Comparative

Though we are all equipped with the ability of loving someone, but the flow of love we let out is different from one to another. Besides, we can also clearly observe a world of different ways of love between couples, husbands and wives, or even mothers and children. For example, in the poem, â€Å"Leaving the Motel†, are two secret lovers sharing their love after an afternoon sexual encounter, while in † After Making Love We Hear Footsteps†, the presence of the couple's child perfect the family love. Thus, different poet will interpret the same topic distinctly.Reading through these two poems, the very first difference that I observe is the tone used in the poem. In â€Å"Leaving the Motel†, everything seems to go so fast, and the speaker keeps looking from here to there carefully and sprightly. Besides, the large uses of enjambment indicates that the actions shouldn't include any pauses and must be done all the way until everything is in the right position, such as the following lines quoted below, Check: is the second bed Unreeled, as agreed? Landlords have to think ahead In case of need, (lines 5-8)Beside the enjambments used in lines, find out that author ingeniously utilized the enjambment between paragraphs such as paragraph 5 to paragraph 6: We've paid. Still, should such things get lonely, An aspirin to preserve Our lilacs, the wayside flowers (lines 19-22) Leave in their vase And from above, it's dawn on me that though they eager to express the true feelings in their minds, they failed to do so. As the tone shift, the word â€Å"still† in line 19 and the truth that â€Å"A few more hours; / That's all† (lines 24-25) reveals nothing could actually last.This kind of erotic love contained not only worrying but also guilt, because the love can't be preserved as long as possible and can't be confirmed under the sun. This tone is much different with the other poem, â€Å"After Making Love We heard Footsteps†. At the beginning of the first stanza, For I can snore like a bullhorn or play loud music or sit up talking with any reasonably sober Irishman (lines 1-3) these lines portray a lighthearted tone. Later author put down the sweet sex of the couple, describing the sounds of the progress in lines 6 and 7, â€Å"but let there e that heavy breathing / or a stifled come-cry anywhere in the house†.In contrast with the brisk and short tone in â€Å"Leaving the Motel†, it is rather meticulous and enthusiastic. Likewise, the tones secretly shift as the third person shows up, the emergence of a little boy. At first, consider the image of boys insecurity in such a big house would be a bad interruption in a negative light, as the boy leaves a question, â€Å"Are you loving and snuggling? May join? † (line 16) But I am utterly wrong as the tone showing me the love the parents hold for their child.In second stanza, which I considered the most touching and convincing one, when spea ker said, â€Å"this one whom habit of memory propels to the ground of his making (line 22) and this blessing love gives again into our arms. † (line 24), they pick up the meaning of sex and it is through the progress that their child came to the family. Hence, the word â€Å"love† in line 24 carries two meanings. One is sex of love and the other is the child of love. Except the tone and internal form, we may also find details about the poems.

The Client Maintenance

AbstractThis examination is done to watch that how extraordinary factors impacts the client maintenance. In this paper the survey was utilized as the gathering instrument. The possibility of this examination was obviously advised to the respondents. The exploration was done on 300 respondents through which 170 filled polls were returned. We have utilized the co connection examination and the relapse investigation. Unwavering quality examination was likewise done. Pearson co connection examination was utilized to test the created speculation. Through the discoveries we come to realize that Customer reliability have constructive outcome on the client maintenance. With the assistance of this investigation the conclusion and the future suggestions are said. Part # 01 1.Introduction1.1 Background of themeClient maintenance in basic words is characterized as checking of the business that serves to measures how steadfast its clients are. Then again it is likewise characterized as keeping up the client towards their item (White and Yanamandram, 2004). Client maintenance is the principle objective for the organizations that aides in keeping up their business (Coviello , 2002).There are an expansive number of firms that are connected with the client maintenance . The organizations will undoubtedly anticipate the client maintenance to get the focused on result Kotler (2003). Client maintenance happens when the clients are completely happy with the administration gave by the inns (Grà ¸nhaug and Gilly,2001).On the other hand the clients are particularly faithful towards their image (lodging) and it brings about the client maintenance of that brand (Buttle, 2004). Every proprietor centers around the client maintenance to accomplish the greatest benefits and advantages (Dawkins and Reichheld, 2009). There are few examinations that clarify the impact of the diverse variables that impact the client maintenance in inns. This is especially simple for the clients to get disappointed with the offers administrations to them (Colgate and Lang, 2001; Colgate and Norris, 2001)1.2 Purpose Of The StudyThe Main and preeminent reason for this examination is to discover the impact of the diverse factors on the client maintenance.1.3 Research ObjectivesThe essential targets for this article are as per the following: †¢ To find the impacts of the distinctive factors on the client maintenance.1.4 Significance and extent of the investigationIn this examination the principle critical of this is client maintenance is the fundamental activity for any business for the most extreme yield. This examination is done to clarify the connection between benefit quality, client unwaveringness, condition, consumer loyalty and client maintenance. This examination will assist the entrepreneurs with working on these variables in light of the fact that these elements are the fundamental need of the each client. Furthermore, with the assistance of this investigation the entrepreneurs can succeed their lodging business. This examination is additionally helpful for other comparable associations who are confronting the issues in keeping up their clients.2. Writing Review2.2 Customer RetentionIn relatively every business there is a factor of client maintenance. The brands attempt their best for the client maintenance. Numerous analysts have been done to discover the elements behind the client maintenance ( Levesque and McDougall,1996, p.14). All the main organizations of the world will undoubtedly comprehend the significance of the client maintenance Omotayo l, (2008). The client maintenance centers around the conduct of the redundancy, and it is likewise considered as especially near the brand steadfastness and buy goal ((Hennig-ThurauandKlee,2007). (Jones and Farquher, 2003). In numerous investigates the consumer loyalty and the client maintenance is taken or learned in the meantime since they both have the relationship. Through Customer maintenance and the consumer loyalty we can get to the client's dependability and for this the client maintenance is contemplated profoundly. As indicated by Ennew and Binks (1996) there is a solid connection between the client maintenance and administration quality. Numerous specialists have likewise demonstrated the connection between the client maintenance and administration quality (Hennig-Thurau 1997) . Client maintenance is the fundamental factor for the key of accomplishment for any business. So every brand (inn) proprietor should center around the client maintenance.2.3 Service QualityAs indicated by Lenka et al. (2009) he characterizes the administration quality as ‘ it is the general examination of any administration gave by the organization, contrasting the execution of the firm of that administration with the general desires of the client. Who expect the administration (Ladhari, 2009) As per the examination of Jamal and Anastasiadou (2007) they guarantee that there are a few impacts of the administration quality on the client maintenance and the consumer loyalty. Administration quality is one of the primary factors that influence the client maintenance in the business. The brands ought to entirely center around the administration quality. Administration quality is particularly identified with the client maintenance. Numerous analysts demonstrated the positive effect of the administration quality on the client maintenance Cody and Hope (2009).In different words the administration quality is particularly important for any business uncommonly in lodging industry.2.4 Customer SatisfactionAs per Kotler(2000) Customer fulfillment on the opposite side it is additionally characterized as the it is the conduct of the client in the wake of buying the item . Consumer loyalty is characterized as † it is a term that is in the market that shows how items and administrations gave by the organization meets the desires of the client (Spreng, 2006). Then again consumer loyalty is likewise characterized as â€Å"the response of the clients in the wake of getting the administration as indicated by their desire and it brings about their inward fulfillment. It is additionally essential for the advertisers and the representative since it gives the way that they can use to enhance and upgrade their business. As per (Thai 2008) to the faithful clients winds up constant of their buying choice from a similar brand that outcomes in the consumer loyalty. At the point when there is the consumer loyalty subsequently additionally emerges the client maintenance that outcomes in the advantage for the lodging. The clients who buys consistently from a similar brand then they are very fulfilled from that brand (Lam , 2010).Customer fulfillment likewise brings about making the positive informal exchange for that business and it brings about the client maintenance (JonesandSuh,2000) . There are numerous specialists who center around the consumer loyalty to accomplish the consumer loyalty (Bontis 2007).2.5 Customer LoyaltyIn basic words (Lenkaet, 2009 characterized the client reliability as when the client ends up ongoing of any brand, benefit, store, item then the factor of client unwaveringness emerges. On other hand (Jacoby) additionally characterized client dedication as â€Å"it is the non arbitrary conduct or reaction of the client that has been appeared after some time for settling on any choice regarding in excess of one elective brand . But Oliver (2009) condemned this definition and he says that the client dependability is the blend of three human conduct and the conduct are comprehension ,influence and behavioral intention.When the level of rivalry emerges then the client reliability is enormously checked. In the event that other brand gives the substitute brand in great quality and less value the client will desert towards that brand ( Lenka., 2009). Client devotion is the positive consequence of the client's experience traits and the amount he is happy with the item. It might incorporate administration or an item. It is additionally characterized by the Jacoby that it is the aftereffect of regular purchasing of the client from a similar association. So client steadfastness is the principle factor of the client maintenance and it is particularly gainful for the monetary exercises of the business. Jacoby, and Chestnut, (1978)2.6 EnvironmentNature is characterized as † the area or region that comprise of living or non-living things (Morgan and Daryle, 2007).I terms of business it is additionally characterized as he territory which is particularly appropriate or agreeable for the client. Here the region is taken as far as business or association. In business terms the earth assumes the principle part for the client maintenance and for the workers also .When nature of the organization will be especially cordial and agreeable for the clients then the clients will pull in towards that business and it will brings about the clients and which is particularly useful for the organization's procuring and making the great picture in the market (Klee, 1997). So every association should center around the factor of condition to influence their clients to stay with their image.

Virtue and Utility Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Virtue and Utility - Essay Example Aristotle’s and Mill’s philosophies share similarities in terms of application, the greatest good and the requirement for happiness; and they differ when it comes to how happiness can be exactly attained. The philosophies of Aristotle and Mill are similar in that the rightness or wrongness of an action depends on the situation or on the external circumstances. For Aristotle’s virtue ethics, the basis of moral virtues is action and that â€Å"we learn by doing them† (Nicomachean Ethics II.1). This means that virtues are never inborn in man except that â€Å"we first acquire the potentiality† of doing these virtuous acts (II.1). However, despite this potentiality, there is a need for action. For Aristotle, therefore, one is never a good man unless he does good deeds. Nobody is born good – one has to do good in order to be called good. The Greek philosopher gives an example in the Ethics when he says, â€Å"By doing the acts we do in our transa ctions with other men we become just or unjust† (II.1). This means that no one can be called just or unjust unless he proves this through his dealings with his fellowmen. In the same way, according to John Stuart Mill, the rightness or wrongness of an act is also based on the situation. ... both Aristotle’s virtue ethics and John Stuart Mill’s utilitarian ethics is both happiness and, as previously mentioned, pleasure is a major element in not only Mill’s philosophy but also in Aristotle’s. However, it is but necessary for us to look into the concept of happiness first before delving into the idea of pleasure. The concepts of happiness for both philosophers are a little different from each other. Happiness, for Aristotle, is the â€Å"end of the things we do, which we desire for its own sake (everything else being desired for the sake of this)† (Ethics I.2, 7). Aristotle, therefore, gives us a very lofty and strict meaning of happiness – something that is desired as an end in itself. Money, friends and family therefore are not the summum bonum for Aristotle for they are not necessarily desired for themselves but for the for happiness that they can give us. John Stuart Mill has the same attitude towards happiness. For Mill, †Å"The utilitarian doctrine is that happiness is desirable, and the only thing desirable as an end; all other things being only desirable as means to that end† (Utilitarianism IV, 433). Based on the aforementioned statement, it is clear that Mill shares the same sentiments towards happiness as Aristotle does. When it comes to happiness, both Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics and Mill’s Utilitarianism underline the importance of the nobleness of character in the attainment of the happiness that they have set as their summum bonum. For Aristotle, happiness can only be attained through a virtuous life or the good life and this is defined as â€Å"the good and noble performance of [a man’s function which is based on a rational principle]† (Ethics I.7). From this statement of Aristotle’s, one can therefore deduce that not

POPULAR SCIENCE ARTICLE Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

POPULAR SCIENCE - Article Example It stays this way to protect itself against adverse conditions for long periods of time, in order to wait for a better time period to grow. Through experimental incubation, these spores are revived, which seem to have come from deeper hot spots inside the ocean. These newly discovered bacteria have very similar genetic characteristics to a set of bacteria found from offshore oil reservoirs. Hubert, a PhD in petroleum microbiology states that  that surveys will be able to pinpoint the exact  place from where these microorganisms have originated. He believes they might have some interesting applications, that is, if they are coming from petroleum reservoirs. These bacteria were found to be anaerobic, as they were found in high number in the sediments. Hubert stated that a source of the bacteria could be the oil reservoir and another could be that the fluid circulation through the ocean crust at the spreading ridges where hydrothermal vents are present. While these spores are extremely helpful in tracking down marine hot spots, they also offer new information about the wild life and everything about the different variety of things here in the biosphere. The bacterial species  found  in  the  environment  hide  many  of the minor groups of bacteria that apparently  don’t seem to participate in  the  functioning  of  the  ecosystem. These dormant thermophiles can be a useful key in understanding how diverse is the marine ecosystem and how well it is maintained by the submissive spreading of cells over a large area. These arctic thermophiles can be the holders of great and important clues to solve broader riddle of biogeography and biodiversity.   The thermophiles are a form of bacteria that live and breed in hot places and kill organisms around them (Kristjà ¡nsson; p 43). These are grouped into two types, either Prokaryotes or Eukaryotes.   They breed in temperatures that range between 50C to 70C. Studying these

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

Leadership and legacy - Research Paper Example mmarized in three slogans – â€Å"a â€Å"Harmonious Society† domestically and a â€Å"Peaceful Development† internationally, the former generated by a â€Å"Scientific Development Perspective,† which seeks integrated sets of solutions to arrays of economic, environmental and social problems, and recognizes, in inner circles, a need for political reform (though studied, cautious and controlled)† (Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.) He is known to be a transformational visionary since he initiated critical changes in the way the Chinese government is run. The openness to foreign relationships in terms of trade is one of the proofs. Since his leadership, China has also been influential in terms of international trade. As a transformational and visionary leader, he was so determined to achieve what he desired and this led to the laying off of some very senior government officials most of whom protested against his leadership style (Chu 2004). His leadership style was unique in that he first considered the areas that were earlier neglected like the poor areas in the country. In this, his aim was to reduce the inequality that existed between the GDP and the Welfare Second policies. It was also a way of equalizing the society through new policies that he would use to bring the expected change. He was determined to have a clear picture of those areas first and then work out a way of developing them. This is the reason why his style was transformational and visionary. He had a vision for his country and was determined to achieve what he desired and what he felt was the best for his people (Kahn 2005). He put the interest of others before his own and that’s why he spent most of his time assisting the poor and learning more about the poor parts of the country. He focused more on the poor parts of the country and not on the areas that had prospered economically (Lam 2006). Hu was known to be a very supportive leader. He shows supports to every Chinese citizen through his moral

Criminal law problem question Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Criminal law problem question - Essay Example 1Simple criminal damage finds a person guilty of criminal damage if they recklessly destroy or damage property belonging to another person. In order to prove a defendant liable to simple criminal damage the following elements have to be proved: Proving the mens rea in this case would be simple as the events that led to the destruction of $6,000 worth of property were triggered with Archie catapulting the stone. As set out in Roper v Knott  2any diminution in value of property due to a person’s act other than the owner is considered criminal damage. The prosecution in this cases would have the most difficult in proving the mens rea. The prosecution would be burdened with proving that Archie had the intention to destroy the garage or he acted recklessly leading to the damage in the garage. It is clear from the facts of the case Archie’s actions were not intended at causing the damage. Therefore, the prosecution would have to prove Archie acted recklessly in hitting the bus with the stone. In R v G & R recklessness can be proved; if Archie was aware of the risk of the stone hitting a vehicle on the road adjacent to the park existed3. Secondly, if he was under circumstances that made it unreasonable for him to take the risk. Under the reasoning in R v G & R  4, Archie could not appreciate the risk of damage because of his age. In R v G & R it was ruled that a defendant’s age, experience and knowledge must be taken into consideration while determining if they acted recklessly5. Therefore, Archie can use his age as a defence against the charge of simple criminal damage. Therefore, the prosecution would not be successful in convincing the court, Archie is liable to any criminal offense. In this case, Barry aims and fires his high powered air rifle with the intention of teaching his neighbour Siegfried a lesson. The previous night, Barry had not slept as Siegfried had played dubstep music the whole night. The impact of Barry’s

Efficacy of Part Time Staff vis--vis Full-Time Staff Essay

Efficacy of Part Time Staff vis--vis Full-Time Staff - Essay Example Similarly, Wolbers elucidates, â€Å"Dual system participants combine fixed-term contracts with full-time employment while studying workers are not very different from their non-studying colleagues. Working students are more often employed on a part-time basis. Nevertheless, the permanency of these student jobs is fairly high, much closer to the situation of regular employees rather than to that of dual system students† (2003). However, it is believed that â€Å"since the work-life system is multi- and not just two-dimensional, it is important to examine how all life domains interrelate with each other. In this way, we would be in a better position to begin to assess all the benefits and disadvantages associated with working part-time and with other work-life balancing strategies† (Warren, 2004). â€Å"For both men and women, the likelihood to return-to-work increased with increasing number of opportunities to adjust. Adjustment latitude increased returning to part-tim e as well as full-time work. The study indicates that work organization is important for return-to-work† (Gun, 2006). In addition, it is highlighted that â€Å"females, freshmen and full-time (versus part-time) students reported a greater degree of exposure to stressors† ((Buchanan, et al, 2004).â€Å"There are very few small businesses that do not offer coverage and that have substantial numbers of uninsured workers. These businesses are not quite as rare as a needle in a haystack, but they are very difficult to find†.

CRIMINOLOGY Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

CRIMINOLOGY - Essay Example It will be argued that both theories lack a basic explanation of psychology or the human agents involved in criminal behaviour. Thus, while both theories explain crime and deviance on a 'macro-level', they present problems on the micro level by not providing sufficient explanation for individual deviance. It will be argued that functionalism was a useful model in an era where society was less fragmented, while 'social conflict' continues to be a useful model because the material conditions underlying crime have persisted. CONFLICT THEORY The notion of conflict theory, is one which is grounded or established in the basic Marxist principle of the class struggle, p. â€Å"crime as a legal definition of human conduct is created by agents of the dominant class in a politically organized society† [Adler & Adler, Ed., 2000, p. 65]. In Marxist terms, what Quinney argues is that the law essentially exists to serve the interests of the ruling class. Conversely, deviance and the social c onstruction along with the legal constructions of definitions of deviance, has the further agenda of protecting the interests of a particular group of people in society. That is, the interests of those who construct and often enforce the law. ... 65] constructions of any given society. In these terms, it can be maintained that this approach through ‘material’ measures, is also empirical, and as such, this paper is arguing that it provides the most adequate theory in terms of an assimilation of conflict theory, differential association and labeling theory . In this sense, some more comments on the empirical details of conflict theory ought to be raised and examined. A good example of the ‘empirical’ nature of ‘conflict theory’, and by ‘empirical’, it is implied in terms of employing a pronounced consideration of material conditions, is the notion of property. As the author in question argues, the structure of power is also established through wealth, and this represents property. In these terms, property is regarded as one of the most core or central rights within Western industrialized democracies. That is, if it is ‘capital’ and ‘property’ which ar e that which determine wealth and power, and in turn, there is a basic desire to maintain this, it follows that by strictly protecting property class interests or class conflict is perpetuated. Another important component of the theory in question, anticipates how ‘differential theory’ can improve upon this foundation. In conflict theory, one of the cornerstones for explaining law in terms of class structure, and power relations, is the notion of ‘socialization’. To maintain that there is in a sense, a coercive nature to law in the sense that there is a bonding of the educated and class elite along with, on the other hand, an association which occurs similarly among the more impoverished classes. For instance, it is a statistic of the

Consumer Behavior Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Consumer Behavior - Research Paper Example This paper looks into why the consumers make the purchases that they do through problem recognition and the search for information on that product. It also looks into how the consumer evaluates the alternatives at hand prior to deciding the purchase. After making the purchase, the consumer makes an evaluation of the product by basing their judgment on the satisfaction derived from using that particular product. Consumer behavior is the study of how, where and when a consumer decides to purchase a product, like a consumer deciding on either to buy durable goods or specialty goods. Consumer behaviour can also be defined as the study of internal and external influences that affect consumers in their purchasing decisions (Mooij, 2011). The factors that affect consumer behavior can be divided into external factors and internal factors. Both of which come into play when a consumer is making the decision on whether to buy a product or not. Motivation happens upon a need arousing and the consumer wants to satisfy it. This need drives a consumer to buy the product that will fulfill the desire. If the product satisfies the desire, it may influence the consumer to make a repeat purchase. On the other hand, if it does not meet the need to satisfy the desire, the consumer may try to find a different product that will fulfill the desire (Reynolds & Wells, 1977). This refers to how a consumer collects information and organizes it. It can be determined by the number of times in which the said consumer is exposed to the information or how they interpret it individually. This refers to the overall evaluations that express how much a consumer likes or dislikes a particular product. Consumer attitudes are learned and last over a long period of time and cannot be changed easily They are also referred to as social factors and they include culture, sub-culture, family, social class, past experience, reference groups.

Short article about Glasgow School, Vienna Secession, & Werkbund Essay

Short article about Glasgow School, Vienna Secession, & Werkbund - Essay Example VanderVelde stated that it was important for an artist to have individual expression which favors handmade crafts. One of the main views of individuals that favored handmade crafts was that it enables the preservation of skills among the designers. On the other hand, taking an industrialized approach to crafts would eventually result in the loss of these traditional values. However, there is no denying the advantages that exist from machinery such as the precision in the design and accuracy of the fine detail. In addition, machines also provide the possibility to create designs faster. As mentioned above, the Werkbund was a group of individuals that believed in the combination of all aspects of art. I also share the same opinion as both handmade and machine made products have a role to play in the quality and appearance of the final product. However, I feel that machine made crafts have more advantages than handmade crafts. One of the individuals that prove this point is Peter Behrens who was one of the main contributors to the Arts movement in German. He was a firm believer of combining different aspects of art which gave his products an exceptional appearance and design. Behrens utilized different systems such as the grid and branding systems in his designs. In his views, architecture, furnishing and different objects were all coherent. Hence, this also illustrates the benefits of using different approaches towards creating a final product. As mentioned above, machine made crafts are more advantageous due to their accuracy and provide the designer with an accura te base that he or she can modify to improve the final products. However, many individuals that oppose industrialized design stated that it created repetitive and soulless end products. In addition, the machines took away the creativity and freedom that is associated with working with one’s hands. However, regardless of the criticism, many artists such as

Chicken run Essay Example for Free

Chicken run Essay Executive summary: 1998, Excel Poultry Meat Sdn Bhd (EPM) was a SME located in Kluang, Johor, operating business of chicken farming and supplying chicken throughout Malaysia. This subsidiary of PCK holding since 2005 was managed by Encik Selamat, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). It became one of top 5 chicken suppliers within mid-tier producers in the country due to increasing demand in year 2000 from superstores and fast-food chains, high chicken consumption by Malaysian, and expansion of chicken industry. However, in 2008, cost of poultry production increased. EPM operating cash was low and severe, that it â€Å"had puzzled Encik Selamat† (p. 4). Other problems were also identified. Decision Maker: Credit Controller Ms Choy is the decision maker as she has the responsibility to make the right decision regarding unethical conduct of Encik Selamat, she can convince Board of Directors about En. Selamat. If she failed to convince BOD to take action, she can then reveal the issue to the auditor, besides mentioning to the auditor the lack of segregation of duty in the business operation. She can execute and monitor implementation and performance of employees under her responsibility and convince her friend, Puan Azura to do the same. What should Ms. Choy do? Analysis: 1) SWOT analysis S – STRENGTHS | W – WEAKNESSES | * One of top 5 chicken suppliers * Continuing profitability and growth * Good promotional strategy * Qualified accountant (Encik Kasim) * Reliable Credit Controller (Ms Choy) * Encik Selamat’s reputation in community| * En. Selamat’s lack of expertise in poultry and meat industry * 2008’s operational crisis * Lack of focus of business operation * Cash flow issue * Conflict of interest * Possible error/ fraud/fictitious transaction * En. Selamat’s connection | O – OPPORTUNITIES | T – THREATS | * Malaysians’ highest consumption rates * Popular quick-service restaurants * East Coast Economics Region (ECER) * Emerging of giant superstores * Institutional retailing| * Production cost had risen about 56. 5% * Drop in demand * Credit limit of Cold Gold| The company has strong position in the industry as it is one of top 5 chicken suppliers. This means that EPM has a big portion of the market share in the industry. EPM also is strong for its sustained profit and growth. EPM had been able to maintain its operations and started making profit since the buoyant demand of chicken consumption. Besides, with initial capital of RM3. 6 million and starting with 20 employees, now, EPM had more than 200 employees. Occupied with good promotional strategy, EPM’s management team seized every opportunity in the industry. Moreover, EPM has capable key employees, which two of them are a qualified accountant, Encik Kasim and a reliable Credit Controller, Ms Choy. These employees contribute significantly towards the operation of EPM especially in the finance sector. In addition, Encik Selamat’s reputation in community is a strong influence of EPM towards the society where EPM was based. He was a public figure that will be contested in the local city council. En. Selamat’s lack of expertise in poultry and meat industry contributed a negative element in EPM as En. Selamat need to gain skills and expertise in the industry. Even though he was especially worried about the current unfavorable condition of EPM, his experience in this industry may not be sufficient. Besides, 2008’s operational crisis of EPM placed En. Selamat away from a smooth career track as recorded before 2008. EPM was lack of focus of business operation as it was at the infant stage and yet to mature in a proper method of management. Next, within EPM, there was cash flow issue and the company had to resort to short term borrowing which subjected to higher interest payment obligations. There was conflict of interest between Encik Selamat’s personal deal with Encik Azman, former college mate which was one of the executive of Cold Gold and the company’s interest. Cold Gold was one of EPM’s major customers. This relationship may impair En. Selamat’s judgment. In EPM, a few possible error/ fraud/fictitious transactions were detected, especially the irregularities in debtors’ account. The symptoms lead to a conclusion that it was caused by the former employee of EPM, En. Munir. Another factor that can be considered as EPM’s weakness point is En. Selamat’s connection with parent company of EPM, PCK Holding, where En. Selamat might be able to secure his position in EPM despite the problem he created without facing any punishment. The industry is in quite a potential market where Malaysians’ highest consumption rates of poultry and meat product. Malaysia was having one of the highest per capita consumption rates in the world for chicken (32. 5 kg) and eggs (298 units) and there were no dietary prohibitions (during these years) and religious restrictions against chicken consumption. In addition to household and traditional delicacies demand, the surge of popular quick-service restaurants from outside Malaysia and home-grown fast food chains intensified the market. Besides being the recognized poultry exporter, the industry was supported by the government through the East Coast Economics Region (ECER) as the poultry sector was part of the plan. Emerging of giant superstores and institutional retailing also enhanced the bright future of the industry. Despite the favorable situations in the market, EPM faced threat of chicken feed which resulting the production cost to rise about 56. 5%. Federation of Livestock Farmers’ Associations of Malaysia (FLFAM) made a call for higher chicken prices in order to protect producers’ earning in the face of feed cost hike. However, when the sellers did increase the retail price, some producers complained that they seen a drop in demand. Another threat was the credit limit of Cold Gold Sdn Bhd which had exceeded its level. This has significant effect to the company as Cold Gold is one of EPM’s major customers multiplied with the other issues faced by EPM. Increment in production cost Drop in demand Low cash flow High interest expense INABILITY TO PREDICT ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE FORCAST CONSEQUENCES: LACK OF COORDINATION IN CONTROL AND REPORTING: Credit limit control Debtor confirmation Misstatement Lack of segregation of duty LACK OF COMMITMENT FROM SENIOR MANAGEMENT: Lack of expertise Lack of focus Conflict of interest Unethical behavior Reluctance in taking action LOW PERFORMANCE 2) Fishbone diagram According to Peter Drucker, â€Å"management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things†. Thus, the major issue in this case is unorganized management which leads to bad performance of the company. EPM faced problem as it fails to get commitment from senior management. As a leader, Encik Selamat was lacking of expertise in poultry industry, actively involved in social and community work instead of focusing more on business operation like, had conflict of interest (agency problem) while handling credit limit issue, and had under table deal with the client. Director himself had shown lack of leadership skill and ethical awareness as he kept silent regarding the unethical behavior of Encik Selamat and had more concern on reputation than ethical conduct. Besides, management of EPM is lacking of coordination in control and reporting. This can be seen from the severity of insufficient cash flow which was noticed only when significant borrowings had been made, high expenses, and loss incurred. Lack of segregation of duty also had given wide opportunity for misstatement by employees. Finally, EPM fails to predict environmental change regarding cost of production that leads to low profit making as EMP did not make any preparation or back-up plan to overcome such problems. 3) Financial Evidence on the operation of EPM: Financial Ratio Ratio| Formula| 2006| 2007| 2008| Interpretation| GP ratio (%)| (GP/Sales)*100| 5. 4845| 1. 6542| 1. 0814| Due to increment in COGS, EPM is profiting only 1 cent for every dollar of product sold in 2008| Inventory turnover ratio| COGS/Inventory| 16. 6774| 36. 0667| 28. 4962| EPM is turning over its inventory on average, 3 times per month in 2007 while this reduces to twice per month in 2008. | AR turnover ratio| Net sales/AR| 4. 3071| 3. 3957| 2. 8808| EPM takes around 3 months to collect its debt in 2006, while it takes more than 4 months in 2008. | Days to collect AR| 365/AR turnover ratio| 84. 7441| 107. 49| 126. 702| | Description of case exhibit (Account abstract): %Increase| 06to07| In 2007, cost increased while revenue did not increase much, and operating loss was recorded as retail price was only increased in August 2008. Thus, increment of revenue from in 2008 by 36. 16% corresponds with increment in cost in that year. Expenses took 30% of operating profit in 2006 while it took almost twice the operating profit in 2008. This might be due to interest payment made for short-term borrowing. Increment in trade receivable may not be the true amount as there were cases of misstatement. Stock in 2008 was higher due to lower demand. 07to08| Rev| 0. 57| 36. 16| COGS| 4. 64| 36. 95| Oper profit| -69. 67| -10. 99| Exp| 37. 50| 45. 45| Net| -108. 64| -315. 79| Trade rec| 27. 56| 60. 49| Stock| -51. 61| 73. 33| Trade cr| 62. 16| 50. 00| Alternatives available to the protagonist: Option 1: Ms. Choy can choose not to disclose the issues that she managed to investigate within EPM. This will benefit in saving the reputation of the company in public as well as the General Manager, Encik Selamat to secure his reputation in the coming city council election. Besides, Ms. Choy can justify her action of not bringing the matter up as Encik Selamat is an important staff of EPM and she had done her part by approaching one of the directors who was reluctant to take action against Encik Selamat. The drawbacks of this choice are ethical aspect and long term impact towards the company as a whole. Choosing not to disclose the facts is an unethical behavior on Ms Choy’s part. As for the long term, the public will find out the reality of the company as time goes because the auditors are likely to question the irregularities and Ms Choy will be interrogated. In the end, the company, En Selamat and Ms Choy need to face the huge impact of being nontransparent to the stakeholders. Option 2: Ms Choy has the right to disclose her findings straight to the external auditors as she has no direct authority to take any action towards the misappropriate culture in the company as well as the director which she had approached was hesitated to do so. By this, Ms Choy’s responsibility to report to public is passed to auditors and the problem is most likely will be solved. However, this aggressive decision will affect EPM severely in terms of drop in share price and reputation. Besides, the share price of the parent company will be affected too and the dropping trend will continue for a long time. Furthermore, the reputation of Encik Selamat will be highlighted by the public and media, subsequent of the auditors’ disclosure. Option 3: Ms Choy can opt to disclose the matter internally to the board of directors. Besides, she had found evidences to support her claims about the low performance of EPM. The benefit that EPM will gain from her disclosure is to ratify the problem before the auditors’ visit the following month. If the auditor is not satisfied with EPM’s condition, justification of ratification can be made and EPM will not be punished with qualified financial reports, which is not favorable. This decision may result in impairment of EPM’s and PCK’s reputation and share prices but the impact will be lower than the second option above. Recommendation and action plan: Based on analysis above, it is recommended for Ms Choy to choose Option 3 which is to disclose the matter internally to the board of directors. Suggested steps to follow are: 1. Bring the matter with sufficient evidences and justifications together with possible solution to board of directors 2. Check whether EPM has a written guideline relating to these issues and take proper actions against these issues (e. g. salary cut, not giving bonus etc. ) 3. If no written guideline is established, in case to avoid similar situation in the future, Ms. Choy should suggest for EPM to; a. Set up and appoint an independent committees of directors to monitor the performance and compensation of staffs b. Establish policies for clear ethical conducts, job scopes and management of EPM especially to solve ethical and agency problems c. Establish a whistle-blowing policies to encourage staffs to report any irregularities d. Communicate and implement guidelines and policies across levels of management, and absorb them as the EPM’s corporate culture to be shared within the organization.

A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry | Analysis

A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry | Analysis Playwrights of Color A Raisin in the Sun To be young, gifted and black (Lorraine Hansberry) is a phrase which is commonly associated with Lorraine Hansberry, which comes from the collection of autobiographical pieces which were put together by her ex-husband in her honor when she died. Throughout the years, individuals from all walks of life have come to America with dreams of a better life, in many different areas such as social, educational, and economical opportunities as well as political and religious freedoms. With these wishes and dreams, the phrase life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness (Mitchell), which to many Americans embodies the American dream, can become a reality or just a harsh reminder of what the American dream stands for because for some it comes true but for many, they are never able to reach their dream. She wrote the play A Raisin in the Sun to show people that supporting friends and family members is important through the hard and trying time. If you are able to work hard and truly believe in you rself, dreams can come true in one form or another. The American dream to each individual, no matter age, race or gender has a different meaning. A Raisin in the Sun is important because it crosses over the continued debate of racial and gender issues which arose during the time this play was written, and even during the present day and age. Lorraine Hansberry was born in Chicago in 1930. Through her earlier years, Hansberrys parents sent her to public school rather than private schools in a protest against the segregation laws. In 1938, the Hansberry family was one of the first African American families to move into an all white neighborhood. After moving in, the neighbors threatened them with violence and legal action, but the Hansberrys would not put up with any of it and Hansberrys father would later bring his case all the way to the Supreme Court. When she finally went to college, she ended up studying at multiple schools including, the University of Chicago; at the Art Institute of Chicago; at the New School of Social Research in New York; in Guadalajara, Mexico; and at the University of Wisconsin(Encyclodpedia of World Biography on Lorraine Vivian Hansberry). While attending college, she saw a school performance of a play by the playwright Sean OCasey and decided to become a writer. In 1950, she ended up dropping out of college and moved to New York. While in New York, she decided to take classes in writing at the New School for Social Research and ended up working as an associate editor of Paul Robesons newspaper/magazine Freedom. During this period of her life, she met many leading African-American intellectuals, activists and famous writers, such as one famous writer, Langston Hughes. In 1953 Hansberry ended up marrying Robert Nemiroff, who was white, also a graduate student in Jewish literature, a songwriter, and took part in participating in the political events of the time at the protesting discrimination at New York University. Nemiroff gained his huge success with his hit song, Cindy, Oh Cindy, and after Nemiroffs success, and Hansberrys many part time jobs, she was able to settle down and devote herself entirely to writing. While writing, it eventually took its form in a play, which came from a poem by Langston Hughes, called Harlem. The success of the play, A Raisin in the Sun, end ed up winning the award for best play of the year, which made Lorraine Hansberry the first African American and the youngest American to win the New York Drama Critics Circle Award. She used her new fame to help bring attention to the American civil rights movement as well as African struggles for independence from colonialism(A Raisin in the Sun). After many years, Hansberry had marital problems with Nemiroff and they decided to divorce in 1964. Hansberry was only able to live long enough to see one other play, besides A Raisin in the Sun, be produced. On January 12, 1965, Hansberry died of pancreatic cancer at the young age of thirty-four. She ended up being one of the first playwrights to portray real African American characters and their struggles in day to day activities of African American life. This was shown in her play by the inspiration of her own familys struggles against the legal battles in segregated housing laws during her childhood. The working title of A Raisin in the Sun was originally The Crystal Stair after a line in an earlier poem by Langston Hughes, who was another African American playwright, poet, novelist, and short story writer. Hansberry ended up changing the title of her play again, after another one of Langston Hughes later poems, which asked: What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore-and then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over-like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags like a heavy load. Or does it explode (Hughes)? Produced and finished in 1957, the play A Raisin in the Sun, was the first drama by a black woman to be produced on Broadway. It took two years after it was finished, on March 1959, for the play to be revealed on Broadway at the Ethyl Barrymore Theater. From there, the Broadway production moved to the Belasco theatre and ran for 530 performances, where it started earning many awards. This play is unique in many aspects and covers many important issues. The play was unique because it was the first play to be produced on Broadway, written and directed by an African American and the first to have an all-black cast. The play gained huge success even though the producer, Phil Rose, had never produced a play, and large investors were initially not interested in it. In all the places the play was shown, New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, the audiences absolutely loved it and shortly thereafter it became a huge success. With its huge success and fame, it ended up having a long run in theater a nd was later turned into a movie and after that, was later turned into a Broadway musical. The play, A Raisin in the Sun, is important in many different aspects of everyday life. With Lorraine Hansberry growing up how she did, in the neighborhood and time, she knew all about disappointment, false hope and despair. Hansberrys ancestors also knew about the hard times with exploitations, despair, frustrations and their dreams turning into dreadful nightmares as they came north to hopefully find a better life. Hansberry records the history of her ancestors nightmares in a Raisin in the Sun, by portraying a classic story of the Younger family, struggling to realize their dreams by escaping ghetto life. Hansberrys screenplay shows the story of the Younger family, but it actually reveals the plight of all families and individuals who have at one point experienced or those who are living right now, in despair, have lost hope in their life and have failed dreams and goals. Her immense dedication to this play, gives it its power for all people who read it and for those who end up de aling with it in everyday life. This play is an excellent choice for many different types of classes such as, literature, drama, history and film classes. The play will keep the attention of many different types of people based off of the plays action, dialogue, and cast of dynamic characters which captivate many different types of audiences from high school students through college students up to the adult readers. Young people endure many different frustrations with their lifestyle and rebel against parents which can bring little gratification at times. However, the adolescent who wants to truly believe that dreams do come true and are not made up, comes from the adolescent who is hiding beneath the cynical surface, making the heart beat of the true idealist. Through Hansberrys careful craftsmanship, the universal themes of the importance of dreams and the frustration of dreams deferred, the strength of family, the importance of not selling out, the problems of conflicting expectations, the belief that love and trust will win over deceit and selfishness, and the dangers of prejudice and stereotyping are as powerful today as they were nearly four decades ago when she wrote the play (TeacherVision). Adolescents come from many different families, with different types of problems and family structures, so they need exposure to the values which are shown within a traditional family, and this play delivers that without lecturing or preaching. Another reason A Raisin in the Sun is important is because of its historical value. The play shows the challenges and conflicts by reflecting the provocative natures through the racial attitudes through time, starting around the 1950s making its way to the present. Prejudice is seen in many forms, and the characters in Hansberrys play along with the screenplays visuals bring this theme to life like nothing ever could.   Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚   This play represents life in the racial or ethnic community in many different and unique ways. The play is considered a turning place in American art because it addresses so many important issues and conflicts when this play was produced during the 1950s. The 1950s brought along the stereotypical age of the happy housewives and portrayed the African Americans as being comfortable with their inferior status. These stereotypes resulted in the social resentment that would eventually find public voice in the civil rights movement and importance in later movements such as the feminist movements of the 1960s. The play was also a revolutionary work for its time and can be shown by the way Hansberry created the African American Younger family, by portraying one of the first real and honest depictions of a black family on an American stage.   Usually in a play, groups o r individual African-Americans were always portrayed in the typical ethnic stereotypical roles and were displayed as small and comedic but this play overall portrays a united black family in a realistic light, which ends up being far from the comedic style which most people may think of. Hansberry uses black dialect throughout the play and introduces important issues, questions and concerns which many other families during this time and even during the present day and time run into, such as poverty, discrimination, and the creation of African-American racial identity. This play looks at the racial tensions between the black and white communities in addition to exploring the tensions within the black community itself. This can be shown when the family tries to reach their goals despite the challenges of poverty and racism all around them, by putting a down payment on a house in an all-white suburb neighborhood and shortly after this, the family is hit with racism in an unusual form f rom the white community. Throughout the play, Hansberry asks difficult and thought provoking questions about assimilation and figuring out ones true identity. One way this is shown, is through revealing Beneatha to a trend of celebrating African heritage, through the character of Asagai (her boyfriend and maybe future husband). Another important issue this play represents is how it addresses feminist questions about another important issue, marriage. The topic of marriage comes up for Beneatha in this play towards the end, which Hansberry portrays as not being necessary for all women and that every women should have ambitious career goals instead of giving up on their dreams before they have a chance to fight for their own personal dreams. Hansberry also approaches an abortion debate, which is touched on during a time when abortion was not allowed and is still causing concern and a lot of controversial talk today. Having this play written during the time period and being produced wh en it was, was such a huge success for someone with her status as being young, black and a woman growing up in the 1950s. This showed how much she overcame as a woman, how much people were starting to accept change and how people started understanding important topics which needed to be addressed during this time. No matter the age, race or gender of a person, it shows just how important the idealism of a single persons, race and gender is in the pursuit of dreams and just how crucial dreams are in an individuals life. As the play focuses primarily on dreams and what happens to the dreams in driving and motivating the main characters actions, emotions and feelings throughout the play, it also reveals what happens to people out in the real world. Any negative dreams that happen in an individuals life, no matter the age, gender or race of a person, seem to stem from the fact that people are placing stress and importance on objects rather than on family pride and happiness. Like the ma in point of this play says, if everyone attempts to support and encourage their family, and not only focusing on themselves and being selfless, they can lift each other up and support each other through the toughest of times. This can happen if you never give up hope on each other and never give up on your own dreams.   Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚   This play focuses on major issues such as racism between white and black communities, abortion, marriage, assimilation and finding ones true identity but in the end the play boils down to a timeless point; dreams are what make each person, white or black, push on in life in order to live each day like it was their last. A Raisin in the Sun is central, in the continued debate over racial and gender concerns, making this play a critical cultural document in an essential period of American history. MLA Citation A Raisin in the Sun. 2009. SparkNotes. 15 November 2009 . A Raisin in the Sun. 2000-2009. TeacherVision. 14 November 2009 . A Raisin in the Sun: The Quest for the American Dream. EDSITEment. 4 December 2009 . Encyclodpedia of World Biography on Lorraine Vivian Hansberry. 2005-2006. BookRags. 14 November 2009 . Hughes, Langston. Harlem (A Dream Deferred). Lorraine Hansberry 15 November 2009: 1040. Liukkonen, Petri. Lorraine Hansberry. 2008. 14 November 2009 . Lorraine Hansberry. 15 November 2009: 1037. Mitchell, Diana. A Teachers Guide to Lorraine Hansberrys A Raisin in the Sun. A Teachers Guide to the Signet and Plume Editions of the Screenplay Lorraine Hansberrys Raisin in the Sun. 2 December 2009 . Moon, Andrea and Cathy Hartenstein. A Raisin in the Sun Study Guide. The Cleveland Play House. 4 December 2009 .

Pricing Strategy For Retail Leather Business

Pricing Strategy For Retail Leather Business 1. Executive Summary Pricing strategy is play very important role in any business and pricing is always based on the consumers perception .This research is based on the Pricing strategy of Leather Retail Business in Singapore this is my first step for having retail leather shop in Singapore. In this research the important to know what price range will make customer to buy leather products and to see gap or space in existing leather market. This paper investigates about the consumer preferred pricing for leather products- Handbags, Wallets, Jackets, Computer Bags, Mobile case , Shoes and belts and what price range they found product is Expensive and At what price range consumer think that product is cheap? These factors are very important to know about consumer pricing acceptance. Finally we have got consumer preferred price, expensive and cheap price also Research paper also investigates all the factors which are influencing consumer buying decision they are Price, Quantity, Brand and Country of Origin. We got that price is top most important factor for consumer in buying decision and Competitors Price offerings analysis shows that Store type Biz from home and Retail Leather store is much similar but store type Shopping Mall store is having high end products with high price. For this research, SPSS, Perceptual and excel is used to know about the difference between Consumer preferred price. Perceptual is used to know preferred leather product according to the consumer age and gender. SPSS for knowing the cluster of leather product so that can be used for offering packages on demand. Overall, Price is very important factor and there is gap between consumer preferred price and competitors offerings and there new store can enter in market for selling leather products in consumer preferred price. 1. Introduction An entrepreneurial venture I am going to practice is to step in, in the leather retail business. This dissertation is based on the Pricing strategy of Leather Retail Business in Singapore this start will help me to stand up on my own feet. Singapore is small place but It is known as shopping paradise for Singaporean and tourists also. All leather products are fashion symbol for teenager and youth generation in the world Singapore youths are also fond of leather products. In 2008-2009, each and every business was facing decline due to the global crisis and in that period Singapore recession started because of that people started buying only necessary things for them and they were less concerned about the fashion and style but From first Q1 of 2010 the shadow of global crisis started fading off and base on this I think Its right time to start Leather retail business .Leather products could never die although it might face difficulties, which is the part of business. Leather products will be purchased from wholesale leather industries, Dharavi, Mumbai. Dharavi is famous for selling all genuine leather products at cheap price. In order to move ahead with my plan, I have to make certain assumptions and get a fair idea of the market. For this, the group will be conducted a primary research on the local people on their desire to buy leather and their expectation from the leather product The details of overseas buyers/delegates who visited India during the three Indian International Leather Fairs in the last three years is given below: In which Singapore has entered in 2006-2008 It is taken from http://www.leatherindia.org/annexure Year Country Number of overseas Buyers 2005-06 Spain, Portugal, UK, Singapore, Oman Italy 14 2006-07 Italy, Romania, Turkey, Argentina, Mexico, UK, USA, Portugal, Philippines, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Vietnam, Mexico, Sri Lanka and South AfricaÂÂ   69 2007-08 Spain, Belgium, USA, Brazil, Brunei, Spain, Czech Rep, Netherlands, Ethiopia, Hong Kong, Israel, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Namibia, UK, Romania, Poland, Finland, Colombia, Canada, South Africa, Turkey, Belgium, Portugal, Italy, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Uzbekistan Turkmenistan 116 In Singapore seems to be a considerable potential for the entry or expansion of specialized retail chains for leather retail business. Singapore is very small country and here market of any service or product gets saturated very rapidly but during my initial research shows that total 98 retail leather shops are available in the market but in 98 retail leather shops. 25 to 30 retail shops sell Branded leather like Gucci, Bulgary. 1.2 Singapore retail leather Market In Singapore seems to be a considerable potential for the entry or expansion of specialized retail chains for leather retail business. Singapore is very small country and here market of any service or product gets saturated very rapidly but during my initial research shows that total 98 retail leather shops are available in the market but in 98 retail leather shops. 40 retail shops sells Branded leather like Gucci, The Indian durable goods sector has seen the entry of a large number of foreign companies during the post liberalization period. A greater variety of consumer electronic items and household appliances became available to the Indian customer. Intense competition among companies to sell their brands provided a strong impetus to the growth for retailers doing business in this sector. Increasing household incomes due to better economic opportunities have encouraged consumer expenditure on leisure and personal goods in the country. B2B meetings between India exporters and over seas buyers. Changes in consumer needs, attitudes and behavior: The growth of modern leather retail is linked to consumer needs, attitudes and behavior. Rising income levels, education and global exposure have contributed to the evolution of the Singaporean middle class. As a result, purchasing and shopping habits have been inculcated and are increasing day by day. Historically, Singaporeans have been the ones to splurge on luxury items. Today, people are willing to try new things and look different, which has increased spending on fashion and beauty products apart from apparels, food and grocery items. 1.3 Competitors of Retail leather stores In Singapore many competitors are available but leather market is not saturated. Pls see below the list of Company Name who runs retails leather business in Singapore http://www.singaporebusinessguide.com/category/Leather_Goods.htm Here almost all retail leather shops are concentrating Leather wallets, Hand bags, key case, leather jackets and card holders and in the list few of company are selling all these above products but rest of them concentrating few product items and some of them concentrating on one product like only men belts and some only hand bags. I have visited retail store of Artisan where they sell all leather products. Pls see the below Pricing for some demanding products. In in leather industry Pricing is good factor in retail business and importantly if you are selling the product which you got in low price where Product has a high value so seller willingly sale product in good profit margin. Business strategy of selling product in low price which can be adopted , if you have enter in existing market where competitors are already gaining good profit margin so there differentiation can be made by selling product with low profit margin and make profit from selling large quantity. 1.4 Target Customer People who stays in Singapore Locals, PR or EP holders anyone who stays in Singapore and like to buy product with good quality in reasonable price. After recession hit in 2008 -people who were keen to buy branded products from showroom and malls are moving into this customer segment Customers are segregated according to their Monthly family Income and their buying behavior. Other factors will be their preference for any particular leather product and availability of the product 1.5 Literature Review (Pricing Strategy) 1.5.1 How Competitive Forces change strategy Price is big factor for buyers and sellers both in retail business. Typically in Singapore It is very much observed that People are more likely buy products where they get products in low price. And there is opportunity in retail leather market to have leather retail business with low business strategy. Michael E Porter Business strategy professor from Harvard Business School has written in his article How Competitive Forces change strategy The buyers are likely to shop for a favorable price and purchase their products 1.5.2 Empirical Analysis of Determinants of Retailer Pricing Strategy Author Venkatesh Shanker and Ruth N Boltan has given their point of view for An Empirical Analysis of Determinants of Retailer Pricing Strategy where they investigated the other determinants of pricing strategy for retail business and how price coordination and relative price and chain factors in retailer pricing . And these outputs are derived from a simultaneous equation model and how it is underlying dimensions of retailers pricing strategies and that are influenced by some pricing dimensions and following are the These four pricing dimensions are statistically related First Competitors price and deal frequency), Second Storability and necessity ,Third Chain positioning and size , Fourth Store size and assortment ,Fifth Brand preference and advertising and Sixth Price and deal elasticity These findings are very useful to retailers profiling alternative pricing strategies. Author Scott Alen has put some light on the point that How much should product and service be charged? How product positioning should be placed and is pricing going to be key part of that positioning? The product positioning has to be consistent with positioning because people really want to get in return same or above what they pay for. Pricing is also aferct demand because of that you have to do basic research so need to make simple questionnaire and asking them At what price they would like to buy that product and service ? even this sole practitioner will give basic curve that says that at X price, Y percentage people will buy. Author Deloitte has emphasized main challenge of retail business is setting up an accurate base price for a product. Price is important to draw the customer and generate the sale margin Market basket analysis should be done and we can identify an optimal base price using measurement tool like Price elasticity. This can be done by doing compare a series of price points and determining a price which generates the good gross sales margin. The past data of the product should be assessed to come up with the best base price for the market. Retailers will be prevented stock shortages and minimized unplanned clearance markdowns by selecting the optimal price This method or strategy will ensure price image remains fix and consistent to the customer and it will enable retailers to increase sales and inventory turns. Existing leather 1.6 Area of concern: It is necessary to set Price of Product while entering existing market. First step will be decide the price and look into the availability of leather products in different mediums. According to my analysis of counting Leather shops from different categories. Currently 26 retail local leather shops which is different from Branded leather shops, 63 branded shops and approximately local online shops are 15. Singapore is very small country so market of any product gets saturated and there are direct competitors who are selling all types of leather products It will be challenge for new entrant to enter in existing market, stay in the market and plan for growth of the business. 1.8 Research Problem: This market research is the function which connects the consumer and customer in the public. Market research result is used to get an idea of identity and information is used to identify and decide opportunities and problems in the market for evaluating and refining marketing situation also observing market behavior and performance. This will improve the understanding of the marketing in and out Market Research emphasis the data collection process and analyze the results and after that collected findings should be used for their implications. It is related with problem solving methods and the technique for getting idea to how to solve the problems. To understand the unpredictable consumer buying behavior and analyze this problem and make attempt to offset this. People sometimes have perception high quality means high price. Require to segregate the pricing strategy to avoid the product price perception. Product selection is required according to the demand of Singaporeans like Mens Accessories, Women Accessories, Shoes and Leather Jackets etc and according to the demand of Singapore people. To understand the Competitors Pricing strategy analysis for their products and then different products with different price range. This research should be niche to find the competitors pricing strategy 1.7 Objective of the Study: Price of any product or service is always play very important role and this need to explore the opportunities for entering new retail store in existing leather market of Singapore by applying pricing strategy. Research of the competitors products price and how pricing impact on Consumer buying decision. To determine demographic segment of the existing leather products consumers and how each segment behave differently Verify the preferred pricing for all leather products according to consumer point of view Identifying the price of leather products where consumer think that products are expensive and cheap Verify competitors price offerings 2. Methodology 2.1 Data Collection: The primary data has been collected from the 81 people who have contributed in Survey questionnaire form created for doing analysis on my research topic. Data collection is done with gender wise and according to the monthly income range and age to get a better idea from different view of consumer by knowing their demographic angle. Competitors data collection based on the price offering of competitors to the consumer and the type of stores like, Shopping Mall, Retail shop or business from home . Sample size was 81 for survey questionnaire of consumer and Competitors data collection sample size is 24 2.2 Data Analysis: Perceptual Analysis is used to see leather product Handbags, Wallets, Jackets, Computer bag, Mobile case, shoes and belts preference according to the gender wise. Female preference for leather products and Male preference for leather products. SPSS tool has been used for performing for cluster analysis to know the combination of leather products and frequency analysis to get details of frequency of using leather products. Excel is also used for getting difference between expensive price compare to preferred price and getting the details of variation of Expensive, preferred and cheap price. 2.2.1 Demographic analysis Demographic analysis has been used to segregate data with different available basic parameters of consumers. Age, Gender, Monthly Income, Nationality, Using leather products and frequency of purchasing leather products 2.2.2 Perceptual Analysis Perceptual analysis has been used to see the different variables position. There are 7 types of leather products Handbags, Wallets, Jackets, Computer bag, Mobile case, Shoes and belts. Analysis is based on according to different age group and gender. 2.2.3 Frequency Analysis Frequency analysis has been used to see frequency of preferred variable and differentiate variables preference. This analysis has helped to find out buying influenced factors Price, Quality, Brand and country of origin. 2.2.4 Cluster Analysis Cluster Analysis has been used to see possible cluster from available all leather products. Available products for this analysis Handbags, Wallets, Jackets, Computer bags , Mobile case, shoes and belts. 2.2.5 Price Segmentation analysis Price Segmentation analysis has been used to see variance among acceptance category given in primary data by consumer. There are 3 categories available Expensive, Preferred and Cheap. After this check the difference between Expensive to preferred to see which price will be suitable for consumer 3. Results and Interpretation 3.1. Demographic Analysis Result 3.1.1 Age Result Finding and Interpretation: There are 5 categories of age range Sample size is 81, 55% from 81 response is from age range 25-35 and second highest is from age range 35-45 3.1.2 Nationality Result findings and Interpretation First analysis of Nationality of all 81 responses shows that there are 4 categories in which first highest one is Indian having 51.9% and second one is Singaporean 35.8% , 8.6% Malay and 3.7% of others. This research according to this findings is more based on Indian and Singaporean. 1.3 Gender Result findings and Interpretation This demographic analysis is showing that in 81 responses Male are having 61.7 % and female are having 38.3% that means preference of leather products of male is more prominent research compare to female 3.1.4 Income Range- Singapore Dollar Result findings and Interpretation This demographic analysis is very important to know the monthly income range of taken 81 responses for this research as it is based on pricing. 27% is 10001 to 12500 and second one is 12501 to 15000 and 3.1.5 At present Using in Leather Products Result findings and interpretations This analysis is showing that 88.9% is already using leather products means they are already associated with their choice of leather goods and their price so following analysis is useful to get impact of their products choice of purchased leather product and what exactly they are looking for it. 11.1% are not using leather product and the following analysis will tell us about their preference which makes them to buy leather product 3.1.6 Leather Product Purchasing Frequency Result findings One time in a year is captured first place 22.22% from 81 responses and second place there are two categories one is 2 times in year and another is 1 time in a year . I interpret that Yearly frequency has captured more % then monthly because leather product are not essential product. Interpretations 3.1.7 Preferred Store type for Leather products shopping Result findings This analysis is saying that 51.9% from 81 responses prefer to buy from Retail local shop in compare to Mall or online. I interpret that people like to buy from retail shop compare to Mall Branded shop or online shopping. 3.2 Clustering of leather products Result findings. There are 7 clusters for leather products shoes, belts, wallets, Computer bags, Mobile case, Handbags and Jackets. Belts and shoes is one good cluster and another one is computer bag and Mobile case. Interpretations: Belts and shoes are having very good relation in buyers point of view if anyone likes shoes so in same manner he will like belts also . Seller can sell them as a package and same for the Computer bags and Mobile case 3.3 Perceptual Analysis 3.3.1 .Male Preference of Products with different Age Range Result findings This analysis is based on leather products preference according to their age group Male only. There are 6 categories Teen : 45yrs and 1- handbags, 2- wallets, 3- Jackets, 4- Computer bags, 5- Mobile Case, 6- Shoes and 7- Belts Interpretations: Male Adults and Male Teen they both like 4 Computer bags more and Male Young Adult prefer more shoes then other products and Aged like Wallets and Mid Aged male like Jackets and mobile case 3.3.2 Female Preference of Products with different Age Range Result findings This analysis is based on leather products preference according to their age group Male only. There are 6 categories Teen : 45yrs and 1- handbags, 2- wallets, 3- Jackets, 4- Computer bags, 5- Mobile Case, 6- Shoes and 7- Belts Interpretations Female teens like no 2 Wallets, female young Adults like belts compare to other leather products and female aged like Jackets, mid aged adult and adult like Handbags and shoes but Female mid aged adult like more Handbags and shoes compare to Adult female 3.4 Leather products preferred price 3.4.1 Handbags preferred/expensive/cheap Difference between Expensive and preferred price range Result findings and interpretaion In the above 2 charts X axis is Number of response and Y axis is the mean of selected Price range. This analysis is done to check the variation of 81 people responses regarding their preferred price for Handbags, expensive price according to people and cheap price and difference between the people preferred and expensive pricing. People preferred price range are bit low or sometime as same as expensive price and from this we can interpretate that people will like to buy handbags if it is bit expensive 3.4.2 Wallets preferred/expensive/cheap Difference Between Expensive and Prefered Result findings and interpretation In the above 2 charts X axis is Number of response and Y axis is the mean of selected Price range. This analysis is done to check the variation of 81 people responses regarding their preferred price for Wallets, expensive price according to people and cheap price and difference between the people preferred and expensive pricing. According to this analysis output People preferred price range are low from expensive price so we can interpret that people will like to buy Wallets in their preferred price and do not like to pay more 3.4.3 Jacket preferred/expensive/cheap Difference Result findings and interpretations In the above 2 charts X axis is Number of response and Y axis is the mean of selected Price range. This analysis is done to check the variation of 81 people responses regarding their preferred price for Jackets, expensive price according to people and cheap price and difference between the people preferred and expensive pricing. According to this analysis output People preferred price range are low from expensive price so we can interpret that people will like to buy Jackets in their preferred price and do not like to pay more 3.4.4 Computer Bag preferred/expensive/cheap Difference Result findings and interpretation In the above 2 charts X axis is Number of response and Y axis is the mean of selected Price range. This analysis is done to check the variation of 81 people responses regarding their preferred price for Computer bags , expensive price according to people and cheap price and difference between the people preferred and expensive pricing. People preferred price range are bit low or sometime as same as expensive price and from this we can interpret that people will like to buy Computer bags if it is bit expensive but still they are very few in compare to all 81 responses. 3.4.5 Mobile Case preferred/expensive/cheap Difference Result findings and interpretation In the above 2 charts X axis is Number of response and Y axis is the mean of selected Price range. This analysis is done to check the variation of 81 people responses regarding their preferred price for Mobile case, expensive price according to people and cheap price and difference between the people preferred and expensive pricing. People preferred price range are visibly low compare to expensive price and from this we can interpret that people will like to buy Mobile case if it is provided in their preferred price range 3.4.6 Shoes preferred/expensive/cheap Difference Result findings and interpretation In the above 2 charts X axis is Number of response and Y axis is the mean of selected Price range. This analysis is done to check the variation of 81 people responses regarding their preferred price for Shoes, expensive price according to people and cheap price and difference between the people preferred and expensive pricing. According to this analysis output People preferred price range are low from expensive price so we can interpret that people will like to buy Shoes in their preferred price and do not like to pay more 3.4.7 Belts preferred/expensive/cheap Difference Result findings and interpretation In the above 2 charts X axis is Number of response and Y axis is the mean of selected Price range. This analysis is done to check the variation of 81 people responses regarding their preferred price for Belts, expensive price according to people and cheap price and difference between the people preferred and expensive pricing. People preferred price range are bit low or sometime as same as expensive price and from this we can interpret that people will like to buy Belts if it is given in their preferred price range 3.5 Influence factors of Buying 3.5.1 Price-Buying Influence Factor Result findings Result findings are 55.6% responses is said that Price is Most important factor for them for buying leather product and 21% is said that price is very important factor and for 9.9% it is less important, 6.2% it is very less important and 7.4 it not at all important factor for buying and leather products Interpretations More than 50% of responses are saying that Price is Most important factor for them to buy any leather product and 21% are saying Price is very important factor so cumulative 72% out of 100% is saying Price is important factor 3.5.2 Quality-Buying Influence Factor Result findings Result findings are 44.4% responses is said that Quality is Most important factor for them for buying leather product and 25.9 % is said that Quality is very important factor and for 3.7% it is less important, 11.1% it is very less important and 14.4% it not at all important factor for buying and leather products Interpretations More than 44.4% of responses are saying that Quality is Most important factor for them to buy any leather product and 25.9% are saying Quality is very important factor so cumulative 70% out of 100% is saying Quality is important factor 3.5.3 Brand-Buying Influence Factor Result findings Result findings are 3.7% responses is said that Brand is Most important factor for them for buying leather product and 29.6% is said that Brand is very important factor and for 48.1% it is less important, 11.1% it is very less important and 7.4 it not at all important factor for buying and leather products Interpretations More than 48.1 % of responses are saying that Brand is less important factor for them to buy any leather product, 11.1% are saying Brand is very less important factor and 7.4% is saying it is not at all important so cumulative 67% out of 100% is saying Brand is not much important factor for them for buying leather products 5.4 Country Origin-Buying Influence Factor Result findings Result findings are 11.1% responses is said that Country of origin is Most important factor for them for buying leather product and 18.52% is said that Country of origin is very important factor and for 18.52% it is less important, 25.93% it is very less important and 25.93% it not at all important factor for buying and leather products Interpretations More than 18.52 % of responses are saying that Country of origin is less important factor for them to buy any leather product, 25.93% are saying Country of origin is very less important factor and 25.93% is saying it is not at all important so cumulative 70% out of 100% is saying Country of origin is not much important factor for them for buying leather products 6.Competitive Analysis 6.1 Types of Stores Research Findings and Interpretations Sample size is 24 stores and 45.8% from 24 is Retail shop and 37.5 from shopping mall and 16.7% Biz from home . Analysis is for all these 3 store types is to know about the pricing offering for leather products 6.2 Handbags Price Range Handbags- Biz from Home Handbags- Shopping Mall Handbags- Retail Store Result findings and Interpretation Store Type Biz from home 27% selling handbags at $1 to $150 price range and 73% at $151 to $300 and Store type Shopping Mall 70% selling handbags at $151 to $300 and 30% $301 to $450 and Store Type Retail 45% selling handbags at $1 to $150 price range and 55% at $151 to $300. According to these findings I interpret that retail store are selling balance price range products and Shopping mall starting range is bit high compare to retail store and biz from home 6.3 Wallets Price Range Wallets-Biz from Home Wallets- Shopping Mall Wallets- Retail Store Result findings and Interpretation Store Type Biz from home 75% selling Wallets at $1 to $100 price range and 25% at $101 to $200 and Store type Shopping Mall 70% selling wallets at $201 to $300 and 30% $301 and above and Store Type Retail 35% selling wallets at $1 to $100 price range and 65% at $101 to $200. According to these findings I interpret that retail store biz from home are selling at low price range products and Shopping mall starting range is bit high compare to retail store and biz from home 6.3 Jackets Price Range Jackets-Biz from Home Jackets- Shopping Mall Jackets- Retail Store Result findings and Interpretation Store Type Biz from home 50% selling Jackets at $1 to $150 price range and 50% at $151 to $300 and Store type Shopping Mall 55% selling Jackets at $151 to $300 and 45% $301 to $450 and Store Type Retail 20% selling Jackets at $1 to $150 price range and 80% at $151 to $300. According to these findings I interpret that Biz from home store type are selling balance price range products 6.4 Computer bags Price Range Computer Bag-Biz from Home Computer bags- Shopping Mall Compbags- Retail Store Result findings and Interpretation Store Type Biz from home 75% selling Computer bags at $1 to $200 price range and 25% at $201 to $400 and Store type Shopping Mall 30% selling Computer bags at $201 to $400 and 70% $401 to $600 and Store Type Retail 25% selling Computer bags at $1 to $200 price range and 75% at $201 to $400. According to these findings I interpret that retail store are selling balance price range products and Shopping mall starting range is bit high compare to

Use of Tone, Irony and Humor in The Hammon and the Beans Essay

Use of Tone, Irony and Humor in The Hammon and the Beans Ernest Hemingway once explained, "A writer's problem does not change. He himself changes and the world he lives in changes but his problem remains the same. It is always how to write truly and having found what is true, to project it in such a way that it becomes a part of the experience of the person who reads it." The attitude and "projection" with which the author creates a story is the tone. A difficult aspect of writing to master, tone is one that transitions a piece of writing from satisfactory to exemplary. In The Hammon and the Beans, Americo Paredes incorporates tone in a manner that allows the reader to understand the two-sided situation because the characters are living happy yet troublesome lives. Through including contradictory statements, irony, and comedy in the story, Paredes displays his ability to utilize tone in order to construct a complex work with pure grace. Opposition is an important undertone present in The Hammon and the Beans. Throughout the entire story, Paredes integrates contradictory statements which are used for two purposes. The first usage of these argumentative ideas is to clearly depict the setting of the story for the reader. In the first paragraph, the grandfather's house is described as, "... a big frame house painted a dirty yellow," that was in, "... a quiet neighborhood at least, too far from the center of town for automobiles and too near for musical, night-roaming drunks (p. 274)." In these two descriptions of the setting, there are contradictions because a big house is usually positive, while dirtiness is negative (although yellow itself is not normall... ...hich contributes to his overall impression of the story. In adding a comical tone to the story, the author gives the reader the ability to relate to, and better understand, the situation in which the characters are involved, because it is pure human nature to laugh. Tone is an advanced element of writing, that when effectively incorporated into a work, can make it exceptional, and one certainly worth reading. The Hammon and the Beans is an example of a story in which tone is used extraordinarily well by including opposition among statements and characters, thought-provoking irony, and sensitive humor. Paredes entices the reader to share the emotions of the characters by projecting them in a subtle manner. As a result of becoming involved, the reader can more completely comprehend the lives of the characters, from their difficult times to those of pure joy.

What is Love? Essays -- Literary Analysis, Donne, Loves Alchemy

â€Å"I love you†. No other sequence of words has so much power; these words have the power to strengthen a bond, weaken a relationship, ruin a friendship or bring two people together. The concept of love is puzzling and we have struggled to understand it for centuries, everything between the Greek goddess Aphrodite and today’s Romantic comedies have attempted to comprehend and explain it. The theme of love is popular in Donne’s early poetry. His understanding of love from the perspective of a protestant preacher reveals much about the anti-Christian sentiments and of the scientific revolution of the 17th century. A close analysis of Donne’s poem, â€Å"Love’s Alchemy† and of the film â€Å"When Harry Met Sally† reveals the strength behind Donne’s idea that sex is the end goal in relationships and that true love is physical. In the first two lines of â€Å"Love’s Alchemy† Donne sets up his attack on platonic love when he compares it to the unsuccessful results of alchemy. The words â€Å"deeper digged love’s mine† (1) creates the association between platonic love and alchemy. The mine represents both the physical mine in which we find base metals, and secondly the spiritual mine in which we find love. For Donne, the idea of platonic love is as worthless as the metals pulled from the mine – and much like the alchemist cannot turn it into gold, the Platonist will never turn his idea into true love. The metaphor of depth implies a direction inward, mainly into one’s soul. The â€Å"centric happiness† (2) of the next line reinforces the idea of inner digging; the center of the soul is where Platonists believe love to be. Another interpretation of the mine demonstrates how digging deep is necessary for love; since alchemy never produces gold, the on... ...this way could represent how this notion of love plagues society and that it is an enemy we must unite against. The speaker also warns against the inevitable loss of these qualities should platonic love be pursued â€Å"for this vain bubble’s shadow pay?† (14) The use of the word â€Å"pay† likens the pursuit of platonic love to crime in which the guilty person must pay a fine. The image of the bubble on the other hand represents fragility and transparency which means that these are characteristics of platonic love. The concept of platonic love as fragile and transparent is also present in â€Å"When Harry Met Sally†. Initially when Harry tells his friend about his platonic relationship with Sally, his friend is unconvinced. This reaction is justified because near the end of the film, the platonic relationship dissipates and they have sex which eventually leads to marriage.

The Fatal Grudge :: essays research papers fc

â€Å"For I have decided to send Ad Patres[Spanish for â€Å"to the fathers†] the feminists who have ruined my life.† -Marc Lepine, suicide note. It was the early evening of December 6, 1989; just nineteen day’s before Christmas. The students of Montreal’s Ecole Polytechnique were just finishing their classes when a stranger walked into the engineering building. Like a sadistic Santa he carried a Sturm Ruger Mini-14 automatic rifle, knives and bandoleers of ammunition. The stranger was Marc Lepine. At the end of the day he would be dead along with 14 women; leaving a suicide note blaming feminists for his actions. Marc Lepine’s brutal actions are a shocking reality check of the growing number of savage acts done by men towards women. There has always been a difference between men and women and how both treat each other. You could say the two genders secretly hold a grudge against one another. This grudge will on occasion surface and cause conflict between the two; either in a peaceful matter or violent outburst. What causes this resentment? In the women’s case many feel they do not have the same privileges that men have. On the other hand, some men say that women are now stealing the privileges which were hard enough to attain while competing with their own gender. Stevie Cameron also recognises this and states â€Å"Sharing power is not easy for anyone and men do not find it easy to share among themselves, much less with a group of equally talented, able women.† (2) This tension is then the hotbed from which these acts of violence must originate from. Women are considered by most men to be less physically inclined. Is this true? In the past men have always been the symbols of strength and fortitude, while the women represented the more gentler and timid qualities. This unfair outlook is alive and well in today’s day and age. Although it’s not nearly supported as strongly as it once was it still sits in our subconscious, dictating our actions as a society. For instance, if you took a 18 year old boy and a 18 year old girl, they have a very different set of rules to follow. These rules are set by their parents who make them based on the previous presumptions. So the girl will find it unfair that the boy, who is considered her equal, can go where he wants, when he wants.

The Elasticity of Business Ethics

Running head: The Elasticity of Business Ethics The Elasticity of Business Ethics Abstract Given the competitiveness in the world market, many are tempted to go outside of the rules and regulations of society in order to get ahead. Although many would like to think that qualities such as honesty and credibility are first and foremost in the minds of people, temptations have lured some to act irresponsibly to get more of the almighty dollar. Recent scandals have proven that good ethical and moral values are becoming more the exception rather than the rule. This paper will address the following ethical and moral questions: What is ethics and morality in business. How far have we come as a country in relation to business ethics? Why society is becoming more aware of corporate behavior? What measures are taken by businesses to become a better corporate citizen? Business practices came under fire when America's seventh largest firm, Enron, collapsed due to unethical accounting strategies. I feel this created a domino effect and was the beginning of our current crisis. Now there are companies folding one after the other, large organizations in the US collapsed or filed for bankruptcy cover and one case even implicated the famous home economist, Martha Stewart for insider trading. The various deceitful activities of some larger companies resulted in widespread public mistrust of business practices and principles. This paper will concentrate on some of the ethical and moral issues that must be addressed when trying to understand the state business ethics. 1. What is ethics and morality and how do they relate? 2. What happened in business ethics before the 1960s to the present time? . What are factors that could change ones views of a business’ ethical behavior? 4. What are interactions between business and society that alter societal expectations? What is ethics and morality and how they relate? When considering the difference between ethics and morals, consider what a criminal defense lawyer does for a client. Though the lawyer’s perso nal moral code likely finds murder immoral and reprehensible, ethics demand the accused be defended to the best of his ability even when the lawyer knows the party is guilty and that a freed defendant would potentially lead to more crime. Legal ethics must override personal morals for the greater good of upholding our justice system in which the accused are given a fair trial and the prosecution must prove the accused guilt. Ethics is the branch of philosophy that deals with morality. Ethics is concerned with distinguishing between the good and evil in the world, between right and wrong human actions, and between virtuous and nonvirtuous characteristics of people. Ethics means thinking critically about your actions and about their motives and their consequences (Dictionary. com, 2009). Do I want to be an honest, honorable, spiritual, respectful, or loving person? You might hold an ethical position that it's wrong to lie. A time may arise where it may be necessary to bend the truth or sometimes tell a â€Å"white lie†. For example, if you have plans to deploy to Iraq on a sensitive mission and you want to keep your trip a secret for obvious reasons. If someone asks you about those plans, you may need to lie to protect the integrity of the mission. When it comes to making ethical decisions, I take into account my very personal feeling that there is a principle greater than myself. With that said, morality is the subset of ethics dealing in the philosophical study of interpersonal relations and their ethical implications. It has to do with the critical analysis of our roles in society, our â€Å"duties† and â€Å"rights†. Morals are not personal decisions, except in whether you agree with them or not. Morals are rules that a group has decided are best for that group. (Borade, G, 2009). Americans have several versions of what is moral and immoral, Catholics have lists of sins, Christians have the Ten Commandments, Buddhists has a set and so forth. You may strongly agree with them, or trongly oppose them, but they still exist, and people will judge your conduct against them whether you agreed with them or not. Building on these definitions, we can begin to develop a concept of business ethics. Business ethics can be defined as written and unwritten codes of principles and values that govern decisions and actions within a company (Simpson, C, 2004). Business ethics boils down to knowing the difference between right and wrong and choosing to do what is right. The phrase ‘business ethics' can be used to describe the actions of individuals within an organization, as well as the organization as a whole (Lovetoknow. om, 2009). What happened in business ethics before the 1960s to the present time? Now that we have defined terms, we can now discuss the progression of business ethics in the United States over the years. The study of ethics in North America has evolved through five distinct stages: (1) Before 1960, (2) the 1960s, (3) the 1970s, (4) the 1980’s and 1990s to present (Ferrell, 2008). Business Ethics Prior to 1960 Prior to 1960, the United States questioned the concept of capitalism. The 1920s brought about the ‘living wage’ through the progressive movement. In the 1930s came the New Deal, which blamed business for the country’s economic woes and businesses where asked to work more closely with government to raise family income. By the 1950s, the New Deal evolved into the Fair Deal by President Truman which addressed civil rights and environmental responsibility as ethical issues that businesses had to address. Until 1960, ethical related issues were addressed in religious institutions of all faiths. Religious leaders raised questions about fair wages, labor practices, and the morality of capitalism. Religion applied its moral concepts to business as well as government, politics, the family, personal life, and all other aspects of life (Ferrell, 2008). Business Ethics in the 1960s During the 1960s, the antibusiness attitude emerged as critics attacked the vested interests that controlled the economic and political side of society, the so called military-industrial complex. The 1960 saw the crumbling of the inner cities and the growth of environmental problems such as toxic and nuclear pollution and waste disposal. A rise in consumerism by individuals, groups, and organizations began to protect their rights as consumers. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy delivered a â€Å"Special Message on Protecting the Consumer Interest† where he outlined the four basic consumer rights: the right to safety, the right to be informed, the right to choose, and the right to be heard. These four rights later came to be known as the Consumers’ Bill of Rights. After Kennedy came Lyndon Johnson and the Great Society, which extended national capitalism and let the business community know that the government would be responsible for providing the citizens with a degree of economic stability, equality, and social justice. Any business practice that could destabilize the economy or discriminate any class of citizen began to be viewed as unethical and unlawful (Ferrell, 2008). Business Ethics in the 1970s In the 1970, business ethics developed as a field of study. Business professors began to teach and write about corporate social responsibility. Companies became more concerned with their public images and realized that they had to address ethical issues more directly. The Nixon Administration’s Watergate scandal brought attention to the importance of an ethical government. The Foreign Corrupt Act was passed during the Carter administration, making it illegal to for U. S. businesses to bribe government officials of other countries. Numerous ethical issues emerged during the late 1970s such as bribery, deceptive advertising, product safety, and the environment issues. Business ethics became a common expression and researchers sought to identify ethical issues and describe how businesspeople might act in a situation (Ferrell, 2008). Business Ethics in the 1980s In the 1980s, business ethics is acknowledged as a field of study. Five hundred courses in business ethics were offered at colleges across the country. Leading companies such as General Electric, Chase Manhattan, General Motors, Atlantic Richfield, Caterpillar, and S. C. Johnson and Son, Inc viewed business ethics as a major concern. The Defense Industry Initiative on Business Ethics and Conduct (DII) was developed to guide corporate support for ethical conduct. The DII established a method for discussing best practices and tactics to link organizational practices and policy to successful ethical compliance. In the 1980s, the Reagan-Bush eras brought about the policy of self-regulation rather than regulation by government. Tariffs and trade barriers were lifted and businesses merged. Corporations that were once nationally bases began operating internationally. The rules of business were changing at an alarming rate due to fewer government regulation imposed during the Reagan-Bush era (Ferrell, 2008). Business Ethics in the 1990s In the 1990s, President Clinton continued to support self-regulation and free trade. However, it also took unprecedented government action to deal with health issues. These issues included restricting cigarette advertising, banning vending machine sales and banning the use cigarette logos during sporting events. The Federal Sentencing Guidelines for Organization (FSGO) was established by Congress and set the tone for organizational ethnical compliance programs in the 1990s. FSGO broke new ground by rewarding and penalizing companies for their ethical compliance programs. Even though the FSGO has made enormous strides it will not be enough to prevent serious penalties. Companies must develop cooperate values, enforce its own code of ethics, and strive to prevent ethical misconduct (Ferrell, 2008). Business Ethics in the 21st century Although business ethics in the 1990s appeared to be an institutionalized concept, evidence emerged in the 2000s that business executives and managers had not fully embraced the public desire for high ethical standards. One such executive, Dennis Kozlowski, former CEO of Tyco, was indicted on thirty-eight counts of embezzling $170 million of Tyco funds and netting $430 million from improper sales of stock. Author Anderson, a â€Å"Big Five† accounting firm, was convicted of obstruction-of-justice conviction for shredding documents related to its role as Enron’s auditor. The reputation of the firm was destroyed and lost all their clients and eventually went out of business. Author Anderson was also questioned for their involvement in audits involving Halliburton, WorldCom, Global Crossing, Dynegy, Qwest, and Sunbeam for their questionable accounting practices. These examples of misconduct increased public demand for improved standards in business. In 2002, Congress passed the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which made securities fraud a criminal offense and strengthened penalties for corporate fraud. It created an accounting oversight board for greater transparency in financial reports to investors and other interested parties. Top executives are required to sign off on their firms’ financial reports. Company executives must now disclose stock sales immediately and prohibits companies from giving loans to top managers. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the FSGO have institutionalized the need for top manager to discover and address ethical and legal risk. Business leaders should view that ethical misconduct as the greatest danger to their companies. Ethical disasters can be damaging to company’s reputation and will significantly have an effect on their bottom line (Ferrell, 2008). What are factors that could change ones views of a business’ ethical behavior? In today’s uncertain business environment, traumatized by countless corporate scandals has brought a lot of attention to the social and ethical practices of business. The highly televised, Enron scandal was exposed when the company filed for bankruptcy. The degree of fraud impacting investors, employees, and others became known to the public. Business criticism is more prevalent than ever because people are more affluent, educated, and better inform because of the access to information. Twenty-four hour news coverage, investigative news programs, the internet, the revolution of rising entitlement mentality, the rights movement, and a philosophy of victimization. Businesses now, more than ever, must realize that there is a more informed society and businesses are being watched (Buchholtz, 2009). What interactions between business and society alter societal expectations? Business is increasingly held to greater standards of social performance, reflecting an imbalance between its traditional conduct and the expectations of society. A corporation commitment to its social responsibilities will go a long way to shape societal approval. There are four levels commitment in social responsibilities. First and foremost, economically, businesses strive to make a profit, maximize stakeholder wealth and value, create jobs for the community, and create goods and services to the economy. Legally abide by all laws and government regulations. Ethically, follow standards of ethical of acceptable behavior as judged by stakeholders or any one other interested party. Finally, philanthropic responsibilities refer to activities not required of business but promote human welfare or goodwill. In my opinion, this level of commitment has the greatest impact on society’s view of a company (Ferrell, 2008). The uses of these levels of responsibilities are attempts by businesses to meet societal expectations and become a better corporate citizen. In conclusion, understanding the meaning of ethics and morality and how they relate is important when trying to understand why people act or react in a given situation. Knowing how business ethics has evolved over the years and how far we still must go to create a happy median between business and society.. As technology becomes more available, society is more aware of corporate social responsibility. With this information, consumers are better able to make informed discussions on which companies to do businesses with. Finally, economic, legal, ethical, and philanthropic interactions between business and society will alter societal expectations of a business good or bad. References Buchholtz, C. (2009). Business and Society: Ethics and Stakeholder Management. (7th Edittion ed. , pp. 3-7). International: South-Western. Ferrell, F. F. (2008). Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making and Cases. (7th Edition ed. , pp. 11-14). Boston, New York: Houghton Mifflin Company. Simpson, C. (2004, October). Should I or Shouldn’t I? An Ethical Conundrum. Retrieved September 23, 2009, from http://ebscohost. com: http://search. ebscohost. com/login. aspx? direct=true&db=lfh&AN=14597954&site=ehost-live Dictionary. com. (2009). Retrieved September 3, 2009, from Dictionary. com: http://dictionary. reference. com LoveToKnow. com. (2009). Retrieved September 3, 2009, from LoveToKnow. com: http://business. lovetoknow. com/wiki/A_Definition_for_Business_Ethics Borade, G. (2009, March 24). Difference between Ethics and Morality. Retrieved September 22, 2009, from buzzle. com: http://www. buzzle. com/articles/difference- ethics-and-morality. html