to provide quality products and services. During the supplier engagement process, supplier concerns like cost of materials, timely payments, variability in demand, capacity improvements, etc. are discussed and compliance to standards are ascertained. Community Responsible for the social performance of the company as part of its vision for inclusive growth. Community need assessment surveys in and around the operating units to provide support. Government Regulatory and public policy frameworks through industry bodies. Best-in-class practices adopted by proactively interacting with Government Regulatory authorities. 3.2.5 CONTROL How do we keep track of progress? Planning and control are inherently linked and are a necessary part of any marketing plan. Control is a fundamental management activity, and as such it can be seen that there is a growth in strategic management literature (Jaworski, 1988 p.23). At a strategic level it can be seen that the firm must track progress in a manner, which contributes to both the short-term objectives and long term goals of the firm. Feedback systems are vital, and as such it is important that SMART objectives must be considered in a manner, which can be controlled. 3.3 OPERATIONAL CHALLENGES AND PLANS TO OVERCOME THEM. There are operational challenges associated with the development of a new production range. At present the firm produce largely biscuits, however, recently have made moves towards the production of pasta and noodles. Therefore, the firm has the ability to change their production lines in order to facilitate the production of brown bread. Importantly, any change to the organisation has to be linked to change management theories (Hayes, 2007 p.12). And, as such it can be seen that the work of Kotter (1996) must be followed to ensure that the change is a smooth process. Change must be communicated in a clear manner, and most importantly the firm must project that the introduction of a brown bread product range would result in greater opportunities for the firm. 3.4 STRATEGIC INTEGRATION OF MARKETING AND OPERATIONS There is an inherent need for an integrated marketing mix. Furthermore, it is important that any marketing techniques are inherently linked to the operations of the firm. This integration will ensure that a smooth image is presented to the consumer, and such a clear brand image will link to higher levels of customer loyalty. There is a need for the two departments to work together, largely due to the fact that production will vary depending on what the marketing department dictate. The integration of the two will focus on much more than just supply and demand, and will focus on an improved organisational culture (Pickton and Broderick, 2008 p.19). 4- CONCLUSION In conclusion, in relation to the SMART objectives it can be seen that the launch of a brown bread product range would be in line with changing consumer demands, and would be aligned to the projection of the future financial figures. ITC must focus on the provision of product ranges, which are targeted to the needs of the consumer. Healthier demands, and a focus from the government on healthier and outdoors activities, drive the market for healthier produce such a brown bread. By showing the consumer the benefits of the brown bread, they will be able to tap into a differentiated market and gain a competitive advantage.

Flirting And Its Importance To Interpersonal Relationshios English Language Essay

Flirting And Its Importance To Interpersonal Relationshios English Language Essay Interpersonal relationships are an essential part of society and have been ever since the beginning of civilization. In a hostile world, our ancestors formed relationships to guarantee the survival, and as a result passed on the need for camaraderie as a vital part of our physical and emotional structure. One way humans express the need for camaraderie is through flirting. What is flirting? I decided to ask a few college students their definition of flirting. Some of the responses from women include: Expressing interest or attraction to someone in the form of flattery, teasing, or body language., Using natural charm to attract attention from another. A playful way of showing interest., Trying to let someone know that you like them without outright saying it., I think if a guy is talking to you a lot, compliments you a lot, and tries to make himself look good, hes flirting, I would define flirting as a technique used to either show attraction or to make someone more attracted to you.. Here are some of the responses from men: Talking and joking to get to know the other person and subtly commenting on the other persons attractiveness in hopes that the other person will like you either start some kind of relationship or just have fun for a night., Flirting is when someone actively attempts to demonstrate an interest in someone else. It is often misinterpreted and used in order to get things., I would say playfully talking to the other sex trying to attract them to yourself. Reading through the responses you notice common themes about what flirting is and its purpose. To summarize, flirting is letting someone know you are attracted to them (in a sexual matter) by expressing interest through a variety of ways. Looking at the responses, you notice that both genders use flirting with the goal of having the opposite gender feel an attraction towards them. The main focus of this is work is to understand how gender affects the way in which a person expresses and responds to flirting. Literary Review Do a quick Google search on flirting and you will find numerous tips and techniques on how to flirt. A popular mens website, Askmen.com, commonly provides information regarding flirting and how a man is supposed to behave in order to become a success flirt. David Deangelo is a popular correspondent on the website. In article titled, How to flirt with a woman and more ¸ Deangelo responds to a letter from a man who has had some success using the techniques David advocates but still gets a cold shoulder from many women. The man enjoys going to see live bands and this kind of scene is where he frequently attempts to flirt and pick up women. He tells David about a common interaction his has with women at a bar. It goes as follows; man: This band really sucks. woman: Hey, I like this band. man: Oh, Im sorry not for saying that, but because you like this band. The writer is using a technique David is a big proponent of called cocky and funny. Cocky and funny (CF) is a phrased coined by D avid Deangelo and is defined as a mindset or frame a man uses to try to gain attraction from a woman. The idea is for the individual using the method is to act cocky, but yet in a funny way in to increase attraction. In the article, David tells the man that he is doing an ok job with the CF method, but can amplify attraction and stop rejection by following his advice. Deangelo says that saying this band sucks to a total stranger is not funny and can be kind of creepy. He suggests that the man tries this approach instead; man says: Hey, do you like this band?, woman says: Yeah., man says Doesnt surprise me. What, are you the guitar players sister? (askmen) Basically, David is teaching guys what he believes is the best way to flirt and to attract women. He contributes to the socializing of guys by teaching to behave a certain way as it relates to flirting with women. Socialization is the process through individual take on gendered qualities and characteristics and acquire a sense of s elf. (textbook) Cosmopolitan is a popular womens website and magazine. Numerous articles give wisdom and advice to women across world about issues including, relationships and sex, health, careers, self-improvement, celebrities, as well as fashion and beauty. Cosmo also teaches women how to flirt and be successful with any man out there. An article on the website reveals five tips about flirting for all ladies out there. The first tip listed is to put out the vibe, which means for women to show a man she is interested by giving him a sign. According to the article a sign can things like making eye contact and flashing the guy a go ahead, make your move smile. The second tip is to challenge him, which means to be competitive (in a playful way) with man you are going for. Men enjoy being competitive and find it attractive when a girl can be just as competitive. The articles third tip for flirting is to be sort of there for him. Being sort of there for him means not giving him all your time. The articl e says that guys love the thrill of chasing what they think that cant have and argues that its best to treat the amount of time you give your crush like cell phone minutes: use in moderation at first and hell want more (cosmo). The fourth tip is to duck, duck, goose him! This tip says its a good idea to be childish with your crush, punch him and his inner child will be forced to respond. The finally tip is places to meet guys. The places include concerts, gas stations, volunteering, amusement parks, and waiting lines. As with men, women use websites like cosmo as a means of socialization. The previous two paragraphs give a pop culture perspective on flirting. Based on the pop culture view on flirting there are similarities between genders on how a person flirts. However, there are still yet differences as well. One similarity is that men and women alike use flirting to portray a more playful, fun, and attractive self to the person they are interested in. A difference is that men are socialized to take a more active role in initiating flirting. Men are taught to approach women and start the conversation. Women are socialized to use more none verbal cues to initiate flirting, as illustrated in the Cosmo article were the author tells women to flash him a go ahead, make your move smile smile. Over the past 30 years attraction and interpersonal relationships has been studied numerous. A publication by Antonia Abbey in 1982 brought awareness to the idea that men generally interpret the world in more sexual terms then women. Men are more likely to misperceive a womens friendliness while flirting as the women being interested sexually. This can lead to potentially catastrophic consequences. Abbeys researched looked at the role of several nonverbal cues in the perceptions about flirting including: distance, eye contact, touch, and clothing. Most of the research confirmed that men were more likely to perceive an interaction with women in more sexual terms. In 1988, Shotland and Craig looked at whether men and women could distinguish between friendly versus sexual behavior, as well as whether men were more likely to attribute sexual intent then females. Flirting can be defined as both friendly and sexual behavior. The research is relevant to understanding how gender affects the way a person flirts. The pair found that, not only could men and women differentiate between the two types of behaviors, but in addition corresponded with the Abbeys research regarding male perceptions of sexual intent. Pamela Kalbfleisch states beliefs about flirting represent key aspects of an individuals mental model concerning male and female relations and sexual encounters. Little research has been done on the topic on flirting, however Kalbfeisch believes there are three commonly held cultural beliefs about flirting. The first belief is flirting as a common fun. This is the type of flirting that is overwhelmingly represented throughout pop culture. The second belief is flirting as reflecting uncontrollable sexual urges. Kalbfleisch states that this is the kind of flirting that is reflected in pornography. The final belief is flirting as invitation. Kalbfleisch statest that this type is reflected in sexists beliefs that men should be the gender who takes action when they believe women are flirting with them. In addition, this includes the belief that women simply want men to sweep them off their feet, and so on. According to Kalbfleish, friendly (normal behavior interactions), flirtatious, and seductive behaviors are closely associated with nonverbal behavioral cues (body language). The nonverbal cues are kinesics (movement), haptics (touch), proxemics (distance), oculesics (eye movement), and vocalic (voice). Kinesics includes the study of the body movements such as smiling and body postures and are gestures seen as indicators of flirtatious behaviors, as well as friendly and seductive behaviors. Medium to large amounts of smiling is associated with flirtatious behaviors. In addition, flirting behavior is described by the use of childlike expressions, like open mouth pouting and head tilting. Haptics includes the study of the use of touch as a means of communication, particularly by indicating the nature of the relationship. According to Kalbfleish, moderates amount of touch indicates a flirtatious interaction. To compare, friendly behaviors have little to no touch and behaviors like touching the hand or leg represents seductive behavior. Proxemics includes the study of amount of personal distance between individuals and also varies depending on the kind of interaction. Generally, people who lean toward each other and are at a similar body angle are seen as being more seductive than those people who lean away from one another. Flirtatious behavior is described as individuals crossing their legs toward each other and having more face to face contact. Oculesics includes the study of the amount and type of eye contact and movements a person displays during an interaction with someone. Flirtatious behavior is characterized as using moderate degrees of eye contact. In addition, flirtatious behaviors include shy looks downward. Vocalics includes the study of the use of voice as being one the biggest indicators of the kind of interaction. Flirtatious behaviors use animated speech (Muehlenhard et al., 1986), as well as moderate amounts of laughter (Coker and Burgoon, 1987; Perper and Weis, 1987), reduced silences and increased warmth and interest (Coker and Burgoon, 1987). The research on nonverbal behavior cues stated above is important to understanding how gender affects the way a person expresses and responds to flirting. Because men and women interpret interactions with one another differently, body language will help me determine the type of interaction that is taking place during my observations.

Three Eras, Three Novels Essay -- Literary Analysis, Shelly, Well, Hu

Progress is a distinctive venture of man. The constant need to predict and control, instrumented by science and technology, has led to astonishing possibilities for which the long term consequences are unpredictable. There is, however, no ultimate goal of progress; and as limits continue to be broken, the boundaries of human interference in nature are expanding indefinitely. Everywhere, there is a sense of the unconquerable forces unwittingly evoked to serve the project of progress, bringing the project itself into question. This idea has produced three novels that suggest the improvidence of man's quest for authority from natural law; they are: Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, H.G. Well's The Time Machine, and Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley. The purpose of progress is to attain greater control over the environment, allowing man a sense of certainty and security. With more and more conveniences and enlightenments given by science and technology, man hopes to reign in the natural forces that affect him. Aldous Huxley imagines the state of these ideals several centuries into the future: A society in which everything is contained and regulated, down to free will itself. The very motto of the state is "community, identity, stability" (1). Their Science has advanced on our current remedies insofar that humans fall into a mental state or condition in which the varieties of expression and behavior of that individual become restricted; total human inhibition. The idea of a one world government seems ridiculous, because humans over the course of history have rejected such totalitarian governments over and over in the past. In Huxley's world, however, the people have completely submitted to the order. The people of this ad... ...kind meddles in nature's affairs to create a world of his own design, the effects of his actions are monumental. Man would do better to understand his place as a species with no control, and without the ability to predict or to understand the effects of experimentation on the natural world. No matter the era, man’s push towards progression happens on a daily basis. Whether it be not asking for directions and failed attempts to find a location, spending hours on craigslist for parts to their â€Å"projects†, or creating machines, even creating humans to better prove progression—man will not stop. These novels throughout the centuries have become clear methods of the wrong doings that led from excessive progression, but no matter the date man will continue to look for answers but with the help of Wells, Shelley and Huxley, perhaps they won’t overstep their boundaries.

The 2008 Beijing Olympics: China Pushes Towards Modernization Essays

The 2008 Beijing Olympics: China Pushes Towards Modernization The Olympics are always used as a way for the host city to put on a display of its culture and show the world its myriad social and economical triumphs. The host country can, in just a couple weeks, show the world what a wonderful place it is. The Olympics have in the past been able to prompt a world awareness of the host country and create a lingering legacy. Beijing will attempt to do all these things, but the stakes will be much higher. China is the most populous country in the world and at the center of many global issues. With its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001, China made a big step in accepting the challenge from other world powers to open up its markets, address human rights, and transform itself from a developing country to a modern world power. With its official Olympic Action Plan, Beijing has made it its mission to directly address these issues with its emphasis on the concepts of â€Å"Green Olympics, High-tech Olympics, and Peopleâ€℠¢s Olympics.† Indeed, Beijing is maneuvering itself into position to use its fifteen minutes at the center of the world stage to put on quite a show. At the same time, Beijing can use the opportunity of putting on the Games to better its economic position in the world. China’s economic growth has been strong due to foreign investment in Chinese manufacturing. The trend will continue. Foreign investment for the Games will stimulate growth while Chinese manufacturers will be able to exploit the new export market for Olympic goods. At the same time, China hopes to boost its position in making its own high tech developments to go along with its already strong manufacturing sector. While change in C... ...ent Strategy: Issues and Prospects. Japan: Institute of Developing Economies, 2001. Phillips, Richard. â€Å"Big Business Demands a Corporate Olympics.† 16 March 1999. World Socialist Web Site. 1 June 2003 . Studwell, Joe. The China Dream: The Elusive Quest for the Greatest Untapped Market on Earth. London: Profile Books , 2002. Tseng, Wanda, and Markus Rodlauer, eds. China: Competing in the Global Economy. Washington D.C. : Interational Monetary Fund, 2003. US Commerical Service. â€Å"Beijing 2008 Olympics.† 2003. 1 June 2003 . â€Å"US textile quota plan critized.† Xinhua Economic News Service [Beijing] 25 April 2003. Webber, Michael, Mark Wang, and Zhu Ying, eds. China’s Transition to a Global Economy. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2002.

GCSE English Coursework (Love Poems) Essay

Love is a common stereotypical subject for poets, which has been used for many centuries. The poems we have been studying contain a collection of emotions all based around the theme of ‘love’. John Clare used the impact of your ‘First Love’ to create the impression of the effect being deathly ill. He creates images such as, â€Å"Are flowers the winters choice? Is loves bed always snow?† This shows me that although he really loves her, he can’t have her and he is thinking that flowers don’t stay forever when it turns winter and she doesn’t love him. Also he says things like â€Å"My legs refused to walk away†. This shows me that he is so astonished of what he is seeing, he can’t look away and she is so beautiful he thinks he could have her. In comparison to this John Clare also states that, â€Å"My face turned pale as deadly pale†. Which also suggests that John Clare’s first experience of his ‘First Love’ being some sort of illness. John Clare also creates the feeling of your true love being forever blossomed as he says things like: â€Å"Her face it bloomed like a sweet flower†. Suggesting to us that the poet clearly states he loves her as he compares her to a flower and the symbolisms behind flowers are usually passion and romance. The fact that she is a ‘Sweet Flower’ emphasises her living beauty as being a perfect flower. John Clare proves to me that this woman, to him, is his dream woman as he states, â€Å"Stole my heart away complete†. This clearly shows me that the moment he set eyes on her, he gave his heart to her forever and when he saw her he never wanted to be with anyone else ever again. At the climax of the poem it turns into a very sad ending, John Clare states that, â€Å"My heart has left its dwelling place and can return no more.† And this makes me feel very sorry for John Clare as his first love experience is marked clearly to me as being something very sad and upsetting. In comparison to first love is ‘Shall I Compare Thee?† by William Shakespeare which is another classic example of love poetry as it was usually used to show your emotions through songs or poems. â€Å"Shall I Compare Thee?† is a sonnet which reflects the mood of the poet. Its rhythm is iambic pentameter, having ten syllables to each line. The structure of three quatrains and a rhyming couplet at the end, In the first quatrain Shakespeare presents a question and an answer to the reader, then in the second, he continues to compare this person to a summer’s day, and not saying a summer’s day is not continuously beautiful. In the third quatrain it has a turning point with the word ‘but’, saying this person is described as superior to not only a summer’s day but to life itself. Finally in the ending couplet he talks about how this person immortally will last, through the ages in the poem’s lines. He uses personification in the line, â€Å"And often is his gold complexion dim’d†. He shows me that he is attempting to compare another attribute of this person with something compared with summer. It also uses a metaphor in the line, â€Å"Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines†. This shows me that even though he said that this person is beautiful sometimes they can be too beautiful. In the line, â€Å"But thy eternal sommer shall not fade† Shows me that a person’s beauty will last for so many years after, and we are still reading it today. ‘Porphyrias Lover’ is linked to ‘My Last Duchess’; they are both written by Robert Browning and he connects them by his use of possessive words such as ‘Mine’ and ‘I’. He sets off the scene of a really bad, stormy night, which â€Å"Vexes the lake† which brings the poem to life as it makes the wind seem alive with anger, but this sets off questions in my head saying, why would Porphyria want to travel through stormy weather just to see an arrogant man? There is also the ‘Gliding’ entrance of Porphyria as the atmosphere changes from a gloomy, dark cottage to a warming feeling as she relights the fire and performs an erotic display of taking her wet, outer clothing off. The writer’s use of the words ‘Withdrew’ and ‘Let fall’ made the scene sound like a sexual tease. Porphyria comes up to the writer in this poem and offers him her bare shoulder; He tells us that he does not speak to her. Instead, he says, she begins to tell him how she has come over to him in really bad weather just to be with him. He realizes that she ‘Worships’ him and wants to preserve the moment forever so he strangles her, thinking that doing this she can stay with him forever and never leave him, but in doing this it makes me shudder as he says, â€Å"I warily oped her lids again, laughed the blue eyes without a stain.† This is making me feel like he is sort of playing with the dead body and making my original predicament of him as being a psychopath true. Then Robert Browning goes on to say, â€Å"About her neck, her cheek once more, blushed bright beneath my burning kiss†. This shows me that even though she is dead he thinks she can still feel love and passion and when he kisses her she still loves him. The writer in this poem is portrayed as a calculating villain who just stays in a passive stance as he â€Å"Debates what to do†, Being like this totally changes the atmosphere of the poem as the writer states, â€Å"I found a thing to do, and with all her hair, in one long yellow string I wound three times her little throat around and strangles her†. From this it doesn’t sound like porphyria put up much of a struggle and when he said, â€Å"That moment she was mine, mine, fair, perfectly pure and good† This makes him sound like the grim reaper as he states that she is his and his alone. Robert Browning ends the poem in a peculiar way by saying that God agrees with what he has done because he hasn’t said a word, this shows me that he acts like a crazy person as he thinks killing someone, God wouldn’t care less and wouldn’t say anything about it. ‘My Last Duchess’ has a similar contrast of an egotistic nature as the duke portrays himself as a sycophant as he is back stabbing her by saying things about her, even though she is dead, to a person of a much lower class to him. By stating, â€Å"Since none puts by the curtain that I have drawn for you, but I†. Puts his character in a state of control this also links to when he says, â€Å"Will’t you please sit and look at her?† Even though it has a question mark when you say it out loud you realise it sounds more like an order given to the servant. When he says, â€Å"She ranked my gift of a nine-hundred years old name, with anybody’s gift.† This shows me that he is saying a nine-hundred year old title of the duchess made her think that she is very lucky and he is amazing, but when the duke sees her receiving cherries from a man of a lower class she had the same expression as she was: â€Å"Too easily impressed; she liked whate’er, she looked on, and her looks went everywhere.† As he thought that she was cheating on him and she loved every man that gave her a present but in actual fact she was being nice to everyone, even to those of a lower class to her. In this poem the duke is a boaster, he likes to drop famous names of people into the subject to make him sound really important, like when he says, â€Å"Fra Pandolf† by design, for never read, strangers like you. As he drops a famous artists name into the conversation, he also shows yet another strong arrogant word as he says ‘You’ like being something not worthwhile to speak to, or something that has come off the street as he speaks to this servant like a piece of dirt. After reading these poems, I have looked at the different qualities of ‘Love’ and how it can effect people and their actions and how there is a fine line between love and hate, and in love, hate is just as strong.

Iran and Us Relations

International Relations Between Iran and the United States | |Group Paper | | | |Jorge Goytizolo, Donna Linares, Reuben Mateus | |INB3550 – International Business | |Dr. Veronica Diaz, Professor | |10/10/2010 | | | We intend to present how both countries; Iran and the United States, are affected economically by the disagreeable relationship they have forged, which has further worsened due to the United Nations Security Council having added additional sanctions to Iran. Content will include: History of the US and Iran domestic and business relations. o Iran’s OPEC affiliation and history along with current Iranian decisions which are affecting its approach to business relations with the United Nations and the rest of the world. o United States affiliation with the United Nations and how our latest decision towards Iran is affecting the UN and its approach to the business policies with Iran. o US and Iran International Business approach to the world. o Direct US and Iran Relations. History of the US and Iran domestic and business relations. The History of United States-Iran relations date back to the 1800’s, but has become more volatile in just over the last half century.One cannot discuss United States-Iranian history without observing the 1953 Coup, which has been cited as the â€Å"turning point† in United States-Iran relations. The 1953 Coup was a covert operation headed by America's Central Intelligence Agency and has been documented as the Agency's first successful overthrow of a foreign government. The Aim of the 1953 Coup, code named Operation AJAX, was to bring to power an Iranian government â€Å"which would reach an equitable oil settlement, enabling Iran to become economically sound and financially solvent, and which would vigorously prosecute the dangerously strong Communist Party† (Iran Chamber Society, n. d. ) â€Å"Early in the 1960's, the Shah of Iran, announced social and economic reforms but refused to grant broad political freedom.Iranian Nationalist condemned his United States supported regime and his westernizing of Iran. During rioting in 1963, the Shah cracked down, suppressing his opposition. Among those arrested and exiled was a popular religious nationalist and bitter foe of the United States, the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini† (Jimmy Carter Library ; Museum, 2006). During his United States backed reign, the Shah spent billions of oil dollars on military weapons, but soon began to lose popular support. â€Å"Unable to sustain economic progress and unwilling to expand democratic freedoms, the Shah's regime collapsed in revolution† (Jimmy Carter Library & Museum, 2006), causing him to flee January 16, 1979.With the departure of the Shah, the exiled Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini returned to Iran in February of 1979 bringing rabid anti-Americanism with him. Amidst rumor and fear of another United States led Coup and a return to power of the exiled Shah Reza Pahlavi, a group from the Iranian Student Union took matters into their own hands by seizing the American Embassy. Inside the American Embassy the students held 52 Americans hostage for 444 days. The United States responded by freezing billions of Iranian assets, including bank deposits, gold, and other property. This event became known as the 1979 Hostage Crisis. The 1979 Hostage Crisis had drawn domestic criticisms against President Jimmy Carter.Criticisms of President Carter further grew with failed rescue attempts of the American hostages, some of which resulted in the deaths of American Soldiers whose bodies were paraded in front of television cameras by angry Iranians. This political nightmare prevented President Carter's bid for re-election and promptly came to a close the day President Ronald Regan was inaugurated January 20, 1981. The Iran-Iraq War, which lasted from 1980-1988, played a significant role in United States-Iran relations. The United Nations Security Council issued resolutions calling for all its member states to avoid from contributing to the Iran-Iraq conflict, and is why the United States initially decided to take a neutral position.Although it had supplied both countries with weapons, the United States decided that an Iranian win would prove to be detrimental to their interests in the region and began to place their support behind an Iraqi Regime led by President Saddam Hussein. This support came in the form of loans, some of which benefited United States industries and all while the country of Iran was being hammered with many American enforced sanctions. In the 1990's the United States placed more sanctions on Iran. In 1995, President Bill Clinton banned United States investments with Iran, prohibiting all commercial and financial transactions with Iran. This measure was unfortunate, as trade relations between the two nations had begun to increase after the end of the Iran-Iraq War.In 1996, the United States passed into law one of its most stringen t measures to affect Iran, the Iran-Libya Sanctions Act. Designed to prevent Iran's ability to get its hands on weapons of mass destruction and fund terrorist groups, the Iran-Libya Sanction Act imposed penalties on all foreign companies that provided investments over $20 million dollars for the development of Energy Sector (petroleum) in Iran. Any progress made in United States-Iran relations late in President Clinton's second term was soon forgotten, as the new American President George W. Bush came into office. The events on September 11, 2001 have scarred relations between America and Iran to a point that appears irreparable.Although Iran was not involved in the 9/11 attacks, the United States feels Iran harbors and supports the terrorist who threaten America and it's interests. The United States and Iran are not at war, but both countries have peppered each other over the last decade with rhetorical missiles. Some of the accusations include the fear of Iran's nuclear weapons am bitions and its alleged membership to the â€Å"Axis of Evil†, while Iran feels the encroachment of United States military bases in the region provide reason for furthering armaments and political jousting. Despite each country's contempt for each other the two countries continue to do business together. â€Å"U. S. Exports to Iran grew more than tenfold during President Bush's years in office even as sponsoring terrorist† (Associated Press, 2008).The Bush Administration used sanction exemptions to ship a variety of goods to Iran ranging from perfume and fur clothing to cigarettes and bull semen. Both the United States and Iran joined the United Nations on October 24, 1945, however the United States represents 1 of 5 permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and Iran is currently not even a non-permanent member. Although Iran is not a member of the Security Council, it has two powerful allies in China and Russia who are permanent members. The latest deci sions towards Iran have obviously been affecting the regulations now imposed by the United Nations Security Council. Sanctions issued by the Security Council are primarily intended to disrupt progress in Iran's ability to obtain nuclear weapons and build it's military.United States Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice announced at the Security Council meeting that the resolution will target 40 entities and one individual, Javad Rihiqi, head of a nuclear center where the Iranian government possesses uranium. It was reported that China, one of Iran's largest trading partners, had pushed back on more stringent language, saying that broader restrictions – especially those targeting Iran's Central Bank –would â€Å"harm Iran's day-to-day economy† (Wagner, 2010). Russia has been reluctant to support United States backed sanctions, as Iran and Russia trade in the range of billions of dollars annually. From 2002 to 2008 Russia and China exported a combined 80 per cent (by dollar value) of Iran's arms.These sanctions are now being recognized not only within the United Nations Security Council, but also by financial powers, such as the European Union. Under the strain of sanctions and the Iran-Libya Sanction Act, some members of the European Union have been critical of the United States causing it to compromise on the first project cited as a violation of the Iran-Libya Sanctions Act by waiving sanctions on the 2 billion dollar project. â€Å"The Clinton Administration announced the waiver on May 18, 1998, citing national interest, after the European Union pledged to increased cooperation with the United States on non-proliferation and counter-terrorism† (Katzman, 2003).The Bush Administration decided followed suit with collaborative efforts with the European Union and its members to limit Iran's nuclear ambitions and terrorism sponsorship, preserving the path for future sanction waivers. Iran’s OPEC affiliation and history |Iran ’s OPEC Affiliation began early in the 1960’s,when a meeting request was made to the oil companies operating in Venezuela and in the | |middle east by the Venezuelan minister of mines and the Saudi Oil minister, to consult with the â€Å"hosting† countries before any price | |changes were made. Attending this meeting were the representatives of Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela. In that atmosphere,| |the foundation of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries was formed. Hamilton, 1983) Currently, the Organization has a total of| |12 Member Countries. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is a permanent, intergovernmental Organization, created | |at the Baghdad Conference on September 10–14, 1960, presently with its meeting headquarters located now in Vienna, Austria (OPEC, 2007). | |OPEC's objectives still today is to co-ordinate and unify petroleum policies among Member Countries, in order to secure fair and stable | |prices for petroleum producers; an efficient, economic and regular supply of petroleum to consuming nations; and a fair return on capital | |to those investing in the industry (OPEC, 2007).Iran’s business relation in regards to its affiliation with the United Nations has been | |weakened in most part because of the correlation with the United States. Currently we have seen that the US has tried to prove time and | |time again that the monies directly benefiting Iran through their returns from the oil, and gas sector are being funneled into making the | |country a nuclear power (Alverez, 2009). Iran, OPEC’s second largest exporter with an output of 4. 2 million barrels per day, traditionally | |pushes for higher prices. It is also one of the most dependent on oil exports, with some 80 percent of its foreign revenue coming from oil | |sales (OPEC, 2007).In addition to this, Masoud Mir-Kazemi as Iran’s new oil minister stated in August that Iran plans to offer 5 billion | |Euros in bonds by 2015 to help Iran finance government projects (Nagaraj, 2010). This is indubitably leading the UN to assume the | |â€Å"projects† are those of a nuclear matter and are beginning to take steps in the agreement of sanctions until it can prove otherwise. | |Business relations with the United Nations | |The U. N. Security Council approved a resolution calling for a new round of sanctions aimed at pressuring Iran on its nuclear program. The | |measure passed with 12 countries voting for it, Brazil and Turkey voting against and Lebanon abstaining (Wagner,2010).Mir-Kazemi said his | |country already sold some 250 million Euros ($342 million) bonds in foreign markets. He also said the countries which pursue the sanctions | |have managed only to deprive themselves of the chance to tap into some of the world’s largest proven reserves of conventional crude oil. | |â€Å"If they want to have a secure long-term energy supply, they have to inve st in Iran’s oil industry,† he said (Nagaraj,2010). Iran well | |aware of its abundant natural resource knows it has negotiating power. They continually stand by the fact that they state the nuclear | |significance is only linked to bettering its country’s infrastructure with plants to provide power and energy .In 2009, the 25-3 vote by | |the International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN's nuclear watchdog, was then seen as a sign of deepening exasperation over the impasse when | |they stated that Iran had the right to generate nuclear power for peaceful purposes, which is what is says it wants to do (Alverez, 2009). | |It has been asked by the IAEA to discuss evidence of warhead-related research activities but has refused. Having been caught cheating in | |the past, its repeated denials have little credibility (Alverez, 2009). This is where the UN has its most concerns focused on. | |The UN wants more transparency to this project and with Iran denial to the inspec tions; they then feel pressed to pursue the newer | |sanctions.The resolution puts in place travel bans and financial restrictions on individuals and entities involved in Iranian nuclear | |and/or ballistic missile activities, including those owned, controlled or acting on behalf of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard Corps. It | |also includes an arms embargo and pushes for inspection of ships suspected of carrying cargo that may be involved in Iran's nuclear program| |(Wagner, 2010). | |With a history stemming back almost more than a quarter of a century the latest round of imposed sanctions on Iran by the US have been the | |toughest we have seen yet. These sanctions are now being recognized not only within the Security Council of the UN but also by financial | |powers such as the EU.These entities continue their efforts trying to persuade all countries financial institutes not to deal with Iran. | |US and Iran International Business approach to the world | |United States and Iran h ave two totally different approaches. United States promotes open markets, competitiveness and innovation. United | |States also promotes sustainable development and corporate responsibility, supported by international engagement and prudent regulation. | |All these activities and efforts are monitored and guided by the USCIB (United States Council for International Business).As the whole | |world is trying to move from recession, United States promotes open markets along with competitiveness and innovation; we can see it in all| |the international summits, meetings in which United States participates. An example of this was when United States (USCIB) took the leading| |role n the G8 business summit in Italy. United States also was one of the participants of the G20 business summit in London in which the | |world’s largest economies agreed to a $1. 1 trillion package of measure to restore growth, jobs and rebuild confidence and trust in the | |financial system. All these coun tries including United States came together to fight the economy recession. United States has the same | |ideas and goals towards international businesses and wants to make it work around the world. |On the other hand we have Iran that overshadowed all the efforts for world progress and development by not being in compliance with its | |international obligations and announcing the development of its nuclear program. | |Iran’s approach to international business is little. Iran is part of the OPEC, which we had previously discussed. The main reason why | |Iran’s does business with other countries is to aid its goals in becoming a powerful nuclear country. The reason why Iran’s is so hungry | |for nuclear power is because it feels the need to protect itself against the development of capitalism, especially in other countries such | |as like the ones geographically close (Israel). Iran’s government is linked to the country religious beliefs.New movements with in the | |country itself are trying to change this approach towards the world by gearing and convincing its citizens that capitalism will help the | |country get out of their financial crisis. Unfortunately, Iran, like many other countries, is being divided by two social classes; the | |educated and professional middle class and the laborers or poor class. The laborers or poor class are the majority on this country; they | |support the actual government (President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad) and his decisions. Once Iran and its citizens make the decision that opening | |up and cooperating with the world they may realize that it would improve their country’s establishment. |Direct US and Iran Business Relations | |Based on the research made by a renown New York times reporter and veteran correspondent, Stephen Kinzer; he recommend the alliance of | |Iran, United States and Turkey would the best way to increase the business and politics relations between these 3 countries. He stated t hat| |it would be a radical new course for the United States in the Middle Eastern region. The United States need to partner with Iran and Turkey| |to create a â€Å"powerful triangle† whose activities would promote a culture democracy and combat extremism. This is a debatable argument. At | |this time we have Iran, rule by radical ideologies and have set its mind on a burgeoning nuclear program.As we all know this one of United| |State government’s biggest headaches. Stephen Kinzer also reiterated that we have to remember that although Turkey is a long time United | |States ally, their relations has been deteriorated in the past years. An example of this deterioration it can be seen on an incident placed| |on last June where the relationship between these two countries was tested, Turkey’s representative on the UN Security Council voted | |against United States regarding backed sanctions on Iran. At this moment most of the United States government is asking the mselves â€Å"Who | |lost Turkey? † rather than envisioning more extensive cooperation with this country. | |Even hough United States and Iranian relations are a long term project and the idea has ample grounding in the modern history and politics| |of the region; unlike other Muslim countries Iran has a century worth of experience struggling for political freedom, during which they | |â€Å"developed an understanding of democracy and they are longing for it†. | |Unites States and Iran do share some fundamental values. Both countries have educated middle class, as we all know the middles classes are | |the basis for a strong civil society and also the two countries share strategic goals. Some of these common goals are the desire to see | |Iraq and Afghanistan stabilized and to suppress radical movements such as the Sunnis and Al Qaeda. |Though this alliance or relations would not be achieve at this moment or in today’s worlds until Iran changes dramatically and turn into | |democracy before any relations could be formed. | |One way this relation could happen still unclear but in the meantime Stephen Kinzer proposes a twofold strategy: engage with the current | |regime as effectively as possible and wait for the day democratically minded masses make their way to power. Though there are some | |processes of engagement in the Obama administration’s stated policy; Kinzer urges Washington to be bolder and to launch a â€Å"direct, | |bilateral, comprehensive, and unconditional negotiations with Tehran.This process of engagement was practiced by President Nixon and his | |diplomatic breakthrough with communist China when at the time of the US-Vietnam war Beijing was selling weapons to North Vietnam to kill | |Americans. Nixon recognized that â€Å"diplomacy works the opposite way. Agreement comes first; changes in behavior follow†. In order to | |â€Å"activate† the direct US relations with Iran, US diplomacy needs to give Iranians what they are looking for â€Å"respect, dignity and | |restoration of lost of pride† We have to remember us-USA is dealing with a nation ten times older than ourselves and the key to turn to | |better relationships with Iran is not to make Iran’s regime feel more threatened; it is to make it feel more secure. | | | | | | | | References Akyol, M. (2010, September). An unlikely trio. Foreign Affairs, 89(5), 124-129. (Akyol, 2010) Alverez, J. (2009). In the era of a new presidency, a new us. policy towards the united nations? : us policies towards and in the un security council. ISIA Journal of International ; Comparative Law, 15(319), 228-231. Associated Press. (2008, July 8). Despite Conflict, U. S. Does Business with Iran.Retrieved September 23, 2010 from http://www. msnbc. msn. com/id/25588135 Hamilton, J. (1983). Oil and macro economy since World War II. Journal of Political Economy, 91(2). Harvey, C. , Sabatini, R. (2010, April 15). Russia's Lukewarm Suppo rt for International Sanctions Against Iran: History and Motivations. Retrieved September 23, 2010 from http://www. nti. org/e_research/e3_russia_lukewarm_sanctions_against_iran. html Iran Chamber Society. (n. d. ). A Short Account of 1953 Coup. Retrieved September 23, 2010 from http://www. iranchamber. com/history/coup53/coup54p1. php Jimmy Carter Library & Museum. (2006, February 9). The Hostage Crisis in Iran.Retrieved September 23, 2010 from http://www. jimmycarterlibrary. gov/documents/hostages. phtml Katzman, K. (Updated 2003, July 31). The Iran-Libya Sanctions Act (ILSA). Retrieved September 23, 2010 from http://fpc. state. gov/documents/organization/23591. pdf Kinzer, S. (2010). Iran, Turkey and America’s future. Time Books, 274 London Summit. (2009). Summit Outcomes. Retrieved from: http://www. londonsummit. gov. uk/en/summit-aims/timeline-events/summit-outcomes McMahon, Robert. (Updated 2006, April 4). Iran, the United Nations, and Sanctions. Retrieved September 23, 2010 from http://www. cfr. org/publication/10222/iran_the_united_nations_and_sanctions. html Nagaraj, A. (2010).Iran has some of the world's richest oil reserves but has not been able to fully utilize it due to production and refining constraints. International Business , Retrieved from http://www. ibtimes. com/articles/64168/20100921/us-un-sanctions-turkey-iran-middle-east. htm Nasr, V. (2009). The rise of Islamic capitalism: Why the new Muslim middle class is the key to defeating extremism. New York, NY: Free Press. The National Security Archive. (2003, February 25). Shaking Hands with Saddam Hussein: The US Tilts toward Iraq, 1980-1984. Retrieved September 23, 2010 from http:www. gwu. edu/~nsarchive/NSAEBB/NSABB82/ (References continued) OPEC. (2007, April 29). Member countries.Retrieved from http://www. opec. org/opec_web/en/ on September 18, 2010 Wagner, A. (White House Correspondent). (2010). United nations security council backs new sanctions on iran. [Web]. Retrieved from h ttp://www. politicsdaily. com/2010/06/08/iran-united-nations-sanctions-and-the-new-world-order/ Nova Southeastern University Farquhar Center for Undergraduate Studies Business ; Administrative Studies Division Assignment for Course: INB 3550 International Business Submitted to: Dr. Veronica Diaz Submitted by: Donna M Linares, on Behalf of Group : Jorge Goytizolo, Donna Linares, Reuben Mateus 9118 Palos Verde Dr Orlando FL 32825 07-625-1854 NSU N00717427 Date Submission Due: October 9th 2010 Title of Assignment: Group Paper Project CERTIFICATION OF AUTHORSHIP: I certify that I am the author of this paper and that any assistance I received in its preparation is fully acknowledged and disclosed in the paper. I have also cited any sources from which I used data, ideas, or words, either quoted directly or paraphrased. I have added quotes whenever I used more than three consecutive words from another writer. I also certify that this paper was prepared by me specifically for this course. S tudent's Signature: ___DM Linares__________________ Instructor's Grade on Assignment: Instructor's Comments: