Business Simulation Game Free Essays

Introduction This report details the strategies that I employed in my five-year tenure as a Business Development Manager at Eco-Resource Biotech, an organic waste management company dealing in the remediation of organic agricultural and animal wastes from industrial farms and their repurposing into saleable commodities such as soil enhancers and fertilizer alternatives. Established in 2003, Eco-Resource Biotech is an alternative fertilizer and soil amendment business that devotes itself to the provision of specialized waste management services as a solution for the achievement of environmental sustainability. The primary objective is the biological remediation of agricultural and animal (organic) waste into soil and crop enhancing products for reuse in agriculture and farm use. We will write a custom essay sample on Business Simulation Game or any similar topic only for you Order Now Strategic shift In 2007, Eco-Resource was by all means quite a successful company, as evidenced by data presented in appendices A and B, making annual sales of over a billion Pounds and a gross profit of 800 million Pounds. This it achieved through unique, innovative and cost-effective solutions meeting current global need for sustainability in agriculture and waste management. Also contributory to this success was its hugely successful marketing campaigns targeting key consumers and lobby groups. The initial strategic direction chosen by management was a mixed strategy which had a greater bias towards cost and intended to transition towards differentiation. It sought to employ the most cost effective methods of production so as to enable competitive pricing in order to compete with the small farm-based fertilizer and the organic compost manufacturers. This was necessary at start-up as this was the only available market for fertilizers and soil enhancers with widespread consumer awareness. To create a foothold, the company needed to first eke itself recognition from which it would then be able to follow through with a differentiation strategy. Generic strategy Despite evident success, there was a huge potential for more growth and development in the provision of on-farm waste management services and in the revamping of differentiation strategies clearly putting the company in its own niche aside from the organic fertilizer market in which it initially competed. For this to be achieved, management developed a mixed strategy to guide the next growth phase, seeking to enhance the successful cost strategy, as well as initiating a differentiation strategy which included diversification of operations to include hitherto untapped areas. Industry overview In aggregate, the specialized organic compost businesses globally generate more than 100 billion Pounds a year and provide employment for hundreds of thousands (U.S. Government Bureau of Statistics: Fertilizer Manufacturing). The industry’s growth rate which is on average more than 7% per annum is enhanced by the commutations of the internet and the development of international commerce that have allowed operations on a global scale (U.S. Government Bureau of Statistics: Chemical Consulting). These have enabled connection with far flung businesses and farmers leading to the skyrocketing of demand for fertilizers and soil enhancing products. Direct competition in the agricultural waste recycling and reuse, and especially the biological remediation and soil amendment sectors is, however, minimal and far dispersed globally. In its early years, the company faced competition from the organic compost-based manufacturers and the smaller farm-based fertilizer, despite their products being substantially different from Eco-Resource Biotech’s offerings. For this reason, the company’s choice of a vibrant differentiation strategy had its basis on creating a niche market specific for its particular line of products. Consumers needed to be made aware of the distinct and substantial differences of Eco-Resource’s product offerings with those of the compost and farm-based fertilizer sector. There are only 123 suppliers of specialized organic fertilizers in the UK with the industry generating gross earnings of approximately 15.8 billion Pounds a year (U.S. Government Bureau of Statistics: Chemical Manufacturing). There has, however, been a resurgence of popularity though the entry of new players has seen slow growth barred by issues and difficulties in dealing with animal and biological wastes (Kimbrell, 2002). Critical risks and issues Feed for livestock and humans have to be produced in adequate amounts regardless of economic conditions. This creates a foundation on which the company derives its sustenance, immunity to economic challenges. Economic insulation is thus considered a major strength. Despite this insulation, uncertainties and risks such as the economic recession and spikes in international oil prices cannot be avoided. The company endeavours to forge on forward as the potential for growth in the international fertilizer and soil amendment market is immense. It’s safe, low-cost alternatives is its greatest strength, appealing to current need and providing high margin recurrent streams of revenue. Very high operating costs from the collection and transport of organic wastes, and the high pay demanded by specialized personnel, is the company’s major weakness. The company forges on as, despite the costs, opportunities can still be profitably exploited. Another weakness obtains from the widespread availability of bioremediation technologies with the only barrier to entry being high capitalization. The company through its strategic direction seeks to exploit its differentiation strategy and other unique and novel channels to beat its competition and sustain its growth. Opportunities available for Eco-Resource’s venture include the enhancement of distribution and expansion into the international market, supplying commercial farms across the globe and tapping into multiple income streams. The shift in demand from traditional inorganic fertilizers to organically-based fertilizers and soil enhancers due to concerns over climate change is considered to be a significant opportunity, enhancing confidence and the assurance of success. With no effective barrier to entry, there is a threat in the possible entry of competitors impacting the company’s cost driver prices and causing significant changes in profit margins. There is the potential for infringement of operating systems by major competitors since the company’s business strategies lack patent protection. Another threat is the venture’s reliance and subjectivity to the implementation of new technologies which have not yet reached maturation. Company overview With the adoption of the strategy proposals, the company has seen immense success and growth as evidenced in the increase in profitability to 5.6 billion pounds as at 2011 (see Appendix C), as well as in shareholder value and overall company size. This is enabled by growth in sales volumes and the diversification (see appendix C). The company has been able to obtain its projected market value and enhance its market share especially with the international drive and outsourced services. The company’s strength lay in its acquired market share, its offer of value-added services and its cash position also giving it leverage in the competitive environment. These enable the company to build loyalty which would result in the stability of market share. A weakness in the outsourced initiative obtains from the lack of patented technologies with the possibility of farms forgoing venture agreements and depriving the company of its revenue. The company seeks to provide quality and timely service, as well as having employees based on the farm facilities for follow-through to counter this. Decisions Qualitative objectives in the competitive position such as product quality, customer service and competitive position are the strategic means through which the growth can be realized (Cornelissen and Clarke, 2010). These are the main focus areas in the strategic shift and growth drive which encompasses: expansion of conversion facilities owned and operated; successful marketing and growth of various solutions; expansion of the outsourcing lines; and, increasing quality and productivity. A primary concern was the ability of the company to continue to price its services at affordable rates given the turbulent economic environment in times of recession and instability. Since competition in the industry was likely to focus on product development and pricing, it was deemed prudent to pursue strategies that would out-compete their strategies including diversification strategies, offering novel and specialized services, and the initiation of an international drive to enhance sales. Initial success was based on the sustenance of good relations with farmers and distributors. At this stage (2007), the company operated a single conversion facility with capacity for nationwide distribution. Within the year, the company management sought to streamline operations and develop plans for ventures to the rest of Europe and the international market, mapping distribution programmes and logistics. Plans were also developed for diversification into outsourcing services and marketing to solidify differentiation. In the diversification strategy decision, the company developed an agricultural waste management service to manage biodegradable animal and biological waste as an outsourced service provider. At the beginning of 2008, the company invested in an initial pilot project at a farm owned by a cooperative. In the desire to trade-off costs and productivity, management aimed to minimize the high wage costs, enabled by outsourced facilities. This was also intended to serve for marketing, reaching out to farmer cooperatives and groups whose uptake of the company’s products was low due to variant loyalties. The success of the strategy was impressive and growth was exponential with high demand. Earnings from the pilot rose from an initial 42 million pounds from the single outsource facility in 2008 to 4.9 billion from a hundred facilities in 2011. The remediation of toxic soils and water by the company for clients did not, however, receive similar impressive success and notable demand. With this success of the pilot and the necessity for the international drive, management, in the last quarter of 2008, deemed it necessary to acquire a loan of 200 million pounds to further enhance research and development capabilities, as well as to finance a global marketing campaign, establishing distribution channels and contracting external firms with required capabilities. Early 2009, the company ventured out seeking commercial farms, farmer unions and cooperatives to replicate the success of the pilot facility. This was not a major challenge backed by the evident success of the pilot and the widespread need of solutions for waste management and enhancement of productivity. By the end of 2010, the company’s venture into the international market had achieved success gaining entry and presence in 3 regions of the globe including North and Latin America, and Africa with the development of regional sales offices. Sales were very impressive despite missing projections by small margins, with over 100 per cent growth in 2009 and 2010 and a total of 2.3 billion in 2011 (see appendix C). With these achievements, management in 2011 and 2012 decided to institute measures to consolidate these gains and improve on the various ventures and services. The uptake of the outsourcing service line was quite impressive with a total of 134 miniature facilities in 120 farms by the end of the second quarter of 2012. In monitoring the results of the new strategic direction, management constantly monitored performance and took deliberate actions to boost competitiveness, adding value to performance indices. Remaining with the initial strategic direction The strategic direction taken was not radically different from the initial strategic direction and received little resistance overall as it, in many ways, matched initial objectives. This choice of strategy intended to build up on the successes of earlier decisions, tapping into inherent potential and enhancing the sustainability of the company’s operations into the future. There was need in light of goings on in the competitive global business environment and the bioremediation and organic waste management industry. The strategic shift enabled the realization of company’s exponential growth in size and earnings and the diversification into longer-term competitiveness in outsourced services and international presence. The final results These decisions targeted at achieving strategic and financial objectives enabled the company to deliver consistently impressive bottom line results pitted against rivals in the bioremediation and organic waste management industry. These strategic decisions, as part of the long-term corporate direction, also enhanced shareholder value and enabled the company to adapt to competitive conditions in the rapidly growing and changing industry. Despite the take-off failure of the toxic water and soil remediation service, the other components of the strategic shift were hugely successful. My performance in developing and implementing this strategic shift was quite impressive given the smooth transition and acceptance by the team, as well as the success this strategic shift brought for the overall company and industry. I avoided resistance by developing strategy proposals in line with the initial strategic direction and avoided radically different paths. The engagement of several teams of management in the implementation of the various tasks was also beneficial in acquiring acceptance and enhancing overall efficiency. Underlying strategic principles The success of a crafted and executed strategy is its consistent delivery of good bottom-line results pitted against rival company strategies. They enable the charting of a long-term corporate direction towards realization of strategic and financial objectives (Amabile, et al., 1996). Key learning points about strategy A key lesson learnt is that there is no singular miraculous combination of decisions that management discover to realise their objectives and goals in the competitive business environment. Decisions require widespread consensus and must be consistent and compatible to ensure success (Cornelissen and Clarke, 2010). The strength of interplay of strategies when better than those of the competition ensures that the venture achieves success pitted against its rivals in the competitive environment. These results are to a large extent dependent on the analysis, planning and decision-making process of management and the capacity to follow through them (Cornelissen and Clarke, 2010). The development of best strategies is heavily dependent upon knowledge and grasp of the system and the business environment, as well as creativity and initiative. Conclusion To achieve sustainable growth and the enhancement of its performance ratios, Eco-resource sought to strengthen the success of its initial strategic direction, as well as chart out a new direction aligned to the former. In this new direction, the company was successful in maintaining process costs through the streamlining of operations, and increasing product sales and revenues through enhanced marketing and differentiation programmes. The company successfully diversified its operations to include specialized outsourced services achieving projected outcomes. Into the New Year, there is need to consolidate these ventures and strategies, aligning the various components and enhancing growth in international markets, with ventures into the remaining regions. Despite surging popularity and entry of more players, continued growth in demand fortified by effective marketing, and output of new technologies and ways to employ them will enable the success and sustenance of the venture in the long term. References Amabile, T., R., Conti, H., Coon, J., Lazenby, and M., Herron, 1996. â€Å"Assessing the work environment for creativity.† In: The Academy of Management Journal, 39(5), 1154-1184. Cornelissen, J., J., Clarke, 2010. â€Å"Imagining and Rationalizing Opportunities: Inductive Reasoning, and the Creation and Justification of New Ventures.† In: Academy of Management Review, 35(4): 539-557. Kimbrell, A., (ed.), 2002. Fatal Harvest: The Tragedy of Industrial Agriculture. Washington DC: Island Press. S. Government Bureau of Statistics: Fertilizer Manufacturing – NAICS Code – 325314; Chemical Manufacturing – NAICS Code – 325; Chemical Consulting – NAICS Code – 541690. How to cite Business Simulation Game, Essay examples

Nineteenth Century Essay Example For Students

Nineteenth Century Essay Nineteenth CenturyThe Nineteenth Century American The Nineteenth Century American was very different than the Twentieth Century American. They had different technology, food, laws, dress, customs, view of art and beauty, and family structure. They lived a lot differently than we do and they acted differently, also. They liked different things, and had different customs, also. They spoke English, but used different words and words had different meanings. The Nineteenth Century American ate many different things, but most of theme were simple. During the Nineteenth Century, the potato chip was invented. American Indian George Crum invented them in 1853. He was a chef at a fancy restaurant in Saratoga Springs, New York. Crum made French fries that were too thin to grab with a fork, to make a customer mad. They ate many things but mostly simple things. The enjoyed eating the hamburger, but they ate it on a plate, and not on a bun. Also Dr. Pepper was invented in the Nineteenth Century. A man named Charles Alderton in Waco, Texas invented it in 1885. He was a pharmacist, and he was experimenting with different flavors in soda. Also Nineteenth Century Americans ate oysters, oyster stew, New England clam chowder, many kinds of fruit pies, and seafood. Coffee was served with all meals. Breakfast was served around seven, dinner (now called lunch) at noon (except on Sunday where it was served around two), and supper at six. Nineteenth Century Americans wore completely different clothes than the Twentieth Century Americans. Many young boys and men would wear suits, even as play clothes. Many were dark blue, with or black. There were many ruffles and cuffs. Many men and boys would wear tan colored shoes. Most women wore long hooping skirts, also with many cuffs and ruffles. For work, many men wore blue jeans, after Levi Straus invented them. In the early Nineteenth Century, most people were of the Protestant religion. There were a few Catholics and a few Jews, also. Starting around 1820, many Roman Catholics and German Lutherans immigrated to the United States from Ireland and Germany, respectively. During the Nineteenth Century, many new religious groups were formed. Some examples are the Mormons (The Church of Latter Day Saints), Church of Christ, Christian Scientist, Seventh Day Adventist, the Shakers, and the Jehovah Witness. Many issues, such as slavery and marriage, caused denominations to branch apart. There have been many law changes in the United States since the Nineteenth Century, including many major ones, including slavery. In 1854, Massachusetts, Oregon, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Vermont all had prohibition laws that lasted until the beginning of the Civil War. From when the colonies became a country until the early Nineteenth Century, slavery was very wide spread, especially in the South. Many farmers and Plantation owners in the south had hundred or even thousands of slaves. Around 1860, there were as many as four million slaves, making up at east one-third of the population. During the early Nineteenth Century, many Northerners fought for abolition, while many Southerners fought for pro slavery. Some Southerners went as far as to say slavery was in the Bible, or that it helped the African-Americans, because they would have had a far worse life in Africa. The Compromise of 1850 was a series of law.. s passed in 1850, by the United States Congress hoped to regain peace and end the fighting between the North and South. These laws helped delay civil war for about 10 years. However, from 1861 until 1865 the Civil War was fought to keep the Southern states from leaving the Union over slavery. The Union won on April 9, 1865, when General Lee Surrenders to General Grant at Appomatox. On January 31, 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution was proposed and on December 6, 1865 it was ratified. .ua113e454f5cbb89702ff39a3e19dcf07 , .ua113e454f5cbb89702ff39a3e19dcf07 .postImageUrl , .ua113e454f5cbb89702ff39a3e19dcf07 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ua113e454f5cbb89702ff39a3e19dcf07 , .ua113e454f5cbb89702ff39a3e19dcf07:hover , .ua113e454f5cbb89702ff39a3e19dcf07:visited , .ua113e454f5cbb89702ff39a3e19dcf07:active { border:0!important; } .ua113e454f5cbb89702ff39a3e19dcf07 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ua113e454f5cbb89702ff39a3e19dcf07 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ua113e454f5cbb89702ff39a3e19dcf07:active , .ua113e454f5cbb89702ff39a3e19dcf07:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ua113e454f5cbb89702ff39a3e19dcf07 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ua113e454f5cbb89702ff39a3e19dcf07 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ua113e454f5cbb89702ff39a3e19dcf07 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ua113e454f5cbb89702ff39a3e19dcf07 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ua113e454f5cbb89702ff39a3e19dcf07:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ua113e454f5cbb89702ff39a3e19dcf07 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ua113e454f5cbb89702ff39a3e19dcf07 .ua113e454f5cbb89702ff39a3e19dcf07-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ua113e454f5cbb89702ff39a3e19dcf07:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Biscuit and Britannia Sample Essay It outlawed slavery in all parts of The United States. Proposed on June 13, 1866, and ratified on July 9, 1868, the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution stated that all people born in the United States should have equal rights. However, even after the Civil War, most African Americans were still not treated equally. In Mississippi, for example, all African Americans had to have proof of employment, or go to jail. In South Carolina, in order to work in a job that wasnt on a farm, they needed to pay a heavy bond. The case of Plessy v. Ferguson challenged the Jim Crow laws of the South to the Fourteenth Amendment, but lost. The Technology of the Nineteenth Century was primitive compared to todays standards, but was far more advanced compared to the technology of many countries at that time. During the Nineteenth Century many things were invented, changed, or thought of in America. In the early Nineteenth Century, many settlers began moving west of the Ohio River, and wanted their territory to grow rapidly. They demanded an easier way to move from East to West. So, in 1811, work began on a road that led from Cumberland, Maryland to Vandalia, Illinois. In 1840, farmer Cyrus Hall McCormick made a very wide known reaper. Art and music were very different in the Nineteenth Century. Music was greatly influenced from Overseas. Many Minstrel Shows, parody skits where artists would wear black makeup to impersonate African Americans. The skits had songs, skits, dances, and comedy routines that showed how the performer felt about African Americans. The music didnt portray African American music, but had some elements such as the instruments. Some songs protested slavery or the end to the use alcohol. During the Civil War, many songs were Dixie-Style songs, especially in the South. After the Civil War, many African Americans began singing. By the end of the Century, the most popular kind of music was the kind played in Tin Pan Alley. Musical Comedy Skits were preformed on pianos the artists called tin pans. Also, Ragtime was also invented in the Nineteenth Century. Most families in the Nineteenth Century were made of a husband and a wife, and their children. Until the Civil War, most homes in the Southern States had slaves, also. Most children moved out after school, however a few stayed at home. The divorce rate in the Nineteenth Century was very low, approximately two to three percent. This was because most religions did not permit divorce, and most men wouldnt leave a woman and her children alone. Many young girls married in the South at ages as low as thirteen. This was not uncommon, and there were many women who were grandmothers before the age of 30. Most houses, except for ones of more affluent people, had little or no furniture, and only two or three rooms. As you can see, the Nineteenth Century American was very different from you and I.

Natural System Sustainability

System’s sustainability entails the creation and maintenance of an effective system that assists in designing, planning, incorporating and implementing its own vision by considering its various components. Since a system entails many different components, there is a need to attach equal importance to the separate parts that make up a complete system. It is therefore imperative to discuss the systems thinking theory as well as the nature step theory in order to fully appreciate system sustainability.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Natural System Sustainability specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The theory of systems thinking sustainability employs the analogy of functionality of a human body by arguing that sustainability of the lifeblood of the body cannot be successful in isolation (Brown, 2005). Hence, the balance between support systems of the different parts of the body needs to be maintained for a give n system to remain effective. For instance, each part of the body system contributes to the whole process leading to effective and full functioning of the body. From the system, the theory continues to postulate that after achieving personal health for effective body functioning, an individual becomes happy if the immediate environment including family and friends fosters healthy relationships and thus becomes useful in a strong community. In comparison, the theory suggests that sustainable businesses cannot exist without direction of the major components of these enterprises towards sustainability. These components include shareholders, employees, clients and suppliers to name a few. In this regard, businesses are required to heavily borrow from nature for natural systems, which if left undisturbed, will always remain efficient in carrying out natural functions (Brown, 2005). The natural step theory The natural step theory attempts to explain the implication of decisions affecting the future. It states that factors critical to determination of success entail positive vision creation towards a desired state. The theory stipulates that to reach a desired goal, there must be an involvement of the several steps which are distinct from each other. Additionally, fixation at one step is heavily discouraged as it affects the natural step. The first step towards vision materialization commences with a drawback from the vision. This is intended to create a route/path from the present to the future. Moving forward, the created future starts with one step and each has to have an ending progressively and successfully. After successful completion of each step, there is a remarkable progression (Nattrass Altomare, 1999). Ramification through application Systems theory explains that within places of work, there are different entities and thus each entity should be treated in a unique way. As such, there is a need to create value for all involved parties such as shareholders , employees and society at large (Banal Hoffman, 2011; O’Toole, 1995).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Hitchcock and Willard (2009) argue that when corporations try to create such environments, especially when integrating vision with purpose and other factors such as performance of committed groups that can be always sustainable in single enterprises, they encounter difficulties. The solution to associated difficulties lies in recognition of the components of the whole system and how each works. Senge, Smith, Kruschwitz, Laur and Schley (2010) contend that natural step theory makes the application of the premises of progression to be successful. In making successful and progressive motions within a business enterprise, there is a need to bear in mind the goals and objectives that guide an organization to its desired vision. Since any given vision is stated in company goals and objectives, materializing the same vision commences with clear definition of the goals and objectives. Drawing a sketchy plan towards achieving it helps in making a clear plan towards attaining this vision (Nattrass Altomare, 1999). In summing up, these applications bring forth the differences between the two theories. Whereas the first one implies the whole, the latter regards one part. Although systems theory takes a combined approach for the wellbeing of employees and corporations, the second theory takes into consideration the wellbeing of a company through its vision. In addition, systems theory expounds on benefits of sharing. References Banal, P. Hoffman, A. J.(2011). The Oxford Handbook of Business and the Natural Environment. Oxford: Oxford university press. Brown, C. S. (2005). The sustainable enterprise: profiting from best practice. London: Koga page. Hitchcock, D., Willard, M. (2009). The business guide to sustainability: Practical strategies and tools for organizations. London, UK: Earthscan.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Natural System Sustainability specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Nattrass, B, B. F. Altomare, M. (1999). The natural step for business: wealth, ecology and the evolutionary corporation. Boston: Wiley. O’Toole, J. (1995). The executive’s compass. New York, NY: Oxford University Press. Senge, P., Smith, B., Kruschwitz, N. Laur, J. Schley, S. (2010). The necessary revolution: How individuals and organizations are working together to create a sustainable world. New York. Broadway Business Publishing. This essay on Natural System Sustainability was written and submitted by user Brisa Middleton to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Essay On Richard Wright And Frederick Douglas

Essay On Richard Wright And Frederick Douglas Have u ever been wanted something so bad that u would never let a thing get in your way Well I have a story that will make your day.In the mist of adversity, two Black men overcame the odds and learned to read and write during a time when they could have been killed for it. The first man is the legendary Fredrick Douglas, who was born a slave and defied the odds of his time. The other Richard Wright, though in a time no as oppressed as Fredrick, he was a man who would not settle for less. These two men have amazing stories of how they overcame the odds and learned to read and write in a time when it was considered illegal for a Black man to have these skills. I was lucky enough to read their stories and will share my thoughts and experiences with you.English: Rush Rhees library and the Fredrick Dougl...

Compare and contrast concessionary bargaining and two-tire wage Essay

Compare and contrast concessionary bargaining and two-tire wage systems - Essay Example And supermarkets will contribute only 35% for the pensions of new workers, down from their previous contribution of 100%. The United Auto Workers also accepted a two-tier structure in a supplemental agreement with the two major parts suppliers, Delphi and Visteon, that employ 52,000 workers. While workers at the "Big Three" auto plants average around $24 an hour, the new hires at the parts plants will start at $14 an hour and can eventually rise to $18.50. In the public sector, the 121,000 members of District Council 37, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), have approved a contract that allows its members to gain wage increases that will be paid for by reducing the pay, sick days and vacation benefits of newly-hired employees. A two-tier system violates the basic union principle of "equal pay for equal work." How should a newly-hired worker feel if he is doing the same work as another worker and getting only two thirds of his pay It turns the new hires into second-class citizens within the union, breeding dissatisfaction and division. It makes it more difficult to foster unity and solidarity. Moreover, employers, in addition to drastically cutting their labor costs, can use their hiring policies to weaken the union. As union power wanes, companies are finding it easier to plead global competition and request stringent concessions that workers are unable to accept. Such "concessionary bargaining" happens during recessions or industry-specific downturns when some companies face the prospect of filing for protection under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. What's unusual now is how many cases involve companies that are in good shape but cite increased global competition as the reason for the demands. "A lot of companies now are doing it just because they believe they can; it's opportunistic," says Ron Blackwell, chief economist for the AFL-CIO. WORKS CITED: Harry, Kelber. "Unions Accepting a Two-Tier Pay System Are Giving a Major Concession to Bosses". June 9, 2004 Online article

Facebook Investigation Scenario Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Facebook Investigation Scenario - Assignment Example Based on Ms Jones’ feelings, Peter Sampson posted the picture as a way of harassing and humiliating her. As a major in criminal justice, Ms Jones further presented her worries that the post by Mr Sampson may hurt her future career. On February 17th, 2014 at 9:30AM, I discovered that Ms Jones was a 20 year-old criminal justice major at the University of New Haven. At about 8:00AM that morning, one of Ms Jones friends texted to ask whether she has seen Peter Sampson’s Facebook post. It was at this point that I confirmed the post to be true. Ms Jones stated that she had â€Å"sexted† the picture MR. Sampson back in the fall of 2012 when they had just begun dating. Upon further investigation, Ms Jones explained her dating relationship with Mr Sampson and she had broken off their engagement with Mr Sampson. She said that it was after breaking off her engagement weeks earlier that she began dating Michael Davis who happened to be Mr Sampson’s roommate. Ms Jones therefor felt that it was due to these relationship issues that Mr Sampson decided to post the picture. On February 17th, 2014 at 2:45PM I also discovered that Peter Sampson was a 21 year-old criminal justice major in his junior in the same university. During an interview in Mr Sampson’s dorm room, Mr Sampson confirmed his relationship with Ms Jones as well as the breakup. However, he denied having anything to do with the posting and commenting of the picture on Facebook. Mr Sampson started that in his discovery of Ms Jones with Mr Davis, he deleted all digital photos as well as the correspondence between him and Ms Jones. Mr Jones further claimed to have used his Toshiba laptop which no one else had had access to over the past 24-hour period. I then asked him whether someone else had had used the computer in the past. His response was that in the fall of 2014 semester, he had loaned Michael Davis

International Business Entity of Gap Inc Assignment

International Business Entity of Gap Inc - Assignment Example Almost 12.4 % of all business establishments in US are involved in the retail industry and the gross margin of the industry is between 31% and 33%. There is stiff competition in the retail industry and this has seen the sales of Gap Inc drop significantly. Apart from the drop in sales, the company has also been experiencing a decrease in the number of customers. This prompted the company to explore strategies of improving on their sales. The company adopted some measures such as markdowns, aggressive promotion and product campaigns among others. This has caused a recent improvement in the sales of the company though slight. A financial analysis of Gap Inc is critical at this time to determine the financial soundness of the company. Financial analysis is the process of selecting, evaluating and interpreting information from the financial statements of a company in order to obtain information for decision-making. Financial statements have to be interpreted in order to make sense to dec ision makers in the firm. Financial analysis makes sense out of the financial statements and this enables decision-making. Financial statement analysis is therefore a very important tool for the success and growth of an organization. It provides information for decision making either outside or inside the organization. The main tool used to carry out financial analysis is the ratio analysis. ...data include the press releases about the economy or industry performance and economic data such as the gross domestic product (Block & Geoffrey, 2009). It is important for the financial analyst to make a careful selection of relevant data for analysis. All data must be obtained before beginning the process. There are numerous financial ratios. A ratio is an expression of quantitative relationship between elements (Helfert, 2001). Financial ratios are classified into various categories such as liquidity ratios, profitability ratios and activity ratios among others. These ratios are classified based on the information they provide for decision makers of the company. Gap Inc. Mission The mission statement of Gap Inc. is that the firm never stops moving. The firm takes many talented, passionate and dedicated workers across the world to deliver the products of the firm and enable customers have their expected and wonderful shopping experience. Financial Ratio Analysis 1. Ratios measuring the Liquidity of Gap Inc. The ratios are vital for the operations of the firm since they help in determination of the ability of the corporation from meeting its daily operations. Gap Inc. is expected to have high liquidity in order to assure its stakeholders of continued operations. Therefore, high liquidity ratios are favorable for the corporation. These assets are also known as liquid assets and they include cash, bank deposits, stock, and notes receivable among others (Vance, 2002). a) Current ratio Current ratio is the ratio of current assets to current liabilities and it is an indicat or of the ability of a company to meet current liabilities using current assets.