Havisham and Anne Hathaway Poem Comparison Essay

The poems ‘Havisham’ and ‘Anne Hathaway’ by Carol Ann Duffy both portray two women thinking about men; however they have very opposite emotions. The speaker in ‘Havisham’ feels a mix of emotions but mainly bitter hatred and violence towards the man who left her at the altar. Anne Hathaway, however, thinks very fondly of Shakespeare in the second poem. Both poems involve strong emotions and the use of the first person in each helps to make the emotions seem more personal and immediate. The first three words of ‘Havisham’ are â€Å"beloved sweetheart bastard†, this oxymoron shows the speaker’s contrasting emotions towards her lover; she used to love him but now hates him for leaving her. The speaker in ‘Anne Hathaway’ however, describes Shakespeare as â€Å"My living laughing love†, she has affectionate memories of him and even though he is dead she talks as if he were alive. The speaker in ‘Havisham’ has been completely consumed by her hatred. She says there is â€Å"not a day since then/I haven’t wished him dead†. She is unable to stop thinking about him; she can neither forgive nor forget him. It seems that Anne Hathaway, too, often thinks about her loved one. She, however, remembers him in the context of â€Å"the bed we loved in† and remembers how blissful and contented she felt with him in that bed. Anne Hathaway uses vivid imagery to describe Shakespeare and their bed. The speaker describes their bed as â€Å"a spinning world/of forests, castles, torchlight, clifftops, seas†. It is as if when she is in bed with Shakespeare she is in one of his plays, in some exotic location or enchanted, magical world. Imagery is also used to describe the effects that the intense anger has had on Miss Havisham. When she looks in the mirror she says: â€Å"Her, myself, who did this to me? † This shows that her appearance seems unfamiliar to her and she is shocked by her transformation. She now has â€Å"dark green pebbles for eyes†, this suggests she is stony and dead inside, unable to feel love because of the pain she has suffered. She also now has â€Å"ropes on the back of my hands I could strangle with†; by saying this it shows not just how she has physically changed but also shows her murderous thoughts. Both â€Å"Havisham† and â€Å"Anne Hathaway† involve beds. In â€Å"Anne Hathaway†, Anne and Shakespeare’s bed is the stage for â€Å"romance and drama†, and while in bed with him Anne feels like â€Å"he’d written me†, as if he has brought her into being. In their bed they are making poetry together, whilst in their best bed, guests are â€Å"dribbling†¦ prose†. Miss Havisham, however, is alone in her bed, it is devoid of romance. Instead her bed is saturated with grief and hatred as all she does is â€Å"stink and remember†, she is not making poetry in her bed, instead she spends â€Å"whole days/in bed cawing Nooooo at the wall†. In her bed she fantasises having her sweetheart’s â€Å"lost body† over her, and she imagines her â€Å"fluent tongue in its mouth†, this macabre image shows how underneath her anger Miss Havisham feels lonely. The structures used for the poems vary. ‘Anne Hathaway’ is written in the form of a sonnet. This form was often used by Shakespeare so it is fitting that the character of Anne Hathaway should use it too. In ‘Havisham’ the structure looks orderly with four lines in each verse but this contrasts with the content of the poem and doesn’t reflect Miss Havisham’s confusion. The characters in both of the poems are holding onto memories of their loved ones. Miss Havisham cannot stop thinking about the day her sweetheart left her. She has been unable to move on and she is even still wearing her â€Å"yellowing† wedding dress. Anne Hathaway says she is holding onto the precious memories of Shakespeare, â€Å"in the casket of my widow’s head†, this is an apt metaphor because a casket is where you put valuable items and she is therefore keeping her memories safe. Both poems vary in nature. â€Å"Anne Hathaway† is quite a sensual poem. â€Å"Havisham†, however is quite an angry and at times violent poem, for example in the final verse the speaker says: â€Å"I stabbed at a wedding-cake Give me a male corpse for a long slow honeymoon† Her stabbing shows her violent and maniacal behaviour, and when she says â€Å"male corpse† she is showing her underlying hatred of men and maliciousness towards them. ‘Havisham’ is a poem full of grief and regret while ‘Anne Hathaway’ is a celebration of Anne Hathaway and Shakespeare’s love. The women in both poems behave in very different manners and feel very differently towards their loved ones.

How Were Workhouses Run so That Only Those in Need of Genuine Help Would Apply Essay

Workhouses, tried many things to stop those in need of help applying for help; this was because they soon became to expensive to run which is why the owners of the workhouse began to try to put the public off applying for help. I am going to cover all of the main reasons that tell you why the poor were ‘put off’. To begin, the workhouses soon introduced separation, they had different classifications. These were: Infirm men, able-bodied men and youths above fifteen, boys above the age of seven and under fifteen, infirm women, able-bodied women and girls above fifteen, girls above the age of seven and under fifteen and children under seven (however they were allowed in the same workhouse as either their mother or father). This would mean that if you were classified to a different class than someone else in your family, for instance; you would be separated and not allowed to communicate. This encourage those in need of slightly less help not to apply, as they may have believed that scraping a living with their family and friends would be better than getting separated in a work house. Next, the living conditions may be considered to have been better outside the workhouse, scraping a living, the living conditions were horrific! Firstly, all the women and babies were all living in the same room; this meant that when one baby awakened, apart from a heavy sleeper, everyone woke up. They also slept in square, coffin-like beds, which will have been hardly comfortable to sleep in. For me, if workhouses wanted their employees to perform to their full potential they would have given them good living conditions, however they didn’t want people coming in on demand. Because the workhouses mad the living conditions so horrific, would have encouraged many to not apply for help. This is because they may have believed they would get a longer, more comfortable sleep outside the workhouse. To continue, the food provided was terrible, the food was cooked terribly for a few reasons, two examples would be because the workhouses wanted to save money and buy the cheapest food, for the cheapest possible price and they may have purposely cooked the food badly. They also gave each of the same food for each food break causing people to have a bad diet. Again, people in poverty would not apply for help. People wouldn’t apply because word would spread about the terrible food and people wouldn’t apply because again they could think that they could get better food elsewhere. The workhouse owners probably knew that word of this would spread and less people would apply for help, like they wanted. Next, punishments were very harsh and barely taken into consideration, for instance the workhouse owners would judge whether someone was ill or not ill, for instance, if they judged someone to be well and fit when they were ill the would punish the ill person, for no reason when they should be treating their employee well so that as soon as they had recovered, they would be able to perform at a high standard again. This would have put people off because they would be scared of the owners and if they were a parent, they may feel that they were the person to hand out punishments to child not the owners. The owners most possibly knew again that word would spread and would be ruthless to any parent try who tried to have authority. Working conditions, like living conditions were poor. Some people may have applied sot they may get a more enjoyable job with good earnings, instead they were allocated with jobs such as rope picking, this was where a worker had to get old, battered rope, and individually take each thread off the rope and then put it back together to make good rope. This would have put the poor off because they may feel that the jobs they were doing were more enjoyable plus they may feel that they should be doing better jobs if they were to apply for help because workhouses had been advertised to be the ‘way out’ of problems. My final point is on the fact that the workers had no individuality. The workhouse owners had some rules which were strict and if broken would show no tolerance. An example of this is in a picture, it shows how each of the women in the workhouse are having their meal, everyone’s food is exactly the same food, which for lunch was commonly beef and vegetable soup, so vegetarians would be forced to eat the food, not necessarily by the workhouse owners but by their own hunger because they were served such a small amount, they would be extremely hungry. They were also sat in rows, they were not allowed to socialise and they all had to wear uniforms. This would make employees feel worthless and as if they were in prison and ultimately they would feel demoralised and wouldn’t feel excited for the job they would do after their lunch, for example. Word would have spread about this (Like the owners would have wanted) and the poor would feel that the joy of socialising was worth m ore than living a poor lifestyle. To conclude this essay, I feel the most important factor that people would have taken into consideration would be the fact that families were split; the workhouse owners would have found that this was the biggest blow to a family thinking of applying because they would have wanted to be together.

Net Present Value/Present Value Index

Net Present Value/Present Value Index The management team at Savage Corporation is evaluating two alternative capital investment opportunities. The first alternative, modernizing the company’s current machinery, costs $45,000. Management estimates the modernization project will reduce annual net cash outflows by $12,500 per year for the next five years. The second alternative, purchasing a new machine, costs $56,500. The new machine is expected to have a five-year useful life and a $4,000 salvage value. Management estimates the new machine will generate cash inflows of $15,000 per year.Savage’s cost of capital is 10%. Required a. Determine the present value of the cash flow savings expected from the modernization program. Using the data from Appendix on page 1169 of our text 15000*3. 790787 = 47,385, which should be the PV cash flow savings expected from the first option of modernization program. b. Determine the net present value of the modernization project. I believe the NPV of the 1st project is calculated by subtracting current machinery, costs $45,000 from the figure above which equals 2,385. 00 c. Determine the net present value of investing in the new machine.This is determined by valuing the future cash flows. Using the same appendix in table 2 data, annual cash flow of 15,000 * 3. 790787 =56862. 00 Salvage cost of 4,000 * . 620921 (table 3 on page 523) = 2484. 00 Total=59,346. 00 less the cost of machinery 56,500 = 2486. 00 as the NPV d. Use a present value index to determine which investment alternative will yield the higher rate of return. PI= $15,000*. 620921/56,500 = . 16 This investment is not acceptable because it has a PI of less than 1. 0 therefore the modernization project or the first alternative will have higher rate of return.Exercise 24-4A Determining the present value of an annuity The dean of the School of Social Science is trying to decide whether to purchase a copy machine to place in the lobby of the building. The machi ne would add to student convenience, but the dean feels compelled to earn an 8 percent return on the investment of funds. Estimates of cash inflows from copy machines that have been placed in other university buildings indicate that the copy machine would probably produce incremental cash inflows of approximately $8,000 per year.The machine is expected to have a three-year useful life with a zero salvage value. Required a. Use Present Value Table 1 in Appendix A to determine the maximum amount of cash the dean should be willing to pay for a copy machine. Years 1 – 3; where N = 1 r at 8%, N =2, [email  protected] 8%, N = 3 r @ 8% 8000*. 925926 = 7,407. 41 8000*. 857339 = 6,858. 71 8000*. 793832 = 6,350. 66 Present Value / Ordinary Annuity = ($) 20,617. 00 Present Value / Annuity-Due = ($) 22,266 b. Use Present Value Table 2 in Appendix A to determine the maximum amount of cash the dean should be willing to pay for a copy machine.Based on table 2 in appendix a, the maximum am ount of cash the Dean should be willing to pay for a copy machine is ($) 20,617. 00 c. Explain the consistency or lack of consistency in the answers to Requirements a & b. The consistency in the answers are so seeing that table 2 in appendix A appears to be the sum of the PV for each of the 3 years in table 1. Exercise 24-8A Determining the internal rate of return Medina Manufacturing Company has an opportunity to purchase some technologically advanced equipment that will reduce the company’s cash outflow for operating expenses by $1,280,000 per year.The cost of the equipment is $6,186,530. 56. Medina expects it to have a 10-year useful life and a zero salvage value. The company has established an investment opportunity hurdle rate of 15 percent and uses the straight-line method for depreciation. Required a. Calculate the internal rate of return of the investment opportunity. YearExplanationCash FlowDiscount Factor 1 (hurdle rate of 15)DiscountDiscount Factor 2Cash Flow @Disc ount 0Cost to purchase some technologically advanced equipment(6,186,530. 56)(6,186,530. 56) 1,280,0005. 01877$6,424,0264. 6565,959,680Net present value$$237,495($226,851) b. Indicate whether the investment opportunity should be accepted. The Internal Rate of Return appears to be higher than the established investment opportunity hurdle rate of 15 percent therefore it would be a good idea to accept this investment opportunity. Exercise 24-6A Determining net present value Travis Vintor is seeking part-time employment while he attends school. He is considering purchasing technical equipment that will enable him to start a small training services company that will offer tutorial services over the Internet.Travis expects demand for the service to grow rapidly in the first two years of operation as customers learn about the availability of the Internet assistance. Thereafter, he expects demand to stabilize. The following table presents the expected cash flows. Year of Operation Cash Infl ow Cash Outflow 2006 $5,400 $3,600 2007 7,800 4,800 2008 8,400 5,040 2009 8,400 5,040In addition to these cash flows, Mr. Vintor expects to pay $8,400 for the equipment. He also expects to pay $1,440 for a major overhaul and updating of the equipment at the end of the second year of operation. The equipment is expected to have a $600 salvage value and a four-year useful life. Mr. Vintor desires to earn a rate of return of 8 percent. Year ExplanationinflowsoutflowsNet Discount @8%Discounted 2006 beginningCost of equipment $ – $ 8,400 $ (8,400)1 $ (8,400) 2006Operational cash flows $ 5,400 $ 3,600 $ 1,800 0. 925926 $ 1,667 007Operational cash flows $ 7,800 $ 4,800 $ 3,000 0. 857339 $ 2,572 2007Major overhaul $ – $ 1,440 $ (1,440)0. 857339 $ (1,235) 2008Operational cash flows $ 8,400 $ 5,040 $ 3,360 0. 793832 $ 2,667 2009Operational cash flows $ 8,400 $ 5,040 $ 3,360 0. 73503 $ 2,470 2009Salvage value of equipment $ 600 $ – $ 600 0. 73503 $ 441 Net present value of Investment Opportunity $ 182 Required (Round computations to the nearest whole penny. ) a. Calculate the net present value of the investment opportunity. . Indicate whether the investment opportunity is expected to earn a return that is above or below the desired rate of return and whether it should be accepted. General rule with NPV is that if NPV of a prospective project is positive, it should be accepted. However, if NPV is negative it should not be accepted. The calculations, If correct present a positive NPV therefore the investment opportunity should be accepted. Problem 19-24A Assessing simultaneous changes in CVP relationships Green Shades Inc. (GSI) sells hammocks; variable costs are $75 each, and the hammocks are sold for $125 each.GSI incurs $250,000 of fixed operating expenses annually. Required a. Determine the sales volume in units and dollars required to attain a $50,000 profit. Sales = Contribution Margin per Unit = Revenues per Unit – Variable Expenses per U nit = 250,000 + 50,000/125 – 75= 6,000 in units Verify your answer by preparing an income statement using the contribution margin format. Break-even Sales Dollars = Sales Price per Unit ? Break-even Sales Units Break-even Point in Sales Dollars = 125 * 6000 = 750,000 Income Statement Green Shades Inc. As of October 17, 2012 Sales750,000 Variable Costs(450,000)Contribution Margin300, 000 Fixed Costs250,000 Net Income 50,000 b. GSI is considering implementing a quality improvement program. The program will require a $10 increase in the variable cost per unit. To inform its customers of the quality improvements, the company plans to spend an additional $20,000 for advertising. Assuming that the improvement program will increase sales to a level that is 3,000 units above the amount computed in Requirement a, should GSI proceed with plans to improve product quality? Support your answer by preparing a budgeted income statement. Income Statement Green Shades Inc. As of October 17, 2 012Sales1,125,000 Variable Costs(765,000) Contribution Margin360, 000 Fixed Costs(270,000) Net Income 90,000 The company might want to consider going forward seeing the likelihood of profitability. c. Determine the new break-even point in units and sales dollars as well as the margin of safety percentage, assuming that the quality improvement program is implemented. Fixed Costs/Contribution Margin per Unit = 270,000/ 125-85 = 6750 Break-even Sales Dollars = Sales Price per Unit ? Break-even Sales Units Break-even Point in Sales Dollars = 125 * 6750= 843,750 Margin of SafetyMeasured in UnitsMeasured in DollarsSales @ Budged 90001125000 Break Even6750843,750 Margin2250281,250 281250/1125000 =. 25 or 25% Problem 18-17B Process cost system cost of production report At the beginning of 2004, Dozier Company had 1,800 units of product in its work in process inventory, and it started 19,200 additional units of product during the year. At the end of the year, 6,000 units of product were in t he work in process inventory. The ending work in process inventory was estimated to be 50 percent complete. The cost of work in process inventory at the beginning of the period was $9,000, and $108,000 of product costs was added during the period.Required Prepare a cost of production report showing the following. a. The number of equivalent units of production. Equivalent units of production ACTUALEquivalent Beginning 1,800 Additional units of product19,200 Total21,000 Ending6,000 @50%3,000 To be transferred15,000 @100%15,000 Total21,00018,000 b. The product cost per equivalent unit. Beginning is 9,000 added to production of 108,000 to total 117,000 c. The total cost allocated between the ending Work in Process Inventory and Finished Goods Inventory accounts. 117,000/18,000 = 6. 50 cost per unit 15000*6. 50 = 97,500 finished goods 000 of equivalent units above*6. 50= 19,500 Total 117,000 Problem 15-17A Identifying cost behavior Required Identify the following costs as fixed or varia ble. Costs related to plane trips between San Diego, California, and Orlando, Florida, follow. Pilots are paid on a per trip basis. a. Pilots’ salaries relative to the number of trips flown. variable b. Depreciation relative to the number of planes in service. variable c. Cost of refreshments relative to the number of passengers. variable d. Pilots’ salaries relative to the number of passengers on a particular trip. ixed e. Cost of a maintenance check relative to the number of passengers on a particular trip. fixed f. Fuel costs relative to the number of trips. variable National Union Bank operates several branch offices in grocery stores. Each branch employs a supervisor and two tellers. g. Tellers’ salaries relative to the number of tellers in a particular district. variable h. Supplies cost relative to the number of transactions processed in a particular branch. variable i. Tellers’ salaries relative to the number of customers served at a particular br anch. Fixed j.Supervisors’ salaries relative to the number of branches operated. Fixed k. Supervisors’ salaries relative to the number of customers served in a particular branch. Fixed l. Facility rental costs relative to the size of customer deposits. Fixed Costs related to operating a fast-food restaurant follow. m. Depreciation of equipment relative to the number of restaurants. variable n. Building rental cost relative to the number of customers served in a particular restaurant. Fixed o. Manager’s salary of a particular restaurant relative to the number of employees.Fixed p. Food cost relative to the number of customers. variable q. Utility cost relative to the number of restaurants in operation. variable r. Company president’s salary relative to the number of restaurants in operation. Fixed s. Land costs relative to the number of hamburgers sold at a particular restaurant. Fixed t. Depreciation of equipment relative to the number of customers served at a particular restaurant. fixed Exercise 15-6B Fixed versus variable cost behavior Professional Chairs Corporation produces ergonomically designed chairs favored by architects.The company normally produces and sells from 5,000 to 8,000 chairs per year. The following cost data apply to various productions activity levels. Number of Chairs5,0006,0007,0008,000 Total costs incurred Fixed$ 84,000 Variable 60,000 Total costs$144,000 Per unit chair cost Fixed$16. 80 Variable12. 00 Total cost per chair$28. 80 Required a. Complete the preceding table by filling in the missing amounts for the levels of activity shown in the first row of the table. b. Explain why the total cost per chair decreases as the number of chairs increases.Exercise 15-12B Effect of cost structure on projected profits Logan and Martin compete in the same market. The following budgeted income statements illustrate their cost structures. Income Statements Company Logan Martin Number of Customers (a) 160 160 Sales Reven ue (n x $75) $12,000 $ 12,000 Variable Cost (n x $0) 12,800 Contribution Margin 12,000 (800) Fixed Cost (6,400) 0 Net Income (Loss) $ 5,600 $ (800) Required a. Assume that Logan can lure all 80 customers away from Martin by lowering its sales price to $75 per customer.Reconstruct Logan’s income statement based on 160 customers. b. Assume that Martin can lure all 80 customers away from Logan by lowering its sales price to $75 per customer. Reconstruct Martin’s income statement based on 160 customers. c. Why does the price-cutting strategy increase Logan’s profits but result in a net loss for Martin? This is so in that when sales to 160 clients at 75 (12,000), more revenue is produced as opposed to sales to a lesser amount (80 clients) at 125 (10,000). Fixed costs contributes to Logans increases in sales revenue. Exercise 16-9A Allocating overhead cost to accomplish smoothingMimosa Corporation expects to incur indirect overhead costs of $72,000 per month and direc t manufacturing costs of $11 per unit. The expected production activity for the first four months of 2007 is as follows. January February March April Estimated production in units 4,000 7,000 3,000 6,000 Required a. Calculate a predetermined overhead rate based on the number of units of product expected to be made during the first four months of the year. MonthJanuaryFebruaryMarchApriltotalEstimated production in units 400070003000600020000 72000*4/20,000=14. 40 per unit b. Allocate overhead costs to each month using the overhead rate computed in Requirement a. MonthJanFebMarchAprilTotal Rate14. 4014. 4014. 4014. 40 Base4,0007,0003,0006,000 Cost57,600100,80043,20086,400288,000 c. Calculate the total cost per unit for each month using the overhead allocated in Requirement b. MonthUnits (A)Overhead (B)Cost (A*11)TotalCost Per Unit (d/a) Jan4000576004400010160025. 40 Feb70001008007700017780025. 40 March300043200330007620025. 40 April6000864006600015240025. 40

Harvey Industries Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Harvey Industries - Case Study Example As regards contemporary global business practice, Stevenson (2010, p. 613) identifies the importance of due diligence in ensuring sustainable supply chain management. It is, therefore advised that the company employ key components of due diligence which would make the company function in line with other global competitors. Indeed, if the company wants to succeed, it must ensure that there is due diligence in all supply models and that existing competitors are made the target of competition. One of the best practices that the company can put in place to bring about due diligence is to â€Å"ensure that they are aware of, and can describe, the risk of violations taking place, and their potential harm† (The Danish Council for Corporate Social Responsibility, 2010). Secondly, it is recommended that risk assessment that leads to the identification of the sphere of influence be embarked upon. According to Stevenson (2010), companies that consider the sphere of influence ensure that there is the appropriate recognition of the company’s responsibility and attempts regarding supply chain management. Once such recognition is in place, the company obtains a better understanding of its scope of demands and acts to reach a stipulated level of demand. Finally, structural adjustment at the human resource level is highly recommended. There is an adage that new wine is not stored in an old wine sack. Essentially, there should be some bold managerial decision such as the decision to change suppliers and other stakeholders. who are instrumental in the supply chain management but whose actions have led to the current crisis experienced by the company. Recommendations for Inventory Management Inventory management will remain a very crucial aspect of the company if it wants to rise from its present financial distress and get back on the track of success. This is because inventory management will remain the single gateway for the company to ensure responsibility and

300 word essay on internet source Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

300 word on internet source - Essay Example Clotilda was instrumental in the conversion of Clovis to Christianity. Clovis prior to his marriage was a pagan ruler who believed in idol worship. Soon after his marriage, Clotilda wanted to him to convert to Christianity. She tried to do so by baptizing their first child, Ingomer, who died soon after being baptized, leaving Clovis unconvinced. And yet, when Clovis’ army seemed to lose in the battle against Alamanni, Clovis prayed to Jesus hoping he would be aided by the son of God as he had already been deserted by his pagan ones. In the passage what is apparent is that Gregory presents his work from the point of view of a Christian but with a leaning towards secularism. There seem to be gaps in the narrative; for example, why did the people welcome their conversion to Christianity from paganism, so easily, when Clovis himself was uncertain of their reactions? Modern day historians approach history from not just the manuscripts and fables passed down for generations and the academic and political scenario but take into account social norms and cultural environment when researching a period in history. Gregory in his time has written this work to convince people of the virtues of Christianity and writes about some of the miracles performed by saints like Remi, the bishop of Rheims. However, he also does mention how difficult it was for Clovis to let go of his faith and convert to Christianity and the fear of his acceptance by his

Espionage Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Espionage - Term Paper Example It is commonly regarded as spying that entails secretly gathering of information about a competing industry or a foreign government without the holder’s consent of the information. The term can be a reference to economic, political, or business decisions. However, espionage is common to government defensive and foreign policy. Espionage is intrinsically taken for granted, and in many cases punishable by law. Generally, many associates the term with state spying for military purpose that play a crucial role in planning combat phases. The term is an old ancient craft used throughout history in various instances such as in the Bible in the book of numbers when leaders sent spies to scrutinize a country. Still, the cold war relied on intense espionage activities that helped to establish the nuclear weapons secrets. Following this, one can affirm that large corporations and governments make use of espionage to varying degrees. This paper seeks to discuss the origins of Espionage, i ts’ famous cases, targets, and various agents and techniques used to collect this information. Espionage is one of the most known activities of treason. It categorized as political crime that involves transmitting and gathering information correlated to the intent of national defence. Espionage events are well acknowledged throughout history and recorded in ancient documents such as the Bible (Buckley, 2010). In the Bible, one can trace the term in the book of Numbers when Israelites secretly surveyed the country of the Canaanites. Moses dispatched some spies from each Israelites tribe to survey the land of Canaanites for forty days. The intended purpose was to gather information about agriculture and events of the country and efficiently use this information to conquer the land. This was the land promised by God to Abraham that he would posses for future generations, Isaac. Eventually, the

Marketing Research Degree Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Marketing Research Degree - Essay Example On the other hand it is also important to have the knowledge of how to present the product in effective manner in order to reach the customer in an effective manner. With the changing business needs the new marketing techniques such as product differentiation, branding and advertising are also gaining immense importance. The successful product positioning and promotion is only possible if all the required information in this lieu is gathered and used in the right direction. In order to fulfill modern information needs, new information technologies have also been evolved. The information regarding the buyer preferences and behavior plays an important part in helping the management to take important decisions regarding the product such as pricing, promotion, competition etc. It is important for the company to establish a system in order to acquire a large amount of information for the marketing managers. "Competitive companies study their managers' information needs and design marketing information systems (MIS) to meets these needs. A marketing information system (MIS) consists of people, equipment, and procedures to gather, sort, analyze, evaluate, and distribute needed, timely, and accurate information to marketing decision markers. To carry out their analysis, planning, implementation, and control responsibilities marketing managers need information about developments in the marketing environment. The role of the MIS is to assess the manager's information needs, develop the needed information, and distribute that information in a timely fashion, the information is developed through internal company records, marketing intelligence activities, marketing research, and marketing decision support analysis." (Kotler, 2000) In the case of Dairy Products Limited the MIS can play an important role in successfully marketing the new dessert which the company is planning to launch. An effective MIS will also help in enhancing the exposure level of the company from local market to national market. It is important for the company to design the MIS system in an effective manner. In most of the cases the companies lack information sophistication. Some of them collect a large amount of information but the data is not stored in a proper way to be handled easily. Without an effective marketing information system it will become impossible for the Dairy Products limited to reach to the desired customer. The MIS will help the company in understanding the customer's perception, taste, needs and desires regarding the new product. Without the proper MIS the investment in the production and innovation will not be of any use. "The MIS represent a cross between what managers think they need, what managers really need, and what is economically feasible." (Kotler, 2000) The MIS will provide support to the management in the areas of reduction of price risks, planning for an effective and cheap marketing strategy with technology assessment and development, particularly in evolving and popularizing food product offered by the company. An effective Marketing information system can help in the company in motivating distributors, retailers, and other intermediaries to pass along important intelligence. Through the components of MIS the Company will able to collect information regarding

Is the United States a Global Bully Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Is the United States a Global Bully - Essay Example This essay stresses that the US has been seen as hugely taking sides by supporting Israel. As much as this is true, Israel has the economy and power that is essential for enforcing peace in the region. As such, it would be necessary to advice and manipulate the party with the capacity and huge influence in the war. In terms of global leadership, the United States by no means has forced any country to adopt or oblige to its policies. In the few cases that the country has been perceived as doing so, it has been through the trade partnership in which all countries present their terms and conditions and mutual agreements reached through negotiations, and the necessary documents signed in the process. When the treaties or agreements between nations are breached, and the terms of the breach observed as per the agreement, this does not amount in any way to bullying. The United States has committed its own resources and citizens to fight against terrorism that has plagued the whole world. This paper makes a conclusion that the United States can, therefore, be metaphorically presented as a policeman. A policeman by virtue of his position and authority vested upon him by law to successfully execute role is perceived by many criminals or prospective law breaker as an enemy. The policeman is liable to enormous criticism on any human mistake made by him, as people increasingly overlook his important duties concentrating on the insignificant mistakes.

Using The Internet In Hospitality And Tourism Industry Research Paper

Using The Internet In Hospitality And Tourism Industry - Research Paper Example Present-day travelers are hyper-interactive, who are texting, tweeting, emailing, communicating with friends via Facebook and commenting on their current or previous travels. The advent of social media and mobile Web means that potential guests for the hospitality industry have continuous access to multi-channel interaction and sharing opinions. Thus hotel websites have to be designed in order to handle this hyper-interactive user. Thus hotel websites can no longer be static brochures with stale and boring context. (Max Starkov). The Holiday Inn hotel is a subsidiary of the IHG group of companies. It is a brand which remains consistent towards the board. Guests at the 1874 Holiday Inn hotels around the world know that they will be treated well and have a certain level of expectations regarding the service. In fact, the idea for the Holiday Inn hotels came into the mind of its founder, Kemmons Wilson when he was disappointed with the consistency of roadside motels during a trip to Washington DC. Consistency is a great advantage when it comes to providing services. The art of total quality management lies with the hospitality greats like Marriott, Hilton and of course Holiday Inn but when it comes to social media policies and the ever-changing world of the internet consistency has a huge downside. Consistency is not the only key feature of the Holiday Inn hotels and resorts. Innovation goes side by side with consistency. Holiday Inn hotels were the first ones to introduce the Holidex reservation system giving its competitors a run for the money. Holiday Inn hotels also initiated the idea for indoor pools, termed Holidromes, turning its hotels into resorts.

Capital Budget Essay Example for Free

Capital Budget Essay Looking at River County plan for several capital acquisitions for the coming year which include the purchase of two new garbage trucks at $150,000 each, one new bulldozer at $240,000, three new riding lawn mowers at $16,000 each, and construction of an activity center in the part for $650,000. The expected lifetime of the various capital items is 10 years for the garbage trucks, 8 years for the bulldozer, 5 years for the lawn mowers, and 40 years for the activity center. Due to the current credit rating of River County, River County was approved for a 6% interest rate on all vehicles and lawn mowers, and a 3% interest on the activity center. The total cost to finance both garbage trucks for one year is $20,380.19 and the total cost is $203,801.90 for 10 years. The yearly cost to finance the bulldozer is $38,648.63 and the total cost is $309,189.04 for 8 years. The total cost of financing all three lawn mowers for a year is $11,395.03 and the total cost for 5 years is $56,975.15. The yearly cost to finance the activity center is $28,120.55 and the total cost is $1,124,822.22 for 40 years. The total cost for the capital budget from year 1 to year 5 will be $126,664.95. The total budget cost from year 6 to year 8 will $115,269.92 and from year 9 to 10 $76,621.29. From year 10 unto year 40, the budget would be $28,120.55 for the activity center. However, River County would pay off the lawn movers in 5 years, bulldozer in 8 years, and garbage trucks in 10 years the issue of depreciation stills needs to be addressed. The current value of the equipment would need to be appraised to determine if it is still operational according to River County standards, or do the equipment need to be replaced. If River County decides to replace the equipment then the revenue from the savage would be used to re-invest in to new equipment and the capital budget would be updated. With the current River County budget the tax revenues received from the county would be more than sufficient, but if there is a budget short fall, River County could issue 5 year municipal bonds to cover the cost. Reference: Finkler, S.A. (2010). Financial management for public, health, and not-for-profit organizations (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall Martinson, O. B. (2002). A look at cost accounting in the service industry and the federal government.The Journal of Government Financial Management, 51(1), 18-25. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/222373894?accountid=32521 Rodriguez, J. F. (1994). Sound principles: New adaptations. The Government Accountants Journal, 43(3),35. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/222431343?accountid=32521

Insulin Production From Genetically Modified Bacteria Biology Essay

Insulin Production From Genetically Modified Bacteria Biology Essay In the 1970s people suffering from diabetes mellitus used insulin from cattle pigs, but this was expensive time consuming. Moreover insulin from other animals was not exactly as same as those in humans, causing many side-effects. Also many people were against the use of animal insulin for ethical or religious reasons. This problem had to be solved in 1970s biotechnological companies began working of genetically modifying a bacterium to produce insulin by insertion of a human gene. many different methods were tried tested, then finally in the early 1980s they suceeded, this was agreat achievement in the science world. the procedure was as follows :- Isolation of insulin gene insulin is a small protein . the first challenge was to isloate the insulin gene from the rest of the DNA in the human cell. But there was a problem doing so directly, instead the mRNA carrying the code for synthesizing insulin was extracted from the cells in the pancreas that produces insulin, called B-cells. then the mRNA was left in incubation with reverse transcriptase, reverse transcriptase is a special retrovirus, it does the opposite of transcription i.e codes for DNA from RNA, this newly coded DNA is called complimentary DNA or simply cDNA. at first single stranded molecules were formed, which then turned in double helix. these DNA molecules carried the code for human insulin. these DNA molecules then needed to be stuck to other DNA strands, so they were given sticky ends by adding lenghts of single stranded DNA made up of guanine nucleotide to each end using enzyymes. insertion of gene into a vector for the human insulin gene to be inserted into a bacterium, there has to be an intermediate carrier of the gene called a vector this was a plasmid. plasmids are small circular pieces of DNA found in many bacteria. plasmids can freely move into bacterium cells and if we are able to insert the human DNA inside the plasmid then insert plasmid into a bacterium. To obatin the plasmids from the bacteria containing them, these bacteria frist had to be mixed with enzymes to dissolve their cell walls. then centrifuged so that large organelles e.g chromosomes small ones like plasmids would be seperated. restriction enzymes were used to slice open the the circular DNA making up the plasmid. sticky ends were added again but this time the nucleotide used to make them conatined cytosine guanine bases on their ends paired up. DNA ligase was then used to link the nucleotide backbone together so that the human insulin gene became part of tthe plasmid. this was the manufacture of recombinant DNA. Advantages of treating diabetes by human insulin There are a number of advantages of using the human insulin produced by genetically engineered bacteria: it is chemically identical to the insulin that would have been produced had they not been diabetic, so there is little chance of an immune response because it is an exact fit in the human insulin receptors in human cell surface membranes, it brings about a much more rapid response than pig or cow insulin, like natural human insulin, the duration of the response is much shorter than pig or cattle insulin, it overcomes problems related to the development of a tolerance to insulin from pigs or cattle, it avoids any ethical issues that might arise from the use pig or cattle insulin, for example, religious objections to the use of pig insulin or objections from vegetarians to the use of animal products. Benefits of gene technology Through gene technology, it is now possible to produce: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ genetically modified organisms for a specific purpose. Previously, such genetic change would have to be brought about by selective breeding which requires organisms to be of the same species (able to breed successfully together), takes many generations and involves transfer of whole genomes, complete with undesirable background genes. Gene technology is much faster and involves transferring one or few genes, which may come from completely unrelated organisms, even from different kingdoms. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ specific products, such as human insulin and human growth hormone, thereby reducing the dependence on products from other, less reliable sources, such as pig or cow insulin. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ reduce use of agrochemicals such as herbicides and pesticides since crops can be made resistant to particular herbicides, or can be made to contain toxins that kill insects à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ clean up specific pollutants and waste materials bioremediation à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ potential for use of gene technology to treat genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis (see below) and SCID (Severe Combined Immune Deficiency) as well as in cancer treatment. Hazards of genetic engineering Genes inserted into bacteria could be transferred into other bacterial species, potentially including antibiotic resistance genes and those for other materials, which could result in antibiotic resistance in pathogens, or in bacteria that can produce toxic materials or break down useful materials. Regulation is designed to minimise the risks of escape of such genes. There is little evidence that such genes have escaped into wild bacterial populations. Crop plants have, by their nature, to be released into the environment to grow, and many millions of hectares of genetically engineered crops, both experimental and commercial, are planted across the globe. So far, fears that they might turn out to be super-weeds, resistant to herbicides and spreading uncontrollably, or that their genes might transfer into other closely related wild species, forming a different kind of super-weed, or that they might reduce biodiversity by genetic contamination of wild relatives seem to have proved unfounded. A paper was published in Nature in 2001 showing that Mexican wild maize populations were contaminated with genes from genetically manipulated maize, but the methods used were flawed and subsequent studies have not confirmed this contamination, suggesting that the wild maize is not genetically contaminated. There is some evidence that Bt toxin, geneticially engineered into plants such as cotton and maize, whilst very effective in killing the targe t species, may kill other, desirable, insects such as bees and butterflies, and may also cause natural selection of Bt toxin resistant insects. Future events may show that such environmental risks are greater than they look at present. Food that is derived from genetically engineered organisms may prove to be unexpectedly toxic or to trigger allergic reactions when consumed. There is little reliable evidence that this has been so, but the risk remains. Food containing the expressed products of antibiotic resistance marker genes could be consumed at the same time as treatment with the antibiotic was occurring, which would potentially reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. No examples of this are known. social ethical implocations of genetic engineering ethics are set of rules set by people distinguishing between whats acceptable and whats not, between whats right and whats wrong. these ethics or rules change from a person to person depedning upon knowledge, experience, social influnce, religious influence etc. The social impact of gene technology is to do with its potential and actual impact of human society and individuals. In terms of social impact, gene technology could: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ enhance crop yields and permit crops to grow outside their usual location or season so that people have more food à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ enhance the nutritional content of crops so that people are better fed à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ permit better targeted clean-up of wastes and pollutants à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ lead to production of more effective and cheaper medicines and treatments through genetic manipulation of microorganisms and agricultural organisms to make medicines and genetic manipulation of human cells and individuals (gene therapy) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ produce super-weeds or otherwise interfere with ecosystems in unexpected ways, reducing crop yields so that people have less food à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ increase costs of seed and prevent seed from being retained for sowing next year (by inclusion of genes to kill any seed produced this way) reducing food production à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ reduce crop biodiversity by out-competing natural crops so that people are less well fed à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ damage useful materials such as oil or plastic in unexpected ways à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ cause antibiotics to become less useful and cause allergic reactions or disease in other unexpected ways The ethical impact is about the application of moral frameworks concerning the principles of conduct governing individuals and groups, including what might be thought to be right or wrong, good or bad. So in the context of gene technology, it is to do with issues of whether is right or wrong to conduct research and develop technologies, whether it is good or bad. Judgements may be that à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ It is good to conduct such research to develop technologies that might improve nutrition, the environment or health à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ It is good to use the results of such research to produce food, to enhance the environment or improve health à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ It is wrong to continue such research when the potential impact of the technology is unknown and many aspects of it remain to be understood. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ It is wrong to use the results of such research even when the organisms are kept in carefully regulated environments such as sterile fermenters as the risks of the organisms or the genes they contain escaping are too great and unknown à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ It is wrong to use the results of such research when this involves release of gene technology into the environment as once it is released it cannot be taken back the genes are self-perpetuating, and the risks that they might cause in future are unknown The social and ethical implications of gene technology are complex and relatively unfamiliar to people who are not scientists, including those involved in the media and in government. This complexity and unfamiliarity is the cause of considerable concern and debate. In considering the implications of gene technology the best approach is to avoid the general (e.g. avoid it is bad to play God) and stick to the specific and balanced (e.g. it is possible to increase food crop yields with gene technology so more people can be fed, but there is enough food already if it is properly distributed, so people should not be forced to eat products with unknown risks).

7 Elevens Information Systems

7 Elevens Information Systems 7 Eleven commenced operation on 11th July 1927 in Dallas Texas and has gone on to be an industry leader for more than 40 years (http://www.rimag.com). Originally the stores operated from 7am to 11pm, a trading span that was unheard of at the time. However most 7 Eleven stores now operate 24 hrs a day (www.answers.com). 7 Eleven has approx 7100 stores in North America and over 30,000 stores world wide. It has the largest ATM network of any other convenience store in the United States. 7 Eleven have had many convenience store firsts including being the first retailer to sell coffee in take away cups and offering all major soft drinks brands at their fountains. To put the size of 7 Eleven into perspective they sell 41 million gallons of milk each year, which is enough milk to pour more than two glasses of milk for every person in the United States (www.7-Eleven.com). The diagram below demonstrates the expanse of 7 Eleven world wide. Q.1 7 Eleven competes with both other chains of convenience stores and independent stores. What competitive advantages can you identify in this case? According to the J.D Power and Associates (www.jdpower.com) customer satisfaction survey the following are the most important contributors to customer satisfaction in Japan. There are 3 key areas encompassing the many aspects that provide 7 Eleven with their competitive advantage. As you can see from the overview below 7 Eleven are able to compete and more often than not dominate in each of the key areas identified in the aforementioned study. Extensive Knowledge of the market The management information systems utilised by 7 Eleven allow them to be able to capture crucial data on their customer base, which ensures that are providing customers with the products and services they need and want. Additionally it enables 7 Eleven to be able to track products and utilise a sophisticated inventory system to provide exactly what the customer wants at the time that they need it. Furthermore it refines 7 Elevens inventory system as they are more accurately ordering and restocking products that they are confident will sell. They have developed a streamlined value chain through electronically transmitting orders and keeping product turnover high. They are using computer based information systems to connect all the partners in their value added chains directly into flexible manufacturing systems (Best, 1993, pg. 49). The management information systems also offers added value as it provides 7 Eleven with an avenue to monitor staff performance, thus providing them with the ability to continuously provide a high level of customer service. Technological advances The time distribution system provides competitive advantage on two fronts, the ability to be able to be utilise the small spaces in Japanese retail outlets and to be able to provide customers with a greater range of products more accurately catering for there needs. The information available through their management information systems not only assists in building relationships with their customers, it also allows 7 Elevens vendors to anticipate their needs and prepare and deliver items in a faster than expected timeframe (Buchanan, Thunderbird, Simmons, Washington and Lee University, 2004, pg. 6) providing advantage to 7 Eleven, their customers and their vendors. Expanding core business The expansion of the core business into services such as Internet provision and hot fresh meals sees 7 Eleven providing an alternative service to it customers. This gives customers additional reason to come to 7 Eleven thus expanding the clientele base. 7 Eleven uses its management information systems to obtain competitive advantage that not only helps them decide which products to make available to their customer base, it also allows them to determine how they are going to deliver the product, a crucial component to gaining and sustaining competitive advantage (Buchanan, et. al. 2004, pg.1). In Japan, 7 Eleven have thoroughly engrossed themselves in the concept of expanding their core business to provide their customers with a one stop shop. They provide alternatives to some of the more difficult aspects of the hectic Japanese life style such as meals, ATM access and a pick up point for Internet shopping. In a cash based society they even provide a cash pick up point for e commerce goods and services. 7 Eleven in Japan has truly embraced customer service, which has helped them achieve a distinct competitive advantage in this market. 7-Eleven has exploited the economies of scope of a customer relationship business by working with a broad range of product and service vendors to define new products and services tailored to the needs of their customers (www. edgeperspectives.typepad.com). Q.2 Use the internet to find the major competitors of 7 Eleven in Japan, the United States and other countries where 7 Eleven is active. Describe the competition faced by the company. 7 Eleven has convenience stores in Japan, Australia, Mexico, Taiwan, Singapore, Canada, the Philippines, Sweden, Denmark, South Korea, Thailand, Norway, Turkey, Malaysia, China and the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico (www.7-eleven.com). The following chart depicts the breath of 7 Eleven across its territories. In Japan the major competitors of 7 Eleven are Ministop and Circle K with 1700 (www.ministop.com.ph) and 3000 (www.circlek.com).stores respectively. Compared with the number of stores occupied by 7 Eleven (www.sej.co.jp) it could be concluded that the neither poses any real threat. Both provide very similar services to 7 Eleven including the provision of ready to eat food products, internet services and bill payment facilities (www.circlek.com and www.ministop.com). It is worth noting that Circle K is also a major competitor in Hong Kong. In North America two of the major competitors are B. P North American with 5166 stores including trading names such as AM/PM Mini Market, Amoco, Arco, BP, B Connect, BP Express and Shell Oil Company with 4907 stores (www.csnews.com/csn/images/pdf/CSN_2006_Top100_CStores_Chart.pdf). In Australia the two major competitors to 7 Eleven are Caltex with 566 stores and Coles Express with 595 stores (http://www.cstore.com.au/industry/acn/acn2006.pdf). In Australia both Caltex and Coles Express enjoy a higher market share than 7 Eleven. All of 7 Elevens competitors use management information systems to assist them with data collection and smooth management of their value chain. The evidence suggests that in Australia and North America, the biggest competitors are those that also provide petrol. In Australia this could be partially attributed to the incentive schemes offered by Coles Express and Caltex, providing a distinct competitive advantage that gets the customer through the door and whilst they are there they pick up their bread and milk and other last minute items. The difference could also be distinguishable due to a cultural difference between Japan and western nations such as Australia and North America. Unlike Australia and North America, Asia does not operate on a car dominated transport system. Due to high levels of congestion and inadequate roads, on the whole Asia does not compare with Australia or America in the car ownership stakes. (Moriaty, P, 2000, para.3) Australia has 522 passenger vehicles for every 1000 people in (www.abs.gov.au) the United States has 776 per 1000 population (http://www.unece.org/stats/trends2005/transport.htm) compared with 374 per 1000 population in Japan (Moriaty, P, 2000, para.6). Perhaps the difference in market domination can be attributed to the difference in a cultural need. 7 Eleven have managed to find the niche market in Japan but perhaps they have failed to recognise the key aspect of the consumer oriented decision making in Australia and America. Q3. Which of porters five forces are countered by the 7 Eleven system described here? With a large and varied operation base, 7-Eleven requires advanced business processes and information systems to keep ahead of rising customer expectations and an increasingly challenging business environment. To accomplish these goals, 7- Eleven maintains a business and technology alignment that produces strategy and tactics that are not only efficient and cost effective but are also capable of delivering competitive advantage. The system adopted by 7-Eleven has a consistent and predictable IT infrastructure, one that can adjust to capitalise on changes in the business environment. The Five Forces model of Porter is an outside-in business unit strategy tool that is used to make an analysis of the attractiveness (value) of an industry structure. The Competitive Forces analysis is made by the identification of 5 fundamental competitive forces; the following are countered by the strategic framework for 7-Eleven. Threat Of New Entrants The system adopted by 7-eleven maximizes the threat for new entrants the reason being that 7-Eleven has already reached economies of scale through maintaining a strong customer base and brand loyalty. The access to latest technology and capital investments in the same ensures that the barrier for entries for new entrants is huge .The chain also maintains a wide distribution channel thus the likelihood of retaliation from existing players is diminished. Bargaining Power of Suppliers With the implementation of inventory control systems such as JIT and production of customised products by specialized companies the supplier base is strong for 7-Eleven. However since these suppliers are not dominant they do not threaten to integrate forward into the industry, the reason being the product line is huge and few specific products do not dominate customer requirements. The broad range of products supplied has seen them forge sound relationships with a plethora of suppliers. Additionally they have achieved a level of horizontal integration with the creation of their own supply companies who make customised products under their own branding. Intensity of Rivalry 7-Eleven has emerged as a clear market leader in terms of competition with similar convenience stores because of its highly customer focused orientation and implementation of various information systems adding to its differentiation strategy. Rivalry is further reduced because of the switching costs buyers face with the presence of customised goods. The organisation does not possess high fixed costs and this discourages competitors from manufacturing with price cuts. Q.4 Which strategies of those suggested in the various frameworks are noticeable in this case? 7-Eleven Japan is thriving, owing largely to their digitized foundations, IT infrastructures and business processes that automate core capabilities. Building such foundations requires a sound operating model, a solid enterprise architecture, and IT engagement throughout the company. The company bases its business strategy on a retailer initiative. Each 7-Eleven store tailors its products and services to its neighborhood; the retailing environment is highly dynamic and complex. 7-Eleven Business Model The 7-Eleven business model consists of five key strategies: 1. A differentiated merchandising strategy; 2. utilisation of 7-Elevens retail information system; 3. managed distribution; 4. providing a convenient shopping environment; and 5. a unique franchise model (Stout J, 2005). Differentiated merchandising strategy. 7-Eleven offers a broad array of products, including many not traditionally available in convenience stores, to meet the needs of its customers. These products include high-quality fresh foods that are delivered daily to stores. In addition, the company sells a number of products that are developed specifically for its stores. Utilization of 7-Elevens retail information system. 7-Eleven was the first major convenience store chain in the United States to use an integrated set of retail information tools. Effective utilisation of the system is the foundation of the companys business model. Managed distribution. 7-Eleven works with its vendors and distributors to provide daily delivery of fresh food and other items to its stores, to lower the cost of delivery, and to shift deliveries to off-peak hours. Providing a convenient shopping environment. 7-Eleven seeks to provide its customers with a convenient, safe and clean store environment. The majority of 7-Eleven stores in the United States and Canada provide more than 6 million daily customers with 24-hour convenience, seven days a week. Unique franchise model. More than half of the 7-Eleven stores in the United States are operated by independent franchisees. The companys franchise model is different from most others because 7-Eleven owns or leases the stores and equipment used by its franchisees. In addition, the ongoing royalties that the company receives from its franchisees are based upon a percentage of store gross profit (Stout J, 2005). Apart from this The Just In Time approach for inventory management makes sure that the goods are delivered on time to the point of sales keeping the customer orientation strategy in mind. Q.5. Which business pressures are evident in this case? Retailing is a competitive market in Japan. As stated by Lohtia Subramaniam (2000), in 1994 Japan had 1.5 million retail stores. To put this into context, there were 12 retail stores per 1000 persons in Japan compared to six in USA. In the countries of western Europe, the number of establishments per 1,000 people was close to seven, (Tsuchiya Riethmuller, 1997). While this trend is slowly changing in Japan with the number of retailers declining, the number of convenience stores has been growing. In 1994 there was 48,405 convenience stores compared to 29,236 in 1985. In this same period 7-Eleven has grown from 2,651 stores in 1985 to 5,905 stores in 1994, up to 11,310 (as of February 28, 2006) (www.sej.co.jp, 2007). Low availability and high cost Japanese real estate has seen a trend of small food retail outlets across the country. In 1993, 28.3 per cent of stores had a selling area of under 20m2 and 89.2 per cent had a selling area of under 100m2, (Tsuchiya Riethmuller, 1997). In addition to the high competition the floor space to display and store stock is very limited in Japan. In contrast to the typical US distribution channel which is open, independent and margin-driven, Japanese distribution channels have typically been long, complicated networks where it was not uncommon to have as many as four layers of wholesalers. Such intricacy of the Japanese distribution channel is deeply rooted in the Japanese culture and socio-economic setting that underlies Japanese business customs (Min,1996). Wholesalers have long controlled the Japanese distribution channel through vertical integration, financial linkage, and reciprocity dealings. By the late 1980s 7-Eleven US was losing a lot of money, which continued through to the early 1990s. It was seen as a franchise system with retailers sharing little more than a common brand name with tired generic products. A lot of stores were not only performing badly, they looked run down and unappealing to the customer. Due to poor management of its supply the fresh foods where limited in range and often far from fresh. Pricing was inconsistent with high discounting on some lines and prohibitively high prices on others. It was viewed as a last resort rather than a convenience-shopping experience. 7-Eleven US had got itself into considerable debt and was bankrupt when it had to be rescued by its Japanese franchisee in 1991. Q.6. Which corporate response activities are evident in this case? The success of 7-Eleven Japan has set itself as a benchmark. Meyer-Ohl (2004) states that the perception of the convenience store in Japan is of being the most advanced form of Japanese retailing in having considerable success in merchandising backed up with comprehensive systems. The achievements of 7-Eleven have largely influenced this as it is the largest company and most other companies did not achieve the same level of profitability. 7-Eleven Japan has displayed strong growth and today it remains Japans most profitable retailer and has a market capitalisation that ranks it in the top three retailers in the world. It has achieved this despite the fact that the Japanese economy in the 1990s had been in deep recession and many retailers have seen major losses and faced incredible operating difficulties (Sparks, 2000). Japans success came from a customer driven merchandising system. Its implementation of a $200 million information system for its stores in the early 1990s. The purpose of this system was to (1) discover who their customers were and what they want and (2) create a sophisticated product tracking system, (Case Study). It based its operations around the information provided. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Relays its orders electronically to its distribution centres and suppliers directly from its point of sale system. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ 7-Eleven Japan has formed relationships with its suppliers that break the traditional Keiretsu networks of distribution, where wholesalers have had control of the relationship. It has formed strategic relationships with suppliers where it orders directly from them using a Just-in-Time approach. It has even created its own companies to manufacture customised products in response to its market trends. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Monitoring customer preferences from both the point of sale system and staff entering data about the customer as well as any requests customers make for products 7-Eleven doesnt have. This enables individual stores to change stock from slow moving lines. 70% of products are replaced each year. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Determining product mix and how much shelf space allocated to each product. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Rotating stock at least twice each day to suit purchasing trends of customers throughout the day. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Monitoring staff performance and rewarding high performers. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Quality control data is collected by a team of 200 inspectors regularly visiting the stores. This is entered into and analysed by a computerized decision support system at headquarters. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Expanding on its traditional convenience food, beverages and fuel type product offerings with, such as ATM, phones and phone cards, internet kiosks and even beer. As outlined by Sparks (2000), the Japanese model of convenience stores has been introduced to the United States. 7-Elevens core functions are managing the data on what its customers buy and honing its unique merchandising skills. 7-Elevens core business is merchandising the pricing, positioning and promotion of ready-to-eat food, snacks, fuel and sundries (Gottfredson Phillips, 2005). It improved its systems to enable it to control and make the most of critical capabilities such as stock price to key metrics like inventory turns. While sticking to its core competencies and some core products the Japanese model used market information for a localised approach at the store level in product offering. The slow but strategic changes for 7-Eleven US have been concentrated on the following elements: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Poorly located and performing stores have been closed. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The stores have been remodeled, with new designs and layouts. The remodeling has included the introduction of point of sale systems (POS). This enables a customer driven approach where using their feedback for product selection and development. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Offering a core range which is supplemented by products selected to meet local needs, stocking proprietary or exclusive products where possible. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Non-food products have been introduced including phone cards and phones as well as additional services through ATMs and trailing of a financial services centre. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Standardised pricing that is more competitive. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Re-positioning of the business to have fresh foods and convenience elements to meet modern consumer demands. Daily supply of many of these products through a reconstructed distribution and production chain. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The combination of new products of a high quality and found only in a 7-Eleven, and backed by trademark development and protection and a more focused advertising strategy is summarized in the companys first, best and only slogan. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The distribution system itself has been re-engineered and Combined Distribution Centres have been introduced to better manage the flow of products into the stores. A high level of control of the supply chain has been achieved. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ A high quality and advanced retail information system has been introduced, which closely resembles the model in Japan. Many of the business processes were operated manually for a long time to understand the critical elements driving the business. Now with the introduction of technology this process can move further ahead and can aid the store employment and management situation by freeing up staff time. This extra time will enable gathering market information. Q.7 Does the procedure of collecting customers information infringe on their privacy? Why or why not? Is it unethical? Should customers have the right to anonymity, or check that information collected on them is accurate? The procedure of collecting information about customers does not infringe on their privacy at all. The procedure is very simple and is done by observing customer behaviour and preferences in order to serve them better. It does not involve any sort of interviewing or interference with the customers. It is only an efficient way of running an organisation. As 7-Eleven is well aware of customer preferences and choices it makes it easy for them to make only those products available in ample quantities so as to serve the customers better. It is not at all unethical. Different customers have different choices. As per demography i.e. age, location. Thus 7-eleven keeps a perfect record of demand of products as per their age and location. At different times during a day different products are required by the customers. The information collected is purely from 7-Elevens point of view a way of serving them better. There would be no point of having products that do not match the customers need. So every store must be well aware of the demand of customers. If some customer questions the management as to why a particular product is always available and why some other product is not then in such a situation he can be given the reason of the information collected. Besides there is no reason for the customers to interfere with the 7-Eleven way of managing as it does not in any way infringe on their privacy. Q.8 Surf the Internet to find information about recent IT related initiatives of 7 Eleven, both in Japan and the United States. Relate them to gaining the strategic advantage. In its latest effort, 7-Elevens procurement staff have developed a tool that makes procurement productive and efficient. Its an automated system where procurement professionals can manage hundreds more requests for proposals (RFPs) and contracts per person. An important part of 7-Elevens procurement initiative is to encourage franchisees to use the new streamlined system and, ultimately, buy from recommended suppliers. Although franchisees can purchase from any convenience-product supplier, the new centralised system enables 7-Eleven to aggregate suppliers and items for consolidated negotiations (7Eleven news room, 2007). With a solid enterprise IT foundation in place, 7-Eleven has begun adding layers of advanced systems and functionalities to its industry-leading business process and technology strategy. Recent initiatives include a contact less payment option at POS to provide more convenience to 7-Elevens customers. Using radio-frequency (RF) technology, these systems enable customers to make quick and secure transactions by holding close to or tapping a reader with an RF-enabled credit card or alternative device, such as a key fob. All other aspects of the contact less payment process are handled in the same way as a traditional credit-card or debit-payment transaction (Anonymous, 2006). The contact less payment initiative has gone chain wide to 5,300 stores in the U.S. in 2006 in partnership with Chase with Blink, the MasterCard PayPass, American Express Express Pay and Visa Contactless systems. Authorisation is accomplished in seconds, and no signature is required for many purchases under $25, making this a speedy, easy, convenient and secure customer transaction. Contactless payment systems are often a first step by retailers into the emerging world of radio frequency identification (RFID), and this may be the case at 7- Eleven. We anticipate adding RFID technology to other products and services offered at 7-Eleven stores, adds Rick Updyke, 7-Elevens vice president of business development, to provide even convenience for consumers( Updyke R., 2006). Other Initiatives à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Increasing use of an integrated set of retail IT tools to analyze sales on individual items, sales trends and customer preferences to improve product assortment, eliminate slow-moving product from inventory, and increase same-store sales by developing new products, such as the new fresh-food offerings that attract new customers and increase transaction size. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Expanded use of Vcom, a proprietary multi-function, self-service kiosk that offers check-cashing, bill payment, money order, money transfer, pre-paid credit cards, ATM services and access to residential telephone services (Updyke R., 2006). Conclusion Through its long term involvement and study of the market along with its extensive information systems Seven-Eleven Japan has been characterised as a major innovator in convenience store operations. By its continual improvement and sustaining this over a long period of time it has resulted in significant growth. 7-Eleven has used continual improvement in its model of a customer focused information systems approach. 7-Eleven has succeeded in the essential steps for marketing management as outlined by Wen Peng (2002), market segmentation, market segment targeting, and design and implementation of marketing mix. It has used its information systems combining its POS and staff driven customer profiling to capture market trends to base its selection and stocking of products through to aiding its inventory management and Just-in-Time approach. 7- Elevens distinct competitive advantage can be attributed to the way the information management system links with the corporate strategy and the o perational strategies of logistics, merchandising and day to day store operations (http://www.worldscibooks.com/eastasianstudies/4981.html). From this it has gleaned efficiencies that enabled it to become the number one retailer in Japan at a time of fierce competition and poor economic conditions.

Essay --

Mekanism is a San francisco-based creative digital agency that is founded in 2000 by Tommy Means. Mekanism is derived from a company named Complete Pandemonium. Means saw a big opportunity of the internet for a great media platform that was not being deployed and understood by people and company back in 2000. Means started to grow his view to an independent integrated creative production studio to develop the branded content outside traditional marketing communication channels. Means aimed the mission to place the web media at the center of all advertising, and to make marketing more effective among all the other platforms. Immediately the agency was founded as an independent entity, he added three partners. Pete Caban as a head of digital, Ian Kovalic as an executive creative director, and Jason Harris as an executive producer. Pete Caban leads technology development, new media initiatives and business operations. Focusing mainly on projects surrounding emerging content platforms, Caban directs the technical development of Mekanism’s client campaigns by leveraging the industry’s latest innovations to deliver targeted content to the widest base. Ian Kovalic brings an artistic and creative background in design, interactive and animated storytelling. As executive creative director, he oversees most of the design execution across commercial, web and branded entertainment. Jason Harris leads the strategy and production of branded entertainment campaigns. His core focus is fostering Mekanism’s position as the premiere storyteller for emerging media. Harris represents a unique mix of strategy, management and production expertise. He works attentively with brands to help make hit content, develop community platforms, and enhance reach a... ...Super bowl, Mekanism continued engagement with the audience, with the contests where hundreds of thousands additional fans came to watch the spot frame by frame and hunt for planted easter eggs. Average times on Pepsi.com was unbelievable, 4 minutes and 35 seconds. The program garnered press eventually every outlet from USATODAY, to the New York Times to the Today Show. Through paid, owned , and earned media, it received over 5.5 billion impressions. In the end, Mekanism created a Fan-made film that looked stunning, and delivered on the creativity and passion of its audience which generated buzz long before and after the Super Bowl. But most importantly, Makanism amplified the voice of the now generation, and Pepsi put its marketing focus on the people who really matter, its consumers. http://youtu.be/a6YjAWU6_Qw>

21st Century Living Essay -- essays research papers

The 21st Century is just around the corner and with it will come many changes in today’s modern society. Changes occur daily, yet taken into view yearly these changes become extremely noticeable. The people of today’s society are changing everyday, and therefore so is the world. This report will express personal beliefs on what will occur in the 21st century. Within it are examples such as, crime rates, personalities, religion, and living environments.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The 21st Century will bring crime rates to a substantially high rate. In today’s society we have a high crime rate. Day by day more crimes are committed, and taken year by year the numbers rise hugely. This only shows that the police department’s system is not working the way expected. This system has not been modified to any extent, and therefore the numbers will not change. By the time the 21st Century comes along the numbers will have risen to a point where society will be terrified to leave their homes for fear of being attacked.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The on patrol system has not stopped criminals from committing another crime. Criminals who were once imprisoned come out different people searching for a new life. When these ex-criminals find that their previous record stops them from retrieving the dream they were told they could have, they return to the life of crime. The system takes into effect only the emotional changes of the criminal and has never reflected upon the actual ch...

The Subject of Affirmative Action

Considering the subject of affirmative action the following questions frequently are raised: Is there a clear understanding of affirmative action roles/goals? What are the pros/cons of these programs? What are the â€Å"loop holes† in the system? Does seniority play a role in affirmative action? Addressing these key questions may help us all in our daily routine, as administrators and/or potential administrator in the public/private sector. Affirmative action programs throughout the United States have long been a controversial issue particularly concerning employment practices (public/private) and university student and/or staff recruitment. Most public agencies have some type of instituted affirmative action program. According to Cheryl Perry-League, Director of Equal Opportunity of the Port of Oakland, every business operating on Port of Oakland owned land must have a standing affirmative action program on record and businesses bidding to do work for the Port of Oakl! and must have an acceptably diverse workforce. To understand the role and/or goals of affirmative actions programs we should define what the broad definition of what affirmative action is and what caused its development. The phase â€Å"affirmative action† was used in a racial discrimination context. Executive Order No. 10,925 issued by President John F. Kennedy in 1961. The order indicated that federal contractors should take affirmative action to ensure job applicants and employees are treated â€Å"without regard to their race, creed, or national origin. † A person could define this statement as an order to imply equal access and nothing else. Subsequently, Executive Order 11246 issued by President Johnson in September 1965, â€Å"mandated affirmative action goals for all federally funded programs and moved monitoring and enforcement of affirmative action programs out of the White House and into the Labor Department. Affirmative action â€Å"refers to various efforts to deliberately! take race, sex, and national origins into account to remedy past and current effects of discrimination. Its primary goal is to ensure that women and minorities are widely represented in all occupations and at all organizational levels† (Tompkins, 1995, p. 161). Another definition of affirmative action according to Barbara Bergmann is â€Å"planning and acting to end the absence of certain kinds of people-those who belong to groups that have been subordinated or left out-from certain jobs and schools† (1997 p. 7). Tracing the history of affirmative action, laws against racial discrimination have proved inadequate for workplace integration because they often provide remedies only after the fact. Affirmative action requires proactive steps to provide equal opportunities in employment as well as access to education. Many affirmative action programs were born from Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VII references to affirmative action programs were brought about â€Å"because of! the history of discrimination in the United States, certain groups are viewed as disadvantage in the current marketplace. Thus affirmative action laws impose temporary requirements to correct underutilization of these groups (e. g. , goals and timetables for increasing the number of minorities and women in a facility)† (Gutman, 1993, p. 9). Prior to these laws and the Title VII law, the U. S workforce was primarily dominated by white males. Although, still somewhat white male dominated, quotas that were designed through affirmative action programs have helped achieve some representation of women and minorities in the current work force. Some remedies brought about through affirmative action programs include goal setting, quotas, and timetables. The term goal â€Å"refers to specific outcomes which, when achieved, will result in equal employment opportunity and equitable representation† (Hall & Albrecht, 1979, p. 47-78). Goals and hiring quotas vary somewhat in their fu! nction. Goals generally are long range plans that organizations use and there are no expected minimum or maximum limitations. Quotas by comparison, â€Å"establishes a definite number of people who must be hired. A Company cannot by law, use quotas unless it has been ordered to do so by a court to remedy a past action† (Hall & Albrecht, 1979, p. 47-78). Deficiency correction is the primary target of goal setting through affirmative action. For an organization to be effective with goals, they must be realistic, attainable, and monitored by the human resource department. Affirmative action programs generally achieve their set goals through several common practices called outreach programs. First, there are special recruiting programs where women and minorities will most likely be found. These special outreach programs often target black universities and female dominated educational facilities. A second outreach program involves special advertising. Generally, this is also implemented ! in areas that are heavily populated by women and minorities similar to that of recruiting programs. Through outreach programs like the ones mentioned above, goals can be attained to achieve equity and representation without forgoing higher educated and skilled applicants. These programs can be justified because discrimination is still apparent in the United States today. A 1990 study by the University of Chicago†s National Opinion Research Center found that the majority of white Americans still believe blacks to be inferior. For example, 53% of non-black respondents said they thought blacks were less intelligent than whites, 62% said they thought blacks were less patriotic, 62% said they thought blacks were lazier, and 78% said they thought blacks â€Å"preferred to live off welfare. † The National Assessment of Educational Progress, a series of national standardize tests, evaluates students on their proficiency in reading, writing and science. They divide and co! mpare these results to better understand the effectiveness of public schools. Their results suggest a large imbalance in the educational quality received by whites and other races. The most noticeable imbalance in the three fundamentals of learning was the most important, reading. When students cannot read well, they usually cannot succeed in other subject areas. With the background of affirmative action and its programs established we should evaluate some of the problems with affirmative action and if affirmative action programs work. Opponents against affirmative action programs often believe that the system currently in place is a misuse of the original intent of affirmative action. The programs as they apply now are detrimental to the operation of the job market, to white males, and to the groups it is supposed to benefit. They further contend affirmative action causes reverse discrimination. It is not good practice for Opponents â€Å"pro† affirmative action to use it as a way! to make up for past discrimination. Another problem caused by affirmative action is that it often places a stigma on any groups, which receive preferential treatment, especially on individuals who earn positions because of their ability. Opponents of affirmative action programs believe that these programs when handled properly through the human resources department within an organization can minimize the negative references received regarding hiring practices. Nye states â€Å"that positive information regarding an employee†s job qualifications should minimize assumptions of incompetence associated with affirmative action hiring programs. In other words, when co-workers have information that clearly describes an individual†s job qualifications, they should be less likely to assume that he or she was hired solely on race or gender†(1998). By making this information available within the organization, it would help remove the pressures from the employee and co-worker regarding the hi! ring practices. This could further help the organization in the area of productivity, public relations within the community, and morale. By increasing morale, you maybe able to retain more employees, recruitment made easier, and motivate employees into a very competitive workforce. Opponents of affirmative action also do not believe that women and minorities will be treated fairly without affirmative action programs. Opportunities in today†s workplace are extremely competitive. Glazer states that â€Å"the battle over affirmative action today is a contest between a clear principle on the one hand and a clear reality on the other. The principle is that ability, qualifications, and merit, independent of race, national origin, or sex should prevail when one applies for a job or promotion, or for selective institutions for higher education, or when one bids for contracts. The reality is that strict adherence to this principle would result in few African Americans getting jobs, admissio! s, and contracts† (1998). With that being said, women and minorities cannot possibly have a fair chance in today†s society without positive affirmative action programs. However, with affirmative action, it has been noted that their incentives to achieve success may be decreased because â€Å"preferential treatment can lead to the patronization of minorities and women workers and students. By â€Å"patronization† I mean the setting of a lower standard of expected accomplishment because of the belief that these people are not as capable of meeting a higher standard† (Loury, 1997). With a white male dominated workforce, negative public perceptions, and low self-esteem of applicants, affirmative action offers a solution for race and gender equity. Further stated, everyone in America should be afforded equal opportunity. If this cannot be achieved voluntarily, then we must continue to take action to remedy these situations. Opponents of affirmative action won a landmark victory, in 1998, wi! th the passage of California†s Proposition 209. This proposition abolished all public-sector affirmative action programs in the state in employment, education and contracting. Clause(C) of Prop. 09 permits gender discrimination that is â€Å"reasonably necessary† to the â€Å"normal operation† of public education, employment and contracting. In 1998, The ban on use of affirmative action in admissions at the University of California went into effect. UC Berkeley had a 61% drop in admissions, and UCLA had a 36% decline. This decline strengthens the position of the Pro side of affirmative action. However, a contingency plan has been established. According to a source (who asked to remain nameless), UC Berkeley has a program to actively recruit more minority students that falls out of the guidelines established by prop. 09. These types of â€Å"loop holes† can ultimately hurt the various studies on the effectiveness of anti-affirmative action laws. â€Å"Loop holes† are exceptions to the ! rules or standards. It†s a way around the system. Opponents for affirmative action might feel that the Washington State government utilized such a â€Å"loop hole† in 1997. Under an affirmative action program criticized as the ultimate example of preferential treatment by supporters against affirmative action, the Washington State government hired more white men than African Americans did or any other minority group. In fact, white men fell second to white women being hired (Brune). The program in question is Washington State†s â€Å"plus three† program, according to Tom Brune of the Seattle Times, â€Å"allows the state to hire people who qualify for affirmative action over finalists with higher job-test scores. White men qualify because the state†s affirmative action policy cover not only people of color and women, but also Vietnam-era veterans, disabled veterans and people with disabilities. Majority of the veterans are white men and nearly half of them are disabled in the State of Washin! gton†. Another example of how affirmative action works for the disadvantaged can be found in Hayward, California. Bonnie Kellogg was admitted into the government†s Small Business Administration program that gives her company competitive advantages in its quest for government and large corporate contracts. Prior to 1995, Kellogg†s chances of getting into this program, officially known as the 8(a) Business Development program, would have been slim to none. However, in 1995 court ruling stemming from a law suit by a white business owner alleging â€Å"reverse discrimination† relaxed government standards. This ruling as allow for whites, Egyptians and Iranians, who fall outside the SBA†s minority designation easier access to the program. This relaxation of the rules as helped non-minorities business owners greatly. Report K. Oanh Ha of the Knight Rider Tribune finds a, a big statistical change. From 1968 until mid-1998, only 40 businesses owned by whites and non-minorities out of 13,40! 0 firms nationally were admitted, were admitted into the 8(a) program. So far this year, 74 non-minority companies have been admitted. 1999) Seniority must be examined because in my opinion it is the most widely used preferential treatment policy in the American workplace? With affirmative action being view as preference by many Americans and seniority being an unchallenged â€Å"rule-of-thumb. † In an article by Paul Rockwell he explains, â€Å"The seniority system may be legitimate, but it is no less preferential in its execution than affirmative action. When layoffs take place by seniority, many highly skilled women, many well-qualified people of color, among others, are bumped out of their jobs by less qualified older white males. In a seniority system, the last hired is the first fired, whether the employee is more skilled and competent than an employee protected by seniority. (1999). † Richard Lester, author of Manpower Planning, believes that seniority places less qualifi! ed employees ahead of employees who are often better educated, more skilled in computers. Arthur Whitehill & Shin Ichi Takezawa in Work Ways, concluded the same thoughts â€Å"Younger worker in some cases are more competent than older workers because of [them being} better education, greater adaptability and physical fitness. The public sector and much of the private sector have recognized seniority for quite sometime. We can find this system practiced by older teachers at various universities who are often protected by tenure. Professor Daniel Barber has even stated in candid conversion that when he was the department chair for the Master of Public Administration he took care of the tenured faculty first. Knowing this, why do Opponents of affirmative action, have appeared to be, judgmental of about so-called â€Å"merit† and â€Å"preference†, why isn†t there the same concern about the biggest workplace exception to strict meritocracy – Seniority? Seniority is yet another way to protect th! e â€Å"good ‘o boys networks†. Found in many of the historically white male dominated professions, for example, Firefighters, police, school superintendents, and college professors. Coming from a public sector background (Disabled Army War Veteran, Bureau of Prisons office administrator, Department of Veterans Affairs administrator, and to many federal internships to count) I support the seniority system in those places where affirmative action is still in place. Workplace should reflect the diversity of the community it serves, seniority is a fair system of labor management relations. Seniority gives employees for the personnel problems and private preferences of an employer. However, seniority is a widely used exception to strict merit system only if the workplace is democratic and applied with affirmative action the workplace can become more inclusive. Where affirmative action is repealed, seniority loses some of its legitimacy. I argue that only loses some of its legitimacy be! cause I personally was retained as an employee in a seniority situation. I was the last hired but I was not fired. In short, the scope of seniority and affirmative action are similar. The goal of seniority is job security and affirmative action is integration; both goals are good for America. The American labor movement has a major stake in seniority. The movement should embrace affirmative action because in good conscience it should not take advantage of one and not honor the other. Basically, benefiting for seniority practices but opposing affirmative action for others. If affirmative action is repealed, seniority should go as well. Labor unions and movements should concentrate on saving affirmative action. At a time when all progressive social policies are under attack, unity between women, labor, and people of color is imperative. Seniority and affirmative action should stand or fall together. CONCLUSION Ultimately, the controversy surrounding affirmative action programs t! oday will continue into the future. Society as a whole does not appear to be ready to relinquish its negative perception of the hiring practices brought about by Title VII. However, the benefits brought about this act has greatly increased the opportunity for women and minorities in employment that may not have otherwise been available. These programs have offered hope to some if not all-socioeconomic groups that they will be afforded the opportunity of equal employment and/or representation in our society. Furthermore, human resource departments in the public sector will have to become more skilled in implementing positive affirmative action programs if we are to reap the full benefits from them. Finally, Affirmative action is not a cure-all. It will not eliminate racial discrimination, nor will it eliminate competition for scare resources. Affirmative action programs can only ensure that everyone has a fair chance at what is available. They cannot direct us to the social pol! icies necessary so people do not have to compete for scarce resources in the first place. The larger question to ask is why are there not enough decent paying, challenging and safe jobs for everyone? Why are there not enough seats in the universities for everyone who wants an education? Expanding opportunity for people of color means expanding not only their access to existing jobs & education, but also removing the obstacles that cause these resources to be limited.